Princess Celestia sat in the royal gardens, her pastel mane softly waving, even more so with the gentle breeze. The immortal ruler's heart hurt, for today was the day.
Most ponies paid tribute to the giant statue of him in the Academy, but they were paying tribute to him, to who he was forced to become. Celestia paid tribute to her, who he was inside, who he was before.
In front of the white princess was a simple stone square, inlaid in the ground. It was easily overlooked, but to Celestia, it was like a polished gem embedded in the neatly trimmed grass and fertile dirt. Carved into it was a picture of a star, surrounded by swirling sparkles, and two words. Two oh-so simple words, but it broke the calm, strong mask that the ruler of the sun had worn for far too long.
Star Swirl
The ageless mare's lower lip quivered as she tried to hold back her tears, but it was futile. She let out a loud sob, but nopony heard her, she was positive. She wanted to be alone, uncomforted, for nopony could quell the pain stabbing at her heart. Tears fell rapidly, staining her cheeks a pinkish-gray. Celestia cried, letting out the emotions she kept pent up for all these years, slowly eating her sanity. Was it worth it? Was living forever truly worth it, if she lost everypony she ever loved? She lost her. She lost them all. Tears fell onto the stone, shattering as they hit it.
Princess Celestia felt a hoof on her shoulder. The mare looked behind her, at where the pony who touched her would be standing. At first glance, nothing was there, then the faint outline outline of a pony became visible. Celestia gasped as realized who it was.
"Celestia, shut up."
