> Amicitia
>  by Impurity
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> An hour to midnight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"It's better to have been delayed than to be forgotten and scrapped completely."

"Ah. Finally! No more clouds left." Rainbow remarked.

The sun had tipped over the horizon nearly an hour ago and the moon had slowly replaced the evening warmth with a cool and soothing wind. The moon was nearing it's peak signifying how close it was to the next day, a mere hour would be all it took to shift the day.

Today was a busy day for the young pegasus Rainbow Dash. Nearly the entire day had been a clear without any clouds or obstructions. But nearing the end of her shift, many rogue clouds had arrived from the Everfree. If they were regular clouds she could ignore them, but these clouds were extremely dangerous and volatile. If left unattended they could easily destroy a few homes and possible kill a pony.

All Rainbow wanted to do after that was go home and rest, usually she would not be this tired but she hadn't taken much rest the past few nights, add that the clouds from the Everfree were much stronger and difficult to take care of. Everything was finally starting to take a toll on her body. 

As she got to her cloud home her wings suddenly gave way a little faster than what she would have liked and she plopped onto the cloud. She ignored the slight ache in her wings and went straight into her mansion of a home. Immediately she trotted to her room and dropped her stuff by the door. She leapt into her bed and stared at the time.

It read 11:13. 

She looked towards her calendar and she saw all the X's of the dates that have already passed. She noticed the current date was circled rather largely. 

Was there something important today? Curious of this she stood up once more. She rarely circled anything unless it was of utmost importance such as a wonderbolt tryout or a wonderbolt show. Nearing it she could make out the date.

June, 22nd 1002 AN

Why was today so important? She got closer and closer until she read the words. Her jaw dropped. 

"Oh Celestia!" Rainbow Dash yelled, running out of her room and down the flight of stairs, bursting through the front door.

"Crap! Crap! How did I forget!" Rainbow mentally beat herself. She was tired out from her day of work but she could never do something as forgot about her. She flew as fast as she could to the cakes home and knocked on Pinkie's window, rather harshly but not enough to damage them.

"Pinkie!" She whispered loudly. There was no answer. "PINKIE!" She whispered once more but with more force. The window slowly opened to a sleepy pink mare whom's eyes were still half closed.

"Hiya Dashie." She yawned. "What are you doing here." She spoke slowly, half asleep.

"Pinkie it's the 22nd today!"

"Yeah it sure is." She turned around to look at her own calendar. Her mane suddenly turned straight and fell down from its regular poofiness when she noticed the date.

"Twilight." She whispered. "Twilight! Oh how could I forget her birthday!"

"It's not too late Pinkie. If you can quickly bake a cake meet us at the library. I'm going to get the girls."

"Okie dokie Loki. I'll make the best cake A S A P." Pinkie's mane poofed back to normal, saluting the cyan mare with a smile.

Rainbow left Pinkie to her duties and flew off towards Sweet Apple Acres in hopes of getting her 'friend' to follow her.

She used the same technique with Applejack as to not wake up the other Apples.

"Applejack!" She whispered, tapping her window. Luckily the orange mare hadn't been asleep as of yet.

"Yeah Rainbow?"

"Hurry up we gotta go now!" Still using her hushed voice.

"Go where? It's almost midnight, can't it wait?"

"Applejack it's Twilight's birthday! Come on we have to go now!" Applejack's face suddenly dropped.

"Oh horse apples." She swore under her breath.

"Come on we need to hurry, meet us at the library I need to get Fluttershy. Can you go get Rarity?"

"O' course I can and RD?"

"Yeah?" She halted.

"Thanks for remindin' me. Don't know what came over me." She chuckled nervously.

"No problem just don't be late." Rainbow flew off into the direction of Fluttershy's house.


Within a few short minutes Rainbow had made it across town near the edge of the Everfree forest where her best friend lived.

She wanted to make sure not to startle Fluttershy by knocking on the window so she snuck into the house as stealthily as possible. 

The door opened slowly without making much of a squeak. She walked in slowly as to not wake up any of the animals. She had made quite a far distance from the door and made her way upstairs. 

However she didn't account a certain obstacle around the corner. The cyan mare continued walking as if nothing happened until something grabbed her from behind.

Rainbow shrieked like never before, feeling a furry body latch on to hers. "Get off me! Get off me!" She yelled but the mysterious thing would not let go of her. 

She kicked furiously in all directions and started to panic. Rainbow wasn't used to being confined, especially by somepony or thing whom she doesn't even know. She didn't notice the door in front of her slowly opening.

"W-who's there?" Fluttershy whispered.

"HELP!" Rainbow yelled once more, not noticing the yellow mare around the corner, only crying out for anypony within the vicinity.

"Rainbow? Is that you?" She said out loud this time. This time Rainbow noticed her.

"Fluttershy!" Rainbow yelled. "Help me!"

"Oh my! Mr.bear can you let my friend go?" She soothed. On cue the furry arms slowly retracted from Rainbow's body. Immediately when Rainbow could move she bolted across the hallway behind Fluttershy.

"Y-your lucky I didn't hurt you or nothing." Rainbow said shaking furiously. She hated when ponies or anything for that matter caught her by surprise. Even worse she had a bad experience not to long ago that involved furry animals.

"Okay mr.bear you can go to sleep again." She said calmly, just like a mother. The bear yawned and curled up into a ball, snoring lightly.

"Rainbow, what are you doing here?" Fluttershy questioned. She was still shaking furiously until she noticed Fluttershy staring at her.

"What?" She asked, calming down slightly.

"I asked what are you doing here? It's really late." She asked once more still as calm as ever. Rainbow's expression suddenly lifted.

"Fluttershy we have to go now! We don't have much time left!" She replied quickly, pulling the yellow mare downstairs.

"Oh okay... Can you tell me where? If you don't mind me asking of course." Still innocent to the problem.

"Twilight's"

"Why would we..." Just like the others her face turned into shock and then tears. "H-how-

"Fluttershy we can still make it. Let's go now!" Rainbow urged.

They both ran downstairs and flew off towards the library. Fluttershy was actually a good flyer, unlike what everyone says about her. She can maintain a decent 8.8 wing power when she feels safe from any type of harm. So it only took them a few minutes to get to the library. 

When they arrived they noticed Pinkie, Applejack and an obviously distraught Rarity pacing back and forth right outside the library. When they landed they immediately rushed over to them.

"Are we all set?" Rainbow asked.

"Yup I got the cake!" Pinkie smiled.

"And she's not asleep yet so that's a plus." Applejack gave a half-hearted smile.

"Oh I do hope she isn't too mad at us." Rarity frowned.

"We didn't miss her birthday and that's what counts. So come on!"

The door was luckily unlocked, but weird. Twilight would never leave the door unlocked. They crept in slowly as not to make any noise. Once they were all in they closed it and made their way upstairs. On the way they heard her talking out loud.

"Friends, what a waste of time." Twilight spoke, unknown about those hearing her.
> Repercussion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Do not speak ill of those you wish to keep close by no matter what they have done to you, for you do not know whether or not the information will be heard by them."

WHAT! Rainbow yelled mentally, a shocked look adorned her muzzle. She looked over to her friends and they seemed to be feeling the same.

"You should never have forced me to come here and make 'friends'. All this friendship stuff is all junk, there's no science behind any of it and did you really think i would like them? Hah! I hate them all. All they are is annoying, I can deal with the annoying prudes of Canterlot but here i'm forced to interact with these, these simpletons. At least in Canterlot they had some sort of backing and smarts." Twilight spoke aloud, sadly still not noticing her friends behind the doorway.

Rainbow had wanted to rush in and beat her senseless but Rarity stopped her.

"Wait, maybe somethings wrong." Rarity whispered. Rainbow huffed but nodded.

"Before you ask let me tell you why I hate them. Let me start with dear old crazy Pinkie Pie" Pinkie's mane fell straight fearing what she would say. "She's a constant bother even when i give less than subtle hints to leave me alone. She is just as childish as a foal maybe even more and she tries to solve everything with parties. How stupid can you get if you believe that?"

"I-im not..." Pinkie whispered, tears slowly falling.

"Rarity the generous? Hah more like Rarity the selfish. Really everything is about her and even when it's for other ponies, she's always doing it for a second reason to benefit herself. She is a complete and utter snob and neat freak that rivals even those in Canterlot, maybe she's even worse than them. And there is no way she can afford her place just by selling dresses. I assume she is a dress maker by day and harlot by night to get the extra bits."

"The nerve!" Rarity huffed under her breath, charging her horn, but Applejack stopped her by putting her hoof on top of it.

"Relax sugarcube." Applejack whispered. "Like ya said what if somethins wrong?"

"And then there's Applejack, miss hick herself. Her accent makes me cringe every time i hear it. She's a workaholic filthy pony with the most stubborn attitude that doesn't know her own limits. I don't blame her though, all she has is a crazy grandma, a retarded brother and indefinitely the most annoying little sister in Equestria."

A flame grew in Applejack's heart. She wanted to leap into the room and buck the lights out of Twilight for saying such words. Granny Smith just has more energy than the average pony of her age, my brother is not retarded. He just chooses not to speak after that fateful day and my sister is not the most annoying filly in Equestria, maybe a little feisty but nowhere near annoying. Applejack wanted nothing more to do so but at the same time wanting her to finish or let one of her four friends do something first.

"Cocky old Rainbow Crash. Never before have I ever seen a more cocky, self-centered, egotistical brat in my lifetime. Everything she does no matter how small it is, she goes off bragging about it for way longer than she needs too. Like seriously has she ever heard of the word humble?"

Rainbow cringed after hearing that. She wanted so badly to show her what exactly it means to crash but knew it was true. She felt defeated.

"And finally the one whom I consider the best of them. Useless Fluttershy, with her useless talents and skills. She is the most bearable of the group, but she is constantly letting others take advantage of her so we always need to help her. Anytime we need to do something for Equestria, she's just cowering and being an all around burden. She's like a living breathing doorstop with feelings."

Your faithful student

Twilight Sparkle

The five mares sat there in shock. Their supposedly best friend had been acting all along, it wasn't real, any of the good times they spent together. She'd rather be locked up in a library than be with us. Rainbow thought her rage starting to seep through from her head into her actions. 

Twilight folded the scroll all nonchalant, carefully placing her own seal to stop it from uncurling. She placed the scroll onto the shelf and was about to retreat to her bed when-

*Splat*

The cake that Pinkie brought hit the floor. Immediately she turned around and yelled. "Who's there!" Then saw all of them right there in the shadows. Her eyes grew to the size of dinner plates as she fell backwards from being surprised.

"I-is that true Tw-twilight. Th-that you wouldn't be our f-friend if you had a choice?" Fluttershy spoke, tears visibly falling down her face.

"U-umm um-

Rainbow roared at her. "DON'T YOU DARE MAKE AN EXCUSE!"

"No. No! I didn't mean wh- *Hic* 

"We heard ya loud n clear." Applejack growled under her breath.

"Wait! What I said-

"Let's go girls. It's obvious that we were merely a long term course for her. She had no other choice but to be our 'friend'" Rarity retorted, walking off with the other girls following. "News flash Twilight. I'm no harlot."

"Wait please let me explain!" She yelled, picking herself up.

"I'm not an annoyance or stupid." Pinkie said depressed, pouting as they slowly went down the steps.

"I haven't even *hic* gotten a chance to *hic* explain!" She galloped down the steps. When she landed on the ground floor however she was treated with Fluttershy. The yellow mare locked eyes with her, using the stare to lock her in place. Twilight tried to get out of it but to no avail. 

"I'm ashamed to be your friend! Nevermind friend anymore, we were merely your test subjects!" Fluttershy screamed at the purple mare, her once timid smile replaced by rage and tears.

"You can go back to Canterlot where you can read all the books you want! Damn Egghead!" Rainbow yelled. By now Fluttershy turned around and walked out the door with Pinkie and Rarity.

"No please! I didn't mean what I sa-" Two hooves met with her muzzle as she tried to come close to them and the mare was sent flying across the room. She smashed back first into a bookshelf, causing all the books to fall atop her. 

"We shouda known better than to trust you. Canterlot scum." The orange mare said coldly. Twilight tried to reach for the mare in front of her, but her sight was failing her, bringing her in and out of conciousness.

"Please." She whispered, but there was nopony left in the room. She was all alone now and it was all her fault.

The purple mare lied there conscious until a little before the rise of the sun. She had sat there crying the entire time. Not of physical pain, but because she made the worst mistake in her life. She lost the best friends she'd ever had.

No. The only friends she'd ever had. On her birthday no less.

"Why?" She moaned. "What have I done...

Darkness.





> Innocent Ignorance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"One of the hardest things to do in life is forgive. No matter how terrible it may have been always do so as soon as you can. If you choose to delay remember that one day it may be too late."




Finally home sweet home. The dragon had just arrived at noon from Canterlot on official business by train. 

Spike was needed as a translator between the princess and the Dragon of Flames Ignus. Since he was a dragon, Spike could understand and speak the language of Ignus, which was called Ancient Draconian, after receiving a spell from the princesses. He asked princess Celestia how she did it and why she couldn't use it herself. 

"You will learn the language in about a hundred years, I have just used a maturity spell on your vocals. Also I do not think they would take kindly to a pony speaking their language or trust them. Since you are of the same species and go by his code of flames he will accept your words as truthful if he deems you worthy." Sadly he was needed for an entire week and the last day was on Twilight's birthday. Meeting with any of the four dragon rulers however was something rare and not to be taken lightly. 

Thankfully the negotiations went well and Celestia wanted to reward him the next morning. She asked what he would want for helping with the negotiations.

He accepted the reward and got something for Twilight instead of something for himself. After the whole greed incident, Spike's materialistic mindset had been nothing but a memory and hoped it would be a start to his apology.

He calmly went through the town smiling, holding her gift in his claws, waving to the ponies he met on the way. Basking in the glory that was his current home. The fresh air that he had been wanting ever since he left. To him nothing could compare. Can't wait until she sees this. She's gonna go nuts. 

Spike had made his way over to the library and knocked on the door. He knew that he could stroll right on in but wanted to be greeted at the door to surprise her. He waited patiently for a minute but no reply came. "Twilight?" He banged the door a little stronger this time. Inciting a little more noise and vibration. Spike became bored of standing outside and tried to open the door. To his surprise it was locked. Strange, she's always diligent about her duties. He scratched his head in confusion.

Tired of waiting he unlocked the door with their secret key hidden in the bush, reviving his great smile. Glad we had this. When he got the key he unlocked the door, threw it back into the bush and opened the door slowly, creaking as it went.

