Memories

by Boreal Dust

Rating: everyone
Tags: Sad, Main 6, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Princess Cadance, Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, Twilight Sparkle
Length: 6565

Time passes since Twilight coronation as the Princess of Friendship and she realizes how it affected the world around her, as well as her friendships.

A long time passed since Twilight Sparkle became Princess of Friendship, and now she feels the weight of alicorn immortality on her back. She watches time affecting her friends, but not her, and has to deal with the fact that she won’t have them forever.

Published 2019-03-27 05:20:02 UTC
Last updated 2019-04-05 01:08:53 UTC

The celebration

Canterlot’s Royal Orchestra filled the castle gardens with their finest songs, entertaining the capital high-class citizens until the main event beginning. An indescribable variety of flowers exhaled delightful perfumes in different parts of the garden while mares and stallions; aristocrats, factories owners and nobles related with the royal family chatted and enjoyed a fancy private party in that exclusive path.

Waiters trotted up and down with their muzzles in the air and their eyes open just enough not to bump into the guests. Silver trays adorned with different kinds of jewelry were floating in the air, surrounded by a billowing aura as unicorns walked by its side or they rested perfectly still on top of earth ponies head while they offered others some appetizers and beverage.

The wild-life roamed free around the bunches and trees, curious about that unusual noise and lights and considerable number of ponies in the place. Foals played tag and hide-and-seek in the labyrinth close to the sculptures; some pegasi guards patrolled above, making sure nopony got lost.

On another part of the town, in front of the castle specifically, a festival occurred with tents selling food and souvenirs and others with games for the ponies to play.

The royal guard parade had place few hours before, then the ponies had the whole night to enjoy themselves. The main point where the food tents set place was warm by the many ovens working at the same time, producing cakes, pies, sandwiches, snacks, kebabs, hayburgers and several types of apple treats which were popular among ponies since… well, since ever.

Moving to the games, most of the foals were concentrated playing skee ball game, water cannon, cover the spot, trying to get a goldfish in a bucket with small fishing rods or just begging their parents for extra bits for the roller coaster or the giant wheel.

Of course, some problems popped up here and there. A young filly lost from their parents or some teenagers overdrinking apple cider, nothing the guard patrols couldn’t handle.

But even having a great time in the parties, may it be on the streets or at the royal gardens; there was another reason for all those ponies to be there.

It was the night before the Summer Sun Celebration and Canterlot was the chosen city that year. In the meanwhile, inside the castle thick walls, servants ran up and down to make sure everything was perfect; since the capital was hosting the event, the royal family home would open its door for free visitation, therefore everything had to be impeccable. On the highest floors the four princesses were in four separated rooms surrounded by Equestria best stylists, manestylers and makeup specialists checking every detail before their presentation.

“OH-Oh my goodness! Please, forgive me your majesty! I swear I didn’t mean, I- I --” The youngest mare taking care of Celestia makeup widened her eyes in shock and stepped back when she blurred the alicorn eyelashes. She was even more frightened when all the others employees gasped and stand where they were, interrupting their activities to see what happened. Their trays, brushes and pieces of cloth were dropped as the world seemed to freeze for a second.

The powerful sun monarch glanced in the mirror and saw an almost imperceptible blur above her left eye. Looking back at the young unicorn Celestia chuckled and said calmly. “Don’t worry about this, you are doing a great job.” Noticing the pony was still panicked Celestia stroke her mane and smiled to her. “You are a very talented pony; don’t let a small mistake get you. Look at you, you are the youngest pony here and was chosen from thousands of candidates. Relax, everything is fine.” The years certainly change most of the things, but Celestia kindness and humility to her subjects isn’t one of them.

The unicorn wiped her tears and straightened her pose, smiling back to her leader. “Thank you so much, you highness. Here, let me fix that.” She levitated a brush and with a quick move Celestia makeup was perfect.

On the next room Princess Luna was clearly annoyed by standing in the same position for several, long hours, especially in the time she should be watching over everypony’s dreams. Skipping her duties wasn’t ever an easy task for Luna considering how much she liked and was used to them, no matter how many centuries she was up to those.

