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// Chapter 4: B1rds + the B-33s 
// Story: Spiked Donuts 
// by TRIBOT 4000 
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Today began like any other day.  The sun shone, there was gentle breeze when I was outside, and ponies were just flat out cheery to one another.  It was like one of those days you feel like everything would be wonderful.  It was one of the days you'd look up in the sky and see a meteor and say with a smile, "Huh.  Would ya look at that.  I didn't know a meteor was supposed to strike on this date.  Ha, oh well.  I guess ya learn new stuff every day."

I felt like that while finishing up for the day too.  I had about an hour before closing so I decided to check the foodstuffs to make sure I'd stocked up.  Don't wanna be low on inventory when the world ends or anything.  Then I heard the bell to the front door.

"Be there in a minute!"  I yelled, making sure they heard why I checked the pantry.  Satisfied with the stock I returned and found a very curious sight.  Thirteen year old Twilight Sparkle was sitting at one of the tables, eyes staring off into who knows where.  I came around the corner and asked, "Hey Twilight.  What brings you around at this time of day?  You've always been a morning pony."

Twilight looked at me with...those eyes.  It was weird, looking into those eyes.  I'd seen them before but I couldn't quite remember what they were for.  I could see fear, but more of fear from realization.  She must have just found out something dreadful.  Her mouth hung open slightly so definitely shock.  It took her a minute but she finally did say something.

"I...I have se...seen the end."  Twilight began sweating.  I sat down across from her and listened, "I was in my room when I heard it.  It was...squeaking.  It was a squeaking sound.  I got out of bed and heard more.  Slap.   Slap.  Slap.  It kep happening.  It sounded sort of li...like a wet wash cloth...slapping!"  I used my magic to levitate a glass of milk from the fridge.  Poor filly needed it, "The sound was from downstairs.  I trotted as fast as possible until...I...Hea...heard the moaning.  It came from my parents bedroom.  I opened the door and--"

"Okay stop!"  I put my hooves up hoping that it might protect me from the knowledge that had already snuck it's way into my brain in attempt to throw up inside my mind.

"Bu...but...my parents!  They were--"

I closed her mouth with my magic, "Okay stop right there.  Speak no further, please.  I am not the pony you want to tell this to.  Were you seen?"  Twilight shook her head.  I sighed, "Alright then.  I'm going to give you something.  Actually...make that two things.  Two books I want you to read and in a certain order."

"What are they?"

I smiled, "The Miracle of Foals from Start to Finish and Laws of Romance: A-Z.  My dad gave 'em to me."

I never got those books back.