//------------------------------// // Spike's Nightfall // Story: Episode 3: Mageismoiras // by mr lovecolt //------------------------------// Spike tapped his claws on the kitchen table as he glanced up at the clock again. It was three o’clock in the afternoon and Twilight Sparkle still hadn’t awoken from her sleep. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Twilight Sparkle had spent many nights awake during her studies, and not once had it caused her to sleep in. He looked down at the dinner that he had prepared: the bowl of lentil soup had long since cooled, and the sandwich had had made was ruined, the dandelions were wilted, and the cucumber juiced had seeped into the homemade bread. Owlowiscious stood perched on the faucet of the kitchen sink; his eyes darted back and forth. “Yes, I know,” Spike sighed as he picked up the now inedible sandwich, “I’ve never seen this happen before, either. But Twilight Sparkle must have been working really hard on that magic to fix Fluttershy’s eyes. I’ve never seen them like that before.” Owlowiscious cocked his head to the side. “They were completely black.” Spike continued, “And there was an awful smell down there. I don’t know it if was a curse. Maybe it’s a side effect of her staring ability. Who knows?” “Who?” “I’ve already straightened up the book in the main library, Owlowiscious,” Spike replied with yet another sigh, “This place is practically immaculate.” Spike picked up the bowl of soup and began to pour it down the drain and Owlowiscious took to flight to avoid any of it to splatter onto his feathers. “Sorry,” Spike said, “I’m just not really focused today, am I?” Owlowiscious landed on the back of a chair and simply blinked back at him. Spike cleaned the two dishes and put them up before returning to the table. He picked up a small ruby from his bowl of gems and tossed it into his mouth. His gaze turned towards the door that led to the basement. He knew he didn’t want to go down there again, so instead he walked towards the front door. “Who?” “Nopony has come here all day,” Spike replied, “If Twilight doesn’t think it’s important to be awake to greet ponies, then I may as well close the library and go out.” Spike flipped a small sign over the front window to the library to CLOSED, opened the door, and walked away. Owlowiscious continued to stare through the window, then slowly turned his head around to the basement door, and then to the door at the top of the stairs. He took to flight and landed next to the door to Twilight Sparkle’s room where the sound of her whimpering could now be heard through the door. ***** Spike found himself walking unconsciously towards Carousel Boutique. He passed by Quills & Sofas, but didn’t register the sound of a stallion calling out his name. “Spike,“ Davenport called, “Got your head in the clouds, son?” “No, Mr. Davenport," Spike replied, “Just thinking about things.” Davenport looked down at the little dragon and placed a hoof on his spines. “Don’t worry, Spike,” Davenport replied, “The Mayor said that the timberwolves were found, and that she has even started a Timberwolf watch group to help patrol at night. The flower girls’ deaths won’t be in vain.” Spike looked up to Davenport, but then turned away. “Come on in and sit a spell.” Davenport said, “I just got in a vintage Gustave the Fourteenth beech wood settee straight from Prance.” Spike shrugged his shoulders and entered the store. Sofas of various shapes and sizes surrounded him, some minimal in design, while others were downright gaudy. On the wall was a shelf of quills, ranging from goose and owl feathers to the larger and more expensive swan feather. There was even a phoenix feather in the center of the shelves, but beneath it read a sign that said FOR DISPLAY ONLY – NOT FOR SALE. Spike followed Davenport to the center of the show room, where an older looking sofa sat on top of a round platform. Davenport sighed as he looked upon it. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Davenport replied, “The griffons of Prance really knew what they were doing. This was made during the Grand Siècle, when-” “See a clay?” Spike asked. “Sorry,” Davenport replied as he sat down softly on the cushion, “Grand Siècle, the Great Century, when King Gustave the Fourteenth ruled over Prance.” Davenport smiled at Spike and placed his hoof on the other cushion. Spike mimicked Davenport’s motions and sat down as delicately as possible. The cushions were made of a combination of silk and wool, and Spike slid effortlessly to the back. He watched as Davenport traced his hoof against the intricately carved wooden hoof rests. “What makes this sofa so special, Mister Davenport?” “Just look,” Davenport pointed to the hoof rest again, “All of the beech wood is original from the shores of the Alce region, where the Alce Griffons resided. The