Twilight frowned as she watched what was left of her old body begin to take light, the magical flames she had conjured consuming the bones of her former incarnation. The small ritual room where the former Twilight had died have been turned into a sort of twisted funeral parlour. One that contained only Twilight herself, and Spike, who stood there sobbing softly as he watched the flames grow higher.

The bright green illumination was the only source of light in the room, casting the two creatures in a strange, unnatural light. Despite the morbid scene, that wasn't what bothered Twilight though, nor was it the fact that she was burning her former self’s bones. No, it was the emotions swirling within her in regard to Spike that made her so confused and ill at ease.

She desperately wanted to hold him, to cry with him, and to tell him it was all going to be okay. But she was just his friend, a relatively new one at that, which meant doing something so intimate was not something she was comfortable with at this time. Furthermore, she didn't wish to take away from the moment Spike was having, and so just stood there awkwardly as the dragon quietly sobbed.

With nothing else to do, Twilight inspected the urn Spike had chosen to carry her former incarnation’s ashes, noting that it was a bright magenta egg. Twilight was struck by just how small the urn was, and how much mass the bones had, and she wondered if the container would be big enough. She knew better though, and brushed aside those thoughts, dismissing them as little more than the panicked contemplations of someone who felt incredibly awkward.

Sighing to herself, Twilight simply stood there and watched as the bones burnt down to little more than a tiny pile of ash. After that it didn't take long for the flames to die, and the ashes to cool, signalling the end of their impromptu ceremony. Looking down at Spike, Twilight couldn't help but feel an alien sense of pride as he continued to stand straight even as tears streaked down his face.

“Would you like to say a few words, Spike?” Twilight offered.

The dragon shook his head. “No, I’ll save them for when we can spread her ashes at the graveyard,” he replied hastily.

Twilight nodded, and she delicately poured the ashes into the egg shaped urn before sealing it with the other half, twisting it shut. “Would you like to bear her? Or should I?” Twilight whispered, eying the dragon closely.

“I… I’ll do it,” Spike replied after a brief pause, extending a hand. “Someone who knew her should do it.”

Though Twilight wanted to disagree with him, as the undead mare had quite a few of her former incarnation’s memories, she chose to ignore that urge, and simply gave him the urn. “She would want you to do it,” Twilight added with a wane smile.

“Y-yeah,” Spike muttered, the dragon appearing physically weighed down by the relatively light object. His shoulders slumped, he carried the small urn in both hands, his gaze turned down towards the small object.

The urn glowed briefly before the former Twilight’s cutie mark appeared upon it, making Twilight sigh with relief, the mare worried that the urn was defective in some manner. The appearance of the mark made a fresh surge of tears come to Spike’s eyes and this time Twilight could not resist embracing him. A single hoof wrapped around his shoulder and pulled him close, pressing him against the mare’s warm body and holding him there.

The dragon resisted for a moment before sighing deeply and hugging the unicorn back. “Thank you. For cremating her and bringing me here. I know it’s still dangerous, and I appreciate you figuring out how to get me here safely.”

Twilight smiled. “It was my pleasure, Spike. I just needed a few days to make sure we could do this safely. I couldn't bring myself to put you in danger, even for this.”

“Still. Thank you,” Spike added, before gently patting the mare’s shoulder.

Twilight took the hint and took a step back. “Are you ready to get back to Ponyville? If not I can wait outside for a moment. I need to talk to my assistants anyway.”

“That would be nice,” Spike muttered, looking down at the urn. “I didn't even have the chance to say goodbye.”

“Take your time. I’ll be right outside if you need me,” Twilight added, before turning and walking away.

A button press later and the stone door lifted, leaving behind the now barren and almost completely empty room. Her hoof lingered on the button which would close the door to the room and leave the dragon alone in the darkness. One part of her wanted desperately to keep holding him, but the rest of her knew he needed time to himself.

So it was with great reluctance that she pressed the button, and left the dragon alone in the dark room his mother had died in. The grim thought made Twilight contemplate how wise a move it truly was. The unicorn was silently thankful that a dragon’s night vision was as good as her own, and that she had time to clean the bottom floor of corpses and signs of battle.

Which in truth had been the only reason why she had told Spike it would take time to set this up, as the nightmare could have simply teleported them here the same day Spike had been unpetrified. That had been out of the question though, as Twilight refused to subject the young dragon to the horror that would have come to witnessing such a grotesque scene.

This was bad enough as is.

Shaking her head, Twilight looked around the room, noting the great pile of garbage in one corner, and the otherwise barren room. The broken desks, shattered glass, and skeletons were gone, leaving behind only a pile of detritus which had yet to be cleaned, and a small collection of undamaged objects that placed carefully nearby. That last pile was growing slowly over time as the nightmare made its way through the tower and collected anything worth salvaging.

Which so far wasn't much and made Twilight want to cry given just how much knowledge had been lost. That was without thinking about the numerous artifacts and other objects of power which had been destroyed or stolen, or the lives lost. Still, it was a visual reminder that despite the damage, the tower was being returned to its former glory. Slow though the process was it was nice to see that something good could be salvaged from all that destruction.

Looking around, Twilight realized that she was alone, and neither of her skeletal assistants were nearby. Touching her necklace, Twilight pushed a little magic into it and used that power to urge the nightmare to return to her. Pulling back, Twilight waited for the return of the shade, something that didn't take long, as a shadow near the door lengthened until it broke off, and crossed the room.

Standing a little straighter, Twilight watched as the nightmare rose up from the ground, growing until it was the size of a full grown alicorn once more. The unicorn was about to say something when the black alicorn-shaped shadow grinned and raised its head proudly.

“Well, I was going to ask how you and the spider clan were doing, but I assume from the look on your face that it's going well,” Twilight inferred.

The alicorn nodded and clopped a hoof against the ground twice.

“That’s how many golems are left?” Twilight asked.

Again, the shade nodded.

“That's good. And the process of entombing them has worked out well?” Twilight pressed.

The shade grinned.

Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. “That is wonderful news. And what about the rebuilding of the tower itself? It isn't about to collapse on us, is it?”

The dark alicorn raised a wing and wiggled it with her face drawn and unsure.

“About a fifty fifty then, eh?” Twilight guessed.

The shade nodded sadly.

