Doubts
"Hi, Shining Armor, glad to see you've made it!" - Twilight said, and hugged her beloved brother.
"I came as fast as I've got the message, sis. Cadence was really worried about me, I barely convinced her to let me go. As you've said, I've brought my most loyal guards, best of the best. We are ready to start looking!" - Shining Armor replied giving Twilight hope that everything will go fine from here.
"Good. You and your guards can settle down at the guard post"
"Okay, I'll order them right away" - Shining Armor said, as he commanded his crew to proceed to the post and settle down there.
"So, how's it going? Enjoying your new position as Princess?" - he asked, as they started walking away from the train station, back to the library.
"Meh, not really. Sure, it's fancy and all, but there haven't been that much to deal with. It's mostly routine, like diplomatic visits and royal inspections. I've also attended to some flying tournaments. So far, it hasn't been that interesting"- Twilight replied, stretching out her wings. Well, she does miss the royal beds. Those were like giant mountains of fluff.
"But now you finally have a threat to fight, eh? It seemed pretty serious in that letter you wrote me. This...Night Whisper guy. I've checked the archives - he was rampaging through Equestria even before our parents were born"
"Oh, great, he's undead, has a magic voice, and he's over 100 years old. I wonder what could bring him back though. This seems really strange"- Twilight said, trying to remember the kind of dark magic that can bring back the dead.
"I heard there are some ancient dark arts that allow to resurrect the long dead. Necromancy, if I remember correctly"
"Yes. That is how it's called. But this dark art is long gone. Not just because of its dark nature. One time, some amateur necromancer brought back an ancient pegasus general. He then tried to eradicate all non-pegasus pony. He was stopped by an earth pony named...what's-his-name...aha, Black Scarf. After that, necromancers themselves destroyed all manuscripts and books on their subject, and went into seclusion"
"Huh, they never told me that at school" - Shining Armor said, and tilted his head.
"Me neither, I've found the book containing this story myself. Well, it seems not all books have been destroyed, or one of those necromancers decided to continue his studies. All in all, it's not pretty"
"It sure isn't. Have you made any new friends while you were in Canterlot?"
"Yes...I did. He is here, in Ponyville, by the way" - Twilight said, and blushed a little
"Hm, I can't wait to meet him"- Shining Armor said, pretending like he didn't notice red color on Twilight's cheeks.
In ten minutes they finally reached the library. Twilight opened the door and walked in, Shining Armor followed her. She looked around, and noticed Kind Heart looking for something in the bookshelf. He sorting out books, taking and putting them back on the shelf. He was muttering something under his nose.
"Good morning, Kind Heart" - Twilight said, and Kind Heart turned, looking surprised.
"Oi, you scared me there. Good morning, Twilight"- he said, and smiled.
"So, you must be the friend Twily told me about. I am Shining Armor, her brother, and captain of the Royal Guard" - Shining Armor said and held out his hoof.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Kind Heart" - he replied and shook Armor's hoof. "I'm the son of High Chancellor Iron Hoof of borderlands"
"Whoops..I am sorry, your highness, excuse my ignorance, I didn't..."- Shining Armor started muttering, realizing that he just shook hooves with a one of the top-ranking royalty.
"Ugh, ignore my title, please. I am just Kind Heart, no title, ok?"- Kind Heart said, sounding mildly annoyed.
"Ok, sure" - Shining Armor replied, relieved.
"All right, you two can have a bit of a conversation, while I gather girls so we can start looking. See ya" - Twilight said, and ran outside.
"So, um, how do you like it here? Do you miss home?"- Shining Armor asked.
"Not really. I left my homeland at a very young age to study in Canterlot. You might say my home is the National Library of Equestria"
"Ha-ha. You and Twilight must be getting along, then. She too spends most of her time reading books and studying. She didn't have that much friends before she arrived here in Ponyville. Before that, I was her only B.B.B.F.F"- Shining Armor said, and Kind Heart looked at him really confused. Shining Armor sighed. "It means Big Brother Best Friend Forever"
"Oh...okay. Sounds fun" - Kind Heart said, still looking a bit confused.
"Do you have any friends back home?" - Shining Armor asked, and Kind Heart shook his head in denial. "Well, is your family waiting for, at least?" - he said, and suddenly Kind Heart turned very grim.
