My Little Mages: The Ultimate Obstacle

Chapters

Not as they appear
Breaking It Down
Finding the Solution

Not as they appear

The city of Chantalot was a buzz as not only the human Mysticans of the three founding tribes, but Orks, young dragons, harpies, aasimars, and others were engaged in various business. Most notable of them was a slightly larger than human size purple dragon, with green spines, that walked towards the castle. Around his neck was an amulet that had on it a purple six-pointed star surrounded by five smaller symbols, one was a set of three apples, one a set of three sapphires cut in the shape of kites, one a set of three butterflies, another a set of three-party balloons, and the final symbol was cloud with a lightning bolt of three colors. Behind the purple star was a merger of the sun and the moon. As the dragon walked he smiled at all the going-on's and what seemed to be peaceful interactions.

After about half an hour he arrived at the door to the castle’s throne room, the door was opened by a male harpy who seemed to be in his mid-thirties with blue feathers who’s crown feathers was a lighter blue with amber tips dressed in the golden armor of the ESM. The dragon nodded to the harpy and the door was opened. As the dragon entered, “I got here as soon as I could, but ambassador et large is a full-time job these days. Getting an armistice signed between the Abyssinians and the Diamond Dogs makes sitting Winoa and Opal a cakewalk.” the dragon groaned as he entered as he walked a small group of royal staff started to exit.

This left in the throne room a woman that stood almost seven feet with long hair has not been easy. She had dark sapphire hair with two streaks, one was rose and the other was violet which floated effortlessly, with violet eyes, and metallic wings purple and gold in color which seemed to float behind her and yet also come from her back with two amethyst six-pointed stars functioning for the wings like her arm's shoulder balls. She wore a headband with a horn-like amethyst focusing gem on her forehead, also on her head was a tiara that seemed to be a merger of black colored metal and a golden crown. She was dressed in a long purple gown. She giggled, “If it was easy, I wouldn’t need to send for you, Spike.” She did, however, hug the dragon, “But, all the same, I’m happy that you’re here.

The dragon rolled his eyes as he got to the thrones and laid down on his belly, with the throne itself fitting in the space between his left front and rear legs. “So, Twilight, what’s the emergency?” he asked, getting to the point.

Twilight sighed as she sat down in her throne, “Ever since I took the throne, one of my duties was to take over Celestia's School.” She then sighed again, “And had to include teaching magic to my duties.” She then looked down as she paused again. “But now it seems my top student has missed the most important lesson of all.”

Spike squinted one eye at Twilight, “What do you mean?” the dragon asked getting to the point.

Twilight looked the dragon, “Let's just say it'll be good to have my royal advisor and closest friend by my side.”

Once she finished speaking to Spike, the harpy guard at the door opened it, “Your Majesty, she's here.” he informed.

Twilight smiled and nodded, “Send her in, Gallus.” she ordered. The recently identified guard nodded and opened the other door to reveal a young woman nearing the end of her teenage years, just on the crust of legally recognized womanhood. The young woman had hair that shifted from yellow to red like the rising sun at dawn with a couple of stripes of solid yellow. Her eyes were dawn yellow-orange and she wore a long light pink dress with long sleeves, with a focus gem on her forehead with the gem itself was orange and was shaped to look like a rising sun.

After the young woman walked into the throne room and approach Twilight’s throne, Gallus shut the doors as he left. The young woman bowed to Twilight, “Your Majesty,” she started.

Twilight got up from her throne and walked towards the girl, “Luster Dawn, I may be the ruler of Mystica, but I'm still just your teacher.” she pointed out.

The recently identified Luster Dawn rose up to face Twilight, “ And you've been wonderful. I've enjoyed every moment at the School For the Gifted, even though my mother is the other woman in your marriage… well technically both my mothers are the other women…” she trailed off.

Twilight giggled a little, “Luster, part of Princess Celestia’s School for the Gifted application process is that the board is not given any personal information of yours until after the entrance exams. And you proved yourself to be the best. It doesn’t matter that Sunset and Flash are your parents.”

Luster gave a weak laugh and cleared her throat, “But back to my point, I'm just not sure it's the right place for me.” as she looked down slightly ashamed.

Twilight nodded, “I see.” the monarch admitted.

Luster looked back up and waved her hands, “It's not the work. I could spend weeks in the library doing research.” she started to explain before she lowered her hand and rubbed the back of her head, “It's just that there's a lot of focus on making friends.”

Spike smiled as he hovered and placed his left front talon on his chest and closed his eyes, “If that's your problem, you've come to the right place.”

Luster gave a weak smile as lifted the heel of her left foot and spun her ankle with her toe still on the ground, “But that's just it. I don't want to make friends.” Luster confessed.

“WHAT?!” Spike shouted in confusion. He then looked to Twilight in confusion.

Twilight raised an eyebrow at Spike in slight annoyance before she turned back to Luster and gave a small smile as she seemed to be in thought, “So you'd rather leave the School of Magic than make friends?”

Luster, however, pulled out a collection of scrolls, “I was thinking something more akin to an independent course of study.” She said as she prepared to present them to her teacher, “I want to accomplish as much as you have someday.” she said as Twilight looked at the scrolls.

