A Twilestia story. ...But if that's what it is, then why do I have this overwhelming sense that something terrible is going to happen Luna?
Just your average Twilestia story. Romance, kissing, Luna being sad, and magic.
...Or is it?
Maybe there is a deeper meaning in here. Maybe there's a lesson of humility, compassion, and hope. Maybe there comes a time where in order to save everything, you have to give up everything as well.
What about the prophecy of the hero? It stated that so many things would happen, so how does that fit in with the peaceful city that is Ponyvi-...OK, so it has a disaster everyday, but it still is peaceful...at least for someone that has ADHD. But how do we know what will happen? All we can do is hope that somehow Luna doesn't destroy us with her knowledge. So what's left when all else is gone? There is only word that describes it: Love.
The end of all magic, Once feared know loved: The chorus of voices All praying for her
They speak a story, One spoken through years, Of the ultimate sacrifice For whom she held most dear.
The end of all magic, Brought about by one Who's name is told To Sparkle when called.
Her lover told her One single secret That forged a blade Of love and pain
But that blade, Though sharp and feared, Will never hurt those Whom she holds most dear.
So she learns One final lesson, Of love and sorrow, To teach her to Listen.
(Prophecy inspired by T. A. Barron's new novel Atlantis Rising.)
Author's Note: Do you know that feeling when you have something good? Great! Now, do you know what it's like to constantly get ideas for a story? That's my problem, I overthink them. Now, on with the story!
Prologue: How It All Began
"Sometimes being small is a blessing, just like being immortal can also be a curse...a curse that never goes away."
It was a cold Neighvember night when a certain alicorn, huddled up close to the fire place, was reminiscing over an old memory, a memory that started so much for her. Then a prophecy arose for her, and after that it was love and war....
In the Golden Oaks Library, about a thousand years earlier.
Dear Twilight Sparkle,
Her Majesty, Princess Celestia, cordially invites you to the castle. She wishes to have a lesson with you over some of the more abstract areas of friendship. She also would like to go over your previous friendship reports in further detail. After that she wants to talk about the night sky, and discuss some common wrong beliefs.
The required items are ten pleasure reading books, a star map, an astronomy book of your choosing, sleepwear, a manebrush, shampoo and conditioner, and various other toiletries. You are to arrive at the castle a quarter past noon. The stay will be for a full week, so pack accordingly. This message will be sent back to us for recycling after you have taken sufficient notes.
Thank you,
~Her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia
After Twilight finished reading the letter, her notebook at her side for when she took notes of the letter, she just stared at the paper. She was hoping to catch how it would be sent back when there was a knock at the door.
A voice sounded from the door before Twilight got to it, saying, "Ms. Sparkle! I came to bring your letter back to Canterlot!" The voice obviously belonged to Derpy Hooves, the mailmare of Ponyville, as she opened the door to hand her the letter. "Thanks Twilight! I don't what would happen if I returned without the letter, and this will definitely help me get a promotion," Derpy said before she flew off.
Twilight closed the door, utterly surprised that she didn't even get to say a word. She remembered that she needed to pack and saw that the time was ten of the clock. She would have to get ready in one and a quarter hours, thus meaning that a certain assistant was going to need to read the notes she took.
In Canterlot Castle's Throne Room, 1 hour after leaving Ponyville.
I hope Twilight will get here soon. It can get so boring filing papers and meeting with nobles, which are constantly trying to get more power, that she decided to ask Twilight to come over. The Princess started to hear some wings flapping at that moment and asked the staff to start preparing dinner for three. After that she waited for Twilight to come into the Throne Room.
On a balcony in Canterlot Castle, night time and during Night Court.
It was an ordinary day in the castle, except for one thing. Two ponies were cuddling, as usual, talking about things, as usual, and we're looking at the stars, as usual. But then the subject started changing, changing into something full of wonder and excitement!
The subject changed into that of alicorns, about what they are and their limits, and then it all started to change even more. It changed into a secret that was to never be spoken, and a question that was never to be answered.
Can you guess it? Can you guess the very question that lead to this tale of sadness, courage, love, and hope? Well, no matter, it was answered this very night. So that one secret that will be spoken on this night will cause one mare to change the world, but for better, or for worse? That is where our story truly begins, in the castle, when one question starts us down a road that cannot be forgotten. And that road, that road is love.