"Well...of course... of course they do" - he said, sounding very unsure.
It seemed pretty strange, but Shining Armor didn't continue the conversation on this subject. This guy obviously doesn't want to talk about his family, so better not to mention this topic.
" B.B.B.F.F, huh?" - Kind Heart said to himself, remembering.
Kind Heart was slowly walking through the halls of the palace accompanied by his brother, Metal Mane.
"Why are you so gloomy today? Cheer up, you have something big ahead of you!" - Metal Mane said, trying to support him. Kind Heart just gave him a cynical look and smiled. That was unusual of Metal Mane. He was always more collected and emotionless, just like his father. Though they never called him 'father'. It was always 'His Highness'.
Kind Heart remembered the time when he was first learning the art of spell craft. No pony helped him, he just had to search for special books and learn everything from them. Magic was never in favor in their family, despite all of them being unicorns. The toughness of spirit and cold logic were far more respected, something that Kind Heart lacked. He studied magic all on his own. Well, not entirely on his own. Metal Mane started bringing him books and tractates on spell crafting, of course secretly from father. For that, Kind Heart was grateful to him. Metal Mane never liked the idea of disobeying his father, but he knew that sometimes rules have to be broken for the greater good.
"Well, I wish you luck in this upcoming trial. Don't disappoint His Highness" - Metal Mane said, but Kind Heart stayed silent.
They continued on their road to their father's throne room. He said that the time for them has come to achieve adulthood. As they passed through the hall, the servants bowed to them.
In their land, the rite of adulthood for common folk was passing the Trials. Back before civilization came here, it was fighting some magic monsters. Now, with passing of time, it turned into a contest, more family friendly, with competitions and prizes. By the end of them, every young pony received adulthood, even those who didn't win even a single competition. But in the family of High Chancellor it was totally different. He and his brother had prove themselves worthy to bear the blood of their father. But what their father got for him in store? What kind of challenge did he prepare for him? His brother, having already passed the challenge, never said how it was outside home. He never spoke that much, that's how Iron Hoof educated him - talk less, do more.
They entered the throne room, following the red carpet to their father's throne. Iron Hoof really wanted it to look just like the Princess's throne room in Canterlot, saying that it will show their power and respect. The throne itself looked really painful to sit on - the amount of spikes on it was just baffling. The armrests of the throne were resembling skulls, with rubies inlaid in their eyes. The unaware would be quickly menaced by its dark colors and gothic style, just as Iron Hoof intended. He himself was sitting upon the throne, looking down like a giant from a mountain.
Metal Mane and Kind Heart approached the throne and kneeled down.
"Your Highness, you called for me. What is it you wish to tell me?" - Kind Heart said, without raising his head.
"My son, many years have passed since your voices first echoed throughout my palace. Many years you lived in these walls, safe from the cruelty of the outside world. But now, the time has come for you to face the troubles of the real world, and become a real adult"
"You will travel outside your homeland and perform a deed worthy of note. Only then, you will be allowed to return home" - Iron Hoof said, and stood up from his throne.
"Kind Heart, your skills with spell crafting were always...impressive" - he paused for a bit. Kind Heart sneered. Maybe the reason of Iron Hoof's dislike of magic was because he never used it to get to his position of High Chancellor, or because he was never good at it.
"I will arrange your travel to the Canterlot, the place famous for its magical studies...and dances. I hope you know which ones to attend to"
"Yes, Your Highness. Do not worry - soon the whole Equestria will be talking about me"
"I definitely hope so" - Iron Hood replied and looked gloomily at his son.
They never got along. Even when Kind Heart was a child, father used to ignore him. He remembered playing with his toys, and seeing his figure at the door. He always preferred to spend his time with Metal Mane. Only sometimes he came to look at Kind Heart reading, playing or practicing spells, then he went back. They never even talked that often, to be honest, they never had a conversation. Father was away most of the time, never had time to talk. Or didn't want to. But now, Kind Heart will prove himself worthy of his respect and admiration. Kind Heart will become the best there could be!
"So, where do you think we should start looking?" - Rainbow Dash asked, standing on a little cloud and looking somewhere far away.
