//------------------------------// // Prologue: Driven to the Dark Side // Story: The Midnight’s Shining Star // by Starlight Fan //------------------------------// It all happened so fast. Twilight couldn’t believe it. She had practically been rushed into becoming the ruler of Equestria by Celestia and Luna’s retirement. All it took was a few days until the two had given their duties to Twilight. She had vented to her friends about her worries but all of them shrugged them off with reminders of how they defeated past villains. She did remember their last goodbyes in the coronation. ”So… I guess I’m princess now huh?” Twilight had asked with a nervous frown as she walked over to Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Starlight’s table. “Yep. Seems so.” Starlight gave a smile, although it looked nervous. “Aw cheer up Twilight. We’ll still see each other… just less frequently.” Pinkie Pie smiled bubbly. “Yeah. Besides, you’re super awesome. You’ll totally do great as Princess.” Rainbow Dash smirked confidently. “We’ll miss ya sugarcube, but we all know this is for the best.” Applejack put a comforting hoof around Twilight. “I guess…” Twilight trailed off. “Don’t worry Twilight. We may be busy now, but we’ll always try to make time for each other.” Rarity smiles reassuringly. “I’m sure we will.” Twilight smiles a bit before she and five of her best friends all embraced. Though Twilight frowned as they weren’t looking, she noticed Starlight looking and quickly put on a smile. Once they separated, the Mane 5 walked off while Starlight still stuck around, “Twilight. I know you’re worried about being leader, and I’ll admit, I understand what you’re going through.” Twilight sighed before smiling at Starlight, “Thanks Starlight. I’m sure I’ll be fine though.” She said to reassure her friend, but of course, she wasn’t being fully truthful. She didn’t know how things would go. Starlight seemed to pick up on this and reached into her mane and teleported a purple bracelet onto Twilight’s forehoof. “What’s this?” Twilight asked curiously. “Your friends may be too busy to talk at times, but as Headmare of the School Of Friendship, I think I’ll be able to make some time for you since I have more time on my hooves since I don’t work multiple jobs like your friends.” Starlight smiled reassuringly, “Just press on the bracelet and when I answer, a hologram of me will appear. You shouldn’t need to be completely alone.” Now she was in the Canterlot throne room at night, wiping the sweat off her brow, she had to finish answering to requests for the Grand Galloping Gala coming up by the Canterlot Nobles. On top of that, being Princess of Equestria was a hassle. She may have Spike’s help but it was still very taxing. Twilight looked at her wrist and tapped on the bracelet and soon she was greeted to Starlight’s holographic projection. “Hey Twilight.” Starlight smiled giddily, “How are things with you?” “Not the best.” Twilight admitted, “I feel so isolated as the ruler. Besides you and Spike, I hardly get to socialize with any of my friends and those I do talk with are only for business purposes. I just had to finish dealing with requests for the Grand Galloping Gala. Prince Blueblood is especially picky.” Starlight just gave Twilight a sympathetic glance as she spoke, “Twilight, I’m so sorry you have to deal with that. I know you didn’t want all this.” “You could say that again. I’m not sure if Celestia and Luna truly prepared me for being ruler, I hardly know how to deal with the general public.” Twilight grunted bitterly, truthfully she was starting to resent the Royal Sisters. She hadn’t asked to be the ruler of Equestria but did they care? No, they didn’t. “Yeah… it sure sounds like it.” Starlight said thoughtfully, “They are going to be at the Grand Galloping Gala though. Maybe we could talk to them.” “Pfft. Like they’ll ever change their minds.” Twilight huffed in frustration. “Twilight? Are you doing okay? You sound more bitter than usual.” Starlight said sadly. “Don’t worry Starlight. I’ll be fine. I’m just a little tired. Rest assured, your support has certainly helped me.” Twilight smiled softly to her friend. Starlight seemed to have brightened up at this and smiled, “I’m glad to hear that Twilight. I’m gonna go talk to Sunburst and Trixie about the school curriculum. I’ll still be there for you when I can.” And with that, Starlight’s projection was gone. Soon Twilight allowed herself to think to herself again, she wouldn’t dare let Starlight know this but she was starting to resent Celestia and Luna, it felt her happiness in Ponyville no longer meant anything, so long as they had their retirement. Twilight never asked to become the ruler of all Equestria, she just wanted to be Princess Of Friendship and stick around with Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Starlight. But no, now she was forced into all this. And now, she had no one but Spike and at times, Starlight. She also thought to her other friends, they didn’t seem to care she was struggling with the fact she was now into this new position. For Celestia’s sake, they seemed to hardly take her concerns seriously. The Canterlot Wedding, the Storm King invasion, and now this?! Oh but no, all Twilight does is panic, doesn’t she? Never mind that it could actually be serious, she’s just overreacting. Twilight always went out of her way for others, and now because of her selflessness, she was alone, and always having to answer for others. Twilight’s horn began to crackle a shade of black. It was always what other creatures want. Her horn crackled more. What about me? Her horn began to glow from magenta to black. Why am I the one who has to make sacrifices? No one seemed to notice what she was truly going through. Only Spike and Starlight understood a fraction of it. Twilight’s eyes began to glow a shade of blue as her horn began to glow, “I won’t be a pushover anymore.” Twilight began to chuckle sinisterly as she narrowed her eyes, “No more.”