//------------------------------// // Chapter 15 // Story: Becoming Twilight // by RandomGreymane //------------------------------// Becoming Twilight - Chapter 15                by RandomGreymane (Mike Hebel)         Twilight’s eyelids felt heavy.  She could feel the rheum at the corners of her eyes shift and crumble as she opened her eyelids.         The light of the moon shone through the porthole.  She shifted her head back and forth a bit to change it’s color before closing her eyes once again.         Pushing the covers aside she sat up with an unsteady weave and leaned on her hooves to steady herself.  With trepidation she stood and found her footing steady.         Her internal clock told her that it was late in the night.  Carefully she crept from the cabin and into the galley where she was unsurprised to see Princess Luna seated at the table with a book and a cup of tea before her.         The words came slowly and with effort to her. “That...smells...wonderful.” Twilight said.         Startled by the sound, Luna’s head snapped up and she immediately rose and came to Twilight’s side. “My dear!” she said as she guided Twilight to the table “How are you feeling?”         Twilight could not quite summon the strength for speech again so she waggled the end of her hoof in a ‘so-so’ manner.         Moving carefully but with concerned haste, Luna poured a cup of tea and sweetened it to what she knew was Twilight’s preference.  “There.” she said as she placed the cup in front of her lavender colored sister “Start with that and no need to speak right now.  It’s night and you are close enough I can hear your thoughts my dear.”         Thank you. Twilight projected I think the tea will be just the thing.  And answering your previous question...I feel...whole again.  Exhausted, but whole.         “Excellent.  Tia was quite worried about you.” Luna said before taking a sip from her cup.         I can only imagine. Twilight thought while pouring herself another cup I always feel like I let her down when I get hurt.         “Hmmm....if it’s any consolation I have felt the same way in the past.” Luna replied “Still this time I think she was in the right to be concerned.”         Agreed.  thought Twilight as she closed her eye and savored the aroma coming from her cup It was a very near thing.  Once again I owe everypony a debt I will never be able to repay.  Think I’ll ever not have to have my friends pull my flank from the fire?         “Oh don’t be so hard on yourself!” Luna admonished “This is what good friends do.  And you being well...you...this will happen more than the usual.  You are all the ponies that defend Equestria.  That is bound to put all of you into more dangers than the average pony.”         Again agreed. Twilight thought with a tinge of annoyance coloring the connection between them. “I just don’t want to make it a habit.” she said as she forced herself to continue aloud.         “You do so much my dear dear Twilight.” Luna said with a smile on her face “But the one thing you never seem to do is cut thine self some slack.”         Anything Twilight could have responded with was interrupted by what could only be referred to as a ‘tackling hug’ that knocked her on her flank.         It took Twilight a moment but she found her bearings and looked at the color of the pony that had landed on top of her and was holding on for dear life.  Yellow she thought.  Relaxing she melted into the warmth of her friend.         “Fluttershy” she said with a little difficulty and after some time had passed “I need to get up ‘shy.”         “Oh!” Fluttershy said releasing her grip and helping Twilight to sit back up “I’m so sorry!  I just couldn’t help myself!”         “It’s fine Fluttershy.” Twilight said with a yawn.  Smiling she continued “And thanks.  I needed that.”         Blushing a bit, Fluttershy took a teacup proffered by Luna and settled in next to Twilight.  She took a sip of tea while still watching Twilight out of the corner of her eye.         “Now where was I?” Luna said with a hoof to her chin “Oh yes!  I was berating thou for not giving thyself enough credit.”         “Luna...” started Twilight.         “No.” said Luna “You do NOT give yourself enough credit.  Look at all you’ve accomplished so quickly!  That is truly astonishing Twilight, and nopony but you in so many many years has done the same.  Give yourself that at the very least!”         For once Twilight was thankful she was speechless.  I mean it! Luna said in her mind You are one of the princesses of Equestria.  That is no small matter and you could not have become one had you even been half as bad at things as you think you are!         “So...umm...what’s this tea?” asked Fluttershy attempting to defuse the situation.         “It’s my own blend from the Canterlot Gardens my dear.” said Luna with a slight grin on her face “I use it when I have difficulty sleeping before work.”         “Wait? What?” was all Twilight got out of her mouth before she found herself and Fluttershy slumping to the wood floor.         “It was necessary my dear little princess.” Luna said as she lifted both ponies onto her back and walked towards the cabins “You would likely not have gone back to sleep otherwise and you need your rest.  Both of you.”         Quiet breathing from the two ponies was the only response. ==============================================         The next time Twilight opened her eyes it was bright sunlight that streamed from the portal.  Familiar shadows she’d seen on the journey here floated on the opposing wall.         