Immortal Legacies

by Jeweled Pen

Remember

The two appeared in a large white room with five pillars surrounding a large pentagram in the center. Each pillar had a number of gems inserted in them and was colored to match the colors of a different element of harmony, with a final jewel in the center of the pentagram. Two ponies wearing brown cloaks were standing off to the side. The room was covered in arcane symbols the likes of which even she had never seen during her studies. Slowly she moved forward to touch one of the pillars. “What are these for?”

“As I said, the elements were important for the implementation of this spell.” Celestia said softly as she walked into the center of the pentagram. “While they do not need to be here physically, the pillars share a connection with them. They were crafted back before the first Celestia by the original bearers of the elements. While their magic does pale in comparison to the elements when properly wielded, they are more than enough for this.” The princess then dropped down and laid on her stomach.

Twilight slowly moved to her teachers side, looking her over. The white coat which had been so pure and untarnished had now become gray and sickly. Her mane and tail had dulled to an almost black color. And worst of all, her cutie mark was almost completely faded.

Slowly the purple unicorn went to her knees and nestled under the alicorn's wing. She buried her head in her teacher's mane and softly let out a gentle sob. “Don't leave me... Please. There has to be another way. I... I'm not ready for this. I'm not good enough. I'll screw everything up and ruin everything you worked for.”

“Oh Twilight...” The wing pulled the little mare closer. “You are better than you know. And I know how you feel my student. I was once in your position, I was afraid that I would fail. That I would destroy what my love had created. But I'll tell you what I wish she had a chance to tell me.” Slowly she turned her head to face the little mare. “I chose you from every pony in all of Equestria. Out of every unicorn, pegasus, and earth pony I chose you and you alone. No pony could do this as well as you. I know at times it will be difficult and you will feel like there you won't succeed. But you will. I know you will.” Gently she leaned in and kissed the unicorn's horn, eliciting a blush from the mare. “Because you are my number one student. And I know no matter the challenge, be it making friends, trapping a millennial old evil, or writing a report on the long term effects of adding pine needles to ones diet, that you never have and never will let me down.” She then looked off to the side. “And... Equestria needs you. My time has come to an end. So please. I ask you one last time. Will you take my place?”

“... Yes princess...” Twilight said softly, watching her teacher for one final time.

“Thank you. You may begin.” The princess motioned to the two hooded figures, who moved to opposite sides around them. A glow came from their hoods as the pillars began to sparkle.

“Who are they? I thought no pony else was going to know about this?” Twilight asked softly.

“The spell cannot be cast by me alone. They are here to ensure it all goes smoothly. Do not worry, for they are the very best. And they will not speak a word of what they see here.”

“I see...” Twilight mumbled as her and the princess's body began to glow. She felt as if she was floating as she felt a numbness start to spread from her hooves. Looking down she could see her body was disappearing! She turned to the princess, who was experiencing a similar effect. “Princess? What's happening?” Fear tinged her voice.

“Do not worry my student. This is natural. This is all part of the ritual.” The alicorn closed her eyes as more and more of her body dissolved into a white light.

The purple mare looked down at her body then at the princess. One final time. The last time she would ever see her. “Celestia. I... I love you. Thank you for raising me. I couldn't have asked for any pony better.”

Celestia smiled one last time, sadness in her eyes. “I know my student. I could not have asked for any student better. I loved you as well. As if you were my-” Twilight would never know if the words ended because the princess dissolved, she dissolved, or they had both at the same time. She only knew one thing.

In the end she had been more than just a student to her mentor. More than just a replacement. She had been her daughter.

------

Slowly the world came back into focus around Twilight. The pillars had stopped glimmering and the two cloaked ponies stood over her. “Are you alright your highness?” One of them asked.

It took her a few moments to realize they were talking to her! She looked down at her body. Her white, tall body. Slowly she stood up to tower over the two ponies. “I... I'm fine. Light headed, but fine.”

“... Did the ritual... work?”

“... Yes. I believe it did.”

“Good. Now, the princess told us there were some things you need to get a hold on before you leave. First, who are we?”

“Who are you? How would I know, we've never...” Her voice trailed off as she realized she DID know who they were. The one on her left was a pink unicorn stallion by the name of Cottonmane. The one on her right was a yellow unicorn mare by the name of Candymane. They were brother and sister. Among the highest tiers of mages in Celestia's... her employ. Fiercely loyal. They had been chosen recently for this ceremony and had agreed to help her get control of her new powers. They had also... Wait? How did she know all this? “How do I know you? I... we've never met!”