Nonetheless, her serenity and usual wise composure allowed the night ruler to keep her pose straight and the subordinate ponies working on her clothes and mane to do their job, even though the urges to fly down to the festival and buy some hot cakes were increasing as more hours ran.

“Is this really necessary? I mean, this festival happen every year. No need to make this such a big… Deal! Ouch!” Luna pulled her head as a mare groomed her hair on an unnecessarily painful way. Some new tendency in Manehattan the manestylers convinced her to try. Luna grumbled something and waved her hoof to room next to her. “Why are all of us included in this anyway? Isn’t her special day and all?”

“I honestly thought you would be happy to participate.” A stallion on her left raised an eyebrow.

He had been Luna’s assistant for the past months and her personal friend as well, been one of the few ponies she felt really comfortable within presence. At first sight it was surprising Luna pick a way too young stallion for such a responsibility, but they shared a long time bond that included serious insomnia issues and late night conversations in the Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns cafeteria. “Also you always talk about how much you like when ponies enjoy the night and everyone seems to be having a great time.” He said moving closer to a window and observing the festival.

“I know, it’s just… I wish we could be doing something funnier than this!” Luna grumbled annoyed.

“We? Are you asking me out or something, your majesty?” He smiled mischievously.

“I-I…” Princess Luna felt her face getting hot and avoided looks with him for a moment, but finally grumbled with a smile. “Silly!” Luna slapped her assistant nape with a wing as he passed by, wringing a chuckle from both parts. The alicorn shook her head and whispered, making sure nopony but herself was listening. “Maybe one day.”

Moving ahead Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, Cadence for short, was the first of them to be properly dressed and to have her make up done. She was left alone in her room after the castle employees left for a deserved rest.

Her mane was shaking due to the breeze coming through the window as she enjoyed the view until somepony touched her. Cadence twisted her head and smiled to her daughter.

“You look great, mom.” Flurry Heart smiled warmly, getting a set with Cadence at the window and enjoying the chilling wind.

“Thanks, sweetheart. Are you sure you don’t want to join us? There’s still time to find you a dress and some make up.” The caring mother answered straightening a specially rebel hair lock on her foal’s head.

“No, I just don’t fell ready yet. And with all the work in the Crystal Empire, today is my only chance to… You know.” The younger princess looked down before Cadence pulled up her chin and smile with tenderness.

“I understand, dear. I… Understand.” Cadence sighed and pulls her daughter into a hug. The act is involuntary, but Flurry Heart hugs her mom and snuggle her looking for some comfort. They stand there for a moment, enjoying each other company and warmth.

“Alright, it’s almost time. Why don’t you go first and, once we are done, I’ll meet you there? I know how important it is to you.” Cadence kissed Flurry’s forehead and the younger princess smiled before leaving the room.

And in the last room was Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship, leaned forward while twin stallions tied her mane and a mare chose the earrings that best matched her dress.

“How have you been recently, your highness?” The mare asks, pushing away a pair of ruby earrings and looking for sapphires.

“Uh… What?” Twilight snapped out of a trance she didn’t know she was in. A sudden move of her head and the princess cowered as the stallions complained seeing their work ruined. Her eyes were static on the closest window until that moment and unlike Celestia who was calming the ponies who did something wrong, Luna chatting with her assistant and Cadence enjoying her daughter’s company, Twilight was pretty quiet during the whole night, her mind floating somewhere else and she didn’t hear the mare’s question.

“How have you been recently?” She repeated, glad to find the right jewelry.

“Um… fine. I’m doing fine.” The purple alicorn sighed. “Why are you asking?”

“Well, I know it’s not my business, but I was the one covering the bags under your eyes and, don’t get me wrong, you do sound tired.” She said in a motherly tone, interrupting her duty for a moment to look Twilight in the eyes and give her a timid smile.

The mare was right, Twilight had clear signals of insomnia hid under layers of lavender makeup and her voice was rather hoarse. Her eyes were bloodshot and she yawned occasionally during the prepares for the festival. She had a reason for that, of course. A reason she had been keeping to herself and her closest ones for years. It wasn’t something the princess wanted to hide, it’s just… personal.

“I… I don’t -- ” She stopped when someone knocked on the door. It opened and Celestia walked inside, all the ponies bowed in reverence.