Yawning, and with a creaking sound to her joints, Twilight rose and stepped off the bunk.  Assessing herself internally she found little wrong.  Well I’m all right except for these damn memories. she thought to herself This is definitely going to take getting some used to!         Leaving the cabin area and entering the galley she found that lunch was in full swing.  Upon appearing she was swarmed by her friends - some of them still chewing.         Reaching out to them, and without words, she smiled and directed them all back to the table before taking a seat herself and starting to eat.         Not a wobble of my plate. Twilight thought to herself proudly I feel so much more alive than before.         At a pleading thought from Twilight, Celestia informed the others that Twilight was still having difficulty speaking and to please indulge her if she could not immediately answer.         Twilight’s inability to speak however did not mean she could not laugh or smile with her friends.         It was one of the best meals Twilight had experienced in a long long time.         When it was done Twilight carefully motioned her friends to silence and slowly told them everything she had experienced during the reunification spell.         “In time I’ll sort all this out.” she said as tears rolled down her cheeks “But for now it’s difficult to even speak aloud.  But know that I could not be here speaking even this much were it not for all of you.  Thank you my friends.  I love you all!”         “And yer wonder why ah chose ta not let yer die.  Twice.” said Applejack poking Twilight on the shoulder while grinning ear to ear.         While Twilight couldn’t speak at that moment she did blush quite easily. ======================================================================================================         The trip back to Canterlot was largely uneventful.  Passing over the Everfree Forest during the daytime allowed Celestia time to reflect on Luna’s previous history lesson.         “I was furious with her.” Celestia told the group of ponies seated on a large blanket on the deck.  “‘How dare she?!’ were the first words when I was informed of what had happened.”  Taking a sip of her drink, Celestia continued “I rushed here immediately but all that I tried was to no avail.  Oh I was able to lift most of the dark magick but the forest was already forever changed.”         Looking over the rail at the sea of dark green leaves caused the princess to sigh and lower her eyes momentarily.  In a moment though her jovial expression returned and she said “Still, I would not change that forest one whit now.  It’s part of this land, our culture, even in many ways part of us.  Zecora has healed many an acquaintance of mine since you befriended her.  And those before her that ventured in there, many were healers as well.  It would seem that while we fear it greatly the Everfree has long since done more good than harm.”         For some time the group sat absorbed in their own thoughts, sipping their drinks and nibbling on snacks quietly.  Fluttershy was the first to speak.  “Zecora has been teaching me potions.  Well a little that is.  So I can heal the animals better!”         “The knowledge couldn’t be in better hooves.” Celestia said putting a wing around Fluttershy.  “You have it in you to be quite the healer.  Did you know that?”         “I...I’ve always been good at helping everypony...” Fluttershy said as she retreated a little under the white feathers before continuing “...I think I’m good anyways.”         And Luna thought I didn’t cut myself slack! Twilight thought to herself with a slow shake of her head.         Catching the stray thought, Celestia hugged Fluttershy and said “You are one of the best ponies I know Fluttershy.  Don’t sell yourself short my...friend.”         The eyes of all ponies on the deck widened larger than they thought possible.  Seeing this Celestia continued “I do believe Princess Twilight Sparkle that you have managed to spread the magick of friendship once again.”  With a sweep of her magick Princess Celestia collected Twilight and the others into a group hug as only she was able to give.  “When all of you woke up in my chambers the morning after Twilight almost faded I told you that I consider you close friends but that truly did not sink in until now.  It has been so very very long since I have been able to have such close friends.  You have brought me so much.  First my sister, and now my heart.  I could not ask for a better group of ponies in my life.  A better group of friends.”         “You’re welcome.” said Rainbow Dash, her voice soft and muffled a bit from under Celestia’s wing.         The cluster of them did not move for some time.  This was in part to Celestia’s unwillingness to let go and in part to just how worn out they all were from the events in the desert.  In time though they all carefully disentangled themselves.  Pinkie Pie was last, engrossed in blowing one of the princess’s feathers away only to have it come back and tickle her nose.  Smiling warmly, Celestia folded her wings.         “I think we have time for a simple nap before we reach Canterlot.  Do you all agree?” Celestia said.         Nods of agreement came from the majority of the group.  Seeing this, Celestia called for the portholes to be darkened a bit and they all repaired to their cabins for some well needed rest.  As before Pinkie was the last to start moving.         “You know...” Celestia said to Pinkie when the others had left the room and with a raised eyebrow “You’re going to have to tell me some day how it happened.  