“The greatest monsters we must face are the ones we create ourselves”
It was beautiful.
It was stylish.
It was fit for a princess.
It was strange.
The royal couturiers had obviously had a wonderful time redecorating her old room in the Canterlot Castle. Her small round cushioned bed had been replaced with a large four poster bed dressed in deep purple sheets hidden by a canopy of sheer purple material fading into pink as it climbed to the top. The bookshelves were still in place, but they now shone with a healthy polished glow and were trimmed in silver. For a moment she wondered if any of her old volumes had been tampered with or dusted. All she needed was to find the well loved pages of her old spell books to have been rebound in silver casings.
Shaking her head, Twilight Sparkle trots quietly in; the tattered suitcases land lightly on the floor, her magic releasing them. Moving aside the sheer curtain, she pulls back the comforter before working her way onto the plush mattress. The soft glow pushes the curtains apart allowing Twilight to see out into the fading light. The Apples would be sitting down to a warm home cooked meal after a long day of working the farm. She could almost smell the sweet apple pie and warm cider.
Rainbow Dash and Rarity were probably taking their sisters out for the small camping trip they had planned for the weekend. She had made them promise to write her about the experience. How Sweetie Belle had convinced Rarity to go camping for the second time was still a mystery. It warmed her heart how Rainbow Dash had taken the young filly under her wing. She was sure Scootalo would blossom under Dash’s care. Who knew maybe the Cutie Mark Crusaders would be writing her letters like her friends had written Princess Celestia.
There was reality again, sneaking in where it was not wanted. She was a Princess living in Canterlot Castle while her friends stayed together in Ponyville. They were just a letter away. All she had to do was call Spike, and she could speak to them in a flash of green flame. It just was not the same. There would be no more crazy parties at Pinkie’s wearing umbrella hats. No brisk morning picnics on the Apple’s farm, or midnight stargazing near Fluttershy’s cottage. No sudden pranks from the sky, or surprise gifts of fashionable contour. Instead of the warm wood of her library she would be greeted by the deep purple walls of her now lavish room. Her days would not be filled with the laughter of her friends, but duties to solve problems, reach higher magic, and becoming the glorious princess of magic.
Before her time in Ponyville this would have been paradise; her books surrounding her with knowledge just waiting to be discovered, studied, and written down. Princess Celestia checking in on her every night discussing the treasured knowledge she had recovered. Laying her head down on the bed she sighs, a frown marring her violet muzzle. How was she supposed to studied and further her magic here in Canterlot away from her dear friends? They were the reason she had become an Alicorn in the first place, without the elements Twilight was just a unicorn student. All she had ever known as a filly were found between the pages of the books she read. She had no idea how to handle these things without her friends.
Tears make their way down the mare’s face, pulling her hooves closer she presses her eyes behind them as if to hide. The moment of weakness is interrupted by the voice of a small male dragon, “Hey Twilight, you in here?” he asks peaking around the door frame. Twilight quickly wipes her eyes on her hoof before answering, “Yeah Spike I’m here what is up? I thought Princess Celestia had a room made just for you. Is it not to your liking?”
“No the room is great!” Spike replies with enthusiasm, “It is huge for when I grow taller, and there is this gem stone vault by the fireplace. Princess Luna promised she would keep it full of lunar gems for me when I visit.”
Twilight listens with mild interest while Spike detailed out his entire room from top to bottom. He had been so excited when Princess Luna had asked him to be a representative for Equestria. Years of taking notes for her, and being her number one assistant, getting used to him being absent would take some time. For some reason the idea of it becoming normal saddened her. Had Celestia and Luna ever felt this way?
Well Luna certainly had maybe she should talk to her, but then again maybe Luna was not the best one to ask for advice. She had dealt with her loneliness by becoming a wicked mare of darkness trying to make the night last forever. Not the best role model really. She did not want to be banned to the moon for a thousand years. She doubted it was much fun, and a library on the moon was unlikely.
What exactly had Luna done for a thousand years?
It occurred to Twilight that Spike had stopped talking, and he was waiting for a response. Her eyes refocused on his scaly face, “that sounds amazing Spike. I’m glad you like it, and I am sure the Princesses will be thrilled."
