Chapters “Okay, since there are six keyholes, and six of us, that may mean that our individual key may be hidden in a place that makes sense to that particular pony,” Twilight said, as she jotted down some notes.
It was a quiet evening in the Golden Oaks library. The smell of whatever Spike was preparing for dinner filled the area where Twilight was working on figuring out the box. The whole thing with the castle, their personal lives, and a detour into a comic book world had meant that no progress was made in finding anything.
“But whoever made the box is unknown to even Princess Celestia, so the box could be even older than she is. So the keys have to be hidden in old locations, yet somehow make sense for our key. Could somepony see that far into the future and know...” Twilight kept saying to herself, before a familiar burp came from the kitchen.
Her suspicions were confirmed when Spike walked in, a scroll with a familiar seal clutched in his claw. Twilight took the scroll from him with her magic, broke the seal, and unrolled it
My dearest Twilight,
I know that you are working hard to find information on the mysterious box, as well as trying to fix up my old castle. While I do not want to deter you from either task, there is a matter of grave importance that we must discuss. You should come as soon as you can, pack to stay overnight at least (and I do NOT want to see you pack enough books for a week-long stay), and come alone.
The only thing you may tell your friends and Spike, if they ask, is that you have an important meeting with me in Canterlot. I know I’m being secretive, and you know I would not do that If I didn’t have a good reason for doing so. More will be explained upon your arrival.
Your former teacher, Celestia.
Twilight put down the letter, her mind whirling with thoughts about what a secret meeting could be. She grabbed her saddlebag and looked at everything that was in there, before shaking her head and putting the items back in. As she pulled books from the shelves, as well as extra ink and quills, Spike looked out from the kitchen to see what the commotion was.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
“I have an important meeting with the Princess in Canterlot, and they want me to go tonight,” Twilight answered, as she loaded a couple more books and levitated her element to her head. “Save my portion in the fridge, and I’ll be back sometime tomorrow at the earliest,”
In Canterlot, a lone Royal Guard rushed into the throne room, removed his helmet, and bowed to the princesses sitting and waiting in front of the royal thrones.
“Your majesties, Princess Twilight has arrived,” he announced.
“Show her in, immediately,” Celestia told him.
The guard turned around and nodded to another two that stood in front of the doors. They went forward and opened the double doors to let Twilight in.
As she walked forward, her saddlebags bulging with books and other random items, she noticed one of the stained glass windows was new, depicting herself and her friends banishing the vines with the Elements and the Tree of Harmony. Then her gaze fell on the three ponies on the other end of the room.
There was Celestia, as she expected. Twilight also noticed that Luna was there, which made sense, given the time. But the third was the unexpected but not unwelcome presence of...
“Cadance!” Twilight called out, dropping her heavy saddlebags and running towards her with a smile on her face. With a smile of her own, Cadance went forward herself, knowing full well what was coming. The two of them met a few feet in front of the thrones.
“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake,” they both sang, going through the familiar motions before falling back and giggling.
As Luna smiled watching the two of them go through their ritual, Celestia stepped past the two of them and looked down at the saddlebags that Twilight brought with her.
“It seems that you kind of followed my directions. I think you packed enough for five days this time,” she said with a small smile, levitating the bags to a nearby guard. “Put these in Twilights old room in the observatory, have the entire night court cancelled, and make sure nobody enters this room until myself or Luna say so.”
The guard, straining a bit under the weight of the saddlebags, just gave a nod before making his way out the door, closing it behind him. As soon as he left, Twilight turned to the three princesses standing before her.
“So, what’s going on?” she asked. “You weren’t very forthcoming with information in your letter.”
“It was needed,” Celestia said. “Twilight, what we are about to discuss must never leave this room. You can’t even tell your friends or Spike what happens here.”
“But why? You know my friends won’t say a word if you tell them not to,” Twilight replied.
“I trust your friends won’t say anything deliberately, but I cannot take that risk. There's always a chance that something could slip out,” Celestia replied. “Trust me on this, Twilight. If even one pony finds out what we discuss, the result could be chaos. It could even be deadly to some of my little ponies.”
Twilight’s mind raced, trying to figure out what it could be that has Celestia so worried, with nightmare scenario after nightmare scenario coming to her, none of them pretty. Knowing and trusting her teacher wouldn’t do this unless she believed what she said, Twilight looked up and her and nodded.
“I won’t breathe a word to anyone,” she declared with a nod. “But I need to know what it is we have to discuss.”
“It deals with a gift that is presented to all alicorns. Myself, Luna, and even Candace have been offered this gift ourselves, which is why I brought them here,” Celestia said, nodding to each of them in turn. “It is completely your choice on whether you wish to take this gift, since it is a wonderful gift to some, and a curse to others. It is the gift of Immortality.”
