Twilight stared out over Ponyville, resting on the window seat in her NEW Castle. After what had transpired recently, the Castle had needed to be repaired, and the citizens of Ponyville had all been willing to help. Granted, the new castle wasn’t made of crystal, the only remnant of the old castle being the map table, which would likely survive a magical nuclear war. But it was still her home. Each room was special to her, because all of her friends had helped build it. Especially the library, where ponies, as well as other creatures, from around Equestria, had donated books.
Today was the celebration of the New Year, and she wanted to be ready for it. But that didn’t mean constantly studying. Especially today of all days. Pinkie Pie had a party planned, to which everypony in Ponyville was invited, and the Princesses were likely to attend, and she had to be rested for her part. It wasn’t as crucial as Pinkie made it sound. Lighting a fuse that would lead to a series of Party Canons the party mare had designed to fire a special message into the air. It sounded like something she could to herself with a small torch, but it warmed Twilight’s heart that her friends wanted to include her. She’d been too busy the previous year to attend the New Year’s Festival in Ponyville.
They hadn’t asked, likely because she’d locked herself away in her castle to study. But Rainbow had insisted the following day that Pinkie hadn’t stopped fretting over them not inviting her and had even demanded that they save cake, ice-cream, and other treats specifically for Twilight. Not that some of the treats had made it. Rainbow had gotten hungry, so the most the Princess of Friendship got was some cake and ice cream. It didn’t bother her much. In Canterlot, she hadn’t bothered attending New Year’s festivals or parties. Even the party her parents threw every year went on without Twilight attending.
She’d promised herself that this year, monster attack or no monster attack, preferably the latter, she would attend the New Year’s Festival. And she was already prepared. She would light Pinkie’s fireworks, of course, but she had an idea for how to make this the most spectacular New Year’s Festival ever. All she needed to do was send the letters that were still sitting on her desk. Sucking in a breath, she figured she’d procrastinated long enough and climbed off of her window seat. Levitating the letters over, she trotted out of her castle, down the road to the mailbox, and popped the lid.
To be greeted by a blast of confetti, courtesy of Pinkie Pie. She found all manner of places to hide her confetti cannons. Twilight smiled as she levitated the small canon out of the mailbox and placed the letters inside. As soon as the lid was closed, she turned around and smiled. “Hello Derpy. Busy day on New Year’s?” She asked and Derpy smiled and nodded.
“Yup. Lots of ponies sending out letters to friends and loved ones. You got any letters you want sent out Princess?” She asked and Twilight smiled and levitated the letters back out and passed them to her.
“You may need a team of mail-mares to deliver all of them. I’m not doubting your skills as a mail-mare, but there are an awful lot of them.” She said and Derpy just smiled and shook her head.
“Nah. I can do it. I’ve delivered more than this quicker than this.” She said and Twilight smiled as Derpy took the letters and put them in her mail bag. “I’ll see you at the party Twilight.” With that, the Mail Mare was off and Twilight was alone. Again. Save for two ponies and one dragon. Starlight Glimmer, her ever faithful student. Spike, her ever faithful companion. And Umber, a unicorn stallion she’d met in Canterlot when she was vacationing there with Starlight after her friends had spent most of their savings on getting them a room at the most luxurious spa/hotel. She was there for a week, and in that week, Twilight, Umber and Starlight had spent most of their time in their hotel room.
Unlike Starlight however, Twilight had some inhibitions. Umber and Starlight had spent most of the first night in bed. Together. Twilight hadn’t watched. Exactly. But she couldn’t help but keep seeing the image of Starlight and Umber having sex every time she thought about him. It was hard not to know they’d had sex when Starlight’s room was right next door to Twilight’s. When Sunset had visited once, Starlight had invited Sunset to partake. Twilight had nearly blown up on her about that. She was fine with sharing Umber with Starlight, and from what she’d heard Sunset had her own version of Umber in her world.
A version of Umber who, just before the end of the school year, had given her “quite the present”. In the form of a new car, an apartment for herself, and a promise to marry her. After they’d graduated at least. From what Sunset had said in her last message, she rarely took off the ring he’d given her. Twilight smiled at the thought before turning back into the room behind her. Laying on his back, legs kicked up in the air, was Umber. Twilight always smiled when he was like that. He seemed at peace when he was on his back. Relaxed. Walking over to him, she leaned down and kissed his throat lightly.
He didn’t stir, but he smiled. Chuckling to herself, she walked over to the bookshelf and put the books she’d been studying away. This year’s New Year Festival would be one to remember. Placing the books back on her shelf, she didn’t realize Umber was walking up behind her. The unicorn she’d fallen in love with was one of her personal guards. A stealth trained security stallion, Umber used his magic to cloak himself in shadows, turning veritably invisible.
When he reached her, he stopped. He could go about this two ways. It was the New Year’s Festival, after all. The first way was he could pounce on her, pinning her to the window seat and torment her neck, nipping and biting as he went. That would get her riled up. Another way he could go would be to sneak up behind her, perfectly silent, and duck down under her tail. He knew she’d appreciate a surprise like that. But… today was special. The New Year’s Festival was a time of renewal and restoration. Today was a special day because he had a special plan.
Twilight stared out the window, completely unaware of the Unicorn sneaking up behind her. Until his magic wrapped a blindfold around her eyes. “Ah! Umber, what the heck?” She shrieked as he leapt towards her, supporting her with his side as she stumbled.
“Just trust me, alright? Put your wing around me.” He said and she sighed and followed his advice, wrapping one wing around his shoulders. “And no taking that blindfold off. That’s an order Princess.” She sighed again and walked with him. It didn’t take much time before they were outside. “Wait right here.” Before even waiting for her answer, he disappeared.
