//------------------------------// // Episode 5: "Retirement Blues" // Story: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Season 10 // by twilightsparkle3562 //------------------------------// … … As the sun rose over Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle awakened feeling more mentally ready for the role of Equestria's leader. The events of recent had been a wake up call not just for her, but for those closest to her. Standing in front of her bedroom mirror, she adjusted her new crown made up of Celestia and Luna's old crowns, and took a deep breath. "You've got this, Twilight," She whispered to herself. "You've got this." Stepping into her gold slippers, Twilight made her way downstairs for breakfast when she noticed a series of sounds coming from her kitchen. "What's going on?" She wondered as she went to the kitchen and looked inside to see Celestia making what appeared to be a stack of pancakes. "Celestia! You're... making breakfast?" "Ah, Twilight," Celestia chuckled, making a fruit face on one of the pancakes. "I thought you'd might like this 'First Day of Ruling Breakfast;. It always helped me whenever I began my day." "Aw, thanks, Celestia," Twilight replied, touched by the gesture her mentor had done. "You always were kind of a master of pancakes." Heading out to the dining room, Twilight sat down as Luna came in drinking out of a coffee cup and reading what appeared to be a large novel, much to Celestia's chagrin. Right away, Twilight couldn't help but notice a troubled look on Celestia's face "Morning, Luna," Twilight greeted while Luna sat down. "How is Stygian's book?" Putting the book down, Luna turned her attention towards Twilight. "Very…interesting, to say the least, Twilight," The former princess of the night replied. "I must say that his struggle sounds very much like my o ne." "Luna, how many times must I tell you to not be reading at the dining table?" Celestia asked, tapping her hoof down a few times. "Where are your manners?" "Celestia, we're retired now," Luna answered, drinking out of her coffee cup. "We don't need to follow royal protocol anymore. In fact, I've always wanted to read but never had the chance to." "Still, that doesn't exclude you from decorum," Celestia scolded. "Take that book off of the table!" "All right, all right," Luna muttered, reluctantly doing as she was told. "Somepony musn't like retiring from the throne." Sitting down at the table, Celestia let out a deep sigh as Twilight couldn't help but notice her mentor and mother figure looking very troubled. "Um, Celestia," She inquired. "You seem to be a little bit…troubled. Is there something wrong?" "Sorry," Celestia apologized as she cut into her breakfast. "I guess I'm just…having a little bit of a rough time lately. I suppose the transition due to retiring from the throne hasn't been as easy as I thought it would be." Looking over at Luna, Twilight realized that Celestia needed more help in adjusting, but wasn't sure how. … … "What do you mean, you're having a rough time?" Twilight curiously asked. "Didn't you want to retire in the first place?" "Well, yes," Celestia hesitantly answered. "It's just that…now that I'm retired, I still haven't figured out what to do with my life now." This brought a surprised look to Twilight's face. Up until that moment, she had not seen her mentor struggling in this manner. "Look at it this way," Celestia continued to answer. "Luna, as annoying as it is when you're doing it at the dinner table, you've taken up reading." "Of course I have, sister. And don't forget my memoirs that I'm writing." Luna nodded in reply. Using her magic, she made a stack of papers appear at the table. Twilight glanced over and read the stack of papers Luna had already written. "I must say I'm really impressed, Luna," Twilight declared. "You certainly have a talent for writing." "Now that I'm retired from royal duties, I can focus on becoming a writer. Styigan's book inspired me greatly." Luna happily declared. "That's great for you, Luna. But what about me?" Celestia asked as she shifted the conversation back to her. "Now that I'm no longer ruling Equestria, life for me has just gotten…I don't know…boring." "I'm sure there's plenty of adventurous things you can do, Celestia." Twilight suggested to her mentor. "Like what?" Celestia pondered. "All I can think of is teaching at the School of Friendship." "It's a possibility," Said a voice as Starlight Glimmer came into the room dressed in her usual headmare attire of a red jacket and long, dark red skirt. "There