//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: To Fulfill Your Destiny // Story: A True, True Friend // by Movie Reel //------------------------------// A True, True Friend By Movie Reel ---------- Ponyville. A quiet town with quiet ponies that has "loud surprises" as the mayor calls them. These surprises might have happened every so often, but have grown more frequent over the last three years. For example, you could be relaxing on your porch not a care in your mind. You're laying back in your chair, enjoying the Celestia-given sunshine and there is nary a cloud in the sky... and then your house would get devoured by the most adorable spawns of Tartarus. Speaking of Tartarus, Cerberus actually paid the town a visit one time. It would have been positively terrifying if everypony wasn't [mostly] prepared for such a catastrophe. Catastrophes such as these have avoided several injuries mostly in part of Twilight Sparkle. For Ponyville; has contributed in organizing public events, offered her home open to anypony with the desire to learn and a library card, and has prevented the destruction to both Ponyville and Equestria as a whole. Multiple times. Right now, she was being granted an audience with her princess. Or rather, her fellow princess. "Huh?!" "Hold on a second!" Exclaimed Pinkie Pie, who drank a glass of water and spit it out in surprise. "A... a princess?" Twilight said fearfully. Celestia's hoof on her shoulder stopped her. "Since you've come to Ponyville; you've displayed the charity, compassion, devotion, integrity, optimism, and of course, the leadership of a true princess." Despite her friend's smiles and Princess Celestia's comforting words, Twilight's mind was a cold storm of doubt. She was never one to question the word of her princess... but still. Why a princess? Why me? Why is this my destiny? Is she just leaving me behind? "But, does this mean I won't be your student anymore?" "Not in the same way as before." Her princess answered. "I'll still be here to help and guide you, but we are all your students now, too. You are an inspiration to us all, Twilight." And with that, she bowed. Rarity immediately followed Celestia with a bow of her own. Then Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash. All of her friends willfully lowered their heads to the ground in respect until the line ended with Spike. At that moment, Twilight could no longer pretend that this was a dream. Her friends, Spike, her princess, were all bowing. To her. Twilight Sparkle. The new princess of Equestria. Oh my gosh. I really am a princess. Now, what do I do? "But what do I do now?" Twilight asked. "Is there a book about being a princess I should read?" There has to be right? They've seen me, I'm almost nothing without my books! Celestia merely chuckled. "There will be time for all of that later." Twilight smiled, glancing away in embarrassment. Relax Twilight. It's not like fulfilling your destiny and becoming a princess is a big deal or anything. Wait... my destiny? Twilight went silent, her sheepish grin scrunched up as she began to ponder what her "destiny" meant. If this is my destiny, then... then the princess always knew about it. She sent me Star Swirl's unfinished journal knowing I would finish it. I don't understand why I have to be a princess? I'm not able to run a country. Why not an archmage? I've MET them before. Equestria already has three princesses, it doesn't need me! "Twilight?" Celestia spoke, failing to grasp Twilight's attention. Why would anypony, let alone Princess Celestia, think we need another princess? Unless... unless she won't be the princess anymore? Twilight's eyes widen in panic. Am I just... a replacement? "Twilight?" This time Twilight looked up at her teacher and her subjects. They were giving her that same look of worried confusion they always give her whenever she gets wrapped up in her thoughts so much her hair stands on edge. She glanced at her hooves, searching for the words. "Princess," She said with a shake in her voice. "is this really my destiny?" Celestia slightly tilted her head. "What do you mean?" Please just tell me the truth. "I was just thinking-" "There's a shocker." Rainbow Dash whispered to Applejack, earning a snicker from her and Pinkie Pie. "About?" The Princess asked, ignoring the giggling. "I was thinking about everything that's happened today. Actually, I was analyzing more than thinking. Such as the significance of Star Swirl the Bearded's spell and how it relates to my destiny. A destiny that you most likely knew about, Princess. Why else would you