Spike spied the content of the scrolls from over Twilight’s shoulders. He then looked over Twilight to Luster, “It'll be hard to do that without friends.” the dragon pointed out.

As Twilight returned the scrolls to Luster, “I'm not so sure.” the younger woman countered, “Friendship looks like more of a distraction than anything else and ultimately a waste of time.” she concluded. Spike was left agape as his jaw hung open. This was not left unnoticed by Luster but her focus was on her mentor, not the familiar. “I know you and your friends accomplished a lot together, but that was so long ago, and as far as I can see, you rule by yourself now.” Luster pointed out how she saw things with regards to Twilight’s rule. Spike’s jaw hit the floor and brought his right talon to the medal he on his neck. If Luster noticed, she showed no signs and continued, “And I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I think it's better. Plus, if friendships ultimately fade, why even make them in the first place?”

Spike looked to Twilight his mouth still hanging open and blinking. He couldn’t believe any of this. Twilight looked to Luster with and understanding smile, “You’re right, Luster.” the princess informed before she started to walk towards the windows of the throne room. Spike fainted as he couldn’t comprehend what had happened. Twilight patted Spike and shook her head. She then turned back to Luster and gestured to one of the windows. This showed Twilight’s coronation, as a crown was lowered onto Twilight’s head by a golden light from the sun and a silver light from the moon, with renderings of Alfs, Harpies, Aasimars, Dragons, and Orks alongside Earthborn, Skyborn and Magicborn cheering. “Friendships take work, and there's no guarantee they'll last. They can be complicated. They can be messy. And they never go the way you plan. Friendship is a hard thing to navigate. I remember the first time I realized it might not last forever.” she said as she looked at the window as if almost lost in memory as Luster joined her. Twilight then turned to face Luster, “Have I ever told you the story of my coronation?” she asked.

Luster shook her head, “I can’t say you have.” the student answered. Twilight smiled as she turned back to the window.

Approximately twenty years ago, Twilight was flying around the Castle of Friends in a panic as she panted and yelped. All the while Spike, once again in his winged iguana state, was looking over the last couple of packed boxes and checking off a list. Spike raised his head from the list. “Twilight?” he asked. “Uh, I'm pretty sure that's everything,” he said as he pointed to the few boxes that were there.

Twilight, however, continued to go from room to room, “I'm just doing a final check, Spike.” she shouted before she went to what was Spike’s old room. Spike just shook his head as he jotted down that Twilight went into each room that Twilight and Spike lived in and her private library thrice. Twilight shouted, “Ah-ha!” she then came out of Spike’s room holding a comic book. On the cover of it showed Mistress Marvelous throwing one of her boomerangs. “See?” Twilight asked as she flew up to Spike and showed him the comic, “An issue of Mistress Marvelous’ solo run.” she then gave it to Spike. “Now, aren't you glad we triple-checked?” the demigod asked with a smile.

Spike was about to say that he didn’t need that issue, but he stopped and took a breath, “This is about us moving back to Chantalot and everything changing as we’re about to leave Magiville?” Spike asked with a slight scowl as he decided to get to the heart of the matter.

Twilight sighed as she sat down, “It’s all happening so quickly.” she said as she looked at the floor. She then raised her head to face Spike, “Sure my friends are willing to help, but they all have lives here. Rarity plans to open a shop in every city in Mystica and now our allied nations, Rainbow’s a Wonderbolt, Fluttershy’s sanctuary isn’t gonna manage itself, Applejack has Sweet Apple Temple and for Pinkie… well, she’s Pinkie.” She then sighed again. “We’re moving away and they’re not, what if we just drift apart?” she asked before she buried her face in her hands.

Spike nodded before he put the comic into the box he was sitting on and flew over to Twilight, “I think you should talk to them.” Spike said as he placed his right claw on Twilight’s shoulder. “They might be feeling the same way.”

Twilight lowered her hands and raised her head and smiled at Spike before she pulled him into a hug, glad for the comfort he was offering.

A few minutes later in Sweet Apple Temple, Twilight (after teleporting herself and Spike) watched as Applejack and Big Mac prepared three crates, one with cider and marked ‘Cider’, one was full of apples and marked ‘Fresh Apples’ and the third had jars of applesauce and marked as such. Applejack then checked it off a list and handed it to Big Mac. The large cleric nodded and loaded the crates onto a wagon. “So, you're not worried about how things might change with me living in Chantalot?” the princess asked the paladin.

Applejack turned to Twilight and placed a hand on Twilight’s shoulder and smiled, “Change is a part of life,” the paladin said, “There’s no sense in running around like a chicken with its head cut off over it.” Twilight gave a sad but understanding smile. “Besides there’s a lot more work to do for the coronation.” Applejack then hugged Twilight and then turned to help Big Mac load the last of the boxes. Twilight sighed before she and Spike left the farm. Just as Twilight was gone, Big Mac gave a slight glare to Applejack, “She needs her friends to be strong for her.” the paladin countered.

“Nope.” was all the cleric said in response.