“It’s time, Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia said in her usual elegant tone, making a reverence to her subjects and for Twilight.

Twilight sighed and nodded, thanking the ponies for their hard work and meeting the other three on the corridor, and they walked together, in silence.

(…)

“She’s looking at you, dude. I’m serious. No, not now… Now! Look!” A royal guard standing close to the castle gates whispered to another stallion.

The other guard moved his head and saw a young pegasi mare discretely looking at him. “Are you sure? I mean, she’s pretty, but… should I talk to her? What if she says ‘no’ and all the others make fun of me?”

“Come on! Girls love guys in armors! Why not use it in our favor?” The first stallion took off his helmet and winked to the group of young mares, making them giggle and look away. “See? What did I tell you?”

“I don’t know. At school, every time I tried to talk to a mare she just-- ”

“LOOK! UP THERE!” A light-brown pony shouted among the crowd and pointed to a balcony on castle main tower.

In a blink of an eye the large mass was cheering excitedly as the four princesses walked into view. Colts and fillies jumped on their parents backs and waved to the alicorns, pegasi flew higher to see them better, the most sensitive mares cried and young stallions threw flowers the closest they could to the beautiful princesses.

They allowed their subjects to celebrate for some moments, but they still had a job to do. Celestia raised her right foreleg and; as fast as it started, the crowd noise and cheers stopped. Everypony was silent, mares and stallions, foals of all ages standing together, waiting to the incoming show. It was said this year the Summer Sun Celebration would be BIG, but no one expected to see all the four royal mares side by side.

Without a word Celestia looked at Luna and nodded. The Princess of the Night took a deep breath and her horn started to glow.

Like magic the moon started to move along with the stars, at the same time all pony standing there felt their hearts beating faster. The world could be heard moving and the energy of all ponies became one, like their heartbeats. Cadence’s magic joined the action and an amazing bright aurora crossed the skies.

The crowd was now one; one heart, one energy, one tear of commotion and amazement running down each pony’s face. The first lights of the day weren’t seen yet when dozens of fireworks exploded coloring the skies, a gasp in unison was heard before the large mass of ponies exploded too in screams of dazzle. The next to join them was Twilight whose magic was used in the fireworks, making its sparkles shine in different colors and fly among the ponies watching. Those lights were enchanted with different spells, displaying a beautiful light show for the ponies to see and appreciate. Seeing their subjects below, the smiles and tears on their faces, feeling their energy, Twilight smiled for the first time in a long while. She was still the Princess of Friendship after all, and moments like that, seeing ponies enjoying themselves, surely gave her a special feeling.

Finally, when the first sun shines were seen in horizon, Celestia jumped from the balcony, followed by the three other princesses and, frozen like a statue in the air, she raised the sun, warming up everypony coats and making the summer official.

When the four of them landed back on the balcony, the crowd was more frenetic than ever. Everypony was crying, foals hugging their parents, the Royal Guard soldiers pressed their hooves over their chests in respect and admiration while holding back tears.

“Nice work, girls.” Celestia sighed. “Nice work.”

(…)

The doors would be open soon and the castle would be filled by thousands of curious ponies who had never seen that place before, except for the rare pictures taken and some paintings displayed in museums.

Four alicorns walked in silence down a hallway, until they go for their respective ways.

“I’ll be receiving the guests in the main hall when the doors open, but there’s still time for a short breakfast. Is anypony else coming?” Celestia invited.

“After this week, all I need is my bed. I’ll meet you girls later.” Luna yawned and walked toward her bedroom.

“Watch out for nightmares.” Celestia teased smirking.

“Hush, sis.” Luna flapped her wings and turned in the end of the corridor.

Celestia knew exactly what Cadence and Twilight had planned, no matter how tired they were they always did the same thing every time they went to the castle.

“You’re free to join me in the kitchen later, if you want, of course.” Her voice tone was serious and respectful as she bowed the two remaining princesses and walked away.

Cadence and Twilight were in silence for a while, their hearts being crushed as they thought about their incoming activities.

“Is… Flurry Heart there?” Twilight broke the silence. She didn’t dare to look at her sister-in-law who nodded painfully.

