Lunar Cycles
Twilight Sparkle was not a happy mare. Not only had Princess Celestia completely brushed off her discovery, but sent her to off to this small town to organize the Summer Sun Celebration. Normally she would have been honored to be entrusted with such a responsibility, but the world was in jeopardy.
To make matters worse, the crazy ponies that called this town home kept her from doing any research into the coming disaster. Now, it was too late. The longest day of the thousandth year has come, and the Mare in the Moon would once again be free to bring about endless night.
“Please, welcome her royal highness, Princess Celestia!” Mayor Mare announced, cutting Twilight's thoughts to a halt, as the mare that was in charge of decorations pulled the curtains. Gasps resounded throughout the crowd as the only thing revealed was an empty stage.
“She's gone!” shouted the mayor.
It was worse than she feared. Had Nightmare Moon already defeated the princess? If Princess Celestia couldn't stop the Nightmare, who could.
Just then, an ominous laugh filled the air as shadows bubbled up from the floor. A pair of royal guard pegasi took off, intent to protect the citizens, but two tendrils of darkness shot out, slamming the pair into a wall.
From the blackness, a pair of cat-like eyes opened, along with a sharp toothed grinning mouth. The living shadow shifted its form, as if trying to imitate the shape of a pony.
“Well, well, well,” the shadow spoke, its voice oozing malice. “It's been so long, my darling little morsels.”
“What did you do with the princess?!” Demanded the rainbow maned weather pony.
The shadow glanced at her with an evil glint in her eye. “Would you like to see her? After one thousand years, I think I could use seconds!”
The alicorn reverted back into shadow and lunged at the mare, gaping maw poised to devour the cocky pegasus. Caught completely off guard, Rainbow couldn't react in time. All she could do was stare, wide eyed, as she met her end.
Said end, however, never came. Instead, a purple barrier popped into existence between the ravenous demon and her meal.
“You're not going to hurt anyone, Nightmare Moon!” Twilight shouted in defiance to the demon.
The demon cloud's eyes shot toward the pony that dared challenge her, only for them to widen in shock. “You!?” her look of surprise shifted into one of smug overconfidence. “You just couldn't stay away, could you? Very well, I'll leave you alone, for now, but only because you asked. If you want me, you know where to find me. I'll be waiting.”
Quick as a bolt, the cloud shot out one of the upper windows and off towards the eastern forest. Twilight ran out to give chance, but only managed to catch a glimpse before it disappeared behind the rooftops. Too late to give chase, she turned towards the library and took off at a gallop.
As soon as she entered the sacred place of learning, she grabbed several books, only to be tackled off her hooves and pressed against a wall.
“Who are you? How did you and that thing know each other? What the hay is going on?!” Rainbow Dash shouted.
“Rainbow Dash, you let her down this instant,” scolded the posh voice of Rarity. “That is no way to treat the mare that saved your life.”
“No, but she's askin' good questions,” added Applejack, looking intently at Twilight.
“I'm Princess Celestia's personal student. I don't know how she knows me, but I found a prophecy that said Nightmare Moon would break free from her prison today. I'm trying to find a way to stop her.”
Rainbow Dash let the mare down, though it was obvious she was still suspicious. “I thought Nightmare Moon was supposed to be some evil pony not a... cloud thing.”
Twilight had to stop and think about that. It was true, but she just knew that cloud was the Mare in the Moon. “Perhaps her body decayed on the moon, and her spirit remained.”
“Then how did she know you?” Pinkie asked, causing Twilight to jump in surprise at her sudden appearance.
“I... don't know,” Twilight answered, genuinely confused.
“Um... excuse me,” whispered the soft voice of Fluttershy. Twilight hadn't even noticed she was there, she was so quiet. “Did... Did anypony else get the impression that Nightmare Moon... Um... ate Princess Celestia?”
Twilight's pupils shrunk to pinpricks at the revelation. “Oh, no. If she consumed the princess, perhaps she absorbed her memories... but... that would mean-No! The princess is fine. She has to be.”
“So, what's the gameplan?” Rainbow asked.
“What?” Twilight turned to the weather mare in confusion.
“The game plan?” Rainbow repeated. “She said you'd know where she is, so... where is she?”