Author's Note
Yes, I'm writing something else on the side, giving me something when I want to take a break from writing about foals and work on something with more adult ponies present. This will only be a few chapters long (3-4, depending on how much I put into each chapter). I've also been considering doing an overhaul of Dark Genie, the first story that I posted on this site (Lord knows it could use it).
Anyways, hope you enjoy.
“Immortality?” Twilight asked, her mind spinning with questions. “You mean, I could live forever from a spell?”
“Mostly,” Celestia answered. “A fatal wound or a terminal illness could still kill you just as much as it could any other pony. The spell will stop you from aging, as well as improving your bodies natural defenses. So you will never age, and common diseases will be nothing to you.”
Twilight wasn't sure what to think. What little information she was able to dig up on alicorns was never able to pinpoint whether they could die. Some have theorized that they have longer lifespans, much longer than any living pony. Others have said that they are immortal, and one writer even suggested a secret age reducing spell.
She did see some of the benefits of immortality right away. She could rule alongside the princesses, and see how their decisions help shape Equestria far into the future. She would have all the time she would ever need to read every book ever written.
“There is a reason we do not want this information to reach the general population,” Luna said, cutting into Twilight’s thoughts. “We fear that if ponies learned of the spell, the reaction would not be favorable, for us or them.”
“If our little ponies found out, they would come to the castle in droves,” Celestia added. “They would demand that we either use the spell on them, or release it for general use. But only Luna and myself can harness the amount of magical energy needed, and even then, the heavenly bodies need to be in the right place for the energy. There are also the side effects...”
“Side effects?” Twilight cut in.
“That’s why I came, to make sure you got information from both sides. There was one side effect that I felt I couldn’t live with, which is why I rejected the gift,” Cadance told her.
“And that is...” Twilight asked.
“If you choose to accept the gift, Twilight, it will make you completely barren. You will be unable to have any foals of your own, ever,” Cadance answered. “Being the Princess of Love, I knew that the love I felt, and what your brother felt for me, was real. I wanted to grow old with him, and also wanted to have his foals. And...”
Cadance trailed off, but Twilight caught what she was getting at.
“Wait...Cadance, you’re...” Twilight asked.
“Yes. I found out only a week ago myself. But yes, I’m pregnant,” she answered.
“Cadance, that’s wonderful news,” Twilight answered, running up and nuzzling against her, before looking up at her. “Any names yet?”
“Well, Shining wants to name the foal Twila, after you. Though I do kind of like the name, I was thinking of the name Skyla, since Twila may make things a bit confusing,” Cadance said.
“Not as confusing as your mother having the same first name,” Twilight remarked, then shifted her gaze to Cadance’s belly. “Hello in there. I’m your aunt Twilight, and I’ll be glad to meet you when you come out.”
The other three shared a bit of a chuckle, before Celestia’s expression became serious again, remembering that they had an important matter to finish discussing.
“You already know one of the side effects. The second concerns your mane and tail,” she continued.
“My mane and tail?” Twilight asked, instinctively bringing a hoof up to her mane to make sure nothing happened to it.
“Like the mane that myself and Luna have, your mane and your tail will grow long and may even change color as it does, while also instantly growing back if something happens to it,” Celestia explained. “However, it will grow as you grow, so it will not get to a point where it will be unmanageable.”
“Well, that’s good,” Twilight answered, bringing her hoof back down. “Anything else?”
“I think you know what we are going to say next,” Celestia said, with a hint of sorrow.
“I’ll outlive my friends and everyone I know?” Twilight guessed. “Even Spike will eventually die, and I’ll still be here, the same as I always was.”
“Yes, Twilight,” Celestia answered, with some sadness in her eyes. “But myself and Luna will always be here with you, if you choose to accept. During our long history, both of us have made many friends, and we have had to watch all of them succumb to old age and eventually pass. It is one of the saddest parts, but it can be rewarding to sometimes see their legacy continue. One day, you could even have a magic student of your own, and you could find yourself teaching the next Star Swirl.”
“Or the next Sunset Shimmer,” Twilight added.
“That is true. But when you show them the path, it is up to them whether they take it, or go their own way. You took the path I showed you, and Sunset Shimmer decided to take a different route,” Celestia answered. “I know that we gave you a lot to think about, and your mind must be trying to file it all away and come up with a course of action.”
She was right. Twilight’s mind was trying to pack a lot of information away. But since she was a rational pony, and liked to have all the information she needed up front, she wouldn't have it any other way.
“I-I’ll sleep on it,” Twilight finally answered.