“Hmmm, well the tower hasn't collapsed yet, so as long as we avoid the more damaged sections we should be fine,” Twilight muttered half to herself. “With the golems dealt with, Trixie should be able to assist us in cleaning out the various layers. I could also contact someone in town and see if they could help…”

The shade prodded Twilight’s shoulder and pointed to its mouth where she mouthed the words night and guard and then turned her head in a questioning manner.

“They could help…” concluded Twilight. “There are still artifacts that need to be recovered, and dangerous magic to be contained.” The unicorn pursed her lips. “They would also be able to get me in touch with a stone mason, and other creatures who we will need the help of.”

The shade nodded eagerly, energized by all this change after a thousand years of relative boredom.

Twilight smirked and prodded the dark alicorn’s chest. “You aren't spending all your time pranking Nebula, are you?”

The shade blinked in shock before looking away and rubbing a foreleg awkwardly, making Twilight chuckle.

“Luna must have really loved that spider,” Twilight reasoned. “I wonder what they were to one another? Pet and owner? Friends? Maybe one day I will be able to ask her…”

The shade’s features fell and it looked down at the ground, slightly dejected.

“Oh, I’m sorry, that was rude of me,” Twilight muttered before grabbing one of the nightmare’s forelegs. “I will bring her back. I swear it.”

The nightmare nodded slowly.

The unicorn took a step back and sighed. “Right then. Focus on the lowest levels first, and stick to recovering any dangerous artifacts and clearing any hazards. Don't bother with the garbage, or any structural damage as Beaker can handle the garbage and hopefully Dark Hallow can take care of the structural issues once I get his help.”

The nightmare nodded again, this time more confidently.

“Speaking of which, where are those two helpers of mine right now?” Twilight asked while looking around.

The shade extended a wing and pointed towards the closed doors that lead out into the undertower proper.

“Isn't that nice of them,” Twilight muttered. “Make sure you relay my thanks, and my orders after you return us to the library. Perhaps one day I can even bring them back to Ponyville, and try to give them a life of their own. They deserve it after all they were put through.”

The shade smiled a little wider and clopped her hoof proudly.

“They've waited a thousand years already. I hope they don't mind waiting a little longer while I figure this out,” Twilight exclaimed, while nibbling her hoof nervously. “This whole necromancy thing is harder than any other school of magic I’ve studied before.”

The nightmare leaned forward, grabbing Twilight’s attention and shaking its head, dismissing the worry building in Twilight’s chest.

“You really think so?” Twilight asked hesitantly.

The nightmare nodded confidently.

The unicorn sighed once more, her shoulders falling slack. “That makes me feel better. Maybe one day I can even give them back a body of some kind.”

Smiling, the nightmare turned suddenly, looking over Twilight’s shoulder towards the ritual room that had served as a funeral parlour.

Following the nightmare’s gaze, Twilight glanced over her shoulder to where she saw Spike standing awkwardly, the urn held in his hands and his eyes puffy and red. Twilight’s hooves moved before she even realized it, the pony swiftly trotting up to the young dragon. “Are you okay?” she asked without thinking.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Spike muttered. “Let's just go to the cemetery. If you’ve found it, that is.”

Twilight nodded. “Applejack mentioned that it was attached to the farm somehow and that she would help us access it.”

“That’s…” Spike trailed off and shook his head. “Nevermind. Let's just go.”

Twilight frowned, but reluctantly turned to the nightmare. “Please, take us back to the teleport array.”

The dark alicorn nodded before growing rapidly, wrapping both creatures in its midnight embrace.

For a moment both dragon and pony felt weightless, then light and gravity returned, and they found themselves in the teleporter room once more. Stepping back and recoiling from the pair, the nightmare extended a wing, and bowed slightly, waiting for the next order.

“You may go,” Twilight commanded. “You have your orders.”

The shade’s form fell away, the shadow it left behind slipping out the door and vanishing completely.

Spike shivered. “I can't believe that thing is or was a part of Luna.”

“Magic is a strange thing,” Twilight muttered, her gaze lingering on the door for a few moments before she turned back to the teleporter proper and took her usual position. “Ready?”

Spike gulped and nodded. “About as much as I can be anyway.”

“You’ll get used to it,” Twilight replied dismissively.

“That's what she said too,” Spike replied with a grumpy snort.

Twilight stifled a giggle and lit her horn, the unicorn going through the usual motions before casting the now familiar spell. Once more there was a feeling of brief weightlessness and darkness before they returned to reality, appearing on the opposite platform in the basement of the library. Immediately Spike began to stumble forward, one hand going to his stomach while the other went to his head.

“Augh, I hate that thing so much,” he muttered, before clamping a hand over his mouth.

Twilight just laughed. “Really? I didn't notice anything. Maybe your belly is still part rock.”

The dragon shot her a glare, though Twilight could tell that he was resisting the urge to laugh at the same time.

“Oh, and Spike,” Twilight began, nervousness beginning to creep up her spine, “I was meaning to ask if you would…” The unicorn paused and took a deep breath before looking up at the dragon. “If you would like company putting Twilight to rest. If not, I can bring you to the farm and wait for you there.”

Spike frowned and bit his lip, looking down at the egg and thinking about it for a moment before nodding slowly. “I suppose a little company wouldn't be bad. Thank you, Dusk.”

Twilight smiled. “It is my pleasure, Spike. Now, do you need to grab a snack or something before we go?”

The dragon snorted. “No, and no, I do not need to use the bathroom.”

“Good, ‘cause I’m fairly certain they only have an outhouse at Applejack’s,” Twilight replied with a shudder.

Spike paused just as the pair began to walk towards the exit of the basement. “Maybe I should go again, just in case.”

Twilight snickered as she opened the door to the basement. “And I’ll make sure to grab a few gems and a glass of water for you when you are out.”

“T-thanks,” Spike muttered before hastily scampering out the door and up the stairs, followed closely by Twilight.

Who contemplated the strange urge to mother the young dragon and in the end, decided to roll with it, for now anyway. He deserved it after all he went through.

“And here we are, Sweet Apple Acres,” Twilight declared, sweeping a hoof over the twisted lines of malformed trees.

“Haha, very funny. Now where are we actually?” Spike replied, crossing his forearms over his chest.

Twilight sighed. “This really is it, I’m afraid.”

“Really?” Spike muttered while inspecting the nearest tree which seemed to be only half alive, the other half bearing rotten apples that still clung to its branches. “That's… sad.”

Twilight stiffened and turned to her left, only to sigh. “Oh it's just you, Big Mac,” she muttered, smiling gently. “I was supposed to meet Applejack here by now.”

