Chapters Chapter 1: Out and about.
Chapter 1: Out and about.
I stepped out early this morning. I was headed out to Sugar Cube Corner to see the Cakes.
Normally I would be visiting Pinkie there, but I got an invite from Mr, and Miss Cake instead. I wanted a fresh start to the morning and have my breakfast at the bakery. They would not be ready to see me for my intended visit until after the early morning rush. They have a busy business to run after all, and the morning always seems to be their busiest time.
I thought I would observe them working while I wait, and I may get to say "hi" to anyone I may know coming in as well.
On my walk over I could not help thinking of another invite I received from Princess Celestia to see her tomorrow. I was so excited.
I don't often get to visit her in Canterlot much anymore since my move to Ponyville. I don't regret the move. In fact my life has been fulfilled in ways I could not have imagined. It was just not something I thought about at the time.
I found for myself something I never knew was missing. Even though I would have been content living back in Canterlot burying myself in the vast number of books that the library there had to offer, I would not trade what I have found here for anything. My friends.
I took in the sites of a walk through Ponyville as I gingerly strolled to my intended destination. With a smile on my face seeing everypony starting their daily activities, all in a friendly manner as they pass one another going about their business.
An infectious result of Pinkie's efforts to help keep Ponyville all in high spirits. Would seem not so much an easy task for one pony. Doing it with so much boundless energy as well.
She is a odd one, but from what I have seen, much smarter then she pretends at. She just seems driven to have fun. Nether Ponyville or I would be the same without her, and her influence on everyone.
Makes me wonder just how much of it she actually plans out. I have also found, dealing with Pinkie Pie, one is just better off not thinking to hard on how or why of anything she does. One learns to just go with it. I have learned that lesson many times while trying to understand her.
I have finally arrived. Not being the first in, I find having to wait in a short line gave me a chance to talk with Rainbow Dash. Clear skies meant she could come in early herself.
Usually she would be still asleep on such a day, But she got in her head to try out a few new stunts, and wonted to properly fuel up before working on them for much of the day.
I swear she is like a cat, If she is not sleeping the day a way, she is going all out, freely tearing through the skies just because the activity is there to do, like a scratch that needs to be itched.
She is one of the most care free ponies I know, next to Pinkie Pie. But even Pinkie works to help out each day. Rainbow Dash only works when she is needed, to either clear the skies, or prepare a scheduled rain, or any other planed out weather condishion.
I am not one to talk, I mostly just run a library. Not much work to that, not to a pony like me. And I have Spike that helps me out with much of that as well, leaving me with not much to do myself. So like Rainbow Dash, this leaves me mostly fee to undertake some of my favorite things to do. Research.
Chapter 2: A welcome question.
Chapter 2: A welcome question.
The morning passes as much as one would expect on such a day as this. Farley uneventful, but with many a friendly greetings, and small talk. Most of the morning crowed had tapered off and the Cakes had left Pinkie Pie to mind the shop while I got to find out what it was they wanted to talk to me about.
Miss Cup Cake was "expecting", and had a request of me. I must admit I was a little surprised when they asked me that on the day that I would take part in the baby naming, to cast the spell on which helps to select a name for each newborn by their mothers that would fit their life to be.
This was not normally done anymore. Not directly, I was so overjoyed at their request, that they actually wanted me to do this for them. So I said "yes!" with much enthusiasm.
This was a spell I knew. One that I learned back in Canterlot, but I never thought I would get the chance to use it. It was done this way long ago, but now do to there being so many, the spell is given by way of a imbued item charged with the spell. This way no one would need to be on call for such a task.
I felt it as such a grate honer to be asked to do this in the traditional way. It was a simple task, but one with personal meaning.
The spell in question was one used for many generations. It was called "Life Name". A rather simple name, not to flashy, but it fits.
How it worked was, after a foal was born, and the mother was ready, the spell would be cast on the mother while holding the foal. The mother would be given a sort of short vision of the life her foal was to be like, mostly the important parts pertaining to who they would turn out to be like.
