Chapter three: A Limbo's Journey.
Spike was hit, and worst was that he was dying. And I couldn't I just couldn't do anything to save him. "No, no, no Spike no, don't go please". I say as I approach him and A J. Who was sitting and with him on her lap. Her front legs wrapped around him, tears in her eyes. "Twi, Twi, Twilight". Spike croaks in a strained voice. Leaning in, I kiss his forehead. "Twi, Twilight. Sweet Twilight. You have been more than a friend to me. And I know that you disapprove of me saying this to you. But you have been a mother to me for the whole of my life. Thank you for a good one". He says before turning to Applejack and holds her face. As she kisses him.
As he slowly loses consciousness she says venomously. "A mother". She kisses him once more. And I start to cry. Looking up she snaps. "Don't you dare"! I look at her with surprise still tears falling. "Don't you dare! Don't you even dare cry for him. Calling you a mother? Yeah right! Some mother you are. You never treated him right. Like last year's Mother's Day, he saw how sad you looked at the fact the rest of us had our little fillies. That's why this year he gave you a card and a gift of a necklace. And what did you say to him when he gave them you. I don't need your pity on this day. All you did was use him to clean and do the stuff you didn't want to do". She says. Giving me a look of true hatred and pushes me away. "And before you say we're friends, we're not. I hate you. I hated the way you treated my spike and his devotion to you has got him hurt. Stay away Twilight. Just stay away or so Celestia help me, I'll buck you in the face so go". She continued.
"She's wrong. You're a good mother mommy, you love me, and Spike equally and always have time for us both. And I love our home in Ponyville and I know you love daddy". Says Daydream still hugging her mother. Who returned it. "I don't really blame her for what she said. She didn't really mean it, she was just upset and hurting. I know she was as I felt the same pain tenfold. But she was right and now near the end did I realise it". Said Queen Twilight. Then a familiar voice came from behind us. "Twilight she didn't mean it". It was Apple Mac. Yes, little one your daddy. He had seen to it that Granny Smith and the rest of the apple family through the mirror. And had decided to come back. "Apple Mac"? I ask. And he replied in his usual one-word sentence. "Yep". A J looks up then returns to comforting Spike.
"I came back to make sure my cousin goes through safely". He says. I look down and feel my heart start to sink. Apple Mac, well your father was a colt close to my heart. And before I could say oh. He then says. "But more importantly the special some pony in my heart. I came for you Twilight". You see your father and I had secretly been dating for just over two years, since his breakup with Miss Cheerily. Ever since he asked me to give him advice. Of cause you know your father is as shy as Flutter Shy, he asked in a letter. After that, we started to correspond, on different things. I could never wait for his next letter. I soon realised how much he meant to me. Finally, he plucked up the courage to ask me out on a date.
I know it was only tea at my castle, but it was a start. Then we went to Canter-Lot. Sneakily I said I would like him to act like my Royal bodyguard and dressed him so. But every night we would dine out or picnic in the castle gardens though we never stayed in the same room, well not until we were back at Ponyville. He would sit outside my door and I would always feel safe, so safe that I would have sweet dreams about us. Back in the library, Flutter Shy and Discord were helping to get the rest of the children through the mirror. When the evil attacked them. We hear Flutter Shy scream out with the same pain I was feeling. And all because her child, her little girl, her beautiful Screwball was hit.
You heard Discord panic. "Screwy no. Stay with us beautiful. Mommy needs you". And as they look up on their daughter. Discord makes a choice thinking it would help. "I'm sorry Flutter Shy for what's about to happen". He says before picking Screwball up and then as he turns to face Flutter Shy then he says. "Oh, Tree of Harmony hear my thoughts and grant my wish". He then continues. "I promise that I will not turn our daughter to stone". Then he snaps his fingers. And as Screwball starts to turn white, she then is suddenly stone. Within seconds so was Discord. Grabbing the amulet around her neck Flutter Shy says. "I release you". But nothing happens. The amulet was an Anniversary present. It was a way Discord showed he was changed, when he had a family. If he ever broke a promise it would turn him to stone. But Flutter Shy could release him. But right now, in this moment no matter how many times she says it, I release you, Discord stayed stone. "DISCORD, SCREWBALL NO". She screams.
