Princess Celestia receives a letter from her student, Twilight Sparke, who is slowly dying from horn cancer. Twilight Spakle also sends along a final gift to Princess Luna. But something is different about the flower that grows from the gift.........
Princess Celestia receives a letter from her student, Twilight Sparkle, who is slowly dying from horn cancer. Twilight Twilight Sparkle send Princess Celestia a letter, telling her she is dying. She also also sends along a final gift to Princess Luna. But something is different about the flower that grows from the gift........ Something is wrong with the gift that twilight sparkle sent to Princess Luna. It has not been seen in over a thousand years. How did Twilight Sparkle find it?
Now, the three princesses and the remaining mane six begin traveling so they can find thee new wielder of the element of magic, and a cure for horn cancer. Will they find it, or fail? The choice is yours....
Shining Armor will appear here and there. But not often enough for him to be tagged.
Credit for cover art goes to Amorebunny, who is not on fimfiction, but she is a real life friend of mine :)
Dear Princess Celestia, I feel like it’s my time to leave this world, and all the friends I have. I have been feeling poorly lately. When I went to the doctor, they diagnosed it as horn cancer, which you of all ponies know is incurable. I am having Rarity help me write this letter, because any form of magic is excruciating. I lay in the hospital bed, waiting for death to take me into his arms. I feel he is watching over me right now, giving me enough time to send you this letter. The bonds among the elements will survive, but I sense a new unicorn has been born into the world, with magic gifts much like mine. Her name is Twilight Dawn. She is She is my neice. Please, as a final gift to me, find this young filly, and teach her magic as you did to me. Shining Armor and Princess Cadence have sent me a letter recently, telling me that they are coming to visit with their new baby girl. I feel happy for them, but sad that I will only be able to see this child once. If you can, I would appreciate having you here in my last hours, for I feel that death has something he needs to tell you, and being able to see you one last time would be my most cherished memory. I hope that, in my next life, I will be able to teach many young unicorns about magic, and show them how I had helped you defeat many of our enemies with the elements. And to my good friend Princess Luna. In a package following this letter, you will find a seed. Plant it where the moon shines the most, and in three days time, you will see my final gift to you. Do be sure to water the seed once a day.
Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Princess Celestia set the letter and the package on her night stand and sank into her bed. Her suspicions about horn cancer were correct. She started crying and thought *What will I do without twilight?* Princess Luna peeked in and said “I see the package has finally come. May I see it?” Princess Celestia nodded and used her magic to hand it to Luna. Luna said “The Final Flower. Only a true hearted pony can find the seeds of this flower.” Princess Celestia’s head snapped up and she said “Wait, did you say The Final Flower?” Princess Luna nodded and said “Only those of pure intention and heart can find this flower. It has not been seen for over a thousand years though. Why do you ask?” Princess Celestia said “Because no one has ever seen or heard of that flower in over a thousand years” Princess Luna gasped then said "Something strange is going on, and i think it has to do with Twilight." She called for the Royal Gaurds and had then prepare a chariot. She sighed and closed her eyes, knowing this may be the last time she would ever see see her faithful student. Princess Luna walked up to her and said "Are you ready, sister? we should leave soon." Soon, the chariot was ready. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stepped in and Celestia said "Ponyville Hospital please." The pegasi guards nodded then took off. Princess Luna said "We could heal her, you know. Our magic is powerful enough." Princess Celestia shook her ead and said "I can feel her strength is slipping. Even if we transport there, she would be to close to death for us to heal her." Princess Luna nodded sadly and said "I will miss her. She is one of the few who truly loved my night." Soon, the chariot landed, and the two princesses walked inside.
The hospital loomed in the distance as Spike neared it. Each step made his heart beat a little faster. What if she is getting worse? He shook his head and forced himself to not think bad thoughts like that. She was going to be completely fine, and they would return to their life as before. He sighed as he realized that wasn't true... Even if she recovered, there was still the fact that she probably wouldn't be able to use her magic as well. Still, he hoped for the best; for her to have a complete recovery.
