As Time Goes On

by Tayman

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Sad, Main 6, Spike
Length: 5511

Twilight wonders how long time will allow her and her friends to stay together.

"No matter how strong the bonds of friendship are, we still have our own dreams and goals that we must pursue. I pray that they never tear us apart."

A lot has changed in the 20 years since Twilight arrived in Ponyville. The town is now a small, bustling city, and each member of the mane six is busier than ever. As Twilight works in City Hall, she can't help but wonder when she'll be able to spend time with her friends again.

(Google Docs version: http://tinyurl.com/7co9nb4. Comments are enabled. The Google Docs version also has the original story, which I haven't yet connected to the new introduction I am working on.)

Published 2012-04-06 06:14:02 UTC
Last updated 2012-04-09 22:47:00 UTC

Chapter One (Completely New Version)

Twilight was jerked awake as her alarm clock blared. 7 AM. The sun was barely cracking over the horizon as she rubbed her heavy eyes and pulled herself out of bed, stumbling over Spike’s empty basket. Various charts and documents that were scattered about her room magically floated together into a neat pile, but then promptly dropped to the floor as Twilight's concentration broke. Cursing, she re-activated her horn and organized the papers once more, before walking downstairs and setting them down on the table. As Twilight sat down to eat a muffin, she skimmed through the documents, which detailed various building proposals throughout Ponyville. The papers drifted into her saddlepack as she finished eating and walked out the door.

Twilight yawned as she slowly trotted down the street, occasionally bumping into other ponies on accident. Even this early, the streets were bustling with ponies of every color, but she didn't recognize a single one. Drab, brick, rectangular buildings five stories high lined the street, serving as apartment complexes, commercial centers, and office buildings, casting long shadows over the stone cobbled road. The chatter of the streets and clopping of hooves buzzed in her ears.

I remember when this used to be such a colorful, peaceful walk into town.

Keeping her head forward, Twilight continued her way down the path. The scent of eggs, muffins, doughnuts, coffee, and other morning delicacies wafted into her nostrils from street vendors that lined the sidewalk. She picked up her pace, shivering slightly, and arrived at City Hall twenty minutes later. She trudged up the stone steps past the pillars, the wooden double doors magically swinging open for her. Giving a polite nod to the guards, she stepped inside. Town Hall was a simple building; beyond the receptionist’s desk, there were several hallways that led to offices and meeting rooms. The walls were painted white, decorated sparsely with framed pictures and firefly lanterns. Sunlight shone in through skylights, which were in every room that didn’t have normal windows.

This early in the day, the only sound was the scribbling of a quill from a mint green pony behind the receptionist’s desk. She looked up and smiled at Twilight. “Good morning, Miss Sparkle! First in the office again, I see.”

“Of course, June. No sense in wasting the day away,” Twilight yawned, walking over in front of the desk.

June continued to scribble down a memo. “Do anything fun last night? Looks like you were up pretty late.”

Twilight shook her head. “No, just went home after work. Did some reading. Reviewed building permits and housing project proposals. Practiced a little bit of piano. Ate dinner. The usual.”

“Ah. Well, good luck today. Oh, and you received a letter from your friend Rarity.” June levitated a letter, its green glow becoming purple as Twilight put it in her saddlepack, her face brightening up.

“Thanks. Probably a fashion show invitation. Did I happen to get any letters from other friends?” she asked with hopeful eyes.

“No, I’m afraid not. But if I receive anything today, I will send it your way immediately.”

Twilight’s smile faded. “I see. Well, thank you anyway. I’m headed to my office, then.” She turned right down the hallway, the clacking of her hooves on the marble floor echoing in her head. They should really get carpeted floors in the hall. Turning into her office, her closed the door and set her saddlepack down next to her desk. The dull orange glow from the rising sun illuminated the room; she was lucky enough to have a perimeter office. Her desk sat perpendicular to the door against the left wall. Next to the desk was an oak bookshelf that nearly touched the ceiling. In the back of the office was a simple circular conference table and a filing cabinet. The floor was covered in a soft sapphire-blue carpet.