are a few openings available if you're interested, Celestia. I can't just give you the job, you understand. You'll have to be interviewed first." "I've considered maybe teaching there too, sister," Luna added. "I'm even thinking of doing a drama club, given my love for the arts. You could always join me." "That's not for me, Luna," Celestia remarked, much to Twilight's surprise. "I'm more of the…adventurous type of pony." "I would consider it, Celestia," Starlight advised. "Even if it's just part time, the students could really benefit from your wisdom." "As a matter of fact," Twilight suggested to the princess of the sun. "I know of somepony who can help you find your purpose now that you're retired. Do you remember Dusty Pages, the former librarian in Canterlot?" This made Celestia perk up slightly. "Of course I remember her, Twilight," She chuckled as she sipped from a teacup. "You always were her favorite book borrower. Where is she now?" "Didn't anypony tell you?" Twilight replied. "She's living in Silver Shoals at a retirement community." "Uh huh." Celestia muttered. Hearing the words 'retirement community' didn't quite stir her interest. "But it's not what you think it is," Twilight hastily added. "I mean, Dusty was actually happy to leave Canterlot Library after I broke my book borrowing record. The fact of the matter is, Celestia, getting advice from Dusty might do you some good. Besides, there are a lot of activities you can try out: Drama, swing dancing and even food fighting." "They have drama and the arts?!" Luna excitedly exclaimed as her tone of voice rose slightly. "Of course," Twilight confirmed with a nod. "In fact, why don't you both head to Dusty's place for the weekend? Luna, you can probably find time to write your memoirs. And Celestia, you can find your purpose in life now that you've retired." Celestia took another sip of her tea, trying to figure out if she should follow her former student's advice. "Twilight, if you're sure…" She hestitantly began. "As your successor, I command you," Twilight firmly declared, as Spike came flying into the dining room. "Spike, put that in writing." "Put what in writing?" The young dragon asked, looking confused at what Twilight had just said. "That Celestia and Luna are to spend the weekend with Dusty Pages at Silver Shoals." Twilight instructed. "Oh, if you say so," Spike blinked and wrote down the decree. "Are there still pancakes in the kitchen?" "Of course, Spike. Help yourself," Luna replied as Spike flew into the kitchen while Luna looked back at Celestia. "This might do us some good, sister. If what Twilight says is true, where Dusty Pages lives might have something for both of us." "And don't forget," Starlight reminded the two. "The door is always open if you both want to accept the teaching positions at the school." But Celestia said nothing and proceeded to eat her breakfast. … Once breakfast was over, Twilight was escorted to Canterlot by her royal guard. She hoped that by sending Celestia and Luna to Dusty Pages in Silver Shoals, Celestia could finally find her way of life in a post royal life. "Twilight," Spike asked. "Do you think that sending Celestia and Luna to Silver Shoals is a good idea?" "Why do you ask that, Spike?" Twilight wondered. "They aren't going to retire there forever. It's just a quick getaway for the both of them." "Well, just remember why they decided to move into the Castle of Friendship in the first place." Spike pointed out. "They moved in for the sake of my mental health and I'm grateful for that," The alicorn nodded. "But just because we're all living under the same roof, it doesn't mean that they can sacrifice their retirement for me. I mean, could you picture Celestia teaching at the School of Friendship? The students will love her!" "Unless of course, she's thinking that the students will want somepony or somecreature young like Starlight, and not old like Celestia or Luna." Spike chuckled. "They're not that old, Spike. Besides, they hardly look a day over one hundred," Twilight declared as she arrived in Canterlot. "All that matters is that both Celestia and Luna are given proper direction in their retirement. Well, Celestia mostly. Still, I would prefer them teaching at the school and I think they'd be a great fit there. But I can't force them to do anything they don't want to do. That's not gonna be how I lead." "Didn't you command them…?" Spike started to ask. "Only to visit Dusty Pages," Twilight interrupted. "Whatever they decide to do afterwards is up to them. Speaking of which, we