The hospitals' front doors slid closed behind him as entered to the lobby. The reception office was pretty much empty, probably on account that Celestia, Shining Armor, and Cadence were showing up. Two princesses and the captain of the royal guard coming to the same place is sure to clean it out. Security risks and all that.
"Sorry little guy, the hospital is closed to visitors for the evening."
"I'm here to see Twilight Sparkle. I'm with Celestia's group."
"Oh, then in that case go on ahead. She was moved to room 305."
"Thanks." He waved to the pony in scrubs as he walked away. A few minutes later, he arrived at room 305. Taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly, he entered her room. The first thing he was greeted with was the sight of the sunset, which made the sky a glorious pink color. The room itself was tinted orange from the remaining sun, which made the room seem so much warmer than it was.
"Hey Twi." Twilight laid in the bed, her mouth slightly open. Her breathing sounded slightly labored and her heart rate was slightly lower than normal. Spike wondered if he should tell the nurse, but decided against it since he wanted at least a minute to see her. "Don't know if you can hear me or not, but it's me, Spike." He sat on the end of the bed between her hind hooves. "Been a hard two days without you, but I looked out for the library. Cried a lot too, you know? I know you want me to be strong... But it's so hard. If you can hear me, don't feel bad." He stopped talking and walked over to the window for a moment. The sight of a carriage ran by a royal guardsman landing near the hospital was the first thing he noticed.
"Looks like Celestia and your family are here. Your mom will be coming and... "Tears began to fall from Spike's eyes once more as he looked at Twilight. "Twilight, please, don't go! It's been two days now... Everypony is worried... They keep wondering if you're ever going to wake up... The time is probably flying by in whatever dream you're having, but out here... Each day without you seems like an eternity. Even Pinkie hasn't smiled in two days." He wiped his eyes and looked out the window again. Celestia and the others were just now entering the hospital. "Everypony's heading in right now." He stood from the bed and sat on a nearby chair. A minute later, the door opened and Twilight's family entered.
"Hello there, Spike." Twilight's mother sat next to the small dragon and smiled half-heartily. Even though she was terribly worried about her daughter, it wasn't in her nature to be sad. Twilight's father, however, immediately began crying when he saw his daughter in the hospital bed. Despite all that, Shining Armor was the first to near his sister.
"Oh, Twiley... It seems like just yesterday that you were smiling as you showed off your magic... " He leaned down and nuzzled his sister, before backing slowly away, his eyes still on her. Cadence was the next up.
"Never thought I'd see you like this... I... I can't do this." Tears flowing steadily from her eyes and sobs escaping from her throat, she ran out of the room.
"I'll go make sure she's okay..." Shining Armor, whose eyes were slowly pooling with tears exited out of the room to console his wife. Celestia, knowing it was her duty to be strong, simply stood back and stared at her student in the bed. The struggle to keep herself from crying was near impossible, but she managed it. For three minutes, everypony remained quiet and simply stared at the lavender unicorn.
"I'm sorry, I'm fine... I'm fine." Shining Armor and Cadence re-entered the room and stood next to Celestia.
"Where's Luna?" Spike's voice broke the silence, as he feared he might explode in a bout of tears of the silence continued any longer.
"Somepony has to run everything while I'm gone. She'll get around to coming around soon." Spike nodded slowly and returned his gaze to Twilight. As they sat there in silence, he
Without any warning, the heart monitor began to beep. This obviously served the cause and immediate panic among the visitors, but they all remained calm and collected long enough to move out of the way for the doctor who entered. He didn't ask them to leave, even though it was standard procedure to do so. After about a minute, he managed to stop the beeping, which meant he had returned her heart rate to normal. Everypony began to fear the worst as he turned around, gazed everypony in the room, and sighed.
