//------------------------------// // Letters Home // Story: Flora Spectrum // by Flora Spectrum //------------------------------// Sweetie Belle sang the last few chords of her latest song as she heard a knock at the door. She trotted over and found the last pony she would ever expect outside her door. “Hello Rainbow Dash,” she greeted with a smile. While she had known Rainbow Dash since she was a filly, it was Scootaloo who had adored her and who had adopted her as a sister. “Hey, I need you, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon to go to the library. I don’t know why, but Twilight sent me.” “Okay, who all have you told so far?” “Just you.” “Okay, Apple Bloom is most likely at the farm and if Scootaloo isn’t flying around she’s at home. If you can get them, I’ll bring Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. With a quick nod, Rainbow Dash flew off leaving Sweetie Belle to shut her door and trot through town. “Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon!” she called as she saw the two ponies walking together. She trotted over and was greeted by her two friends. “Hello Sweetie Belle,” Diamond Tiara greeted with a smile. “Good afternoon,” Silver Spoon added, “We were thinking about going to the spa, would you like to come?” “Actually, Twilight has asked us to meet her at the library,” Sweetie Belle explained. “What for?” Diamond Tiara asked. “I’m not entirely sure, but she asked to see us three as well as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.” “Could it be about Flora?” Silver Spoon inquired. “So soon?” Diamond Tiara questioned, “She only left yesterday.” “Well, there really is only one way to find out,” Sweetie Belle added. The three mares trotted off in silence; as they were too busy pondering about Flora. She only left yesterday, but I miss her already. The three arrived at the library and were surprised to see that not only both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo had arrived, but Twilight’s five closest friends as well. Sweetie Belle found it hard to move as the three mares joined their other two friends, as the small library was not built for holding so many ponies. “QUIET!” The room abed the shout’s request and everypony turned to see Twilight standing on the staircase with a sheepish grin. “*ahem* Thank you. Now, as to why I have called you all here. This morning, I received two letters, both being from Flora. The first letter is addressed to you five girls,” Twilight said nodding towards the five younger mares. “Let me see!” Sweetie Belle cried not caring if she acted somewhat like a filly. She grasped the letter Twilight held up with her own aura of magic and trotted out of the library. “What’s it say?” Scootaloo cried as they rushed out of the library. “Shh, Scootaloo, let ‘er read!” Apple Bloom demanded. Sweetie Belle cleared her throat and waited until her four friends remained silent before reading, For Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, My beloved friends, I can’t tell you how sorry I am that I had to leave yesterday without telling any of you! While Celestia needed me to leave right away, she told me I could return to Ponyville one day. Sadly, I’m not sure when I will be able to. You five, along with me, always wanted to know where I was from. Now I know. I am from the Spectral Kingdom and the only heir to the throne. These ponies have suffered for years and much needs repaired. Thankfully, I have my Uncle Thunder Wing and my childhood friend Snow Shield here to help. Even though I no longer reside in Ponyville, know that you are always welcome in my home. However, please wait before visiting, there is a lot that needs to be taken care of. Forever your friend, Flora Spectrum }i{ Twilight trotted up a few of the stair steps and tried to get the attention of the talking ponies below. “Excuse me. Everypony? QUIET!” Upon her outburst, the library fell silent. “*Ahem* Thank you. Now, as to why I have called you all here. This morning, I received two letters, both being from Flora. The first letter is addressed to you five girls,” Twilight said nodding towards the five younger mares. “Let me see!” Sweetie Belle cried acting quite foolish. She grasped the letter Twilight held up with her own aura of magic and trotted out of the library. “Anyway,” Twilight continued as the other four mares followed their friend out of the library, “The second letter is for us.” She cleared her throat and read, For Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, Dear beloved friends, Princess Celestia is here with me this morning, but I don’t know how much she told you yesterday, so allow me to start at the beginning. My parents, Sparkler and Lightening Blade, ruled over the Spectral Kingdom until they were killed in a battle against a unicorn by the name of Malevolentia. My mother’s assistant, Platinum Charm, was entrusted with raising me as my Uncle Thunder Wing swore to protect me. Two years after the death of my parents, I ran away from the Spectral Kingdom. It was at this time, a grey dome encased the entire kingdom. Celestia suspected that Malevolentia had returned but I had managed to escape. Upon returning to the Spectral Kingdom, I found everything, including the buildings, to be different hues of grey. Strangely, the ponies themselves were missing their cutie marks. I worked my way into the castle only to find that Platinum Charm had entrapped all of these ponies. Needless to say, a fight ensued. While I defeated her, she managed to escape with a few guards who sided with her. I was able to take down the dome where I was reunited with my Uncle Thunder Wing and childhood friend Snow Shield. While the Spectral Kingdom is once again true to its name, there is much to be done. There are ponies that were foals when the kingdom became entrapped and have yet to earn their cutie marks. Also, several ponies are missing and I have to be prepared incase Platinum Charm returns. Celestia is sending Shining Armor to help retrain the Unicorn Guard while my Uncle remains Captain of the Pegasus Guard. Sadly, I don’t think Princess Cadence will be able to visit either. There is much to do and many ponies that need my help. However, today is a day of celebration and Snow Shield is urging me to hurry as there are many ponies wanting to meet me. I am forever grateful for the lessons you all have taught me. I know I could never have achieved what I have without you. I am looking forward to the day the Kingdom is ready to accept visitors as I hope you will be on the first train here. Forever your friend, Flora Spectrum