//------------------------------// // The News and Healing // Story: A Royal Loss // by LaceySurprise //------------------------------// "Twilight...I'm going to have a baby." Twilight's jaw dropped. "WHAT?! WHEN DID YOU FIND THIS OUT AND WHY DIDN"T YOU TELL MY BROTHER!" "I had just found out this morning. I was going to tell him over breakfast but the cloud kind of interrupted us." "WOW! So I'm going to be an aunt huh?" "Yeah, but don't tell anypony else. I don't know how I will be able to keep the baby and try to put the kingdom together." "Why don't you get somepony to help you? You know, and assistant." "Because You'd be the only pony I'd trust with such a job but I know you're royal duties should come first." "An Assistant... I'VE GOT IT!! How about if Spike stay here with you?" "Won't you need him to help you out?" "I think you would need his help more than I do. Plus, I have my ponyville friends who could help me." "Ok, but only if Spike is willing to do it." "Could you bring him up here?" "Sure." Twilight left to go get Spike. I waited on my bed. wondering if I should even keep the baby. Of course I should keep it! I reprimanded myself for such horrid thoughts. Shining would want me to keep it. Twilight returned and told Spike all that I told her and swore him to secrecy. "Of course I'll help you out Princess! I just love babies!" "Then it's settled. Spike, you stay with Cadance as long as she needs you then when you're both ready, you can come back to be my number 1 assistant again. "Ok, but can I say goodbye to everypony first?" "Of course!' We all went back to see how everypony was doing. When we got down there, the place was already mostly clean. "I regret that my sister and I must return to Canterlot, for our royal duties don't permit us to be away for long." Celestia said. Later that evening, after dinner, Twilight said that her and her friends must be going as well. Everypony joined in a tearful hug as they said goodbye to Spike. Twilight headed to Canterlot to tell her parents about Shining and the rest returned to ponyville. I showed Spike to what would be his room, and made sure he was comfy. "I've never had a whole room to myself before! Nor a bed this big!" He exclaimed. "I would always share with Twilight....sigh I hope she doesn't forget me." "If I know Twilight, she would never forget you." "Goodnight Spike and thank you for helping me out. "No Problem." I turned out the lights as I slowly made my way to my room. Hours past. I couldn't sleep. Just looking at the empty spot on the bed made me tear up. Why did it have to be him who died? Why not me? I started to cry.. I buried my face in my pillow and just cried. I don't know how long I cried, I must have dozed off a few times and woke up crying again. Suddenly, there was a light knock on the door. "Who is it?" I called, hoping I didn't sound as pathetic as I felt. "It's Spike, may I come in?" "Of course" I said. He came in, "Did I wake you?" I asked? "No, I couldn't sleep. I miss Twilight too much." "Well, I think I could use the company if you want to sleep in here" "Ok! I'll go get my pillow and blanket!" He dashed off. I looked around for a basket or something for him to sleep in. I found nothing. I looked over at the large bed I was sitting on. I guess I could ask him if he wants the bed I thought. I could use the company. He came back in with his pillow and blanket. "If you want, you can sleep in the bed with me. There's plenty of room." "OK, if you don't mind." He climbed up on the bed. "Goodnight Princess" "Goodnight spike." He rolled over and went fast to sleep. I knew I needed my rest too. So, slowly my eyelids drooped until I was fast asleep. THE NEXT DAY.... I woke up expecting to open my eyes to see my love snoring next to me. But I didn't. I just saw Spike. I remembered the previous day.. And sunk into sadness. I slid out of bed so I wouldn't wake Spike. I proceeded to the kitchen and started to make pancakes. I made two platefuls because it felt right. Plus, Spike was here so that help. Spike appeared in the kitchen, groggily wiping his eyes. "What smells so good?" "I made pancakes! I even put some fresh Crystals in yours. I hope you like them" "CRYSTAL PANCAKES!!! OF COURSE I WILL!" I smiled weakly. and put his plate in front of him as he gobbled them down. "That was delicious!" "Here, let me clean the dishes for you." "You don't have to!" I protested. "I insist! I am here to help." "OK, I guess I should address my subjects anyways." I looked back at the little dragon who was humming as he cleared the dishes. I went to the balcony and saw the ponies of the empire. So many lives were lost yesterday. Now, only a few stallions remained. The only unicorns left were mares, colts, and fillies. "My Subjects! Due to the terrible things that happened yesterday, from now on, every year on the day of yesterday, there will be a remembrance holiday to remember those that died in the great cloud battle! Now, today, and every year after will be a day of mourning!" "Please, gather what family you have left and put your dead to rest." The ponies then left, their heads down low as they went about mourning the deaths. One pony remained. I recognized him as the one who brought the sand news. "Princess! If I may be so bold, I have all that remains of Shining Armor!" "Please bring it here!" I shouted back. He went inside the castle. "I am so sorry for your loss Princess, we also miss Shining Armor. Here" He handed me a burnt badge. The same badge that he worn on our wedding day. "Thank you. Thank you so much for bringing this to me." "You're welcome Princess. Now if you'll excuse me, I also had relatives that died yesterday that I must attend to." "You are excused." He trotted away. I looked and the badge and held it against my chest. I then went to my room, found some ribbon and made the badge a necklace that I could wear next to my hear. I remembered that the pony never brought back Shining's weeding band and I rushed to the balcony. "IF ANYPONY HAS FOUND SHINING ARMOR'S WEDDING BAND, PLEASE BRING IT TOO ME!" Not long after that a little Pegasus flew onto the balcony and dropped the ring at my hooves. He looked up at me and then took off before I could ask any questions. I put the ring on the necklace I was wearing. "The dishes are done!" Spike said as he came into the room. "Is there anything else I could do to help you Princess?" "No Spike, there is nothing else you could do. We both just stood there, looking at the Crystal Empire as ponies busied themselves with preparations of their loved ones.