silk and wool are originals from the Clawrraine region of the Opinicus Griffons. All of this was history long before our time, of course. During the Equestrian Reneighssance, when The Diarchy began to unite the Griffon and Dragon Kingdoms.” Spike rolled his eyes. Please, Celestia, not another history lesson. He began to slide away from the settee before Davenport stopped him. “I’m sorry,” Davenport said, I didn’t mean to bore you. I just get so excited. There’s so much history, even in furniture.” “Yeah…” Spike mumbled as he looked as the faded cushions, “history. It looks really old. Why don’t you just fix it up?” “You can’t do that.” Davenport replied, “You can’t simply replace a piece here and there. It’s not the same. It can never be the same.” “But you can make it better.” Spike said, “It’ll be newer and it can last forever.” “That’s not the point.” Davenport said, “Look at each little scratch, each little design. It tells the story of it. You can’t just rip off a piece of it and put in a new one.” “Would anypony really notice?” “I would,” Davenport said, “I know that this piece won’t last much longer. I don’t plan to sell it, either. Nopony would really appreciate it like I would. I just wanted to have it here in my collection, even if just for a little while.” Spike furrowed his eyebrows for the second time that afternoon. Davenport sighed and placed his hoof on Spike once again. “Spike, I know you’re young, and you haven’t really seen ponies around you die. The flower girls are gone, but just think of the beauty they brought to us while they were alive. The beautiful flowers, so many beautiful flowers. But more fillies will be born with cutie marks like theirs. It’s the way of life. Mares and stallions will meet, and they’ll have foals, and the cycle will continue. Hey, there will even be a pony like me one day who collects furniture. It’s the way things work for us ponies.” “And what about me?” Spike asked, “Don’t dragons live for hundreds of years?” Davenport remained silent for a moment, and Spike could tell he was at a loss for words. Spike eased his way off of the settee and made his way towards the door. “Does Miss Sparkle need any quills?” Davenport called out. “No, Mister Davenport,” Spike said, “Have a good day, sir.” The door closed behind Spike and he continued towards the Carousel Boutique. As the sun continued to set, the sounds of the bazaar grew quiet as fewer ponies wandered about. But the time he reached Rarity’s home and business, he frowned when he saw that the lights were off, and a small sign in the window read CLOSED. She’s down at Sweet Apple Acres again, he thought. His eyes squinted and he placed a claw to his chest. He looked around and saw the large tree that stood next to the boutique. His claws trembled as he clutched at the base of the tree and began to climb up. He had done this many times before, and each time, he became more ashamed that he did so, especially after he learned why Rarity spent so much time at Sweet Apple Acres. A single limb reached out and almost touch Rarity’s window, but not quite. He nestled himself into the crotch of the tree and looked into the window. There was the four poster bed that he had seen in his dreams numerous times. And there was the wall of fabrics that were lined in order of hue. But what always caught his attention was the vanity in the corner of the room. On the vanity was a fire ruby inlaid within a gold band in the shape of a heart. Spike’s chest tightened as he continued to look on at the gemstone he had given Rarity. He thought about the words that Davenport had just said. It’s the way things work for us ponies. Spike thought of the flower girls, and then of Rarity. He turned to the setting sun, and just as it touched the horizon and began to disappear, the tears began to fall from his eyes. The tears were uncontrollable. He didn’t cry for just Rarity, but for all of his pony friends. He would outlive them all. He would outlive Fluttershy, and he would outlive Applejack and Rainbow Dash. He would outlive Pinkie Pie. Will I even outlive Twilight, he thought as he tried to contain the sobs coming from his mouth. The sobbing turned into a hiccup and a small flame emitted from his mouth. He jumped down from the tree; it was not a good idea to be near anything flammable while he was like this. His legs quivered as he began to walk away, but a figure in the distance caught his attention. Spike could only see Fluttershy’s as a hint of a building, but a large creature hovered over it, its lithe body twirling around the top as it entered a window. Discord, Spike thought as he ran towards Fluttershy’s cottage, trying to avoid Sergeant Longwinder, he tiptoed behind the cottage and managed to find a small hole where the bunnies usually entered. He squeezed into the tight hole and found himself