>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.