> The Eternal Crown > by Lin > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Part 1 The Ancient Story > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once upon a longer time, in the troubled land of Equestria. There were two tyrants who fought against each other，and created wars for all the land. To do this, they forcibly recruited the plebeians to wage war in an attempt to annex each other and dominate the world. The war smoke covered and blackened the sky, the sun and the moon were fickle. Generations of plebeians had been sacrificed on the battlefield, and the next generations of plebeians had been requisitioned one after another. The war never stopped. But the two tyrants still had never been able to expand their territory by any inch, and they vowed never give up. So, in order to satisfy their ambitions, the two frenzied tyrants unleashed the Dark Magic: The Eternal Life Spell. They enchanted the spell on the sacred artifacts that symbolized their status, and in order to consolidate their domination, they also cast more other spells so that the sacred artifacts could not be destroyed, and only could be taken off by themselves. The oppressed plebeians had to continue obeying their tyrants, making the war endless. But as time went on, the plebeians began to be dissatisfied with the tyrants who had long occupied the throne, demanding that they hoofed over their power. However, the cunning tyrants had long been prepared to deceive them: They would give the throne to their descendants，in order to continue their ambitions. Actually, they had no descendant yet, no pony knew who it was, so no pony realized that this transfer of power was actually a patrimonialism. It was only a matter of time for the powerful tyrants to have descendants. And immortality wasn’t limited by time. However, the tyrants never expected that the Eternal Life Spell had a side effect: Infertility. Therefore, the time of hoofing over the throne was delayed centuries by centuries, and they did not trust anypony around them. In order to maintain their eternal rule, they had to use more brutal means to suppress the plebeians and make them dare not oppose. The war still never stopped yet. Gradually, the land began unable to withstand the pressure of long wars, and resources became scarce. The plebeians begged the tyrants could open up their hoarded granaries and save their humble lives. Tyrants, of course, didn’t care about their lives at all. The anger that had accumulated countless generations of oppression had finally erupted. The plebeians finally realized that they were nothing more than tyrants' tools of war. They took up their weapons and began to resist the tyrants who had oppressed them for thousands of years. However, the cowardly plebeians were not the opponents of the powerful tyrants at all. Again, countless generations were entangled in this war. As the time went by, the tyrants also found that their granaries were almost exhausted. Obviously，it’s no way to expect plebeians to turn in anything. Finally, under the dual pressure of popular resistance and lack of resources, the tyrants had no choice. They knelt in front of the plebeians and took off the holy artifacts by themselves. The moment the sacred artifacts were just taken off, the moment when the blessing of the Eternal Life Spell was lost. The longevity had stopped tens of thousands of years recalculated at once, which was far beyond physical tolerance. The two tyrants were turned into the stone immediately, and then ashed. The holy artifacts fell onto the ground, not only no one dared to go forward to get them, but also stay away. Who could lead everyone to peace, who could restore this barren land, and who could clean up this mess? Who wouldn’t be confused by power and not become the next eternal tyrant? Suddenly, there were two sisters who rushed out of the crowd. They scooped up the holy artifacts that fell to the ground with their slender unicorns, put them on, and announced: "From now on, our two sisters will lead everyone to rebuild this place and create harmony for all the land!" ............ As for the later story, I believe you must have known it. Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria…… > Part 2 The Smriti of Friendship > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “It’s the first time for me to hear this story. I read widely, even the restricted section of royal library, but why it was never found in any books? On a someday soon after the coronation, also before the two former princesses going to leave the Canterlot, Twilight was informed to a room alone. “This story had been already forgotten after such a long time. Nowadays, only the ponies in this room know about it. In addition, such tempting magical artifacts, it’s easy to imagine that how dangerous it will be once this secret is spread. Countless evils must scramble for it, and the land will be at war again,” said Celestia. “So……where are these artifacts now?” “Stop pretending dumb.” Celestia came to Twilight and touched the crown on her head. Twilight staggered, “Rea……really? So this is the secret that you can live for thousands