My Faithful Student
“Princess.”
“Hmm?” I said opening one eye.
“Its time to raise the sun mam.”
“Very well then.” I got up and walked outside on my porch where I concentrated my magic and brought up the sun on another glorious day.
I then donned my crown and other accessories as every other day. I walked into the dining hall where I had my breakfast served to me as usual. Luna walked in and sat at the other end of the table.
“Good morning Luna.”
“Morning Tia!”
“Did you sleep well love?”
“Yeah, but I kept waking up throughout the night. That just happens sometimes you know? So do you remember what today is?”
I sighed as I let my glass of milk back down.
“Yes, I'm supposed to say my goodbyes to-” I got choked up thinking about it. “To Twilight.”
“I'm sorry sis... I know its hard being immortal. Watching everyone around you age. Come and go all the while you know this is how it will always be.”
“It is hard at times but I must not argue. Thats how it has been for thousands of years and I'm sure thats how it will be for thousands more.”
We ate our breakfast and talked, about happy things. Time ticked on and next thing I knew our plates were being collected. I walked out the front gates of my home and waiting for me was the royal carriage. I got in and off we went to the hospital to see Twilight for the last time. As we landed I got out and walked inside. I Gave all the normal greetings and got all the normal bows. I found Twilights room and quietly went inside so I would not wake her.
She was still beautiful. Her hair was still purple, but faded. As was her mane which was no longer as smooth and elegant. It looked aged, as did she. Her skin was a little wrinkled and sagged here and there. She looked weak and frail... Her hooves were dry. All of that comes with age and there is nothing that can prevent it... No magic or potion could fix, undo or reverse aging. It was a part of life I would never understand.
She opened her eyes, rubbed them, and looked at me.
“Hello Princess.” She didn't sound old... Thats not what I would call it. Experienced maybe. Her voice wasn't as strong as it used to be but she didn't sound as old as she looked.
“Hello Twilight, how are you doing my dear?”
“Same as always I guess. I have been checking out well and the doctors all say I'm doing good for a mare my age.”
“Thats very good to hear.” I smiled, “Did they tell you when you will get to go home?”
“I won't be...”
“Well what do you mean by that? I thought you said you were fine?” I asked.
“I did and I am. But they don't know how long I have. I am healthy but old age can come at any time and take you away. I saw it happen to Applejack... She went so quietly, just shut her eyes and she was gone. Any moment could be my last. Right now, in an hour or so, or maybe tomorrow.”
“Don't talk like that Twilight. You are a very strong and powerful Mare I have seen what you can do.”
“Oh princess. Thats when I was young and adventurous. Now I'm old and weak. I have nothing more to give to this world. I have done my part. I have fought the Ursa Minor and saved Ponyville from Discord. I have played my roll in the world and now its someone else's turn.”
“I want to thank you again for all you have done. So many times Ponyville and all of Equestria have been saved by you and your friends. The Elements of Harmony have served you well. No one will ever represent them like you and your friends.”
“But you know that isn't true Princess. Its how you've lived for a while. You have ponies like me, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and the rest come along all the time. You watch us come and go all the while knowing that one day you will have to let us go. Then somepony new comes along and takes our place.”
I moved to her bedside and sat down and took her hoofs in mine as I stroked her arm.
“Twilight. You know me too well. You first met me years ago in school when you wanted to study under my wing, figuratively and literally. Ever since then I have watched you make new friends. Friends whom you risked your life for, who you covered up for and took the blame. A bond like that is one I have never seen before I promise you that. You are the last among your friends. And it makes it so much harder for me to say goodbye to you knowing that.”
“Goodbyes are hard but we all have to say them one day. I look back on all the adventures me and everypony else has had and I know I am ready. I get to be with them again Princess. I will get to see Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. My friends are waiting for me, who am I to keep them waiting?”
“It hurts me to hear you talk like that... But you are right.” I felt a tear roll down my cheek as I spoke, “ It gets hard though, saying goodbye, one may think it would be easier but no. When you are alive as long as I am you learn not to get to close to ponies. But sometimes you can't help it, like with you and all of your friends. I love you all so much and you mean the world to me. And to think that soon I will have nothing but memories left tears me apart on the inside.” I could no longer hold back the tears and sobbing, I looked down at the floor so I would not be looking at her. “T-twilight I often wonder what death would be like. To leave th-this place and see everyone who I've loved, once more. Every time I get attached to somepony it makes it so much harder to sit back and watch them age. Then when they die it just... Takes a little bit of me with them every time.”
