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- >Days came and went after the party
- >Caesar spent the majority of his time in his room
- >No matter what you said or did, he never cheered up
- >In the end, you accepted Luna's wise words and let him be
- >Although you were his father, there was nothing you could do
- >Caesar had lost something important, and you could not replace it
- >And so the days turned to months
- >Autumn rolled around
- >And with it the conflicts between the zebras and gryphons
- >The two races had never gotten along very well
- >But it seemed full-scale war was nearing
- >As such, Luna spent most of her time with her sister
- >The two of them were planning, organizing, and conversing
- >Countless diplomats were sent to each party
- >But they all returned with the same message
- >Ponies were not to involve themselves
- >Not even the rulers of Equestria
- >So your days were spent mostly alone
- >You'd talk to guards, sure
- >But none of them were the company which you sought
- >Until a particular day came
- >An unsuspecting Tuesday
- >At midnight, Luna returned from her duties
- >Exhaustion had taken its toll on her body
- >Her legs were gently shaking
- >Big, black bags had formed underneath her eyes
- >Her gaze was unfocused
- >And although her return made you happy
- >Caesar still wasn't home
- >You hadn't even seen him leave in the morning
- >He hadn't been home for the entire day
- >After months of solitude in his room, he was gone
- >No note, no word from the guards
- >He had simply vanished
- >"Shall we go to bed, dear?"
- >Luna looks to you with a faint smile
- >You walk to your wife and embrace her
- >Immediately she relaxes in your arms
- "I think I can't sleep tonight. I'm concerned about our son."
- >Luna simply sighs quietly
- >"Honey, he will come around. He'll be happy again one day."
- >As you pet her mane, you reply with a sigh of your own
- "He's gone, Luna. I haven't seen him all day."
- >You feel Luna's muscles clenching in your arms
- >She breaks the hug and looks you right in the eye
- >"Gone? But he barely leaves his room."
- >Making sure to breathe calmly, you nod at her
- "When I woke up, he wasn't in his room. He hasn't returned either."
- >Luna immediately rushes to his room
- >She bothers not with knocking
- >You can hear her frantic panting from inside
- >She's shuffling around the room
- >It doesn't take long before she returns, however
- >"There's nothing! He didn't even leave a note!"
- >There is no anger nor disappointment in her voice
- >Only worry and sadness
- "The guards haven't said anything either. But he's an adult. He can take care of himself. Maybe he just wanted to get out for the day."
- >Your words do nothing to help Luna's staggered breathing
- >"Or maybe he went and got himself killed! He could have been attacked! He's the prince! Someone could have assassinated him! The zebras, the gryphons!"
- >Luna's eyes are as wide as dinner plates
- >Each of her hooves frantically tap against the floor
- "Luna, I'm sure he's fine. Calm down. He can handle himself."
- >You gently put your hand on her shoulder and look her in the eye
- >As she stares at you, her breathing slows down
- >"You're right. We can't panic now. But we need to find him."
- >While thinking through your options, you nod
- >It seemed no one knew his whereabouts
- >And you weren't even sure where to find his friends
- >Suddenly an idea hits you
- "Can't we use magic to find him? Don't you have some sort of locater spell?"
- >Luna ponders your question for a brief moment
- >"You're right."
- >She sighs and shakes her head
- >"Why didn't I just do that from the start? Well, let's find him."
- >Luna's horn immediately starts glowing brightly
- >She closes her eyes and does her best to focus
- >As the light brightens, her legs start shaking
- >Locating objects was one thing
- >But tracking living beings was difficult, even for a princess
- >At least that's what Luna told you
- >It doesn't seem to be particularly difficult
- >Only a few moments after beginning, Luna ends the spell
- >Fear has taken her face
- >A frightening, intoxicating kind of fear
- >"H-He's at the hospital..."
- >Without thinking or speaking, you turn
- >Your mind is clear and focused
- >And your legs are doing exactly as commanded
- >As the adrenaline pumps through your body, you run
- >Faster than you have ever ran in your life
- >With speed rivaling Rainbow Dash, you run
- >Down the halls and through the rooms
- >Paying no mind to anyone around you
- >Two guards notice you and immediately start following
- >You hear them shouting orders at guards you pass
- >But they are simply following you for protection
- >Whenever you ran, something bad was about to happen
- >It was something every guard knew
- >Into the fresh night air you run
- >Trees and flowers blaze past you
- >Your footsteps echo into the night
- >Luna has caught up and is flying above you
- >But neither of you speak a word
- >Words are meaningless in this moment
- >There is only you and the hospital
- >And into the hospital you run
- >You stop at the nearest desk
- >Although breathless and exhausted, you manage to yell
- "WHERE IS CAESAR?!?"
