The Journey

by Zelos797

Rating: everyone
Tags: Alternate Universe, Twilight Sparkle, Sad, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Adventure
Length: 9297

After being diagnosed with a terminal disease Twilight is going off on the journey not to find cure but to find herself.

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” ― Dr. Seuss

Twilight has been diagnosed with a terminal disease and now has only one month left to live. After spending her entire life reading and learning Twilight decides to embark on a journey to grasp the beauty of the world.

Join Twilight in her final journey through Equestria.

I want to give credit and special Thanks to my awesome editor Jgame.

Cover art made by BlueRoseFriendship.

Published 2013-07-20 16:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2020-05-23 18:49:23 UTC

Day 1: News

"Twilight Sparkle, can you hear me?" Doctor Stable asked a motionless Twilight Sparkle.

"I heard you, Doctor. I have one month left to live," Twilight Sparkle said emotionlessly.

"I... am very sorry, Twilight Sparkle," Doctor Stable said remorsefully. "You have a right to keep this information confidential, if you wish."

A few seconds of dead silence passed before Twilight Sparkle finally said, "I-I'd like that."

Twilight's Journal Day 1, Entry 1:

Today, I was diagnosed with a terminal disease. I don't want to tell my friends. This is too much for both me and them. Too much of my life was wasted on books. I need to leave Ponyville, and find a good excuse to tell to my friends for being gone, they're not going to leave me alone if I tell them the truth.

It was a cloudy day, with wind howling through the leaves of the Ponyville library, where her dearest friends, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy had gathered at Twilight Sparkle's behest.

"Girls, I wanted to make an announcement," Twilight Sparkle said with her most winning smile. "I've spent a lot of my time thinking about how beautiful the world is, and how little of it I have seen, and I realized I needed a a change of pace. I'm going on a journey to see all of Equestria in all it's beauty."

"But-" Rainbow Dash protested.

"Don't try to talk me out of it, Rainbow, and don't try to stop me. It is something I just have to do, okay?" Twilight Sparkle desprately pleaded.

"Twilight, not to be rude, but you don't quite seem like the adventurous type. Are you absolutely one hundred percent sure?" Rarity asked.

"Yes, Rarity, I am one hundred percent positive," Twilight Sparkle answered.

"But, when will you be back?" Applejack objected.

"I don't know, Applejack, but I can promise you this: I won't be gone longer than a month," Twilight Sparkle said, her smile still firmly on her face. "I just wanted to say good-bye to you all, and... I would like you to know that you all... are the greatest friends a pony could dream of... and I love you all... and... good-bye," Twilight Sparkle finished, her smile cracking more and more as she spoke, until she was left sobbing on the floor.

"Are you okay, Twilight?" Pinkie Pie asked in concern.

"I'm sorry... this goodbye just made me a little sad, that's all," Twilight Sparkle said lamely.

"Maybe we should leave Twilight alone," Fluttershy said quietly.

"Yes, please," Twilight Sparkle said weakly.

Only Twilight Sparkle was left in the library she used to call home.

Twilight Sparkle was more sure now than ever that she had to go on her journey, no matter how much it pained her to leave. It was better than her friends watching her slowly die. At least this way, their next thirty days would be carefree until somepony found her lifeless corpse and relayed the news back to them.

Twilight's Journal Day 1, Entry 2:

Telling my friends will be by far the hardest part of my journey, and it's already done... but if the hardest part has passed, then why am I still crying while I write this?

In Twilight Sparkle's empty room she packed her things in two small suitcases. Only necessary things were taken, such as food or supplies, except for a group photo of Twilight Sparkle and her friends in a pleasant meadow having a picnic.

There was something else that she forgot, or rather, someone else she forgot. Her dear assistant, and one of her first and longest friends, Spike the baby dragon, who watched her pack from the stairway. He came closer to Twilight, as he tried not to cry.

"Twilight, you're leaving and you didn't even stop to tell me? I mean, how could you, an... and how long will you be gone? And where are you going? And..." Spike babbled until Twilight raised a silencing hoof.

"Spike, no matter what, I want you to know that you are more than my number one assistant. You are my friend. One of my first and dearest friends. I want you to take care of the library when I'm gone, and I want you to know that no matter what, I will never forget our time together. In fact, I will cherish it. You were always there to cheer me up and help me when I needed it. I want you to know, Spike, that you are the best friend a pony could ever have."

Spike started to cry as Twilight Sparkle brought him into a tight hug, the kind that mother's give to their children when they know it will be the last time they will ever see them.

Twilight Sparkle trotted down the stairs with her suitcases in tow. She opened the door to the outside world, and then looked back at Spike.

"Goodbye, Spike," Twilight Sparkle said softly as she stepped outside and shut the door with a sense of finality.

I had a good life, filled with good friends. That's good enough, thought Twilight.

“Remember me and smile, for it's better to forget than to remember me and cry.” - Dr. Seuss.

Day 2: The beggining of the end

Twilight's Journal Day 2 Entry 1:

It has been a day since I've left Ponyville. It came to me as no surprise that during this day I could not stop thinking about Ponyville and my friends. This is only the beginning of my journey. I have no idea where it will take me, or if I will even like it. It's weird, really. I'm going to die in a month, but walking to who-knows-where has just made me feel more alive than I ever have.