"Everywhere. We will divide the city into four sectors. Two commanders for each sector and several guards. Look everywhere, leave no stone unturned. Blind searches aren't my style, but there is no way to get any more information, so we have to start looking"- Twilight said, dividing Ponyville in four sectors in her mind. "I'll show it on the graphs when we arrive"
They were walking through an alley, when Fluttershy noticed some pony nailing iron bars to windows. The bars seemed sturdy enough to withstand a direct hit by a big boulder.
"Sorry...why do you need those bars on the windows?" - Fluttershy asked, as her curiosity took over her shyness.
"Protection, my dear. No pony is getting into my house now, hehe!"- he replied as he continued driving nails deeper into the wood.
"I hope we can get this over with before ponies prepare for a full on blockade" - Twilight said, as they continued going down the alley.
After a while, they finally reached the library, and found Shining Armor lining up his troops in front of it, and Kind Heart sitting thoughtfully over a map.
"Preparing already? Good. I will assign your troops to different parts of town, so the search will go more quickly"
"As you command, princess"- Shining Armor replied. Twilight went to Kind Heart, and asked him to let her take that map. He silently passed it to her, and gave her a piece of chalk, probably guessing what is she going to do.
"All right. Everypony look here" - Twilight said, and the crowd of guards turned their head towards the big map of Ponyville. White lines were dividing the town, going between houses through narrow streets. If one would take their time to count the houses, he would see that every sector had the exact same amount as other. "We will have four teams searching every house in their respective sector. I will say it once more - every house! Leave no stone unturned, no wardrobe unopened. We are looking for pieces of an ancient weapon, in the shape of a spear. If anypony asks you why all the investigations, you say that there is a killer on the loose. Remember - your mission is a secret"
"This won't end well, I tell ya'll"- Applejack whispered to Rainbow Dash
"Don't be a pessimist. This will end well! It always does!"- Rainbow replied, poking her on the shoulder. Applejack didn't answer, she just unsurely nod.
"My friends will accompany you, in case if Night Whisper decides to send some demons or monsters, or whatever, we'll deal with them" - Twilight continued
"Yeah, give 'em a taste of friendship!"- one of the soldiers cried out, and guards burst into laughter.
"Well, that counts too"- Twilight said. Heh, shooting rainbows for greater good. "Shining Armor will choose all the four groups, each one will be accompanied by two of my friends. Or, you can say, "ponies, who summon rainbows of awesomeness upon their foes". The crowd did like that joke, and a few good laughs followed.
After a brief talk on who joins which group, everything was decided. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie went with group A, Rarity and Fluttershy went with group B, Applejack and Shining Armor went with group C. That left out Kind Heart and Twilight to go with group D, which made Rarity lift an eyebrow.
"Oh, it seems we're going together. I hope our searches will be fruitful" - Kind Heart said, approaching Twilight.
"Oh, yes...yes!"- she replied, hoping he didn't see her turning as red as a ripe tomato.
"Besides, we can finish our conversation about theory of physical presense of magic, and its effect on unicorns." - he continued to speak, never noticing (or pretending to) the color on Twilight's cheeks.
Three days has passed. Three days, and they found no trace of the spear yet. This is a disaster!
"What's on your mind?" - Kind Heart's voice interrupted Twilight's concentration.
"Nothing. I am just thinking"
"Just thinking? That's why you circled around this room about fifteen times? Come on, Twilight, say what's on your mind, you should get better" - Kind Heart said, looking for a better place to sit.
"We have been looking for three days. We found nothing. Either we are not searching good enough, or Night Whisper really does know where to hide a weapon" - Twilight said, finally stopping crossing the room, and sat down at the table.
"I understand your worry. It's all big stress for you right now, but you should stop worrying. It's not gonna help us find anything" - Kind Heart tried to calm her.
"I know. Thanks for words of wisdom"
"Ha-ha. Words of wisdom! He-he..."- Kind Heart said, and turned quiet for a minute - "Twilight, can I ask you something personal?"
"Yeah, sure. What is it?"
