1419631 the whole point was she was trying her hardest to not feel too broken up for the sake of doing the job. If she let her motherly instinct come in, we'd have a repeat of the canon ending, or Twilight VS. Rarity would occur. Twilight was simply succumbing to the "you died long ago" syndrome, unable to see Spike in a positive light since he practically admitted to his crimes. This was just a more negative ending.
There was also no reference to Light's death. I had Light Yagami on my mind for chapter one... then never thought of him again. o_o
After reading the three endings I must say, colour me impressed. I could visualize all three (to varying degrees) as the proper ending to this story. The one with Spike killing himself was probably the closest how it would happen in the world if the rule about the forgetting part wasn't there. It makes me wonder - maybe this was a 'prank' from Dischord? Him, only wanting misery and chaos (and fun for himself), leaving that book to lie around. Some pony picks it up and the cycle of death begins...
The second 'death'-ending, the one where he was attacked...I DO need to say that Spike was a bit too nice for that. Pinkie was pitying him, everyone wanted him safe...you don't make a complete 180 in just a few hours with that. Although I CAN understand Raritys actions - she was the most hurt and if every death was weighing her down and suddenly she founds a release for all that pain...well, shit happens, as I've read. I'd let the dragon die then and there, surrounded by everyone in this case. Twiligths action...well, as you've said in a comment two chapters ago her actions simply didn't speak of 'mother' for me. If Spike hurt her directly with some of his actions I could understand it more but so? Not so much.
And finally the 'good ending'. Somehow I found this ending the most terrifying of them all. On the surface there is the actions themselves. Spike, a serial murderer coming out nearly unscathed - with approval of their leader AND the elements of harmony. It makes me wonder about the implications, though. The depths to which this ending sink. It shows the rotten core of the empire, the weakness that plagues it. Compassion at best or a hush-hush community. Compassion of course isn't bad but letting crimes unpunished (without even a minor thing like 'extra chores' destroys everything. I admit, not remembering for what you were punished for is a big 'joker' against this little thing, but letting something as serious as murder go unpunished? And now the 'hush-hush-community' - this relates more to Celestia than anyone else. There are some problems in the kingdom and she is unhappy with the culprit being one? Find a 'suitable replacement' and send the real problem-stirrer get away. There is a possibility for a giant war if you disclose the truth about some murders? Just find some unwilling colt or mare and let them atone for the sins they never commited themselves. Frankly it is a frightening concept...'ruler of Equestria' indeed.
2226533 Same argument I made with others; Celestia would not let the Death Note stay in existence and if she destroys it, Spike forgets all his memories of the Death Note. He'd basically wake up in prison, not knowing why he's in there. If Celestia allowed him to serve a sentence before destroying the Death Note, he'd exit and wonder why the world has changed and why he vanished as well as wonder why everybody fears him (since his disappearance had to be explained). The only safe way is to have the notebook destroyed, or have him die like Light Yagami, which wasn't what I wanted.
1419631 the whole point was she was trying her hardest to not feel too broken up for the sake of doing the job. If she let her motherly instinct come in, we'd have a repeat of the canon ending, or Twilight VS. Rarity would occur. Twilight was simply succumbing to the "you died long ago" syndrome, unable to see Spike in a positive light since he practically admitted to his crimes. This was just a more negative ending.
There was also no reference to Light's death. I had Light Yagami on my mind for chapter one... then never thought of him again. o_o
After reading the three endings I must say, colour me impressed. I could visualize all three (to varying degrees) as the proper ending to this story.
The one with Spike killing himself was probably the closest how it would happen in the world if the rule about the forgetting part wasn't there. It makes me wonder - maybe this was a 'prank' from Dischord? Him, only wanting misery and chaos (and fun for himself), leaving that book to lie around. Some pony picks it up and the cycle of death begins...
The second 'death'-ending, the one where he was attacked...I DO need to say that Spike was a bit too nice for that. Pinkie was pitying him, everyone wanted him safe...you don't make a complete 180 in just a few hours with that. Although I CAN understand Raritys actions - she was the most hurt and if every death was weighing her down and suddenly she founds a release for all that pain...well, shit happens, as I've read. I'd let the dragon die then and there, surrounded by everyone in this case. Twiligths action...well, as you've said in a comment two chapters ago her actions simply didn't speak of 'mother' for me. If Spike hurt her directly with some of his actions I could understand it more but so? Not so much.
And finally the 'good ending'. Somehow I found this ending the most terrifying of them all. On the surface there is the actions themselves. Spike, a serial murderer coming out nearly unscathed - with approval of their leader AND the elements of harmony. It makes me wonder about the implications, though. The depths to which this ending sink. It shows the rotten core of the empire, the weakness that plagues it. Compassion at best or a hush-hush community. Compassion of course isn't bad but letting crimes unpunished (without even a minor thing like 'extra chores' destroys everything. I admit, not remembering for what you were punished for is a big 'joker' against this little thing, but letting something as serious as murder go unpunished?
And now the 'hush-hush-community' - this relates more to Celestia than anyone else. There are some problems in the kingdom and she is unhappy with the culprit being one? Find a 'suitable replacement' and send the real problem-stirrer get away. There is a possibility for a giant war if you disclose the truth about some murders? Just find some unwilling colt or mare and let them atone for the sins they never commited themselves. Frankly it is a frightening concept...'ruler of Equestria' indeed.
A final resumée of your story: She was totally brilliant! I could just imagine the little dragon slipping from sanity in my mind...and every chapter and every death brought him closer to it. It was beautifully written too. So what if there is a manga in which something like it happened? Or something close to it? Even if it was inspiration, every story has to be written and you did your job simply marvellously. (Or is that most marvellous? I sometimes have a few problems with the english language myself, I must admit) I especially liked how Spike always tried to stay 'nice' even in the end, when his sanity roded way. He just wanted to be loved by Twilight and Rarity and wanted to protect Rarity. That it would turn out this bad? Well, to us readers it was clear the moment we saw the entire story together with its tags. To Spike it simply was unpredictable. And, even with the knowledge about the death note out, who of us wouldn't use it, if it got in one's grasp? Such an artifact is simply way too powerful for anyone. Even a pony like Fluttershy would succumb to it. Or Pinkie Pie! You don't believe me? Simply look at Spike! He just wanted Rarity to be safe! To be happy! His only 'fault' if you really want to look at it was that he loved Rarity...
Ah well, I guess I'm just rambling at this point...so I guess I will stop. Still, it WAS a wonderful story, even as sad as it turned out.
I loved it, The innocents, the passion, the love. oh how I wish to write like this
2226533 Same argument I made with others; Celestia would not let the Death Note stay in existence and if she destroys it, Spike forgets all his memories of the Death Note. He'd basically wake up in prison, not knowing why he's in there. If Celestia allowed him to serve a sentence before destroying the Death Note, he'd exit and wonder why the world has changed and why he vanished as well as wonder why everybody fears him (since his disappearance had to be explained). The only safe way is to have the notebook destroyed, or have him die like Light Yagami, which wasn't what I wanted.
you sure can write a very believable crossover i shed many tears keep up the good work