I know I could get it from Twilight but I’d rather hear it from you.”         Stopping cold and looking over her shoulder, Pinkie had one of the biggest grins that Celestia had ever seen her show.  “A different story for a different time...Tia.” she said.  Grin still wide on her face, Pinkie winked at the princess, turned, and trotted off to her cabin with a spring in her step.         Shaking her head in wonder and grinning to herself, the white alicorn princess headed in the direction of the royal cabins. ======================================================================================================         The arrival at Canterlot was met with as much pomp and circumstance as the city could muster.  The sheer number of ponies that were present for the event clogged the streets.  Celestia had the captain hold the Wind Walker off the edge of the city as she and the other ponies on board gathered to the railing.  Invoking the ‘Canterlot Voice’ spell Celestia addressed the crowd.         “My dear ponies!  I must apologize for keeping this vessel secret!   Her name is the HRS Wind Walker and she is the first of many to be built.  Her purpose is exploration and diplomacy.  In time she will have sister ships but for now I ask you all to grant her your blessings for the future!”         The roar of the crowd was deafening even from the deck of the ship.  So much so that Fluttershy started to panic before Rainbow Dash was able to calm her down.         “In time I will open her dock to tours so you can all see her but for the moment we must all take our leave after a successful maiden voyage.  Some time afterwords I will gladly answer all of your questions and concerns.  Good day everypony!”         With a nod, Celestia instructed the captain to steer the ship away from the city walls.  The cheering of the crowd faded as they passed around the city and eventually into the docking cavern.  After a brief consideration with Luna, Celestia raised the illusion covering the dock opening.  “I like seeing the mountain whole.” was her reply when asked.         The ship was quickly moored and a gangplank extended to the floor of the cavern.  The group began disembarking and for the second time in as many days Twilight was knocked over with a flying tackle as a small orange blur sent her tumbling as her hooves reached the floor.         “TWILIGHT!” exclaimed Scootaloo as she hung off Twilight’s neck. “Where have you been! I missed you so much!  Are you all ‘back together’?” she finished.         “I’m just fine Scootaloo...” Twilight replied as she returned the embrace “...and how did you?  You know what?  Never mind.  I should have suspected you’d overhear us.  And to answer your question I’m just pickle...er fine. Fine!”         Scootaloo eyed her carefully.  With a serious look on her face she said “You missed your workouts.”         “I know I did.” Twilight replied again “And I’m very sorry.  We’ll start working out again tomorrow?  Deal?”         “Deal!” exclaimed Scootaloo as she carefully left go of Twilight’s neck. “It’s okay anyways.” she continued “I figured that becoming one pony again was more important that doing wing stretches.”         “Hey Scoots!” said Rainbow Dash.         “Yes ma’am!” Scootaloo said as she aligned her legs and saluted.         “Twilight missed her workouts...” continued Rainbow Dash as she moved to lean over Scootaloo slightly “...but did you?”         “Umm...well...see...I was so worried about Twilight...” Scootaloo said as she looked in Twilight’s direction, a pleading expression on her face.  Twilight took that moment to suddenly be interested in straightening her mane with her magick.         “Scoots...” Rainbow Dash said “Twenty laps around the cavern!”         “Aww maaan!” Scootaloo uttered as she started off at her top speed.         “And be careful near the edge!” Rainbow Dash said to the back of the retreating filly.         “No need to worry about that.” Celestia said once Scootaloo was out of earshot “There is an clear shield ten feet high around the bottom edge.  Even then if she somehow managed to get over that I have a Pegasus guard stationed on a ledge just below the opening.”         “Duh!  I kinda figured you had it in hand princess.” Rainbow Dash said confidently “Otherwise I wouldn’t have sent her to do laps!”         “Awww! That’s my Dashie!” Pinkie Pie said while ruffling her friend’s rainbow colored mane.  Rainbow Dash did her best to look resigned to the treatment.         Leaving Scootaloo in the hands of the capable royal guards, the party made their way up the cavern passages and back into the castle.  At the top of the stairs Princess Celestia closed the large doors behind them.  She turned to the party and sighed slightly.         “I suspect that now that all the excitement is over you shall all be returning to Ponyville?” Celestia asked.  For once her face betrayed her inner emotions.         “I...suspect...” Rarity said “that we could be persuaded to stay for a little longer.  If only to keep Twilight from overexerting herself.”         “I..I..what?” Twilight stammered.         “Darling,” Rarity continued “tell me you weren’t immediately planning on going to the..what is it?  Testing area?”         “I...nothing of the sort!” Twilight said with her head held high.         “Riiiight.” said Rainbow Dash “So you had no plans to do a magickal stress test on yourself now that you’re back in one piece.”         “Ah’m not likely ta believe it either Twi.” Applejack chimed in.         Twilight held her pose of defiance for as long as she could, then she relaxed and sighed.  “You are horrible friends!” she said, sticking her tongue out at them all before continuing.  “And you are also the best ones I’ve ever had.  I don’t think I can ever say that enough.” she finished with a smile on her face.         “Well in that case” said Celestia “Let us see if we can’t all keep Twilight out of trouble in the royal baths shall we?  I for one could use the soak to take the travel dust off among other things.  And I’m sure I can recall a few stories of Twilight bathing here as a child...”  A chorus of laughter surrounded Twilight.         The look on Twilight’s face was priceless and her royal Princess Celestia took delight in every moment of it.         Still laughing, the group of friends headed towards the royal baths.  On their way there Scootaloo caught up with them.  Without thinking about it Twilight hugged the filly and during the process removed the geas she had previously cast.  Wrinkling her nose she exclaimed “Scootaloo you smell horrible!”         “Sorry!” Scootaloo said as she shrank into herself.  “All those laps without a warmup made me sweat a little.”         “A mare never sweats my dear.” said Rarity “She perspires.”         “Well I ‘perspired’ a little too much.” Scootaloo shot back.         “’Tis nothing.” Luna said “We are headed to the royal baths.”  Wrinkling her nose as well she continued “And so are you little one.”         “For once I can get behind that.” Scootaloo said.  Her face beamed as she positioned herself exactly between Rainbow Dash and Twilight as they all started walking again.         The royal baths in the castle were an enormous room in one of the larger towers.  Water was circulated, cleaned, and heated as desired by spells that were maintained with precision so that the large central pool of water was always inviting despite the circumstances outside the tower walls.  As they entered the room each was presented with a basket of bathing supplies to choose from.         The room echoed slightly with their voices as they first cleaned themselves beneath waterfall showers along the walls.  The guards having remained outside, the royal sisters shed their regalia and joined the others in cleaning themselves after their journey.         They look so different without their jewelry and shoes. thought Scootaloo I’ll have to tell Sweetie Bell and Apple Bloom when I get back!         As if she sensed what Scootaloo was thinking, Luna floated a cloud of soap bubbles over top of the young filly and dropped them on her abruptly.  When Scootaloo looked up in surprise she found Luna winking at her with a grin on her face.  Scootaloo smiled in return. Or maybe I can keep this one to myself. she thought.         When all had finished scrubbing the dust off under the showers they made their way to the central pool and entered the steaming water.  A symphony of contented sighs accompanied the sounds of the ponies as they took seats around the outer bench where it was shallow.  Despite this, the group was up to their necks in the soothing bath.  All save Celestia and Luna who rose a head above the others due to their height.           Anticipating Scootaloo’s predicament, Luna sent a servant for a special seat.  What arrived looked for all the world like a large bean bag.  When placed in the water the bag settled easily and molded to Scootaloo’s form but kept her head above water.         They soaked there for several hours.  Celestia, much to Twilight’s embarrassment, made good on her promise and told several stories of a young Twilight Sparkle that once menaced the castle staff.         “Enough!” said Twilight laughing along with the others.  “I could not have been HALF as bad as you claim!”         “No Twilight of course you weren’t.” said Celestia as she blinked her eyes innocently.         “You were EXACTLY as bad as my sister claims.” Luna said, also blinking innocently.         “You’re horrible.” said Twilight as she attempted to control her laughter “Absolutely horrible.”         “Oh yes!” said Celestia as she tried to look innocent and failed “We’re the horrrible royal sisters!”         The horrible royal sisters failed to notice the blobs of floating water above them until it was far too late. =======================================================================================================         Several hours and a meal in the baths later, the ponies adjourned to their quarters in the castle.  Scootaloo joined Rainbow Dash and both were asleep as fast as their heads hit the pillows.         Twilight stood at the window and watched as Luna raised the moon.  “Someday I’d like to try that.” she said.         “Thou shall get thy chance, be not afeared of that.” Luna replied as she set the moon into it’s guided path in the heavens. “In fact ‘tis Tia that was supposed to ask you before these events if thou wished to practice the skill.”         “Practice?  How does one ‘practice’ raising the moon.” Twilight asked.  “Or the sun.  Or any celestial body for that matter.”         “We have our ways my dear Twilight.” Luna said as she smiled and regarded her handiwork. “For now though you must get a great deal of rest.  Nothing but regular dreams for the next two weeks.  I promise.”         “Thanks.” said Twilight.  “ I can...*yawn*...use the rest.”         “I bid thee goodnight sister.” Luna said as she nudged Twilight in the direction of Twilight’s room.         Taking the hint Twilight nodded and entered her room.  Once there she too fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.  Her dreams blissfully free of the complications of her life.