need to let Dusty know they're coming. If there's one pony who can help give them direction, it's her." … Back at the castle, Celestia paced back and forth in the library, trying to make sense of what Twilight was trying to do for her benefit "Sister, I still think that teaching at the School of Friendship will do you some good," Luna commented while also writing into her memoirs. "I guess Twilight does have a point about how some transitions are easier for someponies than others, though." "Well, that's because you were on the moon for a thousand years courtesy of me," Celestia unhappily sighed. "It's easier for you, right? You found your retirement niche easily. But what can I possibly do? What can Equestria offer to me aside from being its princess and soverign ruler?" "Maybe visiting Twilight's friend will get your mind in the right direction," Luna replied in an optimistic voice. "Come on, it'll be fun. It won't be like the last time we went on a vacation." … Meanwhile, at her home in Silver Shoals, Dusty Pages went about her business of living her perfect life with all her friends at the retirement home, when she heard a knock on the door of her apartment. "Yes? What is it?" She asked a mailpony, who hoofed her a letter. "I have a letter from her highness, Princess Twilight Sparkle, for you," The mailpony replied. "I was told to take great care of it." Accepting the letter, Dusty opened it and read what was written on it: Dear Dusty Pages, I hope life is treating you well in Silver Shoals. Life as Equestria's new surpreme ruler has been challenging, but I'm adjusting to it and so is everypony else. Well, mostly everypony. My teacher and mentor, Celestia, has been struggling with retirement. I'm sending her and Luna to you to help them adjust. From what I saw during my most recent visit with you, you're the one pony who can give them proper direction. Sincerely Yours, Princess Twilight Sparkle. The elderly pony's eyes widened with shock at what she had just read! Her former overlords were coming to Silver Shoals for a weekend. And it was up to her to help them adjust. "Mother of Majesty!" She gasped in a hushed voice. "Celestia and Luna…coming here…to me?!" … … Meanwhile, Luster Dawn and her parents went about through Ponyville picking upl supplies for the beginning of the new school year. As she shopped, Luster couldn't help but reflect on the decision to become Twilight Sparkle's personal protégé. How it had all come on so suddenly. While she was reflecting, Luster saw Cherry Tomato, the pony with whom she had goen to Canterlot General Hospital. "I trust you're shopping for school as well?" Luster remarked as Cherry Tomato gave a slight jump in surprise while he got himself a bag of cinnamon nuts. "Luster Dawn!" Cherry gasped, turning around to see her. "I…I…didn't even see you there. Uh, hi again." "Hi," Luster Dawn replied as she giggled at how easily she'd startled the colt. "So, are you shopping or just stuffing your face?" Cherry Tomato gulped. "Both, actually. I… wasn't expecting to see you again so soon." "We'll just leave you two alone, Luster." Moon Dusk spoke up as he and Fire Blaster walked off, much to the awkward and puzzled looks on the face of both Luster Dawn and Cherry Tomato. "You'll have to excuse my parents," Luster apologized once her parents were out of sight. "They've been longing for me to interact with other ponies and…" "It's alright," Cherry Tomato reassured her even though he couldn't help but feel slightly nervous at what was going on in front of him. "Did you attend Twilight's coronation afterparty at the Castle of Friendship?" Going over a small bench, the earth pony and the unicorn sat down while the citizens of Ponyville went about their business. "No, it was too much for me to take in, "Luster answered. "Cherry, there's something about me that you should know." "What's that?" Cherry asked. Leaning towards the male earth pony, Luster whispered into his ear. "I have social anxiety, a mild case though." "That must explain why you looked nervous when I first met you at orientation," Cherry Tomato realized. "I thought your parents were making you nervous." "They can make me nervous sometimes, yes," Luster nodded. "But they don't understand that being around other ponies is challenging for me. I think that they see something in me that I don't." "In what way, Luster?" Cherry inquired, hoping for more details. "Moving to Canterlot after the Legion of Doom's attack, enrolling me at the School of Friendship, becoming Princess Twilight's personal protégé, though