- >It was not your intention to scare the nurse
- >But she answers calmly and quietly
- >"First floor, room 156-"
- >You immediately start running
- >"Sir!"
- >The nurse is calling out, but you ignore her
- >Up the stairs you go
- >Two steps at a time
- >Luna is sobbing behind you
- >Preparing herself for the blow
- >Into the hall and through it you go
- >Until you reach the room
- >156
- >With shaking hands, you open the door
- >In the room next to the bed sits Caesar
- >And in it lies Lavender
- >A broken, sickly Lavender
- "What?"
- >Caesar turns his head to you almost as slowly as Lavender
- >"Hi, dad."
- >The sorrow in his voice and his eyes are unbearable
- >Although he does not cry, his sorrow is far greater than on his birthday
- >A truly pained son sits there in front of you
- >His hand is on Lavender's hoof
- >And his finger caresses it just like at the picnic
- >Both you and Luna walk inside slowly
- >Your eyes go from him to her
- >Although in a hospital bed, Lavender is smiling
- >At least to the best of her abilities
- >"I'm keeping her company."
- >Caesar's voice is shaking
- >On the verge of breaking
- >"What's happened to you?"
- >Luna is looking right at the mare
- >Her otherwise colorful self has faded
- >Grown gray and dull
- >Even her cutie mark seems to be disappearing slowly
- >Like someone is sucking out the life of her
- >"I don't know... Nobody does..."
- >She coughs at the end of her sentence
- >A weak and painful cough
- >"But I won't be around for much longer..."
- >Those words send Caesar over the edge
- >He throws his head into the edge of the bed and cries
- >His hand grips Lavender's hoof tightly
- >Through his crying, his muffled voice is heard
- >"M-Make her be-better! S-Save her! M-Mom, d-dad, please!"
- >You feel your mouth open
- >And you so dearly want to speak
- >But your throat is twisted and your tongue incapable
- >All you can do is look at the scene in front of you
- >The weakness is settling in your knees
- >Making your legs shake and wobble
- >As you ponder everything, Luna's horn lights up
- >Tears are streaming from her eyes as she prepares her spell
- >You can almost feel it yourself
- >She's bending the air around you
- >"Caesar, step back."
- >Her pained voice sweeps through the room
- >Caesar looks at his mother and a flash of happiness appears on his face
- >Immediately he moves back from the pony
- >Just as he gets out of the way, Luna points her horn at Lavender
- >Out of it shoots a beam of wondrous colors
- >It hits Lavender square in the chest and
- >"AAAAAAAAAH!"
- >The mare's horrified voice fills the entire hospital
- >Her eyes have gone wide and her body is flailing wildly
- >"NO!"
- >Caesar is staring at her in shock
- >He is reaching out, just out of the beam's reach
- >At the sound of their voices, Luna immediately cancels her spell
- >After a flash of light, you look to Lavender
- >She has rolled up in the fetal position
- >Her body is trembling
- >But her gaze is distant and pained
- >"I-I'm so... I d-didn't..."
- >Luna has pressed herself towards the back of the room
- >She, too, is shaking violently
- >Before anyone can do anything, the door slams open
- >"LAVENDER!"
- >In rushes a light blue unicorn
- >To the side of Lavender she goes
- >Embracing her and crying freely
- >"I-It's okay, sw-sweetie. M-Mom's here, don't, don't you w-worry."
- >Trixie is gently stroking her daughter's mane
- >For a moment she lies there, shushing her daughter
- >Speaking sweet words of love into her ear
- >But all of that love and care disappears when she sniffs
- >Her eyes shoot open and her horn glows for just a second
- >Trixie turns her gaze right towards the princess
- >"YOU! WHAT DID YOU DO?!?"
- >The mother rushes right at Luna
- >She throws herself at the princess and tumbles to the floor
- >"YOU USED MAGIC! I KNOW IT! WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY DAUGHTER?!?"
- >Luna is simply shielding herself from the blows
- >Caesar tries to pull Trixie away, but he is immediately forced back by her magic
- >She doesn't relent
- >Her pitiful strikes keep coming
- >"WHAT DID YOU DO?!?"
- >You rush towards Trixie
- >Although her blows are ineffectual, they have to stop
- "Luna just tried to help! I swear, Trixie!"
- >Although you want her to stop, you keep your distance
- >Trixie is a powerful unicorn, and you do not wish to get injured
- "Trixie, calm down! We're just trying to help!"
- >The mare's strikes become weaker and weaker
- >And as they do, her crying becomes louder and louder
- >Slowly, her strikes turn to simple nudges
- >On top of Luna she sits, crying loudly
- >Poking the mare underneath her
- >You move forward and embrace the unicorn
- >She does not return the hug, but she accepts it
- >You gently pull her off of your wife and put her on the floor
- "Luna, what spell did you cast?"