The conversation started out with Twilight and Celestia talking about the stars and the moon, the constellations and the nebulae, supernovae and black holes, worlds seen and unseen.
But then a lavender mare asked the one question to find out the secret that never should have been spoken. And so, Twilight asked the Princess, "Princess, why can't we travel to other planets?" Her tone was of curiosity and exploration. She made it sound so sweet and innocent, but it never truly was. She had her own secrets, one of which would not be known unless Twilight wanted to die of embarrassment.
"Well, Twilight, it's because Luna nor I have the strength nor the magic power necessary to power a spell that would be capable of doing that. As much as want to, we can't." The ivory mare replied, her voice somber and melancholic, wanting to cry because she couldn't fulfill this wish of her student. She wanted to hug her tightly, kiss her forehead and tell her everything would be alright, or did she? Could there possibly be something more? Could she actually like the mare next to her as a lover?
"You don't have enough power? But I thought that an alicorn's magic was limitless? How could that not be?" Twilight asked, this time with concern and wonder, treating this as an opportunity to research alicorns. The mare waited for a response patiently, knowing that this would be a good thing to remember.
"But isn't that where corruption begins, Twilight? Through limitless power and adoration? That's why we, as alicorns, are only strong with magic in one area. We are strong in whatever are cutie mark is, but weaker than the average unicorn in all of the other areas. That's the number one secret of the alicorn, and we don't tell many ponies about the secret because then they know that we can easily be defeated. It's hard to live knowing that your species is a lie, but we have to. It's a very sad life as well...." The Princess then started trailing off until nothing was left.
And Twilight could not even speak. She was trying to go over what her mentor had just said without having her brain get fried. So, the mare sitting next to me is powerless compared to me? Why? And how? How does she use so much power in her everyday tasks, unless she modified them to use power from the sun. But would she really be able to do that? And what about me? I'm so much more powerful, and what would happen if I became an alicorn? I am the element of magic, and magic is my special talent, so how would my magic be affected?
At this point she had begun looking upon Celestia in a new light. Twilight saw a weak, fragile mare, covered in armor and shaking all the time. She had such great courage, to stand there and fight knowing her disability, but such sorrow knowing that she might not be defeated. Is there something about her now, or does she seem more confident? And the moonlight shining through her mane is so...beautiful. Wait! Why did I just think about her that way? Gah, I'll just investigate it later. Right nowis the moment! I need answers to my questions! At this point Twilight began to speak again, much to Celestia's relief.
"So, how do you perform your everyday spells? Did you use lots of practice, or did you modify the spells to feed off of the sun? Am I more powerful than you, as well? And what would happen if I became an alicorn? What would unfold in my magic?" Twilight asked Celestia, who was starting to get a little bit sleepy.
"Well, my student, I actually practiced the spells a lot. Although I do like your idea of modifying the spells, I might try that some time. And yes, you are technically more powerful than I am. And as for you becoming an alicorn, I do not know. Having somepony who's special talent is magic would change it up quite a bit. I would have to say that you could probably do anything, but there might be a cost to it all. I don't know for sure though. Maybe one day we will find out, after all, I am getting rather lonely at night."At this point Celestia's eyes were filled with lust, and when the lavender mare looked at her it grew even more intense.
All of this made Twilight wonder what was going on, and even began to subconsciously snuggle even closer to Celestia. "I sure wouldn't mind your company. I could hold you, squeeze you, pet you, love you, and maybe even kiss you."
By now, the Princess had waited long enough. She decided that now was the time to make her move. She quite literally jumped on Twilight, who was more than surprised to say the least. She had to do only one more thing to make this night complete: kiss her. But by then her thoughts were depleted, for, to her shock, Twilight was kissing her as passionately as could be.
But then something unexpected happened that she was not prepared for, nor could she have been prepared for it. Twilight started standing up. Not on her own, either. But what was really surprising was the words she was about to speak:
"The end of all magic, Once feared know loved: The chorus of voices All praying for her
They speak a story, One spoken through years, Of the ultimate sacrifice For whom she held most dear.
