The Ghost of Cozy Glow

by SapphireRose87

Chapter Twenty- Two

At this point I didn’t care if it was raining, I didn’t care that there was blood dripping down my hand from where I had punched my mom and sent her to her death. I heard hoof steps running up to me and Dae put out a hand to stop them.

“Dude,” said Rainbow Dash, “what happened? Twilight cut off the transmission before we could see the end of the fight, that was so not cool!”

“Seriously?” Dae snapped. “What do you think happened?”

Dae then pointed to where my mom’s body was.

“Let me ask you this Princess,” said Dae, “ruler to ruler, will she be charged with a crime?”

“Oh no,” said Princess Twilight, “Betty’s mom was a cold blooded killer, she actually killed some people before she got to Betty. She left a special calling card at the murder scene too.”

“How many did she kill?” I said.

“What now?” Princess Twilight said.

“You heard me!” I said. “I believe I said that clear as day! How many!”

Princess Twilight hung her head and sighed. “Since you need to know 20 that we can confirm.”

“Oh…” I said.

“We suspect that she was killing people waiting for a chance to get to Betty,” said Princess Twilight, “we don’t know exactly what she was waiting for. We just know that she killed all those people, as if they were easy prey for her to pick off one by one.”

I had never seen Dae upset before but he was starting to look pissed. Then Pinkie Pie did something that really pushed him over the edge. Somehow Pinkie Pie had taken a drum set out of her mane.

“Well,” said Pinkie Pie, “I guess Betty’s mom was just killing time!”

She then did two short notes on the drum and one bang on the symbol.

“Are you kidding me!” Dae roared. “That fight was not supposed to be broadcasted! In case you didn’t notice that fight was a fight to death! Don’t know all of you would’ve been held accountable if Betty died?”

“Ops,” said Pinkie Pie, “my bad!”

“Your bad,” Dae roared. “Your bad? This isn’t a joke! Mr. Harmony and I were on standby in case Betty needed help! And you, Princess, what kind of ruler are you? You’re not a ruler at all! You’re just some strange Alicorn with a crown on your head! I would think a ruler with more common sense would not have broadcasted it! I think someone needs to knock you up against a wall! I think I’ll just go ahead and do that!”

Princess Twilight started to charge at Dae when he put one finger and trapped her in his magic. He then put his finger into a fist and swung his fist as hard as he could. This knocked Princess Twilight up against one of the pillars of the Castle. Everyone went to the Princesses aid when Dae put out a hand to stop them.

“Not another step!” Dae roared. “Or you’ll be next!”

“Okay,” said Rainbow Dash with a nervous laugh, “backing up now, every pony back up if you want to live!”

I just came to realize that the Castle was shaking so hard at the rath that Dae was putting out.

Mr. Harmony said with a nervous laugh, “Uh, Dae you might want to calm down before the Castle comes down on us.”

“Shut it!” Dae roared. “Or I’ll kill you where you stand!”

Honestly truth be told I wanted to smile and laugh at the site, but I chose not too, at least someone was standing up for me for a change. I was in awe of the fact that Dae went and knocked Princess Twilight up against a pillar knocking her out instantly.

“How dare you do that to the Princess!” Rainbow Dash said. “You apologize for that right now!”

“No he won’t!” Fluttershy said.

“What?” Rainbow Dash said. “Why not Fluttershy?”

“Because he’s a ruler too!” Fluttershy said. “He’s right about everything he said.”

“And he’s the ruler of what now?” Rainbow Dash said.

“He’s the King of Hell.” Fluttershy said in a matter of fact way.

“What?” Rainbow Dash said. “But I thought it was Lucifer the last time I checked.”

“Nope,” said Fluttershy, “Lucifer stepped down 20 years ago and named Dae as his successor.”

“Trust me,” said Dae, “if Betty died here, I would’ve made sure Princess Twilight stepped down from the Throne!”

“And who would’ve been her successor?” Rainbow Dash said.

“Anyone but her,” said Dae, “heck I would’ve named Derpy if I could. She’d probably do a better job anyway!”

