Life Goes on

Chapter 2: The press problems

“Hoaahhh…” Twilight yawned, taking off one of her golden boots.

She was still sitting at her seat in the train, and watched the night sky glitter.

“Ready to head off to bed, Prin- Twilight?” Flash asked, looking at Twilight.

“Sure… sure…” She groaned. “Let me just… Take these things off.”

Twilight lit up her horn, and levitated her crown, boots and necklace off, placing them in her bag that was sitting beside her seat.

“I’ll see you to your room.” Flash smiled. “It’s right this way, follow me, would you?”

“Thank you, Flash… Thank you.” Twilight yawned, tired.

Twilight got up from her seat, and started following Flash along the tiny corridors of the train.

They went into the overnight cabin, which was filled with ponies doing their thing, some taking a nap. One of them noticed Twilight, and bowed.

“Lovely to see you, princess…” the mare said, turning back to read her Daring Do book.

Flash and Twilight reached the end of the cabin and opened the door to go to the next one. There
stood a large double bed, far away from any other creature: the private cabin.

“Me and my nightshift partner will stay right here, outside these doors.” Flash explained. “You can come see us at any time if you want something, even during the night. You are very well guarded, Princess.”

“Why do I get the private cabin?” Twilight asked, rubbing the tiredness out of her eyes.

“Well, you… you’re royalty, princess. This cabin is reserved for royalty.” Flash explained to the sleepy princess.

“Oh… right.” Twilight replied, feeling just a bit stupid.

“Well… Have a good night, princess! And remember, we are always here, ready to serve you.” Flash said.

“You don’t have to talk to me like that, Flash. I’m just an ordi-”

Twilight was cut off by the sound of the cabin door closing behind her. She sighed, and trotted to the window, looking outside. They had already started climbing up the mountain, and the scenery changed with it. Twilight gazed up at the shining stars in the sky, and was reminded of how she would meet the princesses again tomorrow morning: but this time it felt more serious. Because once again, Twilight was learning under Celestia’s wing, just like all those years ago.

Twilight soon climbed to bed and fell asleep to the sound of the train running along the mountainous tracks. And soon enough, all of Equestria would fall into slumber, just like every night.

Pinkie heard a knock on her door, and sat up on her bed. She looked outside to see that the sun had just risen, meaning it was around 5am. She yawned, got up, and trotted to her bedroom door. She opened it to find Spike outside, with a letter in his hand.

“Couldn’t this have waited…?” Pinkie asked, as Spike handed her the letter.

“It’s my duty to deliver mail as soon as it arrives, Pinkie…” Spike said, yawning. “Sorry if I woke you up, but it’s from Princess Celestia. I figured it was important.”

“Good morning Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie read the letter aloud. “I hope this letter reaches you. As you might know, Twilight is studying under mine and my sister’s wing for the summer… and during fall, when she steps up to fill our positions, we’ll have to hold a proper coronation for her. Would you like to plan and host the party? Both my sister and I know that you are the best party planner in all of Equestria, and that’s certainly why it is your special talent, too. I eagerly await your
response. From Princess Celestia.”

Pinkie looked away from the letter for a while, and Spike nervously waited for her to say something.

“Well…? Spike questioned. - Are you going to… help with the party?”

“Am I going to help with the party?” pinkie asked, looking at Spike dead in the eyes.

Spike nodded nervously, expecting a negative response from Pinkie.

“Well of course I am!!!” Pinkie beamed, her frown turning into a big, wide smile. “I- I get to… “

Pinkie was laughing so much she hyperventilated.

“Shh, calm down, Pinkie-” Spike tried to calm her down, but she continued.

“I get to plan my bestest friend’s coronation! Yippee! Do you know what this means, Spike? It means that Princess Celestia and Luna are- are going to go to my party! Aaah!” Pinkie shouted out of joy.

Spike chuckled a bit, and proceeded to say:

“So… Are you going to answer?”

“Oh, right, hold on…” Pinkie said.

Pinkie grabbed a sheet of pink parchment paper and a pen and started writing.

“Dear Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna too, if you’re reading this: I would absolutely love to help with the coronation and the party! So, count Pinkamena Diane Pie in!”

Then, pinkie grabbed a bunch of glitter she had on her desk, but Spike stopped her before she could apply it.

“Dude! Glitter never leaves when you put it on somewhere! Use something else, like… confetti!”

Spike grabbed the jar of confetti Pinkie had on her desk, and handed it to her.

“Good thinking, Spike!” Pinkie said as she put the jar of glitter away, and applying confetti as a decoration instead. “Alright, you can send it.”