The day was very cloudy, with a pleasant, tranquil breeze that caressed her face. Twilight Sparkle didn't know where she was going, and she didn't care. This journey wasn't led by a map and a compass, but by her instincts and curiosity.

There was a feeling inside her, a great feeling which she had not experienced for far too long now. Freedom.

There were no to do lists and no worries. All Twilight Sparkle had to do was keep walking, and that was what she did.

In one day Twilight crossed a beautiful meadow full of lovely critters, a raging river, the crossing of which presented no problem thanks to her magical skills and at last she stopped in the deep forest.

The Sun was dipping over the horizion as Twilight Sparkle's feet ached.

Stopping under a large tree, she went into her pack and pulled out a small tent, designed to be light enough to stow into a bag and carried miles at a time. It wasn't as comfortable as other tents, but it was much less of a pain to haul.

Once the tent was erected, Twilight Sparkle took out a slice of apple pie, Applejack's going away gift to her. She attacked the pie ravenously as the moist sweetness filled her mouth. Before she knew it, she had already finsihed the pie slice and reached out for another, but decided better of it, already feeling full after just one slice.

Twilight Sparkle spent most of the night she had left observing the moonlit meadow and the tranquil forest beyond it, simply enjoying the peace and quiet that came with having nothing to do.

Twilight's Journal Day 2 Entry 3:

The first day has passed a lot better than I expected. Already, I spotted about five different kinds of birds that I have never seen before. It's amazing how many beautiful things I have seen today. The peaceful meadow was so plain, but at the same time so staggering.

The forest could get a little scary at night but there are not many things that can scare me now. About an hour before I fell a little squirrel entered my tent, and it looks like I have made my first friend on this journey. His fur felt really good on my hoof when he allowed me to pet him.

I shared some apple pie with him, and I think Applejack just got herself a new fan. Thanks to Fluttershy, I know how to treat animals right and not scare them off. I starting to get why Fluttershy loves them so much.

It was always a breeze to be around you, Fluttershy. No matter what I have done, you were always there to support me. Thank you, Fluttershy. I know it is silly because you can't even hear me, but still thank you. You always had time for me.

Whenever I needed you, Fluttershy, you were there to cheer me up and to share your kindness with me. You always accepted me for who I am. I wish you only the best. If this diary ever gets back to you, Fluttershy, and everpony else, then just know that right now as I'm writing this, I'm happy.

Twilight Sparkle closed the diary, stowed it away neatly with her quill and ink, and fell asleep with a smile on her face.

Finally Twilight fell asleep with a smile on her face.

                                “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” ― Elbert Hubbard.

Day 3: Rainbow

"You are not an athlete, you are an egghead," exclaimed Rainbow Dash

"I am well read!" objected Twilight.

Twilight kept hearing these words as she slowly woke. Unicorn rubbed her eyes and searched for any food in bags. She pulled a peanut butter and a zap apple jam sandwich out. Twilight remembered that it is Rainbow's favorite food. A big smile grew on her face.

The weather was even cloudier than yesterday. It looked like it will rain soon. The wind got stronger and now it was pleasant no more. It sure didn't look like a perfect day for a journey.

Twilight ate her breakfast outside. The animals started to gather around Twilight like they were attracted by her calmness. She gave the birds some bread crumbs. It was a simple peaceful and calm morning for Twilight. In half an hour she packed her things and continued her journey.

Twilight's Journal Day Three Entry One:

Today I had a dream. A dream about my Ponyville friend Rainbow Dash. I saw her mocking me for taking part in the running of the leaves. Always impatient and always too sure of herself. There was no one I would rather have at my side when in danger. She always called me an egghead up until the moment I gave her the book. This book that made us so much closer. This book which made us understand each other a lot easier. Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone.

Twilight roamed the forest for a couple more hours. After leaving the forest Twilight saw big and mighty mountains up ahead. The sight was breathtaking. Twilight has climbed some mountains in her life but she also roamed a lot of forests in her life. Only now Twilight could see that she didn't truly saw the beauty, the beauty that was every single leaf and every single creature.

Twilight has walked in many forests and meadows in her life but only now she could truly appreciate the perfectness of the world. It made her incredibly sad to know that she won't physically be able to see all of Equestria and it's beauty in 30 days.

Twilight walked a narrow road leading to the mountains and could not stop staring at them, but before she could reach the mountains it started raining. The rain was strong and merciful. In an hour it started growing into a big storm. Twilight had no choice but to create a magic dome and wait until the storm ends.

Twilight's Journal Day 3 Entry 2:

I sure miss times when I could ask Rainbow Dash to make any weather I like. Actually there are no pegasi who look after the weather in these places. I remember first meeting Rainbow Dash. Ten seconds flat she told me, and indeed ten seconds it was. I wonder why Rainbow left Cloudsdale. She is undoubtebly one of the greatest flyers in all of Equestria. I just think she would have a lot more chances of getting noticed and recognized if she never left Cloudsdale.

It is a pity that my journey was stopped by a storm for today. I had to unpack my things and set my camp right inside the magical dome.

Twilight could not afford herself to sleep, she had to keep the dome up. The thunder sounded so loud that it seemed like this sound itself could easily break the dome. After two remorseless hours the storm started to get quiet.

Twilight slowly started to put off the dome.