It would be translated as more of a feeling rather then a visual viewing of the future to come for the foal. From that before the vision would fade a name could be picked out that would best fit the foal.
Do to that it being a time spell meant it would not be entirely easy. But it would not be anything like actual time travel, so it was one of the more easy time spells to learn. Not only that, it was one that if not misused would not have a big impact on time itself. It is a farely safe spell to use.
It was just a way of retrieving a fitting name for everypony. It was still a personal thing, and with much tradition to it. I was so happy that I got to be a part of it.
We chat for a while longer, asking when they think the day will be. Miss Cup Cake only said soon. Perhaps in a few days. Likely this week.
Then worry struck me. I was do to see Celestia tomorrow! I would likely be there for a few days, maybe a whole week. Would I get back in time? What if I was late?! I did not wont to disappoint them and miss this as well, But I could not just turn down Celestia of all ponies.
Then I had a thought. I could leave Spike here to keep an eye on things while I was gone. He would be disappointed on not being able to go out on the trip with me. But would be important to stay. I am sure he will understand.
I would need him to send a massage to me by sending one to Celestia on any news concerning Miss Cup Cake and the delivery. I should be able to find a quick way back if I needed to. Celestia May even let me ride back by royal carriage again. That would take but a few hours.
This could work. I breathed a sigh of relief to myself, while Mr, and Miss Cake with a look of concern, asked me if everything was all right.
I looked to them. "I believe so. Yes, everything will be all right," then smiled.
I left to go back home and prepare for my trip to Canterlot, and give spike the bad news of him not coming along. I was so hoping he would be OK with this. When I asked him, he said that would be fine. He didn't look disappointed at all.
This concerned me a little, but I did not press the issue, he seemed fine with it, and that was good enough for now.
After settling any last details of my departure, I fell asleep for the night. This did not come easy, do to me still worrying on how the next few days would play out. But sleep I needed, and sleep I did.
Chapter 3: On to Canterlot.
Chapter 3: On to Canterlot
I woke with startling myself. I slept in, I was going to be late! I had spent so much time awake last night thinking about today, I did not sleep or get up on my regular time.
Not much time for breakfast, I needed to get on the train, I could eat while on it.
On my way to the train I was ambushed by a bounding Pinkie Pie. Upon taking me to the ground, she stated, "you were not planing on leaving without saying goodbye were you?" With a rather goofy but concerned look on her face, one that few ponies but Pinkie could pull off.
Getting back up and brushing myself off and trying to answer her, I was cut off by the voice of Rarity. "look what you did, you got her all messy and dirty just before her departure," she stated while waking over from the train station.
She was carrying behind her a long box. Rarity did a rather quick fix of my mane and brushed me off more with her magic before presenting to me what she had in the box. It was a simple but elegant dress.
I looked at it with surprise. Rarities eyes lit up upon seeing the look on my face. I told her "this was beautiful, but how, why."
Rarity looked at me with a mock pout. "do you really need to ask? You know very well dress making is what I do, and do I really need a reason to give a gift to a friend? Besides I could not imagine you going to see the princess without wearing something proper, now could I?"
I was thinking about what to say, but could not find anything, I just shook my head, gave her a hug "thank you, this is wonderful. I was late and was planing on eating on the train, I will put it on after. I would not want to get anything on it before then."
Rarity smiled. "Well, I was hoping to see you in it before you left, but you are right, better to put it on after you get something to eat, I can see you in it on another occasion."
I smiled back. "You can count on it."
Not wanting to wait any longer, my other three friends headed over from the train station to see me. I stared with surprise.
"All of you came to see me off?"
Apple Jack counter "Well, shucks, We wouldn't be very good friends if we didn't. Granted youl be gone fer about a week at most, but we wouldn't miss out on saying good bye just the same."
They all closed in to give me a farewell hug and see me off on the train.
Before I got on, Pinkie Pie told me not to worry, that everything will totally be fine. I gave her a questioning look before I shrugged it off as Pinkie just being Pinkie.
Fluttershy seen the look on my face when I looked at Pinkie and asked "Is there anything wrong?" she had a look of concern herself.