The library was completely empty from what he currently could see. "Twilight?" He said a little louder. Still no response. Ugh is she playing around? Spike went straight upstairs to see if she had still been in bed. Running up the steps swiftly he noticed a large pile of books. Really Twilight? When he arrived upstairs her bed was made. Oh she must be out or something. I should clean the place up before she arrives. Starting with that horrible mess of books.

*Growl* His stomach disagreeing. After lunch of course. He laughed at himself. Spike climbed down the stairs and made his way to the kitchen. He expertly made a batch of hay fries for himself and a daisy and daffodil sandwich for Twilight. After finishing his lunch he placed her sandwich into the fridge and left the room.

Okay it's time to start cleaning. I guess those books are nice place to start. He walked over casually not knowing what lay beneath.

How did all these books fall off anyways, was it on purpose? He thought to himself. Spike reached for the first book and put it off to the side. He was about to reach for another when he suddenly saw a muzzle, pair of eyes and purple fur surrounding them. The bright sun now flashing onto her face caked with blood. "TWILIGHT?!" He yelled grabbing the rest of the books off of her as quickly as he could. When all the books were thrown off of her he started to shake her still unconscious body. 

"TWILIGHT!" He continued to yell, trying to get her to wake up. Slowly her eyelids started to part, revealing her bloodshot eyes as if she hadn't slept in days. Weakly she looked around to see her assistant shaking her. "Twilight! What happened?" Spike said once more but in a much lower tone of voice. Twilight ignored him and tried to get up but instantly fell back down instead onto the hard wood floor.

"AGH!" She let out an ear piercing scream from the amount of pain she felt. Spike saw her back had a faint tinge of red near her spinal region. Where she initially impacted against the wall.

"Twilight what happened?" He asked once more. The look of pain she had transformed instantly into one of sadness. Twilight remembered the events of last night and why she was here. Why she was hurt and in pain. Both physical and emotional. She let her head fall into her hooves and started to cry audibly. Spike wanted to know what happened but knew it wouldn't be proper of him to ask in her current state. He came up beside her and started to stroke her mane slowly while simultaneously feeding her words of encouragement, trying to make her feel better. He read that it's used to calm ponies down no matter what emotional state they were in. The dragon heard her mumbling to herself. "It's all my fault."

He continued to do this for a few minutes until she stopped crying and started to snore weakly. When he knew for sure she was relatively okay he slowly walked to the closet, grabbed a blanket and placed it over her. This isn't much but it's better than nothing. He glanced over her body once more. I should really clean the blood on her. Spike ran back into the kitchen and opened a cupboard. He grabbed the cleanest cloth he could find and gently ran some warm water through each fibre. Once finished Spike turned the tap off and squeezed the excess water. Slowly he walked back to the still asleep lavender mare. He carefully lifted her mane and saw in detail what the cause was. Two large imprints near her muzzle. He started from her forehead and glazed the cloth over her entire face, careful to go around her eyes and near where he presumed the origin of the blood would be. Sadly the dragon hadn't learned any medical skills so after making sure most of the blood was cleaned he went to get help. 

Until he noticed her still reddened back again. An ice pack should numb the pain. He thought to himself. Quickly he grabbed a small bag and placed enough ice cubes to fit half the bag. After tightening the bag, carefully he lowered it onto the blanket. Luckily she did not incite any sudden movements in reaction to the foreign entity that lay onto her back. Okay now I should get somepony. "I'll be back Twilight don't worry!" He insured to whom he presumed unconscious whilst running out the door. 

"I'm sorry Spike." She whispered once he closed the door. 


 (<~><~><~><~><~><~>)


"Pinkie!" He yelled once arriving at Sugarcube corner. He thought she would know something about smaller injuries like cuts if she had an accident or two in the kitchen and since she was close by she would be his best bet. Luckily there weren't any ponies at the bakery so they had relative privacy.

"Yeah Spike?" She exclaimed from the back of the counter. Her perfect smile that could never be replicated, brilliant raspberry coloured poofy mane that made her recognizable at any distance, eyes purer than baby blue sapphires that added the effect of trust you could place to her.

"Quick I need your help! Somethings wrong with Twilight!" He spoke. Pinkie pie's demeanour suddenly shifted for the worse. The attributes she once had were replaced with their counterparts. Her mane's poof replaced by the infamous greyish pink straight hair. The once mood lifting smile was all but a memory. This had been only the second time he'd seen her like this. 

"She can help herself can't she. I can't help her anyways, all I would be is an annoyance." She replied flatly.

"What?!" Spike was bemused by her irregular comment. "Of course you wouldn't. What made you think that? And I really need you. Something's really wrong!" 

"No Spike. I need to get back to work." She proceeded to go back into the kitchen.

"Pinkie!" She merely ignored him going further in. "Fine! I'll go get somepony else!" He ran out the door and slammed it shut on the way. 

Pinkie faced one of her spoons and stared at her reflection. Why did I do that? She asked herself.  

What's wrong with her!? She's never like this. I'll find Rarity instead. He ran off once more, this time towards the Carousel Boutique in hopes of finding somepony who could help. On the way however he found Applejack in the marketplace selling her apples like normal. Applejack would know what to do. He hoped.

"Apples! Git yer fresh apples here!" The orange mare advertised behind her cart of apples.

"Applejack!" He ran towards her panting.

"Howdy Spike. What can ah do for ya?" She replied no different from normal.

"Twilight needs help. When I got back this morning I found her bloody and injured and I-

"Ya can stop right there." She interrupted and stuck a hoof out, motioning for him to halt.

"Wait why?" He gave her a puzzled look, unknown of her intentions.

"Ah don't help ponies like her." She replied, cold like a winter's blizzard not looking at him.

"What!? What's gotten into you and Pinkie?" He asked. For the second time today he's been denied.

"Nothing. We just realized something last night." She sighed. "If all yer gonna ask is for Twilight ah suggest ya go. You'd just be wastin yer time." Applejack replied without taking account of both Spike's innocent ignorance or his feelings.

"I'll go ask Rarity instead then! At least she knowns when a friend needs help!" He yelled at her running off, away from one he called friend once again, towards the boutique. Many ponies who witnessed the event gave the orange pony disapproving glances. One mare even came up to her.

"You should be ashamed of yourself." She spoke disapprovingly and simply walked away.

"Darn it Twilight..." She mumbled to herself, tilting her stetson to hide her face.


What's wrong with them? It's like they're completely opposite ponies now. Who cares about them anyways, Rarity will help, there's no way she wouldn't. He thought to himself. 

He arrived at the front door of the alabaster mare in a small amount of time knocking on the door as soon as he got there. By now he was panting heavily from the amount of running he was doing. He heard a small click as the door opened slowly. 

"I'm sorry but the Carousel- Oh Spikey Wikey where have you been?!" Rarity's smile was not unlike the brilliant sun to the dragon, as if it could brighten even the darkest pits. For a moment he started to daydream about their future together, until she reached forwards to give him a grand hug. "Ooo I missed my gentledrake."

"H-hi Rarity." He stuttered, returning the hug whilst a faint blush was appearing on his cheeks. Even after all this time he's known her Spike could still not take affection from his crush without acting like a slight fool.

"Come in! Come in. We must simply catch up and you must tell me how everything went." She exclaimed, ushering him inside.

"Well of course..." He shook his head rapidly remembering the reason why he was here. "Wait Rarity! I need your help, Twilight's was all bloody and crying and Applejack and Pinkie won't help!" Spike explained quickly.

"Oh." Her smile turned crooked. "Well I don't know. I'm much to selfish to help her. She can obviously take care of herself." Adding more emphasis than needed.

"What? I'm serious Rarity she needs help and I don't know what to do." He stared at her with the most needy face he could muster.

Should I help her..? Not for that deceitful pony but for Spike. He obviously doesn't seem to know what happened last night and it's not his fault. He doesn't deserve any of this. Her expression changed at that very moment. I'll just keep him here. Yes. Away from that devilish pony. "Come in Spike let's talk over some tea. There's no need for you to go back. She can handle herself." She stated. Since the alabaster mare was turned towards the kitchen she hadn't noticed something important.

*Drip* 

"Why?" Spike asked, a slight crack in his voice. When Rarity turned around she was met with the sight of the dragon staring at the floor, a few droplets of tears escaping his eyes. In the carpet that lay beneath a patch of darkness grew. In the next second the dragon bolted out the door, tears falling behind him.

"Spike!" But he was already gone. Feeling betrayed.


I hate them all! If I can't get them to help then i'll do it myself. Who needs them anyways. He thought angrily to himself. The dragon had ran back to the library, ignoring anyone who tried to confront him. When he opened the door however he was treated with an unfortunate event.

"Twilight!?" He called out. "TWILIGHT!?" He ran towards where she once lay, only to see it completely abandoned. The small blanket put off to the side and the bag of ice melted onto the floor. Spike immediately ran upstairs hoping she would just be resting in a more comfortable location. He found nothing, her bed no different than it was earlier, letters all neatly stacked on the shelves. Nothing changed since he was last here. "Twilight! Where are you!?" While running towards the basement he silently hoped he would find her doing science as a way of consoling herself. The lights however were off, stealing his hopes without mercy.

Upon searching nearly every nook and cranny of the place Spike was left with the kitchen. Once he arrived however he found the second difference. The door was slightly open, the wind banging the door weakly. Where did she... Spike's eyes fell upon a parchment that lied on their table.

He slowly walked towards it in fear, as if it were his death sentence. Each step feeling like a hot spike driving into his clawed feet. He reached for the written note, curiosity overcoming his initial fear. Once he grabbed it he noticed several dark spots and smudge marks on various parts of the parchment.




Dear former friends and Spike

I've made the last mistake, the worst mistake of my life. I'm truly sorry for what I did, but it's okay. You won't ever have to see me again. I do not ask of your forgiveness. Just... forget about me. Don't bother trying to find me, I don't deserve anything no more.

Goodbye


Twilight Sparkle




"No. NO!" He screamed aloud. His once depressed expression all but a distant memory. He dropped the letter and went out the door, running towards the direction of the everfree. In his mind the only possible place she could go would be somewhere dangerous. Please be safe.



(<~><~><~><~><~><~>)

~Earlier~

"Spike!" The alabaster mare called out to the dragon she held close to her heart. Ugh why did I do that. I'm acting no better than Twilight. She sighed, feeling terrible for the rudeness she showed.

"Was that Spike?" A quiet voice came from the stairs. Slowly Rarity turned her head to see a sick looking Sweetie Belle near the top. The young filly had terrible luck the day before and ate some spoiled lettuce. 

"Yes Sweetie Belle and what are you doing outside of your room, you need rest." 

"Why was he crying? What did you do to him?" She ignored her and asked innocently, unknown to the harshness of her question. 

"Well Sweetie it's... complicated to say the least." She paused before saying a few words she never wanted to say. "I'm sorry but can you stay alone for a short while?"

"Okay." *Sniff* She replied with a smile.

"Thank you dear sister." She rushed out the door leaving the young unicorn alone.

"Stay safe." Sweetie Belle said weakly going back upstairs to her room.


(<~><~><~><~><~><~>)


"Applejack!" Rarity called rushing to her stand, with the intent of bringing her along. She knew what Twilight did was unreasonable but couldn't shake off the feeling that what they did may have been much considering the events of yesterday. 

"Yeah Rarity..." She mumbled weakly, packing her goods. She had felt sick ever since Spike yelled at her. The usual cheery and inviting grin she adorned was replaced with a depressed forced smile.

"How are you feeling?" The mare asked noticing her discomfort.

"Not that good. You?" 

"I'm not much different." Rarity decided now wasn't time for small talk and cut to the chase. "Do you think what we did last night was harsh?"

"She deserved it and ya know it Rarity. Don't tell me she tried to sell ya lies after last night."

"I never said that and no she didn't. I asked if you thought what we did last night was going a little far." Applejack had nothing to say to her rebuttal. Since the fight started last night something didn't bode well with her. "We should at least give her a chance to explain."

"Ah don't see a reason to. She should be apologizing not us." Her stubborn attitude showing once more.

"Applejack. If what Spike said to me is true, she's at home right now broken because of what she did last night. I'm on my way right now. If you don't want to do it for her do it for Spike. I don't think he knows what happened, and I treated him terribly."

"...We treated her like a rotten apple and I didn't care about Spike's feelings either." Suddenly her expression shifted from depression to puzzlement. She realized something from the night before. Her slow reactions, the hiccups. She would have noticed us unless something was wrong. "Twilight... Was drunk last night. Shoulda known." The orange mare sighed making her way towards the library. "Let's go ah can do this later."

"Wait she was drunk?" Rarity questioned trying to catching up to the mare who continually increased her speed.

"Yes. That doesn't give her the right to say that but you said Spike said she was broken right?"

"He did. What's wrong? Other than the fact she feels terrible about what she did."

"The last time she was broken, the entire town got involved. She might do something drastic again so we gotta hurry!"

"Oh no." The two mares took off past the other stalls, fearing what the purple mare might do. To them it could have been anything. Twilight took anything with friendship two steps to far in every direction. Anything no matter how big or small it was, was important to her. A birthday used to be something that was with family. Friends did not exist when she was younger. They were a waste of her time, her friends would be the books and dolls she had. This was supposed to be the birthday where she could relax at home with all her friends. Just the seven of them.

The two mares rushed as fast as they could.

"Hey guys." They heard a voice up ahead. "What's up?"

"Pinkie come with us." Applejack ordered.

"Sure you two going to Twilight's right?" She asked following them, increasing their party to three.

"Yeah. Has it been bothering you like us?"

"Kind of. I couldn't focus on anything except her. Something's been bugging me ever since I woke up." Pinkie explained.

"She might have been drunk last night-

"Whoa!" Pinkie started to violently shake once the library was in sight. "A huge doozy is coming!" Her body not resting for a moment.

"Oh no. Hurry!" Applejack yelled, going into full gallop, out speeding the two ponies who were beside her. Out of all of the ponies in the town she took heed of the pink mare's warnings the most. Without a care in the world Applejack charged into the door, slamming it open in an instant. 

"TWILIGHT!" She yelled in concern.

What lay before her was the same pile of books on the floor from earlier that morning only scattered. A bag of melted water that had evaporated in her eyes and a pink blanket. She stopped in her tracks. There was faint blood marks that seemed to have melded into the wood reminding the orange mare of what she did. Bucked one of her best friend without mercy into the bookshelf and left her there where she could have died. The mare nearly started to cry because of the cruelty she placed upon her friend.

