Sustainability

Canterlot castle was almost unrecognizable. It was rebuilt, and it took quite a while, since the new ruler of Equestria, Twilight Sparkle insisted only earth ponies did the work. It wasn't rebuilt just so it took a more appealing and modern form to the princess's liking, but because of the events of a certain day. How do I put it....... it was disastrous. Many had questioned the lavender alicorn, but none succeeded in receiving an understandable answer. Whenever somepony was curious enough to question the princess, she just referred to a 'she'.

"She ruined everything"- she would say, causing disappointed looks of many. The citizens were curious, and they thrived for more answers. But, only questions remained. Some ponies spread rumors, some ponies gossiped eternally, some ponies were curious as to why Twilight Sparkle didn't seek any information or contact with her former friends, and why they did the same. Was it something connected with that very day their ruler refused to speak about? They could tell, Celestia's previous student has changed a lot....... Various reasons as to why. Everypony was curious about all the twists and maneuvers in the past bearers of the Elements of Harmony's relationship. They were once the best of friends, gaining valuable knowledge about Friendship itself everyday. When a foal would ask why friendship mattered, parents considered the six mares as a worthy example. Almost every foal in Equestria longed for an education in Friendship instead of feeling obliged to dig deep down into the depths of it in school, seeing what entertaining adventures and fun their role models went through. Today's generation wasn't lucky enough to receive the pleasure of seeing the elements in action. Hell, they were barely seen with one another, yet alone go travel the world together or something. The charm in their relationship was broken, and nopony even had a clue as to why. Seeing the girls separated like this was devastating to some, while others had completely forgotten all about everything, due to the lack of proper role models this date. Many, however noticed the changes of Twilight Sparkle, however. And were affected, sometimes.

"She's so stern and...... Ungrateful!"
Old ladies gossiping away in the streets of Manehattan would grace the minds of the citizens around, attempting to just peacefully take a walk and enjoy the time they had left before work. Not that they didn't agree with some of the foolish statements they blurted out.

"No traits from our beloved princess Celestia are left in her!"
Pegasi working on construction sites in Cloudsale would say, seldom feeling ashamed when Twilight Sparkle would call builders stupid and useless, when powerful unicorns could do so much more. Of course, they didn't let the foolish thoughts race through their minds everyday. Then, they would really be stupid and useless, considering the fact they might fall asleep or get distracted at work.

"And she never seems to respect the lower class ponies than her. Flaunting her achievements and the fact that she's a princess brings the thought of bragging into mind. I'm not sure if Equestria is in good hooves anymore. The country is falling apart, due to the lack of love and friendship in our lives....... The princess is a bad example for our foals, teaching them about hatred and disrespect."
Wise stallions would anxiously worry and try to spread their word throughout some of the local newspaper stations, the ones which dared accept 'criticism' about the princess.

Twilight Sparkle was sitting on her polished throne, reading through a few scrolls, and awaiting the new member of the staff to come and apply. She would only pick the elite status, the best for her, leaving traces of disappointment and sadness in 'lower-class', she would call them, ponies. She didn't care. She only cared about the well-being of her status and reputation among the higher class ponies. Of course, she was the most important pony in Equestria, but she still wanted to keep contact with the intelligent minds of Equestria. Intelligent minds that owned big stacks of bits. The princess very much cared about the economy in Equestria, considering it the most important thing of the decade. They had to raise foals to be successful, smart and talented. She wanted to lift Equestria into a higher-status country, and win against the others. To achieve that, she had to concentrate on only important stuff. She had to keep in touch with only ponies which would bring Equestria to a high level. Obedient masterminds, which would agree in every single one of her orders. Whether or not to raise the price of a certain product here and there, to not include sales in shops anymore, you name it. Only rich and smart ponies had to survive. They were the ones who worked for it, and the only ones that deserved it. She would consider those with a low social status and lack of money lazy or dumb. Causing a lot of commotion in the country, Twilight Sparkle still thought her actions as those of a decent and wise leader. Everything was to make Equestria a better place, after all.

Suddenly, the enormous magenta castle doors opened to reveal a pegasus stallion with a light orange coat and an electric blue mane. The only part of his guard attire that he didn't wear, and required, was his helmet and star badge that granted access to every door in the castle, since he had to await approval. And the one who considered approval was none other than, of course, the pony who owned the castle, Twilight Sparkle. She levitated the scroll that guided her throughout her routine, and placed it next to her. The to-be guard was waiting awkwardly, and shifting a paper that he had in his hoof. He looked anxious, and sweat was dripping from his forehead. Something about him made Twilight..... happy. Upon just seeing him. He was handsome, she had to admit. But, the thing that mattered at the moment was whether or not he accessed approval from not just her, but every specialist in the training areas. He had to be perfect. Smart and tolerable. A very concentrated guard, that carefully examined the castle. Being a guard in Twilight's castle required serious training. Twilight glanced over his figure. He was..... physically flawless, to put it one way. Twilight gaped at him for the few seconds his head was down. As soon as he lifted it up, Twilight regained her professionalism, quickly realized how much damage she could have caused to her reputation of being a mare of serious business.

"Let me see your document, if you please."- Twilight said as she gestured him to come over. He, still anxious, handed over the paper. The first thing Twilight noticed was that he decided to transfer from Cadance's palace to hers, which made her really proud. She didn't feel sympathy for Cadence that she lost a qualified guard. Why should she? The Crystal Empire wasn't exactly a part of the Equestrian lands. She remembered him now, and memories started flooding in. Did he choose to come here? Just for her? She forcefully fought the urge to blush, as she examined the paper. She had to be concentrated. And professional. Her mind raced as she saw that red x printed on the piece of paper. There.... was a flaw. One trainer did not approve and recommend the guard.. Twilight gulped, and felt severe pain in her head. If she accepted him, then she would look as if she didn't appreciate the trainer's work. But, then again........ What's wrong with just a little exception? She longed to have this guard in her team. She wanted to see him everyday, as he passed the hallways. Seeing his gorgeous mane swaying back and forth. The guard suit also suited him really well, without that rusty old helmet.....