"No, nothing to worry about" I gave her the best fake smile I could give, but it only shown I wasn't telling the whole truth.
"Oh, OK. Well, if your sure?" She smiled back not wanting to ask further.
Rainbow Dash stepped in, "This is Twilight just going for a short trip. She can handle herself. What could go wrong?" She eyed me for a moment. Then asked, "You aren't hiding something from us? Are you?"
I quickly said in defense, "I am just going to see the princes, but I have a lot on my mind. That is all."
Rainbow Dash eyed me some more then relaxed, "Well OK, if that is all it is. You do at times seem to worry too much."
I rolled my eyes.
I leaned out a window and waved bye to them as the train speed off to Canterlot.
Chapter 4: An unexpected visit..
Chapter 4: An unexpected visit.
Having a long trip by train paid off. I was able to get a little more rest, seeing how I had little last night. Got something to eat finally. I then turned back to my room to try on the dress Rarity had so thoughtfully given me.
She was right, I was going to see the Princes after all, even though it was not really necessary it did make me feel a little better being able to look a little more presentable rather then going as is.
Rarity did know my tastes. It was not overdone. She likely had little time to work on it anyway, being as busy as she is. Still very nice overall.
It wouldn't be Rarity not to put some effort into it. She does have her reputation to think about if anyone did ask who made it.
A thought crept into my mind. There is a chance she was also trying to get another one of her pieces of work looked upon by those living in Canterlot.
I gave my self a small chuckle at the thought. Rarity such the enturpanure, just looking for a chance to sell her work. Then I gave a sigh. That was unkind.
Even if that was the truth, it was still a very nice and thoughtful gift. What would be the harm in helping her out and repaying her back for it by letting anyone who asked that it was made by her. It would be the least I could do. But I am not going to make a big deal of it. I will except this and treat this as the gift within the spirit in which it was given. That would only be right.
The train slowed to a stop, with a whistle signalling the end of the trip and the time for departure from it. Having not much to gather I asked one of the bell hops working at the station to dispose of the empty box from my room on the train.
I looked out past the Gates into Canterlot up to the Castle which was to be my next destination. Finlay there I would get to see the Princes.
It has been so long, much too long. I was hoping the visit was not do to some emergency, or something else that would cut my visit short.
I strolled through the streets full of such memories. I realized something, I spent so much time here in Canterlot growing up but never really appreciated it.
It was all familiar but also somehow as if I was looking at it for the first time. Compared to Ponyville it was big and spectacular. Finally paved streets of smoothed concrete like stone work, unlike the simple cobble stone work and dirt streets found in Ponyville. Smooth white walls unlike the painted wood ones I am now use to seeing. Grand well kept parks, finally sculpted statues, bustling streets full of well dressed ponies.
It was home, but now I just don't see it that way anymore. I guess I never really did see it for what it is. Not like my new home in Ponyville.
What was I missing all that time? With my face in a book I could not see what was all around me, all those years ago. Not anymore. I have friends that need me and care for me, and I need them. I need to see more then what can be found in just books. All of my latest experiences told me this.
I will have to thank Celestia for helping me to see that when I see her. I know in part she sent me Ponyville to gather those that would be the bearers of the elements, but it became so much more then that, and I think she was indeed trying to help me there as well, as she told me.
"Get your nose out of dusty old books, and make some friends."
She even made it an order.
I was so flabbergasted. Why would she see that as so important? Mostly during what was about to happen, it was like she planed it that way, and more. She just knew.
I feel my eyes are now open to what I was missing. I have become so grateful for it. Well, enough reminiscing, off to the Castle.
I came to the castle gates, the guards looked me over and asked me to state my name. I told them "I am Twilight Sparkle, and I"
but was cut off by one of the guards stating "Yes, of course! I should have recognized you Twilight. It has not been that long. The Princess has been expecting you. Right this way please." He broke off and guided me into the Castle to where Princess Celestia was attending to some business.