“The princess told us. Anything that any of the Celestia's have experienced in their memory, is now yours to access. All you need do is try to focus on it. Spells, history, those they cared about, please try.” Cottonmane said as the two ponies moved their hoods back.

Twilight did think. To the very first Celestia. To the first time the elements were used. To the banishing of Luna. To the first time she and the princess had met, but from the princess's point of view. It was strange. Each memory was fresh as if it had only just happened, but the emotions and thoughts of the time were dulled. It was as if she was experiencing it through a book. “This is... Amazing.” She flowed through her teachers memories. In moments she saw his life, before he was chosen as a consort, after, and when he first became the princess. She couldn't help but wonder if this was rude to spy on her teachers private moments like that. Especially some of the darker parts her teacher had suffered through.

“It won't last forever.”

“I'm sorry?” She asked in confusion.

“The memories. This is all fresh to you, but the princess said after a few months the memories will die down and become harder to access. Within a century only the latest incarnation will be accessible. Within two none of those will be accessible either. She said the first month will be best served logging whatever you feel is most important. Within her private safe she holds a spell book which can be used to bring out those you feel are most important to keep.” Candymane said as her horn lit up. The world disappeared around them for a moment, before carpet formed under their feet and the three stood in front of a large doorway, the same one which held the elements of harmony before Discord's arrival. “Her tomes, journals, spell books, all such things are within there. Only your horn can open it, your highness.”

“I... I see.”

“The announcement of your previous self's disappearance will be released tomorrow. The search will last a week before you will be assumed dead. All of your duties will be put on hold until then. Do as you wish until then your highness.” Cottonmane said as he bowed his head politely.

“I just lost one of the most important ponies to me in Equestria. How can you tell me to get over it in just a week? Why are you bossing me around? I'm the princess now...” Twilight said softly.

“... I apologize, your highness, but I am only doing as the previous you told me. I live only to serve. If there is anything you would wish for us to do, then please do tell us. Otherwise we desire to continue on the plan your previous self set in order.” The pink unicorn informed her.

“... No... that will be fine. She... She knew what she was doing.” Twilight slowly moved to the door as she heard the other two ponies retreat. She leaned down to insert her horn and unlock the door. Inside the room there was the pedestal the elements now laid on. And a few chests and book cases. Slowly she slid inside as the door closed behind her.

She moved to sit in front of the elements, gazing at them mournfully. Tears began to flow from her eyes as she allowed the night to wash over her and smother her in the loss of her teacher.

------

Twilight awoke to a loud banging sound from behind her. Slowly she turned to the door behind her and walked towards it, throwing it open and gazing down at the two unicorns who stood in her way. It was the two from the night before except they now wore purple robes inlaid with arcane symbols, signs of their status as her magicians. “What is it?” She asked softly, rubbing her puffy eyes.

“We are sorry to bother you your highness but it is almost time to raise the sun.”

“... Oh.” She squeaked, looking out the window. Already the moon was just dipping behind the cliffs. “I... I'll get right on that.” She looked through her mind until she found the sun raising spell. Her horn glowed as slowly the sun began to rise and move along its axis. She was a little startled at how easy it was, she'd always imagined that it would be a heavy massive object... But it felt almost light as a feather. She wonder if it was from the gathered magic of all those years that made it light, or if it was just her bodies natural ability. She was so lost in her thoughts she hadn't realized that Cottonmane had been speaking to her. “What?”

“I asked if you had been napping your highness. If you are sleepy please allow us to escort you to your room.”

“I... I'm not sleepy. I just feel exhausted. I... I want to see Luna. Where is she?”

“She is at her home on the edge of the Everfree forest. Would you like us to prepare an escort to transport you?”

“No. I'd prefer to go alone. A map will suffice.”

“As you wish your highness.” Cottonmane's horn glowed for a moment as a small map popped into existence in front of the princess.

Twilight took the map and slowly opened it. A moment later she disappeared.

“Do you believe she will be okay?” Candymane asked her brother softly.

“She will grieve and then she will rule. We'll help her as the previous princess asked us too. That is our duty.”

“You sound like you're reading that off a pamphlet.” She grumbled dryly.

“We're all doing the best we can Candy. We need to be strong and firm now, for her sake.”

“... Which her?”

“...” Cottonmane walked away, ignoring the question.