“Umber… Umber, I can’t see. What’s going on?” She asked, feeling around with her wings until she reached the steps again. Sitting down, she stayed put, hoping he wasn’t just going to abandon her there. A part of her knew he wouldn’t, but another part of her feared that he was just going to leave her sitting on her steps. “Umber… where are you… you ordered me to leave it on and I will, but I can’t see and it’s scaring me.” She said only to feel his muzzle against her cheek.
“I’m right here. I had to go get something.” He said and she snuggled in close, shaking a little. “I didn’t mean to scare you sweet heart. Come on. One more stop.” Smiling, Twilight wrapped her wing over his shoulders again and walked with him. This surprise had to be worth it if he was being this secretive. Walking with him was always a pleasure. Even more so when she could see.
“Can you at least tell me where we’re going?” She asked and he kissed her cheek.
“This time. But after that, secret city. We’re going to Carousel Boutique. And Rarity is sworn to secrecy too, so she won’t say a thing.” He said and she sighed. That meant no clues from Rarity, but it gave her a small hint. Carousel Boutique sold dresses. She could hear ponies greeting them. She waved automatically, but all of the ponies that stopped them sounded excited. Before too much longer, they were at Carousel Boutique. Following him inside, Twilight was immediately shocked by how loud it was. Rarity was always busy, but today it wasn’t customers. Not from how many voices were in the shop.
“Twilight, darling. And Umber. I’ve been waiting. Sweetie Belle, watch the counter please. Umber, lead her this way please.” Rarity said and Twilight’s love lead her through the swinging doors into the back of the shop. “Now, have her sit down, ok?” Rarity said and Umbra nudged Twilight into a chair. While she was sitting, he wandered off, leaving her blind folded.
“Umber, I don’t like surprises.” She said and he chuckled from somewhere to her right.
“You’ll like this one, trust me.” He said and she let out a sigh.
“Alright darling, we have been planning this for quite some time now, so I already had all of the measurements I needed. I assure you, this will fit quite well.” Rarity said as she returned. “Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy will help you into it when you arrive at your next destination. I’ll see you both there. Come now Sweetie Belle.”
“Before we leave, Umber, can I please take this off for a minute…? I’m getting nervous.” Twilight asked and Umber smiled and lifted the blindfold up so she could see again.
“It’s going right back on in a moment.” He said and she nodded, nuzzling close to him. “I promise you Twilight, you’ll like this surprise.” She smiled up at him and nodded again.
“I hope so.” Swallowing and sucking in a breath, she nodded and he put the blindfold back down, wrapping her wing over his shoulders. Twilight walked with him, leaning close to him and relishing his warmth and presence. She couldn’t tell where they were going, despite all the sounds and smells. When they stopped again, he nudged her lightly.
“Now, stay still, ok?” She nodded and felt his warm magic wrap around her. When his magic faded away, she was wrapped in something else. Warm and flowing. She still couldn’t tell what it was.
“Umber, she looks amazing. I’ll see you two there, alright?” Rarity said and Umbra nodded. Twilight heard a pop and knew Rarity had teleported.
“Alright. We’re teleporting now.” He said and Twilight nodded as he teleported the two of them. When they arrived at their destination, she sucked in a breath and smiled. She knew this scent. Sweet Apple Acres North Field. Where the tree that was planted by Applejack’s parents was.
“Why here?” She asked and he smiled and leaned in to kiss her.
“Twilight, I’ve been thinking. Really thinking. And it hit me pretty damn hard when Rainbow Dash zapped me with a lightning bolt. I’ve been here in Ponyville for about two years now. You, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Rarity, as well as the CMCs and the rest of Ponyville have been welcoming me with open hooves since I got here. But out of all of the ponies here, out of all of the mares here that showed an interest in me, you showed the most. Spending time with me, helping me with my magic when it went wonky. You even sat with me in the hospital when Dash over-did it that one time.
“Hell, you turned down Flash Sentry, who you’ve been crushing on for a while, and Prince Bluebutt, who would have given you a direct connection to Princess Celestia. For what? Some silly little Pegasus you met at the Grand Galloping Gala? A goofball who flew with the Wonderbolts during one of their shows? Who crashed into a cloud his first day in Ponyville, very nearly causing a hurricane? I’m nothing special, Twilight. I’m not royalty, I’m not some governor. I’m just a Pegasus who got lucky enough to fly with the Wonderbolts when Soarin hurt his wing.” He said and Twilight smiled despite still being blindfolded. “I’m not even a part of the Wonderbolts Reserves, but they’ve pumped every member of the Reserves they have into the Wonderbolts themselves.
“So here I am. Just a Pegasus. Standing in front of an Alicorn Princess who has done me the honor of loving me as much as I love her. And I’m here to tell her that she’s wrong.” He said and Twilight tilted her head. Feeling his wings come around behind her head, she ducked her head a little as he removed the blindfold. Looking up, she gasped. Around them, all smiling, wearing suits and gowns from the Boutique, were their friends and the residents of Ponyville. Turning around, she stared at the site. Directly behind her, dressed in a regal white gown was Celestia.
Next to Princess Celestia was her sister, dressed in a gown as dark as the night sky and dotted with diamond dust, reflecting the stars. On Celestia’s other side was Cadance, dressed in the gown she wore at Twilight’s coronation. The last time they’d gathered like this was for Twilight’s coronation. Turning back to Umber, she brought a hoof to her mouth. He was levitating a small box between them, opened to reveal a silver ring encrusted with a ruby and two sapphires.
