Somehow, everything Sweetie could've hoped for went according to plan. From understanding more about magic to actually helping experts, it was as if Sweetie stood taller than ever. The beating of her heart echoed in her ears. It wasn't as though she was frightened of anything surrounding her or what transpired, but her mind was fixed on what fate might've had in store for her.
The future was blurrier than ever. Nevertheless, Sweetie's lips curled into a slight grin.
Just like when she obtained her cutie mark alongside Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, Sweetie couldn't help herself from wondering if her pivotal role in Twilight's experiment was all a dream. Yet the blades of grass touching her hooves and the icy, sweet taste of ice cream in her mouth persisted. Both sensations were ones that even the most realistic dreams couldn't have replicated.
Sweetie tapped her forehead and blinked.
Nothing surreal jumped at her or sent chills down her spine; the lack of warped scenery or Princess Luna revealing herself also suggested that Sweetie wasn't dreaming. In fact, everything was as normal as it could've been, right down to ponies performing their typical routines and rituals for the evening.
In a flash, Sweetie turned toward where Carousel Boutique was, the lavish structure as bright as a star.
"I gotta tell Rarity," Sweetie muttered. Rubbing her mane, she shimmied closer to the structure. "She'd definitely appreciate it."
Sweetie skipped toward the boutique as she repeated her mission like a broken record. She wondered what kind of reaction Rarity would've given her upon hearing of the discovery. The thought warmed her heart, though the allure of additional rewards such as the sweets from Sugarcube Corner also tickled her stomach.
Placing her hoof on the front door, Sweetie gently pushed it open, soft creaks reaching her ears.
An array of threads and sketches were neatly pushed off to the side of Carousel Boutique. Mannequins, dresses, and sparkling jewels also made themselves known, the other rooms seemingly untouched since she left for Twilight's castle. Their colorful forms shone and commanded attention as if they hoped to be used for future dresses. And yet the hairs of Sweetie's coat stood up as she trotted across the floor and surveyed the room, her steps shorter as she approached the staircase.
"I'm home!" Sweetie shouted at the top of her lungs, her voice echoing throughout the room. "Is anypony here?"
Rarity dashed down the staircase and leaped toward Sweetie, the latter firmly pressing her hooves into the boutique's carpet. Sweetie closed her eyes and clenched her teeth. And upon landing before her, Rarity wrapped her forelegs around Sweetie as though they were a scarf.
"Uh, I haven't said what happened yet," Sweetie murmured. She raised her head and blushed. While Rarity had been enthusiastic before, Sweetie would've believed anypony if they said her sister had chugged gallons of coffee earlier in the day, though the answer was already evident. "Does this mean that you've found out how the experiment went?"
Blushing, Rarity released Sweetie from her warm embrace and shimmied back. "Indeed," she said. "I heard the wonderful news from Princess Celestia." Chuckles left her lips. Pushing herself upright, Rarity then twiddled her mane. "Helping the wisest ponies in all of Equestria is no small feat, dear. It's only natural that the news would reach me quickly."
Sweetie nodded. "Yeah, it's really cool." With a quick breath, she then dusted herself off. "By the way, did Princess Celestia mention anything in her letter?"
"According to what Princess Celestia, she theorizes that it's the result of how much you've learned since starting your lessons with Sunset." Rarity's smile widened. She placed a hoof to her chest. "Whether it's that or just how wise my dear sister is, I'm so proud of how far you've come."
Sweetie bobbed her head. "Yep! Then again, I couldn't have done it without help." She paused momentarily and shivered. "I mean, I kinda figured that was part of how I found the answer. I was thinking about the recent past and how influential you, Twilight, Sunset, and others have been in my life. I then did the same for Twilight and Princess Celestia's relationship." Giggling, Sweetie placed the tip of her hoof on her lips. "Between this and helping Sunset and Starlight patch things up, I don't know where I'll go next."
"The world is full of surprises, dear." Rarity tilted her head and cracked a smirk. Her eyes glowed like stars. "Don't fret about the future so much, especially when the world feels absolutely marvelous. Just focus on being yourself and continuing what you've been doing. I know for a fact that you'll quickly discover something inspiring."