"I'm afraid that... She's made a turn for the worse... She might not make it through the night." Everypony in the room gasped lightly. This news was too much to handle and everypony started crying. All of them wanted to simply keel over and just burst into tears, but what if Twilight could hear them? None of them wanted to put her through knowing she was causing such sadness... "It's best you say your goodbyes now. I'll leave you with her." The doctor swiftly exited the room, leaving all of them sobbing.
None of them said a word as Spike neared the bed. "Twilight... No..." The tiny assistant climbed onto the bed and latched tightly onto her chest. His tears steadily flowed from his eyes onto her chest, leaving a wet spot on it. "Please... Please don't go!" He continued to hug her, never wanting to let go.
"NO!" Everypony immediately turned to the sound of the yell, which was Celestia. She shakily breathed between sobs as she looked to the ground. Nopony said a word as the princess of their kingdom cried. None ever though they would see it happen, but they all knew that no matter what, she was still just a pony. "This can't be happening again..." Celestia knew she was immortal... That is why she almost always avoided making friends with her subjects. But despite all of her attempts, she always managed to make a good friend every once in a while. But when it came time for them to pass... It only reminded her that she was going to outlive everything.
"My daughter loves you, Celestia." Everypony, including Celestia, looked up as Twilight's mother spoke. "She speaks so highly of you, almost as if you're a second mother to her. This isn't easy on any of us..." Tears began to pool on the arm rest of the chair as she talked. "You and I both know that she's tougher than this... I don't know if she can hear us, but if she can... We need to keep our hopes up. Not for us, but for her." She turned to her daughter and frowned.
"Yes..." That was the only word the princess could think. She had quieted herself to a mere soft sobbing, but she still wanted to just let it all out. That, she would have to save for home.
All of the ponies sat around Twilight for about an hour and a half. While there, they made small talk about Twilight and other various topics. While they weren't talking, they were looking at Twilight's whose breathing slowly got worse. All of them knew that tonight might be the last time they saw here alive... But none of them allowed themselves to grieve in the same room as the pony they were trying to instill hope in. Eventually, her family stood and began to show themselves out, each kissing her lightly on the cheek or forehead before they left.
"Goodbye, my favorite student..." Celestia leaned over and nuzzled her student on the cheek. "You made me happy, Twilight. I'll miss you." With some hesitance, she leaned in and kissed the unicorn on the forehead. A sad nod to Spike, she exited the room. They had recently got a hold of Twilight's best friends, whom were all now probably just getting here. Spike's lower lip quivered as he looked at Twilight.
"This can't be goodbye..." He sobbed quietly as he looked at her. "Goodbye, Twilight..." His throat closed up as he said Twilight's name, which caused him to finally explode into a bout of tears. This sight was immediately witnessed by Rarity, who had just entered the room. She wanted to assist the poor dragon, but decided that it was best if he was alone. Looking up, he saw the five mares, who themselves were beginning to have tears form in their eyes. "I'll be at the library..." Still crying out of control, he stood and exited the room.
"This isn't happening..." Pinkie neared her friend and placed her hoof gently on her. The heart monitor nearby was slowly counting down on numbers and Twilight was feeling colder than normal. "This can't be happening." The five cried softly as their friends breathing continued to slow.
"Ah hate to say it, but we have to say goodbye..." Applejack took her hat off and stood next to her friend in the bed. "It's been quite the rodeo, Twi. but," she took a deep breath and held her hat over her face, "I know you'll make plenty of friends in the next life." The sounds of her sobbing echoed slightly out of the hat. Replacing the hat onto her head, she took a seat and awaited the tearful farewell of her friends.
"Twilight, you were the best friend that a party pony could have..." Pinkie pulled a napkin from nowhere and blew her nose. "Even though you'll be gone, I'll be sure to throw some parties in your honor." She blew her nose once more and sat next to Applejack.
"Darling Twilight... Even though you were never much for fashion, I always admired your sense of style. Made me remember sometimes that fashion isn't everything. Promise me that you won't change your fashion sense in the next life." She turned to walk away, before turning back to her. "Don't worry about Spike... I'll take care of him." Her mane fell limply to its side due to her not caring for it today. For the first time in a long while, it was the last thing on her mind.
