It was a relatively peaceful day in Ponyville. Celestia’s sun was just breaking over the horizon, Luna’s moon having set not an hour before. Applejack was already hard at work, caring to her apple orchard. Pruning the dead branches, clearing dead leaves, Applejack made her way from tree to tree. Harvest season wasn’t for a few months, and the apple trees had just started to blossom.
In another part of town Rarity was just going to bed. She had spent the night working on a dress, and needed a few hours of sleep before she would have to wake Sweetie Belle for school. She yawned as she levitated her newest creation away, content with it for now. “I’ll need to work on it more later, just the finishing touches though. I can have it shipped out by the end of the week.” She told herself, slowly ascending the stairs.
And in yet another part, in a beautiful treehouse Library, a teen-aged dragon had just awoken. He made his way down the stairs, intent on making breakfast for Twilight and himself. He had started the pancakes when he felt a familiar burble in his stomach. Turning from the stove he let out a burp and trail of flame, catching the scroll as it appeared. A quick check of the seal confirmed it was from Celestia, and for Twilight. He brought it out to Twilight’s desk, knowing she would open it when she awoke. She’s been more picky about me opening the letters and reading them for her recently. He thought to himself. With a shrug he strode back into the kitchen, donned his chef’s hat, and continued working.
As he predicted, not five minutes later he heard Twilight’s hooves on the stairs. He smiled, having just finished the second batch of pancakes. With a content grin on his face he brought the pancakes out, calling out “Twilight! Pancakes are on the table. Fresh and hot. And a letter from Celestia came not too long ago. It’s on your desk.” Seating himself, Spike pulled a few pancakes to himself, and happily dug in.
“I’ll be a minute. I want to see what Celestia said.” Twilight called back. Spike heard a faint rustle as Twilight opened the letter, then nothing more as she read. A few minutes passed, and yet Twilight did not walk in. In fact, from what Spike could hear, she hadn’t moved since sitting at her desk to open the letter.
As more time passed, Spike began to worry. Slightly confused, Spike rose, making his way back into the living room. On the couch sat Twilight, curled up, twitching. “Twilight? Are you okay?” When Twilight failed to respond, Spike moved closer. “Twilight, what’s wrong?” The unicorn's reaction was only to turn, looking at the letter she had received. Spike picked it up and read.
Dear Twilight Sparkle,
I understand that this will likely find you in the morning, having just awoken. And for that, I am sorry. However, this message must be sent as soon as possible. As I’m sure you understand, I take on personal students to teach and train. I only ever take on the most magically gifted and exceptional ponies. I train my students, and have never had to let a student go before, as they always had something new to learn, no matter how long they lived. Sadly, you have learned everything I have to offer you as your teacher. And so, I must dismiss you as my student. I must open myself up to being able to accept another. So, goodbye my faithful student. Enjoy where life takes you.
-Celesita
Spike slowly read over the letter a second time, unable to believe his eyes. But they had not lied. Celestia had just dismissed Twilight as her student. He slowly looked up, understanding how Twilight was reacting. As he reached out to stroke his friends mane, Twilight erupted.
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Applejack watched as a column of light erupted from Ponyville. She knew the only unicorn powerful enough for such a display was Twilight. Her pruners fell to the ground as she galloped off, racing to check on her friend. What the blazes has happened to Twilight? Is she okay?
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Elsewhere in ponyville, Rarity felt the pulse of magic spread through her, shocking both her and Sweetie Belle awake. “Stay where you are Sweetie!” She yelled up the stairs, racing off to check on her friend. I can’t let Sweetie Belle near Twilight now. Not with that much magic pouring out of her. I don't know if I can risk it.
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Spike watched in horror as Twilight rose into the air, pieces of their home floating around her. Her coat was pure white, her mane and tail living flames. “TWILIGHT!” he called out. “She had to have had good reason for this. Calm down! PLEASE!” Though the heat radiating off Twilight was immense, Spike was able to stand it. The same could not be said for the books Twilight had come to love. Everything around her was slowly being turned to dust in her rage.
“No Spike. Celestia just cast me aside like a rag doll. She will pay for this.” Twilight’s voice echoed across most of Ponyville, waking those who had slept through the explosion. And with that, Twilight blinked out, leaving Spike behind, in the ruins of their home. The dragon fell to the ground, his body shaking in fear. He looked down into his hand, surprised to find the letter had survived the destruction. Must be my fireproofness... He wearily thought.
“Spike! What in tarnation happened here?” Applejack yelled as she ran up. “And what did Twilight mean by all that? What did Celestia do?”
Spike slowly turned, shaking his head. As the rest of the Elements of Harmony gathered around, Spike pulled the letter away from his chest, and read it to the others. They stared on as Spike finished the letter. “I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what she’s going to do. But I’m scared.” Spike curled up, rocking slightly.
“There there Spike. I’m sure whatever Twilight has planned will work out in the end.” Rarity comforted, sitting next to Spike. Her head turned towards Canterlot, along with the other Elements, her face betraying her worry. “Be safe Twilight,” she whispered.
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“Celestia? Please tell me you felt that pulse of magic?” Luna panted, having just run to the throne room. She knew what that pulse meant. Only a unicorn of exceptional power could create something like that. And there was only one pony alive with that kind of power.
“Yes I did. I do hope Twilight isn’t too angry with me. I’m sure once I get a chance to explain she’ll understand why I did that.” Celestia responded quietly. “Everypony! I regret to inform you that the Day Court must be canceled until further notice. My sister has brought me grave news which I must attend to at once.”
Luna followed Celestia out of the room, a few steps behind her. “What are you going to do Tia? She’s been your student for the better part of 30 years. And now you’ve just let her go. Why? You still haven’t told me why you released her.”
Celestia shook her head, opening her door slowly. “Luna, I have my rules. I may be able to have anything I want, but there are some rules I will not break. Not even for Twilight. This is the only way.”
Luna stared on, wondering what her sister meant. She hardly blinked at Celestia’s door slammed in front of her. There were only three rules Celestia held fast to. She would never kill unless there was no other option. She would never have a romantic relationship with any of her students. And she would stay loyal to her subjects till the end. The first and last didn’t make sense here, so it had to be the second. But surely Celestia didn’t....? Or did she?