Twilight pondered that for a moment before coming to a conclusion. “I'm not sure, but there are several possibilities. Regardless of where she is, we need to find the Elements of Harmony, the magic weapon used to banish her the first time around.”
“So, where are they?” Applejack asked.
“Their last known location is in the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters, deep in what is now the Everfree Forest.” Pinkie announced.
The ponies blinked, their gazes turning toward Pinkie Pie, who looked up at them from the book she was reading. “What? I was bored.”
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Finally, after the most trying and difficult journey of her life, Twilight Sparkle arrived at her destination; The Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. Between manticores, spooky trees, and effeminate sea serpents, she was done with adventuring, and ready to finish this and go home to her studies.
A glance behind assured her that the others were still there, despite being as nervous as she. She still couldn't figure out why they followed, but she would make sure to ask the princess to give them some kind of reward... if she was still alive.
Twilight shook her head. She couldn't let such thoughts get to her. The princess had to be alive.
As a group, they marched in, wary of any possible ambush. An attack could've come from any direction, especially when dealing with their formless adversary.
The place was, obviously, in ruins. It sent a pang of sadness through Twilight to see such an amazing piece of history in such a state. The place had been abandoned for centuries, long before she was even born, yet she felt almost as if she lost some treasured possession.
Just looking around, she could imagine it in its hay day. Servants would be running to and fro, while petitioners would be awaiting their audience with Celestia. It sent feelings of longing, wishing to see those days.
“Twilight!”
The purple pony was wrenched from her mind by Rainbow Dash, hovering inches from her face.
“Welcome back,” the pegasus quipped. “Have a nice trip?”
“Sorry, I was... Did you need something?”
“The Elements of Harmony,” Applejack deadpanned.
“Oh! Right... Okay, um, this way.” Twilight pointed off to a side passage as she started in the same direction.
Yellow and pink floated into her peripherals and spoke in a quiet voice “Are you okay?”
“I'm fine!” Twilight said a little snippier than she meant.
Fluttershy flinched. “I-I'm sorry. It's just... you seem like you're reminiscing about something... sad.”
“No, I'm just thinking of what this place must have been like a thousand years ago,” Twilight assured. “It must have been beautiful, once.”
“Oh, I'm positive it was,” Rarity agreed. “I could just imagine the tapestries, sculptures, and paintings. Not to mention the nobility, prancing around in the latest fashion.”
Twilight scoffed, “Looking down on everypony as if they were better than them, despite being worthless cowards, scared of the dark like a little foal.”
Twilight only made it another half step before what she said caught up with her. Turning back to the others, who were staring at her with various looks of shock, she chuckled nervously. “I-I mean, not all of them... just... You know...”
Rarity cleared her throat and offered, “Yes, I do suppose those few 'bad apples', as it were, do tend to leave a much more lasting impression.”
Twilight sighed, “You can say that again.”
The group continued on in relative silence. At least, Twilight did. She could hear the others talking behind her, but she wasn't listening. Her mind was on her surprisingly bitter comment. She knew she had been stressed over the whole Nightmare Moon, thing, but she never said such hateful things before, even of those nobles that deserved it.
“So, how much further?” Rainbow Dash asked, obviously getting impatient.
“I'm not sure,” Twilight answered.
“You ain't sure?” Applejack echoed. “How long has it been since you were here?”
Twilight gave the farmer a confused look. “I've never been here.”
“Really?” said Pinkie Pie, suddenly right in front of her, causing Twilight to jump with a yelp and fall on her rump. “Cause, you sure seem to know where we're going.”
As Twilight tried to slow her heart, it hit her. She did know where they were going. There were no maps that she knew of, nor were there any books describing the old castle's layout yet she knew the layout. She knew the corridor they had just passed led to the kitchens and the servant quarters just past that. She knew the next right led to the guest rooms for visiting dignitaries. She knew it all.
There were only possibilities she could think of. The first being that Princess Celestia had somehow injected the knowledge into her mind magically without her knowing. This was doubtful, considering the solar monarch was adamantly against using mind magic on the unwilling or unaware.
The other was that Nightmare Moon was somehow feeding her the knowledge. If that were the case, they were walking right into a trap.
“Girls, be prepared for anything,” she relayed to the others. “I have a feeling she's waiting for us.”
A soft 'eep' preceded an equally soft, “Then, um, maybe we should turn back?”
