My chest rose and fell, breathing in the cold air. It hitched for a second, becoming slightly faster.
It was frigid. So chilly, and I couldn't feel the sun's warm rays on my stomach. Something, like a blanket or sheet rested on it. I could hear a white noise, humming in the background, but I couldn't place what it was.
I felt quite tired.
I yawned, running my tongue over my lips. Maybe I should go back to sleep, I thought. Turning over, I rearranged my legs, one hoof comfortably under my pillow. Yeah, this was nice...
"I'm going outside Mom, I'll be back in a bit!"
I pressed my face into the pillow. It was awfully comfy, even more so than my usual one. Mom must have got me a new one.
Yes, this was perfect. My bangs drifted into my eyes. With a huff of annoyance, I brushed them away with a lavender hoof.
Usually I'd be up by now, avidly reading with Smarty-Pants. She was a good companion, and didn't try to take me away from my studies.
Where was Smarty-Pants anyway? My foreleg moved under the covers, searching for her, but came up empty. Maybe she had fallen off. That was sad, but right now I was too sleepy to be glum.
"Look! It's her!"
As I lay there in bed, my thoughts wandered to yesterday. A twinge of guilt went through me. Lying to my mom was naughty, but it was just for some little thing. She probably wouldn't have minded anyway.
After all, it was Princess Celestia. How could I not go see her!? And everypony was already awake, so I wouldn't bother them.
She had been beautiful. The princess had beautiful white fur that looked like marshmallows, and she probably felt like silk. Her mane flowed in the wind, and had the colors of a rainbow, but a bit more pale. Her smile looked so pure and bright. She reminded me of the sunrise, which was exactly what I was there to see.
Her silhouette looked majestic against the rising sun, and I couldn't tear my eyes away.
"It's so bright..."
I don't think I remember going home. I guess I was exhausted from staying up all night, so maybe I fell asleep. My mom and dad know lots of ponies, so they would've taken me home. I hope Mommy isn't too mad..
"Stop her!"
My head hurt. I was shaken from my drowsiness by a pulsing ache , and I groaned. Minding my horn, I put my hoof up to the side of my head.
Cracking my eyes open, I let out a shall gasp.
The room was completely pitch black, with no light leaking in whatsoever. That was strange. Was it nighttime? But then why were the lights off? The question rolled about in my mind, when my ache made itself present once more.
"Ah ha!" I exclaimed. "Maybe I have a concussion!"
Concussions usually were treated by the patient being in a dark room, or something like that. Well, a minor one.
Well, that was solved. I had just hit my head on something, and I had to be fixed up. No problem. I would get better and get right back to my studies!
"Somepony get the guard!"
Then, my ears perked up as a creak came from the corner of the room. A door? This puzzled me. If there was a door, why wasn't light from the outside streaming in? My questions were put on hold as I heard voices come from the direction of the door, and I strained to hear it.
"Are you sure, your highness? She-she could be scared, or asleep..."
"Of course I am. I... I caused this. I have to talk to her."
That voice. That gentle, sweet voice that was so familiar.
"Little filly, can you hear me?..."
Soft hooves walked across a hard floor, getting louder and closer. It was quiet enough that I could hear her breathing, and I swallowed nervously.
"Twilight Sparkle."
It was her. "P-Princess Celestia?
"Yes, my little pony."
The princess herself was standing, presumedly, right beside my bed.
Talking. To me. I could almost see her eyes looking softly upon me, a smile turning the corners of her mouth upwards. Well, if she could even see me. Why had she come here? Didn't she have important princess stuff to do? Why visit some foal with a concussion?
I couldn't believe it.
"..Your highness... Why are you here? I-I'm just a little filly...."
I heard a heavy, deep sigh. She spoke.
"Twilight. Your parents told me that you like to study."
She had talked to mom and dad? I bit my lip.
"Um, yes. I like to read a lot. I...." My voice wavered.
"Go on."
"I kinda wanna learn magic. But, well, mine isn't really so good. I can barely hold a book." I sighed, downcast at my inherent lack of talent.
The princess was silent. After a minute or two, I was beginning to think that she had left somehow.
"Get her to the hospital, now!"
"Why do you wish to learn magic, Twilight?"
I was caught off guard. Why? Searching back, I remembered the stories about Starswirl the Bearded that my daddy told me, how he invented spells and always saved the day. How my BBBFF wanted to protect everyone, and showed me how he could make a shield with his magic.
I remembered how the sun shined so brightly as Princess Celestia raised it.
"I want to be like you, Princess Celestia."
I felt long forelegs wrap around me, a long neck over my shoulder.
The Princess of the Sun embraced me as I sat there in the dark room. I heard a whisper.
"I'm so sorry, Twilight. I'm so sorry." Her voice sounded strained. I went quiet. It was like that for a long while.
"Princess Celestia? ..... Why is everything dark? I can't see."
Something wet landed on my back.