of years?” The two sisters nodded. “The two tyrants in the story were ashed once they took off the crown, but……you're still alive?” Twilight, used to be a top student, had developed a habit of asking questions to everything, no scruples, let alone in front of her mentor. “We won’t be crazy like them to wear the crowns all the time of course. We will take them off sometimes. So, when our longevity recalculated, it won’t be too much for our physical tolerance. What’s more, these crowns will have to be hoofed over sooner or later.” However，there was still one question that Twilight had never asked yet. “We all know that since you finished Starswirl’s spell, you must have such doubt, so we have been waiting for you to ask. And today, we are going to leave, but you still didn’t ask, so we have to come to you.” Obviously, Twilight had been seen through long ago. It’s impossible to hide from her mentor, let alone Celestia, who had thousands of years of experience. Twilight bowed her head in shame: “Because……I don’t want to know the answer. Technically, I’m afraid to face the answer.” Celestia spread her wings and hugged Twilight. “Now that you know the answer, do you feel better?” “Hum……” Twilight nodded ashamedly. “Since the crowns cannot be destroyed, why not try to hide them?” Twilight adjusted herself and asked. “Are you sure they won’t be found forever? Once the crowns are uncovered, even by the ordinary ponies, they will be addicted to the power easily and bring back disasters again. For this reason, the safest way to ‘hide’ them is wearing them. Anyway, no pony else know about this secret.” “But why did you decide to take them off eventually? During your reign, the land is in harmony, no pony seems to be displeased with you. It’s reasonable for you to keep ruling the Equestria together.” “Are you sure that the Equestria has always been peaceful?” Luna asked back but with a calm tone, “Do you forget that the tragedy almost happened again?” Nightmare Moon. She was talking about herself. Even the two close sisters, there still had conflict. If Celestia hadn’t solved it quickly and properly at that time, it’s certain that Equestria would be at war again. Let alone the two tyrants mentioned in the story, who was antagonistic to each other. “So, in order to avoid the conflict between you two and cause the total war again, you decided to take off the crowns, gave up the power and the immortality, combined two crowns into one, then hoofed it over to me alone. Therefore, there won’t be two eternal goddesses fight each other?” Celestia shook her head. “If this is the reason, we can hoof over the crown to another pony with a strong sense of self-discipline and understanding of governance instead. And there are never shortage of them in the royals.” “Or just because I’m your faithful student, also I’m a princess of friendship?” asked Twilight. “Let me ask you first. The crown you are wearing now, will you never take it off?” Celestia didn’t answer her question directly. “I won’t, of course! Because I’m not for the supreme power and status, but friendship.” “Good. Since you're not going to wear it forever, what's the reason for you to take it off?” “It’s friends! I will never leave my friends! If my friends can’t be there with me at the end, this friendship will be meaningless at all.” Twilight answered in a very determined tone, without hesitation. She recalled during the first time to face with Tirek. She gave up her magic to exchange her friends. At that time, she clearly knew that Tirek would dispose of them at the next second. They were ready for sacrifice. She also still remembered that not long ago, they battled with Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Glow near the Canterlot. At the last moment, when facing three beams of lethal lasers, she hugged tightly with her friends, feeling the last warmth in the chilliness. She wasn’t scared at the moment, because her best friends could be there with her at the end. No matter what the destiny, we will face it together! “Great. But there are so many ponies in Equestria, why not try to make other new friends instead, and start another new adventure?” Celestia kept asking. “I’m sure that these five friends of mine are the sincerest friends I have ever met. We are worthy to be lifelong friends and can never be replaced. Even if I prolong my life, I will never find such friends. There is no doubt that they are the best friends I have made in Equestria, no other else!” “So who will you give it to when you take the crown off?” “A suitable successor, of course.” “Then who can be a suitable successor?” Twilight had answered fluently before, but she was paused for a while by this long-term question. However, facing the constant questioning from Celestia, Twilight knew that it’s a text, she must give a clear answer. This successor must not be addicted to the power, no more selfishness, but very intelligent at the same time. What can make it happen? Looking at yourself, it’s friendship! “Someone who knows about the sincere friendship.” “Then how to select?” Twilight thought for a little while, an answer came to her mind