“And leave the princess to some evil cloud?” Rainbow countered. “No way!”
“Ah gotta agree with Rainbow, here.”
“One can only imagine what awful things that Nightmare Moon is doing to the most glorious mane in Equestria.”
“Not to mention Black Snooty doesn't seem like the type to give her prisoners cupcakes.”
“You can leave if you wish,” Twilight told the shy pegasus.
Fluttershy took a deep breath, “N-no. It wouldn't be right. W-we're in th-this together.”
“Besides, if we know it's a trap, it won't work, right?” Rainbow assured.
Twilight wanted to correct Rainbow Dash's flawed logic, but decided it would only frighten Fluttershy more. Instead, she just said, “Stay alert, and watch each others backs,” and continued on.
It didn't take long after that for them to arrive in a large open room, dominated by a large sculpture, one she recognized as the Alter of Harmony, just as it was depicted in the book.
“We found them!” Twilight cheered as she began levitating them down, Rainbow and Fluttershy helping.
As Twilight looked over the stones, her triumphant smile faltered. “Wait, where's the sixth?”
Twilight looked back to the empty center pedestal, confirming they hadn't forgotten it.
Didn't the book say something about a spark causing it to appear?
“Of course!” Twilight exclaimed.
Gathering her magic into her horn, Twilight began to forge it into pure magical lightning. “Almost there.”
Just before she could finish the spell, a shadow descended upon her, slamming into her and throwing her aside.
“I'm so glad you came,” sang the silkily poisonous voice of Nightmare Moon as she gathered herself up. “I knew you couldn't stay away. We are meant to be together, you and I.”
“Get away from her!” Rainbow Dash bellowed, charging full speed towards the shadow's 'face', only to pass right through and collide hard with the alter.
“It is much too noisy here,” sneered the Nightmare. “Why don't we retire to our chambers, my sweet.”
“No ya don't!” Applejack shouted, leading Pinkie and Rarity in a full cavalry charge.
Before they could reach them, though, Nightmare glided over to the fallen unicorn, taking both her and the Elements of Harmony before rocketing out through the roof towards a distant tower.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Twilight found herself airborne as her abductor touched down in the tallest tower. Thankfully, she was saved from face planting into the floor by a shadowy appendage. Instead of the broken nose she expected, she was set gently upon a stone throne.
“Are we comfy?” Nightmare asked.
Twilight managed to recover enough to level a glare are the shadow beast just as it took its alicorn form and demand, “Where's Princess Celestia?!”
The demon's eyes squinted in confusion. “Princess Celestia?” The shadow flew closer, scrutinizing the young mare. “Hmm... How old are you?”
Twilight was rather taken aback by the question. “Uh... Twenty two...”
“Who are you?”
That really caught Twilight off guard. Nightmare Moon had been acting as if she knew Twilight the whole time. Could this have been just a case of mistaken identity?
“I'm... Twilight Sparkle, personal protege to Princess Celestia.”
Nightmare's tone took a more contemplative tone. “I see.”
“I take it you thought I was somepony else?” Twilight inquired.
“No, you are exactly who I think you are. You simply do not know who you are, despite being well past the age when you should,” Nightmare revealed.
“I know exactly who I am,” Twilight stated, defiantly as she got to her hooves.
In a sudden flash, Twilight was gone. A second pop drew Nightmare's attention back behind her where Twilight reappeared among the Elements of Harmony, horn already charging.
“No!” Nightmare's shout was full of fear as she watched Twilight activate the Elements, magical lightning arcing between each stone.
Only to sputter and die out.
“Wh-what?” Twilight stuttered. “But... how?”
She was answered by Nightmare Moon's laughter. “You foal. You do not even remember how the Elements work! You cannot hope to use them without the sixth. You've lost!” The young unicorn was thrown aside by Nightmare, who with one powerful wave of magic shattered the sacred stones.
As she watched the shards of their only hope scatter, Twilight's despair nearly took over. She had failed. She was Equestria's only hope, and she let everypony down.
But then, something happened. A voice echoed up the stairwell behind her barely audible. A voice she recognized.
“She's up here!” it called.
An epiphany. Honesty, loyalty, kindness, laughter, generosity, something she had been taught long ago, and simply forgot...
“No...” Twilight whispered.
“What was that?” asked Nightmare, her voice still full of arrogance.
