The Cardinal Sin

Disclaimer: Characters belong to Hasbro, Lauren Faust, and I reference elements from Story of the Blanks by Donitz.

AN: Yeah... I blame my niece, Andrew Joshua Talon, and EverFree Radio.

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"-your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle." Twilight let out a soft sigh.

"Kinda creepy for a Friendship Report. Too bad it didn't happen during Nightmare Night," the tiny purple dragon opined as he set down his quill.

"Spike, you're not a hatchling anymore. There's no way that story could be true. No Pony has ever killed another, and besides you have no idea how scared I was when I couldn't find Apple Bloom. I was so glad it worked out all right that I didn't even scold her for making up stories."

"But Twi, her zombie ponies story is right out of those old mares tales they tell around the campfire to young colts and fillies. I still say it would have made an awesome ghost story for Nightmare Night." He held the rolled paper up in front of him and took a deep breath. "Shall I send it now?"

"Sure, Spike. I wouldn't want Princess Celestia to think I don't take my studies seriously."

A burst of green fire later and the friendship report was on it's way.

Finished with their weekly Friendship Report, pony and dragon moved off to continue their daily chores. Suddenly, Spike began to cough as if choking. His paws came up to wrap around his throat. Green flames shot out of his mouth and soon materialized into a royal scroll. He fell to his knees as he tried to catch his breath.

Twilight, completely shocked at this sudden correspondence, quickly levitated that scroll and began to read. Seconds ticked by but she didn't move.

Spike, having gotten his breathing under control was unsure what sort of message the Princess could have for Twilight, but he wasn't worried. At least, he wasn't worried until her telekinesis suddenly stopped and the scroll fell to the floor to reveal Twilight's open mouthed stare.

He leaned forward to pick up the message and began to read. The scroll only contained four words: "Don't Let Her Leave!"

As if it were on fire, Spike dropped the scroll and looked up worriedly at Twilight Sparkle. "This doesn't make any sense. What's going on?"

A brilliant flash of light flashed through the room and the young dragon turned around so fast that his tail slapped against Twilight's fore hooves.

Princess Celestia stood proud and tall, her mane sparkled and her pure white coat gleamed in the dimness of the library tree. "That's what I would like to know, Spike." The delicate clip-clop of her hooves seemed to echo as she trotted forward to address her beloved student. "Twilight Sparkle. I apologize for the abruptness of both my message and arrival, but it was very important that we address this now."

Twlight shook her head rapidly and closed her mouth. She blinked a few times before she said, "Address? So I'm not in trouble?" She asked with wide eyes.

"Trouble? No, of course not," Celestia assured her. "You are my beloved student, Twilight Sparkle. However, there is no time for pleasantries. It is imperative that you tell me all you can about a subject you touched upon only lightly in your last Friendship Report."

The tone of Princess Celestia's voice impressed upon her how serious the situation was and she nodded her head quickly to show her willingness to serve. "What do you need to know, Princess?"

Celestia smiled grimly but her expression was not unkind. "Sunny Town. Tell me everything you know about Sunny Town."