April of Beginnings: One Wish
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes heroes are big, strong, and courageous. Sometimes heroes are chosen by destiny, and have a great power that they can use to defeat their opponent. But often times, heroes aren't anyone special. Often, they were just living their life, and when disaster struck they were the one who answered the call.
Sometimes, heroes are born. Often times, heroes are awakened.
That was what went into Twilight Sparkle's mind as she ran through Canterlot Castle, surrounded by changelings. These creatures had taken over Canterlot, stolen the Elements of Harmony, kidnapped her foal sitter and her brother, and Princess Celestia, and worse of all, her friends.
She was alone now, unable to draw from the power of the Elements of Harmony. The only one she could count on was herself, and her own magic.
Two changelings ran down the hall after her. As they ran they fired green bolts of magic from their horns at the lavender unicorn. She ran to the sides dodging them, and turned a corner. When they turned down after her, she fired purple blasts at them out of her horn, knocking them out.
Two down, over a hundred to go.
She turned down the hall and continued her gallop through the castle. Ahead of her she saw three more changelings galloping over to her. Twilight jumped over them and fired magical bolts at them, knocking them down as she flew over head.
She rolled on the ground and continued running. She wouldn't stop until she knew that the Princess and her friends were safe. She wouldn't stop until she drove Chrysalis out of her former home. She wouldn't stop until she saved Canterlot.
She turned down the hallway, stopping when she saw the throne room. Inside she saw her friends trapped in cocoons on the ceiling, and Princess Celestia chained to the floor. Trotting around her, was Queen Chrysalis. She was a larger changeling, built like Celestia but with bug like features.
"So now I have you," Chrysalis bragged, "Princess Cadence, Shining Armor, and the Elements of Harmony."
"You won't get away with this!" Celestia screamed pulling at her chains. Normally she would have gotten free, but the inhibitor ring kept her from breaking her bindings.
Chrysalis laughed evilly, "Who can possibly stop me?" she asked, "I have all the guards under my control, and by now my children have broken through the shield and took over the city. Your city now belongs to me."
"You forgot one pony!" Twilight shouted stepping out of her hiding place. Chrysalis turned to her and sneered.
"The Element of Magic? Twilight Sparkle, was it?" she asked, "You were the only one who saw through my disguise."
"It wasn't difficult," Twilight said, "You did a poor job mimicking the original."
"It was enough to fool your stupid brother," Chrysalis stated, angering Twilight.
"The only reason he was fooled was because of your magic!" Twilight proclaimed, "He would never be fooled by such an obvious trick usually!"
"Twilight, please run!" Celestia cried, "She's too powerful now!"
"I can do it!" Twilight stated, glaring at the changeling queen, "She's no match for my magic."
"Strong words," Chrysalis said trotting around Twilight, "But you should listen to your Princess. She's already aware of my might."
"Your might is phony," Twilight said, "and I'm going to prove it!"
Twilight began firing at Chrysalis, who flew up to the ceiling and fired her own green beam out at Twilight. Twilight jumped back and began charging up her magic. When Chrysalis charged down to her, Twilight held up her horn, creating a magical sword from her horn to block. She then clashed her magical blade with Chrysalis' horn.
The fight lasted for a minute or so, during this time Pinkie Pie opened her eyes from inside her cocoon prison.
"Twilight? Hey girls, Twilight's fighting Chrysalis!" Pinkie Pie called out, catching the attention of her friends.
"Twilight is what?" Rarity asked.
"Ah see her! She's doin it!" Applejack said.
"Come on Twilight! Kick her butt!" Rainbow Dash cheered, Fluttershy nodding in agreement next to her.
Now her friends were cheering loudly for her as she fought the changeling queen. It empowered her, giving her the strength of a thousand alicorns.
I can do this, Twilight thought. I can defeat her!
Twilight pushed Chrysalis back, and then charged up her magic, "I told you," Twilight proclaimed, "You're no match for my magic!"
Twilight then fired her magic at the changeling queen, pushing her back into the wall. The cocoons broke, and one by one all of her friends broke free and landed on the floor (poor Rarity ended up becoming Applejack's pillow as the latter fell from her cocoon).
