//------------------------------//
// 1036 Anno Solequus (Seven Years Earlier) 
// Story: Recycled 
// by Trick Question 
//------------------------------//

Three alicorns beat their wings in rhythm, horns aglow as each performed a silly-looking hoofstand. The barren landscape surrounding them was covered in three magic auras.

"Fancy meeting you here, Twilight Sparkle," said Princess Celestia. Beads of sweat rolled up her face.

Twilight Sparkle said nothing and continued to beat her wings downward, shoving the ground with all her might.

"I believe the years may have robbed our poor, dear friend of her ability to speak," grunted Princess Luna. "Tis a pity, for I had always so loved hearing her sweet and charming voice."

For a couple of minutes, the only sound came from heavy breathing, wings, and telekinesis.

"I'm sorry. I still can't tell you," Twilight finally said. "But you're welcome for saving Canterlot."

"We have not saved it yet," argued Princess Luna. "Put some backbone into it, Princess Twilight Sparkle! Oh goodness, that is right: you have none. Sincerest apologies for my failure to recall your disability of virtue."

Twilight rolled her eyes and shoved even harder.

"We are very grateful, of course," said Celestia. "But guilt trips don't work on ponies our age, Twilight. My ruling stands, as I must presume you have already foreseen."

Princess Luna looked upwards toward her rear hooves. Canterlot Mountain was beginning to recede. "We are safe, my sister," said Luna, landing her body on the lunar soil. "It appears that gravity has finally repolarized."

Celestia set herself down and released her magical control over the landscape. Luna continued to hold her telekinetic grip on the dusty surface, now easily moving the Moon upon which the three ponies rested. The land in the distance above them drifted away.

Twilight was too exhausted to fly. She flopped down onto the Moon next to Celestia and Luna, saying nothing as she struggled to regain her breath.

"Another disaster averted, thanks in no small part to my former faithful student. I suppose visions of this crisis came to you in a dream, as well?" asked Celestia.

Twilight heaved for breath before speaking. "Yes, something like that. Don't worry, though. I'll be out of your manes as soon as I catch my breath."

"We do not want you out of our manes, foalish horse! All that we wish for is your honesty!" bleated Luna, wearing a sweaty frown. "We know full well your dreams have nothing to do with the mysterious precognitive ability you possess."

"Luna, relax. Someday, Twilight will open up to us again. And when she does, any and all transgressions will be in the past, and that day will be a cause for celebration across three kingdoms," said Celestia, gesturing upwards at the shrinking landscape above her. "Speaking of which, I hear Rarity's symptoms have yet to appear, thank the Heavens. You must realize our doctors could collaborate with your remarkable research program more easily if we weren't at odds like this. We want to help you, Twilight. We want to be your friends again."

"I want that too, but it's not going to happen. I wish you would reconsider but I already know you won't," said Twilight. She stood up and tentatively flexed her legs. "I can't blame you, for what it's worth. I'd probably do the same in your position."

"Living for hundreds of years provides one with a great deal of patience," said Celestia, her words ironically hasty as they raced Twilight's imminent egress. "Forever is a very long time to hold a secret, Twilight. All things must turn in time, and whatever the reason for your reticence, all would be forgiven if only you would give us the chance."

"Some things aren't so easy to forgive," said Twilight. "But you're right about one thing: forever is a very long time." She then spread her wings and took off unceremoniously into the open air between worlds.