After leaving the farm, Twilight teleported herself and Spike into the basement of Sugarcube Corner where was housed Pinkie Pie’ Party Planning Pothole… “Okay, not the best name, but you try to maintain the alliteration?” Pinkie asked as she turned to you the reader. She then turned back to Twilight, “Me worried?” she asked Twilight. “Pfft! No way!” she answered as she went off the list for the post-coronation party. “After everything we've been through? No way.” she continued. “Unless you're talking about the coronation, because then yes. Obviously, the cakes are handled, but there's the whole rest of the party to stay on top of,” she said as she popped around the cave of file cabinets before she was right next to Twilight. She then leaned in to whisper in her friend’s ear, “And honestly, I'm not convinced Gummy really took care of the fireworks.” she said before all three turned to see Pinkie’s toothless alligator holding a sparkler to light off fireworks as it sizzled.

After turning from the gator, “But what about after the coronation?” Twilight asked as pointed out there was much more, “Don't you think things are gonna be different?”

Pinkie took a second to tap her chin in thought, “Well, since I'll be in charge of all the Canterlot galas from now on, I'll have to go there a lot more.” the jester reminded Twilight of the former’s upcoming role now that Twilight was about to be coronated. She shrugged her shoulders, “So I guess that's different, but I don't think I mind.” she said with a smile as she had to get back to her files to get some more information.

Twilight dipped her head with a slight frown, “No. Of course not.” she replied before she and Spike started to fly up the slide into the cave. After the two left Pinkie sighed and wiped the corners of her eyes.

A few minutes later, after Twilight, again teleported herself and Spike, outside of Fluttershy’s cottage, butterflies, hummingbirds, and doves circled around Twilight’s head before they flew off so that two swans could lower a tiara made of sticks and twigs on Twilight’s head as the demigod stood still. Fluttershy applauded as the birds and butterflies flew to land right in front of her. “Wonderful work, everyone!” she said to the animals. “We couldn't be more ready.” she then turned to the doves, “Josephine, if you and the rest of the doves leave now, we should all arrive in Chantalot at the same time,” she said. The doves cooed before they took to the air. Fluttershy then turned to the swans, “Eloise and Hubert, you should go, too. I know it's a long way, but don't worry. I'll bring plenty of snacks to restore your energy before we perform.” she took the swans. They honked before they took off and flew towards Chantalot following the doves.

Fluttershy then opened a small birdcage for the hummingbirds and a terrarium for the butterflies. “Everyone else gets to ride since the trip's too much for your little wings,” she said and the creatures entered their refuge. “We need everyone in tip-top shape for the coronation.” Fluttershy then turned to Twilight and Spike, “I'm glad we got the chance for one last rehearsal. Everyone's so excited.” She said with a closed eye smile. She then opened her eyes again, “But I can't imagine anybody's more excited than you. Moving back to Chantalot. Being crowned. I can't think of a single bad thing about any of it!” the druid declared as she picked up the cage and terrarium.

Twilight gave a nervous laugh, “Yeah. Me, neither.” she lied before she and Spike turned from the druid and flew away. After the two had left the druid, she sniffed as before she wiped her nose and eyes.

After flying from Fluttershy’s cottage, Twilight cast another teleportation spell to get herself and Spike to the Wonderbolt training grounds. A couple of minutes after they arrived they spotted Rainbow in her Wonderbolt flight suit with a coach’s hat and whistle, “In three, two, one, and…” and once the elementalist trailed off as two of the other Wonderbolts flew by. They were followed by six others in two groups of three. The six swooped around and flew to meet up in pairs and clap their hands, this was successfully done by four of the six, but the last two, Spitfire and Soarin, missed and smacked each other. Rainbow quickly zoomed to get a cloud and caught the two as they fell.

Spitfire took off her goggles and glared at Rainbow, “Look, Crash, I know this is important to you, and we all want the routine to be special, but are you sure it needs to be this complicated?” she asked the newbie of the lot.

Rainbow grinned, “Of course! And I know we can pull it off!” she declared. Soarin and Spitfire only shook their heads as they got back to attempt the routine again. Rainbow turned back to Twilight and Spike. “Sorry, Twilight. I don't have time to talk. We've got a lot more work to do before the coronation.”

Twilight sighed before she and Spike started to fly off. As the princess and her dragon were out of sight. Rainbow then turned back and gave a sad sigh herself.

Shortly after leaving the Wonderbolts training ground, Twilight had teleported herself and Spike back to Magiville and into Rarity's boutique. There Rarity was sewing Twilight’s coronation dress. “Darling, change is an integral part of fashion.” the enchantress informed Twilight, “I myself am considering opening boutiques for even outside of Mystica. Things must evolve, or they become stale. For example…” she trailed off as she walked over to a terrarium. “I was just struck with a sudden inspiration to change my design for your gown by including the webs of these star spiders,” she said as she showed that there were two of the said types of spiders at small sewing machines. “They glow for a short while after they're spun. They won't have much time to weave the sash, but the effect will be dazzling.” one of the spiders lifted a thread, which Rarity took with her magic to show Twilight and Spike, “You see, darling?” she asked. “Change can be fabulous if you embrace it!” she declared before she returned the thread.