Spike grabbed the rolled up parchment and blew it away. The purple gas soon lifted off towards Canterlot.

“Now that you’re here…” Pinkie said. “I wanted to write Twilight a letter too... I bet she misses Ponyville a lot, I mean I would.”

“Sounds good!” Spike answered.

“But what do I attach to it?” Pinkie questioned. “I want to give her something fun with it.”

The two creatures stood in Pinkie’s room for a while, thinking of ideas that would fit within a parchment roll.

“Should we just… go ask Rarity?” Pinkie asked. “I’m sure she has something in her closet she can give.”

“Rarity? Oh, that’s a brilliant idea, Pinkie! Let’s go! Now!” Spike got excited, and was soon bugging it down the stairs to Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie right behind him.

Mr. and Mrs. cake were already wide awake as they had been woken up by the crying cake twins. They waved Pinkie goodbyes as she exited sugarcube corner with Spike.

“Isn’t it a bit too early to wake up Rarity?” Pinkie asked. “It’s, what, 5am?”

“Oh… right.” Spike said, sounding a tad disappointed. “Maybe we should drop by Twilight’s castle and see what’s up there.”

“Got it…” Pinkie yawned. “Got it.”

The pair started walking across Ponyville, the streets of which were emptier than Pinkie had ever seen. The sun was peeking out from the horizon and the everfree forest looked as scary and dark as ever. Twilight’s glittering crystal castle reflected the sunrays and casted glittering light upon Ponyville.

“So, Pinkie…” Spike began to ask. - How do you feel about organizing the coronation? It’s a big responsibility, and I’d feel kind of stressed if I had to plan something that important.”

“I’m really excited, Spike! I was planning on asking Cheese Sandwich for help… I doubt I can host it all by myself.”

“Good idea! I’m sure Cheese would be honored to help with a royal party, not many creatures get the chance.” Spike smiled.

“Mmhm!” Pinkie nodded agreeingly.
The two reached the doors of Twilight’s castle, and Spike opened them to reveal a big, crystally hallway decorated with purple banners and a fancy, red, long carpet which warmed up the cold floors.

“I think we should check out Twilight’s storage first…” Spike said. “There’s a lot of stuff in there. And a lot of junk that Twilight refuses to get rid of.”

“Huh?” Pinkie asked. “What do you mean?”

“Sentimental value or whatever. But follow me, I doubt you know where it is.”

Spike and Pinkie continued to walk across the castle, taking a left turn there and a right turn here. They went up a few staircases, until Pinkie noticed they were right next to Twilight’s bedroom door, next to which stood another door.

“Here.” Spike said, and opened the door.

Behind the door was stacks and stacks of books, toys, parchments and whatever you could imagine Twilight’s storage would hold. It also seemed like it hadn’t been opened in ages, as a cloud of dust emerged from it. Spike climbed up the pile and seemed to look behind the stuff that was in the front.

“Wow!” Pinkie said. “What’s all this for?”

“Nothing. Literally nothing.” Spike groaned. “As I said, she likes to keep junk because of sentimental value. I just don’t think that “book list #6 from Celestia” is really that sentimental.”

“Oh! I’m sure it is, Spikey! Don’t be silly now… Maybe you just don’t know the story behind it.”

Pinkie also climbed up the wall of stuff to look at what was behind it.

“Dude.” Spike said. “I know every story about Twilight. I’m her assistant.”

“Oh, right” Pinkie giggled. “Ooh! How about this?”

Pinkie grabbed a dusty-looking doll from the pile, and Spike looked at it closer. It was of a white pony, but it had gone gray with age. The doll’s hair and eyes were a deep, rich blue and it had a horn on its head.
“This looks like Shining Armor, doesn’t it?” Pinkie asked. -”With the white fur and blue mane…”

The doll was holding some kind of paper, and Spike grabbed it to see what it would say.

“Happy coronation to my dear sister, Twilight Sparkle.” Spike read out loud. “It’s incredible that you became an alicorn and will begin to rule this land with Princess Celestia and Luna… And I’m so proud to call you my sister. Shining Armor.”

“Oh oh oh!” Pinkie seemed excited. “Wouldn’t that be perfect?”

“I guess so. But…”

“Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s send it!” Pinkie said, excited.

“I was just…” Spike began saying.

“What?”

“I was just wondering if we could at least check out what Rarity had to offer before deciding. There could be something even better at her place, don’t you think?”

Spike blushed a bit.

“Ah, sure!” Pinkie replied. “But first I want to get some breakfast! Sugarcube corner is already open, let’s go, Spikey!”

Pinkie pounced down the stairs, humming a song to herself. She broke into a lyrics for a little while:

“It’s a piece of cake to bake a pretty cake… Lallalallalaa…!”

Spike smiled, and followed Pinkie.

“Princess Twilight… Princess, excuse me?”

Twilight heard a voice saying her name. She blinked a few times, and looked up to see Flash Sentry standing by her bed.

“We’ve arrived at Canterlot, Princess.” Flash informed Twilight. -”I know it might be unpleasant, but we require you to get up and ready as the train will soon leave.”

“Got it.” Twilight said, stretching her wings.

She was used to waking up early, and sometimes even enjoyed it. Thus she was energetic right after waking up.

“I’ll wait for you outside this cabin, and from there I’ll see you to the Canterlot Castle.” Flash explained, turning around to start walking towards the door.

“Thanks, Flash. I’ll be there in a few minutes!”

Twilight jumped off the bed as Flash left the cabin. Twilight lit up her horn to levitate her crown, shoes and necklace out of her bag, swiftly putting them on. They fit perfectly, but still felt uncomfortable to wear for some reason. Maybe it was because of the hard material, Twilight didn’t know. Twilight also grabbed a hairbrush and quickly made sure she looked presentable, simultaneously making her bed with her magic. After she was done brushing her mane, she put her brush back in her bag, grabbing it and exiting the cabin. She found herself once again in the public sleeping cabin, where Flash was already waiting for her.

“Thank you for being quick, Princess. Let me take your bag.” Flash said, reaching for twilight’s bag that she was levitating.

“No no, don’t worry. I can levitate it just fine myself.” Twilight said.

“There’s a crowd waiting for you outside.” Flash reminded Twilight. “I’m sorry, but you might want to look a bit more… formal? Like a princess would.”

“Agh.” twilight gave in. “Fine, if you really want to take it.”

Twilight handed the bag to Flash, who put it on his back.

“Ready to go?” Flash asked, fitting the bag to stay on his back.

Twilight nodded, and the duo exited the train from the nearest door. When Twilight stepped out, she didn’t see a crowd of fans, but rather a crowd of royal guards, all with their head up to appear formal. Flash started leading Twilight out of the train station, and soon they could hear the chatter of the city ahead of them. The train Station’s building was also filled with guards, but ahead, through the glass doors, Twilight could see thousands of ponies eager to see her, all blocked off from standing on the road by guards and fences. Twilight took a big deep breath, and stepped out of the building along with Flash. Right as she did, the crowd cheered, and the closest pony to Twilight screamed:

“Oh my gosh I love your necklace, Princess!”

That pony erupted in fangirling giggles along with her friends.

Flash and Twilight began to walk across the city to the castle, and Twilight kept her ears up to hear what the ponies closest to her were saying:

“Princess, Princess! I’m from the daily mane! Is it true there’s going to be a new alicorn?”

The flashes of cameras followed Twilight.

“Oh, Princess Twilight!” A middle-aged mare said. -”Please, kiss my baby’s forehead! Please!”

Twilight didn’t like to show favoritism, so she just kept going. The mom luckily didn’t seem to mind.

“Oh Pwincess! I made a dwawing of you! Pwincess!”

This time, Twilight just couldn’t keep on walking, so she glanced at the drawing the young colt had made, and smiled, saying:

“I love it!”

She didn’t bother to say anymore, as once again, she was afraid people were going to think she favored others over themselves. But, at least the colt that made the drawing seemed satisfied with Twilight’s response.

The rest of the way to the castle was the same, but when they entered inside the walls that surrounded it, the chatter stopped. Twilight took a big deep breath, groaning:

“Wow… I haven’t had a welcome that… welcoming in years! Maybe ever!”

“I’m sure it’ll calm down soon, Princess.” Flash said, as they headed for the castle doors. “They’re just excited about the gossip that’s been going around.”

“How come the ponies at Ponyville don’t mind?” Twilight asked. “They see me every day.”

“That’s just it.” Flash replied. “Probably because you’ve lived there your whole life, and you know many of the residents personally. They’re used to you and just think you’re a normal pony like them. “

“Hm… I guess so.”

Twilight sighed.

“I just wish that maybe someday I would be treated like a normal pony again. I really miss it, being able to go out to a cafe on my own, just reading a book and sipping some tea. Nowadays everyone just wants a picture of my flank or something.”

“Princess.” Flash said.

Flash turned on his heel and put his hoof under Twilight’s chin, lifting her head up.

“I promise you, princess…” he began saying. “I promise you that this is what everypony wants. You are living the dream, princess. Don’t throw this dream of many away, because you’ve been blessed with a gift. This is what you want.”

Twilight stared into Flash’s longing eyes, not saying a word.

“I… I don’t…” Twilight tried to say.

“You want this. Everypony wants this.” Flash insisted.

Flash took his hoof away from Twilight, and once again turned to lead her to the front doors of the castle. Twilight was pretty confused as to what had just happened, but decided to forget it and followed Flash, who opened up the castle doors. There stood the main hall, bustling with royal guards, all taking a stance once seeing Twilight.

“The Princesses want to meet you right away.” Flash said. “They’re waiting for us in the throne room.”

“Alright then…” Twilight replied, feeling a bit uneasy.

The two winged ponies continued on their way across the castle, heading for the throne room. Twilight eyed the new and improved designs of the castle, with its banners and crystal decor. As always, the window panes were painted, one representing the defeat of Grogar, one Discord’s reign, one the royal wedding of Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. Twilight was so entertained at looking at the window panes that she didn’t even realize when they were already at the throne room’s doors.

“Take a big deep breath, princess.” Flash advised. “You seem nervous.”

Twilight did that as Flash opened the doors. Behind the doorway stood the throne room, which was lit up by multiple jets of light in the colors of the rainbow, which was caused by the painted windows on the sides of the room. At the end of the hall stood a pair of thrones, and upon them: Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. They smiled gently at Twilight, who nervously smiled back. Flash gestured Twilight to come in first, so she stepped in, still looking at the two sisters.

“Good morning, Twilight.” Celestia greeted Twilight.

“Did you sleep well on the train?” Luna asked.

“Oh, yes. I did…” Twilight said, nervous.

“That’s great to hear, Twilight.” Celestia smiled. “Why don’t you come sit next to us? We have a lot to talk over.”

Twilight spread her wings and carefully flew over to the podium the thrones sat at. She landed right next to Princess Celestia. Flash gave Twilight an encouraging smile from the door.

Celestia then lit up her horn, and as it glowed a sunny yellow color, she levitated a piece of parchment from a bag between the two sister’s thrones.

“Me and Luna have listed this summer’s studies for you here. Would you like to read it through?” Celestia asked.

“Oh, oh yes please.” Twilight said, still nervously sweating just the tiniest amount.

Celestia levitated the parchment to Twilight, who grabbed it with her own magic. She began reading the long list of studies.

“We hope it’s not too much for you.” Luna said. “I know we told this would take a few years, but I’m afraid we’re going to have to hurry up a bit and do it this summer, perhaps fall.”

“What?!” Twilight gasped. “Ahem, sorry. I mean what?!”

“I’m terribly sorry, Twilight.” Luna continued. “But it seems our magic is already fading and we’re afraid it’s only going to last a couple of years at best. My time in the moon not using my magic made it decay a lot faster. “

“As with me.” Celestia added to the conversation. “As I did double the work when Luna was gone, my magic decayed faster than it would be normal for alicorns.”

“Wait, so…” Twilight began asking. “You mean I have to learn all this within the next four months?!”

“We will do our best to help you and assist you, Twilight.” Luna said, standing up, a saddened expression on her face. “Princess Cadence will also arrive in a few days to assist you.”

Twilight skimmed over the parchment again, sighing.

“I will do my best, your highnesses.” She finally said after a long pause.

“You always do you best, Twilight.” Celestia smiled. “There’s no doubt that you will succeed.”

“Once again we apologize.” Luna added. “This summer is going to be rough on all of us working here at the castle, but your wellbeing is our top priority. If you don’t manage to learn all you need during the summer, I’m sure princess Cadence and many other volunteers will offer to help you while you finish your studies.”

“Thank you, Luna. And you too, Celestia.” Twilight sighed. “I do like studying and taking responsibility, but… will I be able to see my friends at all?”

“We will do our best to let you go to Ponyville for a little vacay.” Luna smiled. “But if it seems we’re running out of time, I’m afraid letters will be all you get unless your friends decide to visit you here.”

Twilight nodded.

“Alright. Where do we start?”

“Eager to start already, are you?” Celestia giggled.

“Yes, Princess Celestia.” Twilight responded. “We have to.”

Twilight had a determined expression on her face, and was eager to start working.

“I think the most important part is for you to be able to raise the sun and moon.” Luna said. “If you don’t learn it by the time our magic fades, it’d be a disaster: not even Cadence can do it.”

Twilight nodded, and Luna gave her a smile to indicate that she was proud.

“I think you ought to start at the library’s restricted section.” Luna said. “Search for a book called “Celestial bodies 101”. It should get you started for today.”

Twilight smiled, nodding.

“But Twilight.” Celestia added. “Remember to take breaks and focus on something other than studying for a little while too.”

“I will. You can count on me, your highnesses!” Twilight declared. “I’ll leave to go to the library right now.”

Twilight spread her wings, and lifted off to fly back to the door, where Flash was standing.

“Flash, will you show her to her room?” Celestia asked, and Flash nodded as a response.

“Let's go drop your stuff at your room and then I’ll see you to the library, is that alright with you?” Flash asked Twilight while he was opening the doors to the hallway.

“Sure, but… You don’t have to see me to the library.” Twilight replied

“I do.” Flash said. “As you are the biggest celebrity in all of Equestria right now, it is provided you are with a royal guard at all times."

Twilight sighed as Flash closed the doors behind them.

“Fine, if it’s for my safety.”

“I knew you would understand, princess.” Flash smiled.
“Just call me Twilight, will you?” Twilight snapped a bit, but giggled after seeing Flash shocked.

“AJ! AJ!”

Applejack heard a familiar filly’s voice call her name.

“Sugarcube??” Applejack said, springing up to sit on her bed, looking around frantically.

She then spotted Applebloom standing by her bed and that the sun was already out, which definitely meant that Applejack had slept in.

“You slept in so we got worried…” Applebloom said. “I guess your clock broke.”

“My clock broke?” Applejack questioned, glancing at her alarm. “Shoot, looks like you’re right. We’ll have to get Big Mac to fix this up today.. Did I miss anything?”

“Not really, we just ate breakfast.” Applebloom responded.

“Darn it. I’m sorry I didn’t come, Applebloom.” Aj said while getting up from her bed. “I don’t know how I didn’t spot that my clock was broken before I headed off to bed.”

“How would you have known?” Applebloom said, turning around to head out. “Come, there’s still pancakes left for you. Oh, and granny told me that the flimflam brothers are coming over today too. Dunno why tho, but they are.”

“Alright. Thanks, lil sis’” Applejack smiled.

Aj grabbed her hat that was lying on her nightstand, and headed downstairs with Applebloom. They entered the kitchen to find Granny Smith and Big Mac sitting by the table. Granny was gazing into the abyss, meanwhile Big Mac was reading the newspaper.

“Sorry I slept in.” Applejack said, waking up granny from her daydream. “My alarm seems to be broken. Could you take a look at it today, Big Mac?”

“Eeyup.” he answered.

Applejack took a seat right next to Big Mac, and grabbed a few pancakes that were on the table. She also glanced at the newspaper Big Mac was reading:

“Princess Twilight Sparkle to retire?” She read out loud. “New alicorn princess to be crowned? What in the hay…”

“I was wonderin’ about that too.” Applebloom said, taking a seat opposite her sister. “Is Twilight really retirin’?”

“Well, she was headed to Canterlot for royal studies for once, so…” Applejack said. “I doubt that. I really doubt that. Where on earth would they have gotten this gossip from?”

“Ooh dear.” Granny spoke up. “That’s just classic newspapers today- it’s not about information anymore, it’s about information that’ll sell, ain’t it? Pah!”

Applejack munched on a piece of a pancake and Big Mac read out loud:

“Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have been confirmed to be losing magic at an alarming rate… our credible sources say that they’ll lose their ability to raise the sun and the moon before this winter. “

“I mean… I don’t doubt that.” AJ commented. “But how could they have known that? And what the hay does “credible sources” mean?”

“You think they have someone from the royal staff leakin’ this stuff to the press?” Applebloom asked. “I’ve heard of that happenin’ before and all. It happened with the royal wedding of Princess Cadence and Shining armor too, did it not? Someone from the royal guard sold info to the press.”

“Sure sounds like it.” Applejack responded. “And if it would be a royal guard, they’d have to be at a very high rank, considering they know this…”

“Maybe you should contact Twilight?” Big Mac asked Applejack.

“You know what? Maybe I should. Actually, I’ll head off to find Spike right now.”

She pushed the empty plate forward to indicate she was done, and trotted to the door.

“And Big Mac, could you take a look at my alarm as I said?” She asked before heading off.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac responded in his usual style.

Applejack smiled and nodded.

“Thanks a bunch. I’ll see you once I get that letter sent.”

Applejack galloped off at full speed, accidentally slamming the front door behind her, scaring Granny.