Beep. . . . beep. . . . . . . beep. . . . . . . . . . beep. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . beeepppp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
"Well, she's gone, Spike."
"I miss her already."
"Me too, buddy, me too."
"What are we going to do now?"
"I don't know. I'm the only one left, now. And I always will be."
"What about using the Elements? How will we defeat evil without them?"
"I guess we won't..."
Twilight woke up from her dream with a gasp, sitting up in bed. She calmed her breathing and looked around her, expecting to see the smiling faces of her friends surrounding her bed to wake her up with a party.
Oh, right.
She was in her room in Canterlot Castle, laying in her large, purple and pink bed.
Her friends weren't here.
They wouldn't be.
The alicorn breathed deeply, throwing her blankets off to one side. Her wings popped up immediately, making a springing sound. She sighed. She still hadn't gotten used to it, even after all this time.
Twilight got out of bed and used her magic to grab the brush from the other side of the room, on her dresser. She ran it through her tangled mane, trying not to think of the nightmare that was still fresh in her mind. Once her mane was looking okay-ish, she opened the huge doors to her room and trotted out, making an awful attempt to look cheerful.
It was only a few moments until she saw Princess Celestia walking towards her. The older alicorn smiled and walked up to her student.
"Hello Twilight! How are you today?" Celestia asked.
"Better than ever! Ah-ha!. . . ." Twilight exclaimed with fake happiness, trying to laugh but only making it come out as a choked cough. Celestia looked down on her student, studying her carefully.
". . . You know what Twilight, I think you deserve a rest. Why don't you take the day off? I think Princess duties have gotten to you. You seem a little stressed. Luna and I will make sure everything is in order. Now, run along!" A large white hoof nudged Twilight down the hallway, towards the front gate. The purple alicorn stifled a groan and let herself be pushed outside. With a final farewell, Celestia closed the doors gently behind her. Twilight, knowing exactly what she was going to do, flew off to the Canterlot Gardens. Her flying skills were still pretty shaky. And they probably always will be, she thought as she flew around the castle.
Landing, for once, on her hooves, the alicorn followed the stone down to the very end. She passed the many statues, not even paying attention to any of them. Twilight didn't get very many days away from the Castle anymore, but now she didn't want days off. Not since. . . well, whenever it was. . . that it was.
Unknowingly, Twilight had started humming, all different songs. Soon, she started singing them.
". . . When I was a little filly and the sun was going down, the darkness and the shadows they would always make me frown. . .
She's an evil enchantress and she does evil dances. . .
Bringing home the Southern birds, a pegasus' job begins, in clearing all the gloomy skies to let the sun shine in. . . 'cause tomorrow Spring is here. . .
Dressmaking's easy, for Pinkie Pie something pink, Fluttershy something breezy, blend color and form- do you think it looks cheesy?. . .
Hush now, quiet now, it's time to lay your sleepy head, hush now, quiet now, it's time to go to bed. . .
You gotta share, you gotta care, it's the right thing to do. . .
What is this place, filled with so many wonders, casting its spell that I am now under?. . .
You're invited to a party 'cause we think you're really swell. . .
You stomp your whole self in, you stomp your whole self out, you stomp your whole self in and you stomp yourself about, you do the Pony Pokey, and you give a little shout-- COME OUT!. . .
Fluttershy pal, this won't cut it, I need a pet to keep up with me, something awesome, something flying, with coolness that defies gravity. . .
Becoming as popular as popular can be, making my mark, making my mark in high society, I'm the belle of the ball, the star of the show, yeah, I'm the type of pony, every pony, every pony should know. . .
I really am so happy, your smile fills me with glee, I give a smile I get a smile, and that's so special to me. . .
Welcome, welcome, welcome, a fine welcome to you. . .
My big brother, best friend forever, like two peas in a pod, we did everything together. . .
Love is in bloom, a beautiful bride a handsome groom. . .
Levitation would have been a breeze, facts and figures I recite with ease. . . will I fail, or will I pass, I can't be sure, she can't be sure. . .
It says that they like jousting, they flew a flag of many hues, made sweets of crystal berries, they had a petting zoo with tiny ewes, oh we have to get this right, yes we have to make them see, we can save the crystal ponies with their history, they had a crystal flugelhorn, that every pony liked to play, and the crystal kingdom anthem, can you learn it in a day?. . .
Raise this barn, raise this barn, one two three four, together we can raise this barn, one two three four. . .
Morning in Ponyville shimmers, morning in Ponyville shines. . . my Ponyville is so gentle and still, can things ever go wrong, no I don't think that they will. . .
These animals don't listen, no not one little bit, they run around all out control and throw their hissy fits, it's up to me to stop them, as plainly you can see. . . I try to keep them laughing, put a smile upon their face, but no matter what I try it seems a bit of a disgrace, I to have entertain them, it's there for all to see. . . I don't care much for pickin' fruit and plowin' fields ain't such a hoot, no matter what I try I cannot fix this busted water shoot, I've got so many chores to do it's no fun being me. . . lookie here at what I made I think that it's a dress, I know it doesn't look like much I'm under some distress, can y'all give me a hand here, and help me fix this mess?. . . I'm in love with weather patterns but the others have concerns, for I just gave them frostbite over top of their sunburns, I have to keep on trying, for everyone can see, it's got to be, it's got to be, my destiny, my destiny, and it's what my cutie mark, it's what my cutie mark, yes it's what my cutie mark is telling me. . .