------

Twilight arrived with a small flash in a tower just outside the Everfree forest. She was in a small room with a bed, the night sky painted on the ceiling, and a balcony with thick drapes which managed to keep the sun out. She was a little startled that she was able to make the teleport in one go, as before such a leap would take two or three points to rest. In fact, she wasn't even tired. However she had planned to teleport outside the tower, arriving inside and in this particular room had her a tad worried. Perhaps she had miscalculated?

“I was wondering when you would show up, Twilight.” A voice said from behind her, making her jump.

Quickly the alicorn turned and backed away. “Luna, I was looking for you. I wanted to-”

“Talk? Chat? Tell me things will be okay? That you won't be leaving me any time soon?” Luna said with a mock laughter. “Please. You know nothing.” The princess of the night moved to her bed, her horn glowing as a tea kettle and two china cups materialized. “Would you like some tea?” The alicorn already began pouring them before Twilight could respond.

“I... Ahhhh... you seem well...” Nervously she shifted from hoof to hoof before awkwardly sitting down. She wondered if she should do anything with her wings as she held them close to her body.

“Well? Of course I do. Why should I seem upset?” Slowly the dark alicorn sipped her tea. “I've only lost another friend. I'm used to it by now. Before I was known as Luna I'd already lost more than one.” She let out a bitter laugh.

“Luna, if you want to talk about it, we can. This can't be easy for you.”

“... With all due respect Twilight... Worry about yourself. All I wish is to be alone and mourn in peace. I like you and I do not wish to hurt you. But if you stay around I know I will.”

“Luna, there's no need for that. Come on, you can tell me. We're in this together... I mean... We're the only ones of our kind now, right?”

“... Only ones of our... kind?” Luna's eye twitched as the glass shattered. “Twilight... Leave. Now. Before I say something we both regret.”

“No. You need to get this out. You're one of the only ones who can really understand what I'm going through, since you lost your sister and all...”

“Understand?! UNDERSTAND?!” Black flames erupted from Luna's mane as the tea began to boil away. “Don't imagine for a moment you can even BEGIN to comprehend any of this! You lost your teacher, boo hoo. Do you have any idea what I've lost?” She slammed a hoof down on her bed, as the frame shattered under her. “I've had to stand around helplessly as my friends, family, lovers, all of them died! Every pony I've ever cared for or loved died! All but one! Then I make my greatest mistake and return to this land to find out not only has the last remaining pony I knew died, that it was my own selfish actions that caused her death?!” She was screaming now as the tower shook, her magic billowing off her in waves. Tears dripped from her eyes as she shook with fury. “Finally... Finally I... I try to develop affection for this new sister. I try to care for her. Since... Since it would have to be fine, r-right?” Tears flowed down her face as the tower stopped shaking. “I... I would have to die first... M-my time should be up... Why isn't it up? I-Is this a curse? Am I cursed to watch every pony I ever care for die? To lose every pony precious to me?”

Twilight moved forward, wrapping her hooves around the crying princess as tears flowed down her cheeks as well.”I'm not going anywhere... I promise.”

“That's what she said too. She said she wouldn't die. But she did. It's not fair... My life should have run out years before her. I-I just want my rest too... I don't want to lose any pony else...”

“I won't go anywhere before you. I pinkie promise.” The new princess of the sun said gently. She wondered if she even had any right to grieve at this point. She was losing her old life and her teacher but Luna had lost so much more. She tightened her hug. “I know this is hard but... I'll be with you. By your side until your time comes as well. You won't lose me. I'll be your big sister forever... Okay?”

“Okay... Thank you... Twilight.” Luna laid her head against Twilight's shoulder and wept until she could no more, eventually giving way to sleep.

After the princess of the night lost consciousness Twilight slowly tucked her into bed and pulled away. She put a hoof over her aching heart as she turned away. “I'll be stronger... This hurts so much. But I won't let it beat me. Not this. To many ponies need me.” Her eyes were drawn back around to the sleeping alicorn. “Even the strongest ones.” And with that, she disappeared.

------

Twilight reappeared in the castles court yard and walked into the towering palace with a firm presence. As she walked guards quickly opened the doors for her until once again she stood before her safe. Quickly she opened it and grabbed the spell books before closing the door and teleporting herself and her books to her new room.

As she appeared in the room she froze in mid step, looking around. She remembered the first time she had been here. She had been a small filly, taking her first steps with her teacher. She had been so nervous and scared because she had been certain she would mess up and make the princess regret ever having her come. She had nightmares the night before and kept waiting for the princess to glare down at her with annoyance at her small frame and even smaller magical talent, after all she was only a filly.