"And where do I start?" Sweetie cocked her head, assuming a bemused expression. "I mean, you must have somewhere to start when making a new dress, right?"
"That's right. Inspiration can take many forms, dear." Rarity pursed her lips. She glanced over to the nearby table, grasping the nearest spool of thread and lifting it up. "This simple spool of thread can create all sorts of things. Don't be afraid to let your creativity fly, dear. Almost all designers find happiness in creativity."
Sweetie bobbed her head. "Gotcha!"
"And speaking of your experiment, I can't help but wonder how Starlight is doing. She's changed so much already, especially when you and Sunset helped her, so maybe she'll be comfortable spending more time with us." She tapped the floor and swished her tail. "We were planning on spending time in the Crystal Empire in about a month."
"I think Starlight is ready." Hanging out with Starlight over in the Crystal Empire poked Sweetie's nerves at the thought, the bustling city not exactly the best place for introducing friendship as far as she knew. Sweetie distinctly recalled feeling as though she was microscopic during her first visit. Whitetail Woods or Hollow Shades were quieter and more accommodating for ponies learning about friendship. The stunning scenery there only made them more appealing. "But why the Crystal Empire? It's pretty, but won't she be scared with so many ponies around?"
"Twilight assures us that things will turn out marvelously." Rarity feigned a chuckle. "She hasn't talked about why we're going to the Crystal Empire again, though she has been bouncing around at the thought, almost as if something exquisite is waiting for her." She briefly tugged her mane. "Either way, I guess it's one of those challenges about escaping your comfort zone that ponies like Starlight and Trixie will learn."
"Yeah, Trixie knows a lot about taking risks and trying to make up for past mistakes. Part of why I'm here now is because I took risks and learned from what I did wrong." Glancing behind her shoulder, Sweetie exhaled and turned back toward Rarity. "It can be kinda scary, but also fun. Two months ago, I would've screamed at the thought of studying magic. And now that I'm doing it, I can't help but feel that—" Sweetie's cheeks flushed "—that learning is actually kinda cool."
"And now that you've helped with an important discovery, will you be continuing your lessons, dear?"
"Of course!" Sweetie bobbed her head once again. "Just because I did something amazing doesn't mean I can stop now! It's only the beginning of something much bigger!" Bouncing closer to Rarity, Sweetie raised her head and swished her tail. "And I just know I'm gonna be even better after months and years of practice!"
"That's the spirit!" Rarity gently patted the top of Sweetie's head. "You're free to stay up and relax for the rest of the night, though I want you in bed before ten o'clock." As Rarity took a quick breath, Sweetie's jaw dropped. "After all, even the best scholars and wizards need some sleep. Does that seem reasonable to you?"
"Yep!" Sweetie's legs shook, electricity coursing through her veins. "Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome, dear."
Sweetie made a beeline toward the couch, jumping onto it and sinking into the plush cushions. Any remaining tension within her muscles disappeared in a flash. Blinking, Sweetie nudged closer to the armrest and gently placed her head atop it, grasping a book to her right. With another deep breath, she opened the book and surveyed the first page.
"The Magic of Friendship," Sweetie whispered to herself. "I guess I could read this for now."
Even if the process of learning new magic took time, she figured she'd become as talented as Twilight or Sunset one day.
Despite the words of praise from Rarity and others, life quickly returned to a leisurely pace. A few days had flown past before Sweetie even had the time to appreciate them. The lessons with Sunset continued as usual, some of them with just the two together and a few alongside Trixie or Starlight, though all of them contributed to Sweetie's magical knowledge.
From manipulating clouds to generating music and all sorts of other spells and tricks, Sweetie wondered if there was even a ceiling to magic. On a few rare instances, Starlight and Trixie wore gaping mouths whenever Sunset demonstrated something truly spectacular. Sweetie would've believed anypony if she heard that there were no limits. And while the life lessons may have halted in place for the time being, Sweetie kept her head held high.