Twilight sat down at her desk, pulled out a sheet of parchment, and began making her to-do list for the day:

Work Checklist
-Start on cost-benefit analysis of residential development proposal off of Turtle Street.
-Review complaints about road congestion and explore possibilities for new roads.
-Look at Ponyville demographic information and determine whether or not there are enough unicorns to help with Winter Wrap up in six months. If not, write Canterlot University and ask if they would be able to send some.

She stared blankly at this entry.

Hard to believe this is going to be my twentieth Winter Wrap Up in Ponyville. At least it isn’t such a hassle to help out nowadays. Hopefully I can be in the same group as Rarity this year.

-Write Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack to ask for their schedules for the month.
-Read and respond to Rarity’s letter. [strike]Let her know about the boutique that was just put for sale in Canterlot.[/strike]
-Write Pinkie Pie and ask her if she can find time to help organize the parade celebrating Ponyville’s birthday, to be held in a few weeks.

After work checklist:
-Swing by Fluttershy’s cottage and hope to catch her between appointments.
-Visit Applejack’s farm, try to find her in the orchard.
-If time, go to Carousel Boutique and visit Rarity if she isn’t too busy.

As Twilight opened her saddlepack and placed the papers and Rarity’s letter on her desk, she was disturbed by a knock at her window. She turned, perking up as she saw Rainbow Dash hovering outside with a smile on her face.

“Hey, Rainbow!” Twilight exclaimed as the window slid open and the pegasus floated in. “This is a pleasant surprise. What are you doing up this early?”

Rainbow gave Twilight a quick hug. “Weather patrol had to get up early today to gather clouds for the rainstorm later. Takes a lot more planning and organization than it used to, with Ponyville growing and all. Nothing we can't handle, though!"

"Well, have fun!" Twilight said. "Oh, do you happen to have time to grab lunch later?" she asked with hopeful eyes.

Dash shook her head. "I'm sorry, Twilight, but we're going to be busy all day. I wouldn't be surprised if we only have time to grab a few hoof-fuls of grass for lunch."

"Oh...well, okay then," Twilight sighed, dipping her head slightly.

"Hey..." Rainbow took a step forward, her smile dampening as she gave Twilight an affectionate nuzzle. "We'll hang out as soon as I get a free moment. I'm just packed this week. I'll let you know as soon as I'm available, okay?"

Twilight's face managed to perk up. "Sure, that sounds great," she said, but her inflection lacked enthusiasm.

"I gotta go, though. Have fun stuck in your office, egghead!" Rainbow snickered, before zooming out the window.

The unicorn couldn't help but momentarily laugh as she closed the window. She watched Rainbow soar into the distance, before she sighed once more and trudged back over to her desk. She stared at the framed photo that sat on the back corner of the polished, wooden surface: the very first picture of Twilight and her friends that she had ever sent to Princess Celestia. They were all cuddled together with bright, shining faces, not a trace of a worry in their eyes, not a single responsibility for them to be concerned about.

I may be able to eat lunch with Dash, or any other pony sometime...but when will all six of us be together again?

Twilight began reading through the various documents stacked in front of her. Her eyes glazed over charts, graphs, detailed finances, meeting notes. Right now, it was all lost on her. She pushed the documents aside and opened Rarity’s letter:

Dear Twilight Sparkle:

So sorry I haven’t had a chance to see you the past two weeks. I’ve bitten off a bit more than I can chew recently with orders.

Twilight rolled her eyes. Really? What else is new?

I’ve been working from sunup to sundown on dresses, not to mention preparing for my big fashion show. It’s a week from Tuesday at three o’clock. I do hope you can attend. I also managed to find time to sew you together a little something. It’s simple and practical, just like you. I hope you’ll like it when you find a chance to pick it up. Please let me know if you can attend.

Sincerely,
Rarity

A certain sentence in the letter struck Twilight.