"Have you ever sacrificed...other ponies for something you wanted to achieve?"- Twilight turned to him confused.-"Ah, shoot, that went out wrong. I meant not life sacrificing lives... Imagine that you want an apple, and somepony wants that apple too. Will you give the apple to that pony or keep it for yourself? You can't share the apple, let's say it's a very little one"
"I think I got what you mean...Yes, there has been times when I left other ponies with nothing while taking the main prize... There was once a pony in Magical School, her name was Sweet Cheeks. She really wanted to get her hoofs on the golden prize of School's Best Junior Magician competition. She really prepared for that contest. Studied day and night. When the day of competition came in, it was me and her. The winner gets everything. I knew she counted on that win. I could have lasted without that prize, but I pushed on anyway. I won...She literally ran out crying, out of the hall. I didn't even feel bad back then. When I was young, I saw no other way around things - I had to win. Because, who will I be if I don't? But sometimes, for your own and other's good, you have to step down, give something up"
Kind Heart stood silent for a moment. "Now that's words of wisdom, mine's are just dung!"- he said, trying to be humorous, but it didn't seem like he enjoyed his attempt. But Twilight did like it.
"He-he. Don't underestimate your abilities in 'words of wisdom'-ing. I am a Princess, it's my job to deliver long speeches" - she said, and they both laughed.
"Actually, Celestia's speeches do tend to last at least 5 minutes. My father is a politician, and his longest speech was over half an hour long. It seems ponies just like listening to something inspiring"
"Half an hour? What could he possibly talk about for that long?"
"It was before the coming of Spring, the time our farmers reap corn. So my father decided to inspire them to work harder. Everypony gathered at the main square, he came out on his 'speech balcony', and it began. As you might figure, they didn't gather much that year, they were too bored" - Kind Heart said, earning another minute of laughter.
Suddenly, Mayor Mare opened the door, as she always does, parading inside and bowing gracefully to Twilight and Kind Heart.
"I am sorry to interrupt you, Princess. But...we may seem to have a little problem" - she said, looking somewhere off, trying not to look directly at Twilight.
"What is it? What happened?"
"It's nothing serious, it's just that...well...ponies are a bit on edge now. The murderer on the loose, your brother arrival and all these searching stuff. Some ponies want to leave the town until everything settles down". Mayor's last words caused Twilight to jump up immediately. Any of those ponies could be a potential agent of Night Whisper, they may be trying to get the spear out of the town! That means the villain's plan is escalating, and they are running out of time. They need more time.
"Mayor, please, tell those ponies that there is nothing to worry about. In light of events, I understand that they want to leave. But now, it's impossible, because...the killer can be hiding anywhere...so he could escape with them. It's hard looking for him as it is, he dug in quite deep, the searches are difficult to conduct. So while the investigation is on, nopony is allowed to leave the town. It's temporarily, I assure you"
"Yes, my Princess, as you say. I'm sure they will understand"- Mayor Mare said, and left the library just as fast as she came in. Twilight approached the center of the room, and lowered her head.
"This is bad"
"I know" - Kind Heart said, approaching her. "Looks like the lockdown is unavoidable. Should I inform your friends?"
"No, I'll handle it. You should head to guard post and inform Shining Armor. No pony must enter nor leave Ponyville"
"Right on it!" - Kind Heart exclaimed, and ran out. Twilight went out as well, and hurried to Rainbow Dash, who was on patrol now. Things started go downhill suddenly fast. She hoped to find all the pieces before ponies start to worry, but... Now, she just has to hope that it can't get any worse.
"Rainbow Dash!" - Twilight screamed as she saw those bright colors of her mane in the distance. Dash turned around and quickly rushed towards her.
"Twilight, what's wrong?"
"I need you to inform the rest of our crew, that they warn their families not to leave Ponyville. I'm declaring a temporary lockdown" - Rainbow Dash looked at her surprised, and Twilight replied immediately. -"Yes, it got that bad". Only a moment later she noticed that Rainbow Dash was not looking at her.
"Ugh, Twilight, did you order soldiers to burn something?" - she asked. Twilight shook her head in denial. "Then we have some bigger problems than ponies leaving Ponyville"
Twilight turned around and saw little clouds of smoke, rising above the ground. She flew up in the air...and her heart stood still. The giant fields of apple trees, the whole Sweet Apple Acre...was burning. Little colored dots, representing firefighters and just bystanders, were running around, trying to quench the fire's hunger for destruction, trying to calm it with water, but it's power was already too great for them to handle.