One of the more mysterious lessons was staring her down as she pressed her weight against Carousel Boutique's outer wall. Sunset had promised to meet with her in the morning for what was called an important lesson, though any attempts Sweetie made to prune more information out of Sunset earned a blank stare or attempts at shifting the topic. And repeating the same question would've gotten Sweetie nowhere; that much was undeniable to her for once.
"To think I would've nagged her about it until the big day," Sweetie whispered. She snickered, cheeks flushed. "Gosh, I can't even remember the last time I was whining about something, let alone believe that I once thought it was a good idea." A slight grin decorated her visage. "But seriously, Sunset should be here any minute now."
A slight breeze went past Sweetie, tickling her cheeks. Even as two minutes of birds chirping and some distant chatter reached her ears, she kept her posture straightened and took in the wondrous sights around her. The tension within Sweetie's chest loosened as she gawked at the scenery.
Sweetie's ears twitched as she heard something rustling nearby. "Is somepony there?" she asked, swiveling her head back and forth. One of the bushes to her right was shimmying in place as if it was sentient. Sweetie scuttled an inch away, then pouted. While her heart was beating faster, something about the shrub seemed harmless. Yet Sweetie couldn't decipher why this was the case.
Soft giggles left the shrub, Sweetie arching an eyebrow in response.
There was one way of solving this.
Sweetie's horn was wrapped with a greenish aura, the shrub parting in an instant and revealing Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. Both of them wore gaping mouths and shrunken pupils. And as Sweetie ceased casting the spell, she crossed her forelegs and grinned. Nervous chuckles escaped the two fillies' mouths.
"Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, you can come out now," Sweetie deadpanned.
Both of them crawled out of the shrub with leaves sticking out of their manes. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo dusted themselves off, the latter grumbling something incoherent whereas the former adjusted her bow. And as they gazed at Sweetie, the latter skipped toward them and gently waved at the pair.
"We were so close to surprisin' ya," Apple Bloom said as a matter of fact. Crossing her forelegs, she feigned a chuckle. "Anyway, how's the magic stuff? We haven't talked much about it since ya made that discovery."
"Yeah, how are the eggheads?" Scootaloo asked. Her wings flapped until they were a blur, though her hooves were still grounded. With a ruffled brow, Scootaloo's muzzle scrunched up. "And I'm gonna get flying sooner or later." Folding her wings again, she trotted up to Sweetie and playfully tapped her shoulder. "Maybe I could do what you did and ask somepony for help."
"Yeah, there's nothing like learning from the best," Sweetie replied.
"I know, right?" Scootaloo's eyes twinkled like stars. "I'm totally gonna get Rainbow Dash to help me more with flying! And if she's busy, I'm gonna try seeing if I can get one of the Wonderbolts to help me out! Rumor has it that Spitfire is an amazing teacher, especially when she's not having to yell at ponies!"
Sweetie snickered. "Good luck getting her to teach you." She playfully waved her hoof. "With a job like hers, I bet Spitfire wouldn't have the time to help teach ponies how to fly. Maybe you could ask some of Rainbow Dash's coworkers at the Ponyville Weather Factory if she's busy. I bet they'd love to help out."
Scootaloo nodded. "Works for me." Her wings twitched and a confident smirk adorned her visage. "I'm ready for anything!"
"Anyway, since you asked, things have been going smoothly." Sweetie took a deep breath and rolled her shoulders. "Moondancer is busy in Canterlot again, though Twilight told me that she's asked how I've been doing whenever she writes letters." She clasped her hooves together. "It's really sweet! And Starlight's also gonna have her biggest test soon."
"A friendship test?" Apple Bloom asked, raising her hoof.
"Knowing Twilight, I wouldn't put it past her." Sweetie rubbed the top of her head. While she wasn't exactly knowledgeable about how friendship lessons worked, she assumed it'd involve Twilight introducing Starlight to a new face. Whether the pony in question was one of Twilight's other friends or a complete stranger captured Sweetie's curiosity, though there were more pressing matters at the moment. "Also, I've been meeting up with Trixie more frequently, though she's still a bit awkward at times."