Everyone except Dae and I gasped at that comment, I seriously wanted to crack a smile then. But again, I chose not to, I remained right where I was. The Castle however was still shaking from the rage that Dae was putting out.That was when I finally got up and put a hand on his shoulder.

“It’s okay Dae,” I said “You can stop now, you’ve made your point.”

This made Dae settle down a little bit but I could tell he was still pissed off and I don’t blame him. Dae took a deep breath trying to get himself to calm down more, but I don’t think it was helping.

“Come on Betty,” Dae said, “let’s go home, you’ll catch a cold out here in this rain.”

“I’m worried about you to Betty,” said Fluttershy, “we need to go home so you can rest, I’m so very worried about you.”

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash said. “What about the Princess?”

“What about her?” Fluttershy said. “If you ask me she’s no friend of mine if she’s going to behave this way and act like it’s okay, because it’s not!”

“Are you serious right now?” Rainbow Dash. “Twilight is our friend! And you’re the Element of Kindness! The Elements of Harmony won’t work without you!”

“I don’t care!” Fluttershy said. “You‘ll just have to find some pony else for that Element! Equestria can crash and burn for all I care!”

“But-“ Rainbow Dash said.

“Shut up,” said Fluttershy, “or I’ll give you the stare!”

“Okay, okay, fine,” said Rainbow Dash, “is it safe to go help the Princess now?”

Dae waved his hand, “Sure, you can go help that pathetic excuse for a ruler!”

At that without another word everyone that felt loyalty to the Princess rushed to her aid.

* * *

I don’t remember much of what happened next. I went back to being dumbfounded about what just happened between me and my mom. All I remembered, was that somehow I was in my bed in a fetal position with the last words that my mom had said echoing in my mind. It made me ever more angry that my mom had waited until her last breath to say what she said to me. It made me angrier still that it seemed like my mom had died on her own terms. I was trying so hard not to accept that. But the more I thought about it, the more I couldn’t push adside what happened. Then there was also the constant knocking on my bedroom door; it was the ponies that had rushed to Princess Twilight's aid when she was knocked out. I was pretty pissed off about that, because nobody rushed to my aid when I got knocked out by the Princess.

“Sugarcube!” I could hear AppleJack say. “Are you gonna come out anytime soon! We’re really worried about you!”

“We can throw a party for you!” Pinkie Pie said.

“Shut. Up!” I yelled at them.

“Well,” said Pinkie Pie, “at least she doesn’t have any cats…”

“Pinkie Pie!” Rarity said. “This is no time for jokes! This is the. Wrost. Possible.Thing!”

“If you don’t shut up,” I said, “I’m going to find the biggest brick I can find and stone you with it!”

Everyone gasped at that and Dae had a really concerned look on his face.

“Gee,” thought Dae, “angry much?”

“You should talk!” I thought.

The ponies that were outside continued to knock on my door.

“Remember the time we all played the part Mare Do well to teach Rainbow a lesson?” Pinkie Pie said.

“What does that have to do with this?” Rainbow Dash growled.

“I think you need to be taught a lesson again,” said Pinkie Pie, “you weren’t very nice to Betty at all!”

“And you were?” Rainbow Dash said. “You’re the one who made that joke about killing time! Who wasn’t nice to who again!”

“Well,” said Pinkie Pie, “let’s just say the Mare Do Well story had a happy ending, this not so much.”

“Pinkie Pie!” Rarity said. “Honestly, this is no time for jokes, you should be ashamed of yourself! You make jokes at the worst possible time! I think some pony needs to put your brain back in your head, because you don’t seem to have one!”

“I said shut up!” I roared.

At this point Dae sighed and opened up the door, I could tell just by that he was trying so hard not to be upset again.

“Listen guys,” said Dae, “she just wants to be left alone. Don’t you understand that? You’ve been knocking at her door for days now, just her alone and just give her some space, okay?”

I could hear Fluttershy’s voice next, “Would you please leave her alone? Dae’s right you guys have been coming around just about everyday now! That’s nice that you’re trying to make up for what you guys did two weeks ago, but how would you feel if you just lost a parent? You know what that’s like, don't you AppleJack?”