Spike turned towards where Twilight was looking and shrieked in surprise before clamping himself tightly around the unicorn’s foreleg. “W-w-w-what is that?!” he shouted, pointing to where the partially wooden, wolflike stallion stood.

He snorted and stood tall, his woody, bark covered skin bending and creaking as he moved. The enormous stallion towered over the duo, his solid green eye glowing brightly as he inspected them both.

“That’s Big Macintosh and he is a very nice stallion,” Twilight explained while grinning down at the drake.

Who only now realized what he had done in his haste and quickly backed up, releasing the hold he had on Twilight’s foreleg. “I knew that,” he proclaimed nervously.

“Eeyup,” muttered the stallion with all the sarcasm he could muster in a single word before turning and walking away, stopping after a few feet and turning back to the pair.

“Come on, Spike. I’m sure Big Macintosh will help us find Applejack,” Twilight exclaimed.

The young dragon gulped, and continued to walk behind the unicorn, unconsciously putting the mare between himself and the enormous timberpony. Together they silently trod through the rows of trees, taking turns seemingly at random, until Spike was sure the stallion was leading them astray. He was about to pipe up and mention this growing distrust when they suddenly emerged into a clearing and a house appeared.

Before them, the canopy parted, allowing the rays of moonlight to illuminate a farmhouse so old and so much like a tree that it looked like it first sprouted out of the ground a millennia ago. Off to their left Spike could see a barn, a shed, and all the usual things one might expect to see on a farm but that wasn't what grabbed his attention. The three story tall house held Spike’s gaze and kept him fixated on its strange exterior.

“It's still here,” he muttered.

Twilight stopped and turned to him. “What's still here?”

“The house,” Spike replied, pointing to the building before them. “That house is over a thousand years old. How is it still standing?”

“Is it really a thousand years old?” asked a female voice from Spike’s right, making the young dragon shriek and leap to his left.

Apple Bloom blinked and looked around. “Was it something I said?”

Twilight chuckled and gently pulled Spike off of her foreleg. “He's just a little jumpy. It's a long story, but suffice it to say he’s not from around here in the spacetime sense.”

The filly cocked her head. “You have a strange way of saying stuff.”

Spike gulped and awkwardly extended a hand. “I’m Spike. I spent the last thousand years in stone, but I used to live here. In Ponyville I mean.”

“Really now?” Apple Bloom replied in disbelief, the filly shaking his hand with her hoof. “How did you do your business if you were in stone?”

“I didn't,” Spike replied awkwardly, pulling back his hand. “It was like one moment I was there, the next second I was here.”

Big Mac raised an inquisitive eyebrow. “Eeyup?”

Spike gulped again and nodded. “Y-yeah. I used to come to the orchard all the time, back when Apple Turnover lived here.”

“Really now?” Applejack suddenly asked, the pony appearing behind Spike and making him jump yet again.

“By the stars, stop doing that,” Spike exclaimed, one hand pressed against his chest as he tried to slow his pounding heart.

“Sorry about that. Us Apples can be mighty sneaky don't cha know,” Applejack replied flippantly.

“Well I do now,” Spike replied while shaking his head. “Apple Turnover was about as sneaky as an angry bull and about twice as stubborn.”

Applejack chuckled. “So the stories are true then.”

“Don't tell Granny you know all this. She’d spent all day asking ya questions,” Apple Bloom added.

Big Macintosh chuckled. “Eeyup.”

“I don't suppose you have a minute to guide us to the old graveyard by chance, do you?” Twilight interrupted, pointing towards the urn Spike still held in his grasp. “We were hoping to get something important done.”

Applejack nodded. “Right, let’s not keep her waiting then.” She turned to her family. “I’ll be back in a bit. You lot better keep Granny occupied. I don't want her bothering the guests again, ‘specially considerin’ why they are here.”

“Eeyup,” exclaimed Big Mac, who gently pushed his youngest sister towards the farm house.

“Daww, but I wanna hang out with the dragon more,” she whined.

“Right, let's go then. This way,” Applejack declared, before turning towards the barn.

Twilight smiled and trotted after the farm pony only to stop after a few feet when she noticed that Spike wasn't following her. “Spike?”

The dragon was rooted in one spot, looking up at the farm house, his attention fixated on something, or someone, standing on the steps. Twilight followed his gaze, and sighed when she realized what it was he was looking at.

“Come on, Spike. That's just Granny Smith,” Twilight explained, gently tugging along the dragon.

“What's wrong with her? I know Applejack and the others have something wrong with them but not like… that,” whispered Spike as he slowly walked away, looking over his shoulder the whole way.

The older pony merely stood there, the space where her eyes should be fixated on the duo as they walked away. The large tree on her back shook gently in the wind, and her root and bark covered body was illuminated perfectly by a shaft of moonlight.

“They are just… different,” Twilight explained gently. “They are supposed to look like Applejack, but Big Mac has a little too much of the forest in him. Or at least that's what I was told.”

“Does it hurt?” Spike asked hesitantly.

The unicorn shook her head. “I asked Applejack one time and she said it didn't hurt at all.”

Spike finally turned his head and faced forward, the young dragon and his unicorn companion meeting back up with Applejack at the back of the barn.

“You two done lollygaggin’?” she asked.

“Granny was giving us the equivalent of the stink eye,” explained Twilight.

Applejack sighed. “At least she ain't shoutin’ about the darkness this time. Well, we better hurry up, we’re burning moonlight.”

“We’re right behind you, Applejack,” declared Twilight.

Spike leaned in close and whispered to the unicorn, “You are going to help fix them, right?”

Twilight nodded her head discreetly. “When the time comes. I’m going to try.”

“Good,” exclaimed Spike. “Because this isn't right.”

“I agree,” Twilight whispered back.

“So. You are finally out of the library,” Applejack announced suddenly, the mare appearing next to Spike. “Sorry to see it's not fer the best of reasons.”

“Y-yeah,” Spike muttered, looking down at the urn in his hands.

“Does this mean we’ll be seeing more of ya now?” Applejack continued. “Because I gotta say, there are plenty of folk who are interested in talkin to ya. Myself being one of them.”

“Really? Why though?” Spike replied.

“You were around a thousand years ago. Back when all of this was plains and whatnot,” Applejack began, waving a hoof before them. “I can't speak for everyone, but I’m intrigued to hear what it was like afore the forest moved in.”

“And it's definitely not just because he knew your ancestors,” Twilight interjected with a smirk.

