The Passing of Time

by Skylas

Dead Stop... Almost.

There was an odd sense of dread as I lead the others to the Town Hall, much of the merriment from lunch had dissipated quickly, everyone was as quiet as Fluttershy, even Pinkie.

"Hey, Maybe it's just an odd coincidence, we have had odder things happen to us." I tried to reassure the rest of the group about the thought, but it seemed everyone had been thinking hard.

"I don't know Twilight, it's just incredibly odd that we haven't had a single change, even Pinkie, and you know how much she eats and moves about. No offense Pinkie." Rarity had given Pinkie Pie an apologetic smile, who had responded with a giggle.

"It's fine! But, I doooo think it's a bit crazy!" Pinkie had given a bright smile, accompanied by a more worried smile a moment later.

I couldn't help but frown for a moment, why was such a simple thing troubling all of us so much, I feel we all knew that this could mean something big, and it felt big... I had no more time to ponder as I entered the Town Hall with my friends in tow. I looked about the room and noticed everything had been prepared for the celebration, I couldn't help but smile at Rarity's work.

"Wow, It looks beautiful Rarity..." I had looked up at the decor which prompted a smile from Rarity.

"I'm glad you think so Twilight, however, as much as I enjoy hearing my work appreciated... Isn't there a more pressing issue at the moment?" Rarity had given me a gentle tap and I snapped back to reality.

"Right. Listen, I am sure everything will be fine, if anything I am sure there is some good news behind this." I smiled back at the others as I lead them further.

"Ah sure hope so Twi. Somethin' bout' this whole thing gives me the willies." Applejack had given a small sigh, seeming to speak what had been on everypony's minds.

It seemed like an eternity, but we finally made it to the inner Town Hall. We were instantly greeted by Princess Celestia, and unexpectedly, Princess Luna.

"Welcome to Ponyville Princesses." I had given a small bow to the two of them, the others had followed suit, Celestia and Luna had bowed back.

"There really is no reason to be so formal Twilight, the celebration isn't just yet.~" Celestia had smiled down at me, giving a warm disposition.

"Indeed, though, something makes me believe you came here for a reason." Luna had given her sister a rather concerned look. Celestia nodded back at her sister.

"So, Twilight. What do you have to ask me?" Celestia had turned dead serious, I felt nervous, almost as if they knew what I was about to ask.

"Two years ago, You sent me here to organize this very event, however... That night had turned out completely different, I met my best friends, and had started my study on the magic of friendship." I looked back and smiled at my friends, who had all smiled back, "While, I always look back at that day as a great moment, as it also marked your sister becoming free once again." Celestia had given Luna a small smile, who was still staring at me, only stopping to take a glance at Fluttershy, "As fond as those memories are... Since that night, I noticed that, well. None of us have changed a bit, not a single hair out of place, not even a wrinkle." Celestia's face seemed to contort, as if she expected it, "We were wondering, would you might know what could cause such a thing?" Luna nodded to her sister, who had frowned afterwards.

"Twilight." Celestia and Luna had stated in unison.

"Y-Yes?" I faltered, not expecting the answer to come so quickly.

"I believe it is time you learned more about the Elements of Harmony." Celestia had stated, giving Luna a small nod as they took a seat, motioning for us to do the same. We all sat, I took a look back at my friends, who all had a look of concern on their faces.

"As you know, the Elements of Harmony come from the Tree of Harmony... The magic the tree contains is ancient, those who control the Elements are permanently linked to the Tree's magic, the simple explanation is..." Celestia stopped and let her sister pick up the statement.

"You and your friends, as the wielders of the Elements, aging process has been significantly slowed, almost to a halt, as the Tree has been around for longer than any of us, being linked to the tree allows you to keep wielding them past your normal lifetime." Luna had looked at me for a long time, taking another glance at Fluttershy.

I could hear the collective murmur of my friends behind me, I could hear questions, I had started to panic for a moment before Celestia put a hoof on my shoulder.

"I am sure you all have a lot of questions." Celestia gave a slight sigh, "Do not be afraid to ask?"

Applejack was the first to speak, "So, if we're agin' all slow an' whatnot, does that mean... Everyone we know..." I turned to see her cover her face with her hat, she seemed close to tears.

All Celestia did was nod, a somber look in her eyes, I sighed and spoke next, "You both seemed to know why we were here, did somepony tell you?" Luna gave me an odd look.

"In a way, one of you had been dreaming about it for weeks, we knew at some point they would come forward to the rest of you about it." Luna had spoken softly, giving Fluttershy another small glance, who had retreated behind Dash.

"I-I'm sure there are some bright sides right? Like, now we can have all the chocolate we want!" Pinkie had been quick to try and put a positive note on the situation.

"Oh my, Sweetie Belle" Rarity had sighed softly. I couldn't help but think, Rarity's first thoughts had been of her sister, I took a gulp of air, trying to keep calm.

"I had always worried about this day." Celestia looked down at me sadly, embracing me slowly.

"Y-Yeah! Pinkie is right, there are some positives... Like, Now I have forever to practice and become the fastest flier!" Rainbow Dash beamed before she looked around, something seemed to cross her mind, "Ah but, Scootaloo." I watched her scratch the back of her head awkwardly.

An uncomfortable silence had came over the room, I turned to see Rarity and Applejack holding each other, Fluttershy was comforting a very confused looking Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie seemed to just be staring at her hooves, I couldn't quite wrap my head around all the consequences but, it seemed as if everyone else had found their losses first. That's when my own thoughts caught up with me. Spike.

I took a strong gulp, then I looked back up at Celestia before speaking, "The celebration s-should be starting soon." I faltered, trying to keep calm under the quickly mounting sadness in my gut, Celestia gave me a nod.

"I suggest you all take some time and rest, do not think too far ahead, it will only bring sadness." Celestia had given us this final word before leaving the room, Luna had given me a somber look before following her sister out, leaving us in a daze, trying to figure out what exactly this all meant.

Comments

[PonyToneSinger]

Please finish this story! I am completely hooked, and would love to see where it goes

[Skylas]

7084409 Wow, thanks. This story is kinda a rough start though. It's the first story I've written. I'm still learning. This comment made my day.