The end of all magic, Brought about by one Who's name is told To Sparkle when called.
Her lover told her One single secret That forged a blade Of love and pain
But that blade, Though sharp and feared, Will never hurt those Whom she holds most dear.
So she learns One final lesson, Of love and sorrow, To teach her to Listen."
And so it has begun, the time of which she starts her journey of love, sorrow, pain, joy, and sacrifice. But why does Twilight have this feeling that Celestia doesn't love her? Or is it that Twilight is just using the Princess for a cure....
A/N: I redid the last chapter thanks to some criticism by The DJ Rainbow Dash. Thank you again.
Chapter 1: A Dream?
Sometimes we get attacked when we least expect it, sometimes we don't. So why be exposed when you could easily protect it? My mother always told me to never take off my armor for that reason. She also told me that sometimes the treasures hidden in plain sight are the best treasures of all.
Celestia woke with a start. She kept dreaming of Twilight before she became an alicorn every night. Every time it would also end in her getting kissed by Twilight after she made the move. When she went over her dream in her head she found no difference except that her mind had somehow let a secret slip out.
She decided that she should get ready to tell Twilight the real reason of why she became an alicorn. Celestia knew that Twilight would have many questions, but she could answer all of them, hopefully.
The Canterlot Library, 1000
"You asked for my counsel, Celestia?" Twilight asked as she walked into the library. She looked at the table Celestia was at and saw books from before Luna was banished.
"Ah, yes. I am needing to tell you about something so that you may be prepared for an arrival." Celestia said lifting her head from the book with Star Swirl's spell in it. Twilight started to open her mouth but the princess stopped her. "No interjections. I need to make sure I say everything in case your question is answered in my speech." Twilight looked downwards apprehensively after the Princess stated that.
"Now, the other reason I called you here is to tell you the actual reason for you becoming an alicorn." Twilight looked shocked at the statement, almost in disbelief. She haspd completed an ancient spell, after all. "The main reason is that you are from a long lost tribe of ponies, called the Cigmaks. The name has nothing to do with the Greek letter Sigma you already know about, instead they chose their name because of it being an anagram for magicks."
Celestia paused to for a moment to let the lavender alicorn process everything before continuing, "You are the only known survivor, and this is confirmed being that all of their cutie marks had to do with magic in one form or another, and you are the only unicorn to match that description. Well, were the only unicorn. Now be that as it may, there is also one other survivor, but we will talk about them later."
"Now, when you finished Star Swirl's spell you reawakened that magic within you, but in doing so you awakened an ancient evil called the Migrath. Now Star Swirl was also a Cigmak, and his spell was to reawaken somepony who might have hidden their form as another species, for they were all alicorns." Figuring that Twilight might want a little bit more time to process the information again, the Princess paused once more.
"Luckily, being that alicorns are immortal, you might be able to rediscover your tribe. However they are all in the belly of Migrath, which has a special charm in it to make all magic not work inside of her." Now Twilight had that sparkle in her eyes, the one right before she asks a question. Her teacher, knowing her for so long, guessed the question and said, "Yes, Star Swirl is still alive, but you must find him. If you do there is great chance that he will help you with your quest. Last I remember he was in hiding in the Forest of Nidas, which is the other edge of the Everfree. And if you need my help do not fear asking me for it."
After all of this Twilight looked quite stunned. She opened her mouth, but immediately closed it. She stood to leave before Celestia stopped her. "Also, I need you to know one thing. There is a prophecy. A prophecy that I am almost certain is about you. You need to ask Star Swirl the Bearded about it."
"Furthermore, there is something about alicorns that you must know. All alicorns before you were only strong with magic in one field, our special talents, but with you now becoming an alicorn I am not so sure about what would happen if you used it. We are normally extremely weak in every area of magic except our talent, so you might have to sacrifice something in order to use yours now. Currently you are just using your energy as a sacrifice, but when something larger rolls around you must know not to use magic at all costs until you know what it is that you need to accomplish." With that knowledge Twilight looked scared. She thought
"You may also spend the night of you wish." The white mare then got up and excused herself. She headed to the Throne Room to meet up with herself thereafter to make sure that she really couldn't change her fate....