send me his journal without knowing I would finish it? I mean; believing I could do it is one thing, knowing that I will is another. And for that matter, how does finishing his work make me worthy of being a princess?" Twilight's pacing began to match her frantic dialect. "Not to say it isn't a privilege to even read even a page of Star Swirl the Bearded's work, it's just that- that... I don't see how in the name of..." She points to her sovereign. ", you, can a finished paper assignment make me worthy of being in the same ranks as you! I'm not advancing to the next grade, I'm ruling a COUNTRY for pony's sake!" Her friends jumped back at the outburst, but Celestia remained impassive to Twilight's verbal rampage. "Did you just think that I would be okay with becoming a princess?! Was asking me too difficult for you? Did you think I would just go along with it, no questions asked? Well I have a lot of questions I want answered! What is gonna happen to me? Are you just going to dump me into some region of Equestria to rule? Do I have to just pack my bags and never come back?! What about my family? What about you.. and Luna? What..." Twilight's anger petered out as tears pooled around her eyes. "What... what about my friends?" Despite an effort to stay calm, stray tears trickled down her cheeks and her knees shook from her nerves. I can't do this. I can't leave my friends, they mean too much to me. I'm no princess. I can't. I can't- A white wing pulled Twilight into an embrace of infinite tenderness. She let her head fall into the crook of Celestia's neck and cried. She cried for the bright student she once was. She cried for the little town she has called home for three years. Cried for her future, which seemed more terrifying than ever. She cried for the loved ones she would have to abandon for her new life. "There, there Twilight. Sssh, ssh, ssh." Celestia soothed. "Everything is going to be just fine." Celestia pulled away for the ponies and dragon to come together in a group hug. Twilight sank into the pony pile. Fluttershy and Rarity offered gentle reassuring words like "We're not going anywhere." Applejack and Rainbow Dash delivered some encouraging optimism. Pinkie Pie and Spike just held her tight, silently telling her that they would do whatever they could to stay by her side. She took a few calming breaths and rubbed the tears off her face. "Twilight, why did I choose you to be my student?" Twilight answered with a sniffle. She remembered everything about that day. "Because my magic was unlike anything you've ever seen?" Celestia nodded, sinking into 'teacher mode'. "True. You had the makings of a great pony in a way that I haven't seen in years. Even the greatest magic users in Equestria couldn't do what you did at your age back then. Now, why did I send you to Ponyville in the first place?" "Because... I needed to learn about friendship?" Again Celestia nodded. "Very good. Then can you tell me why you needed to learn about friendship?" "Because I had to stop reading books and get out more?" The faithful student side was still there. "Well, yes." Celestia said. "But, you also needed to understand what friendship really meant. You were not going to learn about it if I just told you to. You always strived to learn everything about magic but you secluded yourself in your books. You had to discover it for yourself, and that you did. You found great friends in just a day and you didn't want to leave them then or now." "So you see Twilight, it wasn't finishing the spell itself that was important. What was important was that you understood the full nature of friendship and have unlocked the full potential of its magical power. You created new magic because you understood friendship You do not need to learn about it any further. You have mastered your Element. You have mastered friendship." Twilight let the words sink in. My Element. I'm such an idiot for not seeing it sooner! It isn't a mistake at all. She smiled. Her eyes were wet again but she knew they were happy tears. "Do you understand, Twilight?" Twilight wiped her face clear of any stray tears. "I guess so. But what about my friends, Princess? Will I have to leave Ponyville forever? Will I ever see them again?" Celestia didn't answer her right away and instead looked over the worried faces of her little ponies. They all shared the same scared look as if they were expecting the worst. The alicorn fell silent. It seemed like she was pondering. Then she smiled. "Twilight Sparkle; I have one final assignment for you as my student." An assignment? "Spike take a letter