quickly. “Making friends, just like you asked me to do at the first time.” The two former princesses nodded. Twilight suddenly realized that there was something more than the answer. She could image that, sometime in the future, the time for her to hoof over the crown, she will ask the same questions to the successor, in order to make sure the crown will be delivered to the friendship emissary. The successor will do the same thing again. Then generation after generation……passing on down to generations yet to come. The crown will be always hoofed over to friendship emissary! This was definitely the most sacred way to spread the friendship! She could not help admiring the way that that Celestia dealt with the crowns. If it came to Twilight, she must read various books and racked her brains to destroy them, or try to hide them in a place that would never be found forever instead. At the ancient time, the initiator of evil of continual wars were that two crowns, the dark, evil magical artifacts. But then, they were on the head of Celestia and Luna, technically, was wearing on her head now, it turned out to be the holly artifact that can spread the friendship constantly. The two sisters knew that what Twilight was thinking, smiles steamed on their faces, no longer the grave expression. Suddenly, a very serious problem came to Twilight’s mind. “But……what if I can’t find a successor? Or, it will take a long time for me to find one?” Twilight clearly knew that, if she can’t hoof over the crown to the next successor before aging that she should be, it meant that her best friends would pass away one by one in front of her eyes. “It’s the time already come now, and you still have so little confidence in yourself? Complaining you're still not ready yet? You are the princess, the ruler, and this is the responsibility of you. If you can't do it, you must bear the consequences!” Celestia’s answer was so harsh that Twilight was scared and couldn't hold her head up. “But it had taken more than thousand years for you to find a pony who knew about the friendship like me, hadn't it?” Celestia calmed down her tone, “We were not looking for successors over these thousands of years. During the first one thousand year, we controlled the sun and moon regularly to revive the land and creatures. Then we spent much time finding out a proper way to deal with these crowns, make sure they would be in the right hooves. Then again, we just got start to seek out successors. During this period, we experienced countless failures and betrayals, until today.” “You mean Sunset Shimmer?” “Yes.” Celestia nodded. “And she was just one of them. She used to be my faithful student that I had cultivated for decades, so close to success. However, I heard that she had been reformed by your friendship power, remember how long it took you?” “Just……three days!” The answer Twilight said even herself couldn’t believe it. It took Twilight only three days to solve Celestia’s problem which had troubled Celestia for decades. “So, are you still underestimating yourself?” Under the influence of friendship, it turned out that she had already grown so strong and had a qualitative leap. The greatest spell you know, is how the magic of friendship grows. Before Twilight giving any answer, Celestia led her to the window. This was the room at the top of the castle, the whole Canterlot could be overlooked from here, including the ponyville away from here. It’s the dusk of the Hearth’s Warming Eve, the sky looked a little darker with light snow. Families were busy preparing for the holiday. In the past, Canterlot was a habitation only for noble unicorns. The upper classes were bossy, self-centered, and full of estrangement. Nowadays, every kind of the species could be seen everywhere, they’re all in harmony. Through other buildings windows, they could even see the shades of Changeling and Griffin were toasting together. All the creatures were enjoyable, without any dispute and jarring noise. Obviously now in Canterlot, even the whole Equestria, it’s much easier to develop friendship with a stranger than before, friendship has connected all the land. And all these changes，were attributed to her and her friends. Starting from ponyville, making friends, and the Friendship Diary, then the School of Friendship, and now Twilight as the princess of friendship, was standing on the top of Equestria. She finally realized that she deserved the title of Princess of Friendship, no longer just a mascot, and more than the rainbow laser. But a definitely true Princess of Friendship, who can create friendship for all the land! “Obviously we are always making the right choice. Twilight, just like your name, when the sun and moon leave the sky, the Equestria belongs to you. A new era has come, the era belongs to you. No one knows about friendship more than you.” The Friendship Era. She had never imagined that she would come so far, standing at such a height, looking down upon her own kingdom. “I still remember, when you sent me to ponyville, asked me to make some friends, I complained that the fate of Equestria did not rest on me making friends. But I just know