After she turned her attention to me. This was a site I was never blind to, and has always held me in a state of awe. Glorious was a word that fell short of what I felt seeing her each time.
Her voice strong yet full of kindness like a bird flying in the wind. Everything about her radiated power, yet soft and inviting. A sight to behold for anypony no mater how many times you saw her. I embarrassedly found my self staring.
She spoke "It is good to see you my student, Twilight Sparkle."
I was shaken out of my laps. "It is good to see you too Princess. Ah... may I ask why I am here?"
The Princess answered "There is no grate emergency if that is what you are wondering"
I breathed a sigh of relief.
She continued "Your letters are well and good, and I do read them all, But it is not the same as getting to speak with you in person, as we use to. This is just for a friendly visit, I promise," she finished with a smile. "Was there something on your mind Twilight?"
I froze up. I could not deceive her, even if she was not asking about anything all to specific. "I do have one concern about my visit. It may get cut short. I am so sorry, but I have made a promise to someone I would cast for them the Life Name spell when it is time, and I am afraid that time will be any day now." I looked down sadly.
"That is great news Twilight. It is nothing to feel sorry about. I fully understand if you need to go when called upon. I am glad to know you are fitting in with others so well now. Please, come with me and you can tell me all about it."
We walked down the hall to a room off to the side. A room that I knew to be a lounge room. It was adjacent to the Castle library. I know, I spent many a day reading in there.
To my surprise I found Princess Luna in there reading, just as I would. I looked to Princess Celestia with mild shock, and my mouth agate. Then I quickly looked back to Luna. I had no idea she would even be around, much less see her, or get too speak with her.
Celestia spoke "Sister dear, Twilight has come to visit for a while, and she has a story to tell us."
I gulped. Was I to confess my story in front of Princess Luna as well? With guidance from one of Celestia's wings I walked in. Some how I felt more small then usual. With some deliberation I found a cushion near Luna and Celestia sat in one on the other side of me.
Luna looked to me and put aside the book she was reading, preparing to hear what I have to say, with a look of some interest. Looking from one sister then to the other, I started to speak.
I told of the Cake's inquiring of me, if I would cast the Life Name spell for them, And much of what was said on that day to each other.
Luna looked down with a sad look on her face.
I sat beside myself wondering what I had said that would have upset her.
Then she looked up at me "This is wonderful news."
I was left confused. If this was good news, why did she look so sad? Despite myself I just had to ask "If this is good, Why dose it make you feel sad? I don't understand."
Luna looked away and up to her sister. With a tear in her eyes she looked back to me. "I will tell you. Long ago while my sister and I ruled together before my banishment, we did many of things for our people. Preforming the Life Name spell was one of them."
I looked to her with much interest. I felt I was going to get to know things I might not have. But in the same way I also felt I was not going to like where this was going. I became very still and silent, listening very intently, trying hard not to interrupt.
"While times back then were much more simple, and not as many ponies as there are now, My sister and I had enjoyed some of the tasks we set out to do. Some of them were more of a ceremony rather then a necessary task. My sister however got to enjoy them more then I."
She had a rather stern look now. "Over a period of time, ponies would praise of the deeds my sister had done for them, as if it were a grate blessing. While the deeds I did was not looked on so favorably. It got to the point that some got to fearing my gracing their home or lands as if by doing so was like a curse on to them. In time I was seen as nothing more then a nightmare, while my sister was seen as their shining light."
Celestia added "I was so blind at the time by the love I received from my little ponies that I did not see my sister's pain or how she was being treated by the others. As one of the royal sisters she was not given her proper due respect nor love for who she was or the things she did for them. I did not see that by this she would fall into despair and become the monster you known of as Nightmare Moon. By the time I found out what was happening, it was all too late"
Both sisters looked to each other with tears in their eyes. I myself was starting to tear up at this sight.
Luna looked to me again "I tell you this, You have done so much for me banishing the darkness that filled my hart instead of me all together, letting my sister and I reunite once again, and giving me a chance at a new start in these new times where I feel I will not be so feared."
