"And that, girls, is my most grand solo and two-halves mission ever."
"My, that was an incredible tale." Luna smiles. "I never knew I could be so helpful to you!"
"Speak for yourself, sister," Celestia giggles. "I saved our teacher!"
"You seem to forget, I helped him too, sister." Luna huffs, scrunching up her muzzle. "It sounded like he had more firing accuracy with me."
"Oh, that's nothing. I no doubt had the stronger beams."
"Well, I-I......I had the cutest 'pews'!"
"Girls, girls," Starswirl chuckles over the two sisters' bickering. "You were both equally helpful. Though, I have to ask, you two haven't been experiencing any odd...side effects, have you? Both of you came in contact with the crystal and I need to be sure."
"Not from what we recall, no." Celestia ponders. "What kind of side effects?"
"Oh, it could be anything. Twitches, multicolored tongues, magic deficiency, a frequent and insatiable appetite for cake..."
Luna snickers to herself as her sister attempts to hide her blushing cheeks.
"I think we're safe." Celestia chuckles sheepishly. "I've been meaning to ask, what did you use the crystal for?"
"Ah, I almost forgot."
The wise wizard hops out of his chair and pulls up a dusty brown box from his robe with a warm smile.
"I used it to make this."
Starswirl levitates a shiny, pink and blue star-shaped picture frame before the two sisters.
"The greatest project I've ever done. Which was taking care of you two..."
The two former princesses cover their mouths with their hooves as they begin to tear up.
"Oh, Starswirl..." Luna gasps.
"It's amazing." Celestia sniffles. "But......when did you make this?"
"Maaaaany years ago, actually. I meant to give it to you both alot sooner, but after the Pillars incident..."
"Ohhh..." the sisters sigh in unison, giving an understanding nod.
"But, that journey was worth it. In the end, I get to see my two best students smile."
The two sisters huddle up and pull their kind teacher into a warm, grateful embrace, finally seeing just how much their mentor cares for them.
"I love you." Starswirl says wholeheartedly.
"We love you, too." they say together.