I've got to find a way, to make this all okay, who could believe this small mistake, could've caused so much heartache, oh why?. . .
Rarity needs your help, she's trying hard doing what she can, would you try, just give it a chance, you might find that you'll start to understand. . . Applejack needs your help, she's trying hard doing what she can, would you try, just give it a chance, you might find that you'll start to understand. . . Pinkie Pie is in trouble, we need to get there by her side, we can try to do what we can now, for together we can be her guide. . . the town people need ya they've been sad for a while, they march around, face a frown, and never seem to smile, but if ya feel like helpin' we'd appreciate a laugh, if ya'd get up there, and spread some cheer, from here to Canterlot. . . a true true friend helps a friend in need, a friend will be there to help them see, a true true friend helps a friend in need so see the light, see the light, that shines, that shines, from a true, true, friend. . .
Life in Equestria shimmers, life in Equestria shines, and I know for absolute certain, that everything, that everything, yes everything, is certainly, fine, it's fine!"
Twilight stopped singing, as she looked at where she was standing. She sat down, her tail curling around her legs. The alicorn sat in silence for a few minutes, staring straight ahead. Then, she felt the tears flow. She was there for what seemed like forever, until a gentle flapping sound was heard from behind.
"Twilight? Are you okay?" Celestia asked gently, putting her wing over her shoulder. Twilight turned around swiftly, knocking the white wing draped over her. The Sun Goddess jerked back, surprised from Twilight's aggressive response.
"No! I am not okay! I-I-I. . . I don't even know what to say! I'm so. . . angry! And. . . alone! Why? Why do I have to be immortal? Couldn't you just make me a regular alicorn? Not with an eternal life?! My-my friends! They're gone! Fluttershy passed away seven months ago, and I've been having nightmares ever since!" Twilight shouted, tears streaming down her face. She didn't know why she was unleashing all of her depression and anger on her mentor, but it was too late to stop it. It came gushing out like a waterfall.
"T-Twilight! I-I had no idea! Why didn't-"
"Why didn't I tell you? You're really asking me that? You've got to be kidding! If I had told you, you would've just told me to get over it, and that they're right here with me! In my heart! Well, that's not good enough! I want them here, living, right next to me! It's no fair! I'm so alone! And Spike went off to be a dragon! He was like my little brother! I raised him since birth! Then he grew his wings, oh, how beautiful they were, when they started growing, but he used them to travel away to be a dragon! Living a solitary life! What makes it worse, is- wait, you know what, I'm not going to tell you! You should know! Now, if you'll be kind enough- oh, hold on, that was Fluttershy's job!" Twilight turned away from her mentor and sat down again, crying, in front of the five statues that were the Elements of Harmony. Each one was posed differently, colored. Twilight heard her mentor sniff, a indication she was crying, and the steady flap of her wings told the Element of Magic that Celestia was flying away.
"You didn't have to do that Twilight."
The alicorn shot up, turning around. "Who said that?!" she demanded.
"Do you need to know?"
"Yes!" Twilight stomped her hoof, thinking this was just some prank by Luna or something. But something about that voice was. . . familiar. In a different sort of way.
"Just watch and see the awesomeness!"
That was definitely a voice she hadn't heard for a while.
Twilight heard the flapping of wings, and a bit of wind blasted her. It was only a few seconds before she saw the huge rainbow circle spread across the sky. That made the alicorn smile. Smile widely. Really widely. Extremely widely.
Rainbow Dash.
The familiar thud sounded next to her, and laughing.
"Rainbow Dash! Are you there?" Twilight asked, reaching out a hoof to feel the space in front of her.
"Of course I am!"
"We all are, sugarcube," Applejack said. Twilight squeed as now happy tears dripped down her face.
"We've missed you Twilight, dear," Rarity said.
"Yeah! Don't worry! We know all about your problems!" Pinkie Pie announced, and Twilight could've sworn she heard the all too familiar sound of her bouncing next to her.
"We've been waiting for you," Fluttershy told Twilight.
"But I can't see you! Can't you girls show yourselves to me?" Twilight asked, biting her lip out of pure excitement.
"Well, we've been talking it out with the big guys, and they've agreed. Actually, the only reason you can hear us is because we're allowed certain things others aren't, being the Elements of Harmony and all," Rainbow Dash said.
"Well then do it! I want to see you girls!"
"Okay, we will."
A few moments later, Rainbow Dash shimmered into view. Twilight gasped. She looked the same as she did when she died. One by one, the other four appeared.
"This way we can help fight evil with the Elements!"
Twilight jumped at them, only to go right through them. Her ears dropped sadly. Rarity patted her on the back, well, tried to, before taking her hoof away.
"Sorry, darling, but just because you can see us doesn't mean we're alive. Even though we asked them, there are certain rules that are just not allowed to be broken," the white unicorn said gently. Twilight nodded understandingly.
