Disclaimer: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and all associated characters, settings and stories are the rightful subjects of Hasbro, the HUB, Studio B, and Lauren Faust.
Chapter 25
"Is that everything?" Cadance asked sympathetically after Twilight had finished telling her emotional narrative to her sister-in-law. She nodded in response, rubbing the tears from her eyes.
"You've been through a lot, Twilight. I can't blame you what you did; nopony can."
Twilight made no response than a few sniffles.
"Alright, let's see, Twilight. What can I say? You were shocked and couldn't accept reality, so you ran away from it. Once your friends came though, they forced reality back onto you. Now you accept it, but you regret what you did and what you could've done. Let me first say that you've done nothing wrong. You are the kindest, most talented, and one the best ponies I've ever known. You're a close friend, Twilight, family even, and I will never forget what you did for me in my time of despair and stress. And as a good friend and family member, I will resolve your problem."
"Th…thank you," mumbled Twilight.
"So tell me, how do you feel now?"
"Better, but still worried?"
"About your brother?"
"Yes. I just can't see him pick up and leave like this, especially now when everything is changing."
"I know, Twilight. It seems very odd to me too, but I trust Magicon. He's always been honest with me and with the Princesses. He's not the Prince of Equestria for nothing."
"Yeah, I suppose so."
"He promised he would write back to Shining Armor once he mailed us. I'm sure he'll show us Shining Armor's letter and let you know what you want to say to him."
"Yeah, you're right. I just miss him so much."
"I miss him too, but crying about it is not going to solve anything. Look at yourself, you've been crying for the past three weeks and it shows. You're a complete wreck. You need to stop worrying and relax."
"How can I relax when everything is changing?"
"I know it sounds impossible but I did. I was just as stressed as you when you arrived and I didn't have the benefit of family or friends. I was left in the dark about Princess Luna's death and was so embarrassed by it. I had nopony to turn to for help. I was forced to hide my shock and my tears until the chariot ride back here."
"And how does that help me?"
"The point is you're friends risked their lives to look for you, find you, save you, and bring you back. They did what they thought was best for you and are still trying to help you. They spent the entire day with you to try and help you."
"I know and I'm so grateful for that."
"Let me ask you, when you went to the mausoleums earlier, how did you feel?"
Twilight was silent for few moments. "Okay, I guess. I mean, I wasn't crying but my heart ached."
"That's normal, Twilight. Mine does too. The only healer is time. We both have so many memories of the princesses and we must never forget them. They meant so much to us and now they mean even more now that they're gone."
"You only true miss something when you realize you lose it."
"Exactly. We've lost Celestia and Luna, but we will always remember them for all of they good they were and all the good they did for Equestria."
"Princess Celestia was like a second mother to me. Nopony will ever replace her."
"Nopony is trying to. Everypony is different, including Celestia and Luna. Celestia cared for you and taught you so much and you'll treasure that even more."
"I've never experienced anything like this before."
"Death is a natural part of life. It is a cycle: death allows removal of the old to make way for the new. As young as they were, Princesses Celestia and Luna were more than a millennium old. It may not have been their time but now they are in a better place. They left behind a nation at peace full of happy ponies."
"But why does it seem like nopony is even saddened by their deaths."
"You may not see it, but I do. They put on masks out in public, but in the privacy of their homes, many ponies are still coming to grips with the loss. Like I said, time will be the only medicine for this wound."
"Okay, so what do you want me to do?"
"Remember all the good times you had with Celestia and Luna. Allow those memories to fill you up. Then with that energy, use it to help you continue doing what you love."
"So, use that energy for reading and practicing magic?"
"Exactly. That's what Celestia would've wanted you to do anyways. She wouldn't want you to wallow in pity and mourn her forever. She would've wanted you to continue your studies and improve."
"How can I do that if I don't have a teacher?"
"I think I know a pony who may be willing to help you."
"Who?"
"Magicon."
"Magicon?" asked Twilight surprised.
"He is extremely talented and can seriously help you."
"I…I don't know. I mean, I trust him completely, but he's going to be busy with Equestria. I don't want to get in the way."
"Now you're sounding like Fluttershy," Cadance teased.
Twilight eked out a small smile only to have it quickly fade away.
"Tell you what, Twilight, why don't we talk to Magicon and see what he thinks."
"That sounds like a good idea."
The rose to leave the study but before Cadance opened the door she felt a hoof on her shoulder. Looking back and seeing Twilight's sweet smile and loving face she heard,
"I love you, Cadance. Thank you."