She'd entered the room alone, but no pony had been there. After about a half an hour of waiting patiently she started getting antsy and decided to explore. She had tried opening a small storage chest but it had been sealed shut. She'd then looked under the bed and found a small jewel case. She was still just a child and her curiosity had gotten the better of her. She'd opened it and fallen into one of her teachers little pranks.

The moment she had opened it a blue paint packet had exploded, covering her in its contents. A few minutes later Celestia had appeared and she was certain she was going to be reprimanded and scolded, instead the princess had merely laughed and told her she should feel free to explore the world around her. But she should always ask permission before going through the belongings of another. Despite learning her lesson it wasn't the last time she'd fall for her teacher's pranks.

The memories of her lost teacher brought a fresh batch of tears to her eyes. She quickly wiped them away before turning and leaving the room, the books bound together and laying on her back between her wings. The moment she opened the door she jumped a little as Cottonmane and Candymane stared at her from the other side.

“Is there something you require princess?” Cottonmane asked.

“I... Yes. I wanted to study. Somewhere... Somewhere else. And I'm going to need a new bedroom to sleep in.”

“Of course your highness. We will have it taken care of immediately. Would you like to come to the library?” Candymane asked as the two stared at her. She couldn't help but feel a little creeped out by the way they stared.

“No... I want somewhere alone.”

“Very well. Perhaps one of the guest rooms? We can have it altered to become your permanent residence.” Cottonmane responded. Twilight really wished just one of them would answer her, instead of switching off. She half expected them to start speaking in unison or finish each others sentences. And that would be creepy.

“I'd like that. Please have it done.”

“Very well. How about you give us your things and we will have it settled, while you attend breakfast?” Candymane this time. It was really starting to creep her out.

“Breakfast? No. I'm not really hungry, I-”

“You must eat breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day.” The two said in unison. Okay, now she was completely creeped out.

“S-sure. I'll go do that. Bye!” She darted off quickly. The moment she was out of sight the two ponies burst into laughter.

“That was awesome, her face was priceless when we did that.” Candymane said between her laughter.

“Definitely. We should do it again after we set her room up. I'm thinking something along the lines of 'You're room is ready mistress. We shall now depart'.” Cottonmane said as his horn glowed and he started picking things up in his magic. “I'll transfer some of the smaller things, go grab some of the servants to help with the rest. I'm thinking... How about that nice room on the east wing, where the griffin ambassador stayed last winter? It gives a nice view of the rising sun.”

“Sounds good. I'll see you there.” The yellow unicorn quickly departed, leaving her pink brother to gather the smaller things and begin the move.

------

Twilight stopped outside the dining hall before taking a deep breath and pushing the door open. She froze when she caught sight of the room. A long thin table filled with food filled the hall. With a large chair designed for her now massive frame at one end. And a dozen or so smaller chairs which currently a number of guards, administrators, and other important ponies resided. She gulped as she slowly moved inside. The moment she did every pony stood up and stared at her, making her gulp nervously. “A-at ease.” She said softly before she started walking towards the back of the room and taking a seat. As the other ponies sat down she glanced at the food before slowly drawing a small bowl of alfalfa soup to her.

Fortunately she had spent the vast majority of her youth at this very table, albeit one chair to the right, so she was able to follow all the rituals she needed to avoid causing issues. She stuck to short answers whenever she was asked anything, trying to avoid going into detail, though she had to occasionally pause to shift through the previous Celestia's memories to understand what ponies were asking her.

The meal went fine until about half way through when one of her sun guards entered the dining hall and walked to her. “Your highness? I have bad news.” She stopped eating to look at the guard.

“What is it?”

“The train your student was traveling on, Twilight Sparkle, had an accident last night. The carts separated and hers went off the cliff. A search team has already been sent out to try and find her, but there has yet to have been any news. I was told to bring this news to you immediately.” The guard bowed obediently.

“I... I see.” She gulped as she tried to think. She had to react in the right way or they'd become suspicious. And now the room had gone quiet as every pony stopped to stare at her. “I want a battalion of our best fliers out there looking for her. No pony will rest until my precious student is found.” She said firmly. She couldn't help but feel awkward, calling herself 'precious' and sending her own search party out. The guard quickly galloped out of the dining hall as the talking began again. She excused herself as she left the dining hall and started walking through the castles halls, letting out a sad sigh. She was suddenly stopped as two familiar ponies stood in front of her. “Ah. Candymane. Cottonmane.”

“I'm Cottonmane.”

