The end of magic

It was a nice day in Ponyville. The sun was shining brightly as a refreshing breeze blew in from the west. Today, Twilight Sparkle and her friends were having lunch at Sugarcube corner; a makeshift picnic on one of the tables out front.

“Wow, Pinkie! I can't believe how good these are! I never liked scones before today.” said Twilight, popping another into her mouth.

“Yeah, I wasn’t a fan before today, either!” remarked Applejack.

“Oh darling, I must get the recipe for this.” said Rarity.

“Um...yeah, I like them too.” said Fluttershy, a soft smile on her face.

“Yeah! They’re the most awesome scones ever!” a pile of crumbs spewed out of Rainbow’s mouth as she spoke; due to it still being partially full with the wonderful pastry.

“Thanks everypony! I knew they would be good, but not super-duper good! Well, okay, I did; but I didn’t think everypony would like them so much!”

While everypony continued to discuss Pinkie’s wonderful scones, a certain baby dragon was quickly making his way towards the group.

“Is that Spike?” The other mares turned and looked in the direction of Twilight’s outstretched hoof.

“Twilight!” shouted Spike, he was quickly closing the gap, “I was making lunch when I got a message from the princess!”

Odd; Twilight had not been expecting a response to her latest report so soon.

“Here it is.” said Spike as he handed it to Twilight. “Ooh, can I have a scone!?”

As Spike started to shovel the pastries into his maw, Twilight opened the Princess’ letter.

“My Faithful Student,

I immediately require the presence of you and your friends. As soon as everypony is gathered, please teleport to the throne room in Canterlot Castle.

                                                                                                     Princess Celestia”

This was not good. Twilight could only begin to guess what had happened. Before she could explain and before anypony could ask any questions, she started her teleport spell. In a matter of seconds the group went from Sugarcube Corner to the Throne room of Canterlot Castle. As the ponies tried to regain their bearings, Princess Celestia came forward.

“Thank you for coming so quickly. There is much to discuss.” She motioned to the guards that they could leave the room. As soon as they had closed the door, Celestia began her explanation.

“This morning I received a strange guest. Apparently, it was Twilight from the future. She was very flustered and very hurt. Before I could ask her anything she gave me very grave news: exactly one year and one month from now, Discord will return. And this time, he will be out for blood. If what she said was true, Discord will take the lives of many good ponies, perhaps even some who are in this very room.” At this, the six mares looked at each other, shock spread across their faces. “Before I could ask any questions, she vanished. I know not how this tragedy shall come to pass, but I will not waste this opportunity we have been given. Starting tomorrow, you all shall begin training to combat this possible threat.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold up for a second! You want us to what?!” The flustered cyan pegasi was hovering in the air now, trying to make sense out of what she had just heard.

“You control the Elements of Harmony. You are the only means we have to stopping Discord. I know I am asking much of you. I’m asking you to leave your families and lives behind until we know more regarding this possible threat. But believe me when I say this is a very real danger. Now, I will not force this upon you. If you refuse, then I shall start seeking alternatives to combat this threat. However, I do hope you will think of the greater good and agree to undertake the training. Not only for the sake of Equestria,” she took a deep breath before she finished, trying to retain her solid composure, “But also for your own.”

It took a moment for it all to register. The six ponies just stood there, various expressions of shock and surprise on their faces.

“While I await your decision, please feel free to use the castle’s facilities. I will have rooms made up for you all. Good day, my little ponies.” And with that she left them.

“Well this is just crazy! How can Discord come back?!”

“Ah don’t know RD, but if the Princess says he will, then Ah’m sure he will. What do you think ‘bout all this Twilight?”

Twilight didn’t know what to feel. She was still in shock about what she had just heard. How could this happen? And what did Celestia mean by “For our own sakes?” Will some of us die?

“Twilight? Are you with us, dear?” Rarity waved her hoof in front of the dazed face of Twilight. It took a moment for her to respond.

“Huh? Oh, what did you say?”

This was not reassuring. If Twilight was frazzled then this situation was far worse than the other five mares had first expected.

“Well, I don’ know ‘bout you, but I think Ah’ll write a letter to home lettin’ ‘em know Ah won’t be makin’ it to dinner anytime soon.”

“Yes, I-I think I’ll do the same. Why don’t we find some go and find some…writing instruments, yes?” As Rarity walked over to join Applejack, she picked a forlorn Fluttershy off the ground. “Now don’t worry Fluttershy! Everything is going to be all right.” Despite the words of encouragement, Rarity could not change the solemn expression that now occupied Fluttershy’s face. As for Pinkie Pie, she had already wandered off, no doubt heading for the kitchen to stuff her face with some Canterlot goodies.

Soon, Twilight Sparkle was the only one left in the large throne room. She knew she was just standing there and that she must look somewhat ridiculous, but frankly she didn’t give a care. As Celestia’s setting sun started to turn the sky a warm orange, Twilight finally was able to move. However, she did not feel like doing anything. All she could do was head up to her bedroom and just lay there on the satin sheets, still contemplating the ramifications of the enormous conundrum she now faced.