“Yes,” said AppleJack, “Applebloom, Big Mac and I grew up without parents, so I know how that feels. We’re just concerned about her, that’s all.”

“Fluttershy and Applejack shut up will you!” I shouted. “Do you guys not know English of something?”

Everyone then gasped at that probably because they couldn’t believe that I would be mean to Fluttershy who was standing up for me.

“Okay now,” said Dae, “just clear out and leave her alone seriously! She’s not even talking to me right now. And I don’t blame her, since her mom died by her own hand! And what did you guys do? You rushed to that pathetic excuse for a ruler's side! You have no right to be concerned about her, since you didn’t even care! Fluttershy’s right Equestria can crash and burn! I’m begging you guys, seriously just leave her alone!”

“Fine, fine…” AppleJack said. “He is right, you know. Come on guys, leave her alone, it’s okay… Go on, get!”

I could hear Pinkie Pie start to cry as the footsteps we’re leaving my bedroom door. I could also hear Dae give a big sigh of relief. At this time I think he was probably getting a headache from everything, if Demons can get that. I was starting to get a headache myself and it was starting to turn into a migraine.

“And that means you too!” Fluttershy said.

“What?” Discord said. “I wasn’t going to do anything, honest!”

“Just come with me Discord…” Fluttershy said.

* * *

The following week my mom’s body had been collected and prepared for burial.

“The funeral is tomorrow.” Dae said.

“I’m not going,” I said, “besides, I’m the one that killed her.”

“She’s probably going to get the worst possible punishment they can give her in the Afterlife, that should make you feel a little better.” Dae said.

“Not really,” I said, “considering she actually died on her own terms. That wasn’t fair at all. I wonder if everything I said to her was even necessary. I don’t even think it got through to her.”

“Maybe,” said Dae, “maybe not that depends on what you said. What was the las word she uttered again when she died?”

I sighed, “It was my name…”

“And what did you say in response to that?” Dae said.

“Don’t ever say my name again.” I said.

“Well,” said Dae, “I was told that when a human hears the last words that were said to them, it sticks with them for all eternity.”

I rolled over and looked out at the window not wanting to think about anything else.

“Think of it this way,” said Dae, “if your mom had been turned to stone would that’ve set well with you?”

“Actually no,” I said, “I think turning her into stone would’ve been too kind. In my eyes she needed to die.”

“So,” said Dae, “what are you going to do now? Are you going to cry for her? Grieve for her? What exactly are you to do next?”

I sighed, “Honestly, I don’t know…”

* * *

It was almost a month later that I felt that I could come out of my room and face the world. I went out of my room and sat on the couch, staring at nothing. Not long after I had sat down, Discord popped up.

“Hi Discord…” I said refusing to look at him.

“How are you doing Betty?” Discord said.

“About as okay as I could be.” I said.

“Oh I see…” Discord said. “You know I didn’t see you at your mother's funeral.”

“How could I?” I said. “I’m the one that killed her.”

“Yeah,” said Discord, “that’s understandable, just so you know, she did smile for you in the end.”

“And I care about some psycho’s smile because?” I said.

“Well,” said Discord, “she was your mother after all. I think she was trying to send you a message. Let me tell you a story.”

“Grown ups and their stupid story’s!” I said. “I think I’ve had enough stories to last a lifetime!”

“Children and their stupid childish ways!” Discord.

“I think I’m more of a grownup than you are!” I said.

“Ouch,” said Discord, “settle down now, this story won’t take too long, okay?”

“Fine…” I said.

Discord cleared his throat, “Eons ago, let’s say about a thousand years ago, give or take the first pony and human war began. There were a lot of losses on both sides, human and pony. Although the History made it out to be a lot more horrible than it actually was, I know, I was there. Anyway, after that war, I guess the Humans decided to come back and try to finish the job. There was a third pony and human war that the history books don’t talk about and I have no idea why. It wasn’t until the humans decided to make peace with ponies that the Human Treaty Act was signed by both sides. True we lost two great Princesses in those wars but peace finally happened in Equestria. Why do you think there’s different areas where Humans are allowed to live? Anyway, something happened that no one expected to happen. Humans actually started minging with ponies, so in essence, there were no longer purebred humans. Thanks to technology children of parents that were human and pony were born. Unfortunately, not everyone was fond of that happening but as of now, there is no way to prevent that. So that’s how children like you came to be. So that’s all I have to say.”