When Twilight looked at at the mountains she saw a big colorful rainbow. It sure was the most beautiful thing she saw on her journey yet. The rainbow was very close to her. Twilight could not hold in her smile. A single tear fell off of her cheek. She decided not to continue her journey for today. Twilight laid down and looked into the rainbow cherishing every second it holds in the sky.

Twilight's Journal Day 3 Entry 3:

Today I saw the second most beautiful rainbow in my life. The first and the MOST beautiful rainbow i have ever seen or even will see is Rainbow Dash. A cheerful pony, a great flyer and of course a great friend. Rainbow you always wanted to join the Wonderbolts. I always wanted to tell you that you outgrew them a long time ago. YOU were the one who made the first and even the second Sonic Rainboom, you were the one who saved Wonderbolts. You are one of the most amazing ponies I have ever seen. I really would like to be more like you: courageous, amazing, fast, fearless and loyal. We sometimes could not get along, but small quarrels never defeat true friendship. Thank you Rainbow Dash.

Twilight entered the tent. She could not fall asleep for a long time. Twilight skipped though all the majestic memories of her time with Rainbow Dash. The glorious running of the leaves, the trip to the dragon's layer, the gorgeous sonic rainboom,  The Great Galloping Gala, the contest of pets, the adventures in Crystal Empire and of course, this one book, Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone.

Finally Twilight fell asleep with a smile on her face.

"The difficulty is not that great to die for a friend, the hard part is finding a friend worth dying for."- Henry Home

Day 4: Cave

Twilight slowly woke up at sunrise. It was another day of her journey. The weather was sunny and not a single cloud could be seen. The wind became warm and weak. It was a great day to continue her journey.

Twilight packed her things rather quickly this morning. She had a nice smile on her face. The road she took leaded directly into mountains. It was a narrow footpath. As Twilight got closer to the mountains, she could not hear the beautiful singing of the birds. What she could hear are the cold screams of eagles, circling the mountains.

In some time Twilight was already so deep in mountains that she could not even see the path she came from. These places were really spiky and Twilight had to watch herself not to get cut or lose her baggage.

Twilight's Journal Day 4 Entry 1:

It really is a big change in scenery. One day I was enjoying nice meadows and forests and now I am deep in cold rocky mountains. The animals sure don't seem as friendly in here. Well, the beauty of the world lies not only in green forests but in high and mighty mountains too.

In some time Twilight stumbled on a cave. The entrance was so big it seemed like the whole Canterlot castle could fit there. There was no another way around the mountain.  After taking a deep gulp, Twilight finally entered the cave. She was walking slowly and her every step was really cautious. After walking in the cave for a few minutes Twilight saw that the cave got bigger and bigger and in a moment she realized that the entrance was just a small pathway to the big room. The whole room was lit by torches. The walls were made of gold. Treasures of all kinds were in this room: Diamonds, rubies, gemstones and of course huge hills constructed from the golden coins. Twilight quickly realized that it was a dragon's lair. She knew that dragon is surely in here because of all the smoke, but it was awfully silent in the room. Twilight decided to wait a little. It would be unwise of her to wake a sleeping dragon. She was tired of roaming the mountains anyway. Carefully she installed the tent in the corner of the room.

Twilight's Journal Day 4 Entry 2:

Entering the cave I didn't expect to stumble on a dragon's lair. It is way too silent in here. I can't even hear the dragon breathe, but I have come this far not to just turn around and go home. I can't afford myself wasting  anymore time.

Twilight got out of the tent and started sneaking around the cave in hopes of finding the dragon and in some time she did. She saw a golden dragon lying all by himself surrounded by treasure. He was not sleeping, but he looked very sad. It is not often you see a sad dragon. Twilight slowly started closing in on him. The dragon turned to her but he didn't seem to mind her.

"Hello. What is your name?" Twilight tried being as friendly as she could.

The dragon remained silent.

"Are you hurt?"

The dragon looked her in the eyes. He didn't seem to understand her. With one of his huge nails dragon drew a note on the ground and then he crossed it out.

"You are mute..."- Whispered Twilight, "And you also don't seem to understand what I am saying,"- Twilight slowly came up to his forehead. Her horn touched him between the eyes. Twilight used a spell and connected their minds together.

In a moment they know everything about each other. The dragon was mute but not deaf. He could not understand anyone because in his lifetime every dragon avoided him and everypony was afraid of him. Twilight could see his suffering, and the dragon could see hers. For some time they just sit there skipping through their new memories.

Twilight's Journal Day 4 Entry 3:

The dragon turned out to be no threat to me. He opened a way to the other side of the mountains and I am free to continue my journey but I just can't. I can't leave this dragon in here all by himself. Not after he got to communicate with someone for the first time in years.

I am going to use the recovery spell. It is considered one of the hardest spells. Considering my condition it may as well take away a chunk of my life or rather what is left of it, but knowing that I have given this dragon a second chance is all the reward I need.

Twilight's horn started to shine as she flew. Her eyes started shining. The pulsating beam jumped off her horn right on the dragon's forehead. The cave started to shake. In a moment, Twilight collapsed.

“The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But...the good Samaritan reversed the question: 'If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”? Martin Luther King Jr.