“Yes. She goes there every time we come to Canterlot.” The pink pony whispered. Her voice been taken by agony and her mind by memories. “It’s a beautiful spot. Calm, quiet…” Cadence broke down in tears. Twilight stoke her mane while holding her in an embrace, but remained in silence. “I miss him. So much!” Cadence spoke between sobs.

“How long has it been?” Twilight asked, still not looking at her friend whose eyes were shut and dropping tears.

“Over a century.” She sobbed, her cry slowly decreasing and her breach becoming deep and paused.

Twilight comforted her friend, they shared the same pain after all. “Shhh, it’s alright.” Twilight comforted Cadence, holding her close into a hug and rubbing her back softly.

After a while Cadence recomposed herself. “Flurry Heart is waiting for me. Would you like to join us?” She looked Twilight in the eyes, both them were bloodshot.

“I will. Later. I need to…”

“I know. I understand. Love you, Twi.” Cadence smiled and turned around.

“C-Cadence.” Twilight called. She turned to see her. “T-Tell Shining Armor I said ‘hi’.”

Cadence smiled and nodded, a hurt, broken smile, before she finally walks away.

Twilight stood there even after Cadence was gone. She took some deep breaths, trying to put her mind on place and organize her thoughts. Her eyes looked at the red carpet, adorned with golden details on the edges and her body shivering occasionally. Physically she was there, but her mind was far away. In her memories she could hear the laughs, remember the stories lived together and flavor the meals they enjoyed in each other company.

Taking another deep breath she moved forwards, down the hallway, turning left in its end, the second right and then third left, leading to a dead end. She stood up in front of two large, tall wooden doors. With her magic the doors were unlocked and pushed open, then closed and locked again when Twilight entered. There was a long room with colored stained glasses all over the walls. They told her story, their story.

How they defeated Nightmare Moon so many years ago and also the first time they worked together. Twilight smiled as she brought back their walk through the forest, seeking for the elements of harmony, facing all the challenges and finally realizing who and what they were.

The changeling attack at Canterlot on her brother’s wedding, when Queen Chrysalis almost destroyed the whole city. But yes, thanks to them, things ended up perfectly.

The battle against Tirek, Starlight’s reform, Starswirls return, the school of friendship… Memories.

In the end was her favorite spot. The spot where she could stand for hours and don’t fell time pass. A strange mix of joy and sadness sent a chill down Twilight’s body every time she walked in that chamber. Her chamber. Their chamber. She wasn’t in a hurry; taking slow, calm steps and enjoying each memory coming to her head. Once she got to the end she looked upwards. Twilight gulped down and sighed. Five large stained glass windows displaying them. From left to right: Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. Silent tear drops fall on the polished floor. “Over a century.” Cadence’s voice echoed in her head. Had it been so long since her brother’s gone? It wasn’t a long time interval between him and them. Twilight forced her gaze up and shivering even more when facing the paintings straightly.

Has it been so long?

Author's Note

So this is my first story here and I hope you guys like it :)
Constructive critics and tips are more than welcome and please forgive any grammar mistake, my english is not perfect. Enjoy :D

Applejack, Rainbow Dash & Pinkie Pie

The farmhouse floor cracked softly as Twilight walked upstairs, looking forward to meeting her dear friend.

The house didn’t change much in the time. It’s not a surprise considering how traditionalist the Apple family was, always keeping their way to do things through generations, their values, lessons and legacy.

Twilight slowly walked into Applejack’s bedroom, taking care to be as quiet as possible, even though there were no reasons to all that cautious. The surroundings were the same as the last time she was there: wooden floor, walls and roof; a rustic but comfortable looking bed covered by plaid blankets was close to the wall at her right; AJ’s dressing table rested nearby her closet, where she kept her clothes, most of them crafted by Rarity.

A golden shine of light coming from the only window adorned the room, providing it the perfect atmosphere of countryside family house. Twilight found her friend at the balcony, walking through the room and an open door, resting on her old Granny’s rocking chair, admiring the sunset in the horizon. The light reached all the area of the Sweet Apple Acres, a cool breeze shook their manes and Applejack sighed loudly with a smile cracking across her face.