“Is that my dress?” Twilight asked, examining the simple yellow dress with pink ribbon tied around it.

“Y-yes...” Rarity gulped.

She continued to look over the garment. “It’s so simple. So practical. So me!” Twilight’s face lit up as she threw her forelegs around Rarity. “It’s the perfect dress for my birthday party! I love it!”

A small smile tugged at Twilight’s lips. I suppose nothing changes.

She wasn’t feeling optimistic as she opened her planner and flipped to the date of the fashion show. Sure enough, she had a meeting to attend that day regarding the increasing crime rate in Ponyville. Twilight scowled down at the planner, before she began working on her reply.

Dear Rarity,

I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend your fashion show. I have a crucial meeting I must attend that day. However, I do thank you for the dress. I will swing by and pick it up as soon as I can. Best of luck with your orders and the show. Also, please send me your schedule for the month so we can plan to spend some time together.

Love,
Twilight Sparkle

She sealed the letter and put it on her out-pile before starting her letter to Pinkie:

Dear Pinkie Pie,

Congratulations on being chosen by Celestia to plan her birthday party next month! I’m sure it’ll be the best party she’s ever had. If you have time, I was wondering if you’d be able to help organize the Ponyville anniversary parade, to be held in two weeks. Of course, I understand if you’re far too busy to help out. Just let me know. Also, please send me your schedule for the month so we can plan to spend some time together. It’s been so long since we last hung out.

Love,
Twilight Sparkle.

The letter went on top of Rarity’s, before she went to work on the rest of the letters:

Dear Fluttershy,

I hope the vet business has been treating you well. I know you’ve been busy with appointments as usual, but I’m still going to drop in sometime and hope to catch you during a free moment. Also, please send me your monthly schedule. I’m trying to plan a get together for all of us.

Love,
Twilight Sparkle

Dear Applejack,

Hope you’ve been able to keep up with harvest this summer. I thought you’d like to know that if you hired just two farm hands to help out, harvest would go approximately thirty-seven percent faster. Just something to think about. I don’t want you or Big Macintosh or Applebloom to collapse from exhaustion again. Anyways, please let me know if you can take a day or two off this month. I’m never able to find you when I visit the farm.

Love,
Twilight Sparkle

Dear Rainbow Dash,

Thanks again for stopping to visit this morning. I know you have a busy schedule, and it was really nice to see you. Hope you’ve been enjoying weather patrol, since you get to be in the sky all day. You’re the best flier I’ve ever known. [strike]Perhaps you’ll get promoted to weather patrol for the whole region soon[/strike]

Dear Rainbow Dash,

Thanks again for stopping to visit this morning. I know you have a busy job, and it was really nice for you to take a moment to see me. Hope you’ve been enjoying weather patrol, since you get to be in the sky all day. It’s not the Wonderbolts, but it’s still flying, and I know that’s what makes you the happiest. If you can find time, I’d like you to send me your patrol schedule for the month so I can organize a little get together for all of us.

Love,
Twilight Sparkle

Twilight stacked up all the letters down as she finished them, before she suddenly slammed the quill down, bouncing off the desk and landing on the floor. "Is this what we've been reduced to? Writing letters? When we used to see each other every day?" she shouted. A guttural growl escaped her throat, before she got up from her desk and stomped out the door and down the hall to drop the letters in the mail hole.

Still, at least letters are guaranteed to reach them, because I usually can’t.

She trudged back to her office and shut the door, drawing the curtains to keep the sun from shining in her eyes, before falling back into her chair. Twilight turned her attention back to the stack of documents.

The Turtle Street housing development would add over fifty homes to Ponyville and help cushion the population boom the city is going through...

Twilight managed to clear her mind and focus on her work, her eyes glued to the words and numbers in front of her. She scribbled notes in the margins, analyzed and triple checked the math that was presented in the charts and diagrams, and occasionally wrote a quick letter to a pony involved with the project. Her to-do list expanded as she poured over the plans and papers, friends slowly fading from her train of thought.