The chains around Celestia's hooves dissolved, and she reached up and pulled off the inhibitor ring on her horn as Chrysalis tried to stand. Twilight trotted over to her, charging her magic as she did so.
"Such power..." Chrysalis said, "Who are you...?"
"I'm Twilight Sparkle," Twilight proclaimed, "The Element of Magic."
She then fired her magic right at the changeling queen, making her dissolve just like the chains she used before on the Princess. Twilight took a deep breath in relief as it hit her. She did it. She saved Canterlot.
"Twilight!" Rainbow Dash called out, catching Twilight's attention. Twilight turned around smiling as her friends all ran over to her and hugged her. She even saw Shining Armor and Cadence walk in as well.
"You did it, Twilie!" Shining Armor shouted happily.
"I never had any doubt in you," Cadence said with a sweet smile.
"Twilight, you're the greatest pony in the world!" Pinkie Pie said happily.
"We would have been goners without you," Rarity added.
"I wasn't scared..." Fluttershy said softly, "Well, maybe a little. But I knew you could do it."
"Ya really pulled through," Applejack said, "Ah just wish we were better friends to ya."
"It's okay," Twilight said standing up, "I'm just glad that you guys are safe."
"Twilight Sparkle," Celestia said trotting over to Twilight, who immediately bowed before the regal alicorn, "Arise, brave pony."
Twilight stood up and smiled proudly, "Are you alright, Princess?"
"We all are," Celestia said, "And we have you to thank for that. You showed courage beyond anything I ever saw, and although it was reckless to challenge her alone, your actions save all of Canterlot. Twilight Sparkle, you truly are a hero."
"A... hero... me?" Twilight asked, unable to believe it.
"Yeah Twilight," Shining Armor said, "You did something not even I could do. You defeated the changeling queen. I'm proud to have you as my sister, Twilight."
That's when it hit her fully. She wasn't just regular Twilight Sparkle anymore. Now she was Twilight Sparkle, Hero of Equestria.
...ight...
...Twi...ght...
"Twilight!"
"Huh?!" Twilight said, waking up from her fantasy.
"We're here," Spike said. Twilight looked out the window of the train and saw Canterlot in the distance. Thankfully changeling free, but not due to her efforts like she wanted to believe. Reality was, she only made the situation worse. She wasn't Twilight Sparkle, Hero of Equestria.
Aside from being the Element of Magic, aside from being Celestia's student, she was just Twilight Sparkle.
"Sister, what is troubling you," Luna said to her elder sister, who was once again looking up at the statue of Discord. As usual her elder sister had a look of longing on her face.
"I don't remember how it felt..." Celestia said softly, "It's been so long since I felt his presence. When he was freed, I didn't feel the pull toward him."
Luna looked down in sadness, "The contract was broken by your actions. Besides, that's no longer the Discord you know."
Celestia closed her eyes and shed a single tear. Luna had never found the one she was bound to, so she didn't know how her sister felt.
"Luna, you feel it too, don't you?" Celestia asked.
"I do," Luna said with a nod, "When do you think the first one will appear?"
"Soon," Celestia said, "I wish I could join you in this fight but..."
"It's fine," Luna said seriously, "I'm sure I can find a way."
"You haven't found your Sheik yet," Celestia said as Luna walked off, "You'll need to find them if you're going to-"
"I already chose the one I want," Luna said, stopping to turn to her elder sister, "I just hope you won't be displeased with my choice."
"So you really are going to pick her?" Celestia asked.
"I can't get her out of my head," Luna admitted, "The desire to be next to her is driving me crazy."
"She will never agree to it on her own, you know," Celestia said with a smile, "She has too much respect for us. She would rather be your Serf, not the other way around."
Luna smiled, "That may be, but I've already made my choice. I will not be swayed. She is my Shiek."
With that, Luna walked back into the castle. Sadly, once an alicorn found her Shiek, she could have no other. Celestia would never feel the joys of having a Shiek again, and Luna was the only pure blooded alicorn left in Equestria, as Cadence was formerly a pegasus pony. The fate of the world rested solely on her hooves, and whether or not the one she chose would accept her.
Twilight and Spike got off the train and immediately started making their way to the castle. After the events of the wedding she needed a change of scenery. She felt bad leaving her friends behind, but they said that they would visit her later in the year.
"A whole year..." Twilight said to herself.
"You sure you want to take an entire year off?" Spike asked, "This is a long time."
"I know," Twilight said, "But I need this time to myself. I need to reconnect with home, you know?"
"Yeah, it has been a while since we were here," Spike said, "Are you sure the library will be okay without you there?"
"Lyra said she'd cover for me," Twilight said with a smile, "I'm sorry that we have to be so far away from the others though. You could have stayed with Rarity, you know. You didn't have to come with me."
"But that would mean we'd be apart for an entire year," Spike said, "I love Rarity, but you the one I grew up with. I'm not going to spend an entire year away from you even if I could spend the entire year with Rarity."
That was actually really touching to Twilight, knowing that he'd rather be with her for a year than Rarity. She liked Rarity, but she had always felt a tad bit of jealousy at how much Spike really liked her.
After a few more minutes of walking, Twilight and Spike arrived at the castle. She wouldn't be living here. Instead she would have her own place. Princess Celestia wanted to help her get settled into her new place for the year, and Twilight wanted to ensure she was doing okay.
As they approached the door, they were greeted by the sight of Princess Luna. Unlike Celestia, Luna came closer to Twilight's height, even if she was still taller. Her mane was dark blue, and sparkled like the night sky. Wearing her royal regalia, Luna was a sight to see.
What surprised Twilight was that she was the one waiting for her, not Princess Celestia. Was something wrong?
"It's good to see you arrived safely, Twilight Sparkle," Luna said. Twilight bowed in honor of the Princess of the Night, making said princess chuckle, "There is no need for such formalities. As far as I know, you and I are equals."
"Oh, that's good to hear," Twilight said softly, knowing that she'd never see herself as equal to the princess, let alone Luna. Sure, she knew Luna really well, but she was still a princess, an alicorn with enough power to level all of Canterlot.
"Um, why are you here?" Spike asked, shocking Twilight to no end, "Shouldn't Princess Celestia be here?"
"Spike!" Twilight called out, making Luna laugh even more.
"It's fine, Twilight. I know this is strange. Truth is, there is something I wish to talk to you about. Um, shall we talk on the way?" Luna asked. Twilight took a deep breath, nodding, and trotted after the Princess of the Night.
"So, how are you adjusting these days?" Twilight asked after a while.
"Much better," Luna said, "As you can see, I have stopped using the royal Canterlot Voice. Also, Celestia has taught me much in interacting with pesa- um, sorry, locals is what Celestia calls them now."
It always struck Twilight how different Luna was to Celestia. She wondered if Celestia was at all like this one thousand years ago. She couldn't imagine that though.
"Will you attend the next Nightmare Night?" Spike asked.
"I might. Truth is, I had a good time at the last one, after I stopped taking the story of Nightmare Moon so personally that is."
"Yeah, but even I'm shocked by how wrong we got it," Twilight said, "I mean, where did we get the whole 'eating foals' bit?"
"Honestly, I don't have an answer to that," Luna laughed, "I promise you, Nightmare Moon was a herbivore like all ponies in Equestria."
"That's good," Twilight said, "The thought of eating meat is just... ugh..."
They were silent for a few seconds, as Luna looked down seriously.
"I wish to thank you, Twilight Sparkle."
"Thank me? Why?" Twilight asked.
"You were my friend when no one else would be," Luna said somberly, "I'll admit, at first I thought I'd hate you, after you defeated me as Nightmare Moon, but once I got to know you, I saw that you were actually a pony I could really grow to like."
"Oh Princess, that was nothing," Twilight said, "That was in the past. You shouldn't be held accountable for-"
"No!" Luna said stopping Twilight, "It isn't nothing! If it weren't for you, I'd be alone! You saved my life twice, Twilight Sparkle. Once by defeating the nightmare, and again by holding out your hoof in friendship."
"Princess..." Twilight said softly, once she realized how serious she was. She never gave it too much thought, but what she did for Luna was pretty major, seeing how no one else was willing to extend their hoof out to help her.
"As you have saved my life twice, I wish to do something for you as well," Luna said, shocking Twilight.
"That's alright, Princess," Twilight said shaking her head, "I didn't help you for payment or anything."
"Even still, I wouldn't feel right otherwise," Luna said reaching into her wing and pulling out a small golden bracelet. On the front center of it was a purple star shaped gemstone.
"It's pretty..." Spike said as he and Twilight looked at it dreamingly, "Can I eat it?"
"No Spike, you can't," Twilight said looking back at Luna, "Are you giving this to me?"
"Yes, as a symbol of our growing friendship. The gemstone in the center is called a Crystal Star, and it's very important to alicorns such as myself."
She was giving Twilight something so precious? She felt horrible, knowing how important this was to Luna.
"Princess, I couldn't take something so valuable-"
"This isn't for me to keep, Twilight Sparkle. It exists for me to give. The Crystal Star is a symbol of the bond between alicorns such as myself and the ponies of Equestria. Please, Twilight, I insist. Take it."
She still felt weird taking something so important, but Twilight took the bracelet with her magic and put it on her front right hoof. Surprisingly it fit her perfectly, and it even looked nice on her.
"I love this, Princess. Thank you," Twilight said sweetly. Luna nodded smiling and trotted onward to where Twilight would be staying. After walking for a few more minutes they came across a really nice mansion. The architecture was similar to the castle, and it had to have at least four floors. Was she staying here?
"There is enough for you," Luna explained, "Spike, and possibly six other ponies to stay here, should your friends decide to come and stay as well."
"Princess, this is too much..." Twilight said mesmerized, "Thank you."
"That much you should thank Celestia," Luna said, "She wanted you to have the best, but she felt that putting you in a library would be redundant."
"Tell me about it," Spike said, "Seriously, I see so many books that I dream about them at night."
"That can't be a bad thing," Twilight said shaking her head. She then turned to Luna, "Um, my luggage is-"
"Already inside," Luna said, "I had someone get you situated in while we talked."
"So that's why we took the long way..." Spike said thoughtfully.
"Well, this really means a lot to me," Twilight said, "Thank you, both you and Princess Celestia."
Luna nodded smiling and Twilight began making her way into her mansion.
"That stone has a second use, by the way," Luna called out, stopping Twilight again. She turned around and looked at Luna quizzically.
"A second use?" Twilight asked.
"Haven't you ever heard of wishing on a star?" Luna asked, "That's where the phrase came from. Any wish you make on that star will come true."
"Any wish at all?" Twilight said looking at the Crystal Star.
"If you ever are in trouble," Luna explained, "Make a wish on that. I don't care what it is, or where you are at the time. If you make a wish on that, I'll come running to your aid."
Twilight was shocked by Luna's statement. Not only did she tell Twilight she could wish for anything, but she would also come to her aid if she needed. Luna giggled and looked at Twilight sweetly.
"You should think hard about your wish," Luna said, "I promise you, it will come true. Until then, you know where I am, Twilight Sparkle."
"I do, and thanks again Princess," Twilight said. Luna bowed to Twilight and trotted back to the castle. Twilight turned to look at her mansion, amazed that she would be living here for an entire year.
"So, are we going in?" Spike asked, getting a nod from Twilight.
"Yeah, let's go." Twilight said. As Spike ran in, Twilight found herself looking down at the Crystal Star again. Would her wish really come true? She didn't know. One thing was for sure though. She had a feeling that this was going to be an interesting year.
Author's Note
This is my attempt at a comeback. Please be kind. Constructive criticism is great, praise is nice too, but flames will be deleted on the spot. I'm sorry, but I had to deal with a few of those with Inner Demons II, and they all but killed that story for me, so no flames.
Sorry if I'm being immature, but I have to get control of my depression, and this is the only way I can think to do so.
April: Separation Anxiety
In this chapter, I'm putting a good bit of myself in Twilight.
April of Beginnings: Separation Anxiety
It had been a few days since Twilight moved back to Canterlot, and with the help of her brother Shining Armor, she was able to finally start settling in. The movers that Luna hired did a great job of getting her furniture in, but as for where everything went, that was something else entirely.
"Okay Shining Armor, can you put that shelf over there?" Twilight asked, not looking at her brother yet, but pointing to the left wall.
"S-sure thing Twilie..." Shining Armor said with a grunt, moving the shelf to where she wanted.
"Hmm... come to think of it..." Twilight said walking off to the right wall, "Put the shelf over here. This is better."
"G-got it..." Shining Armor said, now moving over to that other wall. Twilight then saw the central wall of the room, and her eyes lit up.
"Nope, here. This is perfect. Shining Armor, can you..." she turned around and saw Shining Armor holding the small shelf with both his magic and holding it over his head with his hooves. Based off of the look on his face, it was much heavier than she thought (probably why he was using magic and lifting it manually).
"You know what? That's fine. Just leave it right there," Twilight said awkwardly. Shining Armor put the shelf down and breathed out in relief.
"Whew, any longer and I'd be a pancake," Shining Armor said.
"Sorry about that," Twilight walked over to her brother and put a hoof on his back, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Shining Armor stated, "But think I can take a breather?"
"Sure thing. Let's go into the kitchen," Twilight said guiding her brother into the large kitchen. The entire interior of the mansion was magnificent. The walls were all off white, and in the main room was the largest golden staircase Twilight had ever seen. The living room was more of a library for Twilight, which was odd because there was an actual library on the second floor, next to Twilight's bedroom.
The kitchen was really big, almost too big for Twilight, as she couldn't cook at all. Like most of the mansion the walls were white, but the cabinets were light brown and filled with the most beautiful china plates. It was almost a shame to put food on them, they were so beautiful.
Twilight opened up her new silver refrigerator as Shining Armor sat at the counter, "Hopefully with luck I'll be fully moved in by the end of the day," Twilight said.
"I'm still wracking my brain on why the Princess gave you such a big mansion," Shining Armor said, "Kind of excessive, don't you think?"
"I guess, but I'm not complaining," Twilight said pouring two glasses of juice, "Unlike before, I have plenty of room for my books, and Spike and I get separate rooms," Twilight said, getting a chuckle from her brother.
"So that means you can play with your "toys" any time you want, right?" Shining Armor said mischievously as Twilight sat down next to him with their orange juice.
"You know I'm too old now to be-" she finally caught onto what he meant and playfully hit him, "Ugh! I do not have those kind of toys you pervert!"
Shining Armor laughed, "You don't have to hide it, sis. Remember who was the one that caught you reading steamy romance novels when you were thirteen?"
"Th-that was different!" Twilight stuttered, her face comparable to a cherry, "Besides, I'm not into that kind of stuff. You have me confused for you," Twilight shot back, "Just be glad I never told Mom about the porn you kept under your bed."
"Thank Faust for that..." Shining Armor said looking away awkwardly. Both he and Twilight laughed, remembering the simpler times, and all the secrets they kept from their parents.
"How's Cadence?" Twilight asked, "Are you two planning on staying here in Canterlot?"
"Probably," Shining Armor stated, "At least until Princess Celestia figures out where we're going to be stationed."
"I hope that's not for a while," Twilight admitted softly, "Besides my parents and the Princesses, you two are the only regular ponies I know."
"Yeah, because we're normal," Shining Armor said sarcastically.
"You know what I mean," Twilight sighed.
"You could take this year to remedy that though," Shining Armor said, "There are tons of ponies here who would love to get to know you."
"You mean get to know the Element of Magic, right?" Twilight put her front hooves on the counter and rested her head on them, "I wonder if they'd want to be my friend if they knew the truth about me."
"Twilie," Shining Armor started, "Are you still upset about the wedding?"
"Not just the wedding," Twilight said shaking her head, "Nightmare Moon, Discord, both of those times I wanted to protect my friends, but I ended up being the one needing saving. Then there's the wedding, and you know how much of a mess I made that..."
"You were the one who knew-"
"As much good as that did. When it came down to actually fighting the changelings all I ended up doing was getting me and my friends captured. You and Cadence are the real heroes. I'm just Twilight Sparkle."
"And is that a bad thing? Being "just" Twilight Sparkle?"
"It is when no one wants to know Twilight Sparkle. They just want to know the fake hero. The hero who needed others to help her all the time."
Shining Armor sighed, "Twilight-"
"And what if I can't count on my friends? What if something happens and they can't save me? I'm not strong by myself."
"What are you talking about?" Shining Armor asked incredulously, "You're plenty strong. For one thing, you're the best magic user I-" he was interrupted by Twilight's groan.
"That's it, right there!" Twilight said, "All anypony seems to see is what's on the outside. What if I wasn't some magical savant? What if I was just a regular unicorn with regular powers?"
Shining Armor looked like he wanted to say something about that, but couldn't find the words.
"Maybe I'm being silly, but I don't care. I want somepony to actually know me as a pony, not just as the greatest magic user or as the Element of Magic."
"But don't you have that in Ponyville?" Shining Armor asked.
"I do. They're the ones I want to protect the most, yet they're the ones that keep saving me. I-" she stopped, once again finding it hard to find the words to describe her problem. It was something that she felt since she moved to Ponyville and met her friends. Her problem was both so simple and complicated, to the point that she couldn't even describe it.
She shook her head and instead started admiring the Crystal Star that Princess Luna gave her.
"That's pretty," Shining Armor said, trying to change the subject.
"Princess Luna gave it to me when I first got here," Twilight said, "She called it a Crystal Star."
"Sheesh, all Cadence gave me was a kiss," Shining Armor said to himself, but Twilight heard him.
"First of all, we both know Cadence gave you a lot more than just a kiss," Twilight said, making Shining Armor blush madly, "Second of all, what are you trying to imply with that?"
"Nothing at all," Shining Armor said looking away smiling.
Twilight shook her head and looked at the bracelet again, "She told me that it was something precious to her, but it was something meant to be given, not to be kept. You see Princess Luna a lot, right?"
"She mostly keeps to herself," Shining Armor said, "She doesn't have a lot of friends, not even at the castle. She kind of reminds me of you, actually."
"Princess Luna..." Twilight said, thinking about the Princess of the Night. She was so mysterious, but she didn't seem like a bad pony. Twilight's thoughts then went back to something else she said.
"Shining, what if you could wish for anything in the world, and it was guaranteed to come true? What would you wish for?" Twilight asked.
"What would I wish for?" Shining Armor thought about that, "I guess I... hm... I don't know. Why?"
"Well... it's something I'm not even sure I believe. Princess Luna said that with this I could wish for anything, and it would come true."
"Princess Luna isn't a liar," Shining Armor said thoughtfully, "And we've seen some crazy things in this world. Who know? It might be true. If it is, maybe you should wish for a million bits."
"Shining Armor," Twilight turned to her brother deadpanned, "I'm living in a mansion for an entire year! Why would I even need a million bits?"
"Just saying..." Shining Armor said raising his hooves. If his plan was getting Twilight to laugh, it worked, because she was cracking up. They both finished their orange juice and Twilight got up.
"Let's get back to work. Next up, my bedroom. I have to find a good place for my bed..."
"It's a single... right?" Shining Armor asked.
"Queen sized." Twilight said walking off. She heard his groan from the hallway, but she didn't know why. It wasn't like it was a king sized bed or anything.
It took a few more hours, but eventually the mansion was in a state that Twilight could actually manage. Still, it would be murder actually cleaning this place. After seeing Shining Armor off, Twilight stepped outside and looked up at the large white and golden mansion she would be calling home for the next year.
"I guess there's no turning back now..." Twilight said, thinking about the last time she spent with her friends.
"A whole year?!" Rarity exclaimed dramatically. Twilight called her friends to the library after she made the decision with Pinkie Pie's help, who already had the place set up for a "Going Away for a Year to Recollect Herself" party.
"When you think about it, a year isn't a very long time," Twilight said, now beginning to regret her choice.
"Don't give us that!" Rainbow Dash shouted, "You've only been here for about a year!"
"We didn't do anything bad, did we?" Fluttershy asked softly, "Are you mad at us for not believing you about Chrysalis?"
She wanted to say no, but truth was Twilight might have been a little upset about that. It did however, open her eyes to a problem she did have personally.
"I'm not upset about that," Twilight said, "But you have to understand, I've lived in Canterlot my whole life. I almost lost my home during the wedding. Besides, I'm starting to feel like I'm depending on you guys too much.
"Don't take this the wrong way," Twilight added, "I love you guys so much. But when no one supported me during the wedding I didn't know what to do. I realized then that if I ever had to fight on my own, I'd be at a loss."
"Even with all yer advanced unicorn magic?" Applejack asked.
"Without the drive and confidence to stand on my own four feet, even that wouldn't help me."
"This is just so sudden though," Rarity said, "Are you sure this is the right time to be alone? You've been awfully sensitive lately."
"Maybe you should think about this a little more, Twilight," Fluttershy added, "I mean, if you really want to that is. I won't force you or anything..."
"Guys, let it go," Pinkie Pie said, shocking everyone. Not only had that been the first thing she said about it, but she was supporting Twilight's move.
"What do you mean "let it go"?" Rainbow Dash asked, "Pinkie, you don't actually support this, do you?"
Pinkie Pie turned to all of them surprisingly serious, "Yes Dashie, I do. What if you or Fluttershy had a crises and needed some time away. You would want to go back to Cloudsdale. Twilight just got done with the most traumatic moment of her life. I'm surprised that she's holding herself together this much."
This was odd, hearing Pinkie Pie sound so in touch, which that in of itself wasn't too odd. She was a great friend, and surprisingly a good listener. She just sounded so... serious.
Pinkie Pie walked over to Twilight and stood next to her, "Besides, she's not moving to Zebrica or anything. We can visit her later on in the year, and I'm sure she'll do the same. Ponyville is her home, but she can't forget where she came from. I just want Twilight to be okay. As her friends, you guys should want the same."
When Pinkie Pie said that, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack looked down in shame. Clearly they did want her to stay, but Pinkie Pie just pointed out a true fact. Twilight would have felt more guilty, but she was going to do this one way or another.
She was glad she went to Pinkie Pie first.
"Well, I still don't like it..." Rainbow Dash pouted, folding her forelegs as she hovered over the floor.
"Ah don't either," Applejack stated, "But Pinkie Pie is right. Ah know how important roots are. If it were me, Ah'd do the same."
"We're going to miss you Twilight," Fluttershy said softly.
"Truly," Rarity added, "It just won't be the same here without you."
"I know," Twilight said, "But a year will go by quickly. You'll see, I'll be back before you know it."
"Well, you better," Rainbow Dash said, "This place is like, forty percent less awesome without you here."
That made Twilight smile, knowing how much she mattered to her friends.
"Now let's cut the moodiness and PARTY LIKE IT'S 1999!!!" Pinkie Pie screamed, showing that she was still Pinkie Pie. Everyone laughed at the reference she made and then went over to the punch bowl, but Twilight walked over to Pinkie Pie.
"Thanks Pinkie Pie," Twilight said.
"You know I've got your back Twilight," Pinkie Pie said with a smile. She patted her on the back, and the two of them trotted over to join the others. This would be the last day in a long time that all six of them would be together like this.
Twilight found herself walking into town, thinking about her friends. They became quite an important part of her life, always saving her and looking out for her. She didn't even understand how much she needed them until she had them.
But when she couldn't count on them, all she did was flounder.
She stopped at the town square, where she surprisingly had a great view of the sunset. She decided to stay here and watch it, trying to not cry at the thought of being so far away from them. As the sky turned red, she found her eyes once again going down to the Crystal Star that Luna gave her.