The baby dragon did not look completely convinced, but it was brushed easily away by his current excitement. “I know right Twi! Aren’t you excited about your presentation in three moons? Ponies from all over the world are going to be there!”
Putting on her best smile Twilight replies, “Yes, I am absolutely thrilled! It is so exciting to be a Princess. “She puffs out her chest, fluffing her wings, “All hail Princess Twilight Sparkle Wielder of the Element of Magic!” Spike giggles at her poor impression of the pony Herald, Pompous Forerun.
“Don’t forget,” Spike began in a much higher Forerun vocal, “Champion of Equestria against the mighty villains Nightmare Moon, Discord, Chrysalis, and King Sombra! As well as a traveler of dimensions with her faithful, mighty, fire breathing, dragon Spike!”
It was Twilight’s turn to giggle, and she felt her spirits lifting. Hopping off the bed with a flutter of her wings she begins ushering the young dragon out the door, “Yes my fearless companion Spike, and number one assistant, but even dragons and princesses need their sleep. We’ve got a long day tomorrow.”
“You are right Twi,” the baby dragon replies with a yawn, “I’ll see you in the morning alright?” She nods magic taking hold of the large oak door as she moves to close it behind the retreating dragon.
“Um Twilight,” Spike asks almost sheepishly a soft pink dusting across his scales, “Do you think you could tuck me in? You know, just for old times’ sake?” Twilight’s eyes soften as she releases the door and steps out.
“Of course Spike,” she says nuzzling him gently, “I’ll always have a moment for you. Now come on, I want to sneak a peek this room you were going on about.” Spike leads the way with a giant grin and the pressure on her heart lifted.
Maybe living in the castle would not be so bad, she thought as she tucked the little dragon into his soft warm bed. Spike still needed her, and he was right. She had faced many foes, and defeated them all. She was Princess Twilight Sparkle, beloved student of Princess Celestia and Champion of Equestria. This was just another test, and Twilight Sparkle never failed.
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“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”
― Leo Buscaglia
It had been two week since her departure to Canterlot Castle. One since Spike had left to distribute the invitations to her presentation. Three–hundred and thirty-six hours, thirty minutes and twenty seconds since she sent her first letter to her friends in Ponyville.
No reply had been sent.
The Library’s polished floor was dulling under the constant tread of her pacing hooves, but she could not help the worry. Had they forgotten her already? She quickly worked to banish the thought. They were just busy. That had to be it. She was busy with her studies, and her friends had responsibilities as well. Giving her mane a toss she shakes out her worries, and forces her hooves into a standstill. Besides, pacing never really solved anything, she thought studying the abused finish on the normally pristine floor. She would have to apologize to the Princesses later for the damage.
Tapping the floor with her hoof she continues to ponder. Things had not been going as she had hoped. The royals were a lot busier than her previous experience at the castle had led her to believe. Growing up Celestia always made time for her faithful student’s pressing questions, and hero worshiping gaze. Lately, though, Twilight was having trouble even finding the Princess of the Sun much less being able to converse. Luna was as mysterious as the night she guarded over, and while she was easier to find conversing was a struggle. The moon mare was still trying to find her own way in this new world. Though she tried nothing she said seem to comfort the younger Alicorn. ‘You’ll get used to it,’ really was not the best advice Twilight had ever received.
With a resigned sign, Twilight starts her trek towards the darker aisles of the towering bookcases. She had made it through most of the volumes in her time here. She was the Princess of Magic; it was her duty to know all current spells and begin to create new magic. It was the position of researcher, scientist, and teacher. The position was perfect for the old Twilight Sparkle. The Twilight who had never seen the importance of friendship, and was content with wasting the days away muzzle buried in a book.
Glancing up, still deep in her thoughts, Twilight located an unfamiliar novel. She may have lost her desire to become a well read hermit, but she retained the itching curiosity of an inspiring student. A gentle pull of magic the Alicorn attempted to pull the book from its place without success. Brows crinkled as she tried again a little harder, and again until she was backed against the neighboring case pulling with all her might.
THUD! SMACK! BANG!