"Applejack! Rarity! Come quick!" Pinkie yelled, bringing the orange pony back to reality. I have to focus on this right now, no point grieving to a past that ah can't change.

"What is it? I can't find Spike or Twilight." Rarity yelled rushing into the kitchen where Pinkie called from. She was greeted with Pinkie's normal demeanour completely gone. Her vibrant and poofy mane replaced with her irregularly depressed straight hair, a darkish pink. The regular smile replaced with something rare to her. A face of absolute horror. 

She was holding the note. "What is that Pinkie?" Running over grabbing the parchment with her magic from her hooves.

"What happened Pinkie?" Applejack came through the door as Rarity started to read the note.

"Twilight's gone."

> Search
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Mistakes are meant to happen. They can be averted but will always happen throughout life. But mistakes can be fixed, that's the beauty of them."



"What?! Whaddya mean she's gone?!" Applejack yelled, taken completely caught off guard.

"Twilight's not here and she left a note." Pinkie pointed a hoof at Rarity who was still reading it.  

"Where did she go! Rarity?" The orange mare asked while rushing over to the mare.

"I'm reading! I'm reading!" Rarity spoke back. After a moment of silence she continued. "She doesn't say anything about where she went, only somewhere we won't find her."

"And I think Spike went off to find her. I found the note on the floor." Pinkie added in.

"But where would she go?"

"Twilight? You there?" A familiar voice called out from the other room.

"Who's there?" Applejack peered around the corner to see the cyan pegasus standing there with a look of hesitation.

"Applejack? What are you doing here?" Rainbow asked confused.

"Rainbow! Have ya seen Twilight or Spike?" She ignored her question and responded with one of her own.

"I just saw spike a not too long ago. Why?"

"Where did ya see him and where did he go? We have to follow him!" Both Rarity and Pinkie came up beside the orange mare while she was questioning their friend. The alabaster mare left the note back onto the table.

"I just saw him running through the marketplace in the opposite direction of here. What's up with you three? What aren't you telling me?"

"Twilight's missing and Spike went to go find her!" Rarity let on galloping out the door. "We have to follow him now!" She called out. The other three mares joining her instantly. Once they were outside Applejack gave her instructions.

"Rainbow go ahead and convince Fluttershy to come! We think Twilight's in the Everfree forest." Applejack spoke aloud, commanding the blue blur.

"Got it!" Rainbow saluted and flew off ahead, leaving the remaining mares to try and catch up to their younger friend.

"I hope both of them are alright." Rarity sighed. 

"The faster we go the better our chances are! Now come on!"

All three mares ran as fast as they could possibly go with the exception of Applejack who had to adjust to their speed every once in awhile. She tried to encourage them to go faster but they weren't known for their athleticism compared to herself.

It took them a good half hour to make their way onto the dirt path that led into the Everfree and past Fluttershy's Cottage. "Do you think Rainbow has Fluttershy convinced? She was the one who was affected the most." Rarity questioned both mares.

"Of course. This is Dashie we're talking about. She won't take no as an answer." Pinkie answered but still silently hoped she was right. None of them had seen her so angry before.

"Ah hope so." Soon enough they burst through the trees and were welcomed by both pegasi looking antsy. As they got closer however they noticed Fluttershy did not look like her usual self. 

"Finally you guys made it!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"Fluttershy darling what happened to you?" Rarity asked with concern. The butter coloured pegasus looked as if she had a restless night full of nightmarish thoughts. Her eyes containing a slight tinge of crimson, bags underneath. Her usually well brushed curly pink mane was now lifeless and unkempt showing obvious signs of stress.   

"I-I'm okay." She whispered weakly.

"Ya don't look so well sugarcube? Are you sure?"

"Y-yes. Let's go." Fluttershy steeled herself. I have to stay strong. It's my fault she's out there.

"Okay everypony we need to do this quick and fast. Rainbow and Fluttershy can ya both fly above us in case ya see either Spike or Twilight up ahead. If ya see them tell us. We can't get separated in there."

They both nodded.

"Alright let's go!" Applejack yelled rushing into the forest.

They all went into the forest determined to find their friend and hopefully clear up any misunderstandings and return the other.


(<~><~><~><~><~><~>)


"TWILIGHT!" Spike yelled for the tenth time, his throat was starting to hurt from the excessive yelling that had been done. He was hoping to find her quite easily but knew that the area to cover was impossible even for a trained group of diamond dogs. Where could she be! 

Howl. The young dragon swivelled his head in every direction. It's okay. It's okay. Those were far away. He assured himself.

Another howl pierced the air, much closer this time. Spike was startled even worse this time and slowly walked backwards. Looking around once more, his slit pupils focusing on each open space between the trees and shrubs. Nothing's there. The wolves are just trying to scare me out. But he wasn't buying his own words. Each moment after he heard the second howl fear drove deeper into his mind. Images of timberwolves chasing him through the woods until they would corner him and mark the end of his short life. But they wouldn't end it quickly. No, they would take their time and enjoy his suffering. What was I thinking I can't do this alone. I'm just as useless as always. He berated himself mentally. If Spike was observant he would notice the menacing pair of eyes that lay beyond the bushes. The weak growl coming from behind the demonic eyes.

Slowly but surely the growling heightened until the unknowing dragon could finally hear it. He turned his head in the correct direction and saw his impending doom. The vigorous green staring directly into his very soul through the thick bushes. Spike's first instinct was to scream for help, but decided against it. There seemed to be only one Timberwolf and he knew that timberwolves could be outwitted much easier when alone. 

Spike took his chance and bolted in the opposite direction. He could hear the wolf chasing him. It's heavy claws cracking against the weak grass. Its joints clinking and clattering it's wooden bones together. Spike got a good few meters before he had to start weaving to escape it's wrath. You can do this. Just remember what the book said. 

It happened too fast for the young dragon to react. He tripped on a loose vine that lay across the ground and within seconds he was on the cold hard grass. His one advantage that he had was gone. He tried to recover from his fall, disregarding the small amount of pain compared to what he would feel if he stayed. It took him three seconds to recover however, enough time for the timberwolf that started to chase him to close the distance and take away any chance Spike had left for survival. 

Any regular timberwolf would have just toyed with him, giving him a slight chance of hope and then take it away just to give it right back. Timberwolves do not need normal sustenance such as food and water. Timberwolves live off of fear and suffering of others. What better way to do that than terrorize any who come within their territory such as small animals but more importantly the ponies who live in the nearby town. They use a universal plan known by all the wolves. First they stalk their prey in the shadows until you notice them. Then once you start running they give chase until you are cornered. Lastly they come closer and closer until you could feel their rancid and warm breath stalking down your neck until you completely give up on hope. What happens next depends on your luck. The lucky ones leave with only nightmares, others return with minor cuts and bruises. Timberwolves have only one law that can never be broken. Killing is inexcusable no matter the situation. They become completely excommunicated from their pack immediately regardless of if they are the alpha leader or the lowly runt.

But this timberwolf didn't care about that at the moment. All it cared about was revenge. It wanted to end the life of it's prey for what Spike had done to it. Because of the timberwolf's failure and humiliation from being defeated by a pony, it was shunned and kicked out of it's pack. Spike tried to back away, his lower claws gripping the dirt and pushing away. It was a sad attempt and the timberwolf knew it had won. It started to cackle at him slowly getting closer and closer to him. "Somebody please help." He tried to yell out for help but it came out so weak even he could barely hear it. His throat had dried up in fear of the demon in front of him. Spike knew at that moment his life was over. So he merely closed his eyes and accepted his fate. This is how I die. All alone, lost in the middle of the forest trying to find my best and longest friend. Abandoned by the ones we called friends and even considered as a second family. Always went to one another when we needed help, fought through thick and thin in many battles, and protected Equestria many times. 

He heard the growling from the wolf coming closer and closer until all of a sudden it was replaced by a large cracking sound. Spike was about to open his eyes to see if the wolf just toying with him when he was suddenly grabbed by a familiar pair of legs into the warmth of an embrace but with a very fast heart beat accompanying it. Spike opened his eyes stunned to see his life wasn't over, he was going to thank his saviour until his eyes focused on those before him.

"Spike! I'm so glad your okay." Rarity cried out, tears running down her eyes and onto Spike's scaly body. 

"What are you doing here?" He replied coldly, pushing her away. The white mare tried to speak but was interrupted immediately. "I don't care about your excuses!" He started to walk off angrily when he was stopped by another familiar hoof.

"Spike. Where are ya going?" Applejack asked flatly.

"I'm going to find Twilight. Don't try to stop me." He retorted not even looking at her. She retracted her hoof and let him continue. "Because unlike you I care about her." Once he was a few meters away she let out her rebuttal.

"So how are ya going to find her." Giving him the same tone of voice.

"What does it matter to you? I'll find a way. Whatever it takes." He replied with his fists clenching, facing away from them.

"Do ya think you're being brave? No let me rephrase that for ya. Do ya want to know what ah see? Ah see a fool without a damn plan running blind in the darkest place in Equestria." 

"APPLEJACK!" Rarity yelled. Before she could say anything or move towards the orange mare any further, Pinkie stuck a hoof in front of Rarity, knowing that she would try to say or do something.

"Let her finish. Applejack knows what he needs." Pinkie whispered to the white mare with a half smile.

"Yeah! So what if I am! I'm sorry if you don't understand that Twilight is my EVERYTHING! I'D DO ANYTHING FOR HER!" He roared back, shooting her a dirty glare then pointed his finger at the orange mare. "And whatever YOU all did took her away from me."

"Ah know what ah did was wrong. Ah wasn't saying you shouldn't be looking for her. But tell me what would have happened had ah not been here a few moments ago."

"I would have-

"Really Spike. Don't even think about lying. Ya do not come into this forest to do whatever ya damn please." She interrupted. "Ya know it yerself that ya don't come in here without a plan or even worse, completely alone."

"So what are you doing here then?"

"Ah'm-no we are here to find both you and Twilight, all five of us." 

"You expect me to believe you?"

"No, no ah don't. But consider yer options." Applejack replied flatly. Spike knew from the very moment he walked into the woods that his chances were thinner than paper. "Now-

"APPLEJACK!" Rainbow flew down quickly alerting the orange mare of her presence.

"What is it?" Applejack questioned as the blue mare came closer. "And keep yer voice down."

"I think we found Twilight and I think she's in trouble!"

"What where!?" Spike yelled running towards Rainbow.

"Fluttershy saw flashes of violet light near the castle where we fought nightmare moon." Rainbow explained.

"Then let's go! Come on!" Spike started to run when he fell back down almost immediately. His legs couldn't carry him any farther. Before he could recover Applejack ran up beside him.

"Spike on my back now. No time to argue." Applejack commanded. She knew that he was weak and wasn't used to doing a lot of running. She didn't want an argument when every second could mean the difference of life and death in here. The drake obeyed immediately climbing onto her back. "Lead the way RD!" She ordered.

"This way!" Rainbow called back flying off with the other three mares right behind her. The castle was a good distance away from their current location. "Fluttershy! Are the flashes still going off?" 

"Yes but it looks like it's getting weaker." Fluttershy said worriedly, now flying level to the blue mare.

"Horseapples. Applejack-

"Ah know! Come on girls!" 

*Huff huff* "Rainbow, darling could you go on ahead and make sure the bridge is still useable." Rarity asked, breathing heavily. Silently the alabaster mare was hoping for some sort of break but knew that would be a terrible idea. All her friends would do the same for her anyways. Even Twilight.

"Good thinking Rare." Applejack complimented.

"I'll come with you." Fluttershy flew beside the blue mare. 

"Okay. We'll wait for you guys on the other side." Rainbow flew ahead with her best friend beside her. The rest of the group still trudged on through the trees. 

It wasn't long before they could see the flashing violet up ahead. It was faint, every time it seemed to be getting weaker and weaker. The bridge was finally in sight, the rope held steadily as they galloped across the creaky bridge, ignoring their fears. The group united once more, ignored greetings and ran inside.

They stayed together running through the corridors. The place had not changed since they were last here. Each wall with similar tapestries slightly torn. The walls themselves had cracks in random locations. They continued to sprint past the doors. It was something odd that they felt, but it was as if they knew exactly where she was. As they got closer and closer to their destination they finally heard something.

"AGH!" A voice cried out, coming from beyond the door that lay in front of them. Applejack sped up and swung the doors open. Disregarding what could be there. Her friend was here because of her and she was going to fix that.

What she saw however was something that made her blood boil, eyes redden in anger and teeth clench. Her brief exhaustion was removed completely as her blood was slowly being replaced by adrenalin.

"GET YER FILTHY HOOVES OFF OF HER!" 

> Friends 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"There will come a time when someone close to you may hate you. But those feelings of hate will be washed away when you are in mortal peril."


Twilight screamed in pain. A large stone fell atop her left hind leg causing a crack sound to emit. Instantly she fell onto her stomach from the weakness she felt. She tried to remove her hoof from underneath the rock but it wouldn't budge. Twilight was about to use her magic when suddenly she felt a searing pain coming from her horn. They sent an air piercing slash that felt like sharpened glass. Once more she cried out but much louder than before. 

A unicorn's horn is the most sensitive part of the entire body. It is directly connected to the mind and brain so even a single nudge could induce a minor headache. A decent blow would leave most unicorns on the ground completely helpless for a good while.

Her focus started to degrade slowly, both eyes unable to synchronize and she started seeing blurred double images. The dim taste of metallic copper invading her tongue from their painful attacks. Her hearing was heavily impaired but she could still hear faint parts of what her attackers were saying. 

"Hey... found... horn... consumer..." The voice came from every direction. She knew that it was only one pony or whatever they were, but her mind couldn't process the information properly. She tried to get back on her hooves, fearing that they would put what she thought they would put on her horn, a magic consumer. 

It was a solid Tungsten carbide ring protecting a thin layer of arzenite. It was used as a way to punish unicorns in the olden days by sapping their magic, and in some cases, if kept on long enough, their life force after their magic reserves became completely depleted. Twilight had read that they have been banned and became illegal long long ago but some still exists to this day. The purple mare knew if they succeeded in placing it on she would be done for completely. I need to get away. 

Once more she tried to get back up but then she felt another sharp wind cut shallowly into her right forehoof. Again she cried out from the pain she felt and fell face first onto the cold hard rock. Tears were streaming out of her eyes, the pain was becoming unbearable. Suddenly she heard one of them speak once more. 