Day 5: Flight

Twilight slowly opened her eyes. She had quite a headache. The dragon was looking directly at her. He worried that she would never wake up at all. Twilight tried to stand up but she lost too much strength using the recovery spell. She was too tired to stand. Twilight carefully lied down and started staring at the dragon as if waiting for him to talk. Twilight knew that the dragon learned the language when she connected their minds. With every second of silence her face became sadder and sadder.

"Th....Than......,"- whispered the dragon. He was trying to form words. Twilight's frown quickly turned into a wide smile.

"It is okay. Take it slow. Maybe you know the language, but your tongue is not used to speaking. Don't worry I know you will get there"- Said Twilight putting her hoof on one of his huge nails.

"Twi.....Twilight......Thank you"- said the dragon.

"You are welcome,"- Answered Twilight. The dragon suddenly got a bright expression on his face. He started thoroughly digging in his treasures. Finally he digged off a beautiful necklace made of gold with a star-shaped sapphire in front. The dragon pulled his hand to Twilight.

"P...p.....present"- Said dragon with a smile on his face. Twilight took the necklace and instantly tried it on. This necklace greatly suited with her cutie mark.

"Thank you, I like it very much. You know, for a dragon, you're very nice and sweet."

Twilight's Journal Day 5 Entry 1:

The spell worked!!! I am very happy to see this dragon socializing again. Thought now he can only say separate words and has some problems with forming full sentences, I believe that in no time he will be able to speak normally. This dragon actually turned out to be as sweet as a cupcake and not menacing at all. He even gave me a beautiful necklace as a present.

I will probably have to stay in the cave for some time to recover. My  legs won't even budge. I wonder how much time I have left after using so much power on this spell, but no matter how much time I have given away it was completely worth it.

While Twilight was writing, the dragon sat close to her and awkwardly tried to form sentences.

"Twi..light, you okay?"- Asked the dragon noticing that Twilight haven't really moved much since her awaking.

"Well I am really weak from the spell, but don't worry I will be up and running in no time," answered Twilight. The next few hours were spent trying to teach the dragon to socialize better, and he really was a quick learner. During these few hours Twilight's legs started their slow recovery.

Twilight's Journal Day 5 Entry 2:

My legs are getting better a lot faster than I expected. The dragon was most nice to me. I think he would be just the one to change Fluttershy's opinion about dragons. Actually he has made one decision that you would never expect for a dragon to make. He decided to give away all his treasures. The dragon said that he wanted to fly through Equestria and to share all his treasures for common pony folks, also he offered me a flight to any place I want. he saw that in a few days I won't be in condition to roam the rest of the mountains.

"You....Ready...Twilight?" asked the dragon.

"Yes I am," answered Twilight, slowly putting on her bags. The dragon leaned his head and Twilight carefully climbed on his neck, "Just promise not to fly too quick, Okay?" Twilight was clearly afraid. She never flew on a dragon's back before.

"Promise," said the dragon with a smile on his face. The dragon grabbed all the treasure he could with his two hands and walked out of the cave.

It was lovely to breath in some fresh air again for Twilight. The Dragon jumped off a cliff and opened his huge and mighty wings. Twilight could not believe her eyes. She was actually flying on a dragon's back.

When the dragon flew above Ponyville he softly weakened his grip. The small golden coins started to fall on Ponyville. The Ponies could not believe their eyes. It was a huge dragon who was giving away his treasures, a not very common sight.

Twilight heard a familiar voice, screaming, "What in tarnation!?"

There was nothing that Twilight wanted more right now than to just jump to her friends hug them all and never let go, but she promised herself that no matter what, she will make sure that her friends won't have to watch her slowly fade and die. It was too painful for her to know that her dream is so close, and yet so unreachable.

"Could you please take me somewhere else?" said Twilight with sorrow in her voice.

"Where do you want to land?" asked the dragon.

"I always wanted to visit Manehatten. I will stop in the hotel there." continued Twilight.

"No problem. I will even give you some gold," answered the dragon.

The rest of the flight was painfully quiet. Twilight didn't say a word. She did not enjoy the beautiful view. Only the wind could be heard. A quite wind that blew through Twilight's mane. In some time the dragon landed on the roof of skyscraper in Manehatten. Naturally it caused some panic among city ponies. Twilight carefully climbed off him.

"Twilight...Thank you for everything. If not for you I would still be in that cave moping around. It was very kind of you to show compassion to me. Remember no matter what happens I will always be there to save you, promise. But is something bothering you?" asked the dragon.

"There is something"whispered Twilight, "but don't  worry. Sooner or later it'll go away," said Twilight smiling. She tried not to drop off her own problems on her new friend. Twilight thought that he deserved some happiness after all he lived through, "your speaking got immensely better. You know I keep calling you the dragon, but do you have a name?"

"I have long forgotten my name," said the dragon with a sad voice.

"Well you need a new one then," said Twilight with a smile, "let me see....how about Adelind. It means a noble serpent!"

"Yes...I like it. Thank you Twilight. Goodbye. I will try to live up to my name."

The dragon leaned to Twilight. She hugged his face and whispered, "Goodbye, Adelind."

                                             “The wise man does not lay up his own treasures.

The more he gives to others,

the more he has for his own.”