that last one was more my doing," Luster answered. "Each and every step I've been taking is, in their minds, helping me to become…" Luster couldn't finish her sentence and stared down to the ground. In her mind, she had begun to realize that things were falling into place for her. "A better pony who's friends with other ponies and creatures?" Cherry Tomato guessed. "We may have only known each other for a short time, but I have a feeling that this is only the beginning." "The beginning of what?" Luster Dawn asked. But at that moment, Luster saw her parents walking out of a store and gesturing her to come forward to them. "Listen, uh, I got to go, Cherry," She hastily replied. "Nice... uh... nice talking with you." Cherry watched as Luster left to join her parents and resume their school shopping. "There's definitely something different about her," He thought to himself. "She'd make Fluttershy look assertive by comparison. And Fluttershy was as withdrawn as they come, or so they said." … … That same day, in another part of Ponyville, Celestia went about preparing her things for the weekend getaway to Silver Shoals. The former princess couldn't help but wonder what was going to come out of a weekend with retired ponies. Celestia's thoughts were interrupted as she heard a knock on the door of her bedroom. "Come in!" She and Starlight Glimmer entered. "Oh, hi, Starlight. What's up?" "Just thought I'd come into see how you're doing with the idea of going to Silver Shoals for the weekend," The new headmare replied. "And also to see if you've given any thought to being a teacher here." Hearing the offer once again, Celestia stopped what she'd been doing. "I've given…some thought to it, Starlight," She paused. "Being a teacher is nice but…do you think that creatures will want a retired alicorn princess teaching them? The students who come to school in Equestria want a teacher who's on their level." "That's not entirely true, Celestia," Starlight commented with a puzzled look on her face. "What Twilight wanted when she started this school is for teachers to have a passion for learning. Teachers whom students could look up to. Don't forget that the students here are far different than the ones at your own school, the School of Magic. In fact, I think that Twilight's new protégé could benefit from having you as one of her teachers." "Luster Dawn?" Celestia blinked. "She's only one student, Starlight. Besides, she's Twilight student, not mine. It'd be like if I had tried to mentor and guide you the way I did Twilight." "Luster is one of a whole bunch of students, Celestia," Starlight reorted. "I know I can't force you to teach at the school though. If you still need time to think about it that's fine. I just hope going to Silver Shoals will help you decide what to do. The new school year starts up very soon." Trying to feel optimistic, Celestia hugged Starlight, then returned to packing her things. … The next day, Celestia and Luna (wearing their vacation shirts) emerged from the Castle of Friendship with Twilight and Spike escorting them to the train station. "I've already written to Dusty Pages informing her that you're both coming," Twilight told the former princesses. "The only thing I ask of you is to have fun, and also take some time to think of what you're going to do next now that you've both retired." "Well, I'm pretty sure I know what I am going to do now," Luna remarked, using her magic to pull her memoirs out from her saddlebags. "At least I can have a test audience, even if they are all elderly subjects." "And I am sure that there are plenty of fun activities to do with Dusty Pages, Twilight," Celestia not so confidently replied. "But, are you sure…?" Before Celestia could finish her question, the Ponyville Express arrived at the station, a conductor signaling for the two sisters to board. "I'm sure…" Twilight interrupted as she and her mentors hugged each other along with Spike. "Just have fun, you two!" Watching the sisters board the train, Twilight could only hope that Celestia would come back with a new purpose. The train soon departed for Silver Shoals, Twilight and Ponyville quickly disappearing from sight. Luna wrote down in her memoirs journey that she and her sister were taking while Celestia looked out the window, trying to further process the idea of being a possible teacher at the School of Friendship. "Celestia, you haven't said anything since we left Ponyville," Luna spoke up a short time later. "Let me guess: You're trying to picture yourself as a teacher, aren't you?" "I really