“Well, that too,” Applejack reluctantly admitted, a small blush crossing her face.

Spike hummed thoughtfully, his gaze lingering over the rows of twisted and strange trees, though he saw not the dense foliage before him. Rather, he did not see the present at all, but instead beheld the distant past, and the slight hill that rose just next to the Apple family farm. On it rested the small, private cemetery that a few families had reserved plots on, including a plot gifted to Twilight Sparkle by Apple Turnover herself, who proclaimed the unicorn was officially family in that moment of generosity.

“So, does it look like how you remember it?” Applejack asked suddenly, startling Spike out of his contemplation.

The dragon blinked and looked around, noticing that the graveyard was as overgrown as everywhere else outside of Ponyville proper was. Though even still, there was an odd respect that Spike could see, starting with how the mushrooms grew only at the edges of the graveyard to the way the branches of most trees did not extend over the short iron fence, as if making sure the dead were not robbed of the moonlight.

The next thing Spike noticed was that every plot had been taken, even the one Twilight had been promised by Apple Turnover. “That’s… unfortunate,” muttered Spike who trotted over to the spot he knew it was supposed to be.

“What's that?” asked Applejack.

“Twilight was gifted a plot by…” Spike’s words fell away as he gazed down at the headstone that stood where his Twilight’s would have been.

Twilight Twinkle.
Named after her aunt, to carry on her spirit.
3-16

“What does that bottom line mean?” asked Spike, who turned to Applejack.

The apple farmer sighed. “That's Twilight Twinkle. She was one of the first to be born with… this.” Applejack gave her back a wiggle, making the tree on it shake. “She died on her thirteenth birthday. After the night mistress fell, a new age began, thus the odd dates.”

“That’s terrible,” muttered Twilight, who only then noticed a familiar name on the mold covered headstone that stood next to the first one. “Is that…”

She hesitated for a second, before gently brushing aside the small amount of moss that had dared to grow on it, fully revealing the name.

Apple Turnover
Inventor, mother, daughter, Element of Harmony.
Follow your own path.
3196-16

Applejack looked from the dragon, who had tears building at the corners of his eyes, and Twilight who seemed confused and saddened in equal measure. Applejack opened her mouth to speak only to think better of it and silently excuse herself, trotting over to the entrance of the graveyard and turning her back on the pair.

“She was named after Twilight,” Spike whispered. “The old Twilight.”

Twilight shook her head and looked over to Spike, who now had tears flowing down his face. “What?”

The dragon pointed to the headstone. “The old you was given a plot here. She wanted to be buried next to her adopted family, but…”

Twilight wrapped a hoof around the young drake’s shoulder and squeezed. “I think she would want you to spread her ashes here.”

“Y-yeah,” Spike muttered as he lifted the urn, only to be stopped short when he was about to open it.

“Shouldn't you say a few words first?” Twilight interjected.

Spike nodded. “You are right. Thanks, Dusk.”

The dragon placed a hand on his chest and breathed deeply before looking down at the urn. “You were the best person I ever met. Kind, loyal, generous… in some ways it felt like you were more than just the Element of Magic, but were all of the elements at the same time,” he muttered, growing bolder the longer he spoke. “Though you had no family of your own, you took me in the moment you heard my egg had been abandoned.”

He smiled faintly as he rolled the urn around in his hands so he may look upon the cutie mark emblazoned on one side. “They said you couldn't do it, that no one except another dragon could hatch a dragon’s egg, yet here I stand. Proof that above all of your other great qualities, you were more stubborn than kind, and even more bull-headed than you were generous.”

Spike laughed bitterly as tears streaked down his face. “You were never so stubborn as to become mean, or rude, just enough to never let something get in the way of what you thought was right. Only fifteen and recently lost your entire family? Demonstrate your magical skill to the royal sisters and demand one of them take you on as a student. Find a dragon egg that everyone, even the alicorn sisters told you couldn't be hatched? Hatch it anyway.”

He sniffed, wiping away his tears and looking down at the plot before him. “Even death itself couldn't stand in your way, at least not for long. You never gave up, never accepted second best, and in the end gave everything you had to try and right one of the few regrets you had.”

Sighing, Spike twisted open the urn. “You were everything I ever wanted to be and though I know you didn't believe in the fields of the everafter or elysium or whatever. I hope you are there, and can finally rest.”

Twilight sniffed hard, the unicorn barely able to restrain her urge to squeeze the dragon tightly, and never let him go.

Spike himself sighed one final time before pouring the ashes out over the grave of a pony whom had taken his mother’s name and had shouldered her legacy. As if waiting for this exact moment, the wind picked up and gently blew over the graveyard, carrying away the ashes and leaving behind only stillness.

Unable to take it anymore, Twilight pulled Spike into a hug, the unicorn crying her eyes out as Spike stood there awkwardly, embracing his mother’s reincarnation as his thoughts remained on the first pony to bear her name. Reluctantly, he wrapped his arms around this newest pony, hardly noticing that he was crying as well before he felt the tears slide down his face. For a long time they remained there, shedding their sorrow and embracing one another like a pair of shipwrecked survivors clinging to the last piece of flotsam.

Then the unicorn pulled back, sniffed, and tried to wipe away her tears as best as she could. “Spike. Do you… could you tell me about her?” she asked hesitantly.

Spike smiled faintly. “I’d like that.”

Twilight sighed and gently wiped away the dragon's tears with a hoof. “Thank you. I know it would be hard to talk about her so soon, but I just feel like I need to know more about her.”

“It’s okay. It would be kind of nice to talk about her. That way someone else can help me remember her,” Spike replied. “Do you want to say something to Apple Turnover before we leave?”

Twilight shook her head and glanced sadly at the gravesite. “No. No matter how many memories I have of her, she wasn't my friend and I didn't truly know her. I only hope that one day I might be able to meet her and change all that.”

“You would have been great friends. I just know it,” Spike declared confidently.

“Thanks, Spike.” Twilight sighed. “I suppose we should get moving soon. Are you going to keep the urn?”

The dragon shook his head and leaned down, nestling the urn between Apple Turnover and Twilight Twinkle’s grave sites. “She would want to stay here, with her family.”

“You were her family too, you know,” Twilight softly reminded him.

Spike nodded. “I know, but I can come visit anytime I like. It would be selfish to keep her all to myself.”

“Come on. I think we should let them catch up,” Twilight added with a smile.