Twilight magicked the paper out with her magical aura and powers, sending it to the dark abyss of a place specifically designed by Star Swirl. That was the reason that unicorns and alicorns could teleport useless stuff out of their current location, considering them a waste of space, and one of the reasons she admired Star Swirl so much. There was still a part of Twilight that remained even today. She admired her role-model and embodiment of wisdom, and still had every goddamn spell he wrote imprinted in her head. Flash Sentry, the name Twilight spotted in the document, was still in his comprehensive state, this time even shaking, as the princess eyed him with her usual stern look, a reflex. She scared the poor man even further by doing so. She immediately realized her mistake and cheekily blushed, she usually wasn't ashamed when she scared anypony with her attitude, put this particular stallion....... she didn't know how to put it. She felt it necessary to take his feelings and thoughts into account. It mattered to her. Even if..... It ruined her image a teensy bit.

"Flash Sentry.....I declare you an official royal guard. Congratulations, you may now head over to one of the trainers of your liking and they'll guide you to the guard's base so you can receive needed equipment."- as soon as Twilight said that, the pegasus bowed down.

"I won't be a disappointment, Princess Twilight Sparkle."

"Twilight is just fine."- Twilight said, after a cheesy chuckle, feeling immediately ashamed after that. Where did her professionalism go? It just vanished into thin air. The new royal guard then nodded in response, and went away to do his job. Twilight couldn't resist painting her face a crimson red, just thinking about the guard was amazing.......... But then again..... She was the ruler of Equestria. He was just a guard. A handsome guard.......Really charming, too....

The ruler's room was designed to be ten times bigger, better and more astonishing and dazzling than that of Celestia. It was built to the comfort of the princess, and whenever any of the staff had access to the room and entered, they could only just gape in awe. It was a breathtaking sight, which they thought would never exist. 'A gift for my eyes', many would say. Ponies assumed that the architect was different for this specific room. The castle was great, but this was something else. Some of the staff sensed something familiar in this particular room. The style, the design. They had seen Twilight's dresses and royal attire, but never the actual designer or creator. In the end, they just let the thought slip by and resumed to their job. The pleasure of the princess was taken into account. When she arrived, everything had to be ready. Her breakfast, the hygiene and order in the room. And the odor. She didn't want to see a speck of dust in her room, being the bossy ruler she is today.

Twilight Sparkle was heading to the doors of that very room, after an exhausting day. As soon as she entered, many more memories flooded into her head. As soon as she glanced over to every little detail, tears started to trickle down her cheeks. She was such a talent, such a beauty, such a miracle. Such an inspiration and role-model. The only pony out of her non-friends she would have liked to keep contact with. The pony she greatly sympathized.

"Oh Rarity, why did it have to be this way?"
The unicorn had gone missing right after.... that day. Nopony had a clue where she had gone. She truly was an amazing embodiment of grace and beauty. Anything could have happened to her, and Twilight's frie-... I mean not-friends didn't even bother to look for her. Twilight didn't too...... And she blamed herself for that everyday. Before the day happened, her generous friend Rarity lent a hoof in designing the castle rooms. She was originally going to design every room, but she only succeeded in designing this one. The only room Twilight glanced over to in pain, regret and most of all- guilt. She refused to have new designers for her attire. She only kept the work Rarity designed. For her. She was the most generous being Twilight could think of. How could somepony so delicate, so caring, so gorgeous deserve this awful fate? Anything could have happened- another encounter with the diamond dogs. She could have been held captive by some sadistic pony. Twilight shuddered at the thought, as more guilt rushed over her veins. But she didn't have time. She never did. The important thing now was the present. It always was and always will be. For the benefits of Equestria. And for her health-being. She wouldn't want to sacrifice herself for another. She didn't have enough generosity in herself, as mostly cruelness washed over her soul.
Twilight glanced over at her round-shaped, enormous bed. It had indigo and magenta pillows along with a lavender, thick blanket, topping it off with another blanket- chiffon fabric and a shade darker than the one below it. Twilight was always proud of Rarity's breathtaking work, and was eternally thankful for the comfort it held. It was perfect for a night's rest. She wanted to get everything off of her mind. And let the experienced unicorns walk through the dream realm to examine dreams. Technology AND magic has improved, thanks to the help of yours truly. She still continued her career as headmistress. This time, in the school of magic. As the princess sought out the most experienced and qualified unicorns, to advance into the school, a serious test was held. To prove that the specific unicorn had learned everything they needed to know over the course of the years.

As her thoughts ascended into the clouds of the night sky, Twilight didn't hesitate. She placed her royal attire in her amazing walk-in closet and jumped onto the bed. The fabric caressed her skin, and she felt like a Queen. Well, she technically already was, but- you know. The thoughts that usually braced her mind washed off. Twilight usually experienced various thoughts over the night. Not considering the 'important' stuff. Even she got tired out of all of her work. Torn, as if all of her energy just drained out of her body. Being a ruler wasn't the easiest thing. Not only did she sometimes had to deal with haters, but she had to care for the future of Equestria. And, of course, she had to make sure success threw out all non-serious stuff. Like friendship or love. Twilight often pitied that Cadance still hadn't changed her title. The lavender mare long ago erased the 'Friendship' part out of her name. Friendship didn't help raise foals into successful and helpful to the country grown-ups in the past, so of course it would be the same in the present.