Twilight dipped her head and left with tears starting to form in her eyes, Spike followed her with a concern faced.

About thirty minutes later, back in the Castle of Friendship’s library, Twilight sat on the floor with a few tears in her eyes. Spike then entered the library, “Starlight is gonna be over soon. There’s a little something we wanted to give you before we leave.” The dragon stopped and then flew up to her and hugged her as he rubbed his cheek on hers, knowing what she needed.

A couple of seconds later, “All right, Twilight. Are you ready?” came the voice of Applejack as the paladin and the four other friends entered the library with smiles on their faces as the dragon and Twilight turned to face the four. “We all wanted to see you off, but there's still a lot to do.” the paladin’s smile failed and rubbed the back of her head. “Ah know yah want us tah go with yall, but I gotta make sure the crates get to the right places.”

Rainbow was the next to speak, “And I'm gonna meet the Wonderbolts so we can go over the routine one last time.” the elementalist begrudgingly admitted.

“I'm going with Gummy. He said he knows when the fireworks display should start,” the party planner stated before she appeared to be next to Twilight and started to whisper into Twilight’s ear, “but does anybody really believe that?!” she asked rhetorically.

Fluttershy looked to her bird cages for a second, “And I still need to pick up food for the swans and doves who flew ahead to Canterlot.” she informed. “If I don't get them fed, they'll be too pooped to perform.” she pointed out.

Twilight got up and started to walk, a slight scowl on her face as she looked down to the floor, “Well, I'll be living in Canterlot alone. Might as well take the train alone, too.” she said, “Bye, I guess.” she said in a mix of dejection and frustration.

Rarity dashed to walk beside Twilight, “Oh, you won't be traveling alone, darling.” she pointed out. “I'll have just enough time on the train to weave the star spider sash for your gown. But we should leave now.” Rarity continued as she started to push Twilight out of the library. “There's no time to dawdle if you want the coronation to be perfect.” It was here that everything went too far.

“That's the problem!”Twilight shouted as she turned to face her friends. “You're all so worried about making my coronation perfect,” she started to call out her friends. However, her anger died swiftly as she was overcome with sorrow, “but I'm leaving Magiville and none of you even care!” she shouted in her sorrow. This caused the five to gasp.

Breaking It Down

Twilight paused her story to let what she told thus far sink in. Luster, however, seemed to have come to the wrong conclusion for as soon as Twilight stopped, “Exactly.” Luster declared, “You moved away, your friends didn't care, and that was that.”

Twilight shook her head, “While that’s a reasonable conclusion to make, there’s much more to the story.”

Back in the Castle of Friendship, in Twilight’s story, the five were about to speak, but each paused for a second. Applejack took a breath and looked at each of the other four before she took off her hat and stepped forward. She sighed, “The truth is, Ah’m scared.” the paladin confessed. “Ah know this isn’t like when my parents…” the paladin trailed off, “But the idea of you no longer being here…” The paladin trailed off as she wiped her eyes, “I know you’re scared, I thought what you needed was somebody to be strong…”

“I thought by making you feel better, by making you believe the change was not as big as it could be, I wouldn't feel so terrible,” Fluttershy added as she shut her eyes as tears started to form.

Rarity pulled out a handkerchief and blew it, “I am sorry, but you leaving and the thought that it…” she trailed off as she blew her nose again. “It’s rattled me to the core.”

Pinkie’s eyes started to well up before she pulled everyone into a group hug, “I’m losing my BFFWAP!!!” the jester wailed before waterfalls shot from her tear ducts. “That means ‘Best Friend Forever Who’s A Princess…” she trailed off as she continued to cry. “I’m gonna miss you so much!!!”

Spike held up his right talon, well three of the claws, and counted down before the dams burst and all six cried. “And I thought won the rock-paper-scissors with Flash.” the dragon muttered as the six pulled themselves in their hug tighter and wept.

After a solid minute, the six stopped crying and started to dry their eyes, “I know it's weird, but knowing you're all are as upset as I am actually makes me less worried,” Twilight said as they all started to smile in understanding.

Spike looked to the clock on the castle’s wall and his eyes widened in shock. He then turned to the six, “That’s great and all, but you should be more worried about missing the train to Chantalot!” the dragon pointed out in a panic.

Outside of the castle, Starlight was walking towards the main entrance with a wrapped box. She stopped as she saw the doors opened as Twilight et al ran out. “Sorry, I'm so late. I actually thought I'd missed you—” she tried to say but was cut off as the seven all but ran over her.

“There's no time!” Spike shouted back as they bolted to catch the train.

Once they got to the station they saw the train to Chantalot they had to catch was already trekking along the track. Twilight gasped but then conjured a shield around herself and her six closest friends and then teleported to be on the train. “We made it!” she declared before she started to laugh weakly as the conductor arrived. Twilight gave another laugh as she handed him a small bag of bits before the seven took their seats. Once Twilight sat down, “Okay. We're on the train. Everything should be fine, right?” she asked.