The sun continued to climb through the sky as she worked, before she was interrupted by a knock. “Come in,” Twilight said, looking up from her desk.

The door swung open, and June poked her head in. “Hey Twilight, I was going to go grab lunch at the Daily Hay. Wanna join me?”

Twilight shook her head. “Sorry, June. I have a lot of work I need to catch up on. I’m just going to eat lunch in my office today. Thanks for offering, though.”

June nodded, glancing at the mess of papers scattered about Twilight’s desk. “Understandable. Just thought I would ask. Have fun.” She closed the door.

Twilight turned back towards her desk, eyes drifting to the photo once again. Sighing, she stacked up the papers and pushed them to a corner on her desk, before she levitated a paper bag containing her lunch in front of her. A daffodil and daisy sandwich floated out, and Twilight took a bite, chewing slowly, trying to enjoy the flowery, earthy taste.

Another lunch alone.

She continued to gaze at the picture as she ate, the happy smiles of her friends manifesting into a deep longing within her.

What’s the point of asking for your schedules? There’s no way you’ll all be available at the same time. No way in Equestria.

Still, there’s no harm in asking. There’s always hope, I suppose.

Twilight crumpled up the paper bag and tossed it in the trash, before sliding the documents back in front of her. Once again, she managed to shift her concentration to her work and lose herself in the glorious world of numbers and organization. However, as the clock ticked on her quill scribblings became slower and slower. Twilight had to force her eyes over the page, the word lost on her once again. Eventually, she dropped the quill and slumped down over the desk, staring at the photograph, the smiles pounding in her mind.

When will I ever see you all again?

As Time Goes On (Original Version)

(Note-this is the first version of the story. I am currently in the middle of a huge addition that takes place before the original. In other words, don't read this unless you want to be spoiled).

"Ughhhh. Thank goodness that meeting is over! I almost fell asleep in there!" Spike groaned as he trudged down the steps of Town Hall. "Honestly, how can ponies talk about housing developments for three hours?" he remarked as he turned onto the stone path that led back to the library, occasionally bumping into the other ponies that packed the street.

Meanwhile, Twilight was walking beside Spike, who was a full head taller than her. "Come on, Spike, it's important that Ponyville expands the right way to avoid problems in the future. The growth of a city is a very delicate thing."

The dragon scoffed, making a gagging motion. "Yeah, but do they need to talk about that stuff for three hours?"

"Hey, don't blame me!" Twilight snickered, "You're the one that volunteered to be on the committee with me."

The two continued to make their way back towards home, ignoring the shouts of the vendors that they passed every ten feet or so. Drab, brick, rectangular buildings five stories high lined the street, serving as apartment complexes, commercial centers, and office buildings. This path was the first major road Ponyville added during the population boom, and a rush to expand sapped all innovation and individuality from the buildings for the sake of efficiency. Twilight sighed as she stared at the dull surroundings.

I remember when this used to be such a peaceful, colorful walk home. I recognized almost every face I saw. Now, I'm lucky if I catch a glimpse of a familiar pony.

There was no break in the structures lining the street as they approached the towering oak tree library fifteen minutes later. There used to be more space surrounding Twilight's home, but the need for housing quickly filled in the gaps. As such, the tree stuck out like a blank flank, towering over the rooftops. The road had cleared up somewhat, although there were still a fair amount of ponies walking about.

Suddenly, Spike stopped right outside the library entrance. "Oh, I almost forgot! I said I would help out with the Ponyville Elementary School play. I'll see you later, okay, Twilight?"

"Sure. Have fun, Spike," she said, as he turned to leave. Too bad all my friends are probably too busy to do anything. I haven't heard from them in days. Her head drooped as she shuffled towards the door with heavy legs.

Still, at least I'm done with everything for today. I can go inside, lie in my bed, read a book, maybe take a nap...