"Rainbow, fly to the river and get as much water as you can RIGHT NOW!"...
...It just got worse.
She didn't know what to think about. So many thoughts were swirling in her heads like an endless maelstrom. She was worried about Applejack and her family - they are probably trying to stop the fire now. Why the fire happened? It can't be just a spontaneous combustion, no - fires these big are made by powerful magic, or tricky hoofs.
Twilight was flying as fast as she could, remembering every freezing or water spell she could use. Finally, she decided to use "Breath of Winter". She landed not far from the crowd, and concentrated the energy in her horn. As she unleashed the white frozen breath upon raging fire, she understood that it was a bit of an overkill - the fire in the garden was extinguished, but the rest of the Acre was still ablaze. She quickly turned around and encased the crowd of ponies with telekinetic field. She gently moved them out of the Acre, and placed them on the ground. What were they thinking going right into raging fire anyway? She quickly rushed towards the house, which was, thankfully, still intact and untouched by the fire. Near the house she saw Applejack and Big Mac, pumping water out of the well.
"Applejack, glad you're all right! Is everypony safe?" - she shouted, trying to outvoice the sound of cracking wood.
"Yeah, Gran and Applebloom already got out! We just need to put this fire down!" - she said, furiously jumping on the pumping mechanism. Twilight grabbed the fire hose with telekinesis and increased its strength, so the water would flow faster. Thankfully, several minutes later, a tornado full of water came to the Acre, and unleashed heavy rain. The fire was struggling for some time, but then gave up and disappeared. Applejack sighed with relief and looked around. The damage was catastrophic. Most of the apple tries were now nothing but ash.
"Well, at least your family's safe" - Rainbow Dash noted landing near them.
"Yeah...yeah".
Suddenly, they heard a maniacal laughter. Twilight turned her head in the direction of the voice. She saw Heavy Hammer, local construction foreman, running towards them. He was half-burnt, froth was dripping from his mouth, and he occasionally tried to say something understandable, besides belches and laughter.
"By...his name! HAIL NIGHT WHISPER! ALL SHALL BU.." - he shouted as he fell down, beating in convulsions. It was clear who set the fire up. Night Whisper knew where to hit.
"By Celestia, this is horrible! Mac, take him to the hospital. Dash, fly to Shining Armor and tell him what happened. Though he would probably guess already"- Twilight ordered.
"I have bad news...I mean, worse than this. The barn burned down like a dry tree. All our supplies for next several months are destroyed!"- Applejack said
Either this fire was a distraction to allow Night Whisper's agents escape, or Night Whisper knows about the blockade. But this is impossible! It hasn't been 15 minutes since she ordered the lockdown! How could he possibly know it?! Either one of the guards is a mole...or Night Whisper is somewhere close.
She decided to head for the City Hall. Sufficient explanations must be made in order to keep control in her hooves. And now that their food went straight into inferno, she needs to come up with a plan to feed Ponyville.
Two months have passed since the fire. Two painful months. There wasn't any problem with the supplies yet, but Twilight felt herself horrible. Even after Night Whisper made such a bold attack, they couldn't find any trace of him!
Twilight was lying in her bed. She haven't slept for several days. All this madness that is going on...so much for her. Celestia faced much harder situations, she told to herself. Now that she's a princess, she must be tough, she must be strong. She is the leader, she is the guiding light! But deep down in her heart, she understands that she is not ready for it. Preparing ponies for the upcoming holidays and wrapping up winter is one thing - leading them and trying to keep them under control during the time of crisis is another. The headache started anew, making her cringe and groan a bit. Twilight grabbed a wet towel and put it right on her head. The warm water streamed down her face, easing the pain, buw not for long as it struck again and even more painful than ever.
Kind Heart was looking at her, rolling in her bed, trying to subdue this terrible pain. He slowly approached her and put his hooves on her head
"May I? I know some technique, it may help ease the pain" - he said quietly
"Yes, please"- she answered.
He started massaging her head, very carefully and slowly. Twilight felt unusual comfort, as he slowly massaged her neck. After a few more minutes, she felt much better.
"Oh, thank you. Where did you learn that technique? From an old master of medicine?"
