Awaking from her slumber, Twilight Sparkle didn’t hesitate to stick to her ‘perfected’ routine. Carefully slipping out from under the covers and neatly making her guest bed. The Alicorn quickly made her way to the kitchen to have her breakfast. One fat stack of pancakes, a slice of toast (lots of butter), and a cup of black coffee.
A fine, perfectly average morning with the Apple Family. Carefully using her silverware, she sliced a large chunk out of the stack of pancakes before greedily stuffing the collection of carbs and sugars into her mouth, slopping up the syrup that stained her face.
“It’s delicious, thank you all.” Beamed Twilight.
Applejack smirked, “Glad to be of service, Twilight; at least you don’t gotta worry about that house since we’ll be traveling for so long.”
“Yeah! By the time you return, Ponyville should’ve fully rebuilt it.” Spike said before sneezing, “Ugh…more grits, please….”
“Here you go, little feller.” Grinned Granny, “Shame that Spike has a cold, but at least this family is all together for one last meal!”
“Eyup.” nodded Big Mac.
“More eggs, Twilight?” Offered Applebloom.
“Please!” nodded Twilight as she moved her plate toward Applebloom with her magic.
After breakfast, Twilight packed her things, organizing what little she had left was easy. A few books on geography, the creatures, and cultures of the world. The large group’s supplies were already packed up and stored on the train, with a noble group of volunteers offering to help them unload at the Crystal Empire.
Applejack approached Twilight, “Er, sugar cube? I’m going to talk to Applebloom. I’ll catch up with you.”
Twilight slowly turned around as she hoisted her saddlebags over her back, “Sure thing Applejack, come on, Spike, let’s not keep the others waiting; we got a big day ahead of us. We’ll be going to your favorite place.”
“Heh, I am rather popular with the locals, aren’t I?” nudged Spike as he flashed a toothy smile at Twilight.
Twilight shook her head as she playfully rolled her eyes and soon departed toward the train station.
At the train station, a large crowd of ponies stood away from the platform as the rest of the girls waited for Twilight.
“What took you so long?” Prodded Rainbow Dash, “I thought you were supposed to be perfectly organized and on time.” She teased.
“Oh, come now, darlings, it’s been a long week; I’m sure Twilight has just been getting some much-needed beauty rest.” Smiled Rarity.
Applejack quickly galloped to the platform, her trademark hat noticeably missing from her head, “I’m here, y’all, I’m here” panted Applejack.
“What’s with the rush, silly? We aren’t leaving until everypony is here; after all, how will we celebrate?”
“Yes!” Interjected Discord, “How are we going to celebrate Twilight’s big announcement.” Grinned Discord.
Twilight sighed, shaking her head; fortunately, she had days to prepare both physically and mentally for the speech.
Putting on her best Equestrian voice, Twilight spoke, “Citizens of Ponyville! My friends and I will soon depart from Ponyville for a while, and due to recent events, it has come to my attention that you will all need somepony…(Pause for dramatic effect)...or somecreature more specifically to watch over you.”
She’d pause as she began gnawing her cheek, almost getting lost in her own head and the staring eyes on her if it wasn’t for the firm nudge from Fluttershy. Twilight nervously smiled, “Er…this creature is our friend, Discord. Now I know it will be hard for some of you to…adjust with our absence, but Discord has my very own….” She’d slowly swallow, “Blessing….and I personally believe he is capable of watching over you all.”
Discord slowly leaned over to Twilight, “Nicely done, ‘your highness,’ Citizens of Ponyville! It is a great honor to be your delegated guardian. Now my track record hasn’t been perfect. But from my friend’s guiding hooves and your own kindness and compassion, I take this responsibility with the utmost diligence and respect.”
“Let’s party everypony!” Cheered Pinkie Pie as she fired off her party canon as the roars of cheering ponies erupted throughout the crowd. As the girls waved goodbye and slowly got on the train, the sound of the engine and the turning of the metal wheels got Twilight’s own gears turning in her head.
“Spike….” Twilight slowly turned to the dragon.
Spike looked away from the window as he slowly turned to face her, “Yeah?”
“Make a note to Princess Celestia.”
Spike chuckled, “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
Twilight smiled, “It has, hasn’t it, are you ready?”
Spike quickly fished for his ink and quill as he dug out a sheet of paper, “Ready.”
“Dear Princess Celestia….”
Starlight quickly snuck on the train by climbing onto the back caboose; the maintenance pony stared with confusion, “Uhm…this train is for Twilight Sparkle’s expedition to the Crystal Empire.”
Starlight gritted her teeth as her horn glowed with magic, lifting the stallion to the air before chucking him overboard as he loudly screamed and tumbled toward Ponyville. She would rectify her failure after all, and she still has a swath of opportunities awaiting her across Equestria as well.
She’d smile to herself, knowing that all was not lost yet, and at least she destroyed Twilight’s home as a consolation prize. There was still, A Glimmer of Hope….