She opened the door and stepped inside. A loud yelp escaped her as a bucket of a thick, gooey substance tumbled down, oozing down her head and forelegs, a little bit dripping onto her tongue before she had a chance to close her mouth, causing a rich, sweet sensation to tingle over her taste buds

Wait--is this--cake batter?

"SURPRISE!"

Twilight jumped and wiped the batter out of her eyes and stared around the room. Her face lit up as she saw her friends standing back by the bookshelves, wide smiles on their faces as they laughed at the gooey mess of a unicorn. Multicolored streamers billowed down from every surface, and a towering cake and piles of cupcakes were stacked up on a table in the corner. A large purple banner was draped across the room, with "HAPPY 20TH ANNIVERSARY, TWILIGHT!" emblazoned across it in bright sapphire lettering.

"What? What is this? 20th anniversary for what?" she exclaimed, brow furled up as batter dripped down her face. She couldn't help but grin at her friends, though.

"Silly Twilight! Don't you remember?" Pinkie Pie said while bouncing up and down, before she dashed over to grab a cupcake, scarfing it down her throat. "It's been twenty years since you first came to Ponyville and became our best friend!"

"What? Twenty years?" Twilight said with a gape as the thought struck her like a brick. "I was so worn out from that meeting, I'd completely forgotten about it. I can't believe it. It's all gone by so fast," she breathed.

"Yeah, we didn't know either!" Applejack said, bounding over to throw her forelegs around Twilight in a warm embrace. "Good thing Rarity here pays so much attention to these sorts of things! Otherwise, we might not be havin' this here party for you!"

"Oh, please. I may have remembered, but it was Pinkie who set everything up!" Rarity beamed, admiring the decorations.

"Do you like it?" Fluttershy smiled with big eyes.

Twilight grinned as she activated her horn to make the batter drip off her coat and gather into a spherical blob, which she flung out the door. "I love it! It's been a long time since we hung out together like this. How were you all able to clear your schedules?"

"Come on, Twilight, does that matter?" Rainbow said, zipping down from the air and tackle-hugging her to the ground. "We're your friends! Even if we're a little busier than we used to be, we'll always find time to spend together!"

A little busier than we used to be...

"Wow...thanks, all of you," Twilight sniffled as she lay on the ground. "I'm touched, really. The last twenty years have been the best days a pony could ever ask for. The memories we've shared together... I can't even keep track of all of them. You've all made me the happiest pony in the world," she said, fighting back tears.

A loud awwwwwwww escaped every pony except Rainbow, who just rolled her eyes as she hovered in the air. "Lighten up, Twilight! You're acting as if we're saying goodbye or something! We're all still together! And we'll all have tons more awesome times together! So don't get all mushy on us!"

Twilight smiled as she got to her feet, rubbing her eyes. "You're right. No need to get reminiscent just yet."

"Come on, enough chitchat! Let's party!" Pinkie cheered, slamming the record needle down. A jaunty rock tune began to blast out of the speaker--the same tune that was played at Twilight’s birthday party in Canterlot. While her friends began to dance, throwing their bodies around like ragdolls, Twilight simply stood there for a moment, staring at the record, her smile fading to a blank gaze as the song flooded her mind.

“Twilight, whatcha standing around for? Come on, dance!” Pinkie shouted, yanking Twilight off her hooves, thrusting her into the action. A smile returned to her face, the memory fading as she thrashed about with her friends.

After a couple minutes of mindless dancing, Rainbow Dash flew over to the dessert table, a smirk on her face. “Hey Twilight, you hungry?”

“Oooh, yes, those desserts look-” she yelped as Dash grabbed a cupcake and flung it at her face, cake and frosting smearing all over her cheeks and muzzle. “Rainbow Dash...” Twilight growled, before she grinned, levitating five cupcakes and smashing them against Rainbow’s flank ,rubbing them all around her coat like shampoo.

The pegasus shouted in protest as she tumbled off the table. “Hey, no fair! No magic!”