After Discord had finished his story I heard some pony clear her throat.

“Discord,” said Fluttershy, “a lecture at this time, really?”

“What?” Discord said. “I was just trying to explain history to her, that’s all.”

“Not at this time!” Fluttershy growled. “She doesn’t need that right now! She needs to be protected from people and other entities that try to harm her! That’s why we adopted her two years ago! Honestly Discord! You tend to work a nerve sometimes!”

Fluttershy took a deep breath and calmed down.

“Sorry about that Betty,” said Fluttershy, “I’ll handle him, he is my Husband after all.”

“It’s okay Fluttershy…”. I said.

“Not really…” Fluttershy said. “Discord upstairs right now! I have a feeling this argument is going to take forever.”

I then to contain my laughter as Fluttershy led Discord up the stairs, with Discord handing his head.

* * *

I sat in disbelief at what Discord had just done when Norman came and sat down beside me.

“How are you holding up?” Norman asked.

“I was fine,” I said, “until Discord decided to give me a history lesson.”

Norman laughed, “He seriously did that?”

“Yup!” I said. “Fluttershy’s taking care of him as we speak.”

“Nice…” Norman said.

* * *

Later that night, I could still hear intense arguing coming from upstairs and I just couldn’t contain my laughter.

“Boy,” said Dae, “he’s really getting what’s coming to him. Exactly what happened?”

“You can hear my thoughts right?” I said.

“Yeah so?” Dae said.

I then proceed to relay everything that happened in my mind. Dae couldn’t help but laugh also.

“Yeah,” I thought, “Discord also told me that she had a smile on her face in the face in the end. Honestly, I don’t remember it that way but okay then.”

“Well,” thought Dae, “she did seem sincere about it.”

“Typical,” I thought, “she did die on her own terms after all.”

I stood up and made up my mind about what to do next.

“I think I need to confirm something.” I said.

“What?” Dae said.

I headed out the door and ran towards the Everfree Forest.

* * *

I kept running as fast as I could to the Castle of the Two Sisters, with a smile on my face. I didn’t stop until I got towards the bridge that was leading the Castle. I then paused to catch my breath.

“Could you give a guy a little bit of a warning before you do that?” Dae said he was clearly out of breath more than I was.

“Yeah know,” I said, “I could beat you in a race with two hands tied behind my back. You really need to workout more.”

I stared at the bridge wondering if I should cross. It was because I knew what awaited me on the other side. I started to cross and that’s when Dae put a hand on my shoulder.

“You don’t have to do this you know,” said Dae, “it’s too soon for this don’t yeah think?”

I just nodded at him, “Yes, I think I do need to do this. There’s really something I really need to confirm.”

I started to walk across the bridge and saw where the recent battle with my mother took place. Looking around I saw that the Castle was left in worse shape than it was left in. I walked up the steps and saw the pool of my mother's blood and where it was running down the steps right where her body landed. That’s when I saw it out of the corner of my eye. I picked it up and couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

“I guess this is my mom’s calling card.” I said.

On the card was Princess Twilight's cutie mark. On the card was written, “Mom kills Betty” on it and on the bottom left corner was a bloody fingerprint.

“I don’t believe it,” said Dae, “I guess she was trying to kill you. Although I wonder, she did say she was happy to die by your hand. I guess she could’ve been a great actress if she wanted to be. I wonder what made her come with that for a calling card? I’m surprised she didn’t have Flutteshy’s cutie mark on it instead?”

“Beats me,” I said, “I have no idea what that snake was thinking in the end.”

“I guess that’s what you can call her now,” said Dae, “she did act like a snake after all. This should be a fight that goes down in history. I tend to favor history books, that’s my favorite subject.”

“I guess,” I said, “you like books a lot too?”

