Twilight is in a guest bedroom somewhere in the castle.
As the denizens of Canterlot work diligently to restore Canterlot to its former glory, Twilight looks upon the city from the balcony of her room, her mind racing with many different thoughts.
Behind her, is a medium sized bed, adorned with thin curtains made of incredibly thin silk. On top of the bed lies Twilight's Archmage Robes. Twilight sits upon the bed, holding the robes with her two hooves, pondering and thinking. Suddenly, the door opens, Twilight looking up quickly to see who the visitor is. The door opens to reveal Celestia.
"Forgive me, Twilight. I'm not intruding am I?"
"Oh, no, Princess. Not at all. Please, come in."
Celestia lovingly nods and closes the door behind her.
"Are my friends okay?" asked Twilight.
"They're fine, Twilight. So much has happened these last few days, they felt that you deserved some time to yourself. Don't worry. They're hard at work helping to prepare for tonight."
"Heh, that's… that's great," said Twilight. She continues to stare at her robes. Celestia soon sits beside Twilight.
"Is something the matter, Twilight?"
"It's just that, something's been on my mind," Twilight answered.
"And what would that be?" asked Celestia.
"The locket that you intended to give me. You wanted me to become archmage, didn't you?"
"Yes. When you were a filly, I saw nothing but the best and brightest… I believe, Twilight, that this was what you were meant to do."
"That's just it," said Twilight. "I allowed myself to give into chaos. Discord manipulated me into seeing everything I hated about who I was. If I can't control who I am, then how am I qualified to control everypony else?"
"Twilight…" said Celestia.
"I was so afraid of losing you that I almost became Discord's puppet. I almost believed that I was capable of doing nothing more than making mistakes. I couldn't be an archmage. Not until I find out more about who I am."
Celestia lifts herself from the bed and puts her hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student, you have already done so much for me and Equestria. From the first day I met you, I knew you that you were special. You can choose not to take the Archmage position if you wish. Just know that no matter what you decide, you will always be the same pony who changed me for the better."
Suddenly, Twilight hugs Celestia tightly, a tear streaming down the side of her face and whispered: "I love you…"
Celestia looks at Twilight for a moment, taken aback by Twilight's words. She soon closes her eyes and lovingly smiles. Celestia lets go for a brief second and begins walking towards the door. Celestia looks back for a moment, Twilight looking back. Celestia, looks to the ground before looking back to Twilight. She smiles. The door closes as Celestia exits the room. Twilight smiles back.
The evening came in the Throne Room of Canterlot Castle. Atop the dais, Luna and Celestia stand side by side, waiting to present the ponies and Spike with medals.
"On behalf of the Royal family," announced Luna, "For protecting this land time and time again from peril, we, the Royal Sisters of the Land of Equestria wish to present these gifts of gratitude."
A royal assistant brings forth the medals on a pillow, and then brings the first one to Luna.
"For overcoming fear in the face of danger and death," continued Luna. "I present this to the fair Fluttershy. May you remain ever valiant for the rest of your days."
Fluttershy blushes, then steps forward as Luna places the medal around her neck. She bows, then steps back to make room for the next pony. Royal Assistant 1 brings forth the next medal to Luna.
Luna continued: "For holding fast to the joy and spirit our enemy so wished to rob us of, I present this gift to Pinkie Pie. May the light of laughter never leave your eyes."
Pinkie Pie steps forward and Luna places the medal around her neck. Pinkie Pie bows and steps back. Royal Assistant 1 brings the next two medals to Luna.
Again Luna spoke: "For pureness of words, and an unselfish heart, I present these gifts to Applejack and Rarity. May you never falter from these noble traits."
Applejack and Rarity step forward as Luna places the medals around their necks. They bow and step back. Royal Assistant 1 brings the next 2 medals up.
"For never giving up on someone, and for conquering a great enemy against insurmountable odds, I present these gifts to the noble Rainbow Dash and the gallant Spike. May your faith and bravery never fade."
Rainbow Dash and Spike walks up to Luna as she places the medals on their necks. Rainbow Dash admires her medal smugly, Spike grins widely at his medal. The two bow before stepping back.
"Finally, we come to the virtuous, the valiant, -the true, Twilight Sparkle."
Twilight walks up to the dais.
"For fulfilling far more than what any other pony would have. For persevering, when it seemed she had completely and utterly failed- when all she knew and loved abandoned her. Her example of love and faith were the purest and most admirable above the rest."
Celestia brings the final medal to Luna, which is larger and more intricate than the others. Luna takes the medal. She smiles sweetly at Twilight and places it around her neck.
"Not only for that, but for how you saved my sister's life," said Luna, slightly softer, more intended for Twilight than the crowd.
Twilight smiles, nodding as if to say thank you. Tears welling up in her eyes. And Twilight and Luna embrace.
"Thank you…" whispered Luna.
A brief look of surprise flashes across Twilight's face. She then smiles, closes her eyes, and hugs Luna tighter.
Applause erupts from the crowd. Epic fanfare is heard. Confetti and streamers float down from the ceiling. Everypony begins dancing. All of the girls except Twilight join in the fun.
Twilight smiles, then looks out the window a moment. She walks out onto the balcony to see the Element of Magic before her. "You came back?"
'I had to see my kindred spirit be rewarded for her bravery," said the Element, in its alicorn form.
"Heh… I'm not that brave," Twilight admitted.
"You are braver than you think, Twilight," protested the Element and stares out into the nightly sky. "My time on this earth is almost up. I'm afraid I must leave you, Twilight. You needn't worry about me. So long as you continue to wield your Element, my powers will always be available to you."
"I just wish there was more I could do to thank you."
"There is one thing."
Suddenly, the small locket appears before Twilight's eyes. It hovers just a few inches away from her.
"Open the locket and tell me what you see."
Twilight gently grabs the locket and opens it. Inside, she sees a reflection of herself. "I see… myself. Only… I look a little different. What does that mean?"
"It is said that whomever is capable of opening the locket will see themselves grow stronger than they were before they opened it," answered the Element of Magic. "You've grown wiser than anypony I have met, Twilight. And it is that wisdom that will lead you towards greatness. Farewell!"
The locket materializes into many stars as the Element of Magic flies up towards the moon.
The girls walk out onto the balcony to join Twilight who smiles. "Thank you."
The girls embrace. They look up into the starry night as they wonder where their friendship will take them next. As the Element of Magic flies off into the moonlight, a single spark in the shape of Twilight's cutie-mark shines brightly in the distance.
THE END