now, the fate of Equestria is truly resting on friendship.” “Actually when I sent you to ponyville just for against the Nightmare Moon. I had never expected anything like this. Maybe this is the power of Magic of Friendship.” At this moment, Twilight felt more moved than ever before, and was moved by herself. “Well.” Celestia and Luna turned around, “In such an important festival, don’t keep your friends waiting, it doesn’t seem like what princess of friendship does. And it’s time for us to be on way.” Twilight was looking at the back of the two former princesses, just finding that their long mane was no more waving smoothly, also the pace was not as steady as they used to be. Because they had taken off the crowns! Was this the last time she met with them? She even didn’t know where they would rest. Thinking of this, Twilight hurried to catch up with them. "Where……are you going? Or I should say, where can I find you?" Of course, she didn't dare to ask where the royal tomb was. “The Silver Stable Community of course. Remember to visit us often in your free time.” Celestia answered calmly. > Part 3 The youngers surpassed the elders > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “It’s your turn now Rainbow Dash. Throw your dices,” said Spike, the game host. Many moons later…… They were all retired, no more tedious business, but leisurely life only. Two dice rolled on the board for several rounds, showing a total of 13. “Well……”Spike turned to the Game Guide which was full of dense little letters. One of his giant claw was moving on it to search the rules, another one was adjusting his presbyopic glasses. “Long time no see, Ogres & Oubliettes, you had changed so much, I have to learn about you again.” “Is something awesome going to happen? Something like my Ranger will reach the goal immediately? I miss the pleasure of soaring so badly!” Rainbow Dash flapped her aging wings. “Something very bad happens actually, the Ogre roars, all the players have to stand back seven steps, or pause one round in place.” It took some time for Spike to look for the statement from the Game Guide. What an unlucky number. Rainbow gave a face of disappointment, more wrinkles appeared on it, just like the blue sky was fulled of clouds. “Yeehaw!” Applejack let out her familiar shout, but now just sound like Granny Smith. “My character figure Armed Solider when he’s targeted by effects, he can immune it one time. Here’s my chance!” “No, Applejack,” said Twilight sat beside her, “the roar of the Ogre affects all the players instead of targeting anyone. So, your character can not immune the effect.” “What's the difference?” Applejack scratched her hat in puzzled. “So many years have passed, y’re still a verbalist, Twilight.” Twilight responded with an embarrassed smile. She knew Applejack wanted to ridicule that she’s such a bookworm actually. But Twilight never mind, she did still love reading during the retired life. “OK, OK.” Spike drew their attention back to the game. “Make your choice, pause or stepping back.” “I chose to step back，but it will back to the starting point.” Twilight made her decision and moved back the figure. Then the board where her figure was standing on suddenly opened a trap door, the figure fell into it, with a sound of scream and several confetti coming out from the trap. “Surprise! Gotcha!” That’s obviously what Pinkie did. “The Tricky’s trap is activated.” It did surprise Twilight, who was trying to soothe her pounding heart and adjust her breath because of this unexpectation. It’s a symptom of hypertension. “Pinkie……would you please stop doing that? Nursing stable is not a right place for surprising party. Huh……Huh……Beside，how did you come up with setting a trap here and when did you do it?” “Pinkie sense, it never fails me. And I did it just two rounds before, silly.” Twilight facehoofed, it seemed that Pinkie sense was a problem she would never figure out in her whole life. And the purple alicorn was worried about her memory. She rubbed her head to check out if there were something wrong. “According to the new game rule, a Chain occurs when an effect activated immediately following another one , then it will……” Spike looked into the Game Guide again and tried to explain the new game system. “That’s not correct, Spike. A Chain occurs when an effect activates in response to anther activation, then effects began to resolve starting with the effect that was Chained last. But it’s clearly that the effect of the Ogre had resolved before the trap. Believe me, I have been studying it all night.” Twilight spoke like a book again, as if she was the game host, but nopony can understand it. Although everypony was aged, their organs began to decline, it seemed that only Twilight could keep her brain smart. She was still good at studying just like she’s young. “Oh my Luster, do all the young ponies like playin’ such complicated games today?” Applejack couldn’t follow the game. “Last week, I backed to Sweet Apple Acres, my nephew reported to me about the future business plan, somethin’ like financin’ listin’ with Pears, it made me felt like the mixed fruit jam was stirrin’ in my head.” “No wonder Sweetie Bell was so proud that her son won the Equestria championship of this board game a month ago.” Rarity was talking about her similar experience. “Darling, times had changed, just like my design had been out of fashion, even out of retro, our era had gone.” Rarity was right. As time went by, the legendary heroines who had saved the Equestria many times, now had gradually faded from public. Today, their stories could be found in the library, but few ponies would talk about them again. However, it’s good for them, so that they can led a peaceful retired life. They didn’t want to be disturbed by groups of followers asking for autographs or something when they were in the Stable Community. When Spike turned back his head from the Game Guide, his long dragon moustache accidentally knocked over all the things on the chessboard. No one remembered where their figures supposed to be, but no one complained. What a perfect time to end this cumbersome game. “Oh no, this is a limited edition one, I can’t miss any accessory of them.” Spike tried to squat down and looked under the table, but his giant body prevented him from doing that. Everypony began to help Spike to find the accessories on the ground. “No wonder Discord never opened the package, he also has this one. And he waited in line for over three hours at the fair to buy it.” Fluttershy responded as she looking for figures on the ground. “It doesn’t make sense. He can get it just by snapping his fingers instead, why he didn’t do that?” asked Spike. “His magic power has weakened too much than before, he even has difficulty in teleporting. Thus, he has to learn how to take a train and other transportation. Last time, he took a pegasus car with me, he was so afraid of height that held me tightly, just like what I used to be.” Fluttershy couldn’t help giggling when she talked about her lover. Actually, Twilight met the same problem as Discord. Nowadays she found that the only spell she could unleash was telekinesis, the most basic spell. “You reminded me something important by mentioning pegasus.” Rainbow Dash looked at the time. “I almost forget today is Wonderbolt Academy graduation ceremony, more elite flyers are going to leave. This time I will bring my Tank and Riptide and figure out who broke my awesome record which I had kept for decades. Time to go.” Then Rainbow Dash went out the room. Minutes later, she took a pegasus taxi and flew away, not by her wings. A group of ponies wearing the same uniform was waiting at the yard gate. And a lop bunny was running towards Fluttershy. “Pinkie, Fallen Angle reminds me that you have arranged to bring your Gummy to my sanctuary today.” Fluttershy gently touched the bunny and said. “Have you gone through the formalities?” “Of course. Gummy ate too much, I hope your staff can get it done. And I’m sure our Cheese Family have gotten ready for the welcome party.” Two pink mane ponies left the community together. “What a coincidence. The spa package my nephew booked for us is also today. Applejack, we haven't done this together for a long time. I'm afraid the remaining years won’t allow us to have next time.” Rarity took out three facial tickets. “I won’t keep him waiting.” “Say no more sugarcube, time to relax. I really want to bring my nephew too, but it's just the harvest season.” No pony could explain such a coincidence. All of them had their own entertainment, except for Twilight and Spike. *** Meanwhile, in the Canterlot. A young unicorn filly came to a large circular arc lecture hall accompanied by his parents. She went to the platform which was surround by auditoriums. There were several grand teachers staring her seriously. “Your highness, Princess Luster. It’s honored that you are my examiner.” The examinee made a bow sincerely. “Raise, my little pony. Welcome to the School for Gifted Unicorns selection test. Now is the final exam. Can you see that crown?” Princess pointed to the crown on the platform. “There is something dirt on it. Your task is clearing it up.” But the crown looked shiny and flawless. “I get it, your highness.” The filly looked at the artifact carefully, then her unicorn began to glow. *** In the afternoon, Twilight was sinking into the easy chair under the sunshine. She just finished the last series which was written by A. K. Yearling, Ahuizotl and Dr Caballeron again. Although she must wear the thick presbyopic glasses to read books clearly, such a little obstacle could never disturb her lifelong hobby and habit. It’s easy to imagine that they’re all enjoy their family happiness, except for Twilight Sparkle…… Because of that crown…… Just when she thought she would spend this boring afternoon alone again, something covered her eyes. “Guess who’s visiting you?” It’s a young stallion voice. She knew whose voice it was. “My adorable grandnephew, of course.” Anyway, grandnephew was also a relative, Twilight would have a family time too at this afternoon. “Can’t you just make a mistake deliberately to delight me, my great-aunt?” “You know you’re the first stallion alicorn in Equestria. Even if you don’t say a word, I can know who you