They're Never Coming Back

by Flashgen

Witness Interview - Twilight Sparkle - May 7th

Transcription of Witness Interview: Twilight Sparkle
Date: May 7^th
Time: 8:22 a.m.
Interviewer: Princess Celestia

There was no further writing from Twilight since our last discussion.

Twilight, are you there? It’s a new day for us. We’re ready to begin when you are.

Twilight, I’m here whenever you’re ready.

(It was some time before a reply finally came.)

Are you alright, Twilight? Are we in danger?

Is there any help that we can offer? Anything at all that I could do?

Very well, Twilight. If we can do anything beyond collecting the ponies you send back, please let me know. Ponies are already combing the town this morning. They are ready whenever you are.

And Her, Twilight? Is it really your friend, Fluttershy?

However many you can bring back is enough, Twilight. Please be safe.

(There was no further reply from Twilight for hours. I took the time to discuss things with her brother, Shining Armor. I had still not told him the truth of why his sister was considered a suspect, worthy of note and detention. In my experience, painful, personal truths are better spoken by those who committed them. If Twilight will not say it by the end, it will be my burden to undertake, but until then I would rather she speak for herself.)

Yes, Twilight?

Are They hunting the survivors as well?

Are those in town in danger? Are you?

(I took stock of Twilight’s words and decided to alert Verdant Vines and White Clover. Shining Armor left me for some time to fetch them.)

I hope that you are right, Twilight. I will still make sure the guards are careful, and we may stop our patrols early today.

I will wait, Twilight.

(When Shining Armor returned, he informed me that Vines and Clover had decided to end efforts an hour before sundown. I relayed the information to Twilight and waited.)

Twilight, the guards will be pulled back from Ponyville early today. They have three or four hours left at the most. Please keep it in mind, and let me know when you are finished and safe.

(I received no reply immediately, biding my time by asking Shining Armor about the number of survivors recovered. At that time, the number was thirty-five. Such a small number of the ponies that lived here, made their lives here, felt safe here. Everyone Twilight helps return is, as I have told her, a miracle, but I shiver with dread when I think about if Luna or I could have done anything to prevent this.

These dreams, nightmares, visions that ponies have mentioned, Luna never saw them. These creatures, my ponies, may have taken so many in the past. Could we have ever known? Could we have seen the signs? Could I, alone all those years?

It is a worrying spiral I have to pull my thoughts away from. The past is just that. I must focus on the now and the future. Whatever we learn here, we will be sure to note. We will prepare for the future, if at all possible. With any luck, there will be no need, but what little optimism I can muster shrinks with every passing moment.

It was hours later when Twilight finally responded.)

It’s alright, Twilight. There isn’t much time left in their shifts today.

I will be here again, if you want to talk. So is your brother.

Of course, Twilight. I would not try to keep you from him.

(I called Shining Armor in and asked him not to look through the journal as he waited for Twilight’s words.)

Twily?

It’s alright, Twily. I’m just glad you’re safe. Princess Celestia and the investigators have told me a little, that you’re close. Close to coming home, helping other ponies get home. I’m so proud of you.

I know what you’re capable of, Twilight. I know that if anypony can get out of this and help fix things, it’s you.

I know you’ll come home, Twily. I believe in you.

No, just me, but they’re worried sick. They always are, ever since you moved to Ponyville. Ever since you became Celestia’s student, really.

I know, Twily.

Okay. I love you, Twily. Stay safe.

Yes, Twilight?

I miss you too, Twilight. Stay safe. I’ll stay awake as long as I can, if you need to talk at all.

Rest well, Twilight. Do not push yourself on my account.

The lines continued for some time. On Doctor Blue Sky’s recommendation, I left Twilight to her devices with her “mantra.” Eventually, they stopped, halfway through a line. Nothing else came for the rest of the night.