"Keep... still... place... ring." A hoof pushed on her back and then another. Two more restricting her other legs. The rock still kept her last leg in place. The purple mare couldn't move at all at the moment. I should have known better than to come here. Twilight felt the tip of her horn come into contact with something rough, as she felt it fall through, and onto the fur, surrounding the base of her horn. At first, she felt nothing but the freezing metal seething through her coat, and onto her skin, once the ring landed, but within a few seconds, she felt the pain of magic loss. 

"AGH!" She expected to feel a small amount of pain from having her magic sapped as if she had casted a spell but it felt as if it was ripping her brain apart. She felt as if any moment her head would explode, but the ring just continued to steal her magic. Twilight could hear her predators laughing at her through the ringing of her ears. She tried to fight the ring's power over her, but she could feel herself being brought in and out of consciousness. Somepony please help. Suddenly she heard a loud slam that echoed throughout the room. Her assailants laughs stopped instantly. 

Slowly her eyes opened halfway, she could not move them any higher. Twilight was greeted with the sight of a hazy clutter containing the colours grey, navy blue and a large blob of orange. Everytime she blinked, the orange blob slowly became clearer and clearer, until she noticed it's definite shape. While trying to figure out who it was she heard a very angry, but recognizable scream. Applejack? Once more she tried to open her eyes wider, trying to confirm her suspicions of who it was, only for the feeling to just disappear. Her eyelids fell back over her eyes, restricting her vision completely. She was hanging onto her consciousness by the thread. 

Out of nowhere she felt a small amount of pain in one of her hind legs and then relief in the next few moments. The pain from her leg instinctually forced her eyes open, but only for a few seconds. What she saw however was surprising to say the least. 

She saw the familiar colours of the ones she betrayed, where she saw Applejack. Pinkie, Rarity, Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Spike. They came to help me... She was drowned back into the realm of darkness before she could finish her thoughts. 


(<~><~><~><~><~><~>)


Applejack roared at the enemies that lay in front of her. She bolted from her position charging at the small group surrounding the purple mare. The friends who were behind her meant nothing to her at the moment. All she could see through her rage was a nearly unconscious Twilight, covered in fresh cuts, a large stone completely crushing one of her legs, and the ones who seemed to have hurt her. The orange mare couldn't have controlled her actions if he wanted to. The mere sight of seeing one of her friends- former or not- being subjected to pain increased her anger to levels where she became uncontrollable. 

Luckily she caught them by surprise and managed to get up close. Once within range, she swivelled around on the spot and struck the closest one that failed to react in time. The very second she felt contact, she retracted her hooves trying to get another. The unlucky Shadowbolt that was hit, was sent flying into the throne. The vibrations of it's impact caused it to crumble over top it's body. The other bolts reacted much better to her approach, quickly taking flight into the air where they couldn't be reached by the enraged pony. Applejack, noticing their small retreat, returned her gaze back to Twilight and the stone that was still pinning her to the ground. Without hesitation she wound her legs and sprung them onto the rock, causing it to roll off of her. She saw Twilight's sudden reaction but ignored it. She was taught by her father to never take her eyes off of an attacker, lest they try something. 

The remaining six attackers flew overhead, scattered properly so she couldn't focus on all of them at once. Every once in awhile swinging their wings towards the main group, stopping them from entering with their air slashes. Out of the corner of her eye she saw one fall onto the ground harshly, a high pitched scream came from the fallen bolt, almost instantly silenced by a blue figure that landed painfully on top with all four hooves. Applejack, whom was still focused on their enemies noticed their movements became more synchronized after their comrade had fallen. The five attackers surrounded Rainbow and simultaneously pulled their wings back as far as they could. They wanted to get rid of the major threats, before picking off the rest. No. They can't be... The blood from Applejack's face suddenly retreated, giving her a much paler tone. She knew exactly what they were going to do. 

"RAINBOW!- Was all she could say before they released a fierce, but strongly controlled, gale upon her. All five winds magically connected to one another, ensnaring her into their trap. Normally this wouldn't have been much of a problem but the wind was anything but ordinary. 

The blue mare tried to fly her way out of her predicament but was repelled back into the eye of the storm, with many fresh cuts. After many failed attempts to get out she stared directly upwards, hoping that it would be like any other tornado. 

It was no different from the wind around her. She was trapped with no way out. Just to energize her fears, she noticed it was closing in slowly, making no effort to show it was stopping. Rainbow tried to scream for help, but her voice was dulled so well she doubted they could hear her. 

"Now that she's done let's have some fun with our orange friend over here." A creepy voice announced behind Applejack. Without hesitation she turned around and leaped, hoping to stop another enemy. She knew that they were much faster than her and the only thing she had was the element of surprise. 

Sadly the creature was ready for her brash attack and flew above her. "My, my. A feisty one indeed. Maybe I shouldn't give you such an easy time." The same voice was mocking her.

"GET DOWN ERE YA-" Applejack was interrupted by another scream, this one much louder and one she recognized. Ignoring her father's words, she changed her focus towards her blue friend. The gale that surrounded her had completely engulfed her body, giving her little to no room. The gale's size became no bigger than the average male stallion, but she knew immediately that the blue mare was already in pain. The wind was no longer a mix of white and grey. It was faint, but she saw a crimson tint had mixed in between the torrent.

Ignoring her enemy she galloped away from Twilight and towards Rainbow. "You should know better than to take your eyes off of your enemy." The Shadowbolt released an air slash in the ground in front of her, causing the floor to crack, releasing the small rocks into the air. He used another wind to push them straight at the orange mare. She wasn't ready for this kind of attack.

"MAH EYES!" Applejack let out a scream with her eyes closed. Tiny pieces of rocks barraged her entire body. Some scraped off her harmlessly, others piercing into her skin and very few into her eyes. The leader thought he had enough of her screaming and slammed down onto her head with his hind legs, causing her to crash her jaw into the stone. Her screams stopped once she was crushed between the floor and the shadow's hooves. 

"I guess we can have fun after she wakes. In the mean time..." He turned to see the last four heroes gone from their original positions. The screaming from Rainbow had died down while he was dealing with Applejack.

Looking at his gale, he noticed it was gone, the blue mare off to the side covered in an abundance of cuts and scratches with the Element of Kindness by her side, containing the very same injuries. So she leaped through the cever in order to save her friend from death. So that leaves three.

"Go check the castle corridors you fools, they couldn't have made it far. We don't want them to get the princesses." The others followed his orders and left the room to check the hallways. The leader slowly walked over to the door and closed it shut instead of following them.

"Now to deal with these four." His muzzle adorned a vicious smile as he was returning to their bodies. He grabbed the bodies of Fluttershy and Rainbow and threw them both beside the still unconscious Twilight. Still being conscious however they both gave a small cry. He gave the orange mare the same treatment, tossing her just as hard. "Now where did I-

"Drop it." A voice whispered. A rather sizeable rock slammed into his back and pinned him to the floor. He made no audible noise.

"Nice one Rarity!" Spike complimented.

"Thank you Spike but we have more important things to deal with." Rarity released her invisibility spell that she placed on the three of them right after Fluttershy saved Rainbow. She had used it as soon as their enemies weren't watching.

"Rarity, Spike, give me a hoof over here. We need to move them somewhere safe before they come back." Pinkie said trotting over to her fallen friends.

"Just one second. Spike write a letter to Princess Celestia. Tell her we need help immediately." Rarity instructed whilst firing her horn.

"I don't have any- a flash of light appeared before him and by his feet lied a quill, scroll and ink bottle- nevermind. I'm on it." Spike quickly grabbed the materials with his claws and furiously wrote, while Rarity joined Pinkie.

Dear Princess Celestia

We need help immediately. All seven of us are at the old castle and have been attacked. Most of us are injured and we require immediate assistance.

Sincerely Spike

"That should do it." Spike lifted the letter into the air and burnt it with his green flames, sending it off to the princess. Once it had disappeared fear struck his very soul for the second time.

"Why, I was wondering when you would notice me? " The leader spoke once more, staring at them with a bored expression, still pinned underneath the large rock. He was resting his chin on his right forehoof. "Nice plan, using an invisibility spell to try and trick me."

"What!?" Spike yelled and tumbled onto the floor, causing the other two mares to face their enemy once more. "H-how are you-

"Still conscious? Alive?" He chuckled. "Well what did you expect? You believed something that weak could disable me?" Just to prove his point, he lifted the stone that grounded him and tilted it to the side causing it to fall.

"Spike get back!" Rarity said, her voice filled with fury. "Try this then!" She once more lifted the rock over him, this time adding much more force into it's downfall.

"I was expecting more from the Elements of Harmony but without the elements you're all harmless." The leader took three steps back and took to the air. He flew up behind the rock and shattered it instantly. Before the pebbles could fall, he released a strong wind that sent them flying towards the group. They had no choice but to shield their eyes with their hooves and claws, temporarily blinding them. The miniature barrage was over as soon as it started but it gave the Shadowbolt enough time to disappear from their line of sight.

"Where did he go!" Spike yelled looking in all directions. He turned to face his companions when he saw him. Without hesitation he bolted towards and right past Rarity and Pinkie, leaping right before he escaped from their sight.

"Spike what are you doing?!" She turned around to see Spike flying past her, straight into the wall. The Shadowbolt was there, placing his hind legs back onto the ground where Spike was sent flying from. "SPIKE!" Immediately she ran towards the fallen dragon, not caring about anything else.

"You're smarter than you look kid. Using yourself as a shield so she wouldn't be dead and you would both survive." He cackled evilly, now facing them. "Not like any of you even had a chance."

"I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU! NOPONY HURTS MY FRIENDS!" Pinkie shrieked, rushing towards him. Pinkie was not used to seeing such things happen to anypony much less her friends. The entire time she was worried and bore hatred towards him, but after seeing him do it again and enjoy it, it made her realize exactly how much hatred she could actually have towards another being.

Without any time to react he was instantly pinned to the floor for the second time. She did not stop after only restricting his movements though, she started assaulting him with her forehooves, one after another, pushing as hard as she could each time to his muzzle, before using the other to do the very same. His expression changed from her reaction, but only slightly. "HOW DOES IT FEEL YOU MONSTER!" Pinkie barked at him, not showing any signs of stopping.

"I would say pretty refreshing. What do you think X?" A mare's voice came beside her. Before Pinkie could turn she was punched in gut. The wind flew right out of her lungs and within seconds she had fallen unconscious on top of the Shadowbolt. 

"I would have appreciated if you didn't take so long Thorn." X replied, while he pushed Pinkie off to the side. "She was a lot stronger than I thought."

"You deserved it for making me fake unconscious beneath the blue one. I could have easily gotten up and defeated her." The female Shadowbolt retorted, placing her hoof in front of her ally.

"Well that wouldn't have been any fun." He accepted her hoof and lifted himself off the floor. "But we have one more left. She's all yours if you want." 

"Ugh, fine. Not like she can do anything." Thorn complained. "All she can do is cry over a little dragon by the looks of it. Maybe some smarts, but I doubt she could put up much of a fight. I'll just knock her out and get it over with. Maybe taunt her into trying to attack. Giving hope just to steal it right back." She slowly walked over, each step she tried to make the loudest echo possible.

"You hurt my friends." The alabaster mare said lifelessly once she noticed the steps.

"Well it was mostly him," she pointed towards X still walking "but I guess that doesn't matter to you."

"You hurt my friends." She growled at the Shadow in front of her.

"Yeah I did, and guess what? I enjoyed it. Knocking the pink one unconscious was pretty enjoyable. Brought a smile to my face for the first time in forever." She was now only a dozen feet away.

"You hurt my FRIENDS!" She yelled, surging her horn with magic, prepared to kill the evil in front of her.

"What are you going to do about it." Thorn sneered, unafraid.

"I'LL KILL YOU!" Rarity screeched, her horn's aura changing violently between light blue and red. This didn't faze Thorn in the slightest.

"Oh you're going into a frenzy? How pleasant. You know what, I'm feeling generous. Why don't you just give up right now, i'll even throw in a three second head start?"

"NEVER!" Rarity casted the strongest spell she knew. A simple knock out spell, but given how much power she was using, it could easily place any regular pony into a coma.

"Love the effort darling." She took one small step sideways, evading the small bolt of energy.

"SHUT UP!" Rarity shrieked again, firing her spell many times in quick succession. Each time Thorn merely took one step to the side for each shot. Not a single one even grazed her slightly torn costume.

"So are you ready to give up?" Thorn sneered at her pitiful attempts. She was given a storm of spells as a reply. "Pity. Well this has gone long enough." In one quick step Thorn was behind the white mare. "Sweet dreams." She struck the tip of Rarity's horn, eliciting a scream that rivalled Twilight's. The scream lasted less than a second as Thorn silenced her by using her other hoof to, once again send her hoof into Rarity's side.

"You done?" X asked from his current position. "If you are, toss her over here."

"Oh shut up, I know. You had your fun. I barely got mine so no complaining." Thorn picked up the bodies of both Rarity and Spike. Flying over with both of them on her back.

Once over top the general vicinity she dropped them off her back. "Hey River! You dumb lug get up!"

"Shut up Thorn." A voice came from the crumbled throne followed by a short yawn. "You don't even need me, why wake me?"

"All you do is sleep. How can you be so lazy?" Thorn retorted. The pieces of the throne that fell atop the shadow were shifting out of place. The rocks fell off to the side revealing the last of the trio.

"You know why so stop complaining. Don't forget the other part I was given from her."

"Yeah, yeah."

"Both of you enough, our friend here is waking."


(<~><~><~><~><~><~>)


Ugh. Where am I? Twilight thought to herself. Her eyes remained closed, but she tried to move slightly, forgetting about her current predicament. "Why does it hurt to move." She whispered weakly, meaning to speak to herself.

"Why else Miss Twilight." The same voice she heard before she fell unconscious spoke. Her eyes jolted open to see her assailant right on front of her. "You have lost."

"Y-you're never going to get away with this my friends are going to find me!" Twilight replied angrily.

"You're friends were weak, look around you." Thorn sneered from behind her. 

"Y-your lying they didn't even know where I went."

Thorn grabbed her chin. "Look." Forcefully she pushed Twilight's field of view to her fallen friends. Fear attacked her mercilessly. She wanted to lose her eyesight at the moment. It had become more of a detriment to her now. 

No. No, no, no. This can't be happening. I'm going to wake up from this nightmare and everything will be just like normal.

"I can assure you this is all real." X said, as if reading her thoughts.

"Hey X since we only need the purple one can I break the horn off of the white one? You know as a souvenir of when we defeated 'Equestria's greatest heroes'." Thorn suggested, walking slowly towards Rarity.