Then the evil returns to focus its attacks on me. As it does the Cutie map table starts to glow and a rift opens above it. Apple Mac's eyes shine like the map. "Twilight do you trust me"? Asked Apple Mac. I look surprised by this question, but I answer with a nod. "Of cause I do with my life". With that answer he steps closer and kisses me on the lips before lifting me up and tossing me on to the table. The power of the vortex increases. Pulling me in. "Twilight forgive me. But this is the only way, the magic map told me". He says. I fight to stay. Flapping my wings hard and fast keeping myself from entering the rift. But as I look into Apple Mac's eyes, I see that he means it. I have always trusted the map. So, if Apple Mac says it told him, I had to believe it. With a smile I was going to let it take me.
Apple Mac smiles back and then says. "Twilight there is something I've being meaning to ask you, ever since I built our private Observatory". With a look of wonder in my eyes I shout. "Yes, and what's that"? Fumbling in his saddle bag he pulls out this beautifully decorated little box. He throws it towards me and as it hits the vortexes pull, the lid lifts. The sight that I held before my eyes was, the most beautiful ring. A diamond ring. A large pink diamond and white diamonds engagement ring. My eyes widen, tears form in the corners. And I gasp with surprise. And as I grab the box all I could say was. "But this can't be. Is this a. Are you asking"? And all I could see was Apple Mac's face as he answered me. "YEP. Princess Twilight Sparkle will you do me the honour of becoming my wife". But as I started to say. "Oh, Apple Mac. I would be honoured to". I am sucked into the vortex and it closed on me. Now all I could remember is that I seemed to travel for a long time.
Elsewhere in another realm. The human realm and at least a year and half into the past. It seems that the Tree of Harmony even as influence in the human world. My friends at Canter-Lot High were having one of their regular sleepovers. All giggling, laughing and having lots of fun. All this was happening at the Apple farm. Sunset Shimmer, Trixie, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Starlight Glimmer, Derpy and Twilight were laughing and having a pillow fight. When they hear a scream. Without hesitation they got up and ran towards where the scream came from. Applejack from downstairs heard it too. Dropping the tray of apple juice and fritters, she ran up the stairs.
There in the bathroom was Flutter Shy. Who was ponied up and her eyes glowed white floating in the air. There was a look of sheer horror on her face. Each one calls her name. But they don't get a response. So being the closest to her Sunset grabs her wrist. As she does Sunset ponies up and her eyes glow. And in a strange, somewhat horrifying voice Sunset says. "He is going to return to Equestria, and all realms will suffer his wrath. Only the Eleven Elements will stop him. The Elements of Harmony. And with their power doubled by those of the two realms will Equestria live. And the Prophesied queen will be the one who destroys Harbinger. A queen neither light nor dark. Whose name means neither night nor day! She will sparkle".
Then both Flutter Shy and Sunset Shimmer say. "Libro Prophetiae ET Legatum holds the Key". Then both girls drop to the floor. Heat vapour rising from their bodies. Flutter Shy got up and was crying. Trixie moved over and hugged her along with Pinkie, Derpy and Rarity. Sunset was out cold. A groan. "What happened"? Asked Sunset Shimmer regaining consciousness as Twilight held her. "Oh, Sunset you scared me. You were talking strange. You mentioned Equestria. And the Elements of Harmony. And some being called Harbinger. And a book I think". Says Twilight. Sunsets eyes widen. "That's why we pony up. We are the elements of Harmony, just like Princess Twilight and her friends are in Equestria. But that wasn't what I saw". She says and turns to look at Flutter Shy. Who was still sobbing, tears streaming down her face! "And looking from Flutter Shy's reaction she saw the same". Says Sunset before she buries her face into Twilights chest. After ten minutes she pulls her face away. And from the state of it you could tell she too had been crying.