Fate found her upside down, back resting against the bookshelf she had been using to steady herself. Twilight mighty defender of Equestria had just lost to a book. From her position on the floor the young mare could make out the unfamiliar volume between her crumpled wings. Pushing her hindquarters back she allows gravity to pull her into a seated position relieving her neck and head of her body’s pressure. Now with her back to the offending book she gives a soft huff, glares at it over her shoulder. Stupid thing, it probably did not have anything worth reading anyways. As she contemplates the novel’s ultimate demise said tome begins to glow in a soft purple light. Her violet eyes widen as it proceeds to pull itself from the shelf and gently glides down before her. A quick glance to her horn informs her that the books sudden flight was not her own doing. She studies the volume suspiciously. Random bursts of magic, while not common for novels, was possible. Spell books with high magical content were able to refuse readers or seek them out. Why had the volume suddenly decided to come down, and why had it rejected her in the first place? She was the Princess of Magic. Could these pages contain something even she must be tested to use?
Her thoughts were quickly brought to a halt when the lock on the book sprung open and the covers pulled apart to reveal the pages inside. A clear deep voice spoke as the lights in the already dark hall seemed to dim.
“Hello Princess Twilight Sparkle. What a talented pupil you are shaping up to become. We had known you were talented, but you have grown in leaps and bounds since we last saw you.”
Now that was not the least bit strange.
No, talking novels were an absolute impossibility!
“Um. This is not possible! You,” she pokes at the book with her hoof, “are not possible.” A deep chuckle resonates through the empty library. The book’s glow seems to darken with the rise and fall in the voice’s tenor.
“My dear Twilight Sparkle, you limit the world of magic too often. You are full of unbound potential. Maybe even reaching a level higher than Celestia, but you will never make it.” Twilight was a little taken aback, and offended at the statement to say the least. The feathers on her wings fluff out in irritation as her spine straitens.
“I can reach any goal I set my mind too! I’ve taken on some of the greatest threats to Equestria history has ever seen with my friends there is nothing I cannot do!”
“Your friends,” replies the voice, “What friends? I only sense the presence of you and I. You have spent months pacing the halls of my library, and you have always been alone. It is the same as when you were just a filly. Twilight Sparkle, diligent student of the Princess whose best friends are the novels she reads.”
“I have friends,” she replies, “They just can’t be here right now, but they’ll be here for my presentation. They are the best, and would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for them.”
“So you rely on others to further your own power, such a shame. What will you do when they are no longer around Princess Twilight Sparkle?”
“No longer around?” Twilight whispers softly, “What do you mean by that? Why wouldn’t they be around?” A chill runs down her spine, “That isn’t a threat is it, because if it is I’ll put your right back on your shelf. You won’t see any light for a thousand years!”
“Easy, Easy Princess,” the male voice soothes, “I will bring no harm to your friends. Time is your only enemy.” Twilight felt her ire slowly drain out of her, the voice calming her nerves like balm on a wound. It continues seeing her puzzled expression. “My dear Twilight Sparkle, you cannot tell me you haven’t thought about it. You are going to be creating magic beyond their wildest dreams here in Canterlot, while they all go on with their lives in Ponyville. It is just a matter of time Twilight before they forget you.”
“They will not!” she barks adding a stomp of her hoof for emphasis. The novel’s magic drifts over her for a minute, as if it was testing her resolution, before pulling back and taking the form of an unicorn stallion. Twilight was in awe of the shadowed colt in front of her, it – well he - she corrected internally, was almost transparent with familiar eerie green eyes. Stepping forward slightly the apparition spoke.
“Pardon me my dear Princess. I just wanted to prepare you for the future ahead, but I can see that you have no desire for my knowledge. Why don’t we speak on something more…pleasing to your ear. I have been in this library for ages, and have much knowledge to share. Ask any question, and I shall answer.” He ends with a cordial bow reminiscent of an era long past.
There is a long pause before Twilight gains enough ground to reply, “I would love your company Sir…” she tilts her head to the side. “Do you have a name?”
The colt chuckles deeply in reply, “Yes Princess, how rude of me. I am Duskweaver mage of Canterlot Castle in the thousandth and one year of Celestia’s reign.”