"How so?"
Sweetie's cheeks flushed. "Well, she still refers to herself by name at times. And then there's the fact that she keeps looking to Sunset for teaching advice, but I guess she's also learning something. And speaking of Sunset, our lessons are still going strong. I've been introduced to so many new spells!"
"That's awesome!" Scootaloo blurted out. She nudged closer to Sweetie. "You'll be one of the best at magic in no time!"
"I wouldn't go that far, but I'll definitely get there one day!"
With a skip in her step, Apple Bloom approached Sweetie and Scootaloo, the three huddling around in a small circle. "Anyway, since things all seem to be goin' well, how 'bout we do something special to pass the time." Apple Bloom turned toward Sweetie. "I'm guessin' you're still waiting for Sunset to show up, right?"
"Yep!"
"Any idea when she'll arrive?"
Shrugging, Sweetie tapped her hoof against the ground, lips pursed momentarily. "I'd guess about five or ten minutes."
"Perfect!" Scootaloo shouted, raising a hoof into the air. A grin adorned her visage. "We can do something cool for a little bit, then maybe tag along when Sunset arrives!" In a flash, Scootaloo stomped the ground, tilting her head a second later. "Um, what's Sunset gonna do with ya?"
Sweetie swished her tail. "I wish I knew."
"Well, it's probably nothin' where ya have to stay still," Apple Bloom said. "Let's race around Carousel Boutique while we wait." Glancing to her left, then to her right, Apple Bloom bobbed her head. "Anyway, three laps around the boutique and the winner gets to decide what we'll do later today. Sound fair to y'all?"
Both Sweetie and Scootaloo nodded in unison.
"Okay, we'll start at the count of three." Raising her hoof, Apple Bloom took a quick breath, chest puffed out. "One—"
"Wait just a moment!" a familiar voice cried out. Sweetie blinked, raising her head and spotting both Sunset and Trixie trotting alongside each other with smiles brighter than the sun. "Surely you'd love to have Trixie join in on the festivities, though that depends if you can outrun me."
"Hi, Trixie!" Sweetie chirped, frantically waving her hoof. "Hi, Sunset!"
"Hello, Sweetie," Sunset said. She glanced over to Apple Bloom and then to Scootaloo. "And hello to your friends. I hope today has been fun for all of you so far." A sigh left Sunset's lips, Sweetie sensing chills coursing through her spine. "Anyway, today's lesson is probably going to be our biggest yet, though with some of the letters I've been receiving, it might be hectic."
"Hectic?" Sweetie asked, tilting her head. "Does that mean you're needed in the mirror world?"
Sunset nodded. "Looks like it." She trotted up to Sweetie and knelt down. "But there's no need to worry. Even though I'll be away in the mirror world for a little while, I'll definitely write to you and visit as soon as possible. And as much as I'd love to stay around, there are problems in the mirror world that I can't simply ignore."
"What kind of problems?"
"Something about surges of magic this time around and some strange faces." Sunset stood up and stepped back. "It's probably going to be rather dangerous, so even though I'd enjoy your company, I ask that you stay in Equestria for the time being." She placed a hoof to her chest, lips puckered. "My apologies."
"It's okay." Sweetie released a soft sigh. If Equestria's more infamous incidents taught her anything, shuffling away from such problems was often the wisest choice. "I understand, especially since your friends are probably worried about you, though I'd love to hear about your experiences when you get the chance." Forcing a slight smile, Sweetie's eyes widened as she nudged closer to Sunset. "Could you do that for me, please?"
Sunset nodded without hesitating. "Of course I'd love to write back to you." Wiping her eyes, Sunset exhaled once more. "Anyway, we should get started on our lesson."
"Yep!" Sweetie shimmied closer to Sunset, gazing into the latter's twinkling eyes. She noticed her own reflection in them for a brief moment, Sweetie raising an eyebrow in response. And in a flash, her smile vanished like a mirage. "By the way, is everything okay?" She placed a hoof to her chest. "Anything I can do to help?"