"Twilight, umm... I..." Fluttershy quickly ran from the room crying harder than anypony else had since she went to the hospital.
"You guys go check on her. I'm going to say goodbye..." Rainbow's friends left to tend to Fluttershy, leaving Rainbow Dash and Twilight alone. "Never thought I'd be doing this..." Despite Dash's usual toughness, she herself was now sobbing pretty hard. "See? You went and made me get all sappy..." She chuckled lightly. "Despite being an egghead, you were pretty cool. No, you were awesome!" She smiled and looked at the ceiling, allowing the tears to drip from her chin to her chest. "This happening... It's just so... not cool."
The four other mares entered once more into the hospital room. They silently stared at their dear friend as her heart monitor continued to go down.
70 bpm. The friends all engaged in a final hug with Twilight.
60 bpm. All sniffling, they wipe their eyes and smile warmly at their friend, hoping that she may somehow see them. If she could... They'd rather that she saw one final happy sight.
40 bpm. The heart monitor began to beep.
10 bpm. "Farewell, Twilight. We'll all miss you." The five friends let a single tear drip from each of their eyes as Twilight stops breathing.
Flatline.
Princess Celestia stood by the bed and started crying. The horn cancer had finally won. Her favorite student was gone.
(this chapter is going to be from Celestia's point of veiw)
Why are they taking the equipment? NO! She cant be dead she just can't. Wait wheres everything going? Nonononono, she cant be dead......
I walk through the plane of life, and stop at my first memory of Twilight Sparkle.
I looked up, having seen a bright flash coming from the school. I walked in and saw a little filly surrounded by magic, the school instructors were floating in the air, and the filly's parents were trees! I walk inside and place a gentle hoof on Twilight's shoulder. She looked up and blinked. The magic surrounding her slowly faded and everything was back to normal. I said "Twilight Sparkle, you have some of the most powerful magical abilities I have seen. But you need to learn to tame these abilities through focused studied. Twilight Sparkle, I would like to take you on as my personal student at the school." Her eyes widened and started jumping in the air and yelling yes over and over. Her parents were too stunned to say anything. I said "One other thing." She said "There's more?" I nod and pointed at her brand new cutie mark.
I continue walking through, watching memories of how she progressed so fast, how she defeated nightmare moon and returned my sister to me. I stop at one of my fondest memories of her. The day she learned the magic of friendship.
I walk up to Twilight and her friends and say “Why so glum, my faithful student? Are you not happy that you can now return to your studies in canterlot?” She said “That’s just it. When I finally learn about the importance of friends, I have to leave them.” I think for a moment then say “Spike, take a note.” Spike whips out a sheet of paper and a quill then nods, to signal me he is ready. I say “I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorn, Twilight Sparkle shall take on a new mission. She will study the Magic Of Friendship, from her new home in ponyville” Everyone yelled happily and we all started celebrating.
I wake up and see several worried faces looking down on me. Having sat up, i look at everyone and say "Dont worry, i will be fine. I have not been feeling that well."
The nurse said "Make sure to eat well, and get plenty of rest. It would not be good if our princess to be sick"
I smile and say "I will. Dont worry, its just, the shock of losing my favorite student, got to me. I must go. Its time to set up for her funeral."
There is a golden flash of light, and the bed is empty.
I appear in my study. Having landed next to the fireplace, my sides are warm. Lowering my face to the ground, unshed tears flow from my eyes. Memories race through my head. My first contact with Twilight. Watching her excel and study and learn so much about Magic. Making new friends, and moving to ponyville.
Grabbing a scroll, a quill and some ink with my magic, i start writing a letter
"Dear Mourning Meadows I have recently had a death in my family, and am looking for a suitable set of flower arrangments. I have talked to many of my friends, and they all recommend you. If you could make some arrangments for the funeral, i will be forever grateful
Princess Celestia"
Sending the letter of with a poof of magic, i smile tiredly. One down, undeterminable number of things to go.