am, Luna," Celestia commented. "What Starlight is offering to me seems like it's a dream come true. And I'm basically a part time teacher already. But all the students I had under my tutelage were unicorns. Sure, it was the School of Gifted Unicorns, but…" "It was also the School of Magic, or rather a subsidiary of it," Luna explained. "And you know as well as I do that every single one of us has a different kind of magic that we possess. But some of them struggle with friendship. And since you transformed Twilight Sparkle into the Princess of Friendship…" "So you're suggesting that I teach the fundamentals of friendship instead of the fundamentals of magic?" Celestia inquired of her sister. "In a way, yes, sister," Luna confirmed with a nod. "You taught the fundamentals of friendship to Twilight, and look at what it brought her. But perhaps you'll find that same purpose just by doing activities at Silver Shoals for the weekend." The train arrived in Silver Shoals a while later. Stepping off the train, the former princesses were soon met by an old, dull purple coated earth pony mare with a grey mane styled to look like a mop. "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?" She asked as she approached the two sisters. "Twilight told me you'd be coming. I'm Dusty Pages." "Good to see you again, Dusty. It's been too long," Celestia remarked as she hugged the former librarian. "I must admit it feels very different being a normal pony instead of royalty." "Well, that's why Twilight sent you to me, is it not? To help you ease into retirement," Dusty explained as they left the train station. "I tell you, since I left the Canterlot Library, life here has been for the better and has helped me gain a new purpose. I'm sure I can do the same for you, it's the least I or anypony else could do after everything you and your sister have done for Equestria. May I ask what kind of activities you like to do?" "I'm usually the highly adventurous type, Dusty," Celestia answered. "I trust you don't have ziplining?" "I'm afraid not, too risky for the old folks," Dusty Pages chuckled. "But we do have daily food fight tournaments." A surprised look befell Celestia as well as Luna face upon hearing this. "I beg your pardon?" Celestia questioned as she raised a hoof to her ear. "What are you…?" "Yes, I know it seems like a shock. But that is just among the few activities we do here in Silver Shoals," Dusty answered with a wink. "We do have food fights, but not the kind you're probably thinking of. I'll have to introduce you to it." Dusty then turned her attention to Luna. "And What would you like to do for activities, Princess Luna?" She asked the younger alicorn. "Well, since I've retired, I've mostly been writing my memoirs," Luna answered. "I was wondering if there were ponies who'd be interested in letting me read said memoirs to them." "Oh, I'm sure we'll have time to listen to you read your memoirs, Princess Luna. Back when I was at the Canterlot Library, we always welcomed authors to read their tales to our resident bookworms," Dusty nodded. "We also have a library, but I have no interest in being a librarian again." "Why?" Luna asked, only to be met with a grunted look on Dusty's face. "Because being a librarian would only make me want to go back to Canterlot, back to a life I didn't want to live by," Dusty snorted. "I love it here and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the whole wide world of Equestria." A little while later, all arrived at the Silver Stables Retirement Facility where many of the residents couldn't believe what they were seeing before them: Their former overlords spending a weekend with them. "Well lookie here!" An older male pony wearing a red bow tie with white polka dots exclaimed. "You sure do look different without your crown, Princess Celestia." "I've always wondered what it would be like to meet you two," Another old female pony spoke up as Celestia waved at her with her wing. "Too bad you can't stay here forever." Those words made both Celestia and Luna nervous, but Dusty motioned for them to come towards her apartment. "Don't worry about it, they're just excited that you're here." She chuckled. Arriving at Dusty's apartment, the two sisters were astounded by how small the apartment was and wondered if there would be room for them to stay. "Now, I know it isn't much, but I promise to make the best of it for the both of you." Dusty reassured them. "You seem to have a very relaxed life here," Luna remarked while looking at pictures of Dusty from her days as