“It is nice to meet you Duskweaver. I look forward to learning about what you have seen.” Twilight answers with a smile gesturing for him to stand from his bow. “I hope we can be good friends.”
The shadow seemed to smile, “I would be honored Princess.”
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Twilight rather enjoyed having the shadow colt follow her about the next couple weeks. She found she did not miss her friends as much as she had originally thought. Duskweaver had seen and experience much before and after he had become another book in the library. She loved listening to him weave tales of the past. He told her of wonders, wars, and the loneliness. She shared with him the wonders of her friendships, of monsters, and of tests. They spoke of all types of magic. Well, everything but the dark magic harnessed by King Sombra. Duskweaver was keen on seeing Twilight perform the magic as she had in the Crystal Empire, but she managed to avoid any dark displays. The young mare was wary of using such magic again for fear of twisting herself.
Duskweaver’s offer did tempt her though with arguments of the values of such knowledge. The shadow of a pony did know quite a bit, and was a patient teacher. Twilight learned more in those few weeks than she had learned while in Ponyville. It never occurred to her to be concerned that the he seemed to know more about her than she knew about him.
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“Sometimes the only truths that matter are the ones we choose to believe.”
The Scrying spell was not as elementary as the young Alicorn had originally thought, but within a few hours she had a fuzzy scene developing in the shallow bowl. The magic reminded her of Zecora with its rhythmic chat, and strange herbs. It was working though, so it must have been worth the effort. The clear water slowly reveals a large picnic scene accompanied by soft happy voices steadily growing clearer with the image.
It had actually been Duskweaver’s idea. Her friends had never replied to her letters, and she was worried about them. The shadow colt had led her to an undiscovered book on ancient seeing spells. Most of them were oracle like in nature, but she had been able to find this one. She was finally going to see her friends. She hoped they were doing well, and were on their way to see her. It was only two days before her ceremony and she wanted to be able to speak with them all beforehand. Maybe she would even introduce Duskweaver to them. He would surely change his opinion after meeting her friends. Oh how she missed them.
The water’s surface grew clear as glass and the image grew sharp causing Twilight to gasp in anticipation. The scene painted before her brought her immediate joy with a creeping sense of grief. They all looked and sounded happy as they were talking upon the grassy lawn of the palace.
Lawn of the palace!
They were here in Canterlot! That could not be correct she thought searching the image for anything to prove her immediate conclusion wrong. She searched and searched the image frantically until she noticed a guard pony walk pass the group, give a nod of respect, and move along.
They were in Canterlot. Her friends were here, and she was not with them. Did they not know they could come up and see her? Did they not want to? She continues to stare into the small bowl as a bone chilling realization works its way up her spine. A chill which quickly turns into a flame.
They had forgotten her! It has only been a few months, and they were going on as if she had never been a part of the group. Watching Spike distribute the snacks, her brows knit together in a slowly building rage. Celestia and Luna had been wrong; friendship could obviously thrive without the element of magic. The group’s laughter echoes in the dark shelved room causing Twilight’s rage to burst in a fit of magic sending the scrying bowl into the floor with a splash.
Duskweaver had been right. All of her friends were visiting Canterlot for her presentation, but not a one had thought to come and see her. Rarity did not check and see if she was nervous, and had caught a bit of stage fright. No soft support from Fluttershy, or a reason to laugh from Pinkie. Dash had not even dropped by to brag, and tell her all the awesome events that had taken place in her absence. Applejack had not visited with advice on keeping her head steady and her nerves calm.
They had not come.
Her tail snaps violently as the young alicorn turns toward the stairs reaching a decision. She would not be forgotten, and be left behind in the shadow of her own glory. She would not allow Celestia to place her upon a pedestal and leave her to legend. Twilight Sparkle would shine above the rest as the most intelligent, powerful being in Equestria. A quick jerk pulls a familiar volume off the shelf, and with a flick she opens it. Glowing softly the volume hovers in mid air before Duskweaver appears giving a slight bow, “My dear Princess, what is it I can do for you?” he queries in a deep, pleasant voice.