Celestia nodded, as she said, “Your old room is still as you left it, and you can stay there for the night. You have time, and the celestial bodies are in the right place to give Luna and myself the energy to perform the ritual. But they will only be in place for about 30 more hours. Because of the time frame, I do not want you to leave the castle until you have made a decision.”
Twilight nodded and took the long walk back to the door of the throne room. As the double doors opened to let her pass, and closed behind her, the three princesses looked at each other. They all did their part, now it was up to Twilight to decide what happens.
Author's Note
I'd like to know what you would tell Twilight if you heard about her choice. It won't affect the story, but I just want to hear your thoughts.
Twilight couldn’t sleep.
After tossing and turning countless times for a good hour, she finally gave up and started pacing back and forth. Her mind spun with the decision she had to make, as well as the pros and cons of each side.
“It’s hard to come to a huge decision such as this, and I don’t think I’ll get another chance,” Twilight thought, as she stopped pacing and looked out the window towards the moon. “I have no idea when things would align again, but given the urgency, it’s probably not anytime soon. There may not be another chance until I'm an old mare.”
As she turned away from the window, she thought, “I wish my friends were here.”
Then her head shot up, as she realized something. Her friends weren’t there physically, but she knew them well. Possibly well enough to know what they would pick if faced with a similar decision. And figuring out what they would pick and why may help her.
With a purpose, she heads to her desk, levitating some parchment and a quill pen as she went. After about an hour, she lied on her back on her bed, six pieces of parchment hovering in front of her.
Name:Applejack
Thoughts:Family, friends, and the farm are the three most important things to a member of the Apple family. Applejack would hate the fact that she would never be able to bear children of her own, and she would hate the fact that she would watch her friends and family die one by one.
Though she may be able to find some happiness taking care of her families descendants and taking care of the farm, it would just be a reminder of what she lost.
Conclusion:I believe she would reject.
Name: Rainbow Dash
Thoughts: Rainbow Dash would probably like the fact that she could be with whichever stallion she wanted without the risk of pregnancy. Though she does hang out with and guide Scootaloo as a mentor and surrogate sister, foals of her own are probably not something she wants in her future.
The immortality would also mean she has unlimited chances to join the Wonderbolts, and could stay one for as long as she wanted. And if she got bored, or found out it wasn't what she expected, she won’t feel like she wasted her life. And she’ll even have time to explore and go on all the adventures she wants.
Conclusion: I believe she would accept.
Name: Rarity
Thoughts: Rarity does want to find a spot among the Canterlot elite, and she seems to be well on her way there. She’s also someone who would love to keep her beauty as long as possible, the makeup she wears is testament to that fact. Judging from how Celestia and Luna look, the spell would keep her looking young and beautiful.
However, she’s also someone that would like to have a foal of her own. Being the lady that she is, she would see being barren as the. worst. possible. thing!
Conclusion: I believe she would reject.
Name: Pinkie Pie
Thoughts: If I had to use one word to describe Pinkie, it would be “fun”. She loves parties, and would probably like that she can throw them for anyone, forever. And upon figuring that out, she would probably give an enthusiastic yes when asked.
However, she probably wouldn't think of the long term consequences. First off, she loves kids, and may try to have some of her own someday. Also, she would be heartbroken if any of her friends die. Even if she made new ones, those ones would die as well, and continue throughout eternity.
Conclusion: I believe she would accept, but live to regret her decision.
Name: Fluttershy
Thoughts: Kids may or may not be a part of her future, with her animals keeping her hooves full. But she may want the added responsibility, though discipline may be a struggle.
Also, she has told me that she believe there is a “paradise” where good ponies go when they die, basically the opposite of Tatarus. While Tatarus does indeed exist, there has been no reports on whether her paradise does or does not exist. Because of the lack of scientific evidence one way or the other, I’m holding off my opinion until something confirms it either way.
But regardless, she does believe. And she would believe that’s where we would be after our death, and would be sad that she would never join us.
Conclusion: I believe she would reject.
Name: Spike
Thoughts: Since he has a few thousand years in front of him, impending death is not on his mind. And since he’s a baby himself, he’s not concerned about kids either, despite his crush on Rarity. Basically, all he really seems to want right now in life is my friendship and being able to help me out.
He will grow up someday, and he will have to leave when the library gets too large for him to live in. But that day will hopefully be a long way off. And when he leaves, he’ll probably find a nice drakaina to settle down with. At that point, he would probably reject, but it’s hard to tell what he would say if he was offered now.
Conclusion: Inconclusive.