Twilight's Old Room, 2200
Twilight yawned. She had been studying as much as she could about the Everfree and the Forest of Nidas. She hoped to find some clue as to why she was the only one in this position and how nopony else survived. Eventually she came up with no answer and decided to retire for the night. However she first wanted to see why Celestia hadn't checked on her.
When she arrived at the Throne Room she saw Celestia. She turned towards who she was talking to and saw...another Celestia? How can that be right? She listened to the conversation and heard them talking about Celestia's fate of becoming a monster. She pondered how that could be before listening again. She heard that in one of the meals that she would eat on this day next year would be a poison, but it would be one that also took her back in time. There would be no way of knowing about it or preventing it, either.
After that the double disappeared and Twilight hurried back to her room to try and make the most out of the time she had left with her teacher, for if Celestia herself said that it was impossible to prevent then she knew she couldn't prevent it. So she prepared to do what she had always wanted to do since she had become Celestia's student: kiss her.
The affection started out when she first became her apprentice, but only as a mere sense of awe and amazement. Over the years it changed into a love for her, but was strictly forbidden by herself. Now she could think of no greater way to spend the last year of her life with her mentor. The only question is how to do it now. Perhaps she could get Luna to spy on the ivory mare's dreams to see what she is thinking of all of this. After all, Celestia would tell Luna, right?
In Celestia's Bedroom, 2300, 10 Minutes After Discussion
I just don't know what to do! If I tell Twilight then she'll start panicking like crazy! Whereas if I don't tell her I'll have a horrible feeling of guilt for the rest of my life as me! Sometimes I really wish I could just go and talk to somepony, but my sister will also be mad because as soon as she gets to see me again I have to become a monster. And I can't just leave either, for I have a nation to take care of. Unless I can get..., hm, yes, that might just work. I just hope she won't take it the wrong way. At least I have a plan. Now I just need to sleep. And with that Celestia dozed off to sleep, dreaming once again of Twilight, though this time she was dreaming of her discussing possible ways of handling the current situation.
What could all of this mean? How does this have to pertain to the plot? Answers are slow to appear sometimes, after all. So maybe we should just keep our armor on and hope that we soar through the skies.
A/N: I managed to shorten the paragraphs in this chapter, as well as the previous ones. Let the chapter begin!
Chapter 2: The Plan, the Spy, and the Offer
A little big of foreknowledge: Celestia's doppelgänger is a version of herself that is about a week before the meal. Let's just call that day the "Day of Darkness" for reference. She is able to travel along her own timeline via realistic holographic projections through time. This version is there merely to help with the story's progression when needed, and I don't know if she will pop up again. Just mentioned it to avoid confusion!
Love can be a funny thing sometimes. It can make you strong, weak, happy, sad, and any emotion possible. So how do you know when it's just plain love, and not damaged in any way?
Throne Room, 2300, Night Court not in Session
Twilight found Luna in the Throne Room, luckily while Night Court was not in session. Once getting her attention by using a por- I mean by waving her hoof, she said, "Luna, could I possibly get you to spy on your sister's dreams?" Twilight asked this, assuming she would have to bribe Luna to get her to do it as well.
Luna replied, "Yes. But first you must give your marshmallows." At this the lavender alicorn looked shocked, for she didn't even have any marshmallows out in the open. When the alicorn of the night saw her face, she said, "I smelled them. The bag has a hole in it about the size of a quarter. You also dropped a trail of them while you walked here."
Twilight looked behind herself, blushed, and levitated the marshmallows into a makeshift magic bowl. "Well, that could've gone better. At least no pige-!" At that a giant flock of pigeons came flying through the room, eating up all of Luna's marshmallows. "...I owe you another bag, don't I." To that, Luna nodded an affirmative. "I thought so."
Now wanting to get down to business, so as to receive her payment as soon as possible, Luna began to ask Twilight a series of questions, "What would you like me to find out? And what would you like me to do if she isn't dreaming what you need her to dream about? Would you like me to play a prank on her as well?" Luna merely waited for a response, thinking about all of the marshmallows she could have.
"Well, I was wondering if you could find out if Celestia is dreaming about me, and if so, how is she dreaming about me? Nothing for your second question, and only if you want to for the third." Twilight responded, a sparkle of curiosity in her eyes.