inside the main room of the cottage. Upstairs, he could hear the sound of Discord trying to sneak around as quietly as possible. The door was open, so Spike snuck up behind Discord to see what he was up to. When he entered the room, he could only see the back of Discord as he stared against a wall. Spike moved as quietly as he could to hide beneath a desk. Spike looked around the room. Fluttershy’s curio of glass animals was broken, and pieces of glass lay strewn on the floor, but Spike noticed that Discord continued to stare at the wall. Discord’s paw pointed at the wall, and a figure began to glow where he pointed. He watched Discord’s eyes as they moved back and forth to study the image. Finally, Discord’s paw clutched into a fist and he hit the wall. A small book landed in front of Spike, and he couldn’t help but look down at it. May 6, 1004, I can’t believe I’m actually going to the Grand Galloping Gala with my friends tonight. I’m so glad Rarity forgave me for not accepting the first dress she made me. I can’t believe I was so selfish. Rarity’s dresses are always perfect. I’m such a loudmouth. But I guess I got what I deserved when I walked out that one night with a bird’s next on my head. Everything will be perfect. Applejack will make money for her family. Pinkie Pie will have the time of her life. Rarity will meet a special somepony. Rainbow Dash will meet the Wonderbolts. Twilight will get to spend time with Princess Celestia. I’ll get to meet the animals, so I’ll be out of everypony’s way. I do hope the animals love me. It’s so easy for animals to love me. Easier compared to ponies, I suppose. Animals won’t judge a pegasus who can’t fly. The sound of the downstairs door opening caught his attention, and he looked up as Discord turned away from the wall. The figure disappeared and Discord crossed his arms and waited for Sergeant Longwinder to ascend the stairs. Spike’s attention fell down to the next entry. May 7, 1004 I know she said I didn’t ruin anything, but I saw it in her eyes. I saw it in all of their eyes. I know they laughed about it at Donut Joe’s, and I tried to smile at the jokes, but I couldn’t. The Canterlot ponies just didn’t like apples. Pinkie Pie was just confused about what a ‘gala’ is. Rarity’s Prince just turned out to be a bad pony. The Wonderbolts were just busy with all of their fans. Princess Celestia had to greet all of the nobility. They all had excuses. The animals hated me. I’ve tried to think of an excuse. Was I too loud? Did the ruffled in my dress make a noise that frightened them? The only thought that comes to my mind is that one, and it keeps coming back to me. The vultures cowered in the trees. The bunnies shivered. The animals hated me. “What are you doing here?” Sergeant Longwinder shouted, “There is no entry allowed into Miss Fluttershy’s cottage.” “Where is she?” Discord asked, “She was placed here in a stasis spell. I know this.” “I am not at liberty to say anything.” Sergeant Longwinder replied, “I had no knowledge of any stasis spell, all I was told was to ensure that nopony disturb Miss Fluttershy.” “Send a letter to Princess Luna,” Discord shouted, “I know that she had something to do with this.” “I will do no such thing, Discord,” Sergeant Longwinder replied, “You are now a subject of the Celestial Sisters, and you will comport yourself as such.” “I may have devoted my powers for good, but so help me, if you do not find Fluttershy right now, I-” Spike emerged from the desk, much to the shock of the draconequus and the guard. “Fluttershy’s at Twilight’s, Discord.” Spike said, “She fixing a problem with her eyes.” Discord’s eyes popped out of his head, and he had to bend over to retrieve them, much to the disgust of the guard. “I beg your pardon, Spike,” Discord said, “What problem with her eyes?” “Is that why you were here last night?” Sergeant Longwinder asked, “To distract me?” “Well, yes,” Spike said as he tried to shrink into a small size, “Twilight mentioned something about a vessel, and-” “Get a letter to Luna immediately.” Discord shouted. “Not until I see Miss Fluttershy.” Sergeant Longwinder replied, “The only order that I was given was to make sure that nopony disturbs Miss Fluttershy. So far, I have two stories – one from a lying little dragon, and one from an agent of chaos. I am not going to trust either of you reptiles until some of this starts making sense.” Both Spike’s and Discord’s eyes narrowed into slits. Their forked tongues both instinctively slithered out of their mouths. “Fine,” Spike replied, “Then let’s all go to the library.” “Done.” Discord replied as he snapped his claw. ***** Twilight Sparkle sat at the kitchen table and stared at the sandwich she had made for herself. The petals of the daisies hung limply over the side of the crust, and the cucumbers felt slimy. She shook her head and