There was a beat of silence as Rarity looked to the collection of the star spider silk thread and saw the time, “I'd worked out exactly how much time I needed to weave my star spider sash, and now I'm behind!” she declared as she started to weave the silk in the sash.

Applejack was looking out a window towards Chantalot and while was at ease, there was a bit of nervousness in it. ‘Please don’t screw up with the orders, Big Mac.’ she whispered.

Fluttershy looked to the butterflies and hummingbirds and sighed as she recalled the doves and swans that flew ahead. She sighed, “I don't have the snacks the doves and swans will need to perform after their long flight.” she then got up and started to fly from the seats, “I'd better find the food car.” she said. As she left the star spiders spotted the hummingbirds and butterflies and vice versa. The spiders screeched as they looked ready to prepare the catch and eat the other animals while the hummingbirds tweeted in fright.

Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy weren’t the only ones that had concerns. Rainbow opened the window of the train, “I need to meet the Wonderbolts!” she shouted and zoomed out of the train, making a sonic rainboom in her wake. After a few minutes, she arrived at the Wonderbolt training ground. She looked around only to see a janitor clearing up. “Where's the coronation team?” she asked.

The janitor there put aside his broom, “Well, they waited, but when you didn't show, they thought you must've meant to meet outside of Chantalot.” he stated. Rainbow groaned and bolted to meet up with the Wonderbolts.

Back on the train, Twilight turned to Pinkie, “The only thing I'm worried about is Gummy handling the fireworks display.” the jester confessed. She then shugged her shoulders, “But I'm sure it's fine.” she said before she gave a nervous laugh.

Twilight clasps her hands together and started to pray.

About two hours later as the sun started to set, the better part of the population of Mystica and its allies were gathering for the coronation in the yard under the balcony where the coronation would take place. Watching from within the castle, Celestia and Luna were looking ahead. Twilight then ran in with Rarity, the princess with her hair frazzled, while Rarity was disheveled, but still ever fabulous. “We had a few hiccups along the way.” Twilight declared informing the two.

Celestia and Luna turned but smiled upon Twilight, “We really are both just so proud of you. If you need a moment, that's all right. It is your coronation.” Celestia said as she tried to comfort her former student. This was rapidly undermined as trumpets flared.

Giving a weak but apologetic smile, “Although it would be nice to get started. Are you ready?” she asked

“NO!” shouted Rarity as she grabbed Twilight’s coronation gown and started to undress Twilight out of her normal attire. “She can't possibly be crowned without wearing her coronation gown!” the enchantress protested.

Celestia and Luna simply turned away and head to the balcony. After they arrived they waved as all in attendance cheered and applauded for a solid minute. Once they had quitted down, Celestia spoke, “Citizens of Mystica and beyond!” she announced starting her speech. “For over two thousand years, my sister and I have ruled this land,”

“Albeit there was that one millennium when I was in the moon.” Luna chimed in an attempt to joke.

Celesia rolled her eyes and continued, “but even we know that change eventually comes to us all. And though we know it can be unsettling, it's as natural as the rising and setting of the sun and the moon.” Celestia paused as she and Luna both stepped to the sides of the balcony. "Both of which my sister and I feel confident leaving in the hands of the princess who will come after us."

Back inside in the hallway, Rarity had finished, more or less, getting Twilight into her coronation gown. It was a light almost pink like purple with a short white train. Twilight's hair was in a slight ponytail. All the while Twilight whimpered. Once Rarity was satisfied with her work, “You look amazing.” the enchantress said to her friend. Rarity then spotted the terrarium she bought with her, “Ooh! I almost forgot!” she shouted as she took the Star spider silk sash out of, unwittingly taking the two star-spiders with it, and placed it going from Twilight’s left shoulder to under Twilight’s right arm. In the center of the sash was a small medallion that depicted her aura mark.

“And so without further ado,” came Celestia’s voice before Rarity pushed Twilight towards the opening towards to balcony. Twilight started to walk on her own as Celestia finished, “ I give you the new ruler of Mystica - Princess Twilight Sparkle!” Celestia declared as Twilight stepped on the balcony. However, in the process, the younger demigod stepped on and tripped over her dress’ train. She yelped as she fell, causing Celestia, Luna and the crowd to gasp.

Twilight got back to her feet, “Sorry.” she said as sheepishly blushed. Celestia and Luna smiled as they used their magic to levitate and merge together tiaras together into a new one that looked like the one Twilight wears out of her story.

While the two older demigods held the tiara aloft, Luna spotted on Twilight’s shoulder one of the star spiders, “Um, Twilight?” she asked as she tried to get Twilight’s attention. This was not to be as the hummingbirds and the butterflies that were to encircle Twilight for the actual crowning spotted and were spotted by the star spiders, leading the hummingbirds to chirp in fright and the star spiders to screech again.

At the same time, on another balcony, Fluttershy placed a carrot in front of the doves and swans, “I know these aren't the snacks I promised, but it's all I could find,” the druid tried to reason with the birds. The swans only honked in irritation.