With a look of mischief, Luna dashed off to her chambers to sleep. Meanwhile Twilight went to buy more bags of marshmallows, hoping to surprise Luna with the amount when she woke up. If Luna survived her surprise to talk with her, that is.
Celestia's Room, 0530, One Hour and Four Minutes Before Sunrise, Parchment on Desk
Celestia's Plan
Step 1. Pack for a year-long trip to the Everfree, away from Twilight's quest Step 2. Tell Luna that I am going on a trip Step 3. Leave the castle without telling anypony else Step 4. One month later forge a letter stating that I am dead, and send it to Luna Step 5. Live out rest of I love you Princ
"I love you, Princess," said Twilight, standing in the doorway while Celestia wrote her plan. She examined the paper and said, "I'm surprised that you think that any of this will work," Twilight stated. "After all, Luna is nearly in tears that you're going to become a monster in a year." Celestia's face was in shock, or in more shock than it previously was. "And nopony else knowing? Well, now I know. I also know that you won't be dead, at least not for another eleven months."
"And what about me? Am I not going to get to kiss you? Not even when you dream of me kissing you? Not to mention our loyal subjects, who always want to see their Princess. If don't think that's enough, then who would raise the sun? I can't without sacrificing something, and Luna would hate to be reminded of you every. Single. Day. But of course, that's merely my opinion." Twilight said, listing multiple reasons why Celestia would never be able to have this plan go into fruition.
To this Celestia just stuttered. Twilight had such a smooth voice, but it was cold too. It lashed against Celestia and froze her tongue so that she could not even speak. When she finally could, she had nothing to say. The Princess wanted to tell Twilight everything that she had been dreaming, but knew that she shouldn't as well. Until Twilight spoke again, that is.
"Oh, and Luna told me about all of your dirty dreams that you have. Thanks for loving me back. I'll see you at breakfast! Bye!" Twilight's voice seemed to have a hint of secrecy that the sun princess just could not place. When she was about to ask what Twilight had planned, she found that the purple mare had already left.
"I guess that I should start making a more efficient dream catcher, then. The one I have definitely does not recognize a night mare when it sees one." Celestia then stood up from her desk and started towards the kitchen. She had to go and find out what a certain alicorn was up to. Little did she know that she was walking straight into a trap....
Kitchen, 0545, Sunrise in Forty-Nine Minutes
Luna started chatting with Twilight about how she had recently acquired a maid outfit, and would lend it to her at the cost of five bags,of mini marshmallows. Twilight accepted, and waited for Celestia to arrive for the big moment.
DAWN OF THE FIRST DAY, 365 DAYS LEFT
Chapter 3: The Meeting Within the Night, and the Dawn Without a Sun
Chapter 3: The Meeting Within the Night, and the Dawn Without a Sun
Isn't it funny how things can turn out better when they happen the exact opposite of how we had planned them to happen?
Luna awoke trapped in marshmallows. Freeing herself, and eating somewhere around a hundred marshmallows, Luna went out of her room. She promised herself to eat the rest of the marshmallows later, and headed to Twilight's quarters to what she had seen in Celestia's dreams.
"Twilight, I'm here to report," said Luna, looking around for the lavender mare. She spotted her sound asleep and decided to leave her a message. She found a quill and some parchment to begin writing, a little sad that she could not be trusted by her sister to know that she is going to turn her into a monster. She began to write:
Dear Twilight,
I have found what you are looking for, and 'Tia does in fact love you. Also, thank you for the surprise in my room. It was most delicious! Anyway, I am going to try and gather some supplies for you. I'll see you at breakfast!
~Luna
Kitchen, 0545, Sunrise in Forty-Nine Minutes
Celestia groggily strode into the kitchen, and upon seeing two alicorns in deep discussion, she decided that today was going to be very bad for her. She sat on the opposite side of the table of them and waited for her breakfast to be served.
When breakfast was served, which was a strawberry crepe covered with whipped cream, and a fruit salad on the side, Luna and Twilight finally noticed the bedraggled princess. "Good pre-morning, 'Tia!" Luna said enthusiastically. Celestia groaned.