"No, it's the first aid for headaches, my nanny taught me it when I was little"- he replied, and Twilight laughed a bit. Kind Heart was just about to go downstairs, but she stopped him
"Please, could you sit here for a moment?" - she asked. He nod, and sat down near her. They both looked outside the window, as the stars started appearing in the dark sky, and night slowly took over day.
"You know, sometimes, I feel like that's it. It's the end of me, and that this problem can't be solved. Our problem seems like this"- she said quietly. Kind Heart looked at her, then turned back to the window.
"Listen, I don't know what's it like - to be responsible for some pony. I never got the chance to be responsible. Don't know why. Maybe it's tough luck, maybe I'm just indecisive, but my nanny used to say one thing - every problem seems impossible if you didn't have a good sleep. You should really get some sleep, Twilight"
"I have a lot to do. We need to.."
"No, you sleep, I'll handle it. Don't worry, I promise I won't ruin anything" - he said and was about to leave. But, to his colossal surprise, Twilight sprung out of her bed and hugged him.
"Thank you so much. It takes such a kind heart to help ponies, who you don't even know" - she said, closing her eyes.
"I...I..." - he couldn't say a word. Something got right up his throat, and he was unable to say even a word. Something strange was stirring inside his very soul, something pure and beautiful, but sorrowful at the same time.
"You could have left at so many opportunities, but even know, when all things are going to hell, you stay here to help us. Thank you" - she said.
They stood like this for quite a while. Twilight put her head on his chest and closed her eyes. Kind Heart just stared on the wall. After two minutes, he noticed that Twilight fell asleep. He gently put her back in her bed, and went downstairs. He lied down on the couch and looked up at the ceiling. Memories came back again, but this time...they were not as bright. Perhaps, even painful.
Kind Heart was lying in his bed. The fever was getting worse and worse each day, and he couldn't even get up. The walls of his room became so mundane and boring he was unable to look around anymore. He was just lying, staring at the ceiling. His concentration was interrupted by the sound of the opening door.
"Well, well, here is our patient. How are you feeling, Kind Heart?" - a mare, carrying a bag with big red cross on it asked. Kind Heart could just cough silently in reply. "Oh, not good. All right, this should make you feel better"
She took some vials out of her bag, and also a handkerchief. After soaking it with the liquids from the vials, she tied it around his neck tightly.
Sister White Shawl was Kind Heart's nanny ever since he was born. Iron Hoof hired her to watch over him, and all this time she was always around in the castle. Her mane was bright white, while she herself was the color of copper. Maybe that was the reasoning for her name.
She was always there to help him. As a baby, he used to hurt himself pretty badly sometimes. She was always there to bandage the wound, give him appropriate medicine, and sometimes scold him for bad behavior. But that happened very rarely, as Kind Heart, while being very adventurous, never wanted to upset her, and always tried his best not to get into troubles. But, in the recent times, she visited him less and less, and there were days when he didn't see her at all.
"Yeah, that should be all right" - White Shawl said, as she finished applying the medicine. After that she kissed his forehead, wishing him good night. But after a begging look from Kind Heart, she smiled, and said, that she'll stay for a bit longer.
"Sorry if it looks like that I don't come as often as I did before. I hope you're not angry with me because of that. If I had a choice, I would visit you every day. You see, your mother doesn't really want me to be around anymore" - she started speaking, but noticed that Kind Heart fell asleep.
"He-he. Poor boy, must be really tired fighting this fever" - she said, carefully tucking the blanket. Suddenly, she heard a whisper and turned around. Singing Blade, Kind Heart's mother was standing in the door, and she didn't look happy at all. White Shawl slowly and carefully got up, went out of Kind Heart's room, and closed the door, preparing herself for a talk with Singing Blade.
"What do you think you're doing? I thought I told you to keep away from my son!" - she said furiously. Her bright red mane was covering half of her face, and it was really contrasting from her skin being dark-grey.
"Mistress, Kind Heart is very ill. He needs treatment" - White Shawl said, not being intimidated by Singing Blade's angry tone.
"He is my son! He has to endure this fever on his own! He is strong enough for this!" - Singing Blade hissed.