please." My final assignment. "On it Princess." Spike declared as he drew a scroll and quill. "As Princess of Equestria, I hereby assign my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle, to take on one final assignment. She shall enjoy the remainder of her time here in Ponyville until her coronation as the newest princess of Equestria in one weeks time." Princess Celestia decreed as Spike scribbled down on the scroll. "I should also advise her not to take this as a regular assignment but to simply enjoy herself and cherish the time she spends with her friends as the week passes." The ponies cheered and fell into another pile. For they could spend a little more time with their beloved pony and new princess. They all secretly feared it may be their last time. Twilight stood in happy silence as her friends cheered and hugged her joyously. She felt the build up of tears behind her eyes again. She wasn't even sure if they were really happy or sad and for the moment, she didn't care. Thank you. "I hope you girls enjoy yourself as much as you can," Announced Celestia as Spike finished up the note. "I must be off now. Princess Luna and I have a lot of planning to do back in Canterlot." "Princess! Wait!" Celestia turned just as Twilight tackled her in a thankful embrace. "Thank you. Thank you so much." She whispered. "I don't know what I would do without them. I've known them for too long to give them up." She gripped her neck a little tighter. "Thank you for letting me stay with them... just a little longer." Celestia returned the hug and softly kissed Twilight's forehead. "Everything is going to be just fine, Twilight." She said reassuringly. They released their embrace and Celestia flared her wings to take off. "And if you have any questions, and I know you do, I'm just a letter away." With that Celestia launched into the sky for Canterlot, leaving Twilight and her friends in the still empty streets of Ponyville. It was a real surprise how the town could be dead asleep after what happened. Sometimes the residents of Ponyville missed the more special moments. Then, without warning, Twilight was tackled into another group hug. "All right!" Cheered Rainbow Dash. "Oh my gosh! I gotta work EXTRA hard for my Alicorn Party!" shouted Pinkie. "I gotta make cakes, and cupcakes, and party gifts, and drinks, and set up a DJ. I'm pretty sure Vinyl is still in town. At least I think she's in town. And-" She paused to gasp. The kind of gasp that says, she just had the greatest idea in the history of greatest ideas. "I just gotta invite EVERYPONY! Because it's not a Pinkie Pie Party without everypony!" "Girls please! I need room to breath!" Twilight cried, gently breaking the group hug. "Ooh! It's been quite the day hasn't it?" Rarity dived for conversation. "You said it!" Agreed Pinkie Pie, who was jotting down notes for her "New Princess/Alicorn Party". "'Ah still can't believe Ah was stuck making dresses earlier." Applejack commented. "Well, I suppose we all can't be great fashion designers." Rarity said, posing with pride. "Or weather mares." Rainbow Dash snarked to the now blushing fashionista. As the girls fell into an animated conversation, Twilight stood in the same spot. Just standing there, and watching her friends laugh at the day's events. She felt a few tears in the back of her eyes again. One more week. One more week till they're gone. "Um.. Twilight?" Said a timid voice. Twilight's reverie was broken. She turned to see Fluttershy looking at her, concerned. "Are you okay?" She asked in her usual Fluttershy way. "Oh, yeah. I guess I was just thinking about what Princess Celestia said." Twilight said with a soft sigh. "Are you nervous?" Yes. A lot. So much you can't even comprehend how terrifi- "A little, I guess. But at least I get to spend some more time with you guys. Although I feel like I should plan for something for us to do this week." "Oh, Twilight. You don't have to plan anything. The princess wants you to just enjoy your time with us." Fluttershy reminded in a sweet confident voice. Oh, Fluttershy. Twilight smiled. "You're right." "Hey Fluttershy, Twilight!" Shouted Spike. "Pinkie's throwing a 'Yay! We're Back to Normal party'. Wanna go?". "Sure." "No thanks." Fluttershy turned at Twilight's polite refusal. "You don't want to come?" "As much as I'd love to party with you girls, and I really would, I have had a pretty long day. And I need some sleep." Twilight said, with a yawn. "Okay, Twilight." Said Pinkie Pie, dragging her into a hug that nearly crushed her new wings. "But don't worry, you'll have the