//------------------------------// // Fading Light // Story: Fading Light // by Cabral095 //------------------------------// A deep sigh bellowed from the Alicorn goddess, her magenta eyes watched as the sun set on her beautiful kingdom. Poised upon a balcony overlooking Canterlot, her thoughts were aloof, mind wandering to and fro, much like her mane in the breeze. Looking to the east, she watched as the moon slowly ascended to the sky, gathering with the stars. She shut her eyes, not wanting to see the moon this night. Celestia rose, her wings sprung open, and she leapt off of the balcony. Her wings caught the wind, and carried her away. The grand city of Canterlot sat below her, ponies all returning to their homes, to rest and wake upon the new dawn. A new era. Celestia’s eyes settled upon the forest just beyond the city, her destination. She landed, the light of the sun now gone, and the blue of the moon now highlighted the land. She looked into the forest. Black. Her horn shone gold and she guided herself into the darkness. The mighty trees surrounding her, many a strange sound from nightly creatures filled the air. Celestia continued, her journey not yet finished. “Oh my, what do we have here?” a voice chortled. Celestia turned to see a cat, a brown one at that. His yellow eyes watched Celestia, tail flicking about. “The mighty Princess of the Sun, so foolish, so blind.” Celestia said nothing, turned, and walked down the path. The cat followed. “Why so glum Celestia? Don’t tell me you’re having regrets.” She ignored the creature. “Oh but you are aren’t you?” He wryly smiled. “So foolish she was that day, when all the ponies were in dismay. Her own mind she could not question, nor to her subjects mention. When all was said and done, the victory she thought was won. But now her thoughts sour, with this new change of power. Oh poor is Celestia, ruler of Equestria.” Celestia halted, her eyes shut, allowing the cat’s words to sink in. She turned and faced the cat. It sat there, playing with its whiskers. A crooked smile spread upon its face. “I did what any ruler would do, and should do,” she stated. “The safety of my subjects is more important to me, than my personal feelings.” “Do you honestly think that she will be ready for your forgiveness? You know how she is.” “Then I’ll just have to hope and pray for the best,” she replied. Celestia continued her walk through the thick forest. Her horn illuminated the ground before her and lighted the path. The pitter patter of the cat had now vanished, she turned. The cat was gone. She set aside her thoughts of the deceiver and walked on. Above, the moon’s glow shone through the bramble and trees, ahead lay a clearing. The forest soon fell behind her as she entered it. One tree stood tall and strong, aside the tree lay a small stone. A tomb, one would suggest; one without a purpose. Celestia halted and looked to the stone. “I know what you’re going through. It’s what all ponies will go through in their life. Temptation. I’m just sorry it happened to you this way. When you return, the world will have changed so much, the ones you loved gone and past. They may not understand, and they may not know why this happened now, but all will be explained. Only time will tell your tale. The tale of the fallen princess.” Celestia sighed and looked to the moon’s light, memories filling her mind. “I remember when I first brought you under my wing, so young, so small. Yet so much potential. The days in the castle were delightful and filled with joy. This may be your greatest downfall, but every hero will fail. Only to rise again stronger than before. Your deeds will soon be forgotten, all things pass with time.” Celestia sat in front of the stone. Her mane swayed in the gentle breeze. The trees had now joined in the wind's chorus, echoing their song throughout the forest landscape. “Please Celestia,” a familiar voice chortled, “do you honestly think that she will return and all will be well?” The cat sat in the tree. His yellow eyes watching Celestia, a slight purr filled the air. “Do you honestly think that your subjects will receive her with open arms? After what she had done?” Celestia sighed and closed her eyes. The cat jumped from the tree to her side. “You should have seen this coming my dear princess. She wasn’t the strongest-willed pony.” “I know,” Celestia said, “Sometimes, we need to fall and see our mistakes, to know why we fell. One day, she will see and know, like I have.” The cat and alicorn sat silent for a few brief minutes, respecting the grave. “How long will you continue to come out here?” the cat finally asked. Celestia looked to the moon, “For however long I need to.” “That’s a long wait my dear.” “I would wait an eternity if I had to. So she knows that I have not abandoned her.” A snap filled the air, and a bright light emitted from the cat’s paw. Two flowers rested there; he gave one to Celestia. She took the white rose and set it down in front of the stone, the cat did the same. “It’s getting late princess, I’ll meet you back in the castle.” The cat said. “Very well,” she replied. The cat vanished with a snap of his fingers. Celestia smiled, looking to the two roses. Her thoughts drifted back to bliss. “We look forward to seeing you once more, my faithful student.” Celestia stood, departed the small field, and vanished into the black of the forest. The field once again hushed. The moon shone down onto the gray stone. Before the stone lay nine roses. Words etched into the stone read: ‘As long as this stone remains, it shall forever be a reminder of the good deeds of the banished princess, Twilight Sparkle.’