"You're welcome," she responded and the two set off to find Magicon and receive an answer to their important question.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
"So what do ya'll think of Magicon's new ideas for us?" Applejack asked.
"It's really hard to say," answered Rarity. "On one hoof there is my dream to be amongst the nobility and high society ponies but on the other that means giving up my dream of designing fashion for them."
The five girls were seated in the common room leading to their chambers. After leaving Magicon, they all had mixed feelings about it and agreed to talk it over. Twilight was safe with Princess Cadance; the five could afford the time to talk about this.
"It's life changing," commented Pinkie.
"Completely," added Rainbow Dash.
"Ah really don't think Ah'll like it. For me, Applebuckin' is all Ah know and love. An office don't sound fun at all for me."
"He said you wouldn't be in the office a lot. You'll be outside and trying out new inventions. That sounds cool."
"Ah know, but Ah'm loyal ta mah family. Ah'm just strugglin' ta accept the fact that Ah have ta leave 'em. Who's gonna run the farm when Ah'm gone?"
"Apple Bloom has gotten older and can do it," said Fluttershy.
"But she ain't ready ta do it on her own."
"Applejack darling, think just for moment. I know you love your family and I love mine too, but we have a duty to Equestria. I'm sacrificing my business ventures for the needs of Equestria."
"You're hardly sacrifcin' nothin'! You're gonna be amongst all them high and mighty ponies. You're gonna be livin' your dreams!"
"To an extent, yes. But I'll be losing time I could be spending with Sweetie Belle and my creative talents will no longer be used because I won't have the time to make fabulous dresses and accessories."
"Ponyfeathers," grumbled Applejack.
"Well for me," interjected Pinkie, "I don't mind working for Magicon. It sounds like I'll be working close with him. Maybe I can throw him a party or something when a plan of his goes really well."
"That's possible," said Rainbow. "As for me, the idea of commanding tough stallions is awesome but I'm worried I'll be abandoning my duties to Cloudsdale and Ponyville."
"Magicon said he would give us time to wrap up all of our business," said Fluttershy. "That means we can make everypony happy. Applejack, you can train Apple Bloom and even her friends on how to run the farm. Rainbow Dash, there are many pegasi. I'm sure the Weather Center will find a suitable pony to replace you. Pinkie, I think the Cakes will be just fine. They baked before you were there so they can always get back to it and they'll find a good foalsitter."
"And what about ya', Fluttershy? How do ya' feel about all this?"
"I'm…scared. I mean, I have medical experience but this is a whole new level."
"It's a new level for all of us, darling."
"Don't feel alone, Fluttershy. We're here for you," comforted Rainbow.
"What I don't understand is why Magicon couldn't put other more experienced ponies in charge?" asked Pinkie.
"Probably because he didn't want 'inside' ponies who are liable to corruption and other pitfalls. Plus, we are the Elements of Harmony and he might have felt that our duty to Equestria was too little," hypothesized Rarity.
"Who is he ta say whether or not we are doin' good 'nough for Equestria? Last time Ah checked, there wasn't no grade system on the Elements of Harmony."
"He has changed," said Fluttershy. "I mean, look at that throne. It was scary."
"And we don't even know what kind of things he's going to do to Equestria. What if he throws Equestria on its head?" asked Rainbow.
"Dashie, silly, Equestria isn't a pony. It doesn't have a head," teased Pinkie.
"You know what I mean. What if it all goes sour?"
"Rainbow, I don't think that'll happen. Magicon was Princess Celestia's and Luna's closest advisor. The princesses trusted him for advice and guidance. So much so that they agreed to leave him in charge in case they couldn't rule. They princesses knew what they were doing," stated Rarity.
"Let's hope so," remarked Applejack.
"So, what's next?" asked Fluttershy.
"We don't really have a choice," said Pinkie. "What would happen if we just said 'no' and went back to Ponyville?"
"We'd feel guilty of abandoning our duties to Equestria. Princess Celestia did say there would come a time when the Elements would require greater sacrifice," said Rainbow.
"So, when Twilight returns we better get back to Ponyville and finish up our businesses there," stated Rarity.
"Umm…did Magicon talk to Twilight yet?"
"Good question, Fluttershy. I don't know. We'll just have to ask her when she comes," said Pinkie.
"Ah do hope Cadance is helpin' her," said Applejack.
"If anypony can help Twilight, it's Cadance," stated Rainbow.
"Speakin' of helpin', what's gonna happen to us, Dashie?"
"AJ, if you think our new roles are going to end our relationship; you've got another thing coming. I'm not leaving you for anypony or anything!"
