//------------------------------// // Alone // Story: Sleepless Nights // by Goatmeal //------------------------------// Prologue The Everfree forest was quiet under the sun's light. Much quieter than normal. Bugs didn't buzz like they would normally. Animals didn’t call out. Even the wind didn’t rustle the leaves like it was supposed to. But this was no normal morning. Eight ponies walked out of the ruin of the Royal Pony Sisters. They began their path through the forest. Two, one white and one violet, walked in the back, quietly discussing the sudden change in arrangements. The other six walked in the front, Elements of Harmony resting on their bodies, all pleased with themselves and chatting animatedly. All except Twilight Sparkle. She knew what was to come of her returning to Ponyville. The Princess would congratulate her on her accomplishment, probably give her some sort of award, and send her home to Canterlot. Three days ago, that would’ve sounded perfect. Now, it sounded horrible. She had just made friends, discovered their true power, and vanquished Night Mare Moon. Now, she had to say goodbye. She would miss her friends. She bowed her head, eyes closed. “Twilight, that was so awesome!” Rainbow said loudly. Her eyes shot open. Blushing slightly, she agreed, “Yeah. It was great, all right.” She sounded upset. She was definitely going to miss Rainbow Dash.   Chapter One: Alone “Come on, Spike.” Twilight carried the dragon on her back as she walked toward her new home. It was dark out. Spike hadn't been exaggerating when he said they had been celebrating all day. Twilight opened the front door. “We still have to clean up after Pinkie’s surprise party.” Spike groaned as they walked into the library. Pinkie Pie sure knew how to throw a party. Twilight sighed, depositing the dragon on the floor. “Let’s get started.” She started picking up stray party hats and Spike began to collect streamers. Twilight walked over to the drinks table. On top of it sat her favorite bottle of hot sauce, and a knocked over bottle of milk. Twilight gave it a conformational sniff and regretted it instantly. At least there was still another bottle in the kitchen. Spike took down multicolored streamers, smiling as he remembered the celebration. There was Pinkie's cupcake eating contest, Applejack's free apple fritters, Fluttershy's beautiful musical chorus, and best of all, dancing to that chorus with Rarity the unicorn. Twilight looked over to her assistant, knowing exactly why he was smiling. Fortunately, Rarity gave in to Twilight's pleas and agreed to dance with Spike. The dragon then belched a small scroll, knocking both pony and dragon out of their recollections. Twilight looked at the seal. “It’s from the Princess!” Spike opened it and read aloud, “Dear Twilight, I hope you are enjoying your home in Ponyville. I’m sorry I couldn’t stay for the celebration, but with Princess Luna resuming her duties, there is much to be done. I am sending this letter to inform you that I will be requiring the assistance of Spike here in Canterlot. I will send for a chariot. About your friendship reports, I will be expecting a letter from you weekly explaining a lesson you learned. Enjoy Ponyville. Yours truly, Princess Celestia.” Twilight looked at Spike. “Okay, I’ll just clean up.” She sounded cheerful. “When I’m done, I can start on some of these books.” An hour later, Twilight sat alone in the library common room, mess cleaned up, and reading a book on teleportation by candlelight. Stars glittered in the night sky, just outside the window. She wondered how Princess Luna was handling taking charge of the Moon again. She was quite thirsty. A glass of milk sounded good. “Spike!” she called out instinctively. “Oh.” She got up and went to the kitchen, feeling rather glum. She poured the last of the milk in the fridge, wondering why she felt so sad. She walked back to the common room, but slipped on a spare piece of parchment lying on the floor. She dropped her milk, which spilled all over the carpet. “Spike!” she said again. No response. “It’s not like he’s gone forever,” she told herself. It didn’t help. She put out the candle and went to bed. - - - The small village of Ponyville awoke to a beautiful morning; an appreciated gift after the recent events. Only the day before did they think they lost it forever, but here it was, basking all of Equestria in its warm glow. The sunlight found its way into many of the resident’s windows, giving them quite a sight to wake up to. Ponies throughout the village began their day smiling. Twilight Sparkle was not one of them. Twilight was given her place at Ponyville by Princess Celestia, so she could be with her friends and learn more about the magic of having them. She willingly agreed, and thoroughly enjoyed herself as the entire town celebrated the new-found sunrise. This morning, however, she felt grumpy. Twilight climbed out of bed, frowning. She hadn’t slept at all last night. Spike’s basket remained mockingly empty. She felt annoyed at Princess Celestia for taking the dragon away. She walked down the stairs and looked over the library. Her book and candle lay there, not far from a dark stain outside the kitchen door. She ignored it, walking straight into the kitchen and sitting down on the chair. As much as she hated to admit it, she felt lonely. Without Spike, who did she have? She didn’t live near her parents even when she was in Canterlot, let alone Ponyville. Shining Armor was always busy defending her home town. Whatever relationship she shared with the Princess could only be enjoyed when she saw her in person. That didn’t happen often. She concluded that her baby dragon was all she had, until she remembered the five friends that she made just the day before yesterday. She thought of all her friends. She had Applejack, who would never lie. Fluttershy, so quiet and kind. Pinkie Pie, never frowning. Rarity, who could always lend a hoof. And she had Rainbow Dash, who would never let a pony down. Rainbow Dash… Her thoughts dwelled on the pegasus. She had first met Rainbow when she was knocked aside into a puddle of mud on her first day in Ponyville. She then proceeded to soak her with rainwater, and then ruin her mane. Normally, she would have been livid, but looking at the mare, all she could do was smile. She smilingly recollected that she never would have guessed they would end up defeating Night Mare Moon with the power of their friendship. Friendship. The word itself seemed mediocre, but she had no idea why. Twilight sighed, no longer smiling. She decided she wasn’t hungry.