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// The heart of the matter 
// Story: The Heart of the Matter 
// by Exodus45 
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	'Look at them standing around wasting time. Joking and having fun while the rest of us slave away to keep this town running. They think the whole world revolves around them.'

'Look at me! I am a hard working pony. I get up every day and sweep the streets, Just sweep the streets. With out me this place would be a mess. But who does the princess favor? Them of course. None of them work as hard as I do and they get the rewards.'

'I am smarter than them too. You think a simple stallion could figure out how to clean these town streets in a timely manner? I think not! I clean all the roads in this town in twelve hours!'

'How did Fluttershy get invited? What could possibly be the use of a weak, fragile, worthless creature like her? I would have been a better choice than her. I am fearless and strong! Everything she is bad at I excel at. Twilight never asked me. Maybe she likes sycophants.'

'Here they come. I bet they don't even say hello.'

“Where is Spikie-wikie Twilight?”

“He is on official business with the Princess. He should be back in a few days.”

'See, they didn't even say hello as they walked by like I wasn't even here. I bet if I stopped doing my job they would notice me. After all, nopony notices my work unless I miss something.'

'Spikie-wikie! It never ceases to amaze me of the reached filth that pours out of her mouth. Probably the same pony who taught her how to make cloths also taught her how to talk. I use my magic for better uses too. Yet, again, I was passed up for a sub-par substitute. Perhaps I give Twilight too much credit.'

'Twilight probably didn't chose me because I am intellectually superior to her. She was afraid that if the Princess found out how much better I was in comparison that she would be ostracized from Canterlot with me as her replacement. Fool. The kingdom may be in danger because she wants to stay in the lime light. Way to take one for the team Twilight.'

'It is going to be even more work now that Twilight was elevated to royalty since the growth of her wings. Princess. Princess of what! Such waste. I should be king. Maybe if I grew some wings I would be. With my luck I would become king of street sweeping.'

'Look at them and how perfect they think they are. Trotting down the street feeling where ever they go they are just the cream of the crop. It makes me sick. I... I...'

'You hate them don't you.'

'I hate them.'

'You should kill them.'

'I should kill them.'

'With them out of the way the Princess will have no other option but to choose you.'

'That's right. I would be the only sensible choice.'

'The only one.'

'I still have that knife I found.'

'I is the purple one's fault.'

'I will start with Twilight. She is what started this. It is her fault!'

'I can see her through the window. Studding her books, not suspecting a thing. This ends tonight Twilight. I will have my rightful place.'

'It is nice of her to leave the door unlocked. It is the only nice thing she has ever done for me. It is the last nice thing she will ever do.'

'She didn't hear me come in. Still has her nose in the books. Idiot. If our roles were reversed she would already be dead. This is why, Twilight Sparkle! This is why you have failed. I am better than you in every way!'

'I want her to see me. I want her to see the pony she overlooked. I'll just tap the knife on this shelf to get her attention.'

“Oh, Brooms! You startled me. I know the lights are on but the library is closed. I was just doing some late night studying.”

'Over privileged cow.'

“Brooms? What are you holding.”

'Justice.'

“Brooms? I asked you a question... Are you ok? Have a seat and I...”

'Who would have thought a simple stab in the throat would shut her up. I should kill Rarity next. I might want to stab her twice.'

'Th-thump'

'Impossible! Nopony could live after losing that much blood. I'll stab her again to make sure.'

'Th-thump'

'No! Your heart should not be beating! Yet as I stab you I can still hear it.'

'Th-thump'

'Don't you understand! If you live I will never be chosen! You have to die!'

'Th-thump'

'I bet that your heart won't beat if I cut it out! That's what I will do. That sort of ingenuity is why Celestia will pick me when you don't show up for duty.'

'Th-thump'

'Can you see this with your glazed over eyes! This is your heart! You are dead Twilight! To prove it to you I am going to eat it!'

'Th-thump'

'If the Princess hears that she will know I killed you and then she will never pick me! I have to get it out!'

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“Police described the scene as a brutal attack. The late Princess Twilight Sparkle was found stabbed forty seven times along with having her heart removed. They could only surmise that the murder was to fulfill some sort of ritual. 

The corpse of Brooms McSweep, 35 of Ponnyville, was also found on the scene. His self-eviscerated body contained fragments of Princess Twilight Sparkle's heart. The heart contained teeth marks as if it were eaten and not placed in the corpse.

McSweep was always described as friendly and courteous. He was nominated by Princess Celestia earlier this week to work at the castle as a reward for his decades of exemplary service. Police are unsure if he ever received the message.

This reporter wonders if the police will ever get to the 'heart' of the matter.

FoalFree Press and Associates”