"At least I have you girls with me," the alicorn whispered.
"I have one question," Pinkie announced, raising her hoof in the air. "Why did Celestia forget about your birthday?"
"I don't know, Pinkie. She just didn't remember. Or she didn't mention it. That was part-"
"-of the reason you were so upset. Yes, we know Twi," Applejack said. Twilight nodded.
"How long can you guys be visible to me?"
"We don't know," Fluttershy told her.
"But why didn't you girls talk to me before? Scootaloo had mentioned something about a sonic rainboom, and hearing Rainbow Dash, but I thought it was just a dream. Why didn't you let her see you? And she said you only said yes, but just barely."
"Well," Rainbow Dash started, "you see Twilight, I had just died. I mean, Fluttershy just did not too long ago, but dying is tough. It was hard learning how to channel my energy enough to speak. She could hear what I did, yes, because I had enough energy to do so, ya know, plus we have less restrictions. I taught the others how to do this, so that's how we can speak to you."
"Oh. . . So, why didn't you talk to me earlier then?"
"It's kinda hard to explain Twi. We didn't want to upset you, and make you think you were in a dream, or you were actually dead," AJ told her.
"Oh, I see. . ." Twilight glanced down at the ground, scraping her hoof against it.
"Don't be sad Twilight. We love you, always," Fluttershy said.
"I know, it's just. . . I want to be with you girls-altogether, as one. I don't want to be alive without my best friends there! I want to be with you!" Twilight started crying sadly again.
The girls glanced around at each other. Rainbow Dash took a half step towards Twilight. "Don't say things like that Twi. We'll always be here for you, don't worry."
"No! Sometime you'll disappear, and I won't ever see you again. Unless. . ." Twilight started walking towards the castle.
That made Pinkie jump forward, trying to block her friend's path, to no avail, as she just went right through her. "Twilight don't even think about it! We'll always come back!" She sounded desperate.
"I'm going to be with you girls forever! And no pony is going to stop me." She started running, and the five others took off after her.
"Warn Celestia, AJ! She'll be able to stop Twilight!" Rainbow Dash commanded, flying over the purple alicorn, with Fluttershy up right next to her, looking scared out of her mind. "And Fluttershy, go with her!" The two ponies sped ahead, trying to get to the Princess before Twilight got there.
"Twilight! You need to stop this craziness!" Rarity demanded.
"I'm not the crazy one!" Twilight insisted.
"You're going to kill yourself! I call that crazy! You're immortal! How are you going to do it anyway?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I know how! Just let me do it! As if you can stop me!" Twilight shouted, sounding less like a Princess and more like a maniac every second.
"Don't do it Twilight!" Rarity pleaded as they entered the castle. Suddenly, Applejack and Fluttershy came through the wall next to them.
"She's not listening to us! Ah think she thinks she was just dreaming or somethin'. But we're not getting any help from her," AJ announced.
"What? Great! This is hopeless!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
"Please stop Twilight!" Fluttershy squeaked. Twilight looked up at her.
"This is for us! Don't you see?" Then, without another word, her horn lit up and she was gone.
"No!" Rarity shouted, falling over in a faint. Fluttershy picked her up, and looked over at Dash for answers.
"Rainbow! Look! You're fading! We have to hurry!" the little yellow pegasus exclaimed, seeing that her friend's tail was starting to disappear. The tip was leaving like a fuze burning.
"Horse apples! Quick, find her! Where do you think she went?" the cyan pegasus asked.
"The balcony! It's high, so she might've gone there!" AJ yelled. The five quickly made their way up, and saw Twilight standing over the railing.
"No Twilight!" Pinkie Pie squealed. The alicorn looked back at them. Then, her eyes grew wide.
Princess Celestia walked out onto the balcony. All the ponies turned to look at the white alicorn, who wore a sad expression.
"So, Twilight. . ." she trailed off.
"You can't stop me," Twilight deadpanned, turning back to the edge. Her horn glowed, and suddenly her wings were gone. Her whole body flashed for a few moments, and in the twilight glow a single six pointed star in the sky dimmed, and went out.
"I wasn't going to."
"WHAT?!" the other Elements exclaimed at the same time. They looked in horror and indignation at the Princess.
"How about one more friendship report?"
Twilight stared at her soon to be former mentor. "Well, today I learned that if you don't have your friends, and you're all alone, plus your mentor forgets your birthday, that you're pretty sad."
Celestia didn't say anything.
"And I refuse to live without my friends. If they are dead, I want to be dead. I want to be able to hug them and see them everyday. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle." And then Twilight turned around, so her back faced the sky, she waved a hoof in goodbye, a small smile on her face, and she tilted backwards. Celestia had tears on her face. Her friends whimpered and pleaded, but it was too late. Rainbow Dash disappeared, her face swallowed up, and then the other four disappeared right after. Twilight blinked once, slowly. Her mane billowed around her as she watched the world fall away.
"Happy birthday to me. . ."
Author's Note
This really sucks, okay? I get it if you hated it. And the songs. . . So many songs! Just sing them in your head with the characters voices and stuff, and it's actually pretty fun.