"Sure go ahead. We're going to have to dump the bodies somewhere. They're already finished, do whatever." X replied nonchalant. 

"NO!" Twilight yelled, trying to flare up her horn, only for the pain to come shooting back into her head.

"No need for you to inflict unnecessary pain to yourself. We aren't here to kill you. Just capture."

"Just sit back, and enjoy watching me break your friend's horn. It will be a wonderful sight I promise." She smiled.

"I w-won't let you!" Twilight tried again to cast a spell, only for it to be taken away by the ring. This is useless. I can't do anything. I deserved this but not them. Princess Celestia please help them... That's it! Twilight remembered something important from her teacher. I'm sorry princess but I have no choice,


~


"Twilight." Celestia spoke.

"Yes princess Celestia?" Twilight replied. "You wanted to see me?

"Yes. Twilight do you remember my failure to defeat Queen Chrysalis?"

"I do princess. Why? Is something wrong?

"After the fiasco was over, you know that I tried to increase my magic power? Correct." Celestia ignored her question.

"Yes, but princess, I don't get where you're going with this." Twilight was confused by this point.

"I found a spell that I want you to learn. It will be useful in situations where you find yourself out of options."

"Okay, when can I learn it?" She had least been eager to learn anything new, especially from her mentor.

"Twilight this spell is not to be taken lightly. It is a spell that uses your life force and transforms it into magic you can use."

"I won't. I'll only use it if absolutely necessary."

"This magic is special. Do not try this, merely watch. I can do this since my life force is near limitless. You must first envision two containers, it can be anything from a small cup to a lake. One must be empty and the other full. Imagine the container that is full slowly emptying into the other and say these words."


~


"When all else fails," Twilight stood up from her position, staggering. "you can save to never tell the tale!" Twilight's eyes changed from her normal violets, into twin light discs, containing no impurities. Her horn lit up like a match. The ring was consuming the energy she was releasing like crazy.

"Whoa. River, what's she doing?" Thorn asked confused of the current situation.

"I. Will. Protect. My. Friends!" She yelled, putting as much magic as she possibly could into her barrier spell. Slowly she felt the barrier form, but she continued even stronger. She was trying to mimic her brother, but rather have it for changelings, she changed the properties so only the seven of them could be inside.

"Thorn, X, we're leaving." River took flight, making his way outside.

The magic consumer was furiously trying to catch up with her, but even objects had their limits. The ring was showing signs of breaking, small cracks appearing all over, while Twilight showed no signs of letting up.

"THIS ENDS HERE!" She put the absolute most power she could muster, the small barrier that was forming instantly grew proportional to the magic she was using. The ring that still rested around her horn had even more cracks than before, it was nearly done. Just a little more! She heard a large cracking noise as the ring finally broke in half, falling onto the stone floor. 

Her problems did not end there however. The magic she was using had been counteracted by the ring, but now that it was gone the barrier increased it's size dramatically, instantly covering the entire castle. 

Just when she thought it was over, she heard another crack resound in the air. My- No. It's a fair trade. Twilight smiled. "Goodbye everypony." She knew she couldn't control her magic anymore. Her horned had cracked from the tension she placed upon it.

"I'm sorry." She let a lone tear fall from her pure white eyes. The barrier transformed from its normal shade of purple to white, just like her eyes.

"Solar flare." 

Her vision melted into an empty void.



> My mistake
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“You don’t need to die for your friends, you need to live for them, alongside them. That is the only way to bring a happy future.”



Where am I? Twilight thought to herself, surrounded by an infinite white space. What happened... Oh. I used the spell. Twilight sighed. Is this what it feels like to be engulfed by the attack? It feels so peaceful. Like sleep. It can't be it, maybe i'm... No I don't know that for sure. Twilight drifted across the space looking for something. She wasn't sure exactly what, but she felt as if something was calling her.

"We have gathered here today," a voice whispered behind her. The purple mare wasn't scared, or even startled at the sudden arrival of another pony. But she turned to see nopony was there, just the infinite white. Is that..? She went in the direction she heard the voice. She walked slowly trying to pinpoint its location.

"to honour," the same voice continued, this time she noticed the speaker had a depressed tone when it was speaking. Again it sounded as if it came behind her. Immediately she turned around to see the purgatory she was placed in had changed completely.

She was back in Equestria, Canterlot by the looks of it, she was somehow levitating in the air, well above the ground. While looking around she noticed this was somewhere in Canterlot she had never been to. If she hadn't glanced up and seen the castle, she would have assumed it was some other city.

Most of Canterlot was used for various shops, homes, and other buildings. The rest used for roads or walkways. But this part of Canterlot however, was largely vacant of any buildings whatsoever, only a few small businesses a fair distance away. What really caught her attention though, was that there was a large gathering of ponies all dressed in black, standing in the pouring rain, facing in the same direction. Some of the characters seemed to be crying, but most gave respectful, yet saddened expressions, none of them were showing that they were better than everypony else by raising their heads. Instead giving full attention to the one or ones who were before them. 

Twilight moved her focus towards the same area everypony else was looking at. There was where she saw both princesses, who governed the night and the day. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, whom were also wearing the dark shades of black, standing before the crowd. Luna was a little behind Celestia as she was giving a speech.

"the passing of one of our own." The princess continued. "Twilight Sparkle was a bright and intelligent young mare whom many of here today knew as the Element of Magic." I was right... I'm really dead. 

"We are here to respect and wish her well now that our time is over and all the experiences we had, whether they were positive or not left an impact in all of us. None of us here knows what happens after the soul departures the body but we can only hope that her soul may rest in peace for the rest of eternity." Princess Celestia stopped and beckoned her sister to continue. Luna hesitated slightly before moving forwards, her sister taking her original spot. Luna stood before the crowd, seeing their expecting but patient faces. The princess took a deep breath before starting.

"For Twilight Sparkle, the journey has just started, but for all of us, and the many others who could sadly not make it, the journey has reached an obstacle that causes pain, grief but most of all loss. Every single one of us has had their life changed because of her existence. I personally can say that were it not for her, I would still be the demon that was Nightmare moon. Because of my actions, I caused harm to many and planned to do it again when I returned a few years ago. Twilight brought it upon herself to use the elements of harmony and in the process freed me from my negative side. Later on in the year she helped me become accustomed to today's customs and in gaining the trust in others. If none of us here were not touched by her, we would have not come to pay our respects."

"It is important that none of us here try to deny that we have lost her and accept that nothing we do can bring her back. Life can and never will return to how it was before, nor should it be the same." Luna let a lone tear fall out of her right eye. Quickly she wiped it off before finishing. "After a few words from my sister, if anypony here wishes to give a few words they may do so." Luna turned around to face her sister. Celestia was shocked by her sister's words. The plan was that Celestia would not give a few words, with the exception of the closing remark.

"Luna I-

"Tia." Luna gave her a stern glance. "You have been keeping your feelings to yourself ever since she passed. Your subjects are worried about you. This is the first time you've shown yourself publicly since she passed."

"But they need a leader who can lead them, especially after events like this. Leaders need to be strong, I can't show weakness." Celestia argued.

"Sister. They know you are strong and that you are the only one who can rule over them. Show them that even you of all ponies is still one who has emotions and feelings. None of them will judge you, but they will be happy to know that you are dealing with this properly just like anypony else would." Luna flashed her a quick smile and wrapped her in a small hug.

"Thank you Lulu." Celestia accepted it, embracing her.

"Just speak whatever comes to your mind." She said, slowly releasing herself from her sister. "Your subjects will support you." Celestia nodded weakly before walking up to the podium. She was given the same reaction from the crowd as before.

"Twilight Sparkle, was loved by many and loved us all the same. Her heart was larger than the infinite sky that looms all over Equestria. She was a very knowledgeable mare as many of us know, always wanting to know more about anything and everything. She used her powers to help others in need many times including the fights with Discord, King Sombra, Queen Chrysalis and Nightmare Moon."

"She was always a diligent pony, making sure that every little detail was taken care of early to make sure it was ready when the time came. Twilight Sparkle was my personal student and protégé in magic studies." 

"A wise pony once told me that love makes us strong. It can be a reason to keep going even when it seems hopeless. But that pony also said the opposite, that love could make us weak. Sh-she was like the daughter I never had, it filled my heart with joy to see such a young filly grow up to such a wonderful young mare a-and I..." Celestia couldn't continue, her words came out as choked sobs. By now her tears were welling up in her eyes, about to burst the gate open and let loose a torrent of fluids.

"I- I..." She tried once more, only to fail once again. The princess had enough of this. She wanted to go huddle into a corner and let everything out, alone. Out of panic, Princess Celestia flared up her horn and disappeared without a trace. 

"Tia!" Luna cried out, a few moments too late. She knew what her sister was doing right now and it was her fault. I should have known she might have tried something like that. The princess thought to herself. She wanted to go, find her sister and comfort her. But Luna couldn't leave now. There were a large group of ponies waiting for her to continue on. Leaving now would be disgraceful to Twilight and her family.

Up until now Twilight was completely absorbed by the scenery and the words spoken by her mentor and had completely forgotten about her family, her friends. 

Twilight scanned the crowd and instantly found her family in the front row. Her mom, dad, brother and even sister-in-law were all sitting together, side by side. Fluttershy was also with them, on the other side of Cadence. Twilight Velvet, her mom, was sobbing quietly into her father's shoulder. Twilight's father had her in an embrace, comforting her, one hoof running up and down her back and the other through her mane slowly. He wasn't as expressive as his wife, but Twilight could still see him, even through the rain, wearing a gloomy facial expression, a few tears falling painfully slow down his eyes every few seconds. He was never a very 'showy' stallion in regards to his feelings, usually letting out only a small fraction of what he felt, and today was no different.

Fluttershy was hard to explain. Her expression was like the rest, saddened, but it held more remorse and guilt. She wasn't crying, not even a small tear had formed in the edges of her eyes, but it seemed as if she wanted to terribly. She looked empty or lost.

Her brother gave a reaction she had only seen once before, during the first funeral he went to. He was visibly crying but he had a look of anger in his eyes, as if ready to lash out at anyone who confronted him. Twilight knew that look, and it was one she could never forget even if she wanted to. 

Cadence was beside him, trying to do the same as her father and comfort him, but he sat there without any regard for her. Cadence was crying, but wearing a more sympathetic look than a saddened one. The purple mare could hear her trying to quell his anger, but her choice of words were poor. 

"It wasn't your fault Shining. Nopony could have known that this would happen." The young princess whispered into his ear, placing her hooves 

"Bullshit." He replied angrily, though it was merely a whisper. The captain of the royal guard stood up and started to walk forwards.

"Shining, where are you going?" She asked worriedly. Everypony in the crowd turned their attention to him, but he disregarded their stares.

"Captain." Luna stepped up in front of him, blocking his path. "Please stay seated, you may come up if you are called." He ignored her, and walked around her. She was slightly annoyed by his rude act, but decided against taking any action.

Shiny please, don't do this again. Twilight tried to speak out, for she knew exactly what he was going to do, but all she could do was be a spectator of the scene that was about to unfold. 

Without hesitation her brother flared up his horn and the nearest bouquet of white lilies was encased with a light rose aura. The flowers slowly floated towards him. Most of the crowd was confused at his action, other than ignoring the demands of the princess, he was taking one bouquets meant for his sister. It was a mere foot away when he intentionally threw it on the ground as hard as he could.

A few gasps elicited from the crowd as he stomped directly onto the flowers, crushing them instantly. He repeated the action several times to make sure all that remained was bits and pieces.

"SHINING ARMOR!" Luna yelled in the Royal Canterlot voice. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Shining didn't even flinch at her, much less care for what she had to say. He lit up his horn once more, attempting to grab another flowery victim, but this time he spoke while doing so.

"None of this makes sense." He growled, before raising his voice at the princess. "NONE OF IT!"

“ST-

"Princess, I apologize for interrupting but let me handle this.” He turned his attention towards the rage filled stallion. “Stand down sir. You aren't yourself right now." Storm fist, one of the guards who were posted on the sides said, walking up to him. Shining had already encased another bundle of flowers and was bringing them down to his hooves again. 

"NO! I WILL NOT STAND DOWN!" He spat out. 

"Captain, I know how you must be feeling, but this is a time to pay your respects to your sister. Not crush the small formalities that surround her." He said.

"You know nothing storm, what it feels like to be in my position. I AM THE CAPTAIN OF THE ROYAL GUARD THAT PROTECTS EQUESTRIA! BUT I COULDN'T EVEN PROTECT TWO OF WHOM I HELD CLOSEST TO MY HEART!" A few tears had fallen to the ground, camouflaging with the rain. The guard flinched slightly at his words, ears falling back against the back of his head.

"I was mistaken captain, I do not know how you feel, but what will taking out your anger against the flowers that were given for your sister do?" Shining paused. He turned around to face the guard, still his face showed rage, but lessened heavily. He wasn't facing the guard however, he glanced over the front of the crowd, only to rest his eyes upon the butter yellow pegasus.

"No, you’re right.” Shining threw the bouquet back to it’s original place and started to walk towards her. “It’s all your fault that my sister is dead.” He pointed a hoof towards the yellow mare. Fluttershy flinched back at his words and stared back at him. “I’LL SHOW YOU WHAT IT FEELS LIKE!” Before shining could take another step, storm leaped on top of him, pinning him to the cobbled ground. Shining instantly roared at the guard. “GET OFF ME STORM!”

“I cannot do that Captain. If I do, you would do something nopony needs.” He replied calmly, struggling to keep him down. The other guards noticed Storm’s grip on their captain was faltering and rushed to help him. The ponies who still stood in the crowd were shocked. A stallion of such stature, such rank, such power, was acting like this. Sure it was his sister’s funeral, but he was acting worse than a feral timberwolf. A large portion of those who were closer to the front decided to move back, not wanting to be caught in what he was going to do.

The other guards were too slow to react however as he tossed Storm off of himself, and towards one of the guards, leaving them in a scrambled mess. Without a second thought he galloped towards her, with the intent of ending her life. The last two guards rushed to try and stop him, but being fully clad in armor meant that he was given the advantage, wearing nothing but various fabrics.

Fluttershy was still seated at her position, still staring back at him. On the inside, she was frightened greatly at the sight that lay in front of her. Never before had she ever been one to face another living being, who had such a high level of hate and rage against her.  Even with the animals it had always been something she could easily subdue, as it was always something trivial or it wasn't her who caused the problem, but this time she had done something that was nothing short of the worst thing to do to him. She was the reason for the death of his sister, and she had accepted that fact. Fluttershy merely faced him as he was getting closer and closer. In her mind she had no right to do anything against him, it was her fault and he had all the right to be angry at her. In a few seconds he would impact against her, so she closed her eyes, waiting for it to happen.