are by feeling your special magical power.” “You’re really the Element of Magic.” Grandnephew took his hoofs off from her eyes, and sat aside. “Wow, you have grown up so much than few months ago, your mum must be very happy about that, I guess.” Twilight noticed that her grandnephew was a head taller than herself. “Ugh……I did grow taller. But actually my mum wasn’t satisfied or even angry with me.” “You grew older but more rebellious, right?” “I guess so. She though it’s time for me to inherit her throne of Crystal Empire. But I don’t want to be a prince at all. I can’t bear to sit on that crystal chair all day long, so stupid.” Actually，being a ruler was not just sitting on a throne, tons of affairs would drive you crazy everyday. “So, what’s your plan after graduation?” “I want to be an athlete!” The young alicorn shouted out his dream proudly. “As you see, I’m an alicorn, I have the power magic of unicorn, the strong wings of pegasus, and the enduring hoofs of earth pony. So I can compete in multiple competitions at the same time. Imaging the picture, hanging several gold medals around my neck, it’s much splendid than wearing a crown on my head. After all, I win this with my own efforts. Moreover, such an all-round body, it’s too wasteful to be a royal decoration.” Crystal Empire, athlete, then Twilight recalled Spike’s heroic deeds in the past time. But now the aged dragon was fast asleep in his room. “It’s easy to get jealous because you win all the prizes alone by the advantage of alicorn.” Twilight pointed the issue, but not for disagreeing with him. “I did worry about this. It’s well known that,” said grandnephew, “alicorns are only at the top of the royal family. So I just think, if I can spread my alicorn gene to the public, the unfairness may be eliminated. Long time ago, ponies were torn apart into three tribes by hatred. But they lived in harmony ever afterword. Nowadays, more creatures have joined in our ponies family, except for alicorn. And I’m ready to make it happen.” “You said you’d get ready? Or you meant you’d got a love partner? Could you tell me who is it?” The stallion blushed. “I won’t tell you temporally. But we had an appointment this morning.” He kept her great-aunt guessing. Maybe this’s the dessert of love, but Twilight had no more chance to taste it. “You’d told me so much about your dream, and you hope me to convince your mum Flurry Heart?” Twilight stopped the guessing game and back to the conversation which she cared about. “On the contrary. My mum wanted you to convince me to follow her.” He looked upset. Twilight giggled. “Poor my niece, she asked for help to a wrong pony, but you did it right.” “Really? Do you support me?” The young alicorn was excited to hear that and even spread his wings wide. Twilight nodded. “Nopony can invade other’s dreams, neither the princess nor your mother. Just trust your own choice and follow your heart.” “I’m afraid she will emit an angry-laser to destroy the Crystal Castle after hearing what you said.” “Relax, she will listen to me.” Technically, Twilight was not sure. Flurry Heart was very hard to take care when she was a baby. She said so only to comfort her grandnephew, but Twilight did support him from the bottom of her heart. “You really are the beloved former Princess of Equestria. Even your words are so pleasing.” Something important came to his mind, another reason why he visited Twilight. “At this morning, Princess Luster said there’s something very important for you.” He took out a pack from his saddle bag. “I don’t know what it is inside. Anyway, Princess emphasized that it must be delivered to your hoofs, and only you can see what is it inside.” Twilight took the pack and felt weight, still had no idea. But it shouldn’t be a book that she forgot to return for a long time. “What about few rounds of chess, I always win Spike without any challenge. I’m looking for a new opponent.” “Great!” Before the game began, grandnephew had something to ask. “What’s dream when you’re young? To become the Princess of Friendship or even the ruler of Equestria?” Twilight found herself had difficulty in answering this question. During her childhood, she studied hard all day long just for ostentating her knowledge but never thought about her dream. She became an alicorn, the Princess of Friendship, was just an accident. Let alone to be a ruler of Equestria. Then thought about her friends. Pinkie pie maybe want to become a baker, but she decided to create the laughter and happiness for all land. Rarity wanted her branch boutiques were located in all over the Equestria and led the fashion. Applejack could take over the Sweet Apple Acres and continued to thrive. Rainbow Dash determined to join in the Wonderbolt and became the most awesome flyer in the Equestria. Fluttershy devoted to protecting all kinds of animals and made home for them. Their ideals were established in the very early time already. But for herself, she had never thought about what her dream was, what she wanted to be. When the moment that Celestia and Luna announced they were going to retire and hoofed over the throne to her, she still wasn’t