They say that everyone has demons. That they are the darkest part of us. The only thing that keeps them locked away is the light. What happens when the light fails to keep them locked away? Do they rush out and walk freely among us? Or do they become part of us more so than before? I can say first hand that they do walk freely among us, by becoming part of us to the point that the line that differs who we are and who they are starts to fade. One young pony know this for a fact because they have watched that line blur, with a demon that should never see the light of day.
The morning breeze blew through her mane as the sun made it’s way through the sky. The western hills just outside Canterlot had the best view of the city this time of the day. A yawn slipped out as a young alicorn threw her arms out. As she closed her eyes to keep enjoying the breeze, a voice called out to her.
“Twilight! Twilight! The princess wants to see you.” Came the voice of her number one assistant, Spike. She thought she would get to enjoy this moment a little longer before being summoned by the princess. Making it to her feet just as he made it to the tree, Twilight let out a little yawn. Her wings felt a little stiff from her little sit-down under the tree, so they popped out and flapped a bit.
“Jeez, Twilight. You don’t spend that much time in the library like you use to.” She just grinned and followed him back to the castle.
“I know. It just feels so cramped in the castle. And watching things from that tree reminds me of Ponyville a bit.” She could feel her cheeks turning a little red under her lavender coat. She guessed she was really feeling home sick. That little town had really become her home after two years. Now, she had to live back in Canterlot again, for training to use her newfound powers as an alicorn.
As they passed through the city, her mind drifted back to the days after her transform.That was four months ago. She was still allowed to visit her friends every now and again, when she had free time.
The gates to the castle stood before us and the first lesson whispered its way back into her head. ‘Don’t let the power go to your headed and don’t let your emotion feed the power. Nothing good can come of it.’ She still didn’t understand what that meant, but she tried to follow it. Twilight did her best to keep a level head as she practiced magic.
Celestia was whispering something to Luna as Twilight left Spike at the door to the throne room. They knew that Spike and Twilight were there, but it would be a few before Twilight was close enough to hear what they were talking about. Once she was there, Celestia turn to her and smiled warmly.
“I hope Spike didn’t interrupt anything important.” Twilight smiled back and bowed to them. “Twilight, you know you no longer have to bow to us anymore. You are the same caste as us now.” She just rubbed the back of her head awkwardly.
“Not at all, Princess Celestia. I was just enjoying the view the morning sun has on the city from the western hills.” This caused Luna to giggle and beam at Celestia.
“I told thee sister. She would be there daydreaming. I do believe thou owest me five bits.” She was a little shock that they were placing bets on her, but Twilight still thought it was funny. Celestia sighed and pulled five bits out of a bag near her seat.
“I don’t know why I keep falling for your little bets, but you have a clever way of wording them.” She looked back to Twilight and sighed. “I’m sorry, Twilight. She always make it sound like she has no chance at winning. But back to why I summoned you here. We have a little mission we need you to undertake.”
Twilight could feel her eyes grow wide as it hit her. They trust her to do something without them holding her hand the whole time. Was her heart racing? ‘Keep it together, Twilight. They are putting a lot of trust in you.’ “We are sending Spike with you so that we can keep in touch with you.” And that is where Twilight’s joys of going solo was shot down.
“What!?” A scream came the other side of the close door. Twilight couldn’t help but grin as she wasn’t the only shock by not going solo. The doors burst open as he came rushing in and stop next to her. “Why do I have to go with her? She knows spells to send letters.”
“Traveling alone is never a good thing. A pony always needs someone to talk to. And you are the only one free right now and who already know Twilight.” There were points when Celestia’s warm smile had another meaning, besides it’s comforting others.
“My I ask what the mission is, Princess?”
“It’s a simple journey to one of the cities on the edge of Equestria. We thought that it would be good for the new princess to check in on them. Just be careful of bandits and… Just bandits.” Twilight didn’t really think much about the pause.
“When do I leave? And what is the name of the town I’m going to visit?” Celestia got up and motion for Twilight to follow her. She guided her over to a large map of Equestria. Twilight was amazed by the size of it. Celestia pointed to a small dot at the southern point Equestria.Twilight blinked and looked close.The town was named, Frost.
“Why am I going there?” Celestia smiled and looked fondly at the little point of the map that marked where Frost was.
“Luan and I have not visited Frost since she returned to us. And many years before. I feel that sending you there shall show them that the princesses have not forgotten them.” The smile never left her face, but her eyes showed a sadness that was deeper than anything Twilight could ever imagine.
“I’ll take the next train south, Princess Celestia.” She headed to her room. She needed to get her things ready as soon as possible. Spike followed after her, and as soon as they left, the doors closed. Celestia returned to Luna’s side and let out a long sigh.
“Sister, do you think it is wise to send her out there with just Spike?” Luna looked over at Celestia with a disapproving look.
“Luna, please don’t give me that look. Twilight should be more than able to handle things down there. The training we have given her and the training her brother gave her should help her if things do go south,” Celestia rubbed her temples and sighed. “You know better than anyone that she will need to be able face the true power of what sleeps within all alicorns, and she must face it alone. We must hope that it won’t need be faced during this mission.”
Luna got up and made her way to leave, but before the doors closed, she turn to look at Celestia one last time. “I guess you are right dear sister. I just hope you are ready for what may come if you are wrong.” With that Luna made her exit, leaving Celestia to her own thoughts.