As they floated in front of her, and she read them off, she thought how different they all were. How they each had their hopes, their dreams, and their choices unique to that pony. She then thought about how much she cared about each and every one of them, and how sad she would be when they pass away.
At that point, she had an answer. With that thought in her head, she was able to fall into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Author's Note
Ugh, way too long to get something out.
But I have some good news. ~~I saved a bunch of money by switching to Geico.~~
Okay, old outdated jokes aside, I worked out a program. Once a week, I will set aside a few hours to get some writing done. Distractions and procrastination are my worst enemies, but scheduling inspiration just does not work. So instead, I worked out a loose schedule, so I can write when inspiration strikes, but in a way that will help get stuff out faster. Here's hoping it works.
Midway through the following morning, Celestia stepped inside Twilight’s room to find her still asleep, the papers scattered around her sleeping form. After picking them up and placing them on the desk, she gave a gentle nudge to Twilight’s sleeping form.
“Mmmm...five more minutes, Mom...” Twilight murmured in her sleep, waving a hoof.
Celestia gave a slight smile, as she leaned in close and whispered, “You’re going to be late for school.”
“WHAT?” Twilight yelled, as she sat straight up in bed. She pulled her sheets off, leaped out of bed, and ran around the room, looking for multiple items.
“There’s my quills. I think I have enough parchment. Where’s my workbook? Oh, I hope Princess Celestia isn’t cross with me...” Twilight said, before hearing a giggle. Turning, her mind woke up and brought her to the present, as she saw Celestia trying not to laugh out loud. “Princess!”
“I’m sorry, Twilight,” Celestia said amidst her laughter. “I just had to. You wouldn’t believe some of the pranks Luna and I play on each other.”
“Well, then, I guess I’ll have to talk to Pinkie and see about getting you back,” Twilight said with a smile.
“I look forward to it,” Celestia answered. “Come on, we can have a late breakfast.
“But don’t you have Sun Court?” Twilight asked, looking out at the sun, trying to determine the current time.
“It’s still a couple of hours away. And even if it wasn’t, I am the leading authority in Equestria,” Celestia answered. “I control when the Sun Court starts, even if my little ponies think otherwise.”
As the walked down the hall, talking about random topics, one leading into another, Celestia suddenly paused. Twilight stopped walking as well, and watched as Celestia looked around, then cast a spell.
“Something wrong, Princess?” she asked.
“Just making sure nobody can overhear us,” she said, before she leaned in close and whispered. “Have you given any thought to what we discussed last night?”
“I have, Princess,” she answered with a nod, just as quietly. With some nervousness in her voice, she said, “I’m sorry, but I’m going to decline.”
Celestia gave a nod of acceptance, as she said, “You didn’t have to be so nervous about your answer. I told you from the beginning, the choices were yours and yours alone. It also means Luna owes me 20 bits. Now...”
“Wait, did you two...bet on what my decision would be?” Twilight asked, interrupting her former teacher.
“In a sense, we did,” Celestia answered. “After you left, we had a...discussion, shall we say, over what you would pick. Luna thought that you would pick yes, because of what we share. I was sure you would decline, because of the friendship you share with your friends. She finally told me to put my money where my muzzle is, and I agreed. Now, may I ask why?”
“It’s because of my friends. Like you said last night, it’s part of being an immortal, to see everyone you know eventually pass. I didn’t think I could handle it, knowing I would be here while everyone I know would eventually be gone.”
“Which is why I thought you might decline,” Celestia said, as she stood again. "Come now, breakfast awaits.
After a breakfast filled with eating and general small talk, Twilight went over to a carriage that would bring her home. Celestia was there to see her off, then went inside the castle to attend to her duties. As the pegasi pulling the carriage took off and left Canterlot’s city limits, Twilight turned in her seat and looked at the buildings and the castle, watching them grow ever smaller.
It was a hard decision, but I know I made the correct one. Eternal life, or at least one where I won’t die from old age, does have it’s advantages. But I know none of that, or none of the things I would experience, would mean anything without my friends around.
Celestia and Luna have to bear the pain that comes with it, the pain of everyone they know passing on. And that’s a pain that may never fade. Someday, I may have to bear that pain myself, but if Fluttershy is right, that means I will see my friends again, even if they're not here in Equestria. I just hope that when my time comes, my friends and the princesses will be able to handle it. It's strange that an offer to live forever made me reflect on how mortal everypony is.
Since all of us have only a limited time here, we need to make the most of it. We need to spend our limited time with our friends, and with others that care about us. I don't know what the future holds, or when my time comes, but I'll make sure I leave it with no regrets.
She turned back towards her home, towards her future, and towards Ponyville.
Author's Note
Finally finished this up, later than I wanted.