levitated the sandwich to throw it away; she wasn’t hungry anyway. She turned her attention to the epigram she had found on the page of the Mageismoiras. She had transcribed it to another sheet of paper. “The Lypouni flower blooms in the vessel whose soil can feed its desire for sorrow to full.” Twilight broke each of the words. She knew that Fluttershy served as the vessel, but the rest was a riddle to her. The only hint came from a small section in the other book Discord had given her, Empolemitheon, which spoke of ponies with specific personality types who could serve as vessels for shadows to reenter upon the vessel’s death. She had seen the shadows while Edger was in Ponyville thanks to the magic he had used, but they were nothing like Fluttershy. Fluttershy would never act violently. Perhaps the shadows feed off of the vessel’s body until they were sated? Lypouni, Twilight Sparkle thought, Old Equestrian root is lypoumai, so a pony of regret? Twilight Sparkle turned to the basement door. Something was still missing, and Twilight vowed to get to the bottom of it. Before she could reach the door however, a bright light filled the room. Twilight Sparkle turned and saw Discord, Spike, and Sergeant Longwinder standing in her library. Her eyes widened as the glanced from face to face. Spike cowered behind Discord’s goat leg, Sergeant Longwinder looked ready to commit to a public lashing, and Discord’s eyes had turned nearly red. “Where is she?” Discord asked. “Pardon our intrusion, Princess Sparkle,” Sergeant Longwinder said, “But I am simply trying to get to the bottom of things. Princess Celestia ordered me to ensure that Miss Fluttershy was not disturbed. I found these two in Miss Fluttershy’s cottage, but Miss Fluttershy was gone. Do you have any idea as to her whereabouts?” “Spike,” Twilight Sparkle asked nervously, “What exactly did you tell them?” A list of thoughts ran through Twilight Sparkle’s mind. Most of them ended with banishment. “I told him what I saw, Twilight,” Spike replied, “And Discord knows something, too.” “What is happening here is none of your concern, little one.” “Enough!” Sergeant Longwinder shouted, “Princess Sparkle, if you don’t mind, I would really appreciate it if I could perform a quick inspection. I’m sure you have nothing to worry about, but as for these two.” Sergeant Longwinder turned to both Spike and Discord. “If there is any evidence that this is a conspiracy to hinder an investigation as to the whereabouts of one of the Elemental Bearers of Harmony, then I’m sure Princess Celestia can be easily convinced that public lashings are appropriate.” Spike clutched against Discord’s goat leg. Discord’s eyes softened for a moment, and then he lifted Spike up to his shoulder. “He will do no such thing,” Discord replied, “Besides, it’s evening, so I’m pretty sure I know what’s happening.” Twilight Sparkle cocked her head to the side and silently pushed open the basement door. Sergeant Longwinder reached up to turn on the light switch. Twilight Sparkle went to stop him, but Discord reached out a claw and stopped her. Outside, the town clock rang six o’clock. The light switch turned on, and Sergeant Longwinder descended the stairs. The alicorn, the darconequus, and the dragon remained on the main floor. Discord continued to glare at Twilight Sparkle, who in turn, glared at Spike. Spike simply looked down at the ground from his perch on Discord’s shoulder. A few minutes passed, and Sergeant Longwinder reappeared at the top of the stairs. “I would get somepony to look into those strange smells.” Sergeant Longwinder said, “As for you two, there is no evidence of Miss Fluttershy being down there. I am going to report this to Princess Celestia.” “No!” Twilight Sparkle covered her mouth. Sergeant Longwinder gave her a questioning look. “Spike is my ward, and I will see to it that the issue is dealt with,” Twilight Sparkles wings fluttered as she spoke and her voice took on a more official tone, “And as for Discord, he is now the ward of the Elements of Harmony as well as the Princess hood, therefore, I shall also deal with him. You may take your leave, Sergeant Longwinder.” “But-” “I am sure Fluttershy will turn up.” Twilight Sparkle kept up her composure, “Until then, try to search for clues on your own.” Sergeant Longwinder bowed before the princess. “Yes your Majesty.” Sergeant Longwinder turned and left the library. The door closed behind him. Twilight Sparkle levitated Spike from Discord’s shoulder and placed him at the top of the stairs to her bedroom. “Spike, go to bed. Now.” “But I-” “I said now, Spike!” Spike quivered for a moment, but then he hunched his shoulders and retreated into the darkness of Twilight Sparkle’s room. When the second door shut, Twilight Sparkle and Discord both asked their question at the same time? “What did you do?”