“Princess Twilight Sparkle, will you do me the eternal honor of becoming my wife?” He asked and Twilight stared at the ring, tears forming in her eyes as she nodded.
“Yes Umber… of course.” She said, leaning forward and kissing him as he placed the ring around her horn. The instant it was on her, her magic felt stronger.
“The gems are enchanted. As long as you have that on, your magic will remain stronger.” He said and she smiled as they turned to Celestia. Looking up at her, Twilight fought back the tears in the corners of her eyes. Celestia was smiling even as tears leaked from her own eyes. Until Cadance, the princesses did not wed. With Twilight being the second of four, it made her think that maybe now was the right time.
“Fillies and Gentlecolts. Please take your seats.” Celestia said and Twilight smiled, looking up at her mentor. “Now we may begin. Fillies and Gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to celebrate a very happy moment…”
Hearts and Hooves Day Celebration
Twilight lounged back on her bed, staring up at the poster of Amelia Airheart, a Pegasus who flew around the world and one of her personal heroines. She’d always been amazed at Miss Airheart’s ability to fly, almost nonstop. From one hemisphere to another and back. She’d stopped to sleep, of course, and to eat, but otherwise, she flew for days straight. Rainbow Dash didn’t know much about Amelia Airheart, her heroes were apparently relegated to the Wonderbolts and Daring Do. But there were a few ponies in Ponyville who had heard of Miss Airheart. Granny Smith claimed to have met her.
Hearing a knock on her door, she rolled off of her bed and trotted over to it, pushing it open to find Spike standing there, holding out a card with a blue heart on the front of it. Levitating it up, she opened it and smiled.
Dear Twilight,
I know you don’t have anypony for Hearts and Hooves day, what with your studies and all that. And your friends are all busy with their own deals during Hearts and Hooves day. Pinkie Pie with the Cake Shop. Rarity at the Boutique. Rainbow Dash at Cloudsdale doing a show with the Wonderbolts. Fluttershy and Applejack at the farm with Discord and Bucky. Starlight in the Crystal Empire with Sunburst. Even Celestia and Luna with their royal suitors.
But you do at least have some company. I’m always here for you Twilight. You hatched me. You raised me. In a lot of ways, you’re a lot like a mom to me. In a lot of other ways, you’re like a big sister. And no-pony ever said was wrong to give your mom or sister a card on Hearts and Hooves day. So… for today, I wanted to do something special. I spent the early hours today, while you were still sleeping, cleaning the library, dusting the shelves (I remembered to put the books back where they were before I took them down), cleaning the kitchen, the map room, the living room, and a lot of the other rooms, including the room your friends hung the roots of Golden Oaks Library in.
To top that off, I went around to a few shops in town and re-stocked your supply of quills, ink and parchment. I re-stocked the pantry. I even stocked up a small refrigerator with drinks I bought from Donut Joe’s in Canterlot. Yeah… I did a bit of traveling, but you always tell me I’m a big dragon now.
I even made today extra special with a little help from Rarity. When you get into the library, you’ll see a small pedestal with a jewel sitting on the top of it. Rarity enchanted every facet of that jewel to show you your life since you came to Ponyville. All of the good times you shared with all of your friends. To show you just how special you are to all of us. Happy Hearts and Hooves Day, Twilight.
Your loving little brother best friend forever,
Spike.
Twilight smiled as she wiped the tears away and reached down, hugging Spike close to her.
“Happy Hearts and Hooves day Spike.” She said as she sniffled a little. Sitting up, she smiled and he offered her a tissue, which she took and blew he nose a little before teleporting it to the wash room. “How about we go to Sugar Cube Corner and order a seven tier jewel cake, light on the jewels on one side? We’ll split it and make a date out of it, LBBFF.” He smiled up at her and nodded as the two of them walked to the door of her room. Twilight paused and turned around, looking up at the poster of Amelia Airheart. She blinked as she looked at her heroine’s face. She could have sworn she just winked at her.
Walking out of the castle, Twilight was assaulted by pink. Lots and lots of pink. And red. And blue. And yellow. All manner of bright and cheerful colors meant to bring joy to any who looked at them. Pinkie Pie had been busy this Hearts and Hooves day. Speaking of Pinkie, Twilight ducked as a blur of pink fur shot overhead. It was as if her friend had been launched out of her party cannon. Trailing behind her was seven different lines of streamers, all in different colors. The usual pink, alabaster white, sunflower yellow, sky blue, orange, amethyst, and purple. Twilight could have sworn she saw cutie marks on a few of the strips of paper that blew by her, but she wasn’t sure.
Waving at Pinkie as she swung by, she laughed as her pink friend dropped a train of pinks streamers on her back. Using her magic, she caught her mane up in a bun, tying it off with the streamers in a ribbon, letting the excess trail down around her shoulders. “Oh, Twilight, I like that look. But maybe not the bun.” Pinkie said as she swung back over, stopping on a dime in typical Pinkie Pie fashion. Reaching out, she undid the bun and tied her friends’ mane up in a ponytail, snipped off some of the ribbon and bound it into a bow at the base of her tail. Twilight smiled as Pinkie swung away just as fast as she’d been going, as if she never lost any momentum.
“Hello Twilight Sparkle.” A voice Twilight still didn’t much care for said behind her. Turning around, she almost laughed. Trixie was dressed in a vibrant pink outfit, a pink bow in her hair.
“Trixie? What in Equestria are you wearing?”
“It is my Hearts and Hooves Day extravaganza outfit designed by Rarity. It’s meant to be… I believe the word she used was alluring.”