ready, even felt scared. “My dream was……given by Celestia actually.” As a senior, Twilight felt humiliated in front of the youth. In fact, it’s princess “invaded” her dream. *** After her grandnephew left, Twilight went back to her room alone and unpacked the parcel, just as the princess requested. It’s that crown inside! No wonder princess emphasized that only she could take it. But why she did it? She recognized it immediately, even though the cutie mark-shaped gem on it had changed a lot. A letter attached inside the box. It’s been a long time that Twilight hadn’t receive a letter since Luster Dawn graduated from her. It made her miss the time that she used to write letters to Princess Celestia so badly. That’s full of memories! Dear Twilight Sparkle: This parcel should be delivered by myself, and I’m sorry I haven’t been to visit you for a long time. I’m occupied in the royal affairs all the time, so I know you can understand. I’m sure you must be very shocked about this, and want to ask why I did it. Since you told me about the story about this crown, I always considered it’s a burden to create friendship for all around Equestria under the supervision of that crown. I just felt like being forced to do that, it made me feel sick. In my opinion, we should spread friendship from the bottom by our hearts sincerely and actively. And I knew I wasn’t a Princess of Crown for protecting the artifact. Therefore, in fact, I’ve been hiding from you to find out ways to purify this crown all along. Luckily, a potential young unicorn did it in this morning, she rid out the Immortal Spell successfully from it, and she was the same age as you were when you started school, you know what I mean right? You may be worried the smriti of friendship will be broken off without the constraint of that crown, and evils will come back. But I’m very sure that it will not happen anymore. Do you remember the task you gave me and my friends? You released Tirek, Chrysalis and Cozy Glow from the stone and asked us to use our friendship power to reform them. You said you’ve done something similar in the past and succeeded. The task we had was three times harder than yours, but it turns out just as you’d expect, we did, which is unbelievable in retrospect. I sprouted my wings at that time. More importantly, their repentance meant that the last remaining threat of Equestria was gone, all the obstacles had been removed. That’s why I can conclude that there will be no more evil and disaster, so I make my mind to do it. I can even very boldly predict that in the near future, Equestria will no longer need a ruler to govern. I believe at that time, all the creatures in the land can spread friendship from the bottom by our hearts sincerely and actively. Another new era is coming soon, and I call it: The Friendship Utopia. As for the crown itself, there are still some spells enchanted on it, and it’s still indestructible. You know I’m very sick of dark magic, so I returned it to its owner. Your forever faithful student The incumbent ruler of Equestria Luster Dawn Twilight had no objection to Luster’s decision. Because she trusted in her student, just like Celestia trusted her. It’s out of expected, the most sacred way to spread the friendship that Twilight used to regard as, was proved that it’s the limitation of her mind by posterity. The youngers surpassed the elders, which was the source of promoting the progress of times, and the speed of progress will be faster and faster. Having devoted all the lifetime effort, Twilight and her friends still could wait for the arrival of that day, they had no more time left to witness the coming of the best times, but their descendants could. However, there’s no regret that you had made your greatest contribution to your own era. It’s not the sacrifice, but the cornerstone of future. If Twilight refused to take off the crown at that time, neither she nor their descendants would have chance to enjoy that best era. There’s no doubt that the new era should be hoofed over to the new generation. > Part 4 The return > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The original owner of the crown had been ashed thousands of years ago, so the it belonged only to them. Celestia and Luna. It’s not because they wear the crowns the longest time, but in the long years, with the immortality, they had controlled the sun and moon regularly, so that the creatures of the land could be revived. Without their contribution, there would be no land of abundance and no harmony and prosperity today, they’re the pioneers of Equestria. So the crown must belong to them eventually. At nightfall, Twilight and Spike came to the Sun and Moon Statue. At this moment, the outline of the falling sun was inlaid with the statue. This picture hadn’t been seen for a long time since the last Summer Sun Celebration. Raised the sun at dawn Brought out the moon at night Created harmony for all the land Celestia and Luna Having their final sleep here The epitaph was very brief, but easy to remember. Although somepony came to clean it up everyday, it’s still full of flowers for here. Twilight clear a small space