Still with her eyes closed, three seconds went by, then five, and finally eight. Each second felt like a lifetime to the yellow mare, going by as slow as possible. She had wondered if she was hit so hard that she was killed instantly, but threw away the thought as she could still feel the drops of rain falling onto her mane. Deciding to finally let curiosity take over she opened her eyes to see the back of Princess Cadence in front of her.

“Cadence. Move, now!” Shining growled at his wife, still wanting to deliver his own form of judgement upon the yellow mare.

“I won’t when you want to hurt Fluttershy. She made a mistake and feels guilty enough with you doing all of this.” Cadence stood firm.

“I don’t care if she feels guilty or not, she has to pay for her crimes!” He said, his voice increasing.

“Shining! Listen to yourself right now, you want to hurt somepony because they made a mistake! Somepony we all know well.” She tried to reason but no words could ever hope of stopping his rage. 

“That mistake caused my sister’s death! I DON’T CARE!” Shining Armor roared, about to push through her to get to his victim.

“Then i’m sorry honey.” She whispered, a tear falling out of her eye. In the same moment her horn flared up and she lowered her horn onto his forehead. The surge of magic flew out of her horn and into his head, causing him to fall over. A simple knock out spell she learned when she was younger. 

“Thank you princess Cadence, I apologize for not stopping him before.” Princess Luna said. "I did not think he would do something so rash." She looked towards the guards whom were beside her. "Take Shining Armor to the nearest jail cell. I will deal with him later.” The guards saluted their princess and started on their duty. 

"He's right you know. This is all my fault." Fluttershy sighed. "You shouldn't have stopped him, I deserve to be punished." Both of the princesses faced her, bewildered at the statement she made.

"No Fluttershy, it's not your fault. You are the most kindness and caring pony I've had the pleasure of knowing. You made one mistake because of the things she said but that doesn't mean it's your fault. Nopony could have known that she would go to the forest and be attacked by such evil beings." Cadence explained, trying to grab her into an embrace she most certainly needed. Fluttershy looked up to her with the same accepting eyes as before but not the kind she expected, acceptance that it was her fault. 

"Mistake or not if I tried to listen to her, none of this would have happened." Fluttershy stared directly at Twilight’s flying form, as if she knew she were there. She shook her head and sprung her wings up. Without any warning she gave her wings a flap and took off into the air, unsure of her destination.

Is this real? Did I-

"She's fine Rainbow Dash, she's just a little tired is all. By next morning she'll be raring to go." Another, familiar voice interrupted her thoughts, ending its words with a nervous chuckle.

Is that Rainbow? Twilight turned around to see a small bubble with the blue mare inside of it, kicking through clouds and clearing the weather. Many of the ponies beneath her tried to help her, telling her to stop. To anypony with even a sliver of observation skills could notice that she hadn't been her regular enthusiastic self since the incident. Rainbow stop it, please, you’re only hurting yourself. Still her words held nothing as only she could hear herself.

As if on cue another bubble formed beside it, showing her Applejack. She heard yells and screams coming from her. The orange mare was in the middle of the rain, bucking apples in her orchard but without the care and tenderness she gave them when doing so. Instead, each time she would wind up her legs as much as she could and release all the force onto the trees. Most of the trees that she had already taken care of were littered with cracks, scratches and rifts, some unlucky ones nearly toppled over from the low amount of support they had left. Applejack looked even angrier than her brother, but her rage wasn't like his, but the exact opposite. She was angry at herself. 

"Is there something you want? Maybe my clothes, or my money, anything for her. Just give me back my friend. You know what, you can have my entire home and business for her. I-I'll go hunt for more gems to give you. Anything! Anything, there isn't anything I can't give you. I'll give you my element of harmony. It's my most valuable possession. Maybe you want my sister?" Rarity said whimpering. "My life,” She smiled greatly. “you can even have my life for all I care, just please give her back."

Rarity? Once again another bubble formed showing her the state of her alabaster friend. What are y-

"I'm sorry Twilight, I never meant any of those things. Please forgive me for my mistake, I would take it back if I could without caring about the problems that come afterward." Pinkie cried through her words. Twilight turned to the separate bubble that surrounded the scene of Pinkie. Pinkie?! No not you too, I don’t blame any of you for this, it was all my fault. I should never have said all those things behind your backs. 

All five bubbles fell side by side, showing her exactly what she caused. No! I did this for them. I wanted them to have a future, but not this kind of future. Please just stop! I did all of this for you all to smile for the days to come. I never wanted this kind of future! Stop please, this isn’t… Twilight suddenly felt weaker and weaker, witnessing the scenes took a toll on her current body. The entire white space that she was in quickly changed shades to black, mere seconds before she lost consciousness she completed her sentence. what I wanted… 






*Beep*


*Beep*
> Slumber: Alternate Ending
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Every action has consequences, whether they are positive or negative depends on certain factors.”




6 months later




“Hello princess.” One of the nurses said, giving her a sympathetic smile.

“Hello nurse Redheart, have there been any changes to her status?” Princess Celestia asked, hoping for a different answer.

“I’m sorry but she’s been in the same condition since the beginning. No improvements but no complications either. You can go and see her if you’d like.” Redheart went back to work after explaining the situation.

“I see. Thank you.” She started walking towards the room where her student laid. A-3 was where she had been resting since the incident. Within a minute she made it to the set of white double doors that stood between them. 

Please Twilight. She prayed silently to herself, even though she knew it was a lost cause. Celestia slowly opened both doors to reveal the contents of the room.

*Beep*

In front of the princess laid the purple mare, most of her body covered by the white sheet. Connected into her right foreleg was a simple needle, inserting the necessary fluids she needed to stay alive from the half empty iv bag that stood beside her. The Electrocardiograph machine (or ECG for short) was also connected to her chest using five separate wires to measure her heart rate. At the moment her bpm sat at a proper 43, which was an average resting rate for a mare her age. Just like the nurse said, no changes had happened since she had last visited.

*Beep*

Celestia merely stood at the door and stared at her for a good 30 seconds, unsure of what she should do. After that, she decided to stop acting like a scared foal and just go into the room, letting the doors close on themselves, leaving her and Twilight completely alone.

*Beep*

Princess Celestia approached Twilight and sat beside the bed. With one hoof she reached over and ran her hoof down the right side of her face, past her cheek. She returned her hoof back onto the floor before speaking.

*Beep*

“Hello there Twilight.” Princess Celestia said in a depressing tone. “It’s been six months now since you used the spell.”

*Beep*

“The doctors expected you to wake up within the first month, with you staying in the hospital to recover for another. Your horn was a complicated problem, but was a problem even the most basic of doctors know how to fix, but not without leaving a faint scar on it. It’s easily noticeable and sadly decreases your ability to cast magic. It’s better than nothing though.”

*Beep*

“They didn’t know how to treat you fully though, no doctor in the entire land has ever seen the problem you had. Magic depletion is something rare, something that has only happened once in the entire span of my life that i’d heard about. If it had only been magic loss it would have easily came back to you after a few short days of rest, but depletion is the permanent loss of magic and even worse, it takes away from your life force as well. I should have studied more before even thinking about telling you about the spell. The only other unicorn i’ve seen or heard that had such a problem was my mentor, and he disappeared after that. He told me that he need to go somewhere and that he wasn’t going to come back again. I assumed he died but there was no real way to confirm it or not, my sister thought he merely disappeared and was going to return soon.”

*Beep*

“We never saw him after that day and soon forgot about him. He taught us to never hold a bond between him and us, only as student learning from a teacher, nothing more and nothing less. When he left I was gloomy for a few days but was back to my normal self. Luna however made the mistake of treating him like a second father and mourned for months.”

*Beep*

“After my parents died, and my mentor disappeared the only one who I had any attachment whatsoever to was my sister and it stayed like that for over a thousands years. But when I met you for the first time, I knew you were special. So I took you as my personal student.

*Beep*

“At first I thought of us as nothing more but teacher and student, you were under my tutelage and learned more advanced studies than the other foals your age. It was a one on one class where you received extra help so you could advance yourself to the place you are- I mean were not too long ago.”

*Beep*

“Overtime however I learned more about you, on a more social level and we evolved our small relationship into a more personal one. Soon we became somewhat like friends. Whenever you had a bad dream, or had something on your mind that you needed help with I was there almost always whenever you needed me. When I had frustration problems and became stressed from all the whining and complaining of the nobles, you came to me and helped me through them. Telling me many things that cheered me up and lifted my terrible attitude. I remember that sometimes I had a snappy attitude with you, becoming angry at you because you wanted to brighten up my day.”

*Beep*

“After a few more years of our studies we became even more than just friends. We were like family, inseparable, had complete trust in one another and loved each other greatly. You were the only one other than my sister to got so close to me. You are the daughter I never, but wish, I had. You were the closest thing I could have to a daughter as I feared marrying and bearing foals. I didn’t want to deal with the emotional suffering that came afterwards when I outlived them.”

*Beep*

“Like the suffering i’m feeling right now. This is exactly what I feared would happen, not like this or at this time, but you would be in a state like this or even worse such as death. Luna has been saying that I haven’t been myself for the past couple of months. She said that I should take time off and properly deal with this, but I feel as if she’s wrong and that work is the best thing for me right now. But enough about me.”

*Beep*

“I’m sorry to say that your friends haven’t been doing much better than me. Rainbow Dash hasn’t talked much about herself, only about you, from what i’ve heard about. All she talks about is how you’re going to make it okay and life is going to be like before. Always hoping that the next day you will wake up and the past could remain the past and all of you could go back to your normal lives.”

*Beep*

“Applejack is having a tough time dealing with this but out of all of them is giving the best reaction. She has been slightly more glum than usual and tends to get angry when she’s alone. She still blames herself for what happened to you, she’s angry at herself that she let herself do that to you.”

*Beep*

“Pinkie has been trying to live life like normal, still partying and making everypony happy. But deep down everypony knew that the usual cheeriness she held wasn't there. Some say that she’s pushing herself too hard and that she’s doing it as if being forced to. The regular happiness her smiles always had is missing, i’ve seen it myself.”

*Beep*

“Sadly I haven’t heard much from Spike, Rarity, or Fluttershy. After the first month nopony had heard from Fluttershy, the only times they would see her would be once a week at the marketplace, buying a small amount of food each time. Her place looks so desolate, so empty, lonely. I think the animals have all left her there, that’s why it looks so void of life. Some ponies tried to see her, Miss Cheerilee was one who tried again and again, only to receive no reply at the door.”

*Beep*

“Spike had little to no injuries, just a few minor cuts and scratches which healed quickly, him being a dragon and all. Once he was fine he sat at your side, not moving for anything for a full month. When Rarity recovered in a week she took it upon herself to take care of him and she has been doing so properly, but neither of them aren’t responding much to others.”

*Beep*

“I’m sorry Twilight. All of this has been my fault. If only I hadn’t taught you that spell, none of this would have happened if I didn’t let you learn it. Without it you would have found a different way to escape your assailants, which we sadly could not find or identify. We asked your friends but all they said was that the nightmare versions of the Wonderbolts, the Shadowbolts, had attacked you and them. At first I thought they were delirious as the Shadowbolts were only parts of the Nightmare Moon’s existence and when my sister was cleansed they became figments of her imagination. But Rarity told me everything, how exactly you were all hurt without leaving any excruciating details out and a few times she needed a short break before continuing on.”

*Beep*

“Her voice held so much fear that made me believe that they were in fact not imagining things. In all honesty I was slightly scared that beings like them could exist at the same time be that powerful. A pegasus beating an earth pony, much less Applejack, unconscious in one blow is unheard of. Whomever or whatever recreated them must be someone powerful.”

*Beep*

"If you could see me you'd probably wonder why i'm here, talking to you, even though I know you're unresponsive. My answer to that is that I guess it gives me some solace knowing that even though you're in this state, you're still alive."

*Beep*

“When you wake up I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

*Beep*

“How ever long that takes.” The princess made her way to the door, stopping right before exiting.

*Beep*

“Good bye Twilight.” Celestia left the room, leaving the still unconscious mare alone to herself.

*Beep*

*Beep*
> Wake and Words: Ending
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Everyone deserves kindness no matter what they have done, if they are willing to make amends and not excuses."





No...

*Beep*

It’s gone. What happened to them? Twilight thought to herself, her eyes still closed.

*Beep* 

Is it over?

*Beep*

Where am I-

*Beep*

What is that annoying be-

*Beep*

Is this my punishment? Twilight sighed mentally. To be interrupted by a-

*Beep*

Why do I even bother? She thought to herself.

*Beep*

Wait... That sounds like a heartbeat.

*Beep*

Is that mine?

“Of course it is silly! I mean it can’t be anypony else’s. Or maybe it is.” A cheery voice rung throughout her mind; followed by a rather large gasp. “What if it’s mine!?”

Who is it? Twilight thought, speaking to the one inside.

“You don’t know? Take a guess then, or two, or three, or four or as many as you’d like, we have plenty of time before- whoopsies, almost gave out my secret!” The character giggled heartily. There was only one pony who could laugh at a situation like this.

Pinkie? What are you doing in my head? Twilight asked, still only able to hear her.

“Wow you’re such a good guesser, maybe even the best of the best. Is there even a world record for best guesser in another dimension?” Pinkie drabbled on, ignoring her question.

Pinkie did you hear me?

“Oh I did don’t worry, you aren’t going cray cray or anything yet.” Even though she couldn’t see the pink mare she could envision the bright smile on her muzzle. “And I’m here to tell you something very very very very very very very very very very-

Pinkie!

“Very super duper uber important and I mean so important that it could decide the fate of Equestria.” Twilight mentally gulped. She had been in many situations where the fate of Equestria was in her hooves but it never sat well with her that it was. “Or something like that, I forgot what he said.”

He? Who’s he? Twilight asked, intrigued of a mysterious stallion who had sent one of her best friends into her mind.

“Silly, I can’t tell you that. I would be breaking the rules of the game and nopony likes a cheater. But he told me to tell you these few words, said you would know in due time.”

“I’m sorry but the events that are about to unfold need to happen. You are the only one who can tip the balance of harmony.” Pinkie recited word for word what he told her to say. “That’s why I’m here. Pinkie delivery, at your service!”

But what does he mean by balancing harmony?