“And I'm Candymane. Your highness.”

“... Of course you are. What is it now?”

“Your room is ready. And you have guests.” The two said in unison, making a shiver go down Twilight's spine.

“I... I see. Where is my new room?”

“Follow us mistress. We shall now depart” The two said as they turned away from her, giving each other a wink. Slowly the princess followed them, her lips curled in a grimace.

------

Before long she was standing in front of a large oak door in the east wing, near the top of the tower. “And this is my new room?”

“Yes your highness. Guards will be stationed outside at all times later. But for the moment we thought it best to give you some privacy.” Cottonmane said with a smile.

“Why?” Slowly she pushed the door open... and let out a shriek as five small blurs tackled her. Twilight was bowled over as she realized what the five blurs were. “You guys? What are you doing here?” She asked her friends, a rare smile forming on her lips.

They all started speaking at once in a jumbled mess before going quiet. After a few moments of silence Applejack piped up. “Well shucks Twi, we knew you must be feelin' miserable after all thats happened, so we set out to visit you as soon as morning hit. Errr, yah are Twilight, ain't chya?”

“Yes... I am. Celestia has gone. Shall we head inside?” Slowly her friends pulled free from their hugs and walked into the room as Twilight followed. The room was pleasant enough, with a large balcony and a princess sized bed. It was still quite bland with a lot of boxes and other objects pushed into one corner. Her teachers property, she imagined, she'd have to go through them later. But for now she sat down on the bed as her friends joined her.

“So! What's it like to be the head honcho? Banish any demons yet, crush any uprisings? Battle any dragons?” Rainbow asked as she punched the air a few times.

“I studied.”

“Of course you did. Only you could become princess and spend your time studying. Kinda... H-hey. Twilight, I'm just kidding. No need to look so sad.” The blue pegasus reached a hoof up to pat her side.

“Really Rainbow Dash, you could do with a little tact. Now darling, tell us. How have you been holding up? Anything you'd like to talk about?” Rarity asked in a soft motherly tone. “About your day?”

“Well... I had to send out a search party for myself, so there was that. That was weird. Also... I can see the memories of every single Celestia before me. Both before and after they became Celestia. I've tried not to go to far back but it is quite fascinating. I have a spell book now that can help me to extract certain memories to allow me to keep them for when this wears off. I was thinking of...And this isn't what you meant, is it?”

“Go ahead and talk about whatever you want Twilight.” Rarity put a hoof gently over Twilight's. “This is your day. We're here for you.” The others slowly nodded.

“Well... I...” And again she let it all out in a torrent of grief and suffering. She told them about how she missed her teacher, how weird it felt to be able to see all those memories, about her talk with Luna, how she wasn't sure she could do this. Near the end she did begin to feel a little better, and softly worked up the courage to ask them something important. “Do... You think you can stick around for a bit? I mean, just until the search is called off. Just pretend you're here waiting for news to come back... For me?”

“We'd love to sugar cube but...” Applejack said softly as she looked off to the side. “Most of us got jobs. Or lil critters that look up to us. I know if I take off to many more days from work we won't have enough time to buck the south fields before cider season.”

“Oh... I... I understand. I...” she paused for a moment. “Well... Perhaps I could find jobs for you around here?” She asked nervously. “And I'm sure I could hoof the bill and have some ponies head down to the farm and your respective jobs to take care of things. I mean, while you were working here it would be only normal for me to tend to such arrangements, right?”

Applejack sighed a little. She didn't like that, getting a token job while some pony else did her real work felt an awful lot like charity, and she didn't like having others do her work for her. On the other hoof she knew her friend really did need her and this likely was the best way to handle things. “Fine. But only the work I would do normally, and until I'm able to go back. Nothing more.”

“Hey, you get some pony who wants to keep the skies clear, feel free.” Rainbow said with a chuckle. “No hair off my mane if some pony else does it.”

“Mr. And Mrs. Cake will be fine without me so I can stay here a bit anyway.” Pinkie said with a light hop. “And maybe we can have a 'Twilight became the new princess and goodbye Celestia we'll always remember you' party!” She cringed at the sudden glares from her friends. “Or not.”

“Well I suppose I could start some new designs I've been working on...” Rarity said with a smile. “One of the privaleges of being ones own boss is I can set my own vacation times.”

“Oh dear... I suppose I could send a letter back home... I do hope Lyra and Bonbon won't mind watching my little friends for a little longer... I did tell them it would only be for a few days...” Fluttershy said softly.