"Now, that's the Dashie Ah know and love."
They hugged each other which quickly morphed into a passionate kiss and gentle stroking of each others manes.
"Ahem," coughed Rarity. The two lovers broke their kiss and looked back at the girls, smiles on their faces.
"Do you want us to go?" asked Fluttershy towards the two girls.
"Nah, ya'll can stay. We're not gonna do anythin' crazy tonight."
"Yeah, AJ and I love each other, but I don't feel comfortable with anything other than a kiss right now. With everything going on I don't wanna rush things."
"A little TMI, Rainbow," commented Rarity.
"I think it's really sweet that you two are in love and aren't afraid to show it," said Pinkie.
"If anypony thinks they're gonna hurt either me or Dashie 'cause of our love than they're gonna be so sorry," warned Applejack.
"What she said," added Rainbow.
The two gently hugged each other while the other three looked on. There was nothing else they could do right now. All they could do was wait for Twilight and hope for the best.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
When Cadance and Twilight arrived at Magicon's Office they were greeted by his disappearance.
"He's not here?" Cadance asked a guardspony nearby.
"No, madam."
"Where did he go?"
"He went towards his chamber."
"Thank you," said Cadance and began walking towards that destination with Twilight at her side.
"Cadance…I don't know about this," hesitated Twilight as they continued walking.
"You're just having early jitters. Why would Magicon not answer a simple question?"
"It's not about him. It's about me."
"What's wrong?"
"I…don't know if I'm ready to have a new teacher. Princess Celestia has been dead for three weeks and it might be too soon to have a new teacher."
"That's entirely possible, Twilight, but what I suggest is that we talk to Magicon and see what he thinks. Who knows what will happen? He may say that he's not as talented as we think he is. Ah, here we are."
They arrived at Magicon's bedroom and the two guards on both sides of the door confirmed that Magicon was inside.
Knocking on the door, Cadance waited until an answer came. The door opened and Magicon peered out and looked at the girls. A smile grew on his face as he recognized them.
"Cadance and Twilight Sparkle, how I am glad to see you! Come in, make yourselves comfortable."
He gestured them inside and sat them down in chairs and, after offering them some tea, joined them.
"You're actually the ponies I wanted to see, especially you, Twilight."
"Oh…um…I'm flattered," was all Twilight could manage.
"How are you feeling?"
"Alright. Cadance has been helping me."
"Is that so? Well, that's good to hear."
"I've done what I could for her and it's worked. Actually, we wanted to see you too," said Cadance.
"Oh, did you now? Well, what seems to be the trouble?"
Twilight looked at Cadance, like a nervous child who looks at their parent for encouragement. Cadance gave her that with a sweet smile, urging her on. Twilight sighed before speaking.
"Well, it's…this isn't easy for me to say, but…Cadance said that with Princess Celestia…gone and my magical skills still need developing…we were hoping that you could…well…um…teach me?"
Magicon was silent as he stared into his tea cup in his lap. He watched the steam slowly rise from it and the liquid slowly swirling inside.
"If it's no trouble to you, that is," Cadance added.
"Hmm," was all Magicon said, thinking carefully about the request now on his shoulders.
'I want Twilight as my apprentice, but there will be problems. Is she ready? What about Shining Armor? We have a deal and I can't afford to let him talk. But, he's in prison and I have no chance of improving my relationship with him. I can just leave him to rot down there forever. But, back to Twilight, if I take her on I don't think I can instruct her in the ways of Red-Blood. She won't be able to carry out Cadance's murder. She can't know any of my secrets. But if I refuse her, she'll be loose and free to roam Equestria. She's the most powerful Element. She needs to be under constant watch and I must be the one to watch her. Oh what to do? What to do?'
While the he thought, his head turned out towards the moonlit window, his breathing relaxed. The two mares looked at each other, Twilight with a worried glance while Cadance maintained a calm head.
"Whenever you're ready, Magicon."
"Just a minute," he said half-consciously waving his hoof at them. His mind was on his thoughts and options; not the two mares sitting in front of him. Magicon had received the greatest opportunities a pony could ask for and now here was another one. His own apprentice, a pony he could mold, teach, and train. But she was too old, too set in her ways. Was it the right decision to take her or not? He didn't know.
After several minutes of uneasy silence, Magicon turned back to the girls and spoke softly.
"This isn't easy for me. I'm flattered by your request and I won't deny that I would like an apprentice. But, the current situation demands my full attention. Reforms are just under their way and I want to get everything established before I can attend to my personal matters. Besides I doubt you have very much interest in economics and politics, Twilight."