The dragon chuckled. “True. Twilight and Turnover were really bad for that. Whenever they met in public they just had to spend an hour chatting, no matter where we were. It made shopping with her really boring.”

Twilight laughed as well and gently touched his shoulder. “Well, we better get moving then, wouldn't want to get roped into the conversation, now would we?”

Spike wiped away the last of his tears and turned from the gravesite. “Y-yeah. Say, do they still have an ice cream place around here?”

Twilight smirked. “I think there was a place near the market that sold ice cream.”

“Could we stop there after you give me the tour?” Spike asked hesitantly.

Twilight laughed. “I should be asking you for permission. You are over a thousand years old, you know.”

The dragon blinked in shock, only to grin. “In that case we will be stopping there after you take me for the tour.”

“Yes, sir,” Twilight exclaimed, giving the drake a quick salute before the pair shared a laugh and trotted towards the exit.

“I’m glad y'all are looking better,” Applejack added, stepping out from the shade of a nearby tree.

“It was nice,” Spike replied hesitantly. “I’m glad we could put her to rest.”

Applejack smiled. “And don't you worry about her none. Something tells me she's going to be right at home here.”

“Thanks, Applejack,” Twilight added.

The farm pony shook her head. “Don't thank me. I didn't do nothing.”

“Still, thanks for the guidance at least,” Spike exclaimed.

“Aww shucks. You woulda found your way here right quick with or without me,” Applejack replied cryptically, only to turn. “Now come on, we better skedaddle. I got chores to do.”

“Right.”

Behind them, the urn rested comfortably between the two plain and unadorned stone grave markers. Wind occasionally rustled the grass, and the leaves on the branches above, heralding the return of winter, though even then, the wind remained relatively calm, and respectful of the quiet place. The few creatures that called the graveyard home avoided the graves themselves, scampering around each plot.

In the distance a bird sang a somber, slow song, one joined by several other avians of various species. As if called by the song, a strange wind began to blow from the north, twisting this way and that as it made its way into the graveyard. The breeze slowed and fell low to the ground, winding around the many graves, as if seeking one out in particular.

Only when it reached the land’s newest inhabitant did it slow, curling itself around the urn and blowing away any dust or dirt which had dared to touch it. As it did so, the gust grew more powerful, its whispering howl calling forth with a primal power, one answered by the forest itself.

Roots emerged from the ground and wrapped around the base of the urn just high enough to get a firm grip on the small object without cracking or otherwise besmirching it. With that done, the ground shifted and heaved as more and more roots emerged from the ground, raising the urn up into the air. Until the cutie mark emblazoned upon it was raised to a height of Apple Turnover and Twilight Twinkle’s names were before finally stopping.

Earth trembled, and slowly settled back down, the ground becoming even and leveled once more. The roots meanwhile continued to shift and move until they resembled a small column constructed completely from wood. Above the graveyard, trees shifted and leaned, as if inspecting their handiwork, and ensuring it was perfect.

Only when the gust suddenly emerged again, and ascended up into the heavens, did the trees lean back into their normal place, safe in the knowledge that their jobs were done.

And then with the gust gone, and the newest resident raised to a place of respect, the grave became calm and serene once more. Only the distant song could be heard, and not a single cloud filled the dark, moonlit sky.

“Here we are,” Applejack proclaimed as they stepped out of the denser woods and into town. “Ponyville proper.”

“Thanks again, Applejack. Are you and the girls still going to be able to come by tomorrow?” Twilight asked while looking out over the town. “Because I think we’ll have a lot to talk about provided Rarity is feeling better by now.”

“Oh, I’ll be seeing you sooner than you think,” Applejack replied with a smirk.

Twilight lifted an eyebrow and glanced over her shoulder to where she thought Applejack was, only to find that the apple farmer was gone. “Huh.”

“You weren’t kidding. She is really sneaky,” Spike muttered while looking around.

The unicorn snorted irritably. “You can say that again.”

“Alright, on to the tour? Where do we start with this strange, mixed up version of Ponyville anyway?” Spike asked, turning to Twilight.

Who paused and rubbed her chin. “We will start by walking along the edge of town, as I don't really want to deal with anyone quite yet and I have a feeling that neither do you.”

Spike smiled. “Good thinking.”

“And you can tell me all about what used to be there. So I can tour your Ponyville while you tour mine,” Twilight added.

“That could be interesting. Let's hope I remember everything,” Spike muttered.

“Perfect! But before we begin, I just want to say I’m glad you are willing to get out and see the world again,” Twilight announced, pride brimming inside her.

Spike nodded, smiling faintly as he looked out over the strange new landscape. “Me too. I was moping for long enough. It's time to face the facts and start putting the past behind me.”

Twilight restrained the urge to squeal in happiness and instead simply turned and began to trot away. “Right, so over here we have the Chitin family. They are a bunch of changelings who mainly work as carpenters and builders of all sorts.”

“Really?” Spike replied, eyeing the tall, strangely organic looking house that had several towers growing from the top of it. “A thousand years ago changelings were only myths and were often depicted as giant apelike creatures that snuck into people’s houses and stole all their food during the night.”

“Huh,” Twilight muttered. “I wonder what came first, the legend or changelings themselves.”

Spike shrugged. “Maybe we should ask one.”

Twilight shook her head. “I have enough mysteries right now. Perhaps once I have more time on my hooves we can get to the bottom of that particular mystery.”

“Right, so what's next?”

Twilight pointed to a large toadstool house that grew next to the changeling mini-hive. “I don't know who lives there but their house is really interesting. You see that particular type of mushroom is actually poisonous but-”

“And this is Rarity’s boutique,” Twilight pointed out. “She’s probably busy though, so we shouldn't bug her right now.”

“Right, where to next?” Spike asked, looking around the row of strange and unfamiliar buildings that dotted the relatively quiet street.

Twilight tapped her chin as a family of minotaurs passed them by. “I did say we could get ice cream, so maybe we should head towards the market now… wherever that is.”

“Maybe we could ask that pony for help,” Spike offered, pointing off to the side. “Is she a thestral or a pegasus? I can't tell because of the bunny ears.”

Twilight blinked and followed Spike’s gaze only to smile. “Both, but she's more proud of her thestral heritage, so I wouldn't call her a pegasus. Also, her name is Rainbow Dash, and I’ve been meaning to introduce you two properly.”

Spike nodded slowly, eyeing up the rainbow-maned thestral as she stepped out of a nearby shop with a bag under one wing, and a bunny on her head. “The mane should have given the name away.”

