//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: The Night Falls, but Day Breaks // by Bobby Dole //------------------------------// The Night Falls, but Day Breaks – Chapter 2 Twilight was still running around trying to get everything perfect, like she always did. It made Celestia smile to see that, although her faithful student still couldn’t relax like she should, she at least had learned how to be obsessive calmly. It was one of the things that made her endearing. “Twilight, everything looks wonderful; you even remembered Luna’s favorite tea. Please, come and sit with me. We have a few matters to discuss before tonight’s celebration.” Discord’s idea of using the birthday party for this final step was perfect. Twilight had spent the whole day bustling about, checking and double-checking everything. There were purple streamers draped from every sconce and chandelier forming a paper latticed canvas overhead. Tables laden with every sweet and savory treat in the kingdom lined the far wall. And, a small mountain of presents filled a corner of the hall near the thrones. Luna was off being distracted by Pinkie Pie to ensure that her first sight of the great chamber’s transformation would be after all the guests had arrived. For Luna, it would be the greatest of delights to have so many give her so much deserved affection and attention. Twilight had finally finished confirming that the caterers would have everything ready at the correct time for each course and walked back to the patiently waiting Celestia. “I’m sorry I’ve been so busy, Princess, but at least it’s been fun.” Her smile faded a little as she added, “I hope Princess Luna likes it.” Celestia gave a warm smile to chase away Twilight’s doubts. “I am quite sure Luna will love everything you’ve done here. I don’t think I could have done a better job myself.” Celestia allowed Twilight a few moments to bask in the glow of her job well done before continuing. “I think we should discuss my announcement for this evening.” “I’ve already made sure it’s scheduled in,” said Twilight, checking her notes. “A few minutes after everyone should be done with dessert I have fifteen minutes set aside for you and Princess Luna to give your speeches.” “Yes, Twilight,” she laughed. “I meant that we should talk about my announcement itself. I haven’t told you what it is for yet.” Celestia paused for a moment. “Do you know how many students I have had?” Twilight shook her head. “Thousands. While I only have one protégé at a time, I have taught many students in classes at my school. In all that time I have only had one who has truly amazed me with their power, impressed me with their knowledge and dedication, and surpassed me in… well, anything. Do you know who that student is?” “Me?” a very awed and timid looking Twilight replied. “Yes, Twilight, you. You have seen power in what Sunset Shimmer was able to accomplish and you have seen the great fruits of knowledge and study wrought by Star Swirl, yet both have been surpassed by you as well. It is for these reasons and because you have shown yourself to be the best kind of friend to both those close to you and the world at large that I will be stepping down as ruler of Equestria and announcing you as my successor.” Twilight sat in a stunned silence before croaking out a feeble, “why me?” “Because you have become a better teacher than I could ever hope to be.” “But I’m not a teacher! I’m… I’m a… a… I don’t even know what I am anymore. I’m supposed to be a princess, but I don’t feel like one. I’m supposed to be the element of magic, but there’s a world full of things I don’t know yet. And now I’m supposed to rule all of Equestria? I don’t know how! I’d mess it all up if there was a disaster or when some foreign dignitary came to visit or… or…” Celestia looked deeply into the anxiety riddled eyes staring back at her. Twilight looked scared and was giving a silent plea for any way out, but Celestia simply smiled. “You are not a teacher? That would be true if only those who teach by instruction were teachers – you teach by example, Twilight. And, I can assure you that, as an objective outsider, you are most definitely a princess and the true element of magic. “From my own experience I can tell you that you won’t ever fully feel like a princess because, like me, you were not born one. You will always be Twilight first and princess second in your own mind, but you carry yourself like a princess. And, as for everything you don’t know about magic yet… give it time. Being the element of magic does not mean that you know everything there is to know about magic, simply that you are more in tune with magic than any other living creature. “You will be a good ruler because you have the two most important things every ruler needs, those who will give you good counsel and the humility to listen. And, although I will be stepping down, I am staying to be your advisor.” Celestia smiled at Twilight as she lightly stroked her hair. “As with everything I teach you, you’ll have it learned perfectly in no time.” Celestia rose from her seat and stretched her wings. “Come now, we must take our places for Luna’s arrival.” Twilight was quiet as they walked down the long hall to wait with all the guests in the foyer to the throne room. “What about my friends?” she whispered when they were still a few paces from the door. Celestia stopped and looked down at Twilight who was nervously dragging her front hoof in little circles. “All good rulers need advisors. I can think of no better ponies to bring into your confidence. But now, Twilight, I give you your first lesson. As a good and beloved ruler, as I believe you will be, it is important to remember that if you have made your subjects happy, they will wish the same for you, so, smile, Twilight.” With a small giggle and a deep breath for courage, Twilight earned an A as they stepped out of the hall.