Never Forgotten

by MrIronHooves

I watched you grow, I watched you go

Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle.

A soft smile was etched on Princess Celestia’s face as she finished reading her beloved student’s friendship report. It was nearing the end of the night, and she was feeling somewhat tired from facing the day by dealing with issues related to the security, agriculture and the economic state of the land, though as the ruler of Equestria, this burden is to be expected. However, no matter how tired she was feeling, nothing would prevent her from indulging herself in what she considers to be her highlight of the day.

The levitated scroll is carefully stored in one of the shelves in the princess’s secret chamber, where she keeps most of her prized possessions, among them small trinkets that she had collected throughout her long life, a thick manuscript of her unfinished biography that she attempted to do a while back out of boredom, but finally abandoned it when she realized that it can never be completed and other objects that holds dear to her in some way.

While sorting the items to make room for the scroll, the princess caught a glance on one of the items on the shelf, using her magical powers; she gently levitated the item in question towards her, careful so as to not knock over her other treasures. Her smile widen at the sight of it, a framed photo of her beloved student Twilight Sparkle and her equally endearing assistant Spike standing in front of what it seems to be the main entrance of the castle with smiles as bright as the sun itself. She fondly remembered the day when this photo was taken, which marks the day that Twilight and Spike pursue their studies further in Ponyville, independent from the Princess’s constant guidance. She ran her hoof through the picture, the torrent of emotions that she felt at this moment resurfaced once again.

The Princess herself was of mixed feelings when assigning the task to them. On one end, she felt that there was no longer anything left that she could teach them, deciding that they will gain much more knowledge and experience on their own, which is somewhat true and she herself had mentioned it to them when Twilight showed some reluctance in accepting the task at first. What she didn’t tell them however was that she felt that they have reached an age where it was only right for them to experience new things in life from the adventures that they have with their friends, and most of all, she wished for them a normal life, which by living in this castle full of strict protocols, was something that she can never give them, and what she sometimes longed for.

On the other hoof, it couldn’t be denied that the feelings of sadness that engulfed her when letting them go was something she hasn’t felt in a long while. As she waved goodbye to them, how could she not be sad with letting go the two individuals that she had known since they were a filly and a dragonling. Those cherished moments that she holds dear, of all those nights when she tucked them in their beds and read bed time stories for them, the times where she personally tended to their cuts and bruises after a rough playtime in the castle gardens, brushing away their tears, holding them close while whispering words of comforts to ease their pain, of how on the first night of their absence she couldn’t sleep a wink, somewhat irrationally waiting for any message from them in case of any emergencies. Why, one may ask, that the Princess’s emotions are running rampant to such extent?

Because she loved them and considered them as her own children, as much as the ones before them.
It’s true; the life that she leads does not allow her to have a family of her own. But deep within her heart, she had wished to be in an intimate relationship and have many foals that she can call her own, alas, the fate of her nation and subjects are deemed to important for her to pursue those dreams, a fact that she accepted. Nevertheless, she found companionship from the very students that she has guided throughout these past millennia. A torrent of nostalgia filled her mind before she was interrupted by the sounds of the alarm clock hanging from the wall.

It was nearing the time where she must raise the sun for today. She placed the picture back into the shelf to make way to the castle’s large balcony where her sister must be waiting. But first, there is something she must attend to beforehoof.
The Princess went to the corner of the chamber which stood an altar that holds a large piece of stone and a few candles. The Princess, using her magical powers, lit each and every one of those candles, casting a bright light that is reflected from the stone. On it are carved hundreds of names of her students. She had known each and every one of them throughout their lives, from little fillies to the very end; she watched over them and cared for them. It only makes things harder when the time does come for her to finally let them go to the place where she can’t see them anymore. Remembering the picture of Twilight and Spike, she held her hoof close to her heart, wishing, selfishly she admitted, that if they truly had to part; that it would be a long time from now. Because the grief of losing another one of her children, would only add up to the burden she must carry throughout her life. If it ever ends.

---
Princess Luna stood alone on the balcony, feeling in what seems to be a quite anxious mood, judging from the way she was fidgeting. She had waited for her sister in a while now and disliked being alone, which is quite understandable. However, she was mostly worried about her sister, as she was an individual who is not known for her tardiness. Just as she was contemplating on whether to search for her sister, hooves-steps are heard behind her, of which she turned and was relieved by the sight of her sister, Princess Celestia.
---

Princess Celestia listened to her sister’s nagging on the importance of punctuality, which she then apologized for in a somewhat pouty face, playfully mocking her sister Luna, which is then followed by more lecturing on the seriousness of the issue. As they both stood together on the balcony, facing the night sky above, she can’t help but notice the full moon tonight, not because of how beautiful it looks, but of the resemblance it had to the night she was forced to cast her sister away there for a thousand years. It pained her to do so, even to this moment. While she had lost her students… her children… to circumstances beyond her control. It was she who banished her own sister. Even though the situation had required her to do so, it didn’t make the pain any lesser.
Out of the blue, she heard a whisper from her sister Luna; she turned her gaze towards her, and saw her eyes, brimming with tears but with a smile on her lips, whispering softly

Hold me

With those words spoken, Princess Celestia wraps her wings around Princess Luna. Tears fall freely from her eyes. In happiness, it seems. For now she clearly knows, that even though she may live throughout her life, losing those that she dearly loves, she would always have her sister by her side, and for that she is grateful. Looking at each other, they both nodded. It was time.

They both soared through the sky, chanting words as they flew on. As the lowered moon ended the night, the sun rose mightily, as a new day has just begun. As both sisters watched the sunrise, Princess Celestia spoke in her heart

It’s going to be a good day today.

Comments

[Meta Knight]

Excellent

[Shadowstep]

I read the first sentence... Looked at the title... Looked back at the sentence... and started crying.

[Eclipse]

Wow... i must say, I'm intrigued greatly, please continue this

[Super]

I was genuinely touched by this. Well done sir.