- >She stares at the floor, panting
- >Her eyes, too, are wet
- >But her voice is calm
- >"The strongest healing spell known to ponykind. It shifts life essence from the user to the recipient. It is a last resort only. But it should have helped her. Healed her."
- >Trixie slowly turns her gaze towards the night goddess
- >"It can heal any wound, any disease. I have never seen anything like this."
- >The conversation is interrupted by a whimper from Lavender
- >Before you can do anything, both Trixie and Caesar have rushed to her side
- >The two of them caress her gently
- >They speak quietly to her
- >Assuring her of her well-being
- >"I didn't know it would harm her..."
- >You put your hand on her shoulder and squeeze it gently
- "I know you didn't."
- >The two of you quietly watch the scene in front of you
- >Although the air is thick with sorrow and pain, you feel nothing
- >There is emptiness in your mind and heart
- "We have to ask Celestia what might have happened later."
- >Luna simply nods
- >There is something in her eye
- >Something you have seen before
- >It shows up once in a blue moon
- >When she speaks of former students and friends
- >And of her time locked inside the moon
- >A twinge of an emotion unknown to you
- >An emotion only a goddess could feel
- >You leave her standing there, knowing she needs time
- >Instead of speaking to her, you go to Trixie
- >She is still at her daughter's side, still crying
- >Lavender seems to be sleeping
- >But still she twitches and shakes
- >Her gray body looks so frail and innocent
- >Like the finest of porcelain
- "Trixie?"
- >The mare turns her head to you
- >You can barely recognize her through age and the tears
- "What happened to her? Why is she here?"
- >You gently nod towards the sleeping pony
- >Trixie merely shakes her head
- >"I-I don't k-know. I o-only just g-got word. T-The doctors d-don't know w-what's wrong."
- >Once again she turns her gaze to Lavender
- >"My little angel... Please don't go..."
- >Although you knew Lavender, she was not your pony
- >She was not your responsibility
- >Although you find sadness in your heart, this is not your place to be
- >You cannot do any more than you have done
- >Accepting the reality of the situation, you turn to leave
- >With a nod, you call Luna with you
- >In utter silence the two of you walk
- >All the way until you get to the door
- >"Dad?"
- >You turn to face your son
- >It's too much
- >His face, his body language
- >There is naught but pain and sorrow
- >Whatever pieces of his heart remained were now gone
- >You will never be able to help him
- >"Please... help her."
- >There are things in life so difficult, not even words can describe it
- >Words that are so difficult to speak, even death seems better
- >And those words leave your lips in calm fashion
- "There's nothing I can do, my son. I can't help her. I'm sorry."
- >The last of your spirits break
- >Not a single shed of happiness remains
- >And you cannot bear to watch his face
- >You cannot bear to watch the effect of your words
- >And as such, you leave the room in silence
- >Leave the satyr and mother to care for the mare
- >Leave them to their grief and pain
- >The door closes with a quiet click
- "Get Celestia."
- >You stare at the floor while speaking
- >There's no need for eyes or body language
- >There is only need for the most powerful being
- >"Sir?"
- "Get Celestia this instant. That's an order."
- >You feel the nervous looks of the guards upon you
- >But their voices remain calm and determined
- >Just as they were trained to be
- >"Sir."
- >Hoofsteps echo through the hospital hall
- >Slowly they die down
- >Until silence reigns supreme
- >And that is when you fall
- >To the floor your knees go
- >Down your sides hangs your arms
- >You have no strength
- >Every shed of decency and humanity has left you
- >You are but a blank canvas
- >An empty slate
- >Everything you have done no longer matters
- >Uncontrollable forces decide everything now
- >There is nothing you can do
- >And it breaks you
- >"Tia will help, I know it."
- >Luna gently pats your shoulder as she speaks
- >"She is powerful. Everything will be fine."
- "Will it?"
- >Although you cannot see her, you feel her nodding
- >"I'm sure of it."
- >Minutes in silence pass
- >Minutes of unbearable nothingness
- "Our son..."
- >"We can help him through this, dear. We have the power to help him."
- >As the image of Caesar enters your mind
- >His little body in Luna's arms
- >His first steps and first words
- >It finally forces emotion into you
- >You cannot help but sob
- >How would you ever help him?
- >Caesar was a stubborn kid
- >And his grief was too much
- >You would be useless
- >But you would do your best
- >Whatever it took, you would try
- >Forcing yourself up, you finally look at your wife
- >She is smiling gently
- >You return her smile
- >But it is a forced smile
- >Still, it is better than a frown
- >Pinkie taught you that many years ago
- >With the smile still on your lips, you open the door again
- >It takes all of your strength to keep the smile afloat
- >Caesar is sobbing loudly
- >Trixie is still stroking her daughter's mane
- "Caesar, come. Let Trixie have her time with Lavender."
