The Next Generation

The Next Generation

Chapter 2

The New Student.

Midnight lay asleep in her bed. Visions and sounds of the night before were pouring into her dreams and she sighed happily as she remembered that very sweet stallion who made her feel loved.

She giggled in her sleep and murmured something incoherent and she was completely unaware of the little lilac filly entering her room at the moment.

Wish sighed and walked over to her sister’s bed, she was getting tired of her sister sleeping in until noon whenever she visited. It was like she didn't even want to spend time with her! So with a wiggle of her little behind, she braced herself and gave a small, but mighty leap onto her elder sister’s bed; Getting a rather satisfactory yelp of surprise from Midnight.

“Hey! It’s past noon, get up already!” Wish nagged.

She pulled off her sister’s bed-sheets and smirked. Midnight groaned and got up, her usually styled mane was in a curly mess, which made Wish snicker even more.

“Urgh, why couldn't I just sleep a little bit longer? I had a busy night last night. I’m gonna sleep until three okay?” Midnight replied.

She grabbed her covers with her teeth and pulled them over herself, her sister though saw this and came at her with her own.

The two fought over the covers for a while, until Midnight became annoyed with this and she used her magic to toss her sister off her bed.

“Hey! What the heck? I’m just trying to get you to wake up! You were supposed to help me find out what my special talent was today, remember?” Wish whined, she pouted a little and this made Midnight soften up a bit.

“Oh yes, I did promise that...didn't I?” Midnight replied.

Wish nodded, and Midnight sighed. “Alright... Just let me get ready and we’ll go outside...” Midnight grumbled.

“Yay! Don’t take forever okay sis? I really wanna see if my talent has anything to do with fireworks!” Wish replied with a hop.

FIREWORKS? Wherever did she get that idea from!? Midnight thought in shock as her sister gleefully skipped out of her room. She counted four hooves when she got out of bed. She hoped that number would be the same by the end of the day.

Twilight sighed in relief as her hooves landed on the soft ground. She’d been flying all night, and she was very tired, but the promise of seeing her old home once again put a smile on her face.

Ponyville looked almost the same, some of the buildings had been modified a little mostly due to the fact of being old and needing better structure, but other than that...it looked just like the Ponyville she remembered.

She hadn't been here in ages, the last time she’d paid a visit to the sleepy town was while they were  planning for the summer sun celebration, and that had been ten years ago. She didn't have much time back then to take in the sights. Today she would make up for lost time.

As she made her way down the street, she noticed many new buildings had popped up. She could still remember where the most important locals were. City hall had barely changed, the only major difference being some newer paint and better roofing. A few other places still stood. Sugar Cube Corner and Carousel Boutique were the same buildings, but had been converted into other establishments, mostly clubs.

Even Sweet Apple Acres was still in business, though obviously modernized to meet higher demand for their many products. Tractors and shakers replaced a pony bucking each tree and hauling the fruits away. No pony ever had to worry about getting their fix during cider season.

Twilight wondered who lived in her old library now. It certainly was no longer a library, while it still held the old structure of the giant oak, it looked more like a quaint cottage. This made her a little sad, but she knew that things would have to had changed at some point.

Looks nice enough she thought to herself. I wonder if anypony’s home?

When she walked up to the door, she couldn't hear anything moving around, but she decided to knock, just in case.

On her first tap, the door creaked open. Apparently, whoever lived there had forgotten to lock up, or maybe they just wanted visitors. Twilight debated whether waltzing in on a pony’s home would be rude, but it was her home at one point. She did want to know what had become of it. Curiosity eventually got the better of her.

As she walked inside, she got a whiff of a perfume so strong it made her sneeze. She smiled and shook her head as she walked further inside.

The library had been completely transformed into a fashionable looking home. There were still many bookshelves, but not as many of her once precious books lined them. Twilight gritted her teeth as she quietly looked at everything.

Although Twilight was a little miffed that her library was gone, she had to admit that this pony had at least some sense of style. Twilight had never been too enthralled in decorating her home. Even her castle in Canterlot was bare compared to most nobles. Still, whoever lived here had made the princess feel somewhat comfortable, even though it was different from what she was used to.

“See, I told you firework shows weren't your talent.” Midnight scolded, with a little hint of a smile as she and her scorched sister walked back home.

“Well, then what is my talent!? What if I’m not good at anything? I’ll be a laughing stock!” Wish replied, not noticing that random ponies were snickering at her mane.

Her usually frizzy bright pink and yellow mane was now sticking up in all directions, Wish sighed and kicked up some dirt.

Midnight stopped and sighed, she herself had once feared the very same thing. But once she had earned her cutie mark, she had felt so special, and having a very unique talent made the occasion even better.

“Like, all I’m saying is. You got your’s just by overcoming your fears, and learning new skills, blah de blah...so why is it so hard for me!?” Wish gripped with an angry pout.

Midnight smiled and put a hoof on her sister’s shoulder.

“Well, maybe you just need to wait a little while...It’s very hard, I know. But everypony gets theirs eventually.” Midnight replied.

