Silicon and Fur: A Remembrance of Equestria

“It looks so different to how I remember.” The regal alicorn stepped beside me, her four-toned mane blowing in a gentle breeze of my memories, rather than the scorching winds that are blowing now. “These walls have not fared well since I have been gone.”

It was true. Many of the walls had crumbled and deteriorated, especially those places no longer sustained by the dwindling magic or technology.

“Would you indulge me, Sweetie Belle?” she asked me in her motherly tone. “I would very much like to visit the castle gardens one last time.” The castle gardens, where she, Luna, Twilight and myself would have tea.

The memories bring a smile to my lips. “Of course, Celestia.”

Click-clack. The sound of my steel hoofsteps falling on the weathered stone echo through the halls; the only sound aside from the wind.

“Do you remember the time you and Luna–” Celestia turned towards the collapsed doorway, once leading to Luna’s splendid castle wing. I can’t help but feel sorrow every time I see another part of the castle fallen.

I had to laugh; of course I remembered. If I did not, Celestia would not have been able to ask me. “You squealed like a little filly when Luna jumped out from behind the tapestry.”

“A Princess does not squeal, much less like a filly.” Celestia tried to put on an air of haughtiness, but I could see the small curve of a smile on her lips. “Turning your eyes red…” The alicorn suppressed a shudder. “And that horrible voice.”

I adjust my vocal synthesizers, repeating the lines spoken [integer too large] years ago. “This is your fault. It didn't have to be like this. I'm not kidding, now!”

“That was a horrible prank,” Celestia pouted. “I was going to save you some. Really. I just… got a little carried away.”

“All the cake is gone! You don't even care, do you?”

Celestia jumped at the memory, craning her neck looking for her sister, wielding the cake Luna was about to accost Celestia with.

“Your guards never did let you live that down, did they?” I remember the memory with a nostalgic smile. Four guards had come running when they’d heard their princess screaming, only to find the three of us pelting each other with cake.

We stepped back out into the hot daylight. The sight brought a saddened look to Celestia’s face. As in life, she hid her sorrow well. But I knew it was there, because it was my sorrow too. I’ve watched these gardens over the unknowable eons of my lifetime; the beautifully tended garden, lush with the colors of so many different species of flora. Teeming with the sounds and life of the various fauna. Even in her last days, before she moved on, Celestia had lovingly tended to the garden.

When she had passed, it grew wild. But even that faded. At one time, nourished by the natural weather patterns that had formed in the wake of the extinct pegasi, it had been almost as wild as the Everfree Forest. That too had passed. As the waters of Canterlot mountain had dried, so too had the garden-forest. The animals moved on as the trees withered and died. Unknowable eons ago, even the last vestiges of the life that was once Celestia’s beautiful garden had fallen and disappeared under the angry gaze of the sun.

“I do not think he is angry.” Celestia looked up to the swollen body above us. “He is just old and tired. I think he too is ready to move on.”

“You are probably right.” The warming light that had nourished me for more years than I could know was changing. He, as Celestia had often referred to him, was not likely long for this world either.

My hooves lead me to a spot where we would share tea. It was also the place I had said my final goodbye to the real Celestia. Closing my optic sensors, I remember how this garden once was. I sat on the hot sand, sinking slightly as I disturb the ground. When I open my optic sensors again, the lush garden I remember lies before me. I allow myself a little lie, a small indulgence.

“Shall we have tea, my little pony?” Celestia sat on the grass across from me. Materialized out of thin air, Celestia poured four cups of tea. With a saddened look, she said “I do wish the others were able to join us, like old times.”

Silently, Luna and Twilight sat beside us. Celestia looked at me, and nodded her appreciation. My appreciation.

Neither Luna nor Twilight spoke, they sat silently, each levitating a cup of tea to their lips, and started drinking. Paying as little attention as I could to the two silent marionettes, I lifted my own cup to my mouth, and took a draught of the liquid.

I do not recall the taste of tea.

As the psuedo-liquid touched my tongue, a bittersweet taste washed over my senses. It tasted of memories barely held, of eons ago, sitting in this quiet garden, just the four of us. Warm memories of our times together, mixed with the sorrow of their departure.

I was aware that all eyes were on me.

“Sweetie Belle,” Celestia put her own cup down. “Do not do this to yourself. These…” She waved her hoof at the two silent mares. “They are not necessary; do not torture yourself for this old mare’s sake.”

“A false Memory asking me to not torture myself over my memories.” I let out a bitter laugh. The illusion shatterred, and I am returned to harsh reality. The greenery gone, the marionettes gone; only Celestia and her beatific smile remain.

Celestia stood, that calm, motherly look still on her face. “Come Sweetie Belle, there is more you must do. You have indulged me long enough.”

I felt her eyes on my back as returned to the castle. When I turned to say goodbye, she was already gone.