Sunset of the Dead Part 05
Everypony is nervously waiting near the portal. It's so close to the end of the third night, they fear that their friend will not make it home.
Just then, the mirror shimmered.
"Twilight!" Pinkie runs to stand in front of the portal wanting to be the first one to welcome the new Alicorn back home but is met face first with the Crown. "Ow!"
The shine from the Portal then vanishes. Everypony gathers around the Mirror, trying to figure out what happened with their friend.
While everypony else was voicing their concerns about Twilight, Princess Celestia keeps her stoic expression as she uses her magic to retrieve the Crown. Then, she heard a sound that the Alicorn of the Sun hasn't heard in a long time. The sound of a certain item vibrating against its surroundings. Celestia's magic reaches out for a journal baring the sun cutie mark of a certain Pony that's the source of the sound. Opening the book, the Princess finds a new entry being written in real time.
As everypony was still voicing their concerns, the stop as Princess Celestia starts reading out an entry.
Dear Princess Celestia,
Where I wish to return home, I regretfully cannot. It turns out this world is plagued by a terrible illness that does far more than endanger the lives of those that live here. I just cannot risk bringing this danger to Equestria as it could harm far more than ponykind. The most I could do was deliver the Crown so that the Elements of Harmony could be used if they are needed.
This journal was handed to me by Sunset Shimmer so that I could communicate with everypony when I feel homesick. I would also like for you to understand that Sunset did not steal my Crown out of spite or for some dastardly plan. It was out of desperation to help a friend. So, please do not put any blame on her for this. It was my decision to follow her to this world and endanger myself.
There is a plan to ride this world of the plague. However! it will take time.
Hopefully, things will get revolved by the time the portal opens again. Until then, please tell my friends that I miss them and let my family know how much I love them.
Sincerely, your friend,
Princess Twilight Sparkle.
After reading the journal entry, there were solemn expressions all around.
Pinkie Pie steps up with her mane deflated. "Does this mean we'll never see our friend again?"
"Worry not, Pinkie Pie," Celestia manages her best and earnest smile. "The entry explains that there is hope of her return. Until then," her smile faltered as she turns back to the now closed Portal. "That's all we can do. Hope."
.oOo.
Sunset closes her journal and turns to Princess Twilight who sadly looks upon the Statue. "You didn't have to try and clear my name, Twilight."
"Huh?" the purple girl turns to Sunset. "Oh, but I did. I didn't want anypony to think badly of you knowing that all you did was to help Sweetie Belle. And thanks for interpreting for me. When I was helping your Twilight take notes, I turns out my hoof, er, handwriting was unreadable," she then starts subconsciously rubbing her arm right where a freshly healed bite mark is.
The yellow teen eyes the bite mark. "You were treated, Twilight. You could have gone home if you wanted."
The Princess lets out a sigh. "Perhaps. But there's still a possibility of Spike and I bringing this infection to Equestria. As much as I want to return home, I can't unless I know for sure I could at least bring the cure with me," she starts tearing up. "I'm, I'm just going to miss everypony." A set of arms then wrapped around her.
"We'll get you home, Twilight," Sunset tightens her embrace. "I promise," then breaks a park. "You'll be ready before the Thirty Moons is up."
"I better go back to the lab with your me," the Princess eventually says as she starts walking back to the school. "We have a lot of work to do," but is stopped by a hand.
"Not so fast, Twilight!" Sunset glares. "Everyone able has to pull their weight around here. From chores and caring for others to scouting and hunting," then takes out her gun and offers it.
Twilight just stands there, frozen, eyeing the tube.
"I know I'm asking a lot and trust me; it's a lot for a Pony. But in this world, it's about survival," the yellow teen places the firearm into the purple girl's hands and turns her towards where there's a set up with several empty cans. "I hope you'll never have to use it against another living soul, but you will need to know how to defend yourself against the Walkers. This is a necessity."
Even though still unsure, the Princess nods as Sunset takes her hands and point them towards the cans. With shaking arms, Twilight tightly closes her eyes before pulling the trigger.
End
NOTE: This is officially the end of the story but I'm considering a series of One-Shots to show some scenarios that everyone went through at the beginning of this outbreak all the way up to this. Maybe some entries that show how Princess Twilight is adapting to this new, hopefully temporary, life.