//------------------------------// // The Announcement // Story: Winter Solstice // by Judgeitive //------------------------------// The great hall of Canterlot Castle had been completely redecorated for the occasion. Deep purple banners hung from the rafters over the assembled unicorns, whose horns rose in silent salute as the Princess of the Night ascended the stage. “Welcome everypony, to the one thousand and eleventh Winter Solstice. We are delighted that so many of you could attend - we are sure you will find this an important and entertaining event.” She stopped there for a second for as the audience broke out in a round of applause. “We have decided to bring back an old tradition from the times before the rise of Nightmare Moon.” She paused for dramatic effect, her voice to rising to a crescendo as she continued. “WE HAVE DECREED THAT THE CELESTIAL TOURNAMENT SHALL BE HELD AGAIN DURING THE WINTER SOLSTICE.” The audience broke out into applause, excited conversation beginning at once to fill the hall. Mysteria turned to Twilight, a slightly curious expression on her face. “What is the Celestial Tournament, Twilight?” Twilight thought for a second, then, shutting her eyes, slowly responded. “I think it was an ancient pony event where ponies would compete in magical and mental events to see who would be that year’s successor.” “Successor?” “If something ever happened to Luna or Celestia, and the other was unable to lift the sun or moon, the successor would take their place. Obviously, this undermined their authority, and so the tournament was abolished. There were reports that the last tournaments became increasingly dangerous due to a recurring victor, but that is probably a myth.” Mysteria nodded and looked around again at the assembly again - it was clear from the topic of conversation that nopony else knew what the tournament was. Theories ranged from near the truth to outlandish. “The first contest will begin tomorrow morning after breakfast - details of the contest as well as a scoreboard will now be set up.” Luna continued, her voice cutting through the hubbub even without rising to its imperious volume. She ascended into the air, and then vanished in a flash of dark blue light. Within short time tables were laid out, piled high with dishes of food for the hungry ponies. As Twilight and Mysteria enjoyed some iced tea and biscuits, the conversation turned to their mornings so far. “The lecture was ok, but then I met this really nice stallion who was looking at my drawing and we got to talking...” “Hold on a second, Mysteria,” Twilight interjected, holding up her hoof, “Why were you drawing, instead of taking notes in a lecture?” Mysteria turned away, embarrassed. “I guess I was just doodling subconsciously.” Twilight sighed heavily, but let her student continue. “It turns out we’re going to a lot of the same lectures, so we will probably help each other with our notes. We’ll also try to help each other get our cutie marks.” Mysteria’s happiness was infectious and Twilight smiled despite her reservations. They ate the rest of their food in a contemplative silence before Mysteria asked Twilight another question: “Will you enter the tournament?” “Nope” she replied, barely turning away from her meal. “Why not?” “I have no desire to compete against all these ponies - it accomplishes nothing. Anyway, I am Princess Celestia’s student, I don’t need more than that.” “What about you, Gently?” “Definitely, perhaps we could do team contests.” A voice replied from next to Twilight. She yelped and jumped backwards, spilling her tea. The blue unicorn raised an eyebrow and smiled softly. “Do I have the honour of addressing Twilight Sparkle?” He asked her politely walking over to stand next to Mysteria. “Yes you do” She brusquely responded, cleaning up the mess. “You’re Mysteria’s new friend aren't you?” “Indeed I am, there was a little misunderstanding, so I felt it proper to get to know her better. She really is a very special pony.” Mysteria blushed deeply at the compliment, and turned to Twilight, her eyes pleading. Understanding, her teacher smiled cordially at the stallion. She knew she was feeling over-protective about Mysteria, but she had developed an attachment for the younger mare. Slyly, she asked this new ‘friend’ a tricky question. “So you plan to enter the tournament - do you know what the contest involves?” She took a small triumph in his confusion before being astounded as he calmly responded. “Well, I know I will enter the levitation contest at level three, as I can manage multiple light objects or several heavy ones with ease. I was thinking of applying for creative transformation as I take great inspiration from the ancient art styles. I will also obviously enter the duelling.” His announcement attracted the attention of surrounding ponies - one curiously asked: “Duelling?” He nodded solemnly, yet his yellow eyes twinkled with enthusiasm. “As some of us saw during the changeling invasion, unicorns are more than capable of using their magic aggressively. The competition is generally until one combatant concedes or is forced unconscious, except...” “Sometimes ponies would die.” Twilight finished smugly stilling the excitable crowd who edgily turned back to their own conversations. Mysteria turned to the blue unicorn, concern etched on her face. “Are you sure you still want to duel, Gently?” He laughed and ruffled her hair a bit. “Relax Mysteria, that was hundreds of years ago. These duels will be perfectly safe - I’ll be fine.” She smiled at him nervously, her concern only abated. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight watched as her pupil left with the stallion. Something about him put her on edge. She was desperate to try that revealing spell she had learnt earlier, but hadn’t found the time. “Twilight Sparkle?” A voice asked reservedly from behind her. The purple unicorn immediately recognised the voice she had heard, and turned, beaming at the Alicorn. “Princess Luna” She bowed low, touching her horn to the ground, the ultimate sign of respect. “Please Twilight,” Luna said holding up her hoof, “Such deference is not expected in this age. We request you come with us to see your teacher.” “Princess Celestia? Am I late for an assignment? Is she angry that I haven’t been to see her yet?”The unicorn exclaimed in a sudden panic, frantically going through her notes for a message that wasn’t there. “My sister decided to see you not five minutes ago.” Luna told Twilight, smiling, “Come, we are keeping her waiting.” They strode away from the meeting, drawing many envious looks from the social-climbing ponies. Luna took Twilight up to the observation tower, where the princesses observed and protected the realm. The glorious alicorn Celestia stood resplendent on the battlements, against the setting sun. “Ah, my dear student, Twilight Sparkle.” She began, as the two of them nuzzled each other. “It has been far too long since we have spoken outside the confines of a social event.” Twilight opened her mouth to interject, but Luna cut in. “If I may take me leave, I must go see to my duties.” Celestia nodded, closing her eyes as her horn began to glow. “Of course, though you should return afterwards as we have matters to discuss. The blue alicorn nodded seriously and ascended the sky surrounding herself in a nimbus of magic as day began the transformation to night. Celestia turned to her student - though she spoke with eyes filled with compassion, her tone was serious. “Twilight you must enter the duelling competition in the Celestial Tournament. It is imperative that you win the title of successor this year.” Twilight gasped at her mentor, barely forming enough coherent thought to stammer a reply. “M...Me, your highness?” Celestia nodded and walked over to the battlements, now dark as the moon had not yet risen. “There is danger in Canterlot. I have sensed malevolent presences at work, yet do not know who they are, or what they plan. I am weakest at this time of year, and we need a champion to defend the ponies of Equestria.” “But I can never be as powerful as you or Princess Luna” Twilight protested, shaking at the prospect of being a champion of Equestria. Celestia merely shook her head before responding. “The successor is granted power to elevate them to the power levels of a minor alicorn in addition to their own power.” She walked forwards until she stood directly in front of her student. “You have always been destined for this role, Twilight. We only brought the event back because we knew you could win it, so wouldn’t have to grant power to someone we couldn’t trust.” Twilight frowned in concentration as she digested this latest information. “Why not just give me the power in the first place, if you were so worried about someone else subverting it?” Celestia frowned as she answered. “The tournament is the second part of the ritual that grants these powers. First, the potential successors must be prepared. This involves being marked with the symbol of the element of magic. Until the sigil fades, the unicorn will be imbued with extra magical energy. By defeating the other competitors, they absorb the gifted magic granted, and when all the energy is melded in one pony, they are strong enough to ascend.” “Ascend?” “When one reaches the stage at which they can be considered minor alicorns. This third stage is automatic, and like the rest of the ritual, we have no control over this ascension. That is why we had to be sure - once someone has entered the tournament, neither Luna nor myself can prevent the culmination of this ancient spell.” Twilight hung her head as emotions raged inside her. “Why go to all the effort of making me a champion, though?” she suddenly shouted at Celestia, her frustration too great to contain. “If I win I would gladly give you the power, I don’t want to be a champion.” She stared ferociously at her teacher breathing heavily. Celestia turned away ashamed. “My dear student, I know how much you hate these circumstances. However, at this time of year, even if you passed the power on to me, I could not contain it within me. It would simply dissipate back into the Elements.” Twilight closed her eyes, understanding of the situation now clear. “I don’t want to do it, but...Yes I shall fight as your champion.” Celestia smiled warmly, and nuzzled her student again. “I know this is difficult for you, and I feel terrible about putting you in this situation, but the fate of Equestria could be at stake. Thank you, Twilight. I have great faith in you