- >Slowly he raises his head and looks to you
- >"I'm not leaving her."
- >As he speaks, he grips her hoof tightly
- "There's nothing we can do for now. Please, Caesar, come."
- >Your son flares his teeth at you
- >A slight hiss escapes his throat
- >"I love her. And I am NOT leaving her. You can't force me."
- >As always, Caesar was stubborn
- >Instead of letting him be, you go inside
- >With every step you take, his grip on her hoof tightens
- >Once in touching distance, you reach out to him
- "Caesar-"
- >He immediately strikes your hand away
- >The force makes you recoil
- >"You can't do anything. You can't help her. You told me. But I'm not abandoning her. She deserves better than that."
- >His sting your entire body
- >Their poisonous venom seeps through you
- >As he speaks, he doesn't even blink
- >"Get out."
- >As slowly as you can, you back away
- >Your eyes never leave your sons
- >All the way to the door you go
- >Treading carefully on the hospital floor
- >Not needing to look, you grab the doorknob
- >As you open the door and stand in the hallway, Caesar finally blinks
- "Then we'll just wait here."
- >"Whatever."
- >Caesar turns his attention back to Lavender
- >Her shaking has finally stopped
- >She simply lies in her bed, sleeping
- >Once again, you close the door behind you
- >Luna immediately embraces you
- >"It's not your fault."
- >She wraps her wings around you
- "I know it isn't. But he's my son."
- >Luna nuzzles her head into your neck
- >"He's OUR son. Let's wait for Tia, now. Caesar needs time."
- >Exhaustion claims your body as you nod
- >Walking no more than a few steps, you collapse onto a chair
- >There is nothing you can do but wait
- >It takes Celestia mere minutes to get to the hospital
- >A full escort is with her
- >But she orders them away as she approaches the two of you
- >As always, her motherly, tender smile is visible
- >"Is it Caesar?"
- >Celestia wastes no time with pleasantries
- >Calling upon her is a rare occurrence
- >But when it happens, she knows not to waste time
- >Fighting the weakness, you point at the door
- >It is all you can muster for now
- "Luna tried to heal her, but it didn't work."
- >Celestia looks to the door and back to you
- >"Who? Anon, who is in there?"
- >At this point, you're running on autopilot
- "Lavender Mirage. Trixie's daughter."
- >"I see."
- >Celestia turns her attention to her sister
- >Your job is done for now
- >"Luna, what did you do?"
- >Her voice is not accusing
- >It is merely asking gently
- >And Luna responds with simple calmness
- >"I attempted to cure the mare by offering my own life essence."
- >Celestia actually chuckles at that
- >"Generous as always. But what do you mean by 'attempted'?"
- >Luna sighs heavily
- >"The spell didn't work. In fact, it caused poor Lavender great pain."
- >The white alicorn's eyes go wide
- >It catches your attention
- >Celestia is not the pony you want to see surprised
- >For any reason
- >Before you can ask anything of her, she has entered the room
- >And for a few breathless moments, you wait
- >It doesn't take long before the ruler returns
- >A look of defeat adorns her face
- >With her magic, she closes the door behind her
- >"There is nothing I can do. I am sorry."
- "What happened to her? What's wrong with Lavender? Why can't you help?"
- >Celestia moves in front of you
- >Her eyes meet yours
- >And they are so very full of sadness
- >So very full of that which you wish to never see again
- >"Lavender is not sick. There is no disease in her body."
- >Even Luna raises an eyebrow at that
- >"Ponies posses great power. Power they do not understand. But all power can fade. And it does so for everyone."
- >Celestia sighs before continuing
- >"Ponies can break. Ponies can lose the spark. And when that spark is gone, there is no reigniting it."
- >Tears well up in the ruler's eyes
- >And as you see those tears, you give up
- >If Celestia does cry, there is nothing to be done
- >"Lavender will perish. She will wither and die. Her spark is gone. And even I can do nothing to help. No one can."
- >She turns away from you and sniffs once
- >It is a quiet sniff, but a sniff nonetheless
- >Celestia, the ruler of Equestria, has shed a tear
- >For the pony she will never be able to save
- >For the dying Lavender in the room next door
- >"She doesn't need to know. None of them do."
- >Celestia's voice is quiet, so very quiet
- >Just audible to you and Luna
- >"Let her live her remaining time in peace."
- >Even the mighty Celestia must bow
- >Even she must admit to her lack of power
- >Her goodness and kindness can do nothing
- >But perhaps what is needed is not kindness
- >A strange thought enters your mind
- >But it is one you dare not let rest
- "We could summon Discord. He might know something. He could help."
- >Both of the princesses turn their heads toward you
- >And they both carry the same expression
- >"Summon Discord? Anon, I know you haven't seen what he can do, but I will not, under any circumstances, release Discord from his prison."
- >Celestia's royal and stern tone finally returns
- >She is acting like the ruler she is
- >"Lavender will die, and we cannot stop that."
- "But Discord could-"
- >"Discord will remain in his prison!"
- >You are almost blown back by the volume of her voice
- >It was rare for Celestia to use the old Canterlot voice
- >But as quickly as she summoned it, it disappears
- >"You have not seen what he can do, but I promise you, releasing Discord is the worst thing we could ever do at such a time. With the increasing conflict to the east, who knows what he would do?"
- >Celestia is whispering to you
- >Her voice still stern and scolding
- "But, Lavender-"
- >"Lavender will die, and while tragic, it cannot be stopped. Not even by Discord. Do you understand me?"
- >You refuse to accept her words
- >For the first time, you wish Celestia was wrong
- >She had been wrong in the past, too
- "Could Caesar's love for her not reignite that 'spark'?"
- >For the first time since arriving, Celestia seems surprised
- >She turns her gaze towards the door
- >And she stares for minutes
- >Her eyes never leave it for a second
- >You wonder what goes on in her mind
- >"I suppose it could."
- >Warmth immediately spreads through your body
- >Hope and happiness slowly lighting up in your heart
- "Really?"
- >Celestia nods slowly
- >"I have only ever seen two other ponies lose their spark. Neither of them made it. But I suppose Caesar could help her, if his love is true and pure."
- >She notices the smile creeping upon your lips
- >"But that is a very big IF."
- >Her eyes meet yours
- >"However much I wish for that to happen, Anon, I do not believe it will. Don't get your hopes up."
- >You nod furiously
- >Although she said not to, you can feel it
- >Hope is within you
- >There is still hope for Lavender
- >She doesn't have to die
- >Caesar could save her
- >All he had to do was show her
- >Show her his love
- >Share with her his feelings
- >It could happen
- >With newfound happiness, you get up
- >You make it no more than two steps towards the door before being stopped
- >"You cannot tell him."
- >Celestia has created a magical field in front of you
- >There is no way for you to get to the door
- >"If you tell him, it won't happen."
- "What, why?"
- >Celestia sighs and bows her head
- >"Because if he knows, his affection will be forced. It will not be pure. He has to do this on his own, without the knowledge."
- >All the happiness in your heart disappears
- >Just as it had arrived, it runs off
- >You clench your fist and strike the magical field
- >Over and over you punch it
- >Letting out all the anger you built up
- >"If Caesar is truly strong, he could do it, even with the knowledge."
- >Celestia's voice is full of regret
- >"But his chances would be severely lowered. He is your son. It's up to you."
- >The magical field disappears in an instant
- >You're staring at the door as Celestia speaks
- >"But think of Lavender. Although Caesar is your son, it is Lavender's life that is on the line."
- >You feel a hoof on your back
- >It's gently stroking you
- >Comforting your weary mind
- >You turn around and smile
- >Celestia is standing there
- >Her warm and tender smile back on her lips
- >Right where it belongs
- "Thank you, Celestia. Thank you for being so kind."
- >She merely chuckles and nods
- >Without thinking, you lean forward
- >Closing the distance between your mouth and hers
- >In the blink of an eye, Celestia's head is out of the way
- >But she wraps her hooves around you
- >And you wrap your arms around her
- >Burying your face in her soft fur, you thank her again
- >Celestia merely strokes your back
- >She doesn't need to speak
- >She has spoken much already
- >Good words and horrible words
- >But it has come to this
- >"So, does this mean you will stay silent?"
- >You simply nod at Celestia
- >Caesar needed the best chances possible
- >Unfortunately, that meant getting Trixie out of there
- >But it had to be done
- >You walk to the door and gently open it
- >Caesar looks at you in anger
- >But you simply smile at him before turning your attention to Trixie
- "Trixie, could you come out here for a moment?"
- >She turns her weary gaze to you
- >"My daughter..."
- >You nod and smile at her
- "I know. It'll only be a minute, I promise."
- >Trixie looks back to her daughter
- >She runs her hoof through the gray mane before getting up
- >Her walking is slow and tired
- >But she makes it out into the hallway
- >You give Caesar a second smile before closing the door
- >"Y-Your highness. What are you doing here?"
- >Trixie is bowing deeply in front of Celestia
- >"There is no need for that. I am here at the request of Anon."
- >Trixie looks at you in disbelief
- "I asked her to come, so that she might help."
- >The unicorn lights up much like you did earlier
- >"Well, can you? Can you save Lavender?"