“No,” Twilight repeated. “I haven't lost, you have.”
Nightmare's grin turned into a grimace. “Oh? And how do you figure that? You are alone and your precious Elements are destroyed.”
“Wrong on both accounts,” Twilight corrected, mater-of-factly. “I'm not alone and the Elements were never in here for you to destroy.”
“Oh? Then where are they?”
“Right here!” Just as Twilight announced that, five brave ponies burst through the door, leaping to Twilight's side. “These ponies, who followed me, a complete stranger, into harm's way.
“Pinkie Pie, who taught us that a smile can banish any fear, represents the power of Laughter.” The shards of the Element of Laughter shot through the air, circling around the pink pony as she hopped in place.
“Fluttershy, who calmed a raging beast with soft words and a caring heart, represents the power of Kindness.”
Fluttershy blushed a little as the shards took their place around her.
“Applejack, who reassured me when I needed it most, represents the power of Honesty.”
Once again, shards flew through the air to circle the farm mare.
“Rarity, who eased the heart of a distraught sea serpent by sacrificing something precious, represents the power of Generosity.”
The fashion mare watched as the sparkling fragments came to her.
“And Rainbow Dash, who chose her comrades over her own dream, represents the power of Loyalty.”
Rainbow puffed out her chest at the praise, ignoring her new satellites.
Nightmare laughed, “Even so, you still lack the final Element.”
Twilight grinned. “No, we haven't found it because we already had it. It was there when I first met them, it was there when we set off into the Everfree Forest, and it's here now. It only took me until now to realize it. When I finally realized what these five mares have become and let true friendship into my heart, I was chosen by the sixth Element, the Element of Magic!”
At once, the Element shards glowed brightly, closing in around their pony's neck to form a golden necklace adorned by a jewel, each matching its wielder's cutie mark. One by one, they each began to glow as a wind began to pick up.
A pinprick of light seemed to melt from Twilight's chest as she felt the warmth of friendship filling her heart. That tiny mote rose up along with each of the six ponies, growing larger and larger until it began to spread out, encircling Twilight's head. In a blinding flash, a circlet of the finest gold rested upon Twilight's head, an amethyst starburst adorning the crown.
“No! I won't let you take me!” Nightmare Moon gathered all her power into her horn. With a feral scream, she unleashed a beam powerful enough to tear away the very tower in which they stood.
As powerful as that blast was, it was nothing compared to the full might of Harmony itself. The six Elements gathered their power and unleashed it in an aurora of unrivaled power. The rainbow beam collided with Nightmare's like a train hitting a pebble, casting it aside as if it weren't even there.
Like purifying flames, the magic engulfed the Nightmare as she let out a terrified scream. Her essence was pulled into the air as the magical rainbow burned the blackness. Where the flames licked, midnight blue was left until there was nothing left of the inky taint. In one last magical surge, the indigo essence flew toward Twilight Sparkle, enveloping her in its warmth.
Memories flooded Twilight's mind. Whose memories, she did not know, but there was something familiar about them.
She was soaring through the air, lost in the feeling of the wind in her mane. She looked down at Princess Celestia as she watched from below, pride clear on her face.
In a flash it shifted to another.
A little pink unicorn filly lifted a pair of blocks in her magic, setting them on top of several others. The filly looked at her, beaming, and asked, “Did I do good, Princess?”
Another memory.
Anger filled her heart as she watched her sister's fear filled expression. Even now, her sister looked down on her, speaking to her as one would a foal. It broke her heart to know the sister she loved saw her as a lesser when they were meant to be equals.
Now, that broken heart took her soul with it.
“Luna? Who is Luna?” She said spitefully. “I am Nightmare Moon!”
As fast as they came, the visions ceased and the world returned to her.
Twilight's eyes fluttered open to see the night sky high above. With a groan, she pushed herself upright. Around her, she could see Rarity in a similar position, being helped by Applejack, while Rainbow stood over Fluttershy, asking if she was okay.
“Twilight!” came the bubbly voice of Pinkie Pie as pink hooves wrapped around her neck. “Congratulations!”
“Huh?” Twilight replied, her mind still hazy. “For what?”
“For these, silly,” Pinkie cheered as she pulled on Twilight's wing.
Twilight yanked away. “Please don't...” Twilight trailed off as it hit her.