“What’s the show?”
“My usual, in part. But I did partner with Miss Cheerilee to have Hearts and Hooves Day cards explode out of a piñata shaped like a heart and magically pass out to everypony in the crowd.”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea.”
“It was my idea, in fact.” She said and Twilight blinked and smiled.
“I see Starlight’s friendship lessons are taking their toll.”
“That they are. I may not have been the… most… redeemable pony when we first met, Twilight Sparkle, but… oh… just take the card.” She said as she summoned a card that floated in front of Twilight’s muzzle. Twilight blinked as she gripped the card in her magic and opened it.
“Dear Twilight Sparkle, arch rival.” Twilight glanced at Trixie when she read that and Trixie gestured for her to continue.
“This year has been one of the best years of my life. When I first came to Ponyville, I looked in all the wrong places for attention, and used all the wrong methods. I hunted for attention by making out like I was the best at magic, even with someone like you living in this town. I am ashamed to admit that magic was only my second attempt at making a life. Before I became ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie’, I was… ‘Trix’. A whore who worked in Manehatten who used my magic to pleasure multiple stallions at a time. It was the hardest time in my life. When I came to Ponyville as The Great and Powerful Trixie, I tried to do something to leave that life behind me.
“It breaks my heart to admit that when you defeated me at what I am best at, I retreated back to Manehatten and became ‘Trix’ again for a time. Until I heard of the Alicorn Amulet and attempted to defeat you yet again. When that failed, I relegated myself to the fate of being the second best Unicorn in Equestria. I would not become ‘Trix’ again. And then you ascended to Alicorn status, and once again, I was the best Unicorn. Until Starlight came along, and she already knows I’m saying this because she watched me write this.
“This isn’t me saying I love you or anything like that, Twilight. This is me, Trixie Lulamoon, saying thank you for being my friend.” Twilight smiled as she flipped the card over. On the back, a yellow heart with “Thanks for Being a Friend” in the middle of it stared back at her.
“Thanks Trixie. I appreciate it.” Twilight said as she hugged Trixie.
“Anytime, Twilight. And I mean it. Thank you for giving me a chance and being my friend.” Twilight smiled as she stepped back.
“I would be a poor Princess of Friendship if I couldn’t make friends with my rival.” Trixie smiled. “And don’t worry. You won’t ever have to be ‘Trix’ again.”
“My turn.” Starlight said as she approached. “I have two. One from me, and one from someone who couldn’t come because he’s… indisposed.” She said and Twilight looked at the second letter clutched in her student’s magic. It was lined with gold leaf in intricate designs, at the top was his Clan’s symbol. “I recommend reading mine first.” She said and Twilight levitated them both over, tucking his letter under her wing. Opening Starlight’s, she smiled at the stamped on cutie mark.
“Dear Twilight, mentor and best friend.
“Happy Hearts and Hooves day. I can’t wait to deliver this in person. When we first met, I was a wreck. You probably don’t want to know any of this, but I ran that town both with brutal efficiency and control as well as using my wiles to win them over. It is only through a spell I’m sure has been developed already that I didn’t get pregnant. Thinking back on it, you saved me from myself, as well as gave me something I didn’t think I would ever have again. A friend. And now I’ve got too many friends to count. You and your friends, Trixie, Thorax and his changelings, even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, the towns ponies.
“The number of friends I make continues to climb and climb and climb and it’s amazing that I just keep making them, and it’s all thanks to you Twilight. So, I spoke with my… friends. In my old town. We worked together to help him afford to buy you a gift that you will never get the chance to forget.” Twilight looked up at Starlight and she smiled and nodded at the second box. The small black one in soft velvet. Levitating it to her, she opened it and looked inside. Stifling a gasp by holding her hoof to her mouth, she held the box in her other hoof and levitated out the small charm.
It was a two part gift. On one side was her cutie mark in a single amethyst, carved perfectly to reflect her cutiemark. On the other side was a message from someone she’d thought to never hear from again. “I love you.” Looking up at Starlight, her student smiled as she took the necklace in her magic and clasped it around Twilight’s neck.
“He’d hoped you would like it.” Lifting it gently, Twilight stared at her cutiemark on the front of it. “He said you can use the magic sealed in the enchantment on the mirror in your castle to visit him.”
“He was here?” Twilight asked, looking at her student, who nodded once.
“Only for a moment. Things are… rough where he’s from right now. He would have stayed longer, but he’s needed back there.” Twilight swallowed and nodded as she gently stroked the gem on her new necklace. She couldn’t have received a gift more special or important than this one.
“If’n ya wanna go visit him, Twi, Ah think we all c’n handle things round here. After all, there’s Starlight and Trixie here to pick up the slack where you leave off.” Applejack said and Trixie, for her part, didn’t say a word.
“I don’t know if I should be honored or insulted that you think I could pick up things without Twilight here as long as Trixie helps me.” Starlight said with a smile.
“Ya’ll know yer loved ‘round here Starlight. You an’ Trixie both.” Starlight stuck her tongue out at Applejack and smiled. “Go ‘head Twi. Go see ‘im.” Twilight smiled as she looked at her other friends, who all nodded, before pouncing on them and hugging them.
“I’ll be back soon. I promise.” Breaking from their group hug, she galloped back to the castle, straight to the mirror room. Skidding to a stop in front of the mirror, she held the necklace up to it and gently touched the frame. The mirror glowed white for a moment before her cutiemark appeared in the center, the purple slowly filling the entire frame. Sucking in a breath, she stepped into the portal and closed her eyes as reality warped around her.