- >Celestia holds up a hoof to silence Trixie
- "Caesar might be able to. If his love for her can reignite the spark she has lost, she could survive. It's our only chance."
- >Trixie looks saddened, but hopeful
- "But we can't tell him. If he knows, he will try to force it, leading to nothing. He has to do it on his own, okay?"
- >Trixie bites her lower lip before sighing
- >"All right. Your son better love my daughter more than anything in this world."
- >She gives you a weak smile
- >You return her smile with great warmth
- "Trust me, he does."
- >Trixie manages a stifled chuckle before sitting down
- >"To think my life has come to this."
- >She is merely speaking to herself, and as such, no one answers her
- >You walk up and down the hallway, waiting for anything to happen
- >Caesar could cure her any minute
- >But how would he without the knowledge you have?
- >The entire situation is frustrating
- >You can only sit by and idly watch
- >Or maybe
- >You stop in the middle of the hall
- >A genius idea just entered your mind
- >It would hurt, it would be cruel
- >But it could be a life saving pain
- >You rush back to the door and put your hand on the knob
- >"What are you doing?"
- >Luna's voice rings out in the hall
- >You simply turn to face her and smile
- "I won't tell him. But I've got an idea. You just have to trust me."
- >Luna smiles warmly at you and nods
- >"I will always trust you, Anon."
- >Leaving her with a nod, you open the door
- >Caesar once again shoots you a dissatisfied look
- >You close the door and go to him
- >Lavender is still sleeping
- >At least she's still alive
- >"What do you want?"
- >Caesar's voice is cold and foreign
- >But his anger with you is not a concern
- "Caesar, I've just spoken to Celestia. She can't help Lavender."
- >Your son looks up at you
- >His anger gone, replaced by fear
- "Lavender is going to die. There is nothing we can do."
- >"W-What?"
- "I'm sorry. Use the time you have left wisely."
- >You put your hand on his head
- >"But she... she can't die..."
- >You gently stroke his hair
- >It's soft and cold
- "It is inevitable. Everyone dies, Caesar. Lavender is just going to go early, I'm afraid."
- >The tears are coming
- >Creeping up in the corners of his eyes
- >Slowly slipping down his cheeks
- >All while he is caressing her hoof
- >"But... it's not fair..."
- "I know, Caesar. But maybe you could be strong for her. Maybe that might help, you know? You could make a difference."
- >Caesar never takes his eyes off of the mare
- >He simply stares at her
- >But he nods
- >One single time
- >"Yeah."
- >A faint smile appears on his lips
- >With his second hand, he grabs yours
- >His grip is tight
- >It's almost hurting you
- >But you say not a word
- >"I'll make her happy. Whatever it takes. Anything to see her smile again."
- >Caesar commands his words with grace
- >Speaks calmly and quietly into the room
- >You pat his head and he releases you
- >"I'll make her happy."
- >You simply turn to leave the room
- >A smile is plastered on your face
- >The plan worked
- >Caesar doesn't pay you any mind as you leave
- >For now, Lavender is the most important thing in the world
- >All of the ponies are eagerly awaiting your return
- >Trixie is the first to speak
- >"What did you do? Does he know?"
- "He's aware."
- >Now it would be time to leave
- >There is nothing more you can do
- >Everything rests upon Caesar's shoulders
- >Without further explanation, you walk down the hall
- >After a few moments of walking, you hear a cascade of hoof-steps behind you
- >"You told him?!"
- >Trixie's scolding voice hits you hard
- >But you brush it off easily
- "He is aware of the fact that Lavender will die. But not that he can save her. I only told him he could try to make her happy in her final moments."
- >Silence falls upon the ponies behind you
- >You get all the way down the stairs before Trixie replies
- >"Well, it seems you've got your wits about you. That might just work, Anon. Thank you."
- >Her voice no longer carries anger
- >It does speak of her exhaustion, however
- >"Can't we stay with them? She is my daughter, after all."
- >You get to the front door of the hospital
- >With your hand on the doorknob, you turn to reply
- "Everything is in Caesar's hands now. We can't do any more. If you wish to stay, I ask only that you leave them be. Caesar needs all the time alone he can get."
- >Trixie smiles weakly and nods
- >"I'll stay here, just in case."
- "Take care."
- >You exit the hospital and take a deep breath
- >Early morning is coming
- >Only now do you realize how tired you are
- >"We have to return to the castle, Anon. We cannot leave our duties behind, however much I wish we could."
- >Celestia's voice is serene
- >You just nod at her
- >"Go home, honey. Get some rest."
- >Luna gives you a peck on the cheek
- >You nod and smile at your mare
- "Yeah, I'll head home. Go on ahead, I'd just slow you down."