Rainbow Dash blinked and began to walk over to the pair, a grin spreading across her face. “Oh, hey guys. I see you finally got Spike out of the library.”

“It's nice to meet you, Spike,” added the bunny, who hopped down from the thestral’s head and extended a paw.

“Err you are the spirit, right?” Spike asked nervously, extending a clawed hand and shaking Fluttershy’s paw.

“Yes, though I prefer Fluttershy,” the bunny replied with a giggle.

Spike chuckled awkwardly as he withdrew his hand. “So, what are you guys doing?” he asked.

“Fluttershy here was looking for something to help one of her animal friends, and it turns out Derpy had just what she needed,” interjected Rainbow Dash who gestured to the store they had just exited a minute prior.

Spike looked up at the boat which sat on dry land and had a door in its hull, as well as a trio of windows and a large sign that read ‘Derpy’s Bizarre Bazaar’ bolted above said door. “How did I miss that?” muttered Spike as he continued to stare at what appeared to be a fully functional corsair that was in the middle of town.

“Derpy’s shop and the proprietor herself are… interesting,” Twilight remarked rather charitably.

“She’s moon-touched is what Twilight’s trying to say,” interrupted Rainbow Dash. “Which is a fancy way of saying she always seems to have what you need, when you need it.”

“And she's very nice,” added Fluttershy.

“Oh and heads up, Pinkie Pie is probably going to give you an invitation to a Welcome to Ponyville Party pretty soon,” remarked Rainbow Dash.

“Wait, to me?” Spike asked, pointing to himself.

“Heck yeah, little dude. You haven't arrived until Pinkie Pie has thrown you a party,” exclaimed Rainbow Dash with a grin.

“She's quite good,” added Fluttershy. “If you don't want a big party, she’ll know.”

Twilight nodded. “I wouldn't worry about it, Spike. Pinkie’s parties are the best.”

The dragon frowned. “Well I didn't really want a party. I mean, I’ve technically lived here longer than any of you, but if you say she’s good, then I guess I’ll trust you on this one.”

“Greeeat! Here you go!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie who appeared out of nowhere with an invitation in hoof.

“Bwah!” shouted Spike who leapt into the air and suddenly struck a pose like he was about to karate chop the pink troll.

“Oops, sorry,” exclaimed Pinkie Pie hastily as she backed up a bit. “This better?”

Spike blinked and let his arms fall to his sides. “Err yeah. I’m sorry too. We just visited the Apples and-”

“Say no more,” interrupted Rainbow Dash with an irritable snort. “They kept popping up out of nowhere, huh?”

“Yeah… wait.” Spike turned to Twilight. “You didn't jump once!”

The unicorn smirked and shrugged. “I’m used to it, plus being dead comes with some very fringe benefits.”

Spike grumbled and glanced down to where Pinkie Pie was still holding his invitation. Sighing to himself, the dragon took it from the now grinning troll and read it over.

Hi Spike! I know you’ve technically been living here for longer than anyone, but I still think a Welcome to Ponyville Party is in order. Speaking of which, you are invited to said party, the date of which will be when you least expect it. To RSVP, nod your head.

The dragon thought about it for a second and nodded. “Sure I’ll come. After all, I haven't been to a party in a thousand years.”

Pinkie Pie giggled. “Good one, Spike. I hope you like caaaake!” Pinkie Pie announced in a sing-song tone of voice before disappearing in a flash of pink smoke.

Spike shook his head and smiled as the sound of troll giggles slowly vanished into the distance. “I like her.”

“She is pretty likeable,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed with a nod.

“Well it was nice meeting you, Spike, but we really need to be getting this medicine to mister badger,” Fluttershy remarked hastily. “We’ll see you soon though.”

Twilight nodded. “Hopefully this wasn't a one time thing.”

Spike crossed his arms over his chest and grumbled. “Don't worry, I’ll try and get out more. Sheesh.”

Twilight chuckled as she shook her head. “I’ll see you girls later.”

Both thestral and bunny repeated their goodbyes before turning and leaving Spike and Twilight standing alone in the middle of the road.

The unicorn smiled faintly as she watched her friends go. “So, ready to get that ice cream?”

Spike nodded slowly, his attention fixated on the two creatures walking away from them. “You know, they are a lot like Twilight’s old friends. Do you think maybe you are not the only one getting reincarnated?”

Twilight was about to respond before she actually thought about it, then she just stood there for a moment as that idea slowly sunk in. “I don't think so. I feel like we might be linked in some way, but I don't think they are the same ponies that old Twilight knew.”

“I mean they do share a lot of similarities,” Spike pointed out. “They are mostly the same tribes too. Basically.”

Twilight sighed. “Regardless. I don't think that's one mystery we are going to get to the bottom of today, so why don't we put that on the back burner for now and stick with the tour?”

Spike nodded and tore his gaze from the pair before turning back to where they had been about to go a few minutes earlier. “Right, where to next?”

“Well, were pretty much done so I figured ice cream sounded good. What do you think?” Twilight asked.

Spike nodded. “Sounds like plan there, Stan.”

Twilight blinked. “My name’s not Stan.”

“It's not…” Spike sighed and facepalmed. “Nevermind, let’s just go.”

Twilight licked her lips as she watched Spike bite his ice cream and chew on it, his elbows resting on the picnic table they sat at. “Not even your barbarous method of consumption can make that ice cream look any worse,” Twilight remarked.

Spike snorted and swallowed his ice cream in one gulp. “What's so bad with chewing ice cream? It's got gems in it for crying out loud.”

“I know, but it just looks wrong. Like eating yogurt with a fork or something,” Twilight muttered.

Spike shrugged. “So why didn't you get one?”

Twilight sighed. “Everything I eat turns to ash in my mouth, unless it's infused with life force.”

Spike raised an eyebrow and stopped just before he was about to take a bite. “That doesn't sound right. Twilight used to be able to taste stuff, but only if she was full on life force already. Here, raise your foreleg for a second.”

Twilight blinked and did as she was told, raising her left leg. “Like this?”

“Oh geez, you are thinner than I thought,” Spike remarked with a grimace. “You need to get some more plants around the library.”

“It’s fine. I feel fine,” Twilight retorted.

Spike shook his head as he chewed and swallowed his vanilla and amethyst ice cream. “That's because the tree is giving you enough to ensure you don't starve. Plants create like a butt-ton of extra life force that they give freely. Twilight said sleeping in a plant-filled room made her always wake up feeling full and energized, she hardly even needed to sleep for more than like, three hours a night or something crazy like that.”