Luna then surprised me by reaching out and pulling me close in a warm embrace. "Thank you Twilight for saving me from myself, and the things I might have done. I can never thank you enough."
I was practically glowing. The gratitude I was feeling right now from Luna was much as I felt for Celestia for sending me to Ponyville in the first place. I held fast to Luna telling her I am so gad I was able to help.
Then I turned to Celestia "And thank you Princes Celestia for sending me to Ponyville. It has changed my life in ways I can hardly describe. Though I do try within my letters to you"
While being so close to Luna, for a moment it had hit me, I was like Luna. Only I did not know what was missing in my life, while Luna had it taken away from her. It made me shutter, The thought of what it might do to me if I lost all my friends. Would I become a monster as Luna did?
I did not wont to think of it, but I had to. I had to make a choice right here and now. Would I let darkness fill my hart and clouded my mind if I was to lose all I hold so dear? For the sake of all, I swore to not let darkness overtake me, no matter what. I would do all I could to keep my mind sharp and my heart pure.
Conversations continued, with me being held by Luna like a stuffed toy. Luna filling me in with some of the new things she has discovered in this change in times she is now in, while I filled her in with some of my tails of things that went on in my new life in Ponyville.
My intent in coming here was to spend time with my mentor, but that has been all forgotten as Luna and I wiled a way the time in communal banter, as Celestia for the most part just listened.
Chapter 5: About time.
It was getting late, and it was nearing time for the transition of the Sun and Moon. We all left together as the two sisters reached their positions, and I was now the one left observing.
With a bit of a yawn as we headed back to the lounge room. Luna commented that I take a rest and sleep till tomorrow. As much as I wished to stay in the company of the two sisters, I had to admit Luna was right and it was best I head to bed.
Sleep came quickly. My time with Luna had refreshed me somehow And I felt so much more calm. A peace came I have not felt in a long time. All worries had faded into the background forgotten as sleep passed over me like a warm blanket being placed by the touch of a loved one near by.
Then I seen it, Pinkie Pie was right there in my room. What was she doing here? And How? !!! She told me it's time and I need to get back now. I sat up in my room. It was dark, and I was alone.
There was a knock at the door, I said enter. Then walked in Celestia fallowed by Luna. I asked "how long has it been?"
Luna said "You have been a sleep for 6 hours."
I told them both that I feel I must leave now.
Luna smiled "I know. I saw your dream."
Then a in a puff of smoke a letter appeared. I grabbed it with my magic and floated it over to look at it. "Just as I thought, it's form Spike. It reads: Dear Twilight, The Cakes have twins and you are being requested with all speed to preform the Life Name spell for them. Your faithful assistant Spike. I have to go now!" I got up quickly.
Celestia gave a knowing smile. "You will be there in a flash. Luna will send you."
I looked to Celestia "What!"
Luna chuckled. "A simple teleportation spell is all it would take. And I wish to be the one to do it."
I looked to Luna. "But why?"
Luna smiled "With what you have done for me. This is but a very small favor. And I wish to help."
I ran to her giving her a hug with a big grin on my face. "Thank you for wanting to help. I am ready."
I held still as Luna's horn glowed and a glow from it surrounded me. Then in a blink I was standing at the maternity ward in Ponyville, startling all around me.
Spike looked up "Wow that was fast."
I smiled and looked down at him. "Thanks to Luna"
He looked confused "hu?"
I shook my head. "Never mind where is the Cakes?"
Spike pointed "down here. In that room."
I knocked "Come in," came the voice of Miss Cake. She was holding on to two bundles.
I smiled as I looked at her. She smiled back.
"Are you ready for me to cast the spell?" She nodded. I cued up the spell with some concentration. With practiced effort I walked over to her and lightly touched my horn to her head. She seemed to relax and go into a trance like state that lasted for a little longer than I expected.
While I was getting a little worried she came out of it. She looked at the two she was holding and said this one will be named Pumpkin Cake, and this one Pound Cake.
She was looking a little tired and even though I did not get a good look at the two new members to her family, I did not need to, I would get to see them soon enough. I just sneaked out quietly and let her rest.