- >Luna presses her lips onto yours
- >The two of you share a short, exhausted kiss before she flies off
- >With weary legs, you start walking
- >Walking all the way back to the castle would take a while
- >It was quite the distance after all
- >Especially with no adrenaline to help you run
- >But that was fine
- >The fresh morning air felt great
- >It was truly refreshing
- >Normally, you'd be walking much faster
- >But you slump down the roads
- >After everything that has happened, you care not for speed
- >All you really long for is some strong liquor
- >Granted, you would need sleep once home
- >But first liquor
- >Minutes pass as you walk
- >They creep by slowly, but rack up so quickly
- >After twenty minutes of walking, you have gotten merely halfway home
- >You didn't think it possible, but you were almost sleeping while walking
- >It was too relaxing not to, however
- >Everything is peace and quiet in these streets
- >Another ten minutes pass
- >The castle is in sight
- >Your grand home
- >It looks so peaceful in the mornings
- >And the sun is hitting the facade in just the right way
- >You stand for a few minutes and simply look at it
- >When living inside it, it was easy to forget how fantastic it looked on the outside
- >Truly it was a magical place
- >You are pulled from your thoughts suddenly and immediately
- >Behind you roars the sound of an explosion
- >Louder than anything you have ever heard
- >It consumes all sound
- >The light emitting from Caesar was blinding
- >Like a reborn phoenix he shone
- >Focusing with every inch of his mind on casting this one spell
- >His mind is almost hurting from exertion
- >But he has to keep going
- >Has to try this one spell
- >Lavender had accepted her death
- >She had smiled and told him it'd be okay
- >But what Caesar's father told him
- >It made him think
- >He had power unlike any other
- >And though he hadn't yet tamed it, it could be used
- >So he put all of his mind to casting this one spell
- >So he could finally save Lavender
- >Struggling on with all he has, Caesar feels the end coming
- >The spell was actually working
- >Clenching all of his muscles, he finally completes it
- >A deafening bang emits from the satyr
- >Although no explosion came
- >The sound, however, was enough to knock him off-balance
- >Caesar stumbles to the ground, panting and sweating
- >His ears are ringing
- >His body is weak, and his mind blank
- >After sitting there for a few moments, he speaks
- >"Lavender?"
- >The mare does not reply
- >Maybe she still hadn't regained her hearing after the noise
- >Caesar forces himself towards the bed
- >Putting all the strength he's gotten into moving forward
- >"Lavender?"
- >He puts his hand on the bed and pulls himself up
- >What he sees makes his blood freeze
- >His heart stops for a moment
- >Mouth agape and mind numb, he stares
- >In front of him she lies
- >The only pony Caesar had ever truly loved
- >She, who cheated on him
- >She, who brought him such joy
- >Lying lifeless in the bed
- >Something is gravely wrong
- >Explosions in Equestria were unheard of
- >Whatever it was, it is nothing but bad
- >For the second time today, you start running
- >Much slower this time, but still you run
- >Your legs are burning like fire
- >But you continue on
- >Whatever is going on is important
- >You need to get there
- >You need to
- >The world starts spinning as you run
- >You feel yourself going off track
- >You might have fallen
- >All you know is that darkness comes
- >And it grips you in an instant
- >You wake up shaking and sweating
- >The bed you're lying in is familiar
- >Comfortable
- >Your body aches as you get up
- >Frantic voices fill the room in which you lie
- >Specifically the voices of Luna and Celestia
- >As you sit up, you groan loudly
- >Luna immediately rushes to your side
- >She pushes you back down into the bed
- >A cold, wet sensation overtakes your forehead
- >"Relax, Anon. You're all right."
- >"How could this happen? I can't..."
- >Celestia is pacing back and forth behind Luna
- >Although groggy, you notice tears in her eyes
- >Luna is gently wiping your face with the wet cloth
- >She, too, has been crying
- >And it seems she is ready for another round
- >"Everything will be fine, Anon. I promise."
- "Will Pinkie throw me a get well party?"
- >For some reason, it's all you can think of
- >Your mind hurts as you try to think
- >Like a hot iron bashing your brain at every minor thought
- >As a result, you simply speak what comes through your mouth
- >"Yes, Anon, she will. And there'll be c-cakes and f-fun hats. I-It'll be g-great!"
- >A frantic smile is placed on Luna's face
- >The tears are streaming down her cheeks
- >"A-And we'll b-be a happy f-family. J-Just the t-two of us."
- >Her words strike you as odd
- >Something about it is wrong
- >Two
- >Not three
- "Where's Caesar?"
- >Your speech is almost nothing more than groaning
- >But you manage to get it out
- >"Anon, h-he's g-gone."
- >Luna is whispering to you
- >"Everyone at the hospital was found dead."