At the same time, watching from one of the hills just outside of the city, sat Spitfire with the other Wonderbolts that were there for the coronation show. Spitfire looked around, “Well, Crash or no Crash, Twilight's about to get that crown.” Spitfire said as she noted the absence of Rainbow. She turned to face her fellow Wonderbolts, “Wonderbolts,” she said before she turned to face the capital, “roll out!” she ordered and they zoomed towards the coronation.

Just as they left, Rainbow finally arrived… just barely too late. “No! Wait!” she shouted before she zoomed after them.

Back at the balcony of the coronation, the doves arrived as did the swans to finish the actual crowning. However, things continued to go wrong as it took the swans too long to place the tiara on Twilight’s head as the Wonderbolts arrived to perform the stunt, but then things got worse as the fireworks that Pinkie entrusted Gummy to light went off causing such chaos that the swans dropped the tiara. Twilight cried with an “Aah!” as he dove after the tiara. Everyone gasped before Twilight hovered back to the balcony, the crown on her head, but the top pointed forward resting on her focus gem and the rending of her aura mark facing behind her.

Applejack stood up from her seat and began to chant the coronational declaration of a new ruler, “Long Live Princess Twilight, Long Live Princess Twilight, Long Live Princess Twilight!”

Everyone then started to join in the chant. However, back on the balcony, Luna shrugged her shoulders, “Hmm. Close enough.” the lunar demigod stated. Twilight could only whimper in response.

Twilight once again stopped her story to allow Luster a chance to process what she heard before Twilight finished. After a few seconds of thought. She then spoke up. "I think I get it now. Your coronation was such a disaster that you and your friends never really recovered, and that's why you all drifted apart." The student concluded.

Twilight stifled a giggle as Spike groaned. He then spoke his mind, "Well, you're half right." The dragon admitted.

Luster stroke her chin as she tried to fathom what she missed, “So the coronation wasn't a disaster and your friendships just faded away over time?” she asked

“Seriously?” Spike asked utter bemused by Luster’s answer. “Your teacher was ‘The Princess of Friendship’ before she became the ruling princess and we just told you about the coronation.” He then turned to Twilight with a bemused look that rivaled Applejack’s, “If this is your star pupil, then you clearly need to ask Celestia for some teaching pointers.”

Twilight shook her head with a slight eye roll before the doors to the throne room opened to have Pinkie Pie, now looking to be in her forties. She was still dressed as she did two decades ago and as lively as ever, the only sign of her age was the slight wrinkles under her eyes. Next to her was a boy, no more than four with similar poofy pink hair and green eyes and dressed not too dissimilar to Pinkie, but his attire was yellow and his aura mark was a slice of cheese pie. He was playing with a rubber chicken. “Sorry, I'm late.” Pinkie said with a sigh, before she picked up her son and held him so that he was somewhat setting on her hip, “But it is so hard to find a sitter with a sense of humor for Li'l Cheese and I can’t keep pawning him off on Pound and Pumpkin or the other usual sitters.” she explained.

Following Pinkie came Rarity, like Pinkie, she showed two decades of life with the wrinkles under her eyes but also had a noticeable gray streak in her hair. She was dressed in a large blue fashionista winter coat with white fur close to the top. “Sorry Darlings,” Rarity said, “but you would not believe how busy Yakyakistan is this time of year.” the enchantress declared.

Following her were Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Both also showed the wear of years, but while Pinkie and Rarity showed the last two decades, the two athletes of the group seemed to be half a decade younger. However, Applejack had taken off her armor and wore a long yellow farm dress with a yellow handkerchief with apples around her neck. As for her physic, it was clear that she had come to term for at least three children. Rainbow was a slick as ever, and while still wearing the shorts of her youth, now donned an orange shirt under a black leather flight jacket. The two seemed to have been in an argument, “I am just saying that if you let me do some of those chores, we would have caught the earlier train.”

Applejack laughed, “And have to go over them after I got back,” the paladin then laughed again, “Sugarcube, I’ve got four actual kids to clean up after, and they at least get the tacks Ah ask them to do right. Also, nothing stopped you from going on ahead,” Applejack then turned to the rest of the gathered group. “Ah told yah we’d wouldn’t be the last ones,” she then held out her right hand. Rainbow groaned as she reached into her pockets and pulled out a handful of bits before handing them to the paladin.

Just as the transaction was completed, a portal opened and Fluttershy floated like a butterfly through. She seemed to between her four friends in age, although being the eldest, and seemed to have come to term for her own progeny, but not as many as Applejack. As the portal closed, “Discord’s getting things together for his, Big Mac’s, Trixie’s and Spike’s O&O panel for ChantaCon.” the druid explained, “Or he’d join us.”

As the seven started to greet each other via embraces, Luster was left confused, “I just assumed that since you all aren't together all the time now—” she trailed off as she tried to understand what she saw.

“That we aren't friends?” Twilight asked, concluding Luster’s thought. Twilight and her friends then had a short laugh. However, Twilight then continued, “That is not the point of my story. It's true, my coronation was a disaster.”

Finding the Solution

Author's Note

I know I said that I'd publish this all for Hearth's Warming Night, but I am not feeling inspired to compose the chronological entry to the series.

So if anyone has any suggestions, feel free to PM me.