a librarian. Pne picture caught her eye. "Wait a minute, isn't that Twilight Sparkle?" "That was from when we first had her best book borrower picture put up," Dusty explained to Celestia and Luna. "Of course, it's not up there now after that streak was broken, but like I told her and myself perfection isn't everything." Looking at the picture, both Luna and Celestia could only wonder if there was another reason as to why they were in Silver Shoals. "Now, why don't you get your things settled and I can show you around the grounds?" Dusty suggested. "There are plenty of activities aside from food fights that might pique your interests a bit." Taking up on Dusty's invitation again, the alicorns followed her out of the apartment to see more of what made the retirement community what it was. … A little while later Dusty and the two alicorn sisters were out on the water, windsurfing with other elderly ponies. "I gotta admit," Celestia remarked to Dusty Pages. "I've always found windsurfing to be both relaxing and exciting. And now I finally get to try it for myself!" "A lot of ponies really do feel free when they're on the water," Dusty Pages replied. "Look, you can see the fish from here." Looking down, Celestia saw several fish peaking out of the clear blue water with one of them jumping out and wiggling its tail to her, much to her delight. But suddenly, Celestia's wind sail hit a wave, sending her flying into the air and into the water below, much to Dusty and Luna's amusement! Moving on quickly, next they tried their luck at painting on the dock overlooking the water, alng with Apple Rose and a few other residents. "Hmm, I seemed to have gotten a hoof on capturing the moon's radiance in the night," Luna pondered as she studied her painting. "What do you think Celestia?" Celestia was struggling to produce a decent portrait of a sunset over Equestria. Her work looked much more sloppy, almost foalish you might say. But she was kind enough to look over her sister's work "Well, you certainly have a much better knack for it than I do," Celestia sighed, looking remorseful over her failed attempted. "I've never been much of an artist to be honest." Noticing the dismay in her sister's voice, Luna and Dusty Pages decided to move on to the next activity, exercising in the gardens. Celestia, Luna and Dusty Pages attempted to keep up with the group of elderly ponies. Dusty and Luna found it quite to just relax, but Celestia was a different story. She ended up toppling over and knocking down several participants nearby. Later, the three mares were in woodworking class and like the painting on the docks, Luna and Dusty Pages were excellent with their work, but Celestia again struggled, causing her to get splinters in her wings. Finally, they went to the center's theater program and much like her first time around acting, Celestia attempted to act out a scene from a famous play. "To be or not to be," She cried out, trying her best classic theater impersonation. "That is the question. Where as…" "Ahem, Celestia," Luna interrupted clearing her throat. "Nopony can hear you. Perhaps you should be a little louder for the ponies who have poor hearing. No offense, of course." Growing frustrated with herself, Celestia took a deep breath and called out in her royal Canterlot voice: "TO BE OR NOT TO BE, THAT IS THE QUESTION!" The sounds of her royal Canterlot voice sent the entire audience flying into the back of the room! Acting fast, Luna quickly helped her fellow audience members to their feet. "Ugh, I can't do anything!" Celestia groaned, stomping her hoof down in frustration. "This is supposed to help me ease my mind, but none of these activities are working!" "Celestia, calm down," Luna cautioned, noticing the growing anger in her older sister's face. "It's meant to be fun for all of us." However, Celestia's frustration spoke otherwise. "Luna, I…I…I don't know what to do now! All I've done since coming here is fail to find anything to do now that I've stepped down from the throne! What is it I'm doing wrong? TELL ME!" "Sister, please…" Luna begged. "Let's talk this out!" "No, Luna, I'm not going to talk this out!" Celestia cried out, her eyes welling up with tears upon seeing the unintended consequences of her actions of frustration. "I…I…I need to be alone right now." Before Luna could say anything, Celestia teleported away leaving both Luna and Dusty Pages with shocked and saddened looks on their faces. … … Back in her home, Luster Dawn set about preparing her supplies for her impending first day at the School