and placed the crown on it. “Hmm……Twilight, such a valuable crown is placed here as a tribute, I’m afraid that it would be taken away in someday.” Spike tried to warn her. “No, it won’t. Look.” Twilight tried picking up the crown, as expected, it didn’t move at all. Because only the owner could take it off. Now the crown won’t be taken off forever, and it’s laid in here forever. Spike felt strange, but didn’t ask why. Twilight seldom came here. In the past, every time she came to mausoleum, she would recall the scenes of the two sister’s funeral and the natinoal mourning. Such a sad memory always made her burst into tears. But this time, she changed her attitude. They were born in this land, and died naturally. They had their bones buried in the earth, just backed to where they came from, returned to the original owner, no need to be sad about. Before they left, Twilight wanted to say something to the sisters, but she’s not sure whether they could receive it or not. “Spike, take down a note.” There’s the one way could send a message to them. “With pleasure.” The tenured number one assistant was always at her service. It had been so long time that she didn’t write to Celestia. She almost forgot when was the last letter she wrote to her. Did something before the memory completely faded. Dear Celestia and Luna: A late study report. Actually, I’m not here to tell you what I have learnt from the friendship or to summarize the lesson I had learnt from the friendship today, but to summarize my life and I think it is time for this. I still remember you once said that there is more to a young pony's life than studying. But in my opinion, there is nothing more to a whole pony’s life than studying, it should be endless. After my autobiography became widespread, I’ve been asked more than once that why even though my starting point was the lowest among the six of us, I was just a nerd and they had already started their own cause, I still could be the most successful one in the end. But just because I’m a nerd, learning is the ability to my specialty. I always learn from my friends, which makes me progress and grow. We all have learnt so much from each other and we all have grown a lot. But in terms of efficiency, I admit I’m better. Everypony has their own specialty, like magic, sports and so on. But as you get older, you will lose a lot of abilities, except for learning, which can accompany your whole life. The reason why I can finally be the top of Equestria is not only because the magic of friendship but also the lifelong learning, they did help me a lot. And, of course, I won’t forget your cultivation, Celestia and Luna. I might really only indulge in studying through my whole life and didn’t know what to do if without your guidance. I have never established my own ideal, which may become my lifelong regret. Although I have never experienced love in my life, I do not consider it a regret. Because I can grow old with my best friends who have always been inseparable, it is definitely the most romantic and happiest thing in Equestria, and I will always love everyone. Finally, I’m glad to tell you that Equestria is heading for a better future, which may beyond our imagination. We have no chance to witness the arrival of the best times together, but having made the greatest efforts in the era that we lived, we can say that we have lived in our best era. It will still take some time for me to come to visit you. Please wait patiently. Your forever faithful student Twilight Sparkle Twilight found her writing skill and gift had far lagged behind than when she’s young, because she hadn’t done it for a long time. “……Twi-light Spar-kle.” Spike finished the writing with the last letter E. “And Pinkie Pie!” When Spike was ready to sent out the dragon fire, a scream broke out the silence, then a pink mare head poked out from the flowers, which surprised the aged alicorn again and she need to take antihypertensive drugs right now. Pinkie Pie was everywhere. “And we’re here too.” The other friends came out from the behind of the statue. They all got together again. When Twilight knew all her best friends were here, her rapidly pumping heart calmed down at once. “How can you be so selfish that you only send your own blessings to Celestia and Luna.” Rarity came to Twilight and hugged her, the latter could smell the fragrance on her body from the spa. “No time to waste.” Spike handed them the quill and letter, and let them take turns writing down their own blessings. “Here is my camera, we haven’t taken a photo together for a long time.” Rainbow Dash took out a camera that she visited the graduation this morning. The sun was going down, and the sky became darker. She set up the camera and adjusted the timing quickly. “Say Cheeeeess—" Each pony in the photo had changed so much than before. Their smooth and shiny mane had gone, their beauty, their youth had gone…… But the friendship was always there. Spike attached the photo to the letter, sending out his dragon breath. The flames rose and slowly floated toward the sky. The sparkle disappeared into the heaven with the last light of sunset. ——THE END