Twilight Sparkle gazed through the windows of the royal quarters that once belonged to Princess Celestia. She looked upon the royal city of Canterlot with such pride. Under her reign, everypony was provided for. All of Equestria wanted for nothing. Trade had expanded to all parts of the world, from the previously unknown villages deep within the Everfree Forest to the far reaches of the dark realm of Tartarus. Control of the Elements of Harmony combined with her inherent knowledge and incredible magic had allowed her rule to unquestionably outshine that of Celestia's, of course this is not something she would admit to herself because she had never lost any of the respect or love she felt for her old mentor.
"I guess it's here again." Twilight said, feeling a deep sadness begin to exude from the place in her heart she kept it locked away. It was the day before the Summer Sun Celebration. The anniversary of her beloved mentor's passing brought with it fond and oftentimes depressing memories. Not just of Celestia, but of all the friends and family she'd lost over the years.
"Princess?" a deep voice brought Twilight away from her thoughts and back to reality. "Are you okay?"
"I'm okay Spike. More importantly, I've asked you for five-hundred years not to call me Princess."
"I know, it just makes me giggle sometimes." Spike had grown into a handsome young dragon. He was the only one left who Twilight was close to. He had stayed by her side for half a millennium and without him she would never have lasted this long. She still gets overwhelmed from time to time, and Spike has always been there to comfort her. Sometimes, in quiet moments, she breaks down and the only thing that brings her back is Spike's embrace and his voice telling her it will be okay.
"I'm sorry to worry you Spike. It's just this time of year brings back those memories.....I miss them Spike." Twilight said, on the verge of collapse.
Spike had learned to recognize these signs. He took Twilight in his arms, a claw running down her mane. "I miss them too Twilight. You've done amazing things. You have sacrificed so much and if they were here today, they would thank you with all their hearts. You can't lose hope. We will see them again someday. In the mean time, I'm here with you and I'm not going anywhere."
The cool feeling of his scales and his beautiful words brought Twilight a comfort as she rested against the dragon's thick chest. "Thank you Spike. I don't know what I would ever do without you."
"Don't worry about things like that. I'm here now and that's all that matters. Now come on. We have a celebration to prepare for. We don't get down to Ponyville very often."
____________________
Twilight looked out over the sea of pony faces illuminated by the moon she herself raised. "Thank you for being here everypony. Today is a day of memories. Although most of you may not remember the gentle rule of Celestia before me, none of us would be here if not for her. We pay her tribute, but indeed this is a day to remember everyone we've ever lost, and to cherish those we still have." Twilight shot a loving glance over to Spike who immediately returned it. "We have all felt sadness but the happy times are worth so much more. And I promise all of you, tomorrow the sun will shine!" Twilight flapped her wings and rose as her horn glowed a deep magenta. The stars faded and the sky erupted in a brilliant light as the sun rose and bathed all of Equestria in a glorious warmth. Twilight allowed this warmth to engulf her heart and with it, beautiful memories of her days in Ponyville and the fun adventures she had with all of her friends.
____________________
The night was dwindling as the celebration began to die down. Twilight had managed to slip away to spend a few moments with her thoughts. "Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity. I would never have gotten here if not for you girls. Your Elements helped me, but it was your friendship that opened my heart and gave me the power to keep going. Thank you so much. I promise, I will see you again someday."
Suddenly a flash of light appeared in the corner of Twilight's eye. Curious, she walked toward it, taking caution to conceal herself. She saw a beautiful unicorn filly with a dark blue coat and a brilliant sliver mane. Her horn emitted a golden glow as she pointed it at what looked like a dying rose. The aura surrounded the flower and slowly but without doubt, the faded petals regained their crimson glory.
"Well that's certainly a great deal of magic you have inside you."
The startled young pony turned and shyly replied, "Oh, Princess Twilight! I'm sorry, was I bothering you?"
"Not at all little one. I was quite impressed about how you handled that magic. Tell me, what is your name?"
"Oh, I'm Stardust."
"I'm honored to meet you Stardust. You can just call me Twilight. Why aren't you at the party having fun with your friends?"
"I.....I don't really have any friends Prin- I mean Twilight."
"Well that isn't really true anymore. After all, I'm your friend now."
A beautiful smile overtook the young filly's face and her turquoise eyes grew wide. "Really? You'll really be my friend?"
"Of course I will. Not only that, but I think you have a great magical potential. How would you like me to teach you a little more?"
"Yes! I want to learn as much as I can about magic so I can help everypony who needs me. But.....do you really think I can?"
"I do, my little pony. More than you know." Twilight said as a new light began to sparkle in her heart.