When she stepped out of the portal, she looked around and smiled. It looked just like Ponyville. The difference was, in this world, she didn’t exist. Her parents had never gotten together, so there was no Shining Armor, there was no Twilight Sparkle, and there was no Crystal Castle, technically. There was a castle in the middle of Ponyville, but it wasn’t her castle, the castle she’d earned from the Tree of Harmony. In this world, Celestia had never banished Luna, who had still become Nightmare Moon. Instead, the sisters had worked things out and Luna had retained her kindness as well as all the power that Nightmare Moon had gained.
Discord had never been freed from his stone prison. Chrysalis had never attempted to invade Equestria. Even Tirek and the Storm King had never come to Equestria. The reason for these changes stood right in front of Twilight, a smile on his face. Trotting over to him, she expected to meet him slowly but he swept her up in a tight hug, planting his lips firmly on hers. She meeped against him and wrapped her wings around him, holding to him.
“Happy Hearts and Hooves day, my dearest Twilight.” He said and she smiled and nuzzled up under his chin.
“Happy Hearts and Hooves day, my beloved Knight.” He grinned and kissed her jaw lightly, causing her wings to shiver.
“Ahem…” a voice said behind him and Twilight peeked over his shoulder and squealed happily as she jumped on this world’s version of her teacher. Empress Celestia smiled and hugged her counterpart’s student tightly. “Happy Hearts and Hooves day Twilight Sparkle. I assume you came here to receive his gift?” Twilight nodded and the Empress smiled as she held the younger princess at length to look her over. “Well, not that I am your teacher, but I do caution you to be careful.”
“Sister, don’t ruin this for her.” Princess Luna said as she trotted up to them, her armor flashing in the sunlight. “Though it is poor timing, Twilight Sparkle. We are in the middle of a conflict. I’m sure the scribes will give it some fanciful name such as…”
“The Hearts and Hooves Day Conflict?” Knight suggested and the Princess smiled and nodded.
“Yes, such as that.”
“What conflict? I thought everything was peaceful over here.” Twilight said and Princess Luna shrugged and twirled her hoof in the air.
“Tis nothing of grand importance. A minor noble hired mercenaries to create a small army and declared himself a city state by occupying Manehatten. He is losing sorely thanks to your beloved.” She said and Twilight looked over at Knight, who shrugged.
“It’s no big deal when you have the magic of three Alicorns on your side and the opposing side has to make do with poorly trained unicorns. Just some minor noble who got a bug up his ass because we didn’t agree to his terms.”
“Which were?”
“Tear down part of the Everfree Forest so he could erect a compound for his family to live in.” Knight scoffed and shook his head. “Idiot thought we could just, I dunno, chase out the Timberwolves, Hydras, Ursai, and other Everfree beasties just so he could build a large compound out of the trees. It’s like he didn’t even think that maybe those animals would come back and take over his compound to make it their new home. Timberwolves are not stupid.” Twilight shook her head as she leaned against him. “So… you came here for something other than just to hear us gab about a minor war.”
“Oh. Right. Its Hearts and Hooves day and… I…”
“You wanted to take our captain to his private tent and have him tend to your every whim and desire.” Luna stated flatly and Twilight blinked and flushed, nodding. “He’s yours for the evening. We only ask that if something happens, you are finished soon enough for him to assist.” She said and Twilight looked up at Knight, who just grinned and turned away from her, glancing at her out the corner of his eye and gesturing for her to follow him with one wing. They were heading away from camp.
Following him, she blinked as they wandered deeper into the forest surrounding the camp, well away from the other soldiers. As they walked, she got more and more curious about their destination. When he stopped, she walked up beside him and he grinned before covering her eyes with his wings. “Walk with me. And no peeking.” She sighed and nodded, pressing her side against his as they walked. The grass slowly got cooler under her hooves. The wind slowed to a gentle breeze. Even the air seemed to get clearer. "Step up.” He said and she did as he said, stepping up onto a small rock. At least what felt like a rock.
When his wings left her eyes, she faught the urge to open them again and heard him pad away from her a short way before he stopped. “When I say so, open your eyes, alright?” Nodding, she kept her eyes shut. Hearing the whirl of magic around them, she was tempted to open her eyes but she kept them clamped shut. “You told me that you and your friends have the Elements of Harmony where you’re from. And that they’re different from the regular Elements.” She nodded and felt him brush against her side. “Open your eyes.” She opened them slowly and gasped. Standing in front of her, one of them still climbing up onto the gazebo they were on, were five creatures.
The one to her immediate left lounged back, looking for all the world like a feminine Discord with wings that seemed to blow in a non-existent breeze. Her mane flowed freely, much like Princess Celestia’s. All four of her paws were dragon claws, her tail was pony-like, waving like her mane. Her wings were bat like, and the rest of her was a mish-mash of creatures that seemed to flow freely from one shape to another, all of them creatures that would thrive in the air.
Beside her was a slightly smaller creature that looked like Queen Novo before she’d been returned to her natural form, standing on four hooves. Blue scales covered its body. Two wings that seemed malformed pressed firmly against its sides and two horns curved tight against its head, which sat atop a neck that put it at an equal height with the other creatures around it.
Beside him was another wolf that looked to be made entirely of fire. Fur, mane, eyes, even his tail appeared to be made of fire. Looking closer at him, she realized he was solid. Completely solid, as if something had caught fire, frozen it with magic, and then warmed it back up instantly, allowing it to continue to flow and give off heat. Black eyes peered at her and twin wings the same color as its coat fluttered slightly. She couldn’t tell if the wolf was male or female.