“Then it's settled. You'll all stay here for a bit longer. I'll have rooms prepared immediately. Cottonmane? Candymane?” Twilight called out as she exited to the room.

“Your highness?” Twin voices said from behind her, making her jump.

“How did you, when did you, but, you were... Don't do that!” She glared at the two who just smiled knowingly at her. “I want rooms prepared for my friends. Immediately.”

“As you wish.” The two bowed politely and then disappeared in a flash of sparks.

“That was creepy. Do they always talk like that?” Rainbow asked as she watched where the two had been a second ago.

“More often than I'd like.” Twilight grumbled.

------

The days passed slowly but thanks to her friends the pain was dulled. Fortunately her predecessor had taken great care to ensure she wouldn't be overwhelmed and she was slowly being introduced into her new life. The twin unicorns were also proving to be useful especially when it came to reminding her of upcoming tasks. She was even starting to think that maybe she could do this. Just maybe. And then the fourth day of the 'search' for her body began.

She was awoken by pounding hooves and yelling outside her door. Then moments later by shrieks of pain followed by the door bursting open. “Celestia!” Shining Armor yelled as he stormed into the room, the guards protecting her door were laid out on the ground with swirls in their eyes.

“B-big br... S-Shining Armor. What is the meaning of this?” She managed to squeak out. She knew she should have used an angry and disapproving tone but it was hard. She hadn't had him look at her so angrily in years! And she had been much smaller then. Granted being woken up in the middle of the night and still being wrapped in her blanket really didn't help.

“My sister! She's been missing for four days, why am I only hearing about this now?!” He yelled. “You should have had a message sent to me immediately!”

“Oh! Right! I forgot.” And oh wow she regretted saying that instantly, as his face turned red. She hadn't really thought about it since it wasn't a real search and rescue. Seemed kind of a shame to ruin her big brother's honey moon over that.

“... YOU FORGOT?!” He yelled with such a fury that even Luna's Royal Canterlot Voice couldn't hope to compete with. “MY SISTER IS LOST IN THE MOUNTAINS AND YOU 'FORGET' TO TELL ME?!”

She couldn't help but feel a little touched at his reaction, she'd never seen him so angry. On the other hoof ponies had started to gather to see the scene and it was quickly getting out of control. “Shining I would remind you that you are in the-”

“Blow it out your flank!” He roared, making her mouth actually fall open in shock. “This is my sister we are talking about! Why aren't you searching for her?! This was one of your assignments! She's your student for moons shake! You should be scouring the countryside for her! Instead I find you laid up in bed sleeping on your fat-”

“ENOUGH!” She roared, her wings spreading out. “You are in the presence of the princess of the sun.” She climbed from her bed and stood tall over him. “Do not think for a moment I am just abandoning my student, I have our greatest soldiers searching for her. Your behavior here however is unacceptable. You will return to your quarters until you have calmed down and regained your senses Shining.” She walked forwards as she glared down at him, towering above. “I will forgive your rudeness due to the pain you must be feeling now. But do. Not. Test me.”

“I need to-” But before he could finish the sentence, he disappeared in a flash of Twilight's glimmering horn.

She then glanced to the doorway, “begone.” She ordered as the spectators quickly galloped away. She then turned to walk to the balcony, sighing sadly as she glanced at the moon. It would be sunrise soon, and she had a feeling the problems with her brother had only just begun. Joy.

------

She was right, they were just beginning. The next morning she had awoken to discover that he had left the castle and taken a carriage to join the search, leaving Cadence behind. The princess of love was now doing her very best to avoid the new princess of the sun, even skipping meals and diving behind curtains a few times. Twilight didn't force the issue however.

One thought kept running through her mind though. Should she tell them? After all, Cadence was an alicorn. And Shining Armor was her brother. What harm could it do to tell them? But each time the same thought formed in her head.

Cadence was a natural alicorn. Not like her or Luna. Who knew what differences that could mean to them? She might live as long as a normal pony, as long as her and Luna, or even longer than both of them. And though she hated to admit it she couldn't help but suspect that the pink alicorn might wish to use the alicorn spell on her brother. And as tempting as that was, she knew such magic shouldn't be used for selfish reasons.

So instead she tried to distract herself by spending most of her time going through the memories and lives of her counter parts and drawing information from them. The memories themselves tended to be fast and easy to navigate, going through a few years only taking a few moments with only a few aspects of them being noteworthy. A large tome she kept stored by her bed side had been slowly filled with information from the many past lives of Celestia. Both their victories and their defeats.

The first had lost every pony precious to her, in the end she had been back stabbed and had over a dozen attempts on her life from greedy noble ponies who wished to usurp her. The only pony she truly trusted on her death bed was the one she turned into her replacement.

The second had changed the way she was perceived and the way the government functioned, turning herself into an almighty being who over looked the ponies rather than a powerful pony who ruled them. In the span of her life she had watched her entire family line die out soon before choosing her replacement.

The third was interesting. She had lived a life similar to Rainbow Dash's, constantly pushing her limits and trying to be the best she could at everything. After becoming an alicorn she had pushed herself to rule the country and expand relations with all the other races. She had also told more than a few ponies her secret and on more than one occasion was forced to stifle it from leaking out. Many times by force. And her eventual end was caused by this decision. A number of ponies wanted to become the next Celestia and they took great methods to eliminate the competition. Including the princess's prized consort. Twilight tried her hardest to avoid looking at such a painful memory for to long.

The fourth, and her teacher, felt the oddest. Her teacher had tried to slowly create a more stable, self sufficient Equestria. One that would not need her anymore. And in some parts she succeeded. But Twilight could also see parts of her life through her teacher's eyes, the struggles she made, the decisions. The difficulty she suffered on deciding to make her student her successor.

As much as Twilight wanted to tell her brother and sister-in-law she couldn't forget the difficulties it would cause them. Difficulties that would haunt the two of them for the entirety of their lives. Their grief at her passing would be hard at first but over time the pain would dull. They would have their own children and live their own lives. Free of the stress of her secret.

With that in her mind, she was certain she had made the right decision. Until the day the search was called off and she was assumed dead.

The search had lasted an additional week beyond planned, Shining unable to allow it to end until he had personally scanned the mountain ranges from top to bottom with every spell he could think of. But of course there was no pony to be found. Her funeral had been a large affair, filled with soft mournful music and a solar guard salute. Her brother and friends had spoken and talked about her life, about how wonderful and what a thirst for knowledge she had.

She had refused to speak, afraid she would take the podium and scream that she was alive, that they shouldn't be mourning her! Mourn Celestia, the greatest princess there ever was! But instead she had to keep silent and watch her friends and family weep for her. The moment the service was over she departed, unable to face the mourners.

------

The night of the funeral she was awoken by a pounding on her door. “Go 'way...” She yelled, but the pounding didn't stop. She put a pillow over her head as she groaned, wondering where her guards were. And then the door opened. “Of course... Hello Shining.” She grumbled into her pillow.

“Celestia! We need tah talk.” He was in full armor and his face bore a fierce scowl. He seemed unsteady on his feet and it took a few seconds for her to realize why.

“You're drunk!”

“Yes I am! You should beh too!” He yelled. “And I'm jus' tipsy. I had a few ciders. Dat isn't the issue here! Dah issue is my lil sister ish gone! And you couldn't even say a few wordsh at her funaroll!” He steadied himself against her bedpost.

“Shining you are drunk and I will not have this conversation until you are-”

“WE ARE GOING TO TALK NOW! My sister ish DEAD because of you!” He yelled so hard he actually fell backwards onto his bottom, having to use her bed post to climb back to his hooves.

“Yes! She's gone! There is nothing I can do about it. Trust me if there was anything, anything I could do to bring her back I would! But her sacrifice isn't in vain, what she did was for all of Equestria and I'm doing my very best to cope!”

“For... For all of Equestria?! You sent her on a research assignment!” He howled, and tossed something in her face. It took her a few moments to realize it was the dried but water damaged remains of the note she had written to her brother, many of the words illegible. “You should have gone wid her! Or teleported her! This... this is your fault! All of it!”

“Shining. Calm down. You are hardly acting in a manner befitting the head of guard. Head home and drink some coffee. Now.”

“... No.” He said defiantly.

“Shining, that's an order.” She warned.

He then flung something else at her. His helmet. “I'm nod takin' orders from you. I hereby resign from the royal guard.” He growled, fire burning in his eyes.

“I... W-what?” Twilight said in shock, eyes wide. “But, your dream, it-”

“My dream was never to protect my sister's killer.” He growled as he turned and wobbled towards the door.

She was in shock. She had never seen him so angry. Slowly she flipped through the notes she had written him and noticed fresh moisture on many of the pages. Tears. Even during her funeral he hadn't cried, containing it inside. Had her note really affected him so much? Quickly she got to her hooves and ran to the door way. “Shining!”

--- Centuries later---

Twilight flew high over the mountains of Equestria, soaring over roads and icy peaks as she headed towards her destination. She was meeting her student shortly at a small train station just a few miles away from where she had originally been lost to the world. Normally she would have traveled in her royal carriage, but this meeting was special. Just between her and her precious student. It wasn't long before the train station came into view and she could see a single figure, wrapped tightly in a thick furry coat.

She landed besides her student with barely a sound, but almost instantly the hooded pony darted forward to hug her teacher.

“Hello my dear student. Are you ready for what I must show you?” Slowly the hood bobbed a few times. “Good. It is not to far away so it will take but a moment.” Her horn glowed as the two disappeared in a flash. A moment later they reappeared near the base of the mountains, in a small valley with a few inches of snow. “I chose this place because it was remote and I didn't desire for any pony to see what I had created until the time was right. You will be the first.” Slowly she walked towards the mountain as her horn glowed yet again. A stone door, hidden in the mountain, opened slowly as they walked to reveal a dark chamber within.

As they walked inside the door closed behind them and torches came alive throughout the chamber. It was huge, hundreds of feet wide and tall. Carved with her own magic over centuries. Tapestries, stained glass, tomes, and a large assortment of objects filled the caves. “I have spent the vast majority of my life gathering these items for future generations.”

“Your highness? What do you mean?”

“There is much I need to tell you my student. Much about myself you do not know.” The princess moved in front of her student, standing tall, as she prepared to give the same speech her teacher once had. “You see, Celestia is not as you know her...”

The story was much the same it had been long ago, except this time her own story had been added. But there was one important change. “But you see my student. Times have changed.” Gently she placed a hoof on a thick tome on a pedestal. “I have become little more than a figure head. In the last year alone there were three alicorns born. The magics my friends unlocked have been passed down. Pony kind is now able to stand on its own hooves. Celestia is no longer needed.” She gently reached out to place a hoof on her students head. “But there is still one task I wish for you to perform for me.”

“Your... Your highness?” The voice from behind the hood squeaked.

“Those who came before me gave up much for Equestria. I've spent my life gathering their story. Items from their life, paintings, things they owed. I've written down their stories, had images drawn to their likenesses.” She motioned to a stained glass window, a .image of Celestia with the sun gleaming behind her and her body hidden by the glare of the sun so she was only an orange shape. “This is to be their immortal legacy. And for you I have one last task.”

“Y-yes?” Again the voice squeaked.

“A museum has been built in the castle I once face Nightmare Moon so long ago. All of this will be put on display there.” Slowly she reached out with a hoof, to push the coats hood down and reveal the blue coated unicorn mare beneath. “I chose you for this task since I first laid eyes on you.”

“What? Why? What do you need me to do?”

“I could see that same flare that she held all those years ago when we met. An old friend of mine. Radiance Lulamoon, I wish for you to become the guardian and curator of our legacy.”

Comments

[Jeweled Pen]

And with this chapter, it's done. This was a really hard chapter, I managed to get all the information out I wanted, but getting the right words and the feel for it was extremely difficult. I also didn't want to reveal to much, prefering to give more an outline of how things were happening, what ponies were experiencing, and leave it more to the thoughts of the reader how they thing everything would turn out. For everyone who reads this story, I really hope you enjoyed it and thanks for taking the time too.

[Quarik]

This deserves a lot more attention. It's damn, damn good.

[Apoc]

Ok this was fantastic but I do have one question. Did you base the unicorn twins off the Lutece twins from Bioshock Infinite cause they seem very similar.
Good work and well done in creating an awesome story

[Jeweled Pen]

2132020 Thanks ^^ It was a lot of fun to write. Though sometimes it made me sad.
3718718 Nope, not at all. In fact, the story was finished before Bioshock Infinite even came out. Months in advance at that. :) I've honestly never played any of the bioshock games though. Never have the time and when they're on sale I usually have a major back log so never even pick them up.

[Apoc]

3719568 In all honesty I never looked at the date published. Maybe the bioshock team copied them off you cause they are almost scarily similar.
Regardless you've done an awesome job with this story.

[Jeweled Pen]

3719782 That would be AWESOME! Something I wrote actually being good enough to steal? Eeeee! Granted, it would suck in a way too, but still. I'd feel pretty cool. :) Also, thanks! I honestly hadn't thought about this story in ages, it's kinda nice coming back to read old stories. Also, it feels a heck of a lot sadder reading it now than it did when I was writing it...