Twilight put her hoof on my chin and brought my face up to look at hers.
“I've been there when all my friends have passed and it was not easy. But that is also why I am not afraid to die. Do not feel sorry for me princess. If anything I feel sorry for you.”
“You're such a good pony Twilight. In an odd way I don't really feel sorry for you. I am sad you are dying, extremely sad. But I know you will be happier with your friends once more. But this is the last time I will get to see you.”
“I know. You have done so much for me...Given me so many opportunities I would have never had if you were not in my life. You showed me the world, you showed me its people. You showed me love and compassion. You made me what I am today. If not for you my life would not be complete and I would fear death. What would I be without you? What would Rarity or Fluttershy have been without you?”
“You're words are kind Twi. And the same, what would I be without you? You've shown me some of the strongest friendship I have ever seen in all my days of life, which are numerous.” At this we both laughed. Twilight started coughing and put her hand on her chest, “You're in pain aren't you?”
“I am not complaining. It comes as a part of the aging process. Though-” She got cut off again as she grimaced in pain. “I-i have seen my better days.” She coughed once more. “I believe my time is cutting short, the wick of life is burning to an end.”
I stared at the pony. So strong and wise. So independent and compassionate. She is so much stronger than me in some ways it surprises me. I have been alive forever yet I have learned so much from this pony in her lifetime.
“I love you Twilight Sparkle. You remember that. You will always have a place in my heart and in my home. Thank you for all you have done. For all you have shown me. Now close your eyes and rest.”
“I love you too princess. You were like a second mother to me, you know that?” We both smiled into each others eyes. “I will miss you. Stay strong Celestia. That much I know you are. You mustn't let death weaken you. No matter how sad it may be... Live on strong and stay that way Princess. For me.” She got quieter toward the end of the sentence and closed her eyes.
“I will Twilight.” I said as a tear rolled off my face onto her purple coat. “I promise.”
As I sat there watching her chest rise and fall I thought back all those days ago, when I first started teaching her. How much she learned, how dedicated she was. All of the things she did, all the lives she saved. How much she helped and never asked for anything in return. She was, she is such a great pony. Soon to be gone forever, only living in memory. I cried as these thoughts came into my head. I didn't want this to be the last goodbye.
Her chest rose again and fell, rose again and fell and... Stopped. I stared at her. She was so happy. Such a big smile still written on her face. I got up and covered her with the blanket at the foot of her bed.
“Goodbye my Faithful Student.” I said as I kissed her on the forehead, a single tear rolled from my cheek to hers.
I walked out of the room and out of the hospital head held high as tears still fell. Luna came into my room that night after hearing me cry and slept along side me for comfort. Breakfast was quieter than usual but there was still some small conversation. Later me and Luna departed for the funeral which I personally held. Many attended to pay there respects to twilight because everyone knew her name and what she had done. Her gravestone was a large statue of her and her friends, who were buried along side her. It was sitting atop of a pedestal, the engraving read;
Here lie my most devoted Pupils.
Known by the names of:
AppleJack
Rarity
Fluttershy
Pinkie Pie
Rainbow Dash
and Twilight Sparkle
What they brought to Equestria
Will be remembered everyday
For as long as I live
They are forever in my memory,
Forever in Equestria,
Forever in my home.
After ponies shared their thoughts and memories and flowers were laid upon the grave they started to leave and say goodbyes. Once everypony was gone I put down the note on her grave that I had written the night beforehand. The note read;
Dear Twilight Sparkle, yesterday I learned that even though I will have to live on forever watching people pass on will be a natural occurrence and that I can't let it slow me down or get in the way. I learned that most ponies don't fear death and are accepting of it. Thank you for everything you have done for me. Thank you for all you have taught me. I love you so much, and I will always miss you. Your faithful student, Princess Celestia.
I stared at the statue of all of the 6 of them. They were all so young. Now they are all gone. I looked at the sun which was lowering past the mountains and I cried. No sobbing, just silently falling tears. I sat there until Luna rose the Moon and came out to sit beside me. She lit the stars and added a new constellation, one shaped like a familiar purple pony. I looked at her and kissed her on the cheek. We sat there in silence for a long while, staring up at the stars. I no longer felt a grievance over all the ones I had lost. I felt happy that they were back with everypony who they loved. I knew that no matter what happened, I would always have Luna to love and care for. And her, I will never lose.