With any luck, I'll have the other story up for Hearth's Warming Night.

Song used: Where the Magic Happens

Finding the Solution

Back in Chantalot, as Twilight’s story started again after everyone had mostly left the main coronation event, Twilight in her disheveled state, save her tiara was now on properly arrived at a table. At the table were her five closest friends with Dirk Thistleweed setting next to Applejack, Ragamuffin seated next to Rarity, Cheese Sandwich was next to Pinkie, Discord sat next to Fluttershy. Also, there were Sunset Shimmer and Sci-Twi, along with Flash Sentry, Fizzlepop Berrytwist and Sunburst, with two other empty seats. Once Twilight actually reached the table she let her face hit the table, “Rough day, hon?” Flash asked. Twilight replied with a groan.

For a solid second, no one said anything until Twilight started to laugh as she raised her head. She looked at the table and picked up a glass of cider, “Well at least that’s over.” she said before she took a drink and started to laugh again, this time the others joined in the laughter. After a solid minute of laughter, Spike and Starlight arrived, the later had the box she was carrying earlier.

“I know maybe it wasn't the coronation you planned.” Starlight said as Spike took his seat at the table, “but it's good to see we’re able to share a laugh over it.” She then presented to Twilight the box, “I wanted to give this to you back in Magiville, but as things turned out…” she trailed off before she had a small apologetic laugh. “But now that you’re moving back to Chantalot, I figured that you’ll likely miss us still in Magiville,” Twilight then accepted the box, “So this might help.” Starlight finished.

Twilight opened the gift and saw that it was a book, she opened the book and saw images, each image was of the various adventures of her and her friends, from when she moved to Magiville, to the invasion of Chrysalis, to Sombra’s siege, to Twilight’s ascension to becoming a princess, to the battle with Tirek, to Twilight reaching out to Starlight, to the Flurry’s Crystalling, to Starlight’s rescue squad, to the freeing of Stygian, to the whole adventure to Mt. Aris, to the finding of Twilight’s School of Friendship, to the Battle of the Bell against Cozy, Discord and Chrysalis to even Twilight and friends few adventures in Midnight Castle. Twilight from the book to everyone there and smiled as she shed tears of gratitude. She then held the book close to her heart. “I love it.” she said before she placed the book down, “Thank you all so much. But I don't want to only look back.” she said as she looked to her friends. “Obviously the coronation wasn't perfect, but that doesn't matter.” She said before she looked down back at the book as she opened it to a picture of her and her five friends, the photo that helped her complete the spell that led to her choice to become a demigod. She then looked back up with her focus being her five key friends. “It's our relationships that really count, and we have to maintain them.” Twilight declared.

Everyone looked to each other slightly confused. Twilight, however, smiled in confidence, “And I know how,” she paused before she squinted her eyes in confidence, “As my first royal decree, as the ruling princess of Mystica, I hereby establish this gathering of my friends” As Twilight spoke, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow got up from their seats and joined around Twilight in their own circle, as my Council of Friendship which will meet once a month!”

“And what a wonderful decree it is!” came the voice of Celestia, the group turned to see her and Luna, both were no longer in their usual regal dresses and/or gowns, Celestia wore a red button-up short-sleeved shirt that was adorned with flowers and a pair of short pants. Luna was dressed similarly to her sister, but her shirt was light blue-green. Both of them had camping backpacks on.

Luna then spoke up, “We always knew that whatever adversity you faced, you and your friends would find your way through it together.” she said to affirm the faith the two had in Twilight. “Well, Tia, we best be off, or we’ll miss our train.”

“Wait, you’re leaving?” Twilight asked.

Celestia smiled as she turned to Luna, “We got a few more minutes, plus who do you think taught Twilight Teleportation?” she asked with a slight giggle. Luna only rolled her eyes. Celestia then looked to her student. “Mystica is in perfect hands with you, and all you call upon to be partners in looking over it. Also for as long as Luna and I will leave, we will provide you our experience. But its time Luna and I actually got to live our lives.”

“We have quite the bucket list,” Luna added as she unrolled a scroll that made Pinkie’s list of friends look like a flashcard. “Also when we’ve completed it, we’ll be settling into Silver Shoals, which we hope you’ll visit us from time to time.” she pointed out.

Celestia then spoke again as she smiled upon Twilight, “ But now it's time for you to rule and you're all more than capable.” Celestia declared.

Twilight then dove into Celestia and embraced her mentor, “Thank you. For everything.” Twilight whispered. Celestia then completed the hug and soon Luna, Spike and Twilight’s five closest friends joined into a group hug as they had a hearty laugh.

With Twilight’s story over, Luster was left mostly speechless as she took in the whole story. Once she was at the point she could formulate her thoughts, “So, even though everything changed and you moved away from your friends, you didn't grow apart?” she asked Twilight. The princess nodded. Luster then looked to the five other women that had joined them in the throne room, “And this is the Council of Friendship?” Luster asked and they all nodded, “That's what you're all doing here?” she continued to ponder the gathering.