After a few sniffs she says. "I think I was seeing events through Princess Twilight's eyes. Equestria was gone, Cadence and shining armour gone. Her nieces gone. Luna and Celestia Gone. Pinkie and Rarity are". She pauses and beacons A J, Starlight and Dash out of bathroom. As Twilight helped her through, they close the door. Tears in her eyes once more. She says. "Princess Twilight was in such pain and felt Angry. Because Luna, her nieces, her brother and sister-in-law, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Spike were dead. And she was lost". A J, Twilight, Starlight and Dash were shocked. "Are you saying she is dead"? Asked Dash. Sunset shook her head and said. "I don't think so I don't know, I don't know if the events, if they have even happened. Yet. But I do know that this is something she needs to know". The four girls nod their heads in agreement.
And so Sunset gets to work. Dear Princess Twilight a scary thing happened to Flutter Shy and me at our usual sleepover. We both saw memories of yours. It was though we were looking through your eyes. These were bad. So bad that it left both of us in tears. But the weird part is that she and I ponied up and our eyes glowed. And according to our Twilight I was saying some strange things. What are your thoughts? Please as soon as you get this could you come. Your friend Sunset Shimmer. She writes in the magic book.
Back in Equestria. Around about the same time.
My trip through time limbo was coming to an end. For a few moments I felt like that I was in two places at the same time. And I literally was. I was in limbo and at the same time I was in the castle of friendship's map room. Suddenly above the map a familiar looking vortex appeared. It was because both timelines were now converging. As the other version of me was pulled in I saw branches of the tree of harmony break through the floor and block the doorways. I felt pain and slowly lose consciousness; the pain starts to intensify. I scream out loudly. On the opposite side of the door Starlight was walking past when she heard the scream. She uses her magic to try and open the door. "Twilight, Twilight, Twilight, are you okay? Please Twilight answer me". She shouts as she still tries the door.
I could hear her calling to me but, I couldn't move. From what she told me there was a bright aura or white light coming through the cracks of the doors. She ran out to the rear of the castle. To Apple Mac. He was there because he was creating a garden for me with a special little area for us. "Apple Mac help, its Twilight". She says. Hearing this, and hearing the worry in her voice, Apple Mac dropped the things he was carrying and ran in. "She is in there". Says Starlight. Inside whatever was happing to me was all over. And with a powerful buck with his rear legs. And the doors were knocked off their hinges. There I was on the floor still holding the box.
His face dropped, he had recognised the little box, but he knew it was still in his saddle bag. "Twilight, are you okay? Can you hear me? Twilight please can you hear me"? Asked Starlight. Apple Mac approached me. And as he did, I groaned softly. "She's still alive. I'll get her to Ponyville General. You get the others". Says Apple Mac as he heaved me on to his back. Then ran to the Hospital. Starlight in tears saw the spell I was working on. It was to summon all the other Elements of Harmony in an emergency. She read it a few times and with a heavy heart she cast the spell. A beam of magic hit the map table. The table glowed. And several beams hit the chairs.
The cutie marks glow and then a copy of each beam out. And hover over the table. Then my cutie mark does the same. And moves over the top of the others. And bursts into a bright light. The other cutie marks fly off. And Starlight goes to the main doors of the castle. All over Ponyville, the map summoned my friends. Your Auntie Rainbow Dash was the first. Snoozing on a cloud she suddenly shot up. Her cutie mark started to glow, looking up she saw her mark whizz towards her. As it reached her stopping just in front of her face, something new happened.
Her cutie mark was replaced by mine. The one of hers hovering shot off heading towards the castle. And Rainbow Dash chased after it. Then it was the turn of your Auntie Pinkie Pie and Flutter Shy. Like Dash their cutie marks where exchanged for mine. Followed by Auntie Rarity. And finally, Auntie Applejack. Within minutes of the spell being cast, they all arrived at the castle doors. Rainbow landed and said. "What's with the new cutie mark Starlight"? The question was mute as Rainbow showed her flank, but it was only her cutie mark that was shown. "Shush Rainbow". Says Applejack she had notice Starlight was upset.
"Starlight dear. Are you okay? Whatever is the matter"? Asked Rarity. Starlight looked up. A few tears falling. And sobbingly she says stuttering. "There's. There's. There's. There's been. Been a. been an accident. It's. It's. It's. It's". She sniffs then begins to cry again. Tears falling in a constant stream, and finally through the tears she says. "It's Twilight. She was rushed to the hospital, I. I think. Think she's. She's dying. I THINK SHES DYING". The rest of my friends' gasp. Rarity running inside grabs some parchment and a quill then wrote a scroll and give it to Rainbow. "Get this to Spike. It's a letter to Princess Celestia. The rest of us let's get to the hospital". She says. Rainbow nodded. And then zoomed off to Sweet Apple Acres. Then the rest head to the hospital.