“You remind me of her.” Twilight spoke after a while, also enjoying the spectacular view been shown to them.

“Hum? Who?” Applejack blinked, kind of caught by surprise by her friend’s presence, even though they had been together for most of the day.

“Granny Smith.” Twilight smiled, remembering the sweet old mare she once met. As the years passed, AJ way of talking, acting and even the way she tied her mane and tail in buns were getting more similar to her grandma.

The farm pony chuckled warmly at the alicorn’s comment. She gave her chair a weak impulse, just enough to provide a comfortable swing. “Ah’ll take that as a compliment, sugarcube.” She said bringing her attention back to the horizon. After another moment of silence, she spoke. “Mine is the third, but my family has been in Ponyville for five generations, Twi.” She smiled remembering the kids playing downstairs. “Ah spent my whole life here and damn, ah enjoyed every moment of it!” She nodded to herself, watching the last of the sunbeam disappearing behind the hills. “And ah want to stay here, forever.”

That last part caught Twilight by surprise; she looked up to her friend who kept a relaxed gaze on her green eyes. “What do you mean with that, Applejack?” She seemed slightly frightened by that remark.

“Ah mean ah want to… When ah go, Twi, ah want to stay here, ya understand?” She spoke so calmly about that, making it sound so natural and peaceful. “Granny Smith stayed, there at that hill.”

The princess started to tear up; keeping her voice from breaking she spoke sadly. “AJ, please… Don’t say that. I-I don’t want you to leave.”

To her surprise Applejack chuckled and jumped off her chair, stretching quickly before walking close to her. “C’mon Twi, ya’re sounding like Rarity right now with all this drama. Ah ain’t leaving you or anypony else anytime soon! Look, Ah’ve just became a grandma and ya bet yer flank ah’ll these kids growing up!” She smiled with a confident look, stomping her hoof on the ground and approaching her dear friend even more. “But… It’s still goin’ to happen. What ah mean is… Just promise ya’ll come visit me from times to times, right sugarcube?” She smiled tenderly to Twilight, who answered with a nod and a smile.

“I promise Applejack.” She hugged the farm pony with some tears running down her face, getting a tight grip in response.

(…)

“I hope it is important newbie, I’m in the middle of something!” A rainbow maned pony spoke from behind her desk without averting her eyes from the paperwork she was working on. A golden plaque rested on the table where one read the words “Cpt. Rainbow Dash” right next to miniatures of Equestria’s and Cloudsdale’s flags. A collection of medals was displayed on the wall behind her, as well as many certificates of “Fastest flier”, “Youngest mare to lead a team”, “First place on interspecies flying competition” and other stuff like that. To complete the view two windows provided natural light as well as a great view of the Wonderbolts Academy.

“Excuse me Rainbow… I mean, ‘Captain’ Rainbow Dash.” Twilight spoke with a smile as the door cracked open and she stepped inside.

With the mention of those words the grumpy expression on the blue pony’s face vanished and she looked up spreading a smile across her muzzle. “Well, well, guess who cared to pay a visit.” Rainbow Dash relaxed on her chair as a sarcastic expression was printed on her face.

“What are you talking about?! I always come to check on you!” Twilight replied quite offended, stopping her walk to the chair in front of the desk for a moment and raising an eyebrow.

“With ‘always’ you mean once each six months, right?” Dash said bowing to get something from a drawer on her desk.

“C’mon Rainbow.” Twilight sighed and averted her eyes. In fact, her visits had become more sporadic in the time. When Rainbow Dash first assumed the academy command she would come almost every week, then every month, once a quarter… But what she could do? She was a princess after all and had lots of responsibility to attend as well as being the principal of the friendship school which became way larger than when it first opened the doors. “I know I don’t come very often, but that doesn’t mean I--”

Twilight line of thinking was interrupted by her friend’s chuckles. “Chillax, Twi. I’m just messing with ya.” Rainbow placed two cups on the table and filled them with an amber-color liquid. “Take a sip and take a break. How long has it been since we last chit-chatted?” She smiled lifting a cup to her mouth and drinking the sweet apple cider.

The alicorn smiled and did the same, letting the tasty drink refresh her mind and relax her muscles. “It’s been a while. It’s hard to get some free time with so much to do.”