"I'll be fine. It's just that—" Sunset took a deep breath "—that since this will be our last lesson together for a while, I'm wishing that I could have more days practicing new spells with you." Sniffling, Sunset cracked the slightest of smiles. "But we'll be practicing spells with each other again soon enough."
Something tickled Sweetie's cheeks, her vision blurring up a tad. She blinked; clarity returned once more, yet tears still clung to her cheeks. "But what about future lessons?" With a quick breath, Sweetie glanced over to Trixie. "Wait, does that mean I'll be continuing lessons with Trixie?" Sweetie sniffled, smiling. "I'd definitely be for that!"
"Hold on a second," Trixie said, raising her hoof. "I might be the Great and Powerful Trixie, but am I ready to teach somepony on my own?" Stepping back, Trixie's cheeks tautened, pupils shrunk. She turned toward Sunset. "I can't let Sweetie down. You've seen how Trixie has always asked if something was taught correctly."
"I understand, but I think teaching Sweetie might be what you're looking for," Sunset said. Making her way over to Trixie, Sunset gently tapped the mare's back. "I know you've sometimes doubted yourself when it comes to setting a good example. Don't worry, even the most confident ponies can doubt themselves at times. What matters is that you try your best."
"But I have to teach Sweetie something, right?" Trixie gazed at Sweetie, the latter forcing a faint smirk across her visage. "What's the point of having lessons if nopony learns anything from them?"
Sunset bobbed her head. "When it comes to magic, you can craft a memorable learning experience out of all sorts of things. Whether it's a complex spell or something as simple as understanding the world around us, there are plenty of ways of learning. And remember how you picked up on researching magic?"
"Trixie remembers."
"And remember when you taught me about those magical fireworks?" Sweetie asked. "Trust me, you're gonna be an amazing teacher! Just believe in Sunset and me; things will turn out wonderfully!"
Trixie adjusted her hat. "Well, Trixie could—" she exhaled "—I could just listen and—"
"The next lesson is your choice, Trixie," Sunset said, her hoof stretched out. "Flashy or simple, any spell you think might make for a good learning experience will work." With short steps, Sunset trotted forward, her gaze glued to Trixie. "Taking the first step might seem tough, especially if you've made some mistakes before."
"Well, Trixie and mistakes sometimes go together." Trixie rubbed the back of her neck and blushed. A sheepish grin adorned her face. "The mess with the Alicorn Amulet a while ago proves as much, but even though I've become a better pony since then, I'm still—" Trixie exhaled "—I'm still unsure if I can lead the way yet."
"I've struggled with taking charge before, but there's nothing to be afraid of when it comes to leading. Reflect on who you are—more specifically—reflect on the Great and Powerful Trixie." Pausing, Sunset then gently rubbed Trixie's shoulders. "Unshackle that boastful, confident personality. Pretend that you're on a stage and performing for an adoring crowd. Either way, what matters is that you tried doing something for the greater good. And remember, even if it doesn't go according to plan, we're still your friends."
"Besides, I'll love pretty much anything you teach me!" Sweetie chirped. "Sunset even made boring spells awesome, and I know you can do the same, so just pick one and let's get to work! Even if it's lifting a sack of flour or practicing an old spell for the millionth time, I'm up for anything that interests you!"
"And anything you do is gonna be worth watchin'," Apple Bloom added. "I dunno what kinds of magic you, Sunset, and Sweetie do, but I bet y'all can make something cool. Also, don't worry if ya think it's weird."
"Exactly!" Scootaloo cheered. "And what might seem silly to one pony may be awesome for another!"
Trixie's smile widened. Tugging her cape, she nudged closer to Sweetie and took a deep breath. "Trixie has decided," she said. "It may not be what interests you most of all, but from what I know of you, I think it'll be something you'll appreciate. And it's something I hope we can both grow from."
"What are we gonna do?" Sweetie asked. Her eyes glowed like stars; she donned a radiant grin. "I'm ready for almost anything!"