                                                                                                           Lao Tzu

Day 6: Streets of Manehattan

Twilight was quietly lying in her bed. She stopped at the hotel this night. Truly a lot was special about Manehattan. For instance, the fact that Twilight could not get even a second of her beauty sleep, because of how noisy this city is. Or the fact that when Twilight looked outside everypony looked so grim and nobody smiled or even said hello to each other.

It sure was a change of scenery from the quite forests.  Twilight looked really worn out. After spending only one night at Manehatten, all her wishes of visiting this place vanished quite quickly. She would have left the city, but she still had to regain her strength.

Twilight's Journal Day 6 Entry 1:

First time during my journey I was not able to sleep well. Manehattan looks lifeless and pretty depressing. I still feel quite sad about yesterday's trip to Ponyville. Being in this city is sure not helping increase my mood. I still have to rest at least one day in here to regain my powers. Today I started counting how many times I have rejected Fluttershy's offers to have a tea party with her critters, and for what... to read more books. Right now I would give all the books from my library just to have one more teaparty with her.

Twilight got off bed and limped to the door. In a few moments she was out in the streets of Manehattan. The weather was very murky. There was no wind but it looked like it will rain. Twilight decided to give this city another chance and to take a little walk.

The architecture of the city was sure impressive. It was nothing like Ponyville or even Canterlot. But even the most beautiful architectures can't hide the soul of the city, and the soul of the city is it's people. No one ever greeted anyone in the streets. Noone ever smiled just to be cheerful. In time Twilight got really hungry and started looking for some place to eat at. For a big city, there were surely not enough restaurants. Soon Twilight approached a bar. It was of course not a diner, but Twilight got really hungry and was ready to eat anything.

"I just hope they have some food in there,"  said Twilight.

Twilight entered the bar. Inside it was small room. Chairs and tables were made of wood. The air was very damp and cold. The lighting in this room was very poor. The place looked like a real hole. Twilight looked around for a table. She could not believe her own eyes. Right there at the corner a familiar pony was sitting and slowly drinking her cider.

"Trixie?" whispered Twilight.

By the looks of it Trixie was really depressed. Twilight approached her. When Twilight's shadow covered Trixie's table, she rose her head. Trixie had a strange expression on her face. It was the mix of sadness, surprise, and shame.

"Hello Trixie," said Twilight quietly.

"H.....hi Twilight."- Whispered Trixie.

"Is that an alcoholic cider you drinking?" asked Twilight.

"No...this....this isn't mine. I think they have mixed up the orders,"- Trixie started smiling.

"I saw you drink it,"- Murmured Twilight.

Twilight limped to the chair and sat down. For some time there was an awkward silence between them. Twilight decided to break the silence.

"So what are you doing in Manehattan?" asked Twilight.

"Nothing special, you?" Trixie looked really sad.

"Are you alright?" Twilight stared at Trixie.

"No I am not alright. I am sitting in this hellhole and drinking this cheap cider. I am wasting my last bits. I don't have a place to call home. I don't have any friends. I don't want to live anymore." said Trixie when tears started falling off her cheeks.

"Trixie.....what happened to you?"- Asked Twilight gently putting her hoof on Trixie's shoulder.

"I have been feeling lost ever since our duel at Ponyville. My lust for revenge was the only thing that kept me going. After our duel I didn't know what to do or where to go. I have changed a lot since that time. I tried to be a stage magician again, but that just made me sick. I feel awful getting out on that stage and boast without  end. I have lost my goal in my life and now I just feel empty. And worst of all, I feel more lonely than ever."when Trixie finished talking Twilight hugged her. Trixie continued crying.

"It is not true. You are not alone. I am here for you. I am your friend, Trixie."- Twilight whispered.

"After the kind of monster I was to you?" said Trixie through the tears.

"Of course. There is no monster more dangerous than the lack of compassion," smiled Twilight.

Trixie buried her face in Twilight's chest. It felt good to have someone to talk to. To know that there is still someone who cares for her. Although she never thought that this person would be Twilight Sparkle.

"Let's go to my place Trixie. You can stay with me for now. I promise you. No matter what, I will help you to find a new purpose in life." whispered Twilight.

Twilight's Journal Day 6 Entry 2:

Today I have met Trixie at the bar in Manehattan. She looked so depressed. After talking to her I understand that she needs a friend like never before. She needs my help. I can't leave Manehattan until she is fixed. I can't leave her. Not after I looked at her eyes. They were crying for help. They were so lost. And I think I know how to save her.

Twilight and Trixie returned to the hotel. Trixie sat down on the bed and started looking at Twilight who was limping towards the table.

"I wanted to ask you....why are you limping?"

"Oh nothing special. I have just preformed a very hard spell and...well let's just say it backfired a little." answered Twilight, "so are you hungry?"

"A little," answered Trixie. Twilight pulled out a few peanut butter and zap apple jam sandwiches and gave one to Trixie. Trixie smiled and started eating this sandwich.

"Trixie, I never told you, but do you even realize how great you are?" said Twilight.

"Excuse me?" said Trixie with a surprised expression on her face.

"You are among the most talented magicians I have ever met. You are able to do magnificent spells. But it is not important what you can do now, what important is your potential. You may not be as good in magic as me, but while I was spending all my time getting better and perfecting my magic, you were boasting and using your talent in vain.

And even in these circumstances you know  half of these spells already. You never practiced even half as much as I did but you are still great at magic. Just imagine for a second what potential you have. How great you could be if you would truly start practicing, reading and learning. I believe if you do that than you even have a potential to surpass me," said Twilight.