“W-wings...?” She stared at the feathery appendage in shock. “My wings...”
A gasp drew her back to the rest of the world. She turned to see Rarity holding her hooves to her mouth in horror.
Tracing her gaze, Twilight's eyes landed on a large white figure with a long gray mane. Her breath hitched in her throat. She jumped to her hooves and rushed towards the fallen figure.
“Princess!” she called as she slid to her side. “What happened? Are you okay?”
Something wet fell down Twilight's cheeks as she looked upon the once beautiful, ageless face of her mentor, now as wrinkled as old mare. Even her mane hung limp and gray.
Celestia opened her eyes and smiled, weakly. “My dear Twilight... Do... do you remember?”
Twilight shook her head, trying to rid herself of the haze that began to engulf her. “I... I don't understand it. What happened?”
Celestia placed her hoof on the younger mare's cheek. “I finally got you back.”
“Wh-what?” Twilight stuttered. “I only left yesterday.”
Celestia's smile fell slightly. “No, I lost you one thousand years ago, today.”
A sudden spike of pain lanced through her head.
Everfree palace was in shambles. Their battle had already left several towers and walls in ruin, but the ends justified the means. Celestia was beaten.
Nightmare Moon laughed in triumph as her dear 'sister' crashed through the throne room. Savoring the victory, she glided down.
Her victory was cut short by a sudden flash of light from below. The roof of the throne room burst open, revealing Celestia wielding the Elements of Harmony.
“Stop this, now!” the day princess commanded.
Her rage at her sister's arrogance overrode any caution. She dared to wield the weapon that they wielded together as equals to finally unravel the harmony they built.
She wove her spell, confident the Elements wouldn't betray her as well.
She was wrong.
When she let loose her spell, the Elements power surged forward.
Twilight gasped for breath.
“Twilight?” Rainbow Dash ventured. “Are you okay.”
“Is the princess okay?” Rarity added.
“No,” Celestia answered. “I've held on too long, already.”
“Wh-what?” Twilight asked, in wide eyed shock. “What do you mean?”
Celestia smiled softly. “I should have passed on three hundred years ago, but I could not leave my ponies alone... And I couldn't let you return alone.
“I'm confident you will be fine until my return. For now, I must say fare well, my dear sister.”
Twilight shook her head clear. “P-Pr-Princess! You're just tired from your ordeal. We'll get you to a doctor, and...”
Twilight froze, staring into the peaceful, lifeless eyes of her mentor as they seemed to look past her.
“P... Princess?” Twilight begged for the mare to speak, tears pouring from her eyes.
Twilight wrapped her hooves around Celestia's neck, holding the mare tight as she let out her sorrows. The only comfort was the five sets of hooves gently holding her, sharing in her grief.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Six mares trudged from the forest, silent and crestfallen. They set out to rescue Princess Celestia, and failed... Yet, they weren't sure if they were victorious or not. In truth, they weren't even sure what happened.
Everything was so confusing, especially for Twilight.
The entire way back, one question was going through her mind; Who am I?
Was she really Twilight Sparkle, or were those memories truly hers. If they were, what would that mean for her, her family, her new friends... for Equestria as a whole.
As the six entered the town proper, heads low in shame and defeat, they were met by someone Twilight hadn't expected.
“Twily!” called out a very concerned voice.
Twilight looked up to see a very familiar stallion, garbed in the purple armor of a captain.
“Sh-Shining Armor? What are you doing here?” Twilight called back as she ran to meet him.
Shining Armor pulled Twilight into a comforting hug. “Twily, are you okay?”
“Shiny,” Twilight cried into his fur. “I'm so confused. I-I-I-”
“Shh, it's okay, Twilight,” Shining Armor held her tighter, stroking her mane. “It's okay, I know.”
Twilight pulled away and looked up at him. “You... know?”
Shining armor averted his eyes in shame. “I wanted to tell you so badly, but the princess swore me to secrecy.”
“Is it true?” Twilight asked, her eyes pleading with her brother for something to make sense of it all. Shining Armor, though, could only nod.
“Then... I'm really not me,” Twilight said, sounding defeated. “I'm not really Twilight Sparkle.”
Shining lifted her chin with a hoof, looking into her eyes with determination. “No, you'll always be Twilight Sparkle, just like Princess Celestia was still Sunny Sky... And you will always be my sister.”