of Friendship when she heard a knock on the door. "Come in," She said as her mother, Fire Blaster, entered. "What's going on, Mom?" "Just wanted to inform you that your father says dinner will be in a few minutes," Fire Blaster replied. "How's the organizing coming along?" "Not bad," Luster Dawn remarked. "I got to tell you, Mom, the more I get used to being in Ponyville, the more I'm beginning to wonder if being Twilight's pupil will mean anything. It's really an honor, but, uh, there is something I told Cherry Tomato about today." Curious to find out what it was, Fire Blaster sat down on her daughter's bed. "What is that, Luster?" "Well, I disclosed my social anxiety disorder to him," Luster confessed. "You and Dad both know how I have trouble dealing with social situations. And yet, somehow, you seem to be pushing me. I'm beginning to think now that maybe… leaving Canterlot because of the Legion of Doom isn't the only reason." "We only want you to find friendships with those who share similarities with yourself," Fire Blaster infroemd her daughter. "Perhaps we should have been more open and honest with you, obviously we were wrong to push you the way we did. Ever since you came into our lives, your father and I both knew you had a special gift for brightening the lives of other ponies, or in this case, other creatures." Using her magic, Fire Blaster pulled out a scrapbook from Luster's bookshelf and opened it. "Take a look at these pictures, Luster," Fire Blaster explained, skimming through the pages of the scrapbook. "Look at how at family events, you were always open to others, getting them to embrace the magic that you were sharing with them just by being open. And yet, in recent years, you seem to have forgotten what friendship really means outside of your own family." Closing the book, Fire Blaster walked over to Luster's bedroom window and gestured her daughter to join her. "Take a look out among the streets of Ponyville, Luster. Everypony here is friends with one another and they all seem friendly. Canterlot doesn't have that for the most part, having Twilight as your personal mentor is an enormous step in the right direction. But it isn't meant for us to find it for you, Luster. You have to find it yourself." Taking in what her mother was saying, Luster sighed deeply. Her mother was right, Luster had her own social demons to conquer. But, it was clear to Luster that she was going to need more than one mentor. "Actually, Mom, now that you've mentioned it, Twilight shouldn't be my only mentor." "What do you mean?" Fire Blaster questioned as she arched an eyebrow upward. "I mean Ex-Princesses Celestia and Luna," Luster answered. "They helped Twilight and her friends, so whyshouldn't they also help me? I think that perhaps they should teach at the School of Friendship. Headmare Twilight was talking about it just the other day. Wouldn't that be nice?" … … Following her outburst, Celestia sat on the dock overlooking the water, feeling frustrated and angry with herself. "Guess I'm going to be nothing more than just a nobody now," She said sadly while lowering her head in shame, her voiced choked up with tears. "Equestria doesn't need me now that I'm retired. What does Equestria have that I don't?" Lightly sobbing, Celestia unleashed her sorrow as both Luna and Dusty Pages approached the dock, feeling nothing but sympathy. Sighing, Luna walked up to her sorrowful sister and sat down next to her. "Celestia," She sighed, careful to not look at her sister's tear filled face. "I…I'm sorry that you're feeling like this now." "Sure you are, Luna," Celestia replied through light sobs. "I mean, I've tried everything and I'm not good at anything, aside from ruling and having fun of course, but I can't do that anymore." "That's not true," Luna firmly retorted. "I don't believe that you're useless unless you're ruling or having fun." "What are you talking about?" Celestia asked, her voice shaking. "Of course I'm useless! Didn't you see any of the activities I was struggling with today? I can barely windsurf, I can't create art, I can't create wood and I certainly can't act even after I tried to take lessons!" "Sister, who said you needed to do those things?" Lun question. "Don't you remember why Twilight sent us here in the first place? It was because we were meant to help each other find our place in Equestria now that we're both retired. It was just as hard for me to adjust to life after coming back from my banishment, and Twilight and her friends helped me. This is no different. And personally, I