“Teach me,” she demands with a stomp of her hoof, and a snarl in her voice, “everything you know.”
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Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.
-Buddha
The day of Princess Twilight Sparkle’s presentation was as cheerful and bright as any before it. The birds sang happily in the trees as Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy put the finishing touches upon the decorations draping from the ceiling. Rainbow Dash was taunting the castle guards while Applejack did her best to ignore her and finish the final ice sculpture. Rarity’s clear voice rang about the hall as she complimented the royals on their attire, and playing the ever gracious host. The foreign nobles warmed to the young fashion designer, and the young mare saw many an order in her future.
The hall began to buzz as more and more guests filed in to see the newest addition to Canterlot Royalty. The legend of Twilight Sparkle had reached far and wide with a little help from the enthusiastic scaled story teller. There was no one better to brag about the purple Alicorn than her number one assistant, right? But much like the Royal wedding the group had overlooked the most important aspect of the event – the princess.
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Princess Twilight Sparkle was in a good mood. No, she was in a fabulous state of being she thought pulling the brush through her mane. Rarity had made her a dress for this occasion, and it was fitting for the occasion. A familiar brush of magic, a slight glow, and Duskweaver appears in her mirror whom she greets with a smile. He smiles in return and compliments her attire, “My Princess you look divine this morning. I must say your change in style is most satisfactory. You must thank this Rarity for her fine craftsmanship. It is indeed fit for a princess.”
“Thank you Dusk weaver,” she replies setting down her brush and with a push of magic places her crown upon her head. “Though I am not sure about it being fit for a Princess. “ The Alicorn makes her way towards the door opening it and turning back to the shadow colt, “Please come along Duskweaver I would love for you to accompany me on this auspicious occasion. “
“I would be honored,” he bows before joining her at her side taking in her glory. His little Princess was as sight to see now that she had allowed herself to rise to her true potential. “Do you have issues with the gown My Princess? It seems of masterful craftsmanship.” By this time they had reached the curtain separating them from the crowd. The shadow watches as Twilight takes a deep breath listening to the foals pointless chatter. It did not matter anymore. They did not matter anymore. She was above it all, above them all.
“I said it was not fit for a Princess Duskweaver,” she whispers stepping forward as she hears Forerun finishes his speech, “I was thinking more along the lines of Empress.”
A soft chuckle is his only reply as Twilight walks through the curtain, before all the kingdoms of the equine world, eyes glowing an unearthly green. Instead of cheers and the ecstatic stomping of hooves the Princess of Magic is greeted with dead silence. The plucky purple mare the ponies were used to seeing was replaced with proud leader. The dark violet dress frames her figure flowing up and out painting the image of a mighty empress.
The silence soon explodes into shouts of horror and confusion. Princess Celestia stands in utter horror at her student dressed in shadows. Twilight closes her eyes a smile crossing her muzzle as she listens to the cries of her so called friends.
“My dear Twilight, are you alright!”
“Sugar Cube by Celestia’s mane what is wrong with you?”
“Not cool Twi!”
“Squeak!”
“Twilight why do you look like that meanie pants Sombra?”
“Twilight! Wake up Twilight!” that was Spike’s voice. She had not thought to restrain him, but he could still be of some use. After she had done this for them, so that they would not, could not forget her. She took another deep breath as she feels the Princesses strain against her magic. The foals, she could not be stopped by the likes of them. They relied on magic to protect their kingdom and raise the celestial bodies of the sky. She was superior.
She was magic.
Opening her eyes she immediately silences the crowd. Her Ponyville friends were gawking at her from the front row. For a moment she wavers looking at their terrified faces, but quickly dismisses it as she feels Duskweaver brush up against her. After a long moment she speaks, it was time for a new era in Equestria; an era which would see only one ruler uniting all under the sun and the moon.
“My Subjects, my friends,” she greets with a wicked smile, “Do not fret. Everything I assure you will be absolutely fine.”
Author's Note
This is what I believe is called a one shot.
At the moment I do not plan to continue this story. It was just some writing practice, but I love critiques.
I'll apologize ahead of time for the formatting. I'm new to this site and it might take me a while to get used to the format
~EverGlow