"He is too young to just endure the sickness on his own. It's not the question of strength, it's the question of common sense! Missis Singing Blade, Kind Heart is just a child now. Please, leave your honor behind and become a mother to him" - White Shawl replied. She seemed calm, but inside she was burning with anger. How dare this mare just leave her own child like that?! This damned wretch never showed up when Kind Heart needed her! It was White Shale who was beside him in his times of need, and may Celestia tear her soul out of her body and burn it in fire if she leaves Kind Heart now!
"Who do you think you are?!" - Singing Blade started losing her temper.
"Apparently, his mother. If you don't want to take care of your own son, I will do it, whether you like it or not! And if it's the money you're worried about, no need to, I don't need your gold!" - she said as angrily as she could, but it still sounded very calm, compared to Singing Blade who was boiling with anger right now.
Singing Blade suddenly rushed towards her and knocked White Shawl down. She was so much stronger than the poor nanny, and she knew it. She pinned down her throat, and started choking her.
"Listen to me, you stupid goat! If you ever come here again, I will kill you and your whole damn family! Do you understand me?!" - Singing Blade hissed. White Shawl remembered her old mother and father. They live not far from the castle. Her brother works at the farm, so not that far either. White Shawl knew Singing Blade. These weren't just empty threats.
"Gargh...okay...I will leave" - White Shawl said, barely breathing. After that, Singing Blade finally released her.
"Good! When I pass here again, you must be gone from this place forever" - she said, and walked away proudly.
White Shawl got up and looked towards her. She hated this pony. Hated as much as her soul was capable. She went back into Kind Heart's room and looked at him once again. He was peacefully dreaming, somewhere away from here. From this mean place, away from his mother. She looked at his happy face, and a single tear ran down her face. She opened her bag once again, took out a piece of paper, a piece of charcoal, and started writing. Started writing a letter to Kind Heart. She wrote and tears continually ran down her face. She knew that she will never see him again. So much time spent together, she started feeling like he was.. of her own blood. Like he was...hers. And nopony else's. But good things never last forever. She had to leave her homeland and leave him behind. She felt like she's betraying him, leaving him to die. She finished writing, put the note on the desk near Kind Hearts bed, and hesitated for the moment. Then, she took out a little bag, and put it near the letter. She approached Kind Heart, and kissed him one last time in his forehead. Then, she slowly walked away and left his room. She will never return again.
Next day, Kind Heart woke up feeling much better. The fever was much weaker, and his throat stopped hurting. He wanted to sprung up from the bed, just like the old times, and run to White Shawl, to hug her and then go for a walk. He noticed a note on his desk, with White Shawl signature bird on the bottom. He also noticed a small bag near the note. He happily picked up the note, waiting for some interesting riddle or a mission for him.
*My dear Kind Heart. You grown up a lot, I have to say. But still, you are pretty young to understand what has happened. It is really difficult, even for adult. I hope you will never have to understand what is it like. I have to leave. Leave forever. Never to return. I will leave this land with all my family...No, I'm lying. Not all my family. I am forced to leave you behind. I don't feel good because of it, actually, I feel like a traitor. But leaving you is like tearing a part of my soul off. I have to leave, because my family is in danger. Your mother doesn't want me around anymore. I am not leaving because of you, no. I would stay forever by your side. I know you will grow up a good pony. Stay just like you are - kind and beautiful. Never abandon your name. Stay true to your heart. Goodbye, Kind Heart.
P.S. - There are daisies in that bag. Please, if you can understand and forgive me, plant them in a pot in your room.*
Kind Heart was lying on the couch, staring on the ceiling, as a single tear ran down his face. White Shawl was...his only true friend. The only pony he could talk to about anything, even most personal matters. The only pony he ever trusted fully. The only pony who shown kindness. He got up, and went to his thing, lying in the corner. After digging for a minute in them, he took out a carefully preserved box. It was quite big and sturdy. He opened it, and carefully took out...a pot of daisies, carefully preserved with magic. They withered a bit, but not much. Kind Heart carefully put the pot on the table. He hoped that Twilight wouldn't mind this. After all, it was her house.
Now, he knew what feeling stirred up inside him. Something he has never felt before. He felt that...Twilight trusted him. Trusted him with all her heart. He never felt so strange before. He thought that all those years spent in seclusion, he knew everything. But in the end, he is just a blind fool, who never knew what life really is. And now, it may be too late to set things right.