can't help but feel that you're still putting too much pressure on yourself, Celestia." At that moment, Celestia raised her head and for the first time since Luna arrived, looked over at her. "Why do you say that, little sister?" She asked. "Because I've learned to let go of all of my burdens and my past misgivings," Luna explained. "Do you remember when Twilight and her friends helped me defeat the Tantabus?" "How could I forget? It came as a shock when I learned you'd been hiding such a secret from me," Celestia confirmed with a nod. "But after it was defeated you seemed to become a different pony. Much more sure of yourself and of your role." "Well, I think you're dealing with your own Tantabus now, Celestia," Luna explained as she gestured a hoof to her sister's chest. "Part of you likely wishes that we were still ruling Equestria, because that's the only life we have come to know. But there really is more to life than just ruling Equestria. In fact, I know that you can be a great teacher, even though you're doubting whether you can even be one in this day and age." "Why do you keep saying that, Luna?" Celestia asked. "I'm nothing more than…" "-You are a great teacher, sister!" Luna firmly interrupted while tightly clutching Celestia's hoof! "Let go of trying to be a princess and just focus on being a normal pony mentoring the future of Equestria. Why did you make Twilight's friends all princesses to begin with? It wasn't just to give them the perks of royalty, was it? You did it to take the burdens off of Twilight for the sake of her mental health. Why did you decide to make Canterlot and Ponyville shared capitols in the first place? Because you felt that the decision was a reflection of us. Everycreature in this world is going to benefit from that just as they are going to benefit from us as teachers. You know you're good at it, it comes naturally to you. What do you say?" Listening to her sister speak, Celestia realized that every word spoken to her was indeed true. "And plus," Dusty Pages added. "Nopony can be perfect. When Twilight failed to return that book that ended my streak, and because of that I felt freedom to do whatever I want! Iwasn't bound by a job that was holding me back, forcing me to be this 'perfect' librarian. Free yourself, Celestia! Be who you are meant to be without the crown on your head! Think of this as the opportunity to redefine yourself." Taking a deep breath, Celestiaslwoly accepted everything that was being said. "You're right," She sighed after taking a long pause, feeling quite relieved in the process. "You're both right. Thank you!" Overcome with happy emotion, Celestia and Luna embraced tightly while Dusty Pages looked on. … … Once the weekend had concluded, Celestia and Luna returned to Ponyville and straightaway, Celestia made her way up to Starlight Glimmer's office with Luna at her side. "Come in," Starlight called from inside her office as the two sisters came in. "Oh, hi there Celestia, Luna. What can I do for you?" She had a pretty good feeling but she didn't want to assume on the off chance she might be wrong. "Starlight," Celestia began as she cleared her throat. "After much consideration over the past weekend at Silver Shoals…Luna and I have decided to become teachers at the School of Friendship for this coming year." "That's wonderful!" Starlight excitedly remarked as her eyes grew big! "The students are going to be very lucky to have you both as teachers! Welcome to the School of Friendship, Professors Celestia and Luna! We're honored to have you onboard!" Feeling like an enormous weight had been lifted off of her shoulders, Celestia joined Luna and Starlight in an embrace. At that moment, Twilight walked into Starlight's office with Luster Dawn and Spike at her side. "I trust you're going to teach at the school after alll," Twilight spoke up, catching her mentor's attention. "Well, I have somepony here that I would like you both to meet. This is my protégé, Luster Dawn." "It's very nice to meet you both, professors." Luster greeted while bowing to them. "Luster Dawn," Celestia remarked. "I have feeling that this is going to be the beginning of a wonderful relationship between all of us: You, Twilight, Luna and myself." Luster couldn't help but feel excited for what laid in store for her. She now had three personal proteges to call her own! And Celestia, with a little bit of help, had been able to find her destiny's calling in something that she was already good at. A role she could settle into with the greatest of ease. … END OF EPISODE