"You really thing so, Twilight Sparkle?" asked Trixie.

"I don't think so, I know so, " answered Twilight looking deeply at Trixie's eyes. And that is why I think YOU must become Celestia's newest student."- Said Twilight.

"What? After all I have done I sincerely doubt that Princess Celestia will every agree to teach me!" objected Trixie.

"Maybe not, but just hear me out. I will write a letter and give it to you. In it I will myself tell Princess Celestia about how much you have changed, how much you need guidance and how great your potential and talent is. Just give this letter to her and I think she will accept you. She is the kindest and sweetest pony ever. I know that she will give you a chance of being her student," said Twilight.

"You would do that for me?" asked Trixie.

"Of course I will do that for you, but you have to remember that being Celestia's student is very tough and hard. But don't you worry I believe that you have the potential to become one of the greatest mages Equestria has every seen." smiled Twilight.

"Thank you Twilight," said Trixie with a broad smile on her face, "no one has ever done anything so kind to me. No one was ever so good to me. I promise to always remember you as my first and best friend, Twilight Sparkle. I will take the first train to Canterlot. I promise, I won't let you down, Twilight," Trixie hugged Twilight so hard that she could barely breathe, "thank you, Twilight."

"You are welcome"- Said Twilight with smile on her face, "It is dark already. We should really hit the hay."

"Of course,"- Said Trixie, "good night, Twilight. I can't wait for tomorrow."

And in one night Trixie got back her purpose in life. She wanted to live another day. To see what it will bring her. She wanted to learn new spells, make new friends and to see what the future has to offer.

“Dare to Be

When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.

When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.

When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.

When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.

When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.

When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.

When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.

When times are tough, dare to be tougher.

When love hurts you, dare to love again.

When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.

When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.

When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.

When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.

When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.

When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.

Dare to be the best you can –

At all times, Dare to be!”

                                      ? Steve Maraboli

Day 7: Incendia

Twilight's eyes snapped open. For the second night in a row Twilight could not get any  sleep. The city was very noisy, and the bed was not very comfortable either, but those were not the real reasons why Twilight could not sleep. The real reason was that Twilight for the first time during her journey could not stop thinking.

She was thinking about her friends, about the dragon whom she had helped, and of course about Trixie, who was innocently sleeping on the couch. Quite a lot had happened in these six days.

Twilight quietly got up and rubbed her eyes. Using her magic she levitated a piece of paper and a quill and started writing. Luckily on the table of every room in the hotel there was  ink for the quills.

Just as she promised she wrote a private recommendation letter to Princess Celestia. Twilight finished the letter and wrote  her signature at the bottom.

Twilight got off her bed and levitated the letter into Trixie's bag. As Twilight was looking at Trixie, a warm smile grew on her face.

"Good luck Trixie. Do your best," whispered Twilight.

Twilight packed her bags and left the room without making a single noise.

Twilight's Journal Day 7 Entry 1:

It's really funny in somehow. I have again found myself leaving without saying a proper goodbye. To tell the truth, I hate farewells as much as I hate endings. I know that every story must end. I know that sooner or later comes a day when you have to say goodbye, but I always  did everything in my power to delay those goodbyes and endings. I never even read my books one at a time. I always read about five or even more of them in one period of time. Now I understand that this might have just been another way to delay the farewells.

Come to think of it, it is really strange that  I came in terms with my disease so quickly and easily.

Twilight Exited the hotel and started walking in a random direction. She  limped only a little bit now. She had not restored her power completely yet. The hotel was at the edge of the city and soon Twilight left Manehattan.

Instantly Twilight felt great joy. The air was cool and breezy. The sun shone brightly. there were only a few small clouds. Her eyes rejoiced at the green forests and her mind felt free once again. Twilight was really happy to leave Manehattan behind.

Despite of her illness Twilight was full of energy. In a couple of hours she could only see the tips of the Manehattan city skylinebehind her.  The whole  of Equestria was ahead of her. There were still so many places Twilight wanted to visit, but sadly not enough time to visit all of them.

Twilight entered a dense forest. The forest canopy was so thick it hid  most of the sunlight . Twilight came close to a massive oak tree and suddenly had an idea. Her horn started so shine. A little knife levitated from her bag. With slow and careful movements Twilight begun to carve out something on the oak. She stepped away from the oak and with a swift move stuck the blunt knife deep into the tree.

Twilight stepped back a little and with a kind and warm smile looked at the drawing. It was a carving of her most dear five Ponyville friends. The drawing was not the most detailed one. Twilight was never a great artist, but the main thing about the drawing was not the style, it was the fact that they were all together and smiling.

Twilight levitated another item from her bag. It was the pink striped scurf she was wearing on winter wrap-up. Using her magic, she tied the scarf to the knife with a tight knot.

Twilight wrote down a short message undearneaththe drawing.

Never stopped loving you all and never will.

Twilight's Journal Day 7 Entry 2:

Today I have left a little trace for my friends here in the forest. When they will come searching for me, and I know sooner or later they will, I want them to see it and to know that I was thinking about them and that I could not have lived a happier life.