“Yeah, I got you there. Being a leader is way harder than I thought.” The pegasi sighed and leaned back on the chair soft surface, twisting the empty glass between her hooves.

Twilight giggled in a triumphant tone. “I told you. Is it just ‘putting on the crown and being a bossy egghead’ like you always said?” She leaned forward and smirked teasingly.

The hash blue pony smiled too and replied. “No way, I work my flank off to keep this place running! Being an egghead is hard. You deserve respect, Twi.”

“Sooo, I’m still an egghead after all?” Twilight questioned feeling defeated.

“Ha, totally!” Rainbow Dash smiled and focused the princess in front of her. “You’ll always be an egghead.” She paused for a moment and averted her eyes before saying. “But… You’ll always be my egghead.”

Both them blushed slightly and giggled softly with that affirmation. “Time flies, doesn’t it?” The alicorn sighed looking a pair of pegasi performing loopings in the air in the training fields through the window.

“It does.” The captain nodded with a sigh, now tossing the glass from one hoof to another. “Even faster than I. But don’t tell that to anypony!” They shared a laugh in unison and remained in silence for the next moments. “Sometimes I wonder if I did right in accepting Spitfire position when she reformed. I barely have any free time.”

“Leadership is a full-time job, and may I say, it’s not for everyone.” Twilight nodded in agreement.

Another period of silence passed until Rainbow Dash broke it. “Twilight.” The purple pony looked at her friend, listening to whatever she had to say. “I know that time is passing, things are changing; I can’t fly like before and honestly, I don’t know how long I’ll still be ‘Rainbow’ Dash.” She stroked her own mane which colors had started to fade, getting closer to shades of gray. “But, besides all that… Will you still… Think about me? Even if we don’t see each other anymore?” She asked sheepishly, a tone of voice totally unusual for someone like Rainbow Dash.

“Of course I will, Dash! I always think about you. I know we don’t hang out like before, but we are always going to be friends. Nothing can break the bond we have. The things we did, the memories we have will last forever.” She smiled warmly to the Wonderbolts leader and leaned her a hoof. “Friends forever?”

Rainbow Dash smiled back and placed her hoof over Twilight’s. “Friends forever.”

(…)

“Ok, we got everything right?! The cakes, the balloons, the banner, confetti, what else? Argh! She always made it look so easy!” Pound Cake stomped his hoof on the floor and shut his eyes in frustration. Just the idea of forgetting anything for that party had disturbed him for the whole week.

“What about a new haircut?” Pumpkin Cake spoke absently while placing a tray with cupcakes on a table nearby.

“Wow, thanks a lot sis. You also look great wearing the same blue ribbon for the last twenty years!” The pegasi replied as he flew down and gazed at his sister.

“Why, thank you. I always thought it brings out my eyes.” She winked to him and smiled playfully, but noticed the annoyed look on his face and turned around with a reassuring smile. “Relax, Pound. She was our personal tutor for years and we are working exactly as we were taught.”

“I know, it’s just--” The pegasi twin rubbed his foreleg and looked down in worry, but was caught by surprise when his sister shook his shoulders intensely.

“Hey! Look at me! It’s just another party, remember? It’s not the first event we organize and we did perfectly well in the prior ones. We can do this!” She gave him another shook, prompting for an answer.

Pound Cake closed his eyes and took a deep breath before grinning with confidence. “You’re right. We can do this!”

Pumpkin smiled back and turned around to go on with her duties. “That’s how I like it! Now move your flank and get back to work!”

Both them chuckled before hearing a knock on the door. “Sorry, we are closed! Private party!” Pound shouted before turning his attention back to the treats.

“Um, excuse me?” Twilight carefully pushed the door open and smiled to the Twins.

“Oh, Twilight, I’m so, so sorry! Please, come in.” The pegasi flew to the alicorn and greeted her with a police reverence.

“No need for that Pound, it’s great to see you too.” The princess smiled and pulled the stallion into a hug.

“We are putting the final touches to the party. Sorry, we are in a hurry, but I’ll bring you some of our best apple cakes in a minute.” He smiled and trotted back to the kitchen.