Clearing her throat, Trixie stepped back and straightened her posture. "We're going to do something beautiful that expresses how amazing we are. How about we practice decoration spells? Trixie is almost certain that somepony as bright and creative as yourself will be able to make all sorts of beautiful designs!"
Sweetie hopped in place like a bunny. "That sounds amazing! I'm ready when everypony else is!"
Both Trixie and Sunset lead the way while the Cutie Mark Crusaders followed close behind. Sweetie noticed Apple Bloom and Scootaloo quivering as they trotted forward, their smiles even brighter than hers. It brought back memories of when the trio all received the same cutie mark together, something that defined their unbreakable friendship. And even with how much Sweetie had matured since then, there was no denying that her friendship with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo would last.
Perhaps her cutie mark was more than something magical or a symbol of her destiny.
That emblem on her flank represented everything about what defined Sweetie Belle, both the wonderful memories and the grueling challenges. It tickled her chest at the thought. And with Sunset's magic lessons fresh in her mind, what was once shrouded in a thick fog became clearer than crystal.
Sweetie and her cutie mark were one and the same.
Even with the changes that Sweetie endured since she began practicing magic with Sunset, the lonesome spot just outside of Ponyville was still the opportune place for studying magic. As before, nopony else aside from Sweetie and company was within trotting distance. And just like her first visit there, the calm weather soothed her soul and tickled her chest.
Trixie caught her breath and adjusted her hat. With a faint smile, she peeked behind her shoulder and gazed at Sweetie. "Shall we begin the lesson?" she asked. Trixie turned toward Sunset, the latter merely cracking a smirk. "Well, let's not waste time. Trixie has something wondrous in store for you."
"You said we were gonna decorate some things, right?" Sweetie asked.
Nodding, Trixie rolled her shoulders briefly.
"So it's kinda like the spell where I tried decorating the field with flowers." Sweetie paused for a moment. While Trixie wasn't present for that lesson, the brightness in her eyes suggested she knew the spell Sweetie referred to. Shaking her forelegs, Sweetie then raised one of her hooves up. "And I have a question."
"Ask away."
"I remember when Rarity got into a lot of trouble when she paved the entire town with gold roads." A chuckle left Sweetie's lips. Helping Rarity with the cleanup efforts was a memory she'd rather forget, though at least the town lent a helping hoof. "So if I were to mess up the spell, would everything be transformed into something fancy?"
"Trixie knows of the incident you're referring to." Approaching Sweetie, Trixie knelt down and gazed directly into the filly's eyes. "Your sister was being influenced by a magical artifact back then similar to the Alicorn Amulet I once wore." Sighing, Trixie feigned a faint smile. "As such, given that you don't have the magical power of a princess, you'll be fine. The worst that could happen is that the spell produces hideous decorations." Snickering, Trixie's cheeks flushed. Sweetie responded in kind. "Just focus on trying your best."
"Thanks, Trixie."
Trixie's smile widened. She glanced over to Sunset, though as before, the latter merely nodded with sealed lips.
"I'm guessing you're supposed to start with imagining the decorations, right?"
"That's right." Trixie bobbed her head. "It's another one of those spells, though like all new spells, it's easier said than done." Stepping back, Trixie gazed at Sunset once again before turning toward a tree off in the distance. "Anyway, like with other spells, you'll want to avoid any distractions when starting out. But there are a few things you must consider when casting the spell."
"What would those be?" Sweetie cocked her head, brow raised. "It's just imagining the decoration, figuring out where it goes, and casting it, right?"
"Not quite." Trixie placed a hoof to her chest. "Trixie has practiced this spell for years, and if there's one thing about it that stands out, it's that only certain decorations will work with the spell." She paused briefly and tugged her cape. "The spell can create gemstones similar to their natural counterparts, not to mention some elaborate and colorful trinkets. However, objects typically associated with ones you'd buy at a store aren't compatible with the spell."
"How come?"
"I've asked that myself, and it seems to be one of the spell's limits from what I recall." Trixie donned a sheepish smile and rubbed the back of her neck. "While Trixie doesn't research magic often, some occurrences are strange enough to where I must have the answer." She giggled, cheeks flushed. "You can relate, right?"