At Sweet Apple Acres, Spike was helping Granny Smith and Apple Bloom and his and Applejack's children, with making Zap Apple jam. When he hears Rainbow Dash. "Spike, Spike, Spike, where are you Spike".
"Dash"? He asks.
"Oh, Good I found you. Quick we need you to send this to Princess Celestia". She says with the hint of panic in her voice. Then she whispers in his ear. "I'm sorry to tell you this Spike but Twilight is gravely ill in hospital". Spike's face drops and, in a flash, sends the scroll. Then he turns and beacons Apple Bloom and Granny Smith over. "I've got to go. Twilight is in hospital, and it's serious, very serious. Don't tell the kids". And flies with Rainbow back to the hospital.
In the palace in Canter-Lot. Princess Celestia was walking and talking to her sister Luna. When the scroll appeared. Still walking she used her magic to read it. As she did her expression changed. She sat down. Shock and sadness crept over her face. "Dear sister why is you down"? Asked Luna. Allowing Luna to take the scroll with her magic, she read it out loud. "To your Majesty Princess Celestia. This is Rarity Belle, the element of Generosity. I regret to inform you that your faithful student and fellow Princess. Princess Twilight Sparkle has been in an accident and is in a very serious condition in Ponyville General Hospital. Your faithful and loyal subject Mrs Rarity Belle Pants".
Luna looks shocked then turns to Celestia and says. "Let's go to her dear sister". And with that they flew to Ponyville. At the hospital my friends were talking over each other as they tried to find out what was wrong with me. Apple Mac had sat at my bedside until the rest had arrived. Still arguing and talking over each other, they had not notice that both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna enter the room. Apple Mac does notice and like a loyal subject he bows before them. Celestia approaches the bed. Everybody stops and goes silent. The only sounds were the heart monitor and the princess's hoof steps. Close to the bed she showed how concerned for me she was. By gently nuzzling me. I felt this, and, in my mind, I said. "Celestia it is good to feel your warm embrace again".
The doctor entered and was saying. "Can every pony please calm". When he spots the Princess's. With a bow he says. "Your Majesty's. What can I help you with"? Then Princess Celestia turns to him. And with a crackle in her voice she asks. "What can you tell me doctor about her condition"? With a slight hesitation. He finally said. "Your Majesty. I am afraid that it is very serious. We have been trying to keep her stable, but it is taking all our magic just to stop her magic outbursts. She is weak and getting weaker. I would suggest you get her family here. Just in case. As I think she will not survive the week".
I could hear this though I couldn't tell them that I was happy they were there for me. Especially your father. From that point he never left my side. And in my mind, I couldn't help but ask. I am dying. I don't feel like I am. Then without warning I levitated above the bed. My wings unfurled to full span. My eyes glowing white. I then spoke in a booming voice. "He is going to return to Equestria, and all realms will suffer his wrath. Only the Eleven Elements will stop him. The Elements of Harmony. The Elementum De Probitatis (Element of honesty). De Misericordiam (of Kindness). De Risus (of Laughter). De Beneficentia (of Generosity). De Fidelitas (of Loyalty). De Magia (of Magic). De Dimittetur Illi (of Forgiveness). De Iustitia (of Justice). De Humilitatem (of Humility). De Fidem (of Faith). De Amare (of Love). And with their power doubled by those of the two realms will Equestria live. And the Prophesied queen will be the one who destroys Harbinger. A queen neither light nor dark. Whose name means neither night nor day! She will sparkle. Libro Prophetiae ET Legatum holds the key. Servatis a Periculum. Servatis a Maleficum. Servatis a Spiritus". I remember feeling the words rolling off my tongue. And I slowly returned to the bed. And was still unconscious.