Beside it stood the creature made of stone. A large bovine creature in appearance, it looked to be made entirely of stone except for its eyes, which had a knowledge that only came from flesh and blood experiences. Its eyes appeared older than the rest of it, as if it had been around since the beginning of the world. Its horns were two spires of quartz that curved into an almost halo on its head, the rest of it appeared to be made up of different kinds of stone. Hearing a voice clear behind her, she turned around and looked up. A dragon. A massive dragon.
“So you’re Twilight Sparkle.” It said and she nodded. “A pleasure. Your lover called us here for a very specific purpose, Twilight Sparkle. It seems this world is in need of one such as you.”
“So… what are you talking about?”
“We have a method… a means of creating ponies from seemingly nothing.” He said and Twilight blinked as he looked at the bull. It nodded as it walked passed Twilight, reaching out with a hoof and gently plucking a feather from her wing. When the feather was gone, she flexed her wing and realized he’d just preened a problem feather off of her. Setting the feather on the ground in front of Twilight, it tipped its horns down and small rocks came out of seemingly nowhere.
Twilight blinked as it stepped back and the creature that looked like Queen Novo stepped up, crouched down, and slowly worked the rocks, turning them into clay that it slowly molded into, from what Twilight could see, her. Wings, horn and everything. Looking closer at the clay model, even her cutie mark was the same. It slowly formed her mane and tail, both of which didn’t seem to be technically attached to the clay model.
When the Queen Novo look alike stepped back, the dragon like creature stepped forward, sucked in a breath and Twilight watched wide eyed as it blasted the model of her with a pure white flame. She almost looked away. Watching what was, essentially, her, burn was almost terrifying. When the flame died out, she gasped. The model had gone from clay to purple. It appeared like a perfect statue of her, painted and colored the same as her. Twilight stared at the statue of her and stood up, walking over to it and looking it over.
“This must be through consent, Twilight Sparkle.” The fifth creature said and she turned and looked at it. “You will be weakened temporarily, as for this final part to work, I must siphon some of your very soul off of yourself and place it into this vessel.” Swallowing, Twilight looked back at her wolf, who nodded. Sucking in a breath, Twilight nodded and stared at the creature.
“I agree to allow this.” She said and the creature nodded and stepped up to her. At the same time, Knight stepped up behind her and Twilight flinched. Now she was pinned between both her love and a creature that was going to siphon off part of her soul. She trembled a little as she looked back at him and he nodded.
“Think about this, Twilight. If you go through with this, I can go back to your Equestria with you. There will always be a part of me here, as a part of the you we create for this world. The balance will be kept.” She swallowed and nodded as the creature who clearly represented spirit pressed its paw against her chest. She watched, slightly concerned, as his paw sank into her chest. She didn’t feel any pain. She didn’t even feel his paw inside her chest. Before he even pulled his paw out of her, Knight pressed his lips to hers for the first time in two whole months.
Her eyes widened as he kissed her before she closed her eyes, falling into his kiss as her spirit was fiddled with somewhat, his own magic fueling her and repairing the part of her that was removed. When he broke the kiss, she opened her eyes slowly and saw a small orb of purple light clutched in the clawed grasp of the draconequis creature. A piece of her soul. A piece that, even as she watched, grew a slight bluish aura around it. When it was sufficiently different, the Spirit Elemental slowly pushed the soul into the clay model. Twilight watched as the soul spread slowly. It started small, with the wings twitching. Then the ears flicked, the shoulders hunched, and eventually the formerly clay model shook herself, flecks of clay raining down on the ground around her.
Looking around, Golem Twilight blinked before her eyes fell on Twilight and Knight. “So… I’m real.”
“How much do you know?” the spirit elemental asked and she looked up at him.
“I know I’m a golem. I know I was created to replace you in one world or the other, depending on where you stay. And I know I was created for two purposes. To be the Element of Magic and to be his wife.” She said, pointing at Knight. “That all depends on what world I stay in.”
“I’m going with this Twilight to her world.”
“And I’m remaining in this one then.” Golem Twilight said and he nodded. “So… I’m Empress Celestia’s student then?”
“I promise to take excellent care of you, Twilight.”
“Ok. I… suppose I should meet the other Element Barers.” Golem Twilight said and the Empress nodded.
“I will introduce you to them shortly. I do believe Princess Twilight has a request. Luna and I will be at the end of the road.” She said before she and her sister turned and walked down the road. Twilight smiled as Knight and Golem Twi looked at her.
“It’s been a fantasy of mine for a while…” she said and the two others looked at each other before Knight sighed and Twilight smiled, blushing crimson.
Back in Equestria.
“She’s late.” Rainbow said and Princess Celestia nodded, watching Applejack pace.
“If she does not hurry, the portal will close, and she will be lost.” Celestia said and Rainbow turned and stared at the portal. It wavered, like someone had thrown a pebble at a pool.
“Is there nothing we can do to keep it open?”
“We could, however any spell I use may keep it permanently open. That may be a bad thing, but it may also be a good thing should the denizens of that world need to retreat from a threat.” Celestia said and Luna nodded, taking a sip from the cider Applejack had supplied.
“Good thing you won’t have to worry about that.” A voice said from the mirror and Luna nearly choked on her cider as Twilight and a wolf stepped through the portal. Twilight smiled as the wolf looked around.
“Well, this world is rather different from mine. No you six, you two apparently have a little more authority than you do here, and… you.” He said, pointing at Twilight’s six friends, the Princesses and Discord. “You don’t exist anymore where I’m from.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“Empress Celestia destroyed your statue. Too much risk of you getting free, and without the Element barers, too much risk of not being able to stop you.”