“Can’t tell you,” Pinkie said in a singsong voice. “Even if I could there just wouldn’t be enough time.” Her voice fading after each word, until it completely disappeared, as if being deleted from existence.

What? Twilight asked, only to receive a painful headache that burned the throughout her skull.

“Miss Twilight?” A completely different voice whispered to her. It was much more gentle and sweeter, like a mother speaking to her young foal. “Twilight are you there?”

“Ugh, where am I?” The purple mare mumbled weakly, opening her eyes. Luckily she did so slowly because the instant her eyelids parted, the blinding fluorescent lights shone into them but because of her precaution she had no need to close her them. The sight that was presented to her was mainly a blurry white, but she noticed that there was also somepony above her, somepony who seemed vaguely familiar.

“Oh thank Celestia you’re awake.” The voice sighed in relief, letting out a small puff of air from its lungs. “Can you understand me right now?” Twilight in fact could understand what she was saying, or at least Twilight thought it was a she, but her thoughts were jumbled up at the moment and had no idea what to say. So instead of using speech she shifted her hoof slightly as a form of communication, hoping she would notice.

“You can hear me, that’s good to know.” The pony who stood beside her now said, glancing at her hoof. Twilight still had her eyes open and in turn her focusing ability had started to stabilize, now able to tell who it was and with that knowledge inferring exactly where she was.

She was in the hospital and the one on her right was a nurse at Ponyville General Hospital and an acquaintance. The mare who asked her those few questions was nurse Redheart, the one who took her job as a nurse much more seriously than the rest. Even some doctors are baffled by her vast knowledge in the many fields of medicine, ranging from the simplest jobs such as a family doctor to the hardest of them all brain surgeons. Any question you asked her about doctors, procedures, which patient needs what, in what doses or in what intervals, she would know. Most wondered why she doesn’t just become a doctor with all her extensive knowledge. The only thing she says is, “Why should I study for another 4-8 years when new patients come every day? It’s not worth it to be a doctor when I can help thousands, if not tens of thousands in the same amount of time.”

Twilight knew her because Redheart came to the library one night, asking for books on rare diseases. At first the purple mare was suspicious of her, as it was around 11:25, well past sunset and had the nurse explain herself. A colt in the hospital was suffering from an illness the doctors had no idea how to treat, so Redheart rushed over trying to find out what it was. The purple mare was touched by her care and compassion for a pony she barely even knew, that she volunteered to help Redheart. They stayed up until 3:00 A.M., when the white mare had found it. The next morning she brought it to the doctors and within the week the colt that supposedly had a few days left to live, was cured and perfectly healthy. But that was only the first time. On multiple occasions she would come over and ask for more books on recent medical works, studies, and pharmaceuticals on her own time. Always wanting to know more and more, so she could help others in need. Whenever Twilight could she would join her.

“Water...” Twilight croaked her throat empty of any moisture. Once again luck was on her side as the nurse went over to the sink immediately and took a small Dixie cup from one of the drawers above. A few seconds later Redheart returned and placed the water on the table. Slowly she reached underneath Twilight and rested her back against the bed rest. Once she was sure the angle was well enough, Redheart suspended the water over her lips, letting a few drops escape before moving back slightly.

The very next second Twilight burst into a coughing fit for the next few moments. When it resided Redheart brought the cup back up to her and gently tilted the contents down her throat, letting her enjoy the small commodity she lost for a long time.

“Th-thank you nurse Redheart.” The purple mare spoke, this time much clearer. Redheart gave her an expressionless look.

“I told you its fine to call me Red or Heart Twilight. We’ve known each other for a long enough time for us to be on a first name basis and honey I’m just doing my job, no need to thank me.” The white coated earth pony replied.

“Oh I’m sorry.” Twilight apologized, unsure of what else she should say.

“There’s nothing you need to be sorry for. Now, you probably have a lot of questions after your month long rest, so ask away. I’ll answer what I can.” Redheart sat down patiently waiting for the torrent to arrive.

“ONE MONTH!?” Twilight yelled, nearly leaping off the bed in surprise. Redheart winced slightly, splaying her ears against her coat.

“Yes Twilight, it’s been around one month since the magic pulsar bomb was released, or I think that’s what Princess Celestia called it. And I know the walls are soundproof but please can you dull your reactions just a little?” Redheart pleaded, not quite expecting a shout.

"Wha- what happened?" Twilight asked, not caring about the topic, just wanting to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.

"Well after you used that spell Princess Celestia and Princess Luna arrived on the scene and brought you here where we healed you. The only thing was that we predicted you would wake up within the week and stay for an extra week to restore your magic reserves but you didn't wake. All your wounds were healed and there was nothing wrong with you. The princess said you were restoring your lost energy and that all you needed was rest. So we waited and here you are." Redheart explained, forgetting a few major details. "As you can see the only problem you have now is a slightly cracked horn. You can't put as much pressure as you did before on it so you must be careful." Twilight took one of her hooves and lifted it to her horn. She gently brushed her hoof up and down, feeling the disrupted keratin. But while she was doing so, she remembered why it happened.

"M-my friends! What happened to them!?" Twilight yelled, frantically trying to leave her position and find them.

"Easy now Twilight, settle down. They're all fine." Redheart assured her, placing her hoof over top of her chest. Twilight trusted her and stopped moving. "Spike, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie all had very simple injuries that healed on their own. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were covered in small cuts and a few lacerations that healed quickly. Applejack had the worst injuries out of all of them. She received a concussion that has cleared and temporarily lost her sight. Small pieces of pebbles and dust had gotten into her eye and infected it.The doctors quickly got to work and saved them, but her eyes have weakened so she's wearing glasses. They’re pretty cute if I say so myself."

"Thank Celestia." Twilight let out a sigh in relief and let tears fall from her eyes. She was so elated that they were fine. "So what happens to me now?"

"Well after the doctors run a few more tests to make sure your well, you will be released. But at the moment we only have one doctor and he’s busy, so that might not be until tomorrow. If you would excuse me now, I need to write a few telegrams. Your friends and family have been worried about you and I don't think it's fair for them to be left in the dark any longer." Redheart started to walk towards the door when Twilight called out to her. “Is there something wrong Twilight?”

“I have a small favour to ask of you.” Twilight said, fidgeting with her hooves. “It doesn’t exactly put you in a great position but it’s something that I need to do if possible..”

“If I am able to do it I will.” 

“Can you...





“I can’t believe she’s making me do this.” Redheart groaned, waiting for Twilight’s friends. 

After their small conversation the nurse went straight to the front desk and wrote down a few notes, very briefly stating that Twilight was awake. She gave it to the hospital’s deliverer and he went on his way to send them. Now all she had to do was wait until they arrived.

It had been thirty or so minutes later when she heard noises coming the stairwell. That must be them now. Redheart looked down the hallway where she heard the noises increasing and then saw the doors fling open, revealing Twilight’s friends rushing towards her. Before she could even think of saying anything she was assaulting by a wave of questions that all would receive the same answer.

“Yes, yes she’s okay, but I’m going to have to ask you all to wait a short while longer.”

“I’m sorry, why is that?” Rarity asked, peeved at her order.

“It’s just that-

“We’re her friends. We’ve been waiting for over a month for this day. Why should we have to wait even longer?” Rainbow argued, trying to keep her anger in check but showing very obvious signs of it.

“I know that, and you have every right to, but just please understand.” Redheart held her hooves in the air, making a pausing motion with them. “Right now the only one I’m allowed to let in is Spike.”

“But-

“Rarity...” Applejack placed her hoof on the alabaster mare’s shoulder, shaking her head. “Its fine Spike, go on.” Spike accepted the gesture and went past the nurse and into the room, leaving the six mares in the hallway. 

They just stood there in silence for a few minutes, unsure of what to say to what another before Fluttershy broke the calm.

“She hates us, doesn’t she?” The yellow mare whimpered, hiding behind her mane with tears forming in her eyes. “She doesn’t want to see us but you’re just trying to save our feelings.”

“No, no, no it’s not that. She loves you mares more than anything. One of the first things she asked me is if you were all okay.” Redheart assured them, not wanting them to take it the wrong way. 

“She’s just talking with Spike about what happened, why it happened, and everything else in between. She’ll be finished in 5...4...3...2...” Pinkie smiled, tipping her head like a clock at every second.

“Pinkie I highly doubt-

“Girls,” Spike whispered, parting the door. “You can come in now.” The five mares nodded and followed him inside.

“Well good luck girls, I’ll just be downstairs if you need me.” The nurse spoke, walking off to where they had come from. You have wonderful friends Twilight. Now we just need your family here and everything will be like normal. For now at least... 





Twilight sat there waiting. She had just explained to Spike everything he needed to know and he was getting the girls right now. The purple mare was so nervous, thinking of every possible negative outcome that could happen when the girls came in. From them all just charging at her and killing her on the spot, to them berating her mercilessly without showing signs of stopping. They were mostly silly and very unlikely scenarios but she never ruled out any of them. All she could do was look at her hooves and wait.

“Twilight?” All five mares asked in unison, hoping for some sort of reply. The purple mare in turn lifted her head and faced them all, semi-elated that they had not tried to attack her or assault her with words, throwing half of her scenarios out the window. When she saw their faces she had mixed feelings, uncertain of what emotions they held. Each mare wore a blank expression, except Pinkie who had a large grin.

“Hi girls,” Twilight waved slowly. “It’s been awhile hasn’t it...”

“Yeah,” Rainbow smiled weakly. “It sure has.”

“How are you all feeling?” The purple mare asked, wanting to go somewhere with their chat.

“We’re all doing fine, how about you darling?” Rarity replied awkwardly.

“Good. Nurse Redheart said I’ll be out by tomorrow.”

“That’s good news.” Applejack commented calmly, but looked as if she was having an internal struggle. 

“I know what I’m about to say may mean nothing to you all, but please hear me out.” Twilight pleaded, hoping for a positive response. The mares nodded, giving her the floor.

“I just want to say that I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause you all any harm even though that was what sadly happened recently. I’m sorry for saying what I said before and I won’t lie as to why I did it. Believe me or not, I was just so angry and had no other way of venting my anger. It doesn’t justify me hurting you all and saying those things though.”

“Twilight...” Applejack said.

“It was fun being friends with you all, going on all those wonderful adventures and enjoying life to the fullest.” She let her tears fall slowly.

“Twilight...” She spoke a little louder this time.

“I only hope you can forgive me for my terrible mistake and if you can’t I understand completely.” 

“TWILIGHT!” Applejack yelled, causing the purple mare to jump slightly.

“Y-yes Applejack,” Her voice held fear, making Applejack temporarily hate herself but not enough for her to change her next few words. 

“For a mare so smart, ya sure can be an idiot.” The orange pony walked up towards her, sitting right where Redheart used to be, sporting a stupidly wide grin.

“Well I would have worded that differently but yes darling, what makes you think we wouldn’t want to be your friends after one small mistake?” Rarity commented, taking her spot beside the orange mare.

“Small mistake? I called you all terrible things and caused you all harm because you were trying to find me. It was the worst thing I’ve ever done.” Twilight wept, trying to make herself as small as she could. 

“Well it’s not like it was your fault entirely, we sort of overreacted just slightly too far. If we took the situation into consideration we might’ve noticed what was wrong with you.” Rainbow explained, taking a lot more responsibility than usual. “No offense.”

“Why are you all so calm about this, you should hate me, you especially Applejack.” Twilight looked up and aimed her vision towards the black rimmed glasses that fit snug on top of the mare’s nose.

“What these things?” The orange mare pointed at her glasses. “Twi, ah’ve needed glasses for the longest time but never went to the optometrist because ah thought ah’d look stupid and they would be a nuisance. Now that ah’m wearing ‘em ah think they’re alright.”

“Functional and Fashionable.” Rarity chipped in.

“You’re just saying that.” The purple mare said, miserably.

“Really now Twilight?” Applejack deadpanned, raising her eyebrow. “Really?”

“Twilight,” Fluttershy finally spoke, her voice smoother than silk. “None of us hate you for what you did. In fact we should be the ones to say sorry, not you. So can you forgive us?”

“Wh-why are you asking for forgiveness? I’m a terrible friend.” She sulked, holding tears in the corner of her eyes, ready to burst at any moment.

“No you’re not a terrible friend; you’re a wonderful friend who made a mistake. I wouldn’t trade you for the world. None of us would.” Fluttershy came around the bed and brought the purple unicorn into a generous hug, and the other three mares followed suit.

“I’m sorry. I love you all the very same. Will you forgive me?” Twilight pleaded, tears now falling freely from her eyes. But these tears were ones she hadn’t shed for the longest time. Tears of happiness.

“Why of course sugarcube.”

“It was simply ghastly with you missing. Without a doubt.”

“Only if you help me with my,” Rainbow started, inciting a dirty glare from Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy. “I mean of course yeah...”

“You are the best friends a mare could ask for. I don’t deserve you or your kindness.” The mares backed away to their regular positions around her bed. Twilight looked at each of them and saw the cyan mare looking around the room.

“Is something wrong Rainbow?” She asked, wondering if something was wrong.

“Where did Pinkie and Spike go? They were here to too long ago.”

“Now that you mention it, ah was wonderin why she wasn’t talking. Where could they-

“Right here!” Pinkie burst through the door, already half way between the door and Twilight.

“Pink-“ Was all she could say before being completely devoured by the Pink mare’s legs, smothered with all the love the pink mare held.

“I’m here too.” Spike called out from the doors, carrying a box of confectionaries. 

“Oooh Twilight it’s been so long! I missed you so much. I’ve never been this sad since I left my family on the rock farm to come and live here in Ponyville. I was sad for days and days and days and days and days-

“Pinkie can’t breathe.” Twilight choked, trying to gather oxygen for her lungs. Pinkie immediately released a large amount of pressure, but still embraced her.

“Oh sorry, and it wasn’t your fault Twilight.” Pinkie assured, knowing exactly what happened while she was gone.

“Huh? Oh you mean... Yeah, I’m sorry too but what do you mean?”

“You girls didn’t tell her; about what princess Celestia said?” The pink mare looked towards them all.

“That slipped our mind. Sorry ‘bout that Twi.” Applejack nervously scratched the back of her head.

“What did she say?” Twilight asked, confused of the current situation.

“None of it was your fault. Princess Celestia told us that you were under some spell. It was called reversit reversidit-

“Reversitude,” Rarity corrected. “She sent you some unusual spell books a week ago and you must have cast the spell on yourself. The spell is meant to completely reverse how you think of other ponies but is harmless other than that. You must have been thinking about how we forgot about you that day and... Well the rest is history.”