Twilight walked past the oak and under the sound of the wavering scarf she continued her journey. In a few more hours it started to get dark. Twilight was so deep in the forest that she couldn't help but wonder if she was lost. Wandering through the forest in the dark was not smart. She could have used an illumination spell but Twilight didn't want to use her magic if she could avoid it. She still had to fully regenerate.

"Well that is it for today i guess," said Twilight with a note of dissapointment on her voice.

She unpacked and installed her tent. After having some cinnamon rolls Twilight went to bed, but Twilight could not sleep. She stared at the top of the tent.  Suddenly she smelled something in the air that maid her cough. Smoke. And the smell of the smoke in the forest could not be good.

Twilight quickly got off her bed and ran outside. She saw a thick cloud of smoke coming from not far away.Twilight realized that there was a fire. Without packing her things she hurried towards it . Swiftly making her way through the trees  she finally reached a small village in flames.  The ponies were running in panic.

Twilight knew that she had to stop the fire before it set the forest on fire. There were no pegasi or unicorns in this village and it was so it was nearly impossible for the earth ponies to stop the fire on their own.

Twilight anchored her back hooves in the ground and lowered her head. Her horn started shining and  purple sparks fliew from it. From above a huge dome started to form. The dome slowly covered the entire village. Beads of sweat dripped from Twilight's head. Her vision got blurry. She concentrated all of her will just to stay conscious. The fate of the entire village depended on her.

Twilight started casting another spell. She pointed her horn at the sky and the beam pierced  a small hole in the dome. Dark clouds started forming above the village. Twilight's hooves were shaking. She started coughing up blood.  The dome shattered into a million little pieces. The dark clouds disappeared. Twilight collapsed as the blood was leaking from her nose and mouth.

Twilight could hardly hear anything. She could only hear the screams of the terrified villagers.

“... and I experienced the bitter helplessness of a taunted old man dying to be whole again.”

                                                                                                                                    ― Philip Roth

Day 8: Shining among the ashes

Twilight lied in a small pool of her own blood.  The wind was blew softly in the  dark and cloudy ruins of the village. There was not a single pony in sight, nor had there been for the hour that she lied there helplessly

Right  in front of her eyes was her failure.  She saw the incinerated houses and the burnt bodies of the villagers. The horrific tapestry of destruction brought tears to her eyes. For a whole hour crying was the only thing she could do.

Raindrops fell on Twilight's motionless body. The small drops grew into a strong rain. Twilight was not sure if she would be able to move ever again. With her disease she should not put so much strain on her body. The doctor said that she had about one month left to live, but after restoring the dragon's speaking ability and now exhausting her strength on the village Twilight was certain that death was soon to come, her life coming to an end.

It was not the end she wanted by far. In the seven days of her journey she has seen beautiful forests and meadows, climbed high mountains, inspected a dark cave, flew above Equestria,  visited Manehatten, and yet this is the way everything was going to end. It was going to end with her lying in a pool of blood forced to look at theburnt corpses of the villager's.

Hour after hour she  lied there helplessly. Many thoughts went through her head. She remembered her parents. Twilight didn't really visit them often after moving to Ponyville. She remembered her beloved teacher Princess Celestia and of course her most precious Ponyville friends. Twilight had lived a beautiful and happy life. She had come to terms with it ending for some time now, but she hoped for a more noble or just peaceful death. The only thing she could do is think and cry in the rain.

Princess Celestia, Applejack, Rarity, everypony... what would they say after seeing me like this? They always taught me to never give up. I taught them myself never to give up...when did I become the one who lost all hope? It is never too late to try. If I am going to die, I am going to die fighting!

At the thought of her friends and family Twilight started shaking on the ground. Her every muscle ached.  Slowly, she put her front hoof on the ground. Collecting all of her will she slowly started to get up. She could hear her friends and loved ones. She could hear their silent cheers. Soon Twilight was shaking...shaking but standing on her four legs. Slowly throwing one leg in front of the other, Twilight started walking.

The sight of the burnt village was one of the most painful in her entire life. To see how she could save them all but failed was unbearable. Twilight's eyes were dry from crying too much . It took her a long time to walk through the village. She came to a small house which was not as badly damaged as the others.

She could barely fit into the place where the door was supposed to be. Twilight did not have enough strength to get up the ladder to the bedroom and it was way too dangerous anyway. The building was most likely unstable. She made it to the kitchen and collapsed on a slightly burnt chair.

Twilight closed her eyes. She was happy to still be alive. Her body was very weak. Too much blood was lost and she was starving. Just when she thought she could relax Twilight heard sobbing. Seemed like it was coming from the second floor. Twilight slowly came to the ladder. The sobbing could be heard stronger right now.

It was dangerous to go to the second floor but Twilight thought if somepony survived in the fire she  had to help him. She carefully put her hoof on the first step. The ladder seemed to be secure enough. Step after step Twilight slowly went up the ladder. Now on the second floor, she started to slowly walk towards the sound of crying.

She entered a small room. Inside was a small cot in which was a tiny blue foal. Twilight could not believe her eyes. After  the terrible fire the cot was not even slightly damaged. Not a single trace of fire could  be seen around it. The foal looked at Twilight with his big blue eyes and slowly stopped crying and looked at Twilight.  His eyes twinkled like stars.

Twilight slowly reached out her hoof to the little foal. The child did not seem to be utterly unafraid of her.  Twilight was amazed. A little foal surviving in the fire was not likely. Even if the fire did not burn him, the smoke should have caused some damage but the small foal was perfectly healthy .