"Luna would you fetch Princess Cadence and Shining Armour. While I fetch her parents. My little ponies would you stay here and watch over her until we come back". Asked Princess Celestia. "We will your majesty". Apple Mac said in response. And Luna nods. And both leave. Celestia raced back to Canter-Lot, to my parent's home. Luckily, they both were in. Slowly Celestia walked to the door before knocking. My father opened the door and when he saw Celestia he bowed. "Your majesty what do we owe the pleasure of your visit". He says. Looking serious Celestia asks. "Night Light your wife home"? He starts to answer. "Yes, would you like me to fetch her"? "May I come in I need to talk to you and Twilight Velvet"? Asked Celestia. Allowing Celestia to pass he noticed the worried expressions on the faces of the guards pulling her chariot.
"Your majesty would you like some tea"? Asked Twilight Velvet. "No thank you". Celestia replied before looking down. She rubbed her brow with a hoof and puffed out her cheeks, trying to compose herself. But when she looked up you could tell she was upset. A serious look in her eyes and there rolling down her cheeks were tears. "Please sit Twilight Velvet". She says. My mom knew that she was going to say something about me, and it was serious. "I have many duties but right now I wish this one I didn't have. There was an accident in Ponyville earlier". She says but starts to lose composure. "I'm afraid that Twilight is dying". Both my parents grab each other and start to cry. About an hour later. Flying fast, faster than she has ever flown. Princess Luna had reached the Crystal Empire. Landing on the main road the crystal ponies' bow. They thought it must be very important for Luna not to be accompanied by her Thestral ponies. Sunburst arrives to meet her. "Your Majesty Princess Luna this is unexpected but happy surprise". He says. Luna looks down. "I wish my visit was just for pleasure. But I need to see Princess Cadence and Shining Armour immediately. It is most urgent". She says. Seeing the look of sadness in Luna's eyes. "Of course, Right this way your Majesty". He says. And leads the way. In the throne room Princess Cadence looks up and says. "Auntie Luna what a wonderful surprise we were just about to have the crystal express readied". Luna still looking saddened hesitated to finally say. "I'm afraid that this is not a social call. I'm here to bring Shining Armour to Ponyville hospital".
Within seconds Shining Armour entered. Seeing Luna, he bowed and said. "Welcome back to the Crystal Empire your majesty Princess Luna". And then stood up moving over to Cadence and looking at each other lovingly. Cadence seemed to be glowing. "Shining Armour, I need you to come to Ponyville hospital with immediate effect". Says Luna. This snaps him out of his gaze. And looks at Luna with some trepidation. "Shining Armour there's no easy way of saying this, but there was an accident earlier today in Ponyville. I am so sorry to inform you that your sister, Princess Twilight Sparkle is gravely ill in the hospital, and the doctors don't think". She says trailing off near the end and tears start to fall. Cadence looked shocked and then holds her stomach.
Shining Armour became unsteady on his legs. And so, they left. Back at the hospital my friends where whispering, as though they thought that I would be upset if I heard. Even though I could hear every word. By now word had gotten around town that I was seriously ill in the hospital. Your father said it was comforting to know that the whole of Ponyville were worried and anxious about me. As the day went on more and more ponies stood a vigil outside. Led by of all ponies Derpy Hooves. I could hear my parents as they worried, my friends trying to stay strong for each other, Cadence and Shining Armour fretting and Princess Celestia and Luna talking with the medical ponies. But they didn't really concern me as much as you would think. No, I was. No there was only one pony I wished to hear. The only pony I wish to hear, I needed to hear. That was Apple Mac, your father. In my mind I was calling him. Screaming out for him. For him to bring me back. For him to answer me. But though no words came. And as the day became night, the other voices went quiet. There in the dark a soft quiet voice, almost a whisper said. "Please". I needed it be, but I couldn't quite tell. Then the voice said it again a little louder. "Please". Then it said. "Please Twilight come back to me and be my special some pony once more". It was then I could tell it was your father. Though I heard no more I could still feel his presence.
And throughout the night I feel him gently and lovingly nuzzle me and hold my hoof with both of his. And every so often gently kiss my forehead. But I also felt the presence of two others. Two other entities I didn't know then. One was the spirit of the tree of harmony. The other was you my little one. And as the night went on, I started to have vivid dreams.
