One Last Goodbye
Inspired by "A Final Twilight" by 4everfreebrony
As the ornate glass door opened, a gust of wind entered the room, spreading the cold winter air. This sudden intrusion disturbed the declining fire in the fireplace, making it roar anew for a brief moment before it weakened again. The shimmering embers continued to consume the parchment thrown in their midst, leaching the wax seal decorated with a stylized sun.
Through the crackling of the fire and the whistling of the wind, one could hear the faint sound of hoofsteps. Walking here, her regalia and crown nowhere to be seen, was none other than her highness Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship, The Peace Bringer, Ruler of Ponyville, Triarch of Equestria and faithful student of the Sun Incarnate. But at this moment, an observing pony would only see a subdued alicorn slowly advancing on her balcony.
While the winter wind brushed against her mane, fur and feathers, she walked up to the glass balustrade and paused for a moment, taking in the view. The high spears of the castle dominating the city of Canterlot below her, offering a show of white, purple and gold basked in the light of a descending orange sun. The roofs and streets were covered in the vestiges of melting snow, reflecting the diminishing light of the day. And beyond that, the breathtaking view of Equestria that could only be offered by a city build atop a mountainside. The same view she used to watch everyday with her mentor. Life was so simple back then. So much had changed...
Leaving her gaze wander the city, Twilight caught sight of the familiar flurry of activity animating the city. Ponies going through the evening, some packing shop and rushing to the central plaza, others marching home or stopping at a nearby coffee shop. Children running around, playing in the disappearing snow, the nightclubs and bars filling-up. Scenes like this one were happening all over Equestria as Celestia lowered the sun. All these ponies blissfully oblivious to the fate awaiting in the horizon.
On the main street, far from the castle, colourful banners advertised a store Twilight knew all too well. Rarity was taking advantage of her free time in Canterlot by putting on an impromptu fashion show in front of her boutique. Twilight didn’t need to be there to know that the clients would go home with more than they asked for and their bit purse still plump. Always giving of herself, even for a complete stranger. Spreading joy wherever she goes. That was Rarity.
The Wonderbolts were flying in their stadium on the edge of the city, leaving colourful trails behind them as they soared through the skies, no doubt training for their Hearth's Warming Eve show. Twilight was certain that if she asked, Rainbow Dash would go to Tartarus and back with her, cracking a few jokes along the way to ease her mind. But not this time. She fought so hard and waited long enough. She deserved to leave her dream in peace. They all did.
Thinking about peace, just below her balcony, Applejack and Fluttershy were wandering the castle’s gardens, laughing and admiring the work of generations of gardeners, each one the best of their time. Both of them never asked for so much darkness and insanity in their lives. But they stayed with her. And more importantly, they stayed true to themselves. Applejack could have become so much more, but she never paid the price of leaving her family behind. United until the very end.
Offering a hoof to those in need. Always honest and kind, taking on whatever the world threw at them. Both shining examples of what ponies can be at their best. Making others strive to better themselves. Even Discord gave in to the kindness offered by Fluttershy...
But the peaceful moment was briefly interrupted by an explosion of sound and colour. Pinkie Pie, who had excused herself as soon as they were told to wait for the princess’s return, could only be in the central plaza, from which the music, lights and firework betrayed her presence. So many laughs and good times were shared those past two years. Always here to cheer everyone up. To help them overcome the hardships of life together, by sharing and caring with a smile on their face. Pinkie Pie will continue to help them all, and they will help her accept that she had to do this.
Judging by the sparkling green flame that erupted from the plaza, setting fire to new explosions of colours in the city’s skies, Spike was there as well. He had been with her almost all her life. Brave and kind when she needed him the most. She would never be able to thank him enough for his friendship and his help.
Two years worth of memories. So little time and yet so much had happened. So much had changed. And not just with them. Mom... Dad... Shiny... And Flurry who will grow, only hearing stories about her aunt and mother... All of them living on. Asking the same unanswered question. Why did they go ?
Feeling her eyes getting wet, Twilight fought back the tears, closing her eyes and taking slow, deep breaths. She needed to be strong for this. She was doing this for them. For all of them. Not just her friends and family but for all the ponies of Equestria and beyond. She will make them proud.
Spreading her wings, letting the biting winter wind flow on her feathers, Twilight started to beat the air. Kicking the ground with a hoof, the princess jumped above the balustrade. The balcony was soon behind her, soon followed by the castle itself.
A single tear managed to form at the edge of her eye. Taking form and running through her fur, the wind finally took it. It fell down on the city as the princess gained height, resisting the urge to look back, in fear she might not have the strength to go on with her mission if she did. Her wings reinforcing their strokes as the princess disappeared in the horizon. Leaving the city and all those within for the last time.
The sun descended below the horizon and the skies darkened.
But no moon ascended to take its place.