“Really?” Twilight muttered, tapping her chin. “That would be really convenient. I have a lot of studying to do, and other projects that I’ve been meaning to work on.”

Spike nodded as he picked out an amethyst and tossed it into his mouth, chewing noisily. “Oh yeah, it’s like shoper cheap too.”

“Don't talk with your mouth full,” scolded Twilight.

Spike rolled his eyes and swallowed. “So, what are you studying anyway? Still working on… those spells?”

Twilight nodded gravely. “Yeah. Though I can't seem to work out some of even the most basic of spells. Like the…” Twilight looked around, and found that there were scant few other creatures in the ill-used park and she leaned forward and began to whisper, “Speak with dead spell. It's supposed to be easy, but I can't seem to make it work.”

Spike rolled a gem around in his mouth before shattering it and swallowing the shards. “Twilight ran into that as well.” He swallowed again and leaned forward. “How are you imagining the spell-casting process?”

Twilight cocked her head. “Like normal? The book never said to do it differently.”

“That’s ‘cause that book you got is likely a grimoire. Which is a collection of spells used for reference, not teaching,” Spike explained. “And you have to start by visualizing the spell coming from your heart and ending at the point of your body that is connected to the spell itself. Like speak with dead is probably at your mouth or tongue.”

“That's weird,” Twilight muttered. “Do all of necromancy spells work like that?”

The dragon nodded. “Uh huh. Twilight said that it's due to necromancy being a school technically any race or tribe could learn provided they had an aptitude for it.”

“So it would make sense that the most fundamental part of unicorn spell-casting wouldn't work,” concluded Twilight and leaned back. “No wonder I couldn't cast even the most basic of spells. Why wouldn't that be included in a spell description then?”

“Probably ‘cause it's just assumed you knew about it,” Spike replied before throwing the last bit of the cone into his mouth and chewing loudly.

Twilight hardly noticed this though, as she was busy contemplating all the spells she could cast, provided she figured out the proper visualization technique.

“So, do you want to head back to the library now?” Spike asked, before swallowing the last of his treat.

“Do you mind if we take a little detour? I was hoping to bounce some more thoughts off you first,” Twilight replied slowly.

“Sure, like what?” Spike replied.

“Well, history, for one. It's been hard to unlearn some things that Celestia has said about the world and I was hoping you would help correct some of them for me,” Twilight asked while tapping her forehooves together.

“I thought you had books and stuff for that?” Spike replied.

“I do… but it's easier to talk to someone who was around before the truth got muddied in so much ideology,” Twilight replied, only to sigh. “Plus I think it would help me unlearn some of the more… xenophobic things Celestia taught.”

Spike frowned. “It's really weird knowing that Celestia is a bad guy now. She used to be so nice. Why even when she decided to leave the kingdom, her and Luna were still on speaking terms. I wonder what happened between them?”

“Yeah… Me too,” Twilight replied.

The pair sighed in unison, before Twilight suddenly shook her head and clopped her hooves against the table. “Right, you still up for one last jaunt?” she asked.

Spike nodded and stood up from the table. “Sure, I need to stretch my legs anyway.”

Twilight smiled and rose as well. “Okay, so I was thinking-”

“So what you are trying to tell me is that Celestia is convincing everyone that these ‘old gods’ are still around and that they don't talk to mortal ponies anymore because they don't rule the world?” Spike scoffed. “I know she's apparently a bad guy now, but that is a bit much. Ponies never truly ruled the world.”

“It’s true,” Twilight replied as they trotted slowly down the road, the moon remaining motionless above them. “She even commissioned songs, plays, and a bunch of books that all talk about the fall of ponykind and how we are unworthy to be graced by their divine presence.”

Spike shook his head. “That's messed up yo. And all to excuse her endless expansionism and ponycentric ideology.” He sighed. “Did you know that Celestia was the first one to accept non-ponies into the Everfree Kingdom? Not even Luna thought it was a good idea until Celestia convinced her otherwise.”

“Now that I can't believe,” Twilight replied dryly.

“It’s true.”

“Regardless. What is the real answer then? About these ‘old gods’, not about Celestia’s past, which didn't come up much in former me’s memories,” Twilight asked.

“Simple, they were alicorns who came from space,” Spike replied with a shrug, the dragon stretching and putting his hands on the back of his head as he walked.

“That's not simple at all,” Twilight muttered.

Spike chuckled. “From what Luna told me, alicorns came here from somewhere else, dropped off some ponies and then left for a while. She said this was in order for the alicorns to return to a world that had a healthy population of ponies whom could serve them. They did not know that dragons lived under the surface of the planet though, and when they came back the dragons had been awoken by pony magic and ruled over them like gods.”

Twilight stopped. “No way. You mean magicless dragons were able to beat ponies? I know this might be Celestia talking, but that doesn't sound right.”

“Nah, modern dragons are all part pony and lost their ability to cast the old magic,” Spike began. “From what Luna told us, that happened right near the end of the war with the alicorns who had nearly been wiped out at that point. Old dragons were super tough, could use necromancy, mind magic, and all sorts of nasty stuff. They were also way, way bigger and way meaner than alicorns.”

The unicorn hastily trotted up to Spike and looked down at the diminutive dragon with a new appreciation. “So the alicorns nearly all died then or what?”

“Pretty much,” Spike remarked with a sad sigh. “There were quite a few left after they won the war, but almost all of them decided to leave this world and forget the whole thing ever happened. Only Luna’s siblings and mother were left to pick up the pieces after that, but unfortunately her mom disappeared shortly after.”

“Wait, siblings? As in plural?” Twilight remarked. “Now I know you are messing with me.”

Spike shook his head. “Luna and Celestia never gave me a straight answer, but there was at least one more royal sibling out there, somewhere.”

Twilight’s frown deepened. “So, how did they win this big war anyway? I’m assuming it has to do with modern dragons all being part pony and that spell, right?”

“You got it,” Spike replied, waving his hands in the air. “The whole world was bathed in a mega spell that either made all the old dragons sleep forever, or become part pony. The spell itself has something to do with the mystery royal sibling, but both Celestia and Luna were really hush hush on the details.”

“Wow, that is… a lot to process,” Twilight muttered while shaking her head. “I feel like I have to forget everything I’ve ever learned. I mean I was trying to do that anyway but wow, that's… a lot.”