- >Celestia finally speaks
- >But her voice is dark and rough
- >Not the voice you want to hear
- >"The cause of death is unknown. It is as if life simply left their bodies. Only Caesar was missing."
- >Celestia walks over to the bed
- >She stares intently at you
- >"Ponies think it was a zebra attack. They demand justice."
- >Luna buries her face in your duvet and cries
- >"I think Caesar did it."
- >Caesar would never do that
- >Your son would never kill a living thing
- "W-What if he just ran away? If he did it and got scared, he'd get in trouble? Was his body found?"
- >Celestia sighs heavily
- >"This was the work of very old and powerful magic. Magic even I don't quite understand. The only one with such power is Caesar, my sister and I. There is no trace of the boy. It must have been him."
- >Celestia was lying
- >You knew she was
- >This was some sort of sick prank
- >They were getting back at you for that flour bomb you made last year
- >"C-Caesar..."
- >Luna's muffled voice brings with it pain
- >You don't want to hear this
- >You refuse to
- "Caesar would never kill anyone! He loves Lavender! You're lying, I know you are! In a moment, you're going to say 'Got you! Lavender is all right!'"
- >Celestia's eyes change
- >She looks at you that way
- >The way a mother looks at her unknowing child
- "N-No! He didn't! T-They're all fine! Luna, tell her!"
- >Luna is no longer crying
- >Her head is lying sideways on the bed
- >Her eyes staring at nothing
- >"They're all dead... Caesar's gone... It's over..."
- >You grab Celestia and shake her violently
- "TELL ME THEY'RE OKAY!"
- >Celestia merely continues her stare
- "SAY IT! DON'T LIE TO ME! DON'T!"
- >A single tear drops from her eye
- >Creeps down her cheek and onto the floor
- >"I'm sorry, Anon."
- >Celestia is crying
- >Celestia never cries
- >Celestia is a good leader, yes
- >She would never cry
- >And Luna has given up
- >Nothing here makes sense
- >You passed out as well
- >There is only one logical explanation
- >This is all a dream
- >Yes, of course!
- >That's the only way this could make sense
- "Ehehehe."
- >Relief washes over you
- >Like a gentle wave
- >It feels good, yes
- >This whole situation
- >It's so very funny
- >Dreams can be tricky like that
- "Heheheh."
- >Dreams were tricky things, yes
- >You couldn't control them either
- >And they could play tricks on your mind
- >Oh, dreams were bad
- >Dreams were
- >A sharp pain sears through your face
- >You immediately cover it with your hands
- >There's blood flowing from your nose
- >Everything is blurry
- >All you can feel is that searing flame in your face
- >"SNAP OUT OF IT!"
- >Celestia is yelling louder than you have ever heard before
- >"Get it together, Anon! We can't allow ourselves to break down like that!"
- >All you can reply with is a pained groan
- >"I'm sorry I had to hit you, but you weren't responding."
- >Celestia is panting loudly
- >"I've sent the guards out to look for Caesar. But my guards can only do so much. We will have to get lucky. For now, I have political matters to attend to. An uprising has begun, and I need to calm things down. I'm sorry."
- >You register the sound of a door being opened and closed
- >But what you really care about is the wet cloth wiping away the blood
- >"I'm sorry about Tia. She is... distraught..."
- "Yeah..."
- >Luna continues to wipe away the blood
- >In silence you lie there
- >Thinking as your wife tends to you
- "He's really gone... isn't he?"
- >"Yeah..."
- >You are void of emotions in this moment
- >Too many things have happened
- >Too many words have been spoken
- "He'll come back... right?"
- >"Yeah..."
- >You're glad Luna is wiping your face
- >For she cannot see the tears welling up in your eyes
- "My son... gone..."
- >Mustering all the strength you can find, you get up
- >Luna tries to push you down, but you brush her off
- >There is no point in resting
- >It won't help anyone
- >Instead, you walk through the room and to the door
- >With a heavy heart and weak hands you open it
- >You're greeted by the familiar smell of teenager
- >The smell of Caesar
- >His room hasn't changed one bit
- >It's still the same
- >You'll keep it nice for when he comes back
- >If he ever comes back
- >With tears in your eyes, you walk to his bed
- >Right there, in the middle of it
- >There is his plush toy
- >The one he always slept with
- >You pick it up and caress its head
- "He's gone, Luna..."
- >"I-I know."
- >She sits down next to you
- >A wing slowly folds itself around you
- >You grab Luna's hoof with your free hand
- >"It's s-so cute."
- "Adorable. He'll like it, don't you think?"
- >"I t-think he'll l-love it."
- >You bring the plushie close and hug it
- >"I-I l-love, you, A-Anon."
- >You stare at Caesar's bed
- >Perfectly made and ready for usage
- "I love you too, Luna."
- End of part 4.
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