“Teehee! Rainbow looks like she just took a frosting bath!” Pinkie Pie giggled.

Rarity scoffed, backing up into a corner away from the fight. “Oh, will you two grow up?”

“Never!” Rainbow grabbed a slice of cake and flung it at Rarity, who barely had time to use her horn to stop the dessert from hitting her face.

“Oh, lighten up Rarity. Your mane’s been beautiful for the past twenty years, it won’t get ruined in one night!” Applejack said, hurling a dollop of frosting at Rarity, who flinched as it struck her square in the forehead.

“Food fight!” Pinkie squealed, hopping on top of the table. For the next hour, cake flew everywhere as every pony hurled it at each other; even Rarity and Fluttershy tossed a few cupcakes. Their laughs rang out, echoing throughout the room, along with the splat’s and splotch’s of the cake as it made impact.. Eventually, they all collapsed on the floor, panting heavily, still giggling.. The sunlight was beginning to fade, and Twilight hung up a couple firefly lamps. She sat there, smiling at her friends.

They all look exactly the same as they did twenty years ago. If I took a picture of us and sent it to Celestia, she’d wouldn’t be able to tell if it came from now or my first night in Ponyville.

Applejack jumped up. “Come on, y’all! There’s still some dancing we can do!”

A murmur of agreement followed. They all stood up and danced until the sun disappeared over the horizon. Twilight’s movements seemed more delicate and deliberate than before, though. As the party winded down, a stray thought crept into her head:

Why can’t this last forever?

"Wow! Now that's what I call a party!" Pinkie exclaimed, her face full of cake and frosting. Indeed, the room was a disaster. Confetti and streamers laid strewn about the room like autumn leaves. Punch had been spilled all over the tablecloth, and there was cake smeared all over the floor from the food fight. Countless books would have been ruined if Twilight hadn’t cast a protective force field around the perimeter. "Um...sorry for kinda destroying your library, Twilight!"

Twilight wiped the cake off her face and gave Pinkie a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it. With a little magic, it'll be cleaned up in no time. What's important is that we all had fun," she said with a wide beam, her eyes lighting up. "Honestly, I can't remember the last time we all had such a good time together. Why don't we have another party next week?"

Rarity frowned. "Darling, I wish I could, but I have been so swamped with orders recently, not to mention the big fashion show I have to prepare for!"

"Yeah, and I have loads of events around Ponyville that I need to plan!" Pinkie Pie said. "Too bad hardly any of them are parties!"

Twilight's beaming face slowly faded as the other ponies remarked about their full schedules. Applejack had to fertilize and till the soil of a new plot of land that she had obtained for the farm. Rainbow Dash was on full time weather patrol for the next two and a half weeks. Fluttershy was booked solid with vet appointments.

"Oh...well, okay then." She managed to smile, although her eyes drooped slightly.

"Twilight, don't worry. We'll hang out together soon," Fluttershy cooed, giving Twilight an equine neck hug. "We're still friends, remember? Nothing will ever change that."

"Yeah. Of course," Twilight said, her eyes perking up somewhat. "I'll see you all later!" They all left, and she closed the door behind them.

That was such a fun party. It's been, what, a few weeks since we last had that much fun? Yet, the past three hours just flew by.

Just like the last twenty years.

Twilight sighed, her smile fading once again. She dimmed all the lights, leaving only the dull glow of the moon to illuminate the library. She ignored the mess in the library for now and slumped over to her desk, lit a candle, and levitated a quill.

Dear Princess Celestia,

It's been years since I last wrote a friendship letter to you. I thought I had learned everything there was to friendship over the past twenty years I've been here. Ponyville is a bustling, small scale city now. I work in city hall and help plan out the expansion of the city. It's kept me fairly busy, but not quite as busy as my friends. Rarity is not only a famous dress maker, but she's also involved in the fashion community, judging and hosting shows and such. Rainbow Dash heads the Ponyville weather patrol. Pinkie Pie has expanded her gift of party planning to planning in general and is always called upon when an event needs to be organized. Applejack's farm has grown in order to keep up with the population growth, yet she refuses to hire any workers to help out. As such, she's almost constantly working. Fluttershy is a full time veterinarian and always has appointments.