Twilight leaned into Shining Armor to hold him tighter.
“So, why don't you introduce me to your friends,” Shining said, looking for a happier topic.
Twilight looked back to see her friends milling about quite a bit behind them. “What are you girls doing way back there?”
Applejack answered, “It would'a been mighty rude to interrupt your little moment with your coltfriend, here.”
“Coltfriend?!” Twilight shouted, horrified at the implication.
“Applejack, really,” Rarity admonished her farmer friend. “It's obvious he isn't her coltfriend.
“Thank you, Rarity.”
“He's her husband.”
“Whoa, nice job,” Rainbow congratulated. “He's pretty hot.”
“He's my brother!” Twilight yelled before things could get worse.
“Oh my, I am so sorry,” Rarity apologized.
“So does that mean you're single?” Rainbow Dash asked, flying up close and giving the stallion a suggestive grin.
The pegasus was pulled back by a lavender aura. “This,” She began, glaring at her friend, “is Rainbow Dash. The others are Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy.”
“Howdy.”
“Pleasure.”
“Hi!”
“He-hello.”
Twilight's smile fell as her mind went back to the castle in the Everfree. “Shiny... The princess...”
“It's okay, I know,” Shining said. “I have a squad retrieving her remains.”
Twilight looked up at the starry night. “What are we going to do now? It's still night, and without Princess Celestia...”
“Without Princess Celestia, we'll turn to her sister,” Shining stated, looking sympathetically at Twilight.
“B-but...”
Shining placed his hoof on her withers and said, “Princess Celestia said you wouldn't remember everything, but she also said that this is something so deeply ingrained, you can't forget it.”
Twilight bit her lip, eyes darting back and forth before nervously saying, “Okay... I'll try.”
“Wait,” Shining said, “Over here.”
He led her to town square, and cleared his throat. “Citizens of Equestria.” His voice was amplified by his magic. “I am honored to announce, after one thousand years, Princess Luna!”
Twilight's eyes widened. All around her, ponies took to one knee, bowing to her.
She swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry. Her eyes gazed upward to the moon.
I'm not ready for this... but... Equestria needs me.
She took a deep breath, releasing it slowly and igniting her horn.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
The golden chariot soared through the sky, leaving the pristine walls of Canterlot behind, pulled by a pair of strong pegasus guards. As they made their way away from the capital, the two passengers went over a few last minute issues.
“Proposition one forty two, propositioned by Fancy Pants...” started Spike.
“The one that raising tariffs on companies that outsource.” Twilight verified. “Make a note to discuss adding tax breaks to companies that open factories in Equestrian cities with higher unemployment.”
“Done, I'll set up a meeting once we get back. So, are we Twilight, now?”
“At least until Monday,” Twilight confirmed.
“Thank Celestia,” the dragon said before realizing it and giving his boss a sheepish look. “Sorry.”
To Spike's surprise, Twilight just smiled. “That's alright. It's fine.”
“We're coming up on Ponyville, your highness,” one of the pegasi called back. “You might want to get ready.”
“You heard him, Spike,” Twilight said. “Hop on.”
Spike scrambled up onto his 'big sister's' back, wrapping his arms around her neck and giving her the 'okay'. With her ward secured, Twilight kicked off the chariot, plummeting towards the ground far below.
This was something that she had grown to love these past several months, the feeling of the wind in her fur, the thrill of taunting death. It was something she had loved for centuries, if the few memories that had returned to her told her anything. Spike had grown rather fond of it as well, truth be told.
As much as she enjoyed it, though, she didn't want to make a scene, and spread her wings, ending her dive early.
“I can't wait to get my wings,” Spike said over the wind as they glided into town.
“What brings a princess to our little town?” called a voice that brought a smile to Twilight's face.
“Princess, where?” Twilight said, feigning ignorance.
Rainbow Dash laughed as she came up alongside her alicorn friend. “You wanna race?”
Twilight smirked, “After we meet the others.”
“You're on!” Rainbow cheered and took off, likely to tell the others their friend has arrived.
Twilight came to land just outside one of her favorite spots, Sugarcube Corner. She was greeted with the usual from the townsponies, most just greeting her like normal, others unable to put aside her station. She preferred the former, but didn't fault the later. How many times had Celestia tried to get her to drop the title when in private. Of course, now she realized why.