Sweetie nodded in an instant. And as she noticed Apple Bloom and Scootaloo attentively watching her like hawks, the pair then bobbed their heads in unison. For everypony's sake, Sweetie hoped the lesson went smoothly, her chest tightening a tad. Disappointment or drama was the last thing anypony needed.
"Anyway, Trixie suggests imagining a simple pattern for starting out."
Trixie closed her eyes and a pinkish aura enveloped her horn. In a flash, the tree before the group was decorated with a few rubies and sapphires dangling from the branches. While Sweetie noticed that the gemstones lacked the bright sheen of their natural counterparts, their simple forms and the light shining off of them captivated her nonetheless.
Blinking, Sweetie's mouth was agape as she gawked at the sight. "That's amazing!" she squeaked. "How am I gonna get close to that?"
With a smirk, Trixie playfully tapped Sweetie's shoulder. "Focus on adding some decorations of your choosing, though keep it simple. Besides, even the tiniest of details can add beauty to something. If it works for Trixie's magnificent displays and tricks, it should work for you."
"Gotcha." Sweetie took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "So just imagine what can be added to the tree, right?"
"You've got it."
Silence lingered around Sweetie; she exhaled once more and envisioned a rainbow-colored strand circling the tree. And with the tree's form and the decorations already dangling off of it imprinted in Sweetie's mind, a ticklish sensation coursed through her horn. Sweetie bit her lip, the image still affixed to her.
A second later, the sensations stopped.
Sweetie opened her eyes; her heart skipped a beat.
Just as she imagined, a rainbow-colored thread wrapped around the tree and shone underneath the sunlight. Her legs wobbled as she gasped at the sight, nudging closer with shrunken pupils. Trixie, Sunset, and her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders all trotted toward the tree with sparkling eyes of their own.
It all went according to plan.
"I did it!" Sweetie blurted out. She hopped about for a moment, her smile brighter than the sun. "That tree looks just like how I imagined it!"
"Excellent work," Sunset said. As Sweetie froze in place, Sunset approached the former and gently tapped her head. "Keep practicing the spell from there, and soon enough, you'll be able to create all sorts of wonderful displays." Nodding, Sunset then glanced up to Trixie, the pair making eye contact. "You know what the next step is, right?"
Trixie rubbed her muzzle. She bobbed her head, grinning. "Practicing the spell to ensure mastery, right?"
"That's correct." Sunset trotted closer to Trixie. "See, you'll get used to tutoring Sweetie while I'm away in no time." With a quick breath, Sunset turned back to Sweetie and knelt down. "Well, I guess we can continue our lessons for the day before I have to return to the mirror world." She nudged closer to Sweetie. "I'm going to miss you, Sweetie Belle."
Sweetie approached Sunset, wrapping her in a tight hug. "I'm also gonna miss you," she said. "Thank you so much for tutoring me."
"And thank you for creating memories that we'll never forget." Sunset rubbed her eyes and sniffled. "I'll definitely write letters to you while I'm away, though if all goes according to plan, I should be back after a few months." Her smile grew, eyes shimmering. "I can't wait to see how much you'll have grown when I come back to visit."
"Same here." Sweetie raised her head and gazed into Trixie's eyes. "And Trixie, thanks for agreeing to tutor me while Sunset is gone. I know we'll make a great team."
Trixie quickly nodded. "Trixie knows we will," she said. "And Sunset, please write to Trixie while you're gone, too."
"I promise," Sunset said. "And feel free to ask me any questions if they come up. I'll be glad to answer them."
Being Sunset's student over the past couple of weeks crafted some of the greatest moments of Sweetie's life. And while the inevitability of Sunset having to attend business in the mirror world poked her nerves, Sweetie knew that they'd be seeing each other again. Having ponies like Trixie by her side also helped relieve some of the heartache; instead of moping around over factors beyond her control, Sweetie couldn't help herself from bouncing around at the thought of her next lessons.
It was what Sunset would've asked for.
Sweetie knew the future would be brighter than ever.
The End