Who was I?

Twilight was bored.

That was a statement that she couldn't believe was possible. She just sat down, trying to look attentive as the senior financial adviser gave a presentation on why the Equestrian tax code should be simplified. The presentation just made her think back to the time where she had to memorize the tax code as part of being a princess.

"Thank you for that informative presentation, I'll keep in mind the key points." said Celestia to the adviser. The adviser bowed before he sat down. "Okay...well, looks like we covered everything we need to cover for this week, see you all next Wednesday."

All the advisers bowed to Celestia and to Twilight before shuffling out the door.

Even though Sombra is back, Celestia insisted that royal business continue as normal to prevent inciting a panic among her subjects. She then turned to see Twilight, looking bored and deep in thought.

"You okay Twilight? I know how boring it can be, but this is necessary for the smooth running of the kingdom." she explained to her apprentice.

"I know it's necessary, but there has to be someway to make this less tedious." answered Twilight.

"Believe me Twilight, I've been trying for centuries and this is the best way I've come up with." Celestia then decided to switch the subject to one that she has been noticing recently. "Is something wrong Twilight? You've been looking troubled these past few months."

"I'm fine Celestia, honest." answered the purple alicorn. She was indeed troubled, mostly because of her doubts on whether she WAS ready to be a princess. But she didn't want to say anything for fear of offended her beloved mentor and teacher. "Just trying to get used to things." she said.

"You know, if you have any problem or complaints...you can be open and honest with me, okay?" clarified Celestia.

"I know." answered Twilight before slightly bowing to Celestia and leaving the meeting room.

"Maybe I should've waited until she was a little more mature before making her a princess." Celestia said to herself. "But then again, she did master almost all forms of magic."

Celestia began to think that maybe there WAS somepony a little more qualified for the job despite Twilight's worthiness.

In the pine forests outside Vanhoover, Trixie and the mysterious black stallion were sitting outside in front of the fire, looking at the stars.

"And since the day I dropped out of the school for gifted unicorns, I have been travelling across Equestria honing my magic skills and performance." said Trixie as she finished the story of her life.

"Wow...you wasted all of your potential on performing street magic." was all the stallion said in response to the story.

"Well Mr. I-can't-remember-who-I-am, what do you expect me to do?" spat Trixie.

"Maybe if you applied yourself more, you could've became Celestia's top student and apprentice." answered the stallion. But for some strange reason, the word "Celestia" left a bad taste in the stallion's mouth.

"And become the 'Element of Magic'? Trixie doesn't think so." rebutted the mare.

"You know," began the stallion. "If you weren't so egocentric and such a boaster, stallions everywhere would flock to you so you can be their special somepony." pointed out the stallion.

"What makes you say that?!" stated an incredulous Trixie.

"You have the looks, all you need to work on is your personality and speaking skills."

"Trixie doesn't feel the need of improving my personality, Trixie can get any stallion she wants!"

"That's exactly my point, most stallions hate it when a mare referrers to themselves in the third-pony constantly." he stated. "And looks and fame can only get you so far."

"How would you know about such things?! You don't even know WHO you are?!" spat Trixie.

"I may not know who I am, but I do know how ponies and the world work and I kind of care about your well being."

"Yeah? Well look at you!" pointed Trixie. "You're the most physically fit pony Trixie has ever seen! Not skin and bones, not disgusting bulging muscles, just enough to show that you're strong and possibly agile. You probably trip over all the mares piled up to your hooves on a daily basis!"

"You really think so?" smirked the stallion.

"Of course Trixie thinks so! If it isn't for Trixie's amazing self-control, Trixie would have you right here, right now and in any hole!" exclaimed Trixie.

"Okay..." the stallion was a little shocked and confused by that statement.

An awkward silence fell between the two unicorns until Trixie spoke up. "I'm going to go inside before I do something I'll regret." the mare got up and walked back inside the carriage.

"Well...that was awkward." mumbled the stallion to himself.

"Crystals" hissed a voice that sounded like it came from the forest. The stallion looked around for the source of the sound but couldn't pinpoint it.

"Crystalsss" this time it sounded like it came from his head.

The stallion just covered his ears, hoping the sound will go away. Crystals!!

Over and over again, a dark voice would hiss that word in his head. The stallion just tried his best to ignore it.

"Leave! Me! ALONE!"

But then, just as suddenly as it began, it stopped. The stallion looked around confused.

"Who was I?" he asked to himself.

At the royal palace, Twilight plopped down on her bed, exhausted. "Oh Celestia, if I could go back in time, it will be so I can decline your offer in becoming a princess." she said to the ceiling. "I thought I was ready...but I guess I was not."

Twilight decided to just go to sleep right then and there, at least she can look forward to her friends arrival in the morning. She turned off the lights and went to sleep, although she struggled for several minutes to find a comfortable sleeping position because of her new wings.

TO BE CONTINUED...