“A-Actually.” Twilight smiled nervously, calling the pegasi back to her. “I brought some company.”

“Howdy, sugarcube.” Applejack smiled as she walked in the bakery.

“Oh, hey there, Applejack. Glad to see you here and--” He stopped as Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Fluttershy followed the farm pony. “Hey girls, I didn’t expect to see you all so earl--” His voice was cut again as Princesses Celestia and Luna were the next to enter.

In the following seconds most of the ponies living in Ponyville started to fill the store, making the pegasi smirk nervously. “Twilight, what is going on?!”

The Princess of Friendship giggled and replied. “I guess the news about this party spread really fast and all Pinkie’s friends decided to come.

Pound Cake froze in horror, his eyes widening with that remark. “A-All her friends? ALL OF THEM?!”

Twilight nodded. “Even the Yaks are on the way to Ponyville.”

“YAKS?!”

“Yes. Oh, and Silverstream is bringing the hippogriffs too.”

“Pound, what is all this mess? And you aren’t yo--” Pumpkin froze in the air, just like Pinkie Pie would. “What is going on?” She asked slowly, almost spelling each word.

“Apparently all Pinkie’s friends are coming for the party.” The pegasi answered calmly, his eyes were half closed, sort of remembering Big McIntosh.

“ALL HER FRIENDS?!” The unicorn shrieked.

“Hum-humf.” Her brother nodded getting a cupcake from the counter.

There was nothing else they could do. Of course, the bakery’s manager had lots of friends not just in Equestria but in many other kingdoms as well, but there weren’t expected more than twenty, maybe thirty guests attending to the party. There wasn’t enough flour and sugar in Equestria to bake enough treats for everyone, so Pound just gave up and passed his sister while munching a strawberry cupcake with chocolate topping.

It was impossible to hold all the guests in Sugarcube Corner, so the creatures filled the whole city. Ponyville had more visitors that day than in all Mayor Mare’s attempts to increase the town’s touristic activity.

The party was running for half an hour when Rainbow Dash flew inside the bakery and shouted, “All right, everypony, get to your places! Celestia and Luna, go to the tables room! Mr. and Mrs. Cake and the twins, you stay here! Twilight and the others, with me! NOW!”, she flowed up and down yelling orders, what made Twilight and some others hold back their laughter. And about Rainbow’s behavior, well, that’s what happens when Spitfire train someone to take HER spot at the Wonderbolts.

A muffled chatter took place in the baking shop as everyone waited excitedly for the ‘guest of honor’ to walk in. The door cracked open, every creature took a deep breath and shouted, “SURPRISE!”

A pink figure was half-way into the shop when she jumped and froze in the air, perfectly static. Her blue eyes were wide open and her jaw hangs open letting an audible “AAAHHHH!” escape in her surprise. “What is going on here?”, she asked, even though the toothy grin spreading across her muzzle suggested she already knew the answer.

“It’s your farewell party, silly!”, a cream-colored pegasus rushed to her and hugged the pink pony tightly, burying his face in her soft mane.

“Yeah, like, now you’re retiring and all… We couldn’t just wave ‘goodbye’, y’know?”, a unicorn mare wearing a blue ribbon approached and joined them.

“Awww, you didn’t have to.” Pinkie Pie smiled and involved the twins in her forelegs.

The crowd smiled at the beautiful moment, but no one intervened. It wasn’t a secret to anyone that Pinkie Pie and the Cake’s Twins had a special bond and therefore they deserved a moment of their own. Since they were newborns Pinkie took care of them, raised them, entertained them. She took them alongside their parents on their first day at school and in the last one as well. They all celebrated together when the foals got their cutie marks, and Pinkie made sure they celebrate a ‘cutie mark anniversary’ to them. When the Cake’s retired and Pinkie was totally in charge of the bakery the twins threw their first party, a ‘Welcome new-best boss’ party, which filled the others with pride and joy. And now, here they were.

“We are going to miss you.” Pound spoke softly, his voice breaking as tears ran down his face.

“Remember you have free cakes anytime you want, so come visit us, Ok?” Pumpkin added tightening her grip around Pinkie.

“No need for that, dummies! I’ll still live in Ponyville and I’ll come here all the time to check on you.” She replied.

