Twilight Sparkle was flying.
A mere month ago, such an act would have been novel beyond imagination for the former unicorn. Even in recent days, as she struggled to become accustomed to her newest appendages, flying with any sort of competency was a treat. The sensation of gliding and soaring throughout space with such ease and grace was immaculate.
Twilight wasn’t just flying. She was free.
Free from any sort of preoccupations, any fears, any thoughts, anything. All she could feel was the sublime joy of existing. All she could see was the luminous beauty of the world around her as it sped past at speeds that would even make her friend Rainbow Dash, quite possibly one of the fastest beings throughout all of Equestria’s history, gape in awe.
Despite the speeds at which she seemed to be traveling, she was aware of everything. Every being that ever lived, every scrap of matter that ever existed, every emotion ever felt, every word ever spoke, every thought brought into consciousness, all of it.
Twilight Sparkle felt at peace with existence, and all of creation seemed to share in her sentiments.
She began to pick up speed, and before she could acknowledge it, her surroundings melted into a blur of color, shifting by itself, alive with the primal energies of Life.
And then she crashed.
But it wasn’t just a physical crash, although that was definitely part of it. It felt as if every atom of her being was alight with pain that burned so hot, Celestia’s Sun could have been ice. It was more than that. It was a spiritual crash. No longer could she feel the universe around her, no longer was she at peace, she was filled with worry, concern, chains of emotion and gags of thought. If the sensation of agony wasn’t enough to bring her to tears, the loss of such divine joy surely drove her over the edge.
Twilight Sparkle knew misery in its rawest form.
And then, she knew nothing.
Twilight Sparkle, newly anointed Princess of Equestria awoke in a cold sweat.
She was shivering, to the point where she could feel her brain jolt in her skull. She was soaked with sweat, and her eyes stung. She brought a hoof to wipe her eyes, only to find them streaked with red. Blood.
But she wasn’t concerned with that. She could almost deal with the pain of her flesh. What truly hurt was her soul. That was not of Luna’s domain, that was far more than a simple dream. That was real. What she had felt was real. What she had lost was real.
And so, Princess Twilight Sparkle, newly anointed ruler of the land of Equestria, Chosen Bearer of an Element of Harmony, Regent of Magic, curled up in a ball, and wept like she had as a filly.
Far, far away, in the pristine city of Canterlot, in the hallowed castle of the Sisters, Celestia Solarum, Regent of Ever-Burning Sol, knew. She had felt the world warp and twist, and she knew that particular feeling all too well.
A golden glow surrounded a quill, and in the glow of her sister’s moon, she wrote a letter to her former student.
It was time.
The Solar Court opened with the bright sounds of the herald's trumpet. As she had for thousands of years, Princess Celestia Solarum would preside, and she would bear witness to the petitions of her beloved subjects. It was beyond rare that any petitioner should leave unanswered, and all left satisfied with the jurisdiction of their revered Princess.
Mare after Stallion proceeded before the Solar Throne. Each spoke their worries, their prayers, and their requests. Each left in awe of the infinite wisdom and beauty of their ruler. The day marched on, and after the last filly's request for the return of her lost pet was answered, a final guest was proclaimed to the court.
“All hail Princess Twilight Sparkle, Bearer of Harmony, Sister to His Royal Highness Prince Shining Armor, Former Student of Her Majesty Prin-“ Court Call, herald of the Solar Court, was brought to silence as a pristine white hoof cut him off.
“Thank you, Court Call, but formalities have no place here. We are all equals here today. And yes, that even includes you.” Princess Celestia’s voice rang throughout the throne room with astonishing clarity. “We need no introductions for friends”.
“As you wish, your Highness”, Court Call said, bowing deeply.
“Thank you for your service today, but we require privacy with our former student. Take the day off, go to Joe’s Donut Shack. Treat yourself today.”
“You are most kind, Princess.” Court Call bows again, and leaves the throne room. The titanic golden doors closed with naught but a click, and then it was just the two alicorns.
The two regal beings said nothing, just taking in each other’s presence. Twilight was the first to break the silence that pervaded the hall.
“Princess, if I may ask, why am I here today?”
“Please, Twilight, call me Celestia. You are a princess as well, you know. When we are alone, there is no need for titles amongst peers.”
“Y-yes, Prin-I mean Celestia.” Twilight was a bit taken back by Celestia’s declaration. After addressing her by title and station for her entire life, it was a shock to have one of the most powerful beings in existence refer to her as a peer.
“Twilight, I know about what happened last night.” Celestia said, abandoning any sort of pretext.
For a second time today, Twilight was shocked at Celestia’s statements. How could she have known, unless…
“Did you hear it from your sister?” Twilight inquired. It would only be logical, her sister ruling over dreams.
“No, Twilight, although I have no doubt that she knows as well. But that was not a dream, not in the conventional sense. What you experienced was far beyond any sort of dream. That was your first true Vision.”
“Vision? What do you mean?” Twilight asked, confused.
“Come, Twilight, Let us, as the foals say nowadays, ‘Walk and Talk’”.