As I wait for a reply back, I start working on finances for the funeral. Writing out a list of the things I need, and a budget for related items. First off, is to find someone to make a set of funeral clothes for everyone. Probably should ask Rarity. Decorations can be handled by Pinkie Pie. Food is a good job for Apple Jack to have. Music can be sung by Fluttershy’s birds. And last but not least, our final gift to Twilight. Maybe Rainbow Dash could do a sonic rain boom. Grabbing more paper, a quill and ink, I start writing letters to everyone.
“Dear Rarity, Would you design funeral clothes for me, Princess Luna, Princess Cadence, and Shining Armor, plus you and your friends? I am entirely willing to send some of the finest fabric available, silk thread and anything else you need, as payment for doing this. You can even come up to canterlot and use one of the rooms if you need to. Your Eternal Friend, Princess Celestia”
After sending it off with a poof of magic, I start working on my third letter “Dear Rainbow Dash As a final gift from Equestria to Twilight, would you please perform a Sonic Rain Boom at the end of the funeral? I feel that Twilight Sparkle would love to see one last rain boom before she passes to the next world. If you need some private space to practice, I have plenty of room near the castle. Your Eternal Friend, Princess Celestia”
I send it off with a poof of magic, and face plant of the desk. Probably should work on sending invites to the crystal empire. No, should probably finish the letters first.
Grabbing more paper, ink and quills, I start writing again
“Dear Fluttershy, I am sending you this letter, because I have a question for you. Would you be willing to have your birds sing at the funeral? I have heard them sing many times, and I think they would be perfect for this event. I am sure Twilight would have loved to hear them sing one last time. If you would like to borrow some of my exotic birds, you may. You can also practice, in the gardens if you need to, Your Eternal Friend, Princess Celestia” I check off clothes, final gift, and music. Next, is food. I grab more paper and start writing
“Dear Apple Jack, Would you be willing to prepare the food for the funeral? I can’t think of anyone else who makes as good food as you do. Do invite some of your family if you need to. And if you need more cooking space, I have several large kitchens.”
Finally, I am on the last letter. I am almost out of paper. I can always buy more. Okay, one last letter, and then I can sleep.
“Dear Pinkie Pie Knowing that you throw wonderful parties, I would love for you to decorate the ball room. I know it is tough, losing a close friend like Twilight, but you’re the best at cheering everypony up, and I know it would make you happy. If you would like to come and start designing right away, I will make sure you have lots of peace, quiet, and cupcakes while you work. Your Eternal Friend, Princess Celestia”
Whew, all done with that. Now, I must lower the sun, and get plenty of sleep, so I can finish the invites tomorrow.
Whispering Shadows sighed and looked outside of her cave. She had sensed the death if the previous wielder of magic. She would reveal her self to the princesses soon....
~Meanwhile……~
Princess Celestia slipped on her dress and veil, and looked in the mirror. She sighed and lowered her head to the ground. She missed her student, but she must be strong, for her kingdom, and for her sister. There was a knock on the door, and Princess Luna walked in “Are you ready?” Princess Celestia nodded
As they slowly walked through the halls, Princess Luna said "The gift twilight sparkle sent me, is growing well. Its colors match my cutie mark."
Princess Celestia said "Can you show me?"
Princess Luna nodded and said "Follow me." Then she trotted Down the hall into her private chambers, with Celestia following her. Celestia slowly walked up to the flower and smelled it. She sighed when she realized it smelled like twilight sparkle. She sniffles then started to cry. Why did her faithful student have to get horn cancer? Why???
A soothing scent of warm vanilla and spring wafted through the room. Princess Celestia looked up and saw that a young black alicorn with a silvery mane that flowed with power and a cutie mark that looked like a the milky way with a gold star in the center had appeared. The alicorn bowed and said "My name is Whispering Shadows. I am the creator of the elements of harmony. It has been to long, my sisters."