“We love you, Pinkie!” A stallion shouted and suddenly everyone was cheering their friend who brought so much happiness to their lives.

“Oh, and by the way, did you see the hippos out there? Oh, by the way again, did you see EVERYONE out there?!” Pinkie started hopping around.

“Of course, Silverstream mentioned she would bring the hippogriffs.” Rarity agreed with a nod and smiled to her friend.

“No, I mean there are HIPPOPOTAMUS out there! C’mon, I’ll show you!” With that said Pinkie rushed out the door and towards Ponyville’s park.

“When did she ever met ‘these’ hippos?” Rainbow Dash muttered.

~~~~

“And now we’re opening another school in Fillydelphia, and in the next year we --” Twilight cut short her conversation with local politicians when somepony poked her shoulder. “Oh, Pinkie, how’s it going? Enjoying the party?”

“Yup! Best party EVER!” She shouted in her usual excited tone, what made Twilight smile. But suddenly Pinkie’s voice assumed a more serious tone, “Hey, Twi, can I talk to you for a second? In particular.”

“Of course, Pinkie.” She turned to the diplomats she was talking to and waved politely, “Excuse me.”, they bowed in reverence and walked away, leaving the princess alone with her pink friend.

The only sign of Pinkies aging were a few wrinkles on her face. Her energy was the same as a filly, she would always jump around, carrying her party cannon and making everypony’s days better with her cheery mood. Her ‘poofy’ mane hadn’t changed a bit and her coat never changed its bright shade of pink. Pinkie Pie’s blue eyes looked deeply into Twilight and they stayed there in silence for a moment.

“So… What is it, Pinkie?” Twilight inquired, showing her friend a reassuring smile.

Before they could say anything else, Pinkie Pie rushed and hugged the alicorn tightly. Probably one the tightest hugs she gave the whole day. “Twilight,” She spoke warmly, “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

The first action Twilight had was hug her friend back. “Don’t thank me, the party was pretty much Pumpkin and Pound’s idea. They organized the whole thing, from beginning to end. Well, except for the guest list, that is.” She chuckled.

Much to her surprise she felt Pinkie’s head shaking in disagreement before breaking the hug. “No, Twilight, it’s not about the party. Of course, this party is great and honestly, I wasn’t expecting any of this! It’s so nice of everypony to be here.” She smiled brightly, a smile not even the time could take away from that pony. “But, that’s not what I want to thank you for.”

“Oh, is it about that Star Swirl spell book I gave you? I know you can’t even cast any spell, but I liked it so much that I though yo-hummf!” Twilight stopped when Pinkie placed her hoof over her mouth.

“No, Twilight, that’s not either.” She made a short pause and backed her hoof from Twilight’s mouth, who decided to be quiet this time. “I… I just want to thank you for being here today and… For being so special.” Before Twilight say anything Pinkie continued. “I’m proud to say I have lots of friends and it’s amazing to see all of them here today. I do have special care and love for each one of them, but… Some are just… Special, you know?” She smiled sheepishly.

“When I first saw you in Ponyville I knew we would be friends. I would throw you a party, we’d get to know each other, maybe hang out some times, but… That’s all.” Her deep, innocent blue eyes turned to face the alicorn once again. “I could never imagine we would go through so many things together. I never imagined we would have something so special! Who knew that young filly from a rock farm would get so far and surrounded by such amazing friends?!” She smiled even brighter than usual and her eyes were shining and sparkling with tears and memories. “Twilight, all of this, everything I have today, everyone I know, every place I went… None of this would be possible without you and the girls! So what I mean is… Thank you. Thank you for being in this story and for giving me the life I had. It wouldn’t be possible without you.”

Twilight sobbed quietly and let the tears stream down her cheeks. “Pinkie… I-I don’t know what to say I… Thank you!”

“Awww, come here, you softy!” The earth pony pulled her friend into a hug, which she gladly accepted. “Twi… I know time is passing and we won’t go in adventures like before, but… Pinkie Promise you won’t forget me?”

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye?” Twilight smiled raising her head.

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” Pinkie giggled happily.

Author's Note

Thank you for reading until here and I hope you have enjoyed :)