“But I don’t understand. All I can remember was one moment I was reading a book around sunset and went to get a drink, and the next you were all there.”

“You went a little crazy your drink Twilight. The princess found four empty bottles of hard cider on the floor.”

“But that doesn’t add up. I only keep one or maybe two in the back at a time. How could I have drunk four bottles of cider?”

“Maybe you had some extra? Ya know, I let you keep the ones we don’t use for our little get togethers here at the library.”

“I guess so...”

“The past is the past, maybe it’s better to keep it that way. All that matters now is that we’re friends again.” Fluttershy spoke, with the same sweet voice as before.

“I hear ya there Fluttershy.” Applejack said, tilting her Stetson straight.

“Oh one last thing Twilight,” Pinkie grabbed her once again and whispered into her ear, quiet enough so nopony else could hear them. “Keep our little secret a secret.”

“Did you say something Pinkie?” Rarity asked, never wanting to be left in the dark about secrets.

“Nothing, nothing at all.” Pinkie put her hoof over her lips and looked at the purple mare. “Now who wants cupcakes?!” 


  
> Snowy Field 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


“Mercy can only be given when one party is in a position of power over the other. Though mercy is a privilege, not a right.”


The princess walked slowly from her room towards the dining room, wanting to have something to stop the rumbling of her stomach. The sleep she had was nothing short of terrible, another restless night full of nightmares even after the help she received from her sister. The recent events involving the elements, more specifically her student, left her somewhat distraught from the moment she received the letter from Spike. A little breakfast should do me right. She thought to herself. She arrived at the dining table and ate a simple meal she asked the chef to make for her. A daffodil sandwich with a side of ranch. After clearing her plate she walked out, now her choices had expanded, at least for an hour when the day court would start. However, as she was walking by the strategy room she had heard voices from the other side. Strange.

“The gryphons intend to invade Equestria starting with the Crystal Empire. News must have reached about my sister’s condition and Grey must have thought this as a weak moment. Shining Armor can you gather troops and lead them at the border? I’m sorry to ask of you during your visit but this isn’t something we can take lightly.” Princess Luna said to the few royal guards who stood in the room.

“I understand princess. I know how cruel and vicious they can be.” Shining replied, accepting the orders given to him. Little did they know the other princess was right behind the door, opening the door slowly with the words ready.

“I will go alone.” Celestia said, surprising those in the room. “Tell all the guards at Barren Edge to stand down and let the gryphons pass.”

“Sister!?” Luna shouted, not expecting her sister to come through the door. “I apologize for not briefing you about this but this is something we can’t take lightly.”

“Princess Celestia we can-

“Shining Armor, this is an order not a suggestion. I want to show them what exactly they have to fear.” Her voice held wrath, wrath that she had never let out for a long time. She turned to her sister and shook her head. “And Luna, not another word.” 

“Okay,” Slight fear entered his voice, he had never seen her so angry. Even Luna seemed fearful of her sister at the moment.





Celestia waited on the frozen wasteland for her enemies to arrive. From what her sister had told her, the gryphons were going in this direction, towards the empire. How dare they think to try and invade? She waited and waited until she sensed an unfamiliar presence coming from behind. When she turned around she saw one single blip in the air slowly getting larger and larger until she could see that it wasn’t an enemy, but a pony. At first she thought it may have been a guard who was giving her a report of some sort, but the pegasus was wearing no armor. Strangely enough he or she wasn’t wearing anything. The character was unidentifiable so she prepared herself. The speedy pegasus came closer and closer until it was a mere 500 ft away. The character slowed down for a quick second and proceeded to suddenly bolted straight into the snow. It was an awkward sight in the eyes of the princess. Celestia went closer and inspected where she presumed the pony had landed. When she arrived she found nothing but the parted snow. Instantly she turned around and the same character was playing around in the snow? But how did he get behind me?

“Who are you, and what is your business here?” She called, wanting to know who the mysterious pony was.

“I’m Ice.” He spoke, resting in the snow on his back. “I’m here to clean up.”

“Ice? What clean up?” By now she was confused beyond belief. It was not a common sight to the princess and she considered that the pony is question was more than likely insane.

“Maybe this may clear things up.” He came out of the snow and showed his face. Still she had no idea who the stallion was.

"I do not know who you are. You should leave before you are injured."

"I wouldn't worry too much about me."

"Enough of your games, I don't think you know who's coming and what they are capable of."

"Gryphons, and they're all weak. I could handle them all myself, but as I said, I'm just clean up."

"Overconfidence will be your downfall." She warned.

"So will underestimation." He laughed, correcting his stature at the same time. "This should quell your fears slightly." The stallion took out his necklace and turned it slightly to show her all angles to make sure she knew it was authentic.

"The Glacestesta. How did you find it?" Princess Celestia gave the mysterious visitor a caution

"A certain mountain in the badlands. I would love to go into detail but we have company." The blue stallion notified her of the horde of gryphons flying through the air, all clad in battle armors and weapons. She wanted to push further on the subject, but the situation at hand needed much more attention. Celestia diverted her attention completely to those converging on her position, temporarily forgetting about the stallion near her. She patiently scouted the enemy trying to find their leader and there he was leading the entire army of what she assumed to be at least 200 gryphons, Grey Scale the III. He was one of the more ambitious kings whom were usually those with bright ideas about every creature is inferior to them. 

"Would you like me to watch or partake? Either way your flames don't hurt me."

"I would rather you leave but that doesn't seem to be a possibility. Do not interfere."

"Wasn't going to in the first place. I have my own orders." He smirked laying down back in the snow, watching the gryphons slowly converging on their location. It had taken them less than a minute to arrive and when they did, Grey stood in front of them all. He was easily distinguished by his wings as no other family had the dark grey streak that ran through both wings.

"Grey Scale III would you like to explain your presence here in Equestria? I do not remember inviting you or your army into my land." The princess knew full well what they were doing but formalities kept her from taking actions.

"Hah! Do not make me laugh. I do not need your permission; we can go anywhere I please." He spoke with a voice of pure ill that would make Blueblood look honourable.

"Is that a fact? Your father and I had specific laws that you don't seem to be abiding to. Leave now."

"I'm no fool like my father. Taking this land would take a day, no, half a day. You are all nice, compassionate, loving, lenient, and most of all weak. We on the other hand are strong, tough, resistant and unbreakable." He had flexed his arm, showing off his better than average muscles.

"You have but three minutes to either surrender or turn away. Comply or face the consequences." She gave him a glare filled with anger, one rarely she ever placed upon her face, even when dealing with insufferable characters.

"How about I give you a counter offer? You can surrender now and I'll make sure not to hurt as many of your precious ponies as I can." He wore a devious smile, mischievous thoughts entering his pea sized brain. "Some I can't help it though, like a certain Twilight Sparkle." The stallion behind the princess mentally face palmed.

"Looks like clean up is going to be easy." He muttered to himself, a frown finally replacing his idiotic smile. The gryphon had made a terrible mistake of mentioning the hospitalized mare. The princess didn't speak after that, the rage inside of her welling up.

"Did I hit a nerve dear princess?" Grey mocked, many of his subordinates behind him laughing, ignorant to how short their life was now because of their leader’s words. "I should go and pay her a visit, see how she's doing. Maybe pull a few wires while I'm at it."

"Hey!" The blue stallion called out to the princess. "You don't have to hold back! It’s why I’m here! Use your crystal if you want.” To most of the crowd it meant one of two things. That he was bluffing, which many of them were either hoping for or knew he was doing or that his words were true. Only a very few gryphons actually feared it and believed him though.

"Do not listen to that fools bluff. We have waited long enough; you have three seconds to surrender!" He yelled, ready to hear the sweet words. However the princess did not move, standing motionlessly.

"ONE!"

"TWO!" The warriors prepared their weapons, all ready to charge. By now the princess was ready. The three minutes she gave them were up, along with any mercy she had left and instantly she burst into a fiery flame, the igniting of the fire instantly melted the snow around her. Grey jerked back, quickly shielding his eyes, his instincts telling him if he came any closer pain would come right after. When the initial burst of energy subsided Grey slowly opened his eyes to see the one he had just offended greatly, enraged. Her multi coloured mane and tail no longer vibrant with the various blues and pinks but now tones between light orange and dark red, as if a demonic flame was glowing a deceiving flame that led creatures to their demise. Her expression was even deadlier than the heat that emanated from her body. A face of pure and absolute darkness. 

“Have fun.” Ice laughed, knowing their fates. He swiftly swung his wing around his body, enveloping himself in a makeshift shield that would protect him.

“You are all warriors. DO NOT STAND DOWN!” Grey yelled, raising his sword in the air, inciting a chorus of roars from most of the army. The princess was silent, the crackling of the fire creating the only noise that came from her. All at once the gryphons tried to attack her. Many took flight trying to get some sort of advantage over her. But there she stood still, waiting for the perfect moment. 

Flare. She thought to herself. Her horn flared red, anger taking over her actions. Fire erupted from her and flashed brilliantly across the battlefield blinding most, if not all her foes. In mere moments her enemies were engulfed by the large dome of fire, feeling the flames burn through their very souls.





The fight was over before it even began. Princess Celestia stood unwavered in the snow, taking deep breaths, contemplating whether or not what she had done was right. She had given them three warnings that they did not heed to and their fate was well deserved. Most lay unconscious littered with various burns of different severities and missing feathers. Very few had sadly been too close to her and as a result died for their ignorance. What the princess had done was a controversial topic. She had immobilized an entire army for trying to attack the nation under her protection, but others might say that she took it too far. There was however, one more matter to attend to. A weak and coughing gryphon still conscious was trying to escape from the battlefield and try to abandon his fellow comrades. The gryphon was none other than the leader of the army, Grey Scale.

“Going somewhere?” The stallion questioned him, freezing his lower half almost instantly, making sure he wouldn’t try anything. A few seconds after the fight was over he had got rid of his shield and looked at the field, he noticed the gryphon trying to leave and decided to put a stop to it. The princess noticed them both and flew over.

“Coward! Release me from this imprisonment.” Grey yelled at the blue maned pegasus, uttering useless threats. “Unclaw me this instant or I will deal you a terrible punishment!” 

“Hooves are all I have,” Ice joked, keeping his nature as laughable as possible. “and I don’t make the decision, she does.” He moved to the side and let the gryphon’s eyes meet with the princess’s.

“You attempted to take over my land and its people. You also threatened to kill some of my subjects, but named one in particular, my personal protégé no less. Tell me what you deserve.” She spoke, her voice holding little to no emotion at this point.

“If you punish me, it will be seen as a sign of attacking the entire gryphon kingdom. You will have a war on your claws if you do.” Grey said, a voice filled with lies that were easily seen through.

“A coward and a liar. Ice, if that truly is your name, envelop the rest of his body with ice but leave a small opening for oxygen. Let that be a warning to you, or anyone else willing to try and fight my nation.” She looked back at the stallion. He had nodded his head and within seconds the ice grew to what she wanted. Completely covered with a very small hole near his beak. She noticed how precise he was at using the relic.  “How efficient are you at using the Glacetesta? You seem proficient.”

“Very. Here’s proof.” The stallion vibrated his wings quickly and created a small concentrated ball of ice. He threw her it at her and she quickly lit her horn, enveloping the ice in an aura, bringing it closer to her. It was crystal clear, perfect ice with absolutely no taints. If she hadn’t seen it made in front of her, she would have guessed it was a rare ice diamond. “A gift for our wonderful princess. You can go back and rest now. I have some unfinished business here.”

“Thank you Ice. Before I leave may I ask your real name?” She asked, seeing through his ruse. The stallion in question looked very familiar though she had never heard of the name ice. Another reason was that the name seemed rather coincidental for a pony named ice finding the magical relic of ice.

“Soarin.” He threw her a goofy grin, for no reason in particular. “Soarin of the Wonderbolts.” 





After telling the princess his name she gave her thanks and flew back to Canterlot, wanting to go back to bed. Using high magnitude spells such as the one she had just used wasn’t something that could be taken lightly. It used about the same amount of magic as ten thousand long range teleportation spells, but being an Alicorn had its perks of a much larger magic capacity meaning she wouldn’t be stuck in a coma for a few years. Soarin as he said he would do, was there cleaning up the bodies, completely freezing them to stop blood loss. Now how am I going to do this. I expected them all to be dead, but most of them are still alive. This could prove troublesome. He looked straight up into the air and saw the draconequus hovering above him. Bingo!  "I had a feeling you would come here." Soarin looked up, Discord looking down on him. "Beautiful isn't it."

"Quite, even when she dealt with me she never got this angry.”

"Really?” He asked, surprised by his words. Being only around a few decades old meant that the only thing he knew about the past was in books, unlike his elder who dealt with it firsthand. “I would have thought that the princess would take more offence to you corrupting her land than having a threat placed upon it."

"With me it was just fun and she knew that. It wasn't so much as to what they would do as it was an anger release; you probably saw clear evidence of that correct?" Discord shoveled up a pile of snow and twirled his finger, causing the snow to start recreating itself into a snowman.

"Yeah, Twilight Sparkle's incapacitation hit her hard and Scale would have probably gotten away with less had he not said anything."

“Let’s get down to business shall we?” Discord threw on a top hat and his suit onto the snowman, creating a more sophisticated look. “Perfect.”

"After you teleport all the living gryphons back to where they belong." Soarin had a sly smile plastered onto his face, getting out of his job by making the god of chaos do it wasn't something you could gloat about very often. Discord shook his head and did as he wanted, most of the gryphons gone with the exception of the couple of those who had died. “How powerful does it need to be again?” Soarin asked the draconequus, slowly creating the ball of ice, not unlike the one he gave to the princess.

“Enough to freeze a pony, nothing more.” Discord replied nonchalant. “I think it’s better if you just infuse it with one of your feathers. Less chance of it going off and potentially killing her.”

“It would be better for her, wouldn’t it? One more week right?” The blue stallion plucked one of his feathers and forcibly pushed the two items together. Within seconds the ball of ice had covered the entire feather before receding inside of it. Once it was done he threw it over, giving it a small push with his wing.

“That’s how long she has left. Then you know what happens next...” Discord sent a wind at the feather and brought it back to himself, his usual smile gone from existence.

“The castle. Really wish we could have done this a different way.” Soarin let out a breath of cool air, slightly depressed. The next month would be a terribly one for all of Equestria. Only a select few knowing of the events that will happen shortly.

“It all depends on Celestia next move."