Today, they all managed to get time off and throw me a party to celebrate twenty years of friendship. It was the first significant amount of time I had spent with them in weeks, and it looks like it'll be a few more weeks before we can do anything all together again. It was the happiest I'd been in months. During those hours, it felt like nothing had changed, that we could still spend every moment of our lives together like we used to.

It's funny. Despite all the time that has passed, we all have our same personalities from when we first met, for the most part. Rainbow and Applejack started a food fight, and Rarity only reluctantly joined. Pinkie Pie was constantly bouncing around and giggling. Fluttershy just went along with whatever was going on at the time, while Rainbow Dash kept encouraging her to loosen up and have a good time. We've all grown up in the sense that we're pursuing greater things in life, yet inside, we're still the same.

What happened to the time? I remember how carefree everything was when I first arrived. Ponyville was a pleasant, small town. I saw my friends every single day. It felt as if nothing would ever separate us. Nothing has separated us completely yet, I suppose, but I hardly see them. I can't pinpoint the moment when life began getting in the way. It crept up on us like high tide.

Applejack started putting more and more hours in on the farm. Like I said, the city gave her more land in order to feed the growing population.

Rainbow Dash became more involved with weather patrol and organization. Weather planning isn't nearly as simple for a small, bustling city as it is for a tiny town.

Pinkie wondered what it would be like to plan out occasions besides parties, and eventually discovered that she had a knack for planning any event. She's the most popular event organizer in all of Ponyville.

Rarity's dresses became more and more popular, and she gradually started taking in more orders. She's almost constantly holed up in the botique. Her inspiration room looks like it got hit by a meteorite made of fabric. I don't know how she manages to keep all her creations organized.

Fluttershy decided she wanted to help more animals besides her own and opened up a veterinary clinic downtown. She already had a reputation for being an animal person, and business took off right away.

I was asked to attend town hall meetings for my organization skills and intellect in general when it became clear that Ponyville needed to expand.

It all just snowballed from there. Still, we've always reassured each other that we're still friends and that nothing will come between us.

However, It makes me wonder: how long can this last? At what point will we drift apart forever? What will separate us first? The events of life, or the inevitability of death? Will necessity summon us outside of Ponyville someday? Could Rarity ever move to a bigger city to expand her fashion career? What if Rainbow Dash gets promoted to weather patrol for all of Equestria? I hate the uncertainty. We say we'll always be together, but no matter how strong the bonds of friendship are, we still have our own dreams and goals that we must pursue. I pray that they never tear us apart.

The past twenty years have flashed by. Time will only accelerate faster and faster the older we get, hurtling us towards an unclear future.

One of the greatest gifts of friendship is sharing time with each other. That's the very first lesson I learned. However, now I'm learning that as time passes, the moments we share together will become fewer and fewer through no fault of our own. We can't just hang out whenever we want anymore No matter how powerful friendship is, the progression of time is more powerful. No matter how happy the experiences we share are, no matter how long we want those moments to last, those moments will still blink by. My first Winter Wrap Up, our performance on Hearth's Warming Eve, the trip to Appleoosa when it was still a small settlement--all distant memories. They may as well had lasted lasted seconds.

I have to savor everything. I have no idea how long we'll all be together. Hopefully another fifty, sixty years, but there's no guarantee that will be the case. When will life or death drag us apart? How will we cope without one another? Will I be able to make new friends? I've met numerous acquaintances over the years, but no other pony I can call a true friend. That wouldn't feel right, somehow.

I suppose I'm getting ahead of myself, though. Rainbow said not to think too much about it, since we're still together. She's right. There's no need to mope just yet. I have no idea what the future will bring, but I can appreciate the time we spend in the present, no matter how brief those moments may be.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle