One Step Closer

by InvaderSplorch

Rating: everyone
Tags: Princess Celestia, Twilight Sparkle, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Sad, Other
Length: 2249

Twilight learns about the Tree of Harmony.

Celestia uncovers a small journal entry about the tree and the person who helped it grow. While it does not contain much information, it helps Twilight understand her self a little bit better, as well as her destiny.

A/N: If you haven't seen S4 yet, then don't read this right away.

Published 2013-11-24 14:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-11-24 14:20:01 UTC

Destiny Awaits

Twilight awoke in her room and yawned slowly as Spike lay in his bed, curled up and snoring softly. Twilight smiled at this simple sight and stretched her aching limbs before climbing out of her bed. She made it with tender care, making sure each fold was perfectly equal to the bed and was straight and tight, giving off the appearance that next to godliness is cleanliness. Twilight looked at Spike one last time before she slowly opened her door and stepped through it. She closed the door behind her, leaving only a soft "click" sound. Twilight walked down one of the hallways in the castle until she turned the corner. No sooner had she turned the corner that she bumped into Princess Celestia.

"Oof," Celestia blurted.

"Oh, my, Princess Celestia, I'm so terribly sorry! I should've watched where I was going and I didn't see you, and well," Twilight rambled.

"That is quite alright, Twilight Sparkle," Celestia reassured. "Actually, I'm glad I ran into you this morning. I have something to tell you."

"Oh, please go ahead, Princess Celestia, I'm all ears!" Twilight smiled as she sat on the cold marble floor.

"Princess Twilight, I have been in your debt for all of the things you have done for my sister and I," Celestia announced before she put up one hoof to stop Twilight from responding. "Now then, Twilight, it is I who thinks I should repay you for your kindness and hard work. I returned back to the Tree of Harmony yesterday and observed the box once again. While there wasn't much to look at, I observed the tree and its roots to see if there was any damage that went undetected after we had left. To my relief, there was none. However, something peculiar caught the attention of my eye," she said calmly as her horn glowed yellow.

Princess Celestia revealed a small, worn out notebook. The cover was tattered and its bindings broken and mis-shaped. Its color was an unflattering brown as Celestia slowly placed it on the floor. Twilight's eyes went as big as saucer plates as she watched the book be gently placed by her hooves.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle, this book was behind the Tree of Harmony. It must have been buried deep long ago as I did not even see this book last time I was with my sister. It seems that he buried it as his last memoir, his last final thought before disappearing for good," Celestia stated, closing her eyes and lowering her head.

"Who is it, Princess Celestia?" Twilight asked inquisitively.

Celestia raised her head and gave a slight chuckle, her closed eyes now brimming with glee and optimism. "Well, dear Twilight, that would ruin the story now, wouldn't it? You do like books and love studying everything you can about them, so when I found this you came to mind. I read what was left inside the book and realized that you needed to read this as well. This book pertains as much information about the tree itself as well as your destiny, Twilight. I do apologize if it sometimes skips around, it seems that some of the pages have been ripped out or have been torn out by either the writer himself, or because of the roots that attacked the tree. Whatever the case may be Twilight, I do hope you enjoy this book. Now then, my most faithful student, I leave this to you as a token of my gratitude for saving all of Equestria from impending doom. I will now take my leave and perform my royal duty, Twilight. I once again thank you for all of your help," Celestia said soothingly before she sauntered off down one of the hallways.

Twilight's horn hummed with magic as a soft ambient purple aura grasped the book. She walked back to her room and entered quietly so as not to wake Spike from his deep slumber. Twilight walked over to her small night stand and turned on the reading lamp. The soft glow of the light lit the wooden desk as the book was leisurely placed atop it. Twilight scooted the chair back a bit as she sat down and opened the book that lay before her.

The cover was dirty and hard, evident by the blotches of dirt and soil surrounding it. The inner pages were worn, some of the pages missing and even then, the pages that weren't missing, some of its words had been smeared and illegible. Twilight tried to find a place to start in the book. She looked at the first two pages, but there was no relevant information. As she continued to scan the book at a remarkable place, she gasped audibly upon reaching the middle of the book.

"Starswirl, The Bearded," she whispered in amazement and wonder.

Twilight began to pick up the pace of reading as she now knew that this was Starswirl The Bearded's personal journal.

"It would seem that the one thing I have missed in my life is the keen appreciation of friends," Twilight read in her head. "As I have performed many spells for not only myself, but for the princesses, I must question my integrity as a sorcerer. My last spell was unsuccessful, and as such, my end is near. I do fear the day that I will pass, as I hope another student can continue on in my hoofsteps where I left off. While this is wishful thinking, I do not think it will ever be so. Too many people now-a-days are too focused on short term goals in themselves and cannot see the greater good around them. Alas, I will not quit! This depressed attitude I have will not do! I know I can still do greater things in my life. My legacy will live on in the future! As this journal as my witness, I will have a final say in my death. Now, then, I think it's time for lunch. Hmmm, do I want a nice salad or perhaps some tasty lemongrass? Ohohoho, I can't wait!

"I think the previous spell needs some tweaking, but what? I think I know what it is! It's-" Twilight stopped reading. The rest of the page was illegible. She continued to read its contents, but there were so many missing pages and smeared words, it was a hard time to find a coherent pattern to start from. The last two pages were the only thing legible in the worn, time forgotten journal. Twilight began to read aloud in her head again at Starswirl's words.

"I have grown so very tired in my last days. I do not know if I can live for much longer. I feel my time has come to an end. I have asked the princesses to see the Tree of Harmony. My goodness, it looks so beautiful and elegant. I am eternally grateful to the princess for their never-ending kindness. I do not know what will befall them, but I do hope that their unwavering affection for one another will still hold a place in each other's hearts. I decided to journey outside the castle today and walk around on my worn, weak limbs. Some walking will do me good, the doctors say, but it's just to put my mind at ease. I know I'm going to die, they don't need to hide it. The princesses know this as well, their expressions on their faces becoming quite clear. I may die, but I will live on, I just need more time! Maybe tomorrow, I will know.

"I fell today climbing out of my bed. It hurt so badly I just laid there, the burning sensation radiating throughout my body. I waited for it to pass before getting up again and leaving my house. I went to the castle and told the princesses what happened. I ended up thanking the princesses for all of their help. They bitterly smiled, their eyes squinting, trying to dam the water welling up in their eyes. They told me when I feel tired to let them know, as I could spend the night inside the castle. I chortled and grinned bitterly as well, knowing what they meant. I waved my hoof as I ventured towards the tree. I don't want a funeral. I don't want anyone to feel sad for me. I figured out how I can live forever. I figured out how I can serve Equestria for as long as my presence is willing. I walked down towards the Tree of Harmony and observed its "fruit". The elements are still as beautiful as I can remember. I am burying this journal behind the tree, deep underground where it will be eventually uncovered, I hope. Now then, if you are reading this, that means you either found it and are interested, or, you dug it up and are trying to sell it for some bits. It's not worth much, so you can just hand this over to the princesses, please. This is my last living request. Now, then, for those that are interested, read the incantation. This will let you see through my eyes as I am now. Don't believe me? That's fine, just read the incantation and see for yourself," Twilight read to herself.

"Listen to my words here and now! Follow the path of harmony and relinquish all doubts, see through my eyes and give no shouts! Live through my body as my time will end, this story will have a HAPPY END!" Twilight read aloud.

Twilight's eyes shown a bright white light as she began to see through Starswirl's eyes. Twilight was about to speak before Starswirl did.

"Now then, can you see it?" Starswirl asked himself. "This tree is the hope of Equestria. This hope is the symbol of our people. This tree will live on forever as the elements remain in its citizens. Now then," Starswirl stated before he walked over behind the tree. He removed a big hole of dirt with his magic before placing his book in the hole. He quickly covered it back up and walked in front of the tree.

"Are you paying attention? I hope you are because this is where you will learn of how I remain inside every single one of you. Oh, and if you see the princesses please thank them again for all of their help. Also, please tell them both I'm terribly sorry for ending it this way. I just don't want to see them cry. I want them to be happy and live fulfilling lives. Now, with that being said, here is my final spell. The spell of Devotion. Oh Tree of Harmony, hear my words. Please allow my body and essence to be one with you. Please allow my magic to keep you strong and resourceful. I only ask you of this, Tree of Harmony. Please grant me the wish of having another pupil follow in my hoofsteps. Please, Tree, please grant me this dying wish," he muttered, tears streaming down his face.

"Tree of goodness, Tree of Light,

Please listen to my final plight.

Watch over the subjects of the crown,

Of earth, of sky, of magic, whether in clouds or in the town.

Use my essence to guide you well,

And protect Equestria from any hell.

Grow strong, prosperous, and tall,

And with this new-found energy, protect them all.

With my final breath I ask of you,

Please use my life, and with it, give birth to someone new," Starswirl chanted.

Starswirl glowed a bright white light as Twilight used her eyes to look at his body. All of his limbs, nay, his very body had dissipated. All that remained of himself was a small white orb that flew near the tree into the center of it. The same star shaped element that appeared as Twilight's cutie mark opened itself up as the orb flew into it. A bright white light shone brightly as Twilight was immediately brought back into her time as she stared ahead.

"Twilight, are you all right?" Spike asked, both of his claws engulfing her hooves.

"Y-Y-Yes, I'm quite alright," Twilight smiled.

"You're crying," Spike responded.

Twilight raised her right hoof and touched her face, its texture wet from the stream of tears flowing down it.

"Really, I'm fine, Spike, just happy and sad at the same time. Sad to know that he's gone, but happy at knowing that he believed in somepony like me, and with it, entrusting his faith that I can continue to carry out his work of protecting Equestria. Spike, I am really glad that I am so lucky to be able to have met such wondrous people and continue to fulfill my destiny. I won't let you down, Starswirl, I p-p-promise," she said her voice cracking as more tears streamed down her face. Twilight embraced Spike in a bear hug, her soft crying still echoing throughout the room.

Author's Note

This is my first attempt at writing a one-shot. Criticism and tips would be helpful and appreciated thanks!
I literally just came up with this idea from a thread post. Thanks to Mercgilado for picking at my brain in writing this. I hope you all enjoy this as well. The music that inspired me was Tombstone - Like A Spinning Record. It helps set the mood and make it that much more enjoyable...the melody that is and not the words itself. :twilightblush: