The normal clear blue skies of Ponyville were replaced with grey, dismal clouds concealing what was left of the dimming sunlight and lightly drizzling down onto the thousands gathered together on one hill overlooking the entire town.
All was silent save for the melancholic howls of the wind, agitated shuffling of the branches, and mournful sobbing of every creature.
Ponies, Griffons, Dragons, Changelings, Yaks, Hippogriffs and even Breezies could be seen all around, their posture sagged, wings limp and ears drooped, no creature minding as the rain soaking their fur, leaving them shivering and trembling.
Atop the hill, two familiar figures stood at the front, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, the respective Goddesses of the Sun and Moon, though devoid of the usual regal poise and elegance they carried.
The darker alicorn was facing the masses, eyes shut, brows furrowed and lip trembling as she tried to hold in the tears threatening to overflow, others mistaking the trail of liquid flowing uncontrollably for rain as it showered down on the town.
The Alicorn of the Sun was not even facing the crowd, down on her haunches, body turned to the single object she cared about, drowning out the grief of others and the thunderous rain mixing with the puddle of saltwater under her. She stared hard at the lone slate, not even attempting to conceal her grief, sorrow and disbelief.
For the millionth time in that moment, Celestia read the golden words carefully etched into the marble tombstone, decorated with intricate patterns and flowers of every color, size and shape.
Twilight Sparkle
Element of Magic
The pony who sacrificed her life for thousands more.
A true friend to all.
Loyal, Generous, Kind, Enthusiastic and Honest till the very end.
Princess Celestia had a disheveled mane, dull and limp, matted fur messy and unkempt, feathers damp and sagging. Her eyes were bloodshot from the continuous tears building up, and she was trembling from exhaustion. She berated herself once more for encouraging the elements onto the battlegrounds, This is all your fault Celestia, If you hadn't asked them to fight your student wouldn't be...
To her right, Twilight's closest friends and relatives stood, comforting each other and fresh tears spilling over their fur.
Pinkie's usual puffy hair was flat and drab, dripping with her tears, fur now a light taupe shade instead of her characteristic bubble gum pink as her usual bubbly demeanor was smothered by the choked sobs escaping her as she tried to comfort the butter yellow pegasus by her side.
Fluttershy was shaking uncontrollably, grabbing Pinkie and hugging her in a vice grip as pure distress tumbled down her muzzle, staining her light pink mane. She wailed in a rare display of volume, whispering to herself words of comfort and not even acknowledging the tiny critters attempting to calm her to no avail.
Applejack hung her head low and bought her hat down, ensuring no creature saw her emerald green eyes, the only visible sign of her misery being the steady stream of tears raining down onto the drenched earth as her sister, Applebloom, hugged her, hoping for the first reaction from her big sister ever since the incident, but as usual, she stayed silent, forelegs quaking in its struggle to support its owner.
Rainbow Dash was, for once, not in the air, her messy appendages flopping uselessly on the ground as she let her facade of the strong, daring pony fall, continuously stamping the battered soil at her hoof, disregarding the orange filly at her side, nuzzling her gently while drowning in her own grieving, As Dash let the liquid released from her eyes, clamped and twitching, soak her fur.
Rarity's disheveled look would have come as a surprise to any creature who knew her, her rich velvet curls had not been brushed in days, her pristine white coat was dusty and matted with mascara and tears, and her pupils dilated and unfocused, barely registering the sobbing filly, Sweetie belle, beside her, who was thinking of all the fond memories she shared with the lavender pony.
Spike, Twilight's Number One Assistant, was inconsolable, he screamed, pounding the pavement until his scales bled, he had lost his best friend and surrogate mother without ever being able to work up the courage to tell her how he felt, until it was too late.
The Princess of Love was at a loss of words, the innocent lavender filly she had come to love had given up her life as an a selfless act, sparing the life of many, while Cadence had hidden away in the depths of Tartarus in hopes that the elements could save the day like countless other times, completely forgetting about the amount of backlash the act of defeating Tirek, Chrysalis, and Sombra together would inevitably bring.
Her husband, Shining Armour clutched at his parents in hope of comfort, There was none to spare. The three immediate family members sat in a cluster, faces scrunched in a mixture of pain, sorrow, and grief, sparing no words as they wept.
=============================== oOo ===============================
Princess Luna led the funeral, being the only pony managing to walk onto the podium without breaking down into sobs.
"To all creatures present today," She began in a loud, clear voice, "We gather together to mourn the loss of my-" She paused, a sob catching in her throat, "My dearest friend, Tw- Twilight Sparkle." Ignoring the gush of tears dripping down her muzzle.
"Merely four days ago, Twilight and her friends were sent on a mission to defeat Tirek, Chrysalis and Sombra with the Elements of Harmony. We believed these ancient artifacts were unstoppable, and foolishly risked their lives for a slim chance of success."
Wiping her tears with a hoof as she hesitated once more, before continuing "Entering the battlefield, Twilight and her courageous companions were ready to defeat the evil and return Equestria to harmony, but at the last possible moment, just after the bearers transferred all their energy to the Element of Magic, she performed an impossible teleport, sending her friends to safety and completely disregarding her own as she striked the enemy, defeating them with the only force greater than sheer power... A willing sacrifice.
"She is the only reason you and I are here today, her noble cause rescuing millions of creatures who would otherwise be stripped of their passions, families, and life." The amount of willpower Luna used to maintain her stance was astounding, determined to sent her best friend off, she resumed her speech.
"Twilight Sparkle was a true inspiration to us all, she overcame countless challenges and made many allies, she..."
=============================== oOo ===============================
Spike drowned out Luna's heart warming words as he focused on the ivory colored slate of marble, slowly extracting himself from his family and making his way to his mother's final resting place, determined to say goodbye.
He stood still, staring at the Regent of the Sun in disbelief, nopony had ever seen the majestic alicorn so... broken in a millennia, her mask of divine composure cracked and in pieces.
Reaching out a shaking paw to comfort her, Celestia barely flinches at the contact, "W- we can talk about it Princess..." Spike started, only to be cut off by a golden aura softly clamping the baby dragon's mouth shut.
"I'm sorry, Spike, I.. I don't want to talk to anypony, I just want t-" The white alicorn turns to the side abruptly, noticing the drake clamp his claws on his stomach, a motion Celestia was familiar with, but doubted she would ever see again.
"Spike?" Princess Celestia started, only to find said dragon blasting a violet flame up into the air instead of the usual emerald dragon fire. As the unusual flames dispersed, Celestia picked up a single scroll up in her magic, secured by a lavender ribbon and a mauve wax seal bearing Twilight's cutiemark.
The alabaster alicorn felt her breath catch in her throat, ending her tears for the first time in days. It couldn't be from her... Snapping the seal, Celestia ripped open the scroll, desperate for answers.
If this really is from Twilight Sparkle, did that mean she did not expect to live after the battle?
As she began reading, Celestia neglected to notice Luna's faint voice halting, turning towards her sister in an attempt to comprehend the situation and why she had cut off Luna's speech by reading from a scroll.
Celestia sent her soft voice across the hill, reading aloud her beloved student's last ever report on friendship.
=============================== oOo ===============================
Dear Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Ponyville, Friends and Family,
Princess Celestia, If you are reading this, it means my spell has worked and Spike has managed to send you my last friendship letter.
First and foremost, I want to say, what happened to me was not anypony's fault, I knew the consequences of using the Elements against Tirek, Sombra and Chrysalis. The night before our fight, I figured out the amount of backlash involved in using ancient artifacts such as the Elements of Harmony to their full power would inevitably cripple all who were directly involved, and even that amount of power could not guarantee our victory, I was not about to let my friends get hurt knowing I could do something about it.
Princess Celestia, I'm sorry I never said it when I could, but I love you, you were always like a second mother to me, always being there to reassure and comfort me, to wrap a comforting wing around me or take me on a flight riding on your back. If you ever need to be reminded of me, I have teleported nineteen years' worth of Mother's Day presents to your desk in Canterlot, I'm sorry I never worked up the courage to give them to you in person.
Celestia was in tears once more, but instead of them filled with grief and suffering, they were now tears of joy, to hear Twilight felt the same way was so touching, it helped repair a hole in her heart she didn't know existed.
Princess Luna, I have watched you try hard to integrate into modern day society, you are stoic, kind and caring, fighting nightmares to ensure our peaceful slumber, donating to orphanages and always lending a wing when I get cold. I enjoyed every night we spent together stargazing, and saddened to know we will never get the chance to do so again. But know this, I am proud to be able to call you my friend.
Luna couldn't hold it in anymore, she let the flood gates open to mourn for her dearest friend, she had done so much for her! Always gently hinting her of dialect and reminding her that she would still always be there to appreciate the stars even if there was nopony else.
Spike, my Number One Assistant, what would I have done without you? You cooked, cleaned and tucked me in, you offered me advice and words of comfort, always happy to listen and tolerant of my every whim. I'm sorry I bossed you around so much, I understand now it couldn't have been easy to memorize the entire order of books in the library, and despite all this, you never shouted at me, not once. I want you to know I loved you like the son I never had, thank you for giving me a chance to start my own family.
The dragon was down on his knees, letting out gasping sobs, how could he not have figured out her plan? He was the one who cleaned up her calculations the morning of the battle, never sparing a second glance at the numbers and hastily scribbled notes. His mother just told him she loved him like family, and he never got a chance to tell her the same thing.
My five best friends, Thank you for being there for me every day, I'm sorry I stressed out so often, it can't have been easy to have me around. I'm sorry I lied to you about our plan, I knew if I had told you what I planned to do, you would have never allowed me to leave the bunker in Tartarus, I hope you can all forgive me one day, I couldn't bear to see you get hurt knowing you have close family who would mourn for you, the numbers showed that none of us would make it out without at least being crippled for life, it was my life for yours, and I wouldn't change it for anything.
Pinkie Pie, Your optimistic nature is just what every creature needs now, don't mourn for me any longer, throw a big party and invite every creature, bake a cake with you in it and surprise the children, force the adults to play party games, throw out the party poopers and keep being the Pinkie I know and love.
The pink mare ceased her tears, regaining some of her color and a small poof in her hair, she stood, a small, grateful smile playing on her lips. "I'll make sure to throw you a super big Welcome Back party the next time you come to Sugarcube Corner!" Pinkie Pie whispered, letting out a small amount of confetti behind her.
Fluttershy, do not weep for me, regain your soft smile and kind nature, care for all the animals in your steed and extend that kindness to all who need it, the families torn apart by the battle and the frightened children, as only you are capable of the gentle coaxing they need.
Fluttershy, let go of Pinkie Pie, looking up for the first time days, before scooping her bunny, Angel, up in a wing hug and tears slowly dissipating. "Thank you." She murmured to her fallen friend's tombstone, before shutting her eyes and basking in the warmth of her woodland critters.
Applejack, I know you will have a hard time dealing with my loss too, but please, remain strong for your family, your farm and your morals. I bet many, like me, would kill for one of your legendary apple fritters right about now! I made my sacrifice so that you would be able to stay with your family, Applebloom and Big Mac need you AJ, especially with Granny Smith's passing last year, so don't drift away from them on my account, should you ever need help, remember our friends and I love you, and we wouldn't leave you hanging.
The farm pony opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out save for a choked sob expressing her gratitude, she bent down and looked her sister in the eyes, for the first time in days, Applejack let out a dry chuckle, nuzzling Applebloom and putting an end to her tears.
Rainbow Dash, you must understand, should I have told you my true intentions, your fiercely loyal spirit would have cost you your flight, your special talent, your desires of being a Wonderbolt and even your place in the weather team! Now you have been spared of this fate, spread your wings and achieve your dream, for me.
The cyan pegasus retracted her wings before spreading them up high, a confident grin back on her face, Rainbow used her right wing to bring Scootaloo to her chest, trapping her surrogate little sister in a wall of feathers and tears.
Rarity, your generous nature is just what the citizens of Equestria and the other creatures need right now, use your remarkable talents for fashion to design a warm blanket for the ones who need it most, look after your little sister, Sweetie Belle, and devote your time to productivity instead of weeping. Perhaps some new banners for the boutique? I heard lavender is in fashion now.
The white mare, Rarity, wiped her running mascara with a hoof and pulled her sister into a hug, already receiving inspiration for her next line from the flowers lined up against her best friend's grave.
Shiny, Cadence, Mom, Dad, I know simple words cannot end your pain, but perhaps it will relieve some of it. I love all of you so, so much, and I owe you all my life. Thank you for always being there for me, for making me hot chocolate in winter, forcing medicine down my throat when I get a cold and for laying a blanket over me at night when I fall asleep on an open book. I will never forget you, and I doubt you'll forget me either, but I beg of you, go on with your lives, Mom, finish that novel you were writing for me before the battle, Dad, complete that accurate wallpaper of the night sky you were planning to decorate my room with, Cadence and Shiny, rule the Crystal Empire with love and devotion like you always have, don't let me stop you from completing your duties.
The four ponies nodded in unison, tears sleeping out of their eyes and creating a pool on the ground, before Twilight Sparkle's parents looked at each other with a gaze of comprehension, both letting out a small smile which proved infectious as the Crystal Rulers followed with grins of their own.
Ponyville, Thank you, thank you for everything, upon first arriving here, I knew nothing of friendship and attempted to push you away to dive into my studies, my efforts proved futile as you ponies pushed the loneliness I had no idea was there away, replacing it with support, care and a community. I'm sorry it had to end this way, I had looked forward to meeting your children and grandchildren, but it seems that now, I'l never get a chance to. I want all of you to know, I do not regret my choice, if my single grave is the price to pay instead of hundreds more, then I would gladly comply without hesitation.
In the crowd, there was a collective nodding of heads and smiling faces, promises to spread the word of Twilight Sparkle's noble actions.
There is one last thing I would like to ask of you. Please, every creature, spread the joy of friendship and love, remind your children of the importance Kindness, Honesty, Loyalty, Joy and Generosity can bring, and encourage them to put these morals into practice for a happier, stronger world.
Your faithful student, daughter, and friend,
Twilight Sparkle
=============================== oOo ===============================
Not a single eye in the masses was left dry, their fallen savior's words of encouragement had bought hope for all creatures and shined a light for the future.
One by one, creatures moved up the hill, paying their respects and leaving a token behind. Flowers, badges, food and books could be seen all around the final pony who had stayed behind until the very last of the crowd had ebbed away.
The alabaster alicorn made her way to her beloved student's final resting place, sitting down and producing a picture out of thin air.
It had a golden rim sporting a simple yet elegant design, the image depicted Twilight outside the Golden Oak's Library with her friends, Spike, Luna and Celestia huddled together in a group photo, each wearing wide grins and fur smudged with Pinkie's celebratory cake.
The white mare, now devoid of her golden regalia, stroked the violet pony at the center, letting her tears stain the paper, before setting it beside the grave.
"Thank you for everything Twilight." The sovereign whispered, before turning tail to leave the one pony she treasured most.
"What are friends for?" A familiar, soft voice cut through the ravenous wind like tinkering bells, making Princess Celestia's heart stop.
She felt her breath catch in her throat, not daring to raise her hopes, the trembling alicorn turned back to the grave.
"Tw- Twilight?" All the noise seemed to fade away as Celestia, disbelief evident in her widening eyes, faced a pony she had thought she would never see again, smiling at her with tears at the corner of her eyes.
"Celestia." The lavender spectral alicorn greeted as said alicorn lunged at her, finding she could hold the smaller body, hugged her with all of her might as tears of joy ran down her muzzle.
"I- I- H- How?" The Goddess of the Sun stammered as she grabbed Twilight, afraid to let her go.
"This is only temporary, I came to say sorry, sorry for all the tears shed for me and your suffering." The Princess of Friendship admitted, staring apologetically at her mentor's bright magenta eyes shining from the tears.
Celestia shook her head quickly multiple times before continuing "No no no, Twilight, It's not your fault! If anything its mine! I should have worked out the numbers, calculated the risks! But instead, I pushed you all into battle and it cost me the most precious pony in my life!" Covering her head with her forehooves, The Regent of the Sun broke down in tears, "C- Can you ever forgive me?"
Twilight made her way over to her beloved mentor, placing a shimmering wing over her and shielding her from the rain.
"No." Celestia looked up in shock, a mixture of pain and sorrow overtaking her expression as she wept harder. "No, because there is nothing to forgive." The lavender alicorn continued, nuzzling her former mentor's neck.
The sovereign's ears flicked up in surprise, turning to face Twilight, "You did what you could for your citizens, you did the right thing, and as your subjects, it was our choice to serve, just as it was my choice to give up my life for you and my friends, for a better Equestria.
"Oh Twilight, always so noble..." Celestia faltered, determined to not break down once more in front of her Most Faithful Student.
"Well, I did learn from the best," Twilight joked, hoping to raise her second mother's spirits.
The white alicorn let out a chuckle, "Twilight.. I- I want you to know I'm so, so proud of who you've become...I- I- I have always seen you as a daughter! I don't know what to do without you! " Celestia shook her head frantically as a sad smile crossed Twilight's lips, her body fading slowly.
"Live Princess, live, guide others to see the light, encourage your subjects and provide them with comfort and hope, like you did with me... and remember I'll be watching you every step of the way." A pained expression crossing Twilight's features before dissolving into a serene smile.
"I love you!" Celestia blurted out desperately as she reached out to the faint outline of her daughter, but unable to feel any distinct figure, she was about to break down in another combination of sobs and tears but was halted as the wind bought a faint whisper to her ears.
"As do I."
Staring at the horizon, where her sun was descending, making way for the twilight, Celestia's lips curled into a distant smile, thinking of all the intimate moments she shared with Twilight. "Live..." The Solar Diarch's face filled with determination and hope for a better future.
Out of the corner of her eye, Celestia spotted a faint wisp of lavender floating down to the earth.
Bending down, The sovereign picked up a single feather, the color of Twilight's fur and dusted with a faint scent of rose, Twilight's favorite shampoo.
Tucking the feather securely into her mane, Celestia felt her daughter's familiar presence sweep over her, before silently gliding towards the direction of Canterlot.
Had she looked back, she would have seen her Twilight's shadow in the clouds, wearing a proud grin for her second mother.
Author's Note
I know it's not as up to standard as most stories out there, but it was an effort, I am no experienced writer and I would appreciate suggestions and constructive criticism!