biggest, bestest most awesomest New Princess/Alicorn Party ever!" Rarity and Fluttershy took their turns to her goodnight. "We'll see you tomorrow, darling. Er- I mean, Your Highness." Twilight hugged back, her wary smile going unnoticed. Princess. Right. Applejack hugged her tight. "G'night sugarcube." "Night, AJ." Twilight pulled out of the hug only to be yanked into another one. "See ya later, Twi." Rainbow said, giving her a noogie. "We'll get you flying soon enough." Twilight tore from the noogie and looked at Spike. "Are you going to the party?" "You think I'm gonna miss a Pinkie Pie party? No way!" Twilight shook her head but smiled at his childlike excitement. Lowering down she hugged her little dragon brother. "Okay. I'll leave the light on for you." "Come on, Spike!" Pinkie Pie said, appearing out from under him and on her back. "Let's see who can eat the most ice cream without getting brain freeze." "You're on!" "Hey, wait up! I don't want to miss this." Hollered Applejack, trotting after them. Rainbow gave chase as she declared to play winner. The rest of the party goers followed and left Twilight alone at her doorstep. She waved as her friends trotted away. Wow, you make a big deal about not wanting to leave your friends and then you leave your friends to go be alone. Some grateful friend you are. Twilight shook with the comment out of her head. "There's nothing wrong with a little alone time." She tried to convince herself. Her face drooped, realizing how pointless that argument was. She walked inside, muttering to herself. "I'm just not in the mood to celebrate right now." Twilight had trouble falling asleep. She was honestly tired after the day she had, but not tired enough to warrant immediate sleep. She tossed and turned in her bed, her new wings rubbed and bundled underneath her. Grunting in irritation, she rolled over until the offending wing was resting by her side. Definitely going to need some getting used to. She raised her right wing up above her so she could see it. Even in the dark room, there was plenty of moonlight shining through the window that allowed her to clearly see the wing above her face. For some reason, it didn't feel out of place, and it didn't really feel like a new part of her body even though it was. It felt strangely... natural. Like it was a part of her that she always had. I wonder. Lowering her wing, she grasped a feather between her teeth and gently pulled it out. She felt a shiver run through the appendage and down her spine. It almost felt like plucking a hair. Its real, all right. It was. It was so very real. Everything was real and not some fantasy. And everything kept repeating in her mind. From waking up without a care in the world only to discover her friends out of their Elements, apart and unhappy. Feeling the joy of reliving so many memories, be it happy, sad, hard but worth it all. Joining Princess Celestia in the... space filled with her memories. Fulfilling her destiny. Yet in spite of that, what kept flashing through her mind the most, where the faces of her friends. My friends... Her mind drifted to what the week would bring. Is this really my last week with them? Then what will happen after the week? Will I be as good a princess as Princess Celestia? She turned over and looked at the moon shining through her window. Or Princess Luna? She magically shut the blinds, casting the room into full darkness. She was reminded of what Celestia said about taking it easy. So she found a more comfortable spot on the bed and laid down under her sheets to wait for tomorrow, smiling a determined grin. The Princess is right. I should take it easy and enjoy my time. Her smile turned downcast. For now at least. She gazed at something on the nightstand. It was a framed picture of her and her friends. It was the same one she had on the wall in the lobby, but after today she decided to move it to her bed. Closer to her. She stared at all the smiling faces in the photo, focusing intently on her. She looked so happy. So carefree. So... normal. Just the way she remembered herself. Just a regular old unicorn. I'm gonna miss you. She gathered the picture into her hooves and tightly held it to her chest. She closed her eyes and waited for sleep to take her away from this day. The words her teacher had told her to steer her from her worries now made her more frightened than ever. Everything is going to be just fine, Twilight. As tears leaked out from her closed eyes, one final pleading thought went through her mind as she slowly fell into sleep's embrace. I hope so. I really hope so.