Applejack chuckled, “Eeyup,” the paladin answered, “That’s how we’ve been helping Twilight rule and face every problem and threat to Mystica over the years.” There was another laugh as she looked back on the past twenty years, “Granted, it’s mostly just been us keeping in touch.” the paladin explained.

Twilight then walked to be at Luster’s side and placed a hand on her student’s shoulder, “Sometimes friendships can be hard, and it takes work to maintain them. But without friends, things can be a lot harder.” Twilight explained.

Luster looked to the floor as all she had concluded had been proven wrong, “I never thought about friendship being something to work at,” she said as she looked up, starting to get the message, but still very much lost, “and I don't mind work.” she added as she looked straight at Twilight. She held her chin in thought, “I guess if they don't have to fade away, maybe making friends isn't the waste of time I thought.” she finished as she looked up to face her mentor and the Council. However her thoughts reminded her how she prioritized her life, “But I've been so focused on my studies, I wouldn't know where to start.” she admitted as she looked to the floor with a sad frown.

Twilight smiled, “That's all right,” she said understandingly as she used her hands to raise Luster’s face to face her again, “because I know exactly how to help you.” she said. Seemingly out of nowhere soft guitar music started to play, “When I started out, I was unsure
I thought I knew all that I needed, didn't know what to expect
But when my walls came down, I saw the truth
All along something was missing
And I think you'll see it, too.” As Twilight sang she moved her focus gem started to glow and before anyone realized, she had teleported all nine onto the Magiville town green.
“This is where the magic happens
This is where the magic lives
Our friendships weave together stronger
The bonds grow deeper, lasting longer
And the greatest spell you'll know
Is how the Magic of Friendship grows.” As Twilight sang Luster saw the various residents of Magiville going about their day to day life, with many waving a ‘Hey there’ to her. Almost by instinct Luster waved greeting them in turn.

Luster’s hand was then taken by Pinkie as the jester pulled her further into town in the direction of Sugarcube Corner. There Mr. and Mrs. Cake were returning from a delivery, as Pound and Pumpkin, now in their early twenties, stepped out of the shop. Lil’ Cheese then left his mother and ran to his ‘Uncle and Aunt’. “And no matter how much time goes by
The party will still be here with some fun new games to try.” Pinkie sang as all this played out as Cheese Sandwich arrived riding on Gummy, who was now about ten feet long.

As Luster smiled and stepped to approach the lot, but was taken into the sky by Rainbow, as the elementalist arrived at the Cloudsdale, where she was joined by a wing of the Wonderbolts, counting among them were Silverstream and Scootaloo. Rainbow sang as she flew, “Big adventure's waiting obviously
Long as we're still here together
We'll be flying happily,” she said before she took Luster back to Magiville and meet the others in front of the School of Friendship.

Once there, Twilight and her friends guided Luster to the School of Friendship, “This is where the magic happens (where the magic happens)
This is where the magic lives (where the magic lives)
Our friendships weave together stronger
The bonds grow deeper, lasting longer
And the greatest spell there is
What the Magic of Friendship gives.” the six sang as they gave Luster the tour of the school, helped along by Starlight and Sunburst. During the tour, Luster was shown classed being taught by Apple Bloom, Ocellus and Smolder. In the class were not only members of the three main tribes of Mystica, but harpies, orks, alfs, dragons, and the other minor races that resided in Mystica and the world beyond including the werewolves known as Diamond dogs and catfolk better known as Abyssinians.

After this tour, the group arrived at Sweet Apple Temple, “And it's somethin' true to pass on down
To generations yet to come, “ Applejack sang as she lead Luster into the grounds where the paladin was greeted by Big Mac, Sugar Belle, Dirk, and a small army of children that ranged from six to nineteen, all of them looked to be either the sons or daughters of the Apple adults and their spouses.

After this encounter, they all arrived outside of Carousel Boutique, where the door was opened as a customer stepped out followed by Sweetie Belle bid the client due. “And we'll never stop believing in
The generosity of the friendships we've won.” Rarity sang as they were joined by Yona and Sandbar who seemed to be in Rarity’s employ.

As Luster smiled at this, she and the rest were then brought to Fluttershy’s Sanctuary, “And because the love that I feel
For every single living creature is something that is real
Friendship happens so naturally.” Fluttershy sang as she showed to Luster the animals in the sanctuary.

Twilight then took over the song, “Oh, and how I used to wonder(Ahhh-ahhh-ahhh...)
What friendship could be!” the princess said as she spread her wings and her focus gem started to glow.

Then all six of Twilight’s closest friends joined with Twilight as behind each of them appeared passing images of all the people that Twilight et al have affected since the six all joined together, “This is where the magic happens (where the magic happens)
This is where the magic lives (where the magic lives)
Our friendships weave together stronger
The bonds grow deeper, lasting longer
And the greatest spell you'll know (you'll know)
Is how the Magic of Friendship grows.”

The rest stopped as Twilight embraced Luster. The two ended their embrace and Luster then nodded and turned and began her trek to the School of Friendship to start the next stage of her growth, not too dissimilar from her mentor after Twilight initiated friendship with Applejack et al. As Twilight watched on, she smiled and finished the song, “How the Magic of Friendship grows.”