"Don't worry... I will protect you no matter what" Twilight whispered as she wrapped up the foal into a piece of cloth from the cot.

It was hard for Twilight to walk as it was, but with the foal it presented  even more of a challenge to her. She almost tripped twice going down the stairs. She squeezed the little foal against her, firmly trying her best not to drop him. The foal was happy and calm. He looked at Twilight as if she was her mother.

Under the dark sky of the forest the barely alive Twilight carried a small blue foal, walking step after step, being careful not to drop the child. Small drops of rain fell on her face. They made her nose itchy but she could not allow herself to scratch it. She was afraid to use even the simplest spells right now, when somepony's life and wellbeing depended on her.

After a while Twilight was finally out of the demolished town. She prayed with all her heart that she remebered the right way back to her campsite. She also hoped that fire did not make it to her tent.

Step after step she got weaker and weaker. Twilight had never before in her life pushed her limits so much. Everything looked like a mishmash of different colors in Twilight's eyes. She could hardly see where she was going.

After walking for a short period of time she saw what appeared to be a brown blot that she hoped was her tent. Fate was fortunate to Twilight as it truly was her tent. She entered it and with shaking hooves she lay the foal on the bed, then she collapsed on the floor.

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”   ― Bil Keane

Day 9: Downer Ending

Day 9: Fade

Twilight's right eye slowly opened as she woke up. Her vision was a bit blurry. It got normal after a few blinks. Her eyes started running all over the tent in search of the foal. To her surprise the foal was quietly lying there without making a single noise. A big smile warmed her face. The foal starred at Twilight with her baby blue shining eyes. Twilight gave off a slopy smile in return.

Step after step Twilight started slowly getting up. Her whole body was still at pain. In a moment she was sitting right next to the foal. Twilight quickly started searching in her bags for some food. They were full of all the diffrent kind of snacks that she packed at Manehattan. She put a piece of apple on the plate. Using her hoof she mashed up the apple. Feeding it to the foal was a lot easier than Twilight thought. In a few moments there was nothing left on the plate.

This foal was everything that Twilight cared for at this moment. She was afraid to die now, when someone depends on her. Twilight had food for a few more days. She did not know where she was and how far was any city or town. Twilight bashed herself for not memorizing the road or taking the map with her. One thing that she knew she had to do is continue pushing through and hope that she will find a town or anypony before she runs out of food.

Twilight's Journal Day 9 Entry 1:

Today I gave a promise to myself. I will save this foal and get him to safety even if that is the last thing I do. To anyone who finds this journal I ask you please take it to the small town near Canterlot called Ponyville. There please tell that this journal belongs to Twilight Sparkle. Thank you in advance dear stranger.

Twilight got up. She carefully picked up the foal and put him in her saddlebag. The foal gave off a quite giggle. After having some rest this night Twilight had enough energy to walk for now. She packed her tent and took off with the mind full of determination.

Twilight sighed and looked around for a moment. If she only knew what direction was Manehattan she could get there in a day or few. Sadly she had no idea where she was and where was the closest city or village. She rubbed her eyes a little in hopes to get rid of blurryness. The foal was so quite that on a moment Twilight even forgot that she was carrying a little pony in her saddlebags. She decided to rely on her instincts and just go in the direction that felt right.

Step by step Twilight continued her journey in hopes of saving the foal. She could not help but wiggle as the foal was giving off joyful laughter. Was it going to be one step or one hundred steps untill any sign of civilization. If Twilight only knew. With every inch she felt last fragments of energy leaving her body. Only by pure instinct and will she continued on. If not for the foal, dying now would be nice. Still a pony can die anytime, and the foal has life to live and things to experience. Twilight was not going to rob her of it.

The sky, the forest and just about everything in Twilight's eyes started mixing into a single barely recognisible mess. She continued slowly. Step by step, barely being able to not fall on the ground. The gentle laughter of the foal was the only thing that kept her connected with the reality. In one moment she felt it. That was it. She would have liked to continue. To save the foal. To continue walking, but her body refused. Her mind had some force left in it, but the body completely failed to follow her instructions, and just like that she fell on the ground. Slowly closing her eyes, as blood dripped from her mouth. The only one thing remained now and it were her thoughts.

It sure was nice...maybe it did not last that long, but I have had a good time...I think...there were much plans, but it seems some journeys are never meant to be truly finished. I wanted to visit Appleloosa, Crystal Kingdom and maybe even FIllydelphia or Las Pegasus...I am still glad that I decided to go on this journey. Even if it was just nine or eight days...these were nine or eight days that I felt in piece.

As Twilight's eyes deemed, everything started losing colour. The sound became shallow and in time ceased to exist. Her body lost any sensation. She knew she was going to die any moment now. The only alive part of her was her mind.

"So that is what dying feels like...not as bad as they make it out to be" - were Twilight's last thoughts before her body gave in and her soul fade away.

In the silence, surrounded by trees, hugged by gentle breeze, there was a motionless body of a pony with a journal next to her, the pages of which were being fliped by the wind. A pony who's journey was short and over before you know it, but was worth taking nonetheless. Now only the laughter of the foal was remaining.

“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” - Mark Twain

Epilogue

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