"One wish..." Twilight said, "Will you really come to my aid if I need you? Why would you want to do that?" Twilight asked, silently hoping Luna would hear her.
"Well, look at what we have here," a familiar voice said, "Didn't think I'd ever see you around these parts."
Twilight looked to her side and saw an azure unicorn with a light blue mane and tail. The witch's hat and cape she wore would normally be purple, but this time it was oddly black. The air she had about her seemed slightly more ominous as well. Even still, Twilight knew this pony, and she was shocked to see her.
"Trixie..." Twilight said with a groan. This was exactly what she needed.
"I thought you lived in the boondocks to the south," Trixie said, "What are you doing over here?"
"Believe it or not, I was born here," Twilight said, trying not to engage Trixie. She didn't want to deal with her mouth. She hadn't seen her since she left Ponyville a year ago, but she hadn't shown any signs of being reformed.
"My, it's a small world, isn't it?" Trixie asked looking down. She sat down next to Twilight, who immediately felt the odd air about her.
"Are you having a show here or something?" Twilight asked, trying not to focus on the dark aura she had.
"Oh no, I don't do that anymore," Trixie said, "Honestly, after last year I think I might be done with that."
"Oh... sorry about that... I guess..." Twilight said, even though it wasn't actually her fault. Trixie was the one who boasted about skills she didn't have, and it was Snips and Snails that brought an Ursa Minor into town exposing her.
"Sorry? You don't have to apologize Twilight Sparkle," Trixie said, "You actually helped me."
"Helped you?" Twilight asked, "How did I-"
"Isn't this sunset beautiful?" Trixie said, "Especially at this time of night. The sky turns a fiery red, almost makes one think of the end of the world, doesn't it? This kind of sunset always makes my heart race. Does it affect you?"
"I... guess...?" Twilight said/asked. She felt something really odd from Trixie. Something almost... dark.
Trixie looked down at Twilight's hoof, "That's a nice bracelet," Trixie said, referring to the Crystal Star.
"Oh, this?" Twilight said, "A f-friend gave it to me," Twilight said. As Trixie held her hoof and examined it, Twilight had to fight the urge to not run away for some reason.
"Even now, you still are one step ahead of me..." Trixie said softly, "So, who is yours?"
"My... what?" Twilight asked, making Trixie laugh.
"Your Serf, of course. Who was the pony that gave it to you?"
Serf...? What did Trixie mean by that? Did she want to know who gave her the Crystal Star? What was this thing? And why did Trixie seem like she knew about it? Twilight was about to speak, but for some reason her voice was caught in her throat. Trixie gave a deep, almost sensual chuckle and pulled her closer.
"You can tell me," Trixie said, "It's not like I can do anything about it. Once the pact is made, another Sheik can't interfeer. I was just curious... that's all."
Trixie looked deep into Twilight's eyes, and it took all Twilight had to not just get up and run away screaming. She gulped and built up the courage to answer as best as she could.
"Um... Princess Luna gave it to me," Twilight answered, "I don't know what you mean by a Sheik or a Serf, but I was given this by Princess Luna."
"A pureblood...?" Trixie asked looking away, "Well, you really are something else, Sparkle."
"Um, excuse me?" Twilight asked as Trixie got up and sauntered away, "Do you know what it is?"
"So you haven't made the pact yet?" Trixie asked, "Interesting. There's something that the great Twilight Sparkle doesn't understand. Oh well, I could tell you, but why spoil the surprise?"
With that Trixie sauntered away, leaving Twilight with even more questions about the Crystal Star. Now though, she had to contend with Trixie's weird energy. What was worse, now she had this feeling that something really bad was about to happen.
And it seemed like she was right in the middle of it.
"Aries..." Trixie said looking up, "It's almost time for you to awaken. Let's see how you fare, Twilight Sparkle."
She giggled to herself as she continued to saunter back to her place, allowing her dark aura to flow around her. This was a lot more fun than performing magic shows.
Author's Note
This is exactly what I was looking for. The whole scene with Trixie caught me off guard, which tells me that the story is telling itself now. YES!