Pushing those thoughts aside, she walked into the bustling bakery. There, at their usual corner table, were her five best friends. They all gave a wave upon seeing her, which she eagerly returned.
“Hey'ya Twi,” greeted Applejack as Twilight sat down. “How's it been? Ah hope the nobles ain't given’ you too much trouble.”
“Oh, no. Most of them are decent, enough,” Twilight assured. “It's just stressful. I don't know how Tia did it by herself for a thousand years.”
“Not to mention that she had to extend her life with forbidden magic,” Pinkie added, much to everypony's annoyance. At least she had enough sense to look apologetic afterwards. “Which... I probably shouldn't have mentioned.”
“It's fine,” Twilight replied. “It's the truth, and something I should remember. Because of my jealousy, she had to use soul magic. After so long, who knows how long it'll take her to be reborn, or if she will be at all.”
“I'm sure she will be, just you wait,” Fluttershy assured.
“Thanks,” Twilight said with a soft smile. “So what's been going on with you, girls?”
“I've finished the designs on your dress for the Gala,” Rarity cheered as she pulled a sketch from a bag beside her to show her friend. “As you can see, I haven't colored it, yet, but this part here will be a dark navy blue, shifting into a diamond studded indigo of light, flowing silk, to match your mane. The slippers are, of course, silver, and the broach is amethyst.”
“I love it, Rarity,” Twilight said, happily.
“Yeah, it's beautiful,” agreed Spike, dreamily, not even looking at the sketch.
“You already know I pulled off the sonic rainboom,” Rainbow said, smugly.
“Yes, and it was incredible,” Twilight said, honestly.
“Nothin' here,” Applejack said.
“Um, Mrs Otter had pups,” Fluttershy offered, not sure if that was important enough.
“Oh, I have to see them,” Twilight declared.
“Oh! Speaking of that, Mrs Cake had two! Foals, I mean, not pups. Because, if she had pups, that would be weird. I mean, who's ever heard of an otter and pony having babies, or a dog and a pony. Maybe a diamond dog, but most of them are meanies. What would a diamond pony even look like? Or would it be a pony dog?”
Twilight just giggled, “Diamond dogs and ponies aren't genetically compatible, so that wouldn't happen.”
“Aww, that's a shame,” Pinkie continued. “I mean, foals are adorable, and puppies are adorable, so just imagine how super incredadorable a foalpup would be!”
This got a round of laughter out of everyone.
Their conversation was cut short by a frantic Mister Cake running through, searching high and low. He turned towards the group of friends and asked, “Have you girls seen a little filly floating through the walls?”
“Uh... No, we haven't,” Applejack managed to say, confusion in her tone.
As if on cue, a yellow blur fell onto Twilight's head.
“Ah!” Mister Cake began to panic, but his fears were unneeded, as Twilight just lifted the tiny thing and brought it in front of her. The two locked eyes for a moment, the filly and the princess caught in a staring contest until the filly giggled and lunged forward to latch onto Twilight's muzzle. “I am so sorry, princess.”
Twilight brought her attention back to Mister Cake, smiled and said, “There isn't any princesses here, Mister Cake, just Twilight. I’m on vacation for the weekend.”
“Oh, right,” the lanky stallion replied, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
“Why, hello, there,” Twilight said to the little filly as she held her. “You said she floated through walls?”
As if to answer, the filly glowed in her own aura and began levitating around the room, passing through the ceiling and back down.
“Wow... That's remarkable. A foal at her age casting high level magic on instinct,” Twilight praised. “In a few years, when I get better settled into my role, I was planning on taking a student. Maybe I'll take her on when she gets old enough.”
Carrot Cake's jaw dropped. With a shake to clear it out, he said, “I-it would be an honor. Thank you!”
When the excited stallion ran off to tell his wife the good news, Rarity spoke up. “That was quite good of you, Twilight, but isn't she a bit young for you to decide?”
Twilight smiled. “Not at all. If she shows that kind of talent at such an age, it's almost a guarantee she'll retain that into adulthood. Besides, I want to do for another what Celestia did for me.”
Pinkie pondered on that before replying with, “Yeah, but, Princess Celestia only took you on because you're the reincarnation of her sister.”
Twilight’s only reply was a knowing smile.