"Oh, well, they're alright."
"Wait just a minute," interjected Cadance. "You mean you're just rejecting yourself of the opportunity to pass on your skills to another pony, one that may rule Equestria when you're gone?"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" exclaimed Twilight.
"My reaction, exactly," agreed Magicon. "Really, Cadance? I've been in charge for less than a week and you are already thinking about the heir to the throne? I'm only thirty-two and as healthy as can be! I'm not planning on having my reign be the shortest in Equestrian History."
"I'm sorry, Magicon. I'm just looking out for Twilight's best interests," apologized Cadance.
"Then why don't you let Twilight and I take care of this one-on-one? She'll be alright. I promise."
"Twilight, are you alright with that?"
"I guess."
"Are you sure."
"I really don't know."
"Just give her a chance," pleaded Magicon.
"Well, alright. I'll just be outside if you need me," said Cadance and left the room, a sympathetic eye on Twilight and a suspicious one on Magicon.
Once she left the two of them looked back at each other and Magicon spoke with more volume than before.
"Well, now that's she gone I can discuss this more openly with you."
"Umm…Magicon, I'm a little confused. Do you want me as a student or not?"
"I prefer the term 'apprentice' and that depends on a lot of factors, one of them being whether or not you want a teacher? I know Celestia meant a lot to you and you miss her so much. I don't want me or Cadance to push you into becoming an apprentice if you don't feel you're ready. Do you think you're ready?"
"To be honest, no, I really don't. Cadance is pushing me but I really don't want to."
"I completely understand, but tell me, why?"
"You've already said it. Princess Celestia is irreplaceable and it's too soon for me to start a new teacher."
"She is irreplaceable; there is no doubt about that. And I agree that it is too soon. I'm much too busy and you're still too emotional. We both need time before we can truly work together."
"Thank you for understanding, Magicon."
"You're welcome, Twilight Sparkle. Perhaps one day when everything settles we can begin. I do have things that I can teach you and I'm sure you'll be willing to learn them, one day."
"Yeah, one day."
She rose and began making her way towards the door, but just when she was about to open it, she felt a tug on her tail. Looking back she saw a lavender aurora around it. Looking up at Magicon she saw him standing with his horn glowing.
"Umm…Magicon, can you let me go?"
"Yes, as soon as you answer this question."
"Alright."
"Have you talked to your friends recently?"
"Not since earlier today, why?"
"Because, I'm afraid, they'll have very important news to share with you."
"What do you mean?"
"What I mean is that your life and their lives are about to change and I don't want to be the one to tell you how."
"I don't understand."
"No, of course you don't. But I won't be the one who will explain it to you. It would only confuse and anger you and I don't want to put additional emotional stress on you."
"So, what do you want me to do?"
"Visit your friends. They'll be expecting you."
"Alright," said Twilight cautiously as Magicon released her tail. She walked out of the room, even more confused than when she started. Outside waited Princess Cadance, somewhat impatient to hear what had happened in there.
"So, how'd it go?" she asked.
"We both agreed that it was just too soon to start. Neither of us are ready for it."
Cadance nodded, "Alright, if that's how you both feel then I won't get in the way."
"Thanks, Cadance. Not just for this but for everything."
"You're welcome, Twilight."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
The hugged each other in a warm embrace. They were like sisters to each other. They had grown up together and had shared so much and they were here for each other, just like her friends. Remembering them and what Magicon had said Twilight broke the hug and said,
"I need to see my friends."
Cadance looked at her, smiled, and nodded.
"I'll be in my room if you need me," was all she said before walking in that direction. Twilight followed her until she went down a separate hallway to her friends. Curiosity flew through her mind and she had to know the meaning behind Magicon's words. He really wasn't acting like himself.
Arriving at the door to the common room, Twilight knocked and opened the door. Her five friends were sitting there in candlelight and smiled when they saw her as she entered the room.
"Good to see you're feeling better," said Pinkie.
"Thanks, Pinkie. But that's not why I came here."
"Oh, what did you come here for?" asked Fluttershy.
"I just spoke with Magicon and he said I needed to talk to you guys. It was about some life changing thing or something. I didn't understand it."
The girls looked at each other with knowing glances and Rarity sighed.
"You better sit down, darling; we have some explaining to do."
Twilight did so and braced herself for whatever came her way. She had her friends and she loved them. They would be honest with her and tell her what was going on. She had seen the Magic of Friendship in action and she knew that no matter what happened to them, they would always be the best of friends. The would be PFF's.