“Hm. Touche. So, what roll do you play in that world?” Discord asked.
“I’m the Captain of the Empire’s Royal Guard. Shining Armor is my second in command and I lead Equestria’s army.”
“The… entire army?” Rainbow Dash asked and he nodded.
“Spitfire takes her orders from me. So it’s going to be rather… awkward if I meet her. I may slip into old habits, such as ordering her around. I’ll try to keep that at a minimum.” He said and she nodded slowly. It made sense. The Wonderbolts were essentially an aspect of the military. A more public aspect, but they are still an aspect of the military.”
“That’s actually pretty cool. So… why come here when you’re a big shot back home?” Rainbow asked and he smirked and looked at Twilight.
“She doesn’t exist in that world. She does now because I used a spell to create a version of her to replace me in that world. She’ll be taken well care of under Empress Celestia and Princess Luna.”
“You came here for Twilight?”
“Kinda hard not to fall in love with this amazing mare, don’t you agree?” He asked, looking at Rainbow. Twilight blushed and scuffed her hoof on the ground and Rainbow flushed nearly completely crimson as she landed on the ground. “So, I’m assuming there’s a wedding going on later today?” He asked and Twilight’s blush only grew fiercer. “Or are we talking a triple wedding affair?” Rainbow’s blush grew as well and everyone present looked at the two blushing mares.
“I would say you hit the nail right on the head.” Princess Celestia said and Knight smirked as he nuzzled Twilight’s neck softly. Despite being under an embarrassing situation, she couldn’t be happier than this moment right here.
Author's Note
Wrote this all day yesterday, Valentines Day, before and after work. Hense why it was so late in posting. This is the Valentines Day chapter. If there are any holidays in March that I am sorely un-aware of, please fill me in and I'll attempt to make a chapter based on that. As I'm sure you all have guessed, this particular fan fic will be 12 chapters long. One chapter per holiday, if I can find them.
Little bit about this chapter... Knight is a self insert. He's my OC, and he may or may not make appearances in later chapters. Show wise, he's on the level of Starswirl the Bearded if he'd been made an alicorn. Think about that for a moment. The unicorn sorcerer that taught Celestia and Luna how to control their magic. As an Alicorn. Heavy stuff. So yes, he's OP. Which is why he probably won't shot up in later chapters. Originally, for my own personal fic that I wasn't thinking of posting here until a while ago, he was to be married to the entire Mane 6 in a "mutual love" sort of deal. All of them loved him, and he loved all of them. This newest itteration is one I might keep, not entirely sure. He marries only Twilight but still loves the other girls in their way. Not "love" as in wants to be with them. Sort of how a brother feels about his sisters.
Celestia stared at the magically changing stained glass windows, even as the guards strolled by in their green-gold armor. Today was a special day. The first Saint Clover’s day that would be overseen by four Princesses. The very first Saint Clover’s Day had been overseen by Celestia herself, alone. Luna had been too young and their parents had been needed to watch over the Sun and Moon. Each subsequent Saint Clover’s Day had been overseen by Celestia, then Celestia and Luna. Four thousand years ago, every holiday had gone uncelebrated, due to the King and Queen disappearing.
Neither of the Princeses were angry about their parents leaving. The Sun and Moon had been dying, and the King and Queen had merged their very beings with the celestial bodies, stabilizing them and restoring them. Smiling to herself, she looked up at the smiling face of her old friend, the patron saint of Clover’s Day. Always kind, always gentle, a mug of Hard Cider “floated” in the magical grip from her horn. Clover Leaf. The first mare to ever make Hard Cider, as well as prove to everypony that it wasn’t wrong to let go of inhibitions for at least one day.
A smile graced her regal face as she remembered the first Clover’s Day celebration.
Five Thousand Years Ago
Celestia sniffed, her eyes hiding behind her mane as delegates argued and complained. Her mother and father had been gone for only a month and already, the delegates of Canterlot wanted to know who would be in charge of the kingdom until Celestia and Luna were old enough to take the throne. She was sure the Blueblood family would be the ones to win the argument. They had the most money in Canterlot, the most political clout, and the most influence among the other “nobles”.
Her own sister was too busy with her lessons to be much good now. Starswirl had nothing to do with politics. “I’m a mage, Celestia, not a politician.” His words had wrung true. Celestia was alone in a room with a bunch of arguing nobles. It was enough to bring her to tears. Until she heard a hoof smack into the table.
“That’s enough, all o’ ya!” a mare shouted and Celestia looked up. A mare with an evergreen coat and lime green tail was looking around the room, her eyes and mane hidden by a hood. It was bright in the throne room after all. “Can’t you see what yer arguin’ is doin’ t’ th’ Princess? Alla ya should be ‘shamed ‘o yerselves.” She said and Celestia watched her. “Today’s supposed to be a happy day. Look out them windows an’ tell me what ya see.” She said, crossing her forelegs in front of her. When nopony moved, she glared at them and Celestia caught a glimpse of emerald green. “Well?”
One stallion got up and walked to the window, peering out. “I see ponies milling about in the commons for the Spring Sunrise Festival.”
“Do they look happy to ya?” she asked and he shook his head.
“They just appear to be going about their days, but I cannot tell from here miss…”
“Leaf. Clover Leaf.” She said and Celestia blinked. That was the name of one of Starswirl’s star students. She had assisted in the Spring Sunrise Festival the year before and earned her cutiemark by “lucking out”. She’d quickly risen to the top of the societal ladder. “How happy would ya be if all ya had to look forward t’ each year were th’ festivals, with th’ same food, th’ same drink, th’ same everything year round? Th’ Spring Sunrise is meant to be a renewal. New leaves on trees, new grass, new birth for th’ animals an’ birds.” Celestia smiled.
“What would you know? You’re…”
“Starswirl the Bearded’s prized student.” She said and the delegate who had been about to berate her swallowed his words. Starswirl had been known to turn ponies into frogs for mistreating his students. Something Celestia still needed to talk to him about. “Now, as I was sayin’.” She paused and looked around the room. When nopony spoke up, she nodded and walked over to the table. “This festival needs somethin’. One of my colleges at the college suggested we abolish the orgy laws for jus’ this one day, but I assume I am correct in guessing that wouldn’t be on the table for discussion.” She looked to Celestia as she said this, the Princess shaking her head. “I would suggest a feast, a party, and, temporarily, abolishing the drinking age limit. No fillies or colts who are too young t’ know better will be allowed t’ drink still. But fillies and colts who don’ have Cutiemarks yet should be allowed t’ drink. Not till they’re good n’ drunk, mind ya, but so that they can celebrate with their families.”
“Hm… I do hear what you’re saying, Clover. However, there are many a stallion and mare who would be against your proposition.” One delegate said and Clover looked to her. “What would you propose for the younger fillies and colts in the case that their families are not alright with your proposal?”
“Public parades in towns, festivals. Perhaps other things that ponies can think of. As long as they are within the range of legality.” She said and Celestia smiled again. “I suppose it is ultimately up to you, Princess.”
“I think it’s a wonderful idea, Clover. I shall have fliers sent out to the towns, dictating what you suggest.” Celestia said and Clover smiled and bowed.
“Thank you Princess.”
Two Years Later.
Clover relaxed on a seat beside Starswirl, Celestia and Luna. Each of them had a mug of Hard Green Apple Cider. Her hood had been removed after the meeting, revealing her emerald green mane. Her cutiemark was a four leaf clover. A smile graced Celestia’s face looking at the young unicorn. Her festival idea had gone swimmingly. Guards had sent out the word, and shortly after returned with news of celebrations. Mugs of Hard Cider were being passed out in towns. Festivals and parades were being organized, either to be implemented the next year or planned for the years in advance.
“Your student is quite something, Starswirl.” Celestia said and Clover blushed at the praise as Starswirl beamed with pride.
“She is but one of my great successes, Princess.” He said as Clover tried to hide behind her mug of cider. “It shows great merit that she was able to organize the festival in such short time.” Celestia smiled and nodded, sipping at her own cider.
“Were this a great discovery of her true talents purpose, she would be elevated to an Alicorn.” Clover nearly choked on her cider as she looked at the Princess, who laughed. “I am only playing with you Clover. Your accomplishments here are truly great, but they aren’t worthy of becoming an Alicorn.”
“I would think not Celestia.” Starswirl said and she sighed and looked at her mentor.
“Always the stiff, Starswirl. Can’t you have a little fun?” She asked and he huffed.
“That’s alright. I don’t think I’m ready for tha’ kind of authority or power.” She said and Celestia smiled.
“You see Starswirl. She’s quite clever. Ha, I like that. Clover the Clever.” Clover smiled and blushed. “What would you say to becoming one of my court, Clover? You will of course remain as Starswirl’s student, but how would you like to become a part of the Celestial Court?” Clover stared, wide eyed at the Princess before nodding. Celestia smiled and pulled out a scroll. “Let’s make it official then.”
Present Day.
Celestia watched Twilight and her friends set up for the, new-ish, play that Pinkie Pie had set up. Little did they know, the stained glass window behind them depicted the real Clover the Clever. Clover Leaf, her friend and the inspiration for Clover’s Day. Twilight would be representing Clover. The play was a fantastical story about how Clover had ended one of the few wars faught for Equestria simply by inviting both parties to share a drink. It was sort of true. It wasn’t exactly a war, per say, but there was a lot of arguing between two delegates to Canterlot. Clover had solved the issue by inviting them to drink. What Celestia, nor any of the guards, wouldn’t tell anyone was neither delegate had left.
Clover’s pet rat, Rodney, was proof of that. The small rat on the stained glass window, near Clover’s right hoof, had been one of the delegates. The other hadn’t even made it that far. A shiver went through the princess as she remembered the aftermath. Slightly experimental spell, the two delegates had been turned into the objects that were nearest them at the time. A rat. And a cracker. Which the rat promptly ate. It was sheer luck that the cracker had been the Canterlot delegate and he hadn’t had any other meetings for the day. His family had been informed of his demise, by way of Diamond Dog attack on his way home, and his corpse was not recoverable.
Twilight stepped up on stage and Celestia smiled. The play was about to start. And this play was going to be just slightly different. The most this play might possibly get wrong is the events concerning the two delegates. Sitting down, she smiled and lifted her mug of hard cider to her lips. Stopping with it half way up, she peered into the mirror like amber liquid. Spinning around, her eyes wide, she saw no one. No green pony was standing behind her, her emerald eyes crinkled at the corners, her lips curled up in a large, joyful smile. No glow of green magic.
Looking down, Celestia smiled as she lifted the small four leafed clover off of the floor of her booth. Emerald Green. The same color as Clover Leaf’s eyes and cutiemark. Tucking the clover in to her mane, right behind her ear, she smiled. Clover’s Day. A great celebration for many a pony. Twilight would make her proud. She knew her pupil would never let her down, especially on Clover’s Day.