"Celestia, if you think that you're going to run away after offering help, you better realize that it will never come to fruition. If you want, you could just go on a journey with me while Luna watches over the kingdom. Right Luna?" Twilight asked, looking at the princess expectantly.
"It'll cost you more marshmallows," stated Luna. After that a giant mountain of marshmallows fell on top of Luna, making her wonder where Twilight gets all of them so quickly. "That's sufficient enough...."
"Now, with that taken care of, you two should probably let morning come." As soon as Twilight said that an alarm went off, signifying it to be time to raise the sun. "And I have perfect timing, as usual."
With that, Luna's horn flared up to lower the moon. As Celestia did the same, but to raise the sun, a look of shock came upon here face.
"Sister, something's wrong, what is it?" Luna asked cautiously, as she knew her sister was fragile during this state.
"It's the sun. The sun is now...black. Something happened to it and know it's black, which means that our subjects will think that Nightmare Moon has returned! We must do something!" Celestia said, crying out in sadness and frustration, for she knew of no pony who could solve the problem.
"Princess, it's so simple! Don't you understand that this must be the cause of a warning from the past? There was once an ancient book by Star Swirl that said, 'She who raises the black sun will be cursed to endure endless pain, sent back before her time, and forced to live as a monstrosity. The only cure, a blade from old, forged through light, and left in darkness, used to pierce the very soul. Come to me, I shall say, before it is too late. I have the answer, but you must come hither.' You have to come with so that we may find him!" After Twilight finished, Celestia realized she had no choice.
Little did she know Twilight omitted a part, a part that she did not want to say. It read, "Even though the answer is clear, only a strike from true love will smite the fear. Raised upon a silver pedestal, a book of wisdom seems to shine. It's only secret is the purifying of one's heart. The hero must use it, and forge the blade. They must forge their own heart into it, so as to help the cursed, for it shall never knowingly hurt those the hero loves most dear...."
In the Forest of Nidas, 0700, Sixteen Minutes After Sunrise
"So it has begun," began Star Swirl, his voice of great authority. "The final battle between good and evil has finally started. The clock counting down, waiting to strike zero. Our only hope, a mere purple alicorn whose magic is unlimited, but at what cost? The ones we hold most dear are stake, but this war will not be fought using blades, hooves, teeth, or magic. No, instead it shall wield the heart, are one weakness. It shall give us near insanity, and make even the strongest of colts cry. Only those who do not possess feelings will be protected, but they can still be hurt my everypony around them."
The mighty alicorn turned to head inside, looking at the sun. "One may only hope that our only savior can realize this before it's too late, and gets to me soon. The sword which they require still waits for them, but lies hidden to no pony but them. Only time will tell if they are worthy enough to step forward and take the sword, a bridge between time, dimension, and space. With it they may do anything, yet no pony knows what makes it so, nor do they know how it is designed to work. Fire, ice, sand, rain, lightning, darkness, light, and spirit. All of these shall be needed to slay the evil once and for all." With that, Star Swirl went back inside his humble abode, where he could grow younger as he pleased....
OK, so I wasn`t expecting to do this, but I have to say that I honestly lost motivation for this story. Or, at least for the way that I took it. I am going to cancel this story, but only that. I`m still going to be carrying on this idea of mine, and the way that story is going...just in a completely different way.
I`m working on a new story that`s this, but not. I`m not going to upload it until it`s finished so as to help me be able to look over the whole thing. I would love a proofreader, but I don`t know if I could get one. Anyway, that`s the main thing that I was wanting to get across.
Anyway, the story itself will be in first person, and it will have a few Zelda elemtents in it. And now I want to incorporate an anime that I watch...DANG IT BRAIN! Besides that, most of the story will remain the same, but there will be some major differences. It might take me a week, and it might take me a month, it could even take me all summer. Just bear with me, and I promise that I`ll have something worthy of reading...maybe.
I`m going to try and work on my detail, and my overall paragraph breaks. Until I get the story done , this will be all that you will hear from me. Until next time, bye.
Sincerely,
~FlameSwordedLink
P.S. I`ve already started on the stooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooory. My keyboard just made that longer than it should be, and I`m too lazy to fix it. So I typed two extra senteces instead. Let the guilt settle....