“Yeah,” said Dae, “they do have libraries in Hell believe it or not. Sometimes I go there to escape the hectic life of being a King. And to hide from certain people and ponies. I know, silly right?”

“Not really,” I said, “if a Princess has a love of books, so can a King. I’m just surprised you didn’t go for the Princess and not me.”

Dave gave a nervous laugh, “Princess Twilights not my type.”

“Remember when I said I needed to confirm some things?” I said.

“Yeah,” said Dae, “I couldn’t really hear your thoughts well on that one.”

“Well,” I said, “I now know what I needed to know. And you know what?”

“What?” Dae said.

“I know, I’ll never grieve for her,” I said, “I’ll never shed a tear for her and I’ll never call her my mother again! I told her not to say my name anymore and I meant it. I will take that to my grave, happily.”

I wanted to laugh at that comment and this time I got the last laugh.

* * *

The next day I was in the kitchen talking to Fluttershy about nothing in particular, I heard thundering footsteps come running up to the cottage. There was no mistaking it, that was Spike. Fluttershy then opened the door before he could even knock. I couldn’t help but laugh because it was one of the few times that I’d seen Spike out of breath.

“Hasn’t anybody heard of the word exercise!” I said. I was trying so hard not to laugh. I couldn’t help it, I laughed so hard, it brought tears to my eyes.

“I have… A message… For you…” Spike said in between each breath.

“What is it?” I said.

“Princess Twilight wants you to come to Castle asap!” Spike said.

I rolled my eyes, “I hope this isn’t about more time off, or another excuse to knock me up against the wall again.”

“I don’t know,” said Spike, “but she seemed pretty excited about it! You need to get going!”

“Oh for the love of-“ I said

I then took a deep breath, as if Princess Twilight hadn’t gotten on my bad side enough already.

“Okay fine,” I said, “I’m going…”

Before Spike could say another word, I was up in the air and flying towards the Castle..

“She’s growing up so fast,” laughed Fluttershy, “isn’t she Spike?”

“A little too fast if you ask me,” said Spike, “I gotta go back to the Castle, see you there!”

* * *

When I got to the Castle I started to walk up to the Throne room. I hesitated at first, not sure if I wanted to enter.

“Oh boy,” I said, “this isn’t going to be what I think it is?”

When I finally entered the Throne room, a chorus of the word “Surprise!” Took me by surprise, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Still dumbfounded by what I saw, Pinkie Pie took the opportunity to shower me with balloons and confetti.

“This is the biggest party I’ve ever thrown you!” Pinkie Pie said. “I’m so proud!”

It was as if on cue, at least five party cannons went off all at once.

“Pinkie Pie honestly!” I said. “You can’t be serious right now!”

At that comment everyone was doubled over laughing. I was about to wring Pinkie Pies neck when Princess Twilight cleared her throat.

“We have quite a few things to celebrate,” said Princess Twilight, “so first things first!”

I watched in horror as Princess Twilight pulled out a huge chalkboard and a piece of chalk as she was about to lecture like she was lecturing a class at The School of Friendship. She then proceeded to write on the chalkboard the title and it said, “Reasons to celebrate Betty!”

“First of all,” said Princess Twilight, putting a bulletin on the first point, “you took down the biggest serial killer in Equestria! That just so happened to be your mom, (sorry about that.) The second one is, it’s your birthday today! You turn 22 right on the dot. The third one is I want to give you two things that are my birthday presents to you. That’s because you deserve them!”

Princess Twilight then handed to small boxes one of them a pin on it and looked much like the medal that I got from her and Celestia a year earlier. I stared at it dumbfounded at what I was seeing.

“Go ahead,” said Princess Twilight, “put it on! You deserve it!”

I then put the pin on and then looked at the other box. In it was a blank coin that looked just like the bits that we use to pay for things.

“Awe,” said Pinkie Pie, “she’s so excited she can’t even speak!”

“Huh?” I said, not sure of what to do next.

I looked at Princess Twilight and her wings were fluttering in excitement. I put the coin in my hand and what happened next was there was a light that surrounded me. I tried to drop the coin but. My fist would not open, the light from the coin got brighter. I then felt like I was being lifted off the ground.