“That’s one thing that really bothers me about this time period,” Spike began, gesturing up to the night sky. “Not even flipping my sleep schedule has been difficult. I mean I can see perfectly fine at night, so it's not a big deal but still.”

“What do you mean exactly?” Twilight pressed.

Spike sighed. “It's just that the truth has become so distorted. If Celestia is not flat out rewriting it then it’s forgotten, or altered accidentally because of the intrinsic biases and problems that come with a decentralized form of governance.”

Twilight smirked. “Let me guess, past me home schooled you?”

The dragon chuckled. “She was a great teacher. Technically I’ve taken enough courses to graduate from college, but I never actually studied anywhere.”

“Well, she did a great job. You turned into an intelligent and kind adult.” Twilight blinked. “Wait, how old are you now? Minus the millenium in stone.”

“Seventeen,” Spike replied, raising an eyebrow. “I thought you knew that.”

Twilight shook her head. “The memories of my past life are… random and incomplete, I’m afraid.”

Spike shrugged. “Well, either way my birthday is in June.” He paused and scratched his head. “What month is it anyway? I never did change the calendar at the library. We still have the same months, right?”

“I think it's October and yes we have the same months, though apparently an age ended and the years reset, but that's only recognized in the forest,” Twilight replied hesitantly as they turned a corner and the library came into view.

“Wait, you aren't sure if it’s October?” Spike shot back.

“Time works different in the forest and the seasons are weird.” Twilight blushed slightly and looked down. “And I may not be very good at keeping track of the date…”

Spike burst into a fit of laughter. “That's too funny. You two really are the same pony.”

Twilight grumbled under her breath, only to notice that Rarity now stood outside the door to the library, the arachne looking around while rubbing her forelegs together nervously. “Oh look. Rarity is here. I better introduce you two.”

Spike chuckled as the unicorn picked up the pace and fled from the last conversation.

“There you are, darling,” Rarity greeted slightly awkwardly, the arachne struggling to smile. “And I see young Spike has indeed emerged from that basement of yours.”

The dragon rolled his eyes. “Yeah yeah. It took me a while to deal with everything…”

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry, that was insensitive of me,” Rarity hastily exclaimed, the arachne lowering herself to Spike’s level and extending a hoof. “My name is Rarity and I am truly happy to see you doing better. Ponyville is a better place with you in it.”

Spike smiled a little and shook the arachne’s hoof. “Thanks. It's different, but I think I’m going to like it here or now.”

“I’m glad to hear it,” Rarity remarked, while rising back to a stand.

“So, what can I help you with?” Twilight announced.

“Oh right. Pinkie Pie is throwing Spike a party but didn't want to surprise you too much and cause some avoidable accident by startling you two, so I volunteered to warn you,” Rarity began. “I also wished to speak with Twilight about something a little more personal, if at all possible.”

“Wow, she really did think of everything,” muttered Spike. “I guess I’ll meet you inside then?”

Twilight nodded. “I think that would be for the best. Enjoy the party, Spike.”

“I will.” Spike reached for the doorknob only to stop and grin, turning to Twilight. “Oh, and Dusk? Thanks for a great afternoon, or whatever this counts as,” he exclaimed, gesturing to the still dark sky above them.

“It was my pleasure, Spike,” Twilight replied with a smile of her own.

The dragon took a breath and opened the door, stepping into the library and being instantly greeted by a small amount of half shouted surprises. Just about everyone he knew was there, which was many considering he only knew Twilight’s friends and the guard who had been stationed outside the library.

“So, what did you want to talk to me about?” Twilight asked.

Rarity sighed, the arachne continuing to nervously wring her hooves together. “It’s a personal matter. One that I didn't think anyone would ever be able to help with.”

“Does that mean your request has to do with my more… unique talents?” Twilight inquired.

“Y-yes,” Rarity stuttered, the arachne unable to meet the pony’s gaze. “I need your help. Tomorrow if at all possible. You would need to bring along whatever components you require for those spells and supplies for a short trip. You can also bring Spike over to the boutique if you would like him to have some company while we were gone. I’m sure Sweetie Belle wouldn't mind someone else being in the house while I’m out.”

“He’s old enough to stay home alone, but I do worry he might feel isolated if left alone, so that does sound like a good idea…” Twilight shook her head. “That part can wait though. What exactly do you want help with? And why all the secrecy and suddenness?”

Rarity nibbled her bottom lip. “I know we haven't talked very much about what happened down there, but well…” She sighed. “I feel like I can trust you enough to tell you what happened to my parents.”

“You don't have to say anything,” Twilight exclaimed. “I saw a glimpse of your worst nightmares and well… I know enough.”

The arachne sighed. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

“You want help avenging them then?” Twilight pressed.

“I don't know…” Rarity admitted after a short pause. “I know someone deserves something, but the details around what happened are murky and I’m afraid only the dead have the answers I seek. As for why, tomorrow is the anniversary of their passing, and this year I wanted to do… something.”

“You don't mean to…”

“Yes,” Rarity declared confidently. “I want to speak to my parents and find out why what happened to them, happened to them.”

Sunset Shimmer paced nervously in the treeline, annoyed that her attempts at following Twilight when the dead mare had entered the forest had only gotten her lost. When she had finally found her way back to the edge of Ponyville, her target was too far ahead of her, and now she was stuck at a crossroads of sorts.

Her programming wanted her to follow Twilight, to find where she lived and to murder the other unicorn in her sleep. However, with so many variables, that urge to hunt Twilight down and kill her was dulled somewhat. After all, Sunset herself wasn't sure what kind of defences the town might have, especially given the fact that there were a lot of non-ponies there as well.

What she did know was that there was a crack team of bat-winged ponies patrolling the area, and it had only been through a constantly applied invisibility enchantment that she was able to avoid them. They were smart, fast, and very, very perceptive, meaning it wasn't likely that she would be able to successfully infiltrate the town, even with her invisibility spell. Which meant that she couldn't really do much of anything, other than stand here and chew her hoof while she watched the town go about its day.

“Recon. I need to do more recon,” Sunset Shimmer muttered to herself.

That seemed to settle the unpleasant urges placed within her by Celestia, easing some of the anxiety clouding Sunset’s mind.

Creeping silently through the underbrush, Sunset began to plan a long and ambitious reconnaissance mission, which would take a considerable amount of time to complete. One that would also, hopefully, give her target the time she would need to gather the power necessary to defend herself.

With a sigh, Sunset gave one last look to the town. “Please be ready.”

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