Wish blinked, usually when she ranted on and on about her cutie mark troubles her sister didn't seem to care...Mostly Midnight ignored her. But her saying this made her smile again.

“Thanks. I just hate waiting! Hey, is there a cutie mark for being a really patient pony?” She asked.

Midnight laughed, “I’m not sure.” She replied, making Wish grumble.

As the two sisters walked up to Midnight’s home, the noticed something a little strange. The door was wide open. Midnight was certain she had locked it...or did she? Fear began creeping up on her and her face paled.

Wish looked equally scared, some of her favorite dolls were in there! What if some creepy pony had come in and stolen them? The two sisters huddled up together and entered the house.

At first, Twilight didn't hear anything. She was too busy looking at all the knick-knacks and family pictures. This mare seemed to be related to somepony who looked very familiar. A frame of a single, elderly looking blue unicorn hung near the fireplace. She was smiling and waving in the picture, something Twilight hadn't ever seen her do before.

It couldn't be...Trixie!? Twilight thought in surprise. No, the Great and Powerful Trixie would never settle down in Ponyville. She was too proud. Much less have a family. Twilight was genuinely perplexed, but pictures didn't lie. Whoever lived in the library now must be related to Trixie. Who could it be?

She only needed to turn around to get her answer. Midnight and Wish were standing right behind her. Jaws dropped open and hanging, the two were wearing almost identical expressions.

Although, Twilight wondered why the older looking one looked angry, while the younger one just looked star-struck. She also wondered why the littler pony looked like she’d been burnt.

“Uh, hello.” Twilight said sheepishly.

She knew that she was in trouble, the older and darker purple mare was looking daggers at her, but then she blinked in surprise as her little sister, Twilight was guessing at this point since she had no idea who they were, ran up to her and started to hop excitedly.

“Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow! Sis, d’you know who this is!?” Wish asked.

She smiled up at the older looking unicorn and beamed. Midnight rolled her eyes and tried to push her sister behind her, which, unfortunately didn't work.

“Yeah, I know who she is. She’s an intruder...so that means she could be dangerous.” Midnight replied in a deadpan tone.

She didn’t seem to care that one of the rulers of Equestria was standing in front of her.

“No, no! I’m not an intruder...well, I am, but I didn’t mean to frighten you!” Twilight explained frantically.

Midnight stopped her glaring, if only a smidge, and looked at Twilight again.

After a minute of thought she sighed and walked over to Twilight, glared at her with her piercing green eyes, and Twilight gulped.

“But how do we know that you're not a changeling? Why else would the Princess of Magic just randomly barge into my home without any invitation? Why else would she look so frightened why?-” Midnight’s rant was interrupted by Wish’s poke.

“What’s a changeling? They sound scary.” She asked innocently.

Midnight sighed. What are they teaching fillies and colts nowadays? She asked herself as she continued her glaring at the stunned Princess.

Now that reminds me of Trixie. Twilight thought, she smirked a little but then stopped when she noticed Midnight was still glaring at her.

“Well, I can assure you that I am no changeling.” Twilight replied.

Midnight ‘humphed’ and gave a little intimidating smile. “Prove it.” She replied snarkily, making Twilight flinch.

“Tell us something that only the real Princess would know.” Midnight continued, loving this advantage.

“Oh, well that’s an easy one.” Twilight replied.

She looked at Wish’s hopeful expression and this sparked an idea.

“When I was really little, I was given a doll.” She said.

Using her magic she transported Smarty Pants from out of her chest in her room in her castle, and into the air in front of her.

Wish’s eyes widened and Midnight’s narrowed.

“Her name’s Smarty Pants. She’s been with me my whole life, and well, I think it’s time that she and I part.” She continued.

A tear leaked out of Twilight’s eye as she levitated the old doll down and placed it into the filly’s hooves.

“Thank you so much...I’ll treasure her.” Wish said in a whisper.

She held the doll close to her and tried very hard not to hurt her.

“See? Would a changeling do that?” She asked.

Wish could not contain her excitement and, for once in her life she was completely and utterly lost for words. Midnight however was not.

“I guess not...but still, how’s a doll supposed to gain my trust?” Midnight asked.

Twilight sighed, whoever this mare was she wasn’t very trusting. She seemed insecure, which also reminded her of Trixie.

“How about this...Who’s that in the picture over there?” She asked, pointing to the picture of Trixie.

Midnight smiled a little, sad smile. “That’s my great-grandma Trixie. She was actually my grandma, but she made everypony call her ‘great’ anyways. She was pretty cool.” Midnight replied.

“Was?” Twilight asked.

Midnight's stormy expression changed almost instantly. She had been trying her hardest to be strong about her grandmother’s passing for a while now, but some stray tears had finally decided to fall down her cheeks.

Twilight noticed her tears and sighed. “I’m so sorry, I had no idea...was it at least a peaceful passing?” She asked quietly.

Wish sniffled and Midnight nodded. “Yeah, she...she went in her sleep.’’ She replied.

Twilight, with a sad look on her face, went over to the now crying Midnight and tried to nuzzle her. At first, she was as stiff as a brick, but after a while she let the kind Princess try and comfort her.

“If it helps, I used to know Trixie when she was about your age.” She said, her voice a little muffled due to the fact that she was holding in her tears.

“Y-you did?” Midnight asked meekly. Twilight nodded.

“W-what was she like?” Midnight asked again, looking up at Twilight with sad eyes.

Twilight smiled a tiny smile, “well she was a lot like you, to be honest. I think she would be proud.” She replied.

Midnight sniffled, a week before she had died, Grandma Trixie had said she’d loved her and was very proud of both of her little ponies...Midnight couldn’t believe that Twilight would think something like that, but, deep down...she knew it was true.

“Wow...I guess you really are the Princess.” Midnight exclaimed after a while.

She bowed down and sighed, “I’m so sorry I was so rude before. I’m just not very sociable is all.” She said making Twilight smile.

“Oh that’s alright. I was actually like you when I was younger. I didn’t even have any friends, and my brother was all the way in Canterlot. You’re very lucky to have such a good friend in your sister.” Twilight replied.

Midnight smiled and pulled her sister, who smiled back, close.

“Yeah, I guess you're right. My brother lives in Canterlot, so I kinda know how you’d have felt. He’s studying to be a guard pony right now. Kind of a long-shot though, since he’s more of a geek than a jock.” Midnight said with a smile.

Twilight laughed, and beyond that laugh was a feeling of deja view. Her own brother had become the Captain of The Royal Guard, and once Twilight was placed in charge of Equestria along with Cadence, King of The Crystal Empire. He was now the only living male alicorn.

This mare’s brother probably wanted to become like Shining Armor. Twilight thought.

She had gained a sort of kinship with this mare, and she didn’t even know her name. Twilight giggled to herself, she had been so surprised she’d forgotten to even ask.

“What’s so funny?” Wish asked.

Twilight giggled some more, “oh...Yes, well I’ve just realized something very important that I completely forgot….I forgot to ask you what you’re names are.” Twilight replied between giggles.

Midnight giggled with Twilight and smiled, “my name is Midnight Twinkle you’re highness.” She said.

Wish hopped up and down, “and my name is Wishing Star! But everypony just calls me Wish!” she exclaimed happily.

Midnight poked Wish in the ribs and Wish gulped, “oh, I’m sorry I mean you’re highness.” Wish said, trying to recover her manners.

The little pony tried to bow, but ended up putting her nose to the ground. She was just too short.

Twilight laughed a little at this silly display and shook her head. “There’s no need to be so formal.” Twilight said with a kind smile. “I’d rather be friends here than your Princess.”

Midnight couldn’t believe her luck, she thought that she’d be in at least some amount of trouble for being so rude, but Twilight seemed to actually like her.

Midnight wondered what Twilight had meant when she said that she was like herself, surely she had at least some friends, unlike Midnight who had none.

“Wait, you said you were like me...What did you mean by that?” She asked curiously.

Twilight smiled, “I didn’t really have a lot of great social skills. I’d rather keep my nose in a book then get to know other ponies.”

“But you seem so personable. How did you change?” Midnight asked curiously.

“I had the help of some really great friends, who I miss very much.” Twilight replied.

Midnight smiled, “sometimes I wish I had friends...but nopony, except my family really seems to care about me.” She replied sadly.

Twilight smiled at her. “Would you like to learn how to make friends?” She asked.

Midnight’s smile fell a little, she had no idea how friendship even worked, but this opportunity didn’t happen every day. So, after a while Midnight nodded.

“Very well. I'm putting you in charge of preparing for the celebrations.” Twilight said.

Midnight was shocked at the sudden assignment. "What?!"

"The fastest way to meet ponies is to have to do something with them. Now, you'll need to find ponies arrange the food, decorations, and entertainment." Twilight kept going on, while Midnight stood stone still with her jaw on the floor.

“But what if nopony takes me seriously?” She asked.

Twilight smiled, “Just tell them that you are my student, that should be a good ice breaker.” She replied.

Midnight nodded and sighed. This week had just gotten a whole lot harder.

“What about me!? What can I do?” Wish asked, she was tired of staying so quiet for so long.

Midnight had wondered why her sister had kept so quiet, usually she talked her ears off.

Twilight laughed. “Well for now, you can get cleaned up. I’m sure you can help your sister with something...maybe you could hold the checklist?” Twilight suggested.

Wish beamed, she had perfected the basic levitation spell a while ago and she had been dying to try it, so this was a win-win.

“Okay! I’ll try and do my best!” She said happily raising her hoof in a salute.

Midnight sighed, “Just don’t annoy me while I do this okay?” She said.

Her sister laughed, she knew that sometimes she could be ‘annoying’, but at least she got her sister’s attention while she was.

“Good, now I think you should get going now. Here’s the checklist.” Twilight replied, making a checklist appear with her magic. "I'll be back later to check up on you. Just remember one thing."

Midnight stared at her, waiting for her to finish. "What is it?"

"Have fun!" In a flash, Twilight teleported out of the library, leaving Midnight to start her new job.