All was silent in Canterlot Castle. Everypony-aside from those on the night watch-was fast asleep in their beds. Everypony that is, except for Pinkie Pie. She had done a good job keeping her blissfully ignorant façade throughout the day. But now it was night time, and now she had nopony to be brave for. She had received quite a shock this afternoon.

“Some of us could die? Was I the only pony who picked up on that?”

Her normally thick and poofy hair had deflated, and was now straight; matching her mood perfectly. She tried to go to sleep, but every time she closed her eyes she saw one of her friends getting hurt. It was all horrible to see in her head, but the worst was whenever she was hurt. Pinkie hadn’t thought about her for awhile now. True, she saw her everyday and she knew she had feelings for her, but it had never come to the pink pony’s mind about whether she should act on them. With this threat looming ahead of them all, with the future so uncertain, Pinkie decided this was not the time to sit and wait for the right moment.

Pinkie silently crept down the hallway, passing empty room after empty room. It was all rather creepy. She would have “giggled at the ghosties,” but that would blow her cover. She finally made her way to the bedroom, where the object of her affection lay sleeping.

“Well Pinkie, it’s now or never!”

As Pinkie walked in, she could hear a soft snore coming from the bed. She lightly poked the rainbow-maned mare, which only seemed to make the snoring louder.

She whispered lightly “Rainbow Dash?” Still snoring.

She tried a little louder this time, “Rainbow Dash?”

“No, no, you’re far too kind…sure, I’ll have some of that…cider. *SSNNAAAAARRR*”

Subtlety was not working as she had hoped. With a strong shove and a loudly whispered “RAINBOW DASH!” she finally managed to wake the sleeping mare.

“Huh…what? Pinkie? What are you doing here?”

“Um…,” Darn it! This was her chance and she was blowing it. Forget playing it safe, she had to say it now!

“Rainbow Dash…I have something I wanted to tell you.”

“Don’t you think it can wait ‘til morning?” her mouth open wide in a yawn.

“No, it can’t wait. I have to tell you now.”

“Fine, what is it.” She said as she groggily scratched her head.

“I…I lo-o-o…” Rainbow was rapidly losing interest; she pulled her blanket over herself as she turned over on her side.

“I…I love you.”

With this Rainbow was now wide awake. She just froze as Pinkie continued to bare her soul.

“I love you Rainbow Dash. And I don’t mean “love you like a friend” I mean “love you, love you.” I’ve felt this way for awhile and I didn’t really know how to say it and…Rainbow?”

Thankfully her back was turned to Pinkie, otherwise she would have seen her eyes were wide open in shock. How could this happen? When did she start feeling this way? In her newfound panic, Rainbow tried to start snoring again, hoping it wouldn’t sound too forced. Pinkie drooped her head, Rainbow’s feelings were now made apparent.

“Oh well, at least I finally said it.”

She turned back towards the door and started walking. As she was about to leave the room, she heard Rainbow say “Wait.”

Pinkie turned her head and looked back towards the bed, Rainbow Dash was wide awake and had a concerned look in her eyes.

“Come back over here Pinkie, I have something I want to say too.”

She walked back over to the bed and sat on the floor as Rainbow began.

“This was really unexpected and I have to be honest, I don’t really feel that way about you.”

Her heart shattered, this was far worse than her confession being ignored.

“But,” ‘But?’ There was a ‘But?!’ “Then again, I can’t really deny the thought hasn’t crossed my mind. So while I’m not totally sure how I feel about this, I guess I’m open to…trying this out.”

Success! She did have feelings for her! Or, at least, she was willing to see if she had feelings for her. With this a smile spread across her face. She was about to shout for joy when she was stopped by a cyan hoof covering her mouth.

“But now it’s time to go back to bed, right?”

Pinkie just nodded her head, Rainbow retracted her hoof. With that out of the way, Pinkie skipped out of the room with a smile on her face. Rainbow, however, just laid in her bed.

“Why me? Out of all the ponies in Equestria, why did this have to happen to me?”

The next morning, everypony, excluding Pinkie Pie, looked rather horrible as they gathered around the breakfast table. It was obvious they had not gotten a good night’s sleep. Even Celestia had small bags under her eyes. Breakfast was rather quiet despite the slurps and happy moans that came from Pinkie as she went through plate after plate.

“Zish ish sho nummy!” the rest of the ponies at the table just couldn’t help but stare at the enigma known to them as Pinkie Pie.

“Well, I don’t know ‘bout y’all but I think I’ve had enough to eat.” Every pony mumbled in agreement as they pushed their dishes away.

“Alright then, les get down to business. Anypony going to leave?”

Applejack looked up and down the whole table. Nopony even blinked.

“Are y’all sure? Because I know I’m definitely going to miss bucking apples in the orchards,” she turned to Rarity. “And I’m sure I’m going to miss lookin’ at all the fancy dresses they have her in Canterlot.” Rarity gave a slight wince. “And I can’t forget Winona, and all those other critters back in Ponyville.” Fluttershy casually looked up at the ceiling. “And just imagine all the danger I could be in. I might never get the chance to meet with mah fillyhood heroes.” Rainbow’s expression remained unchanged. After another look up and down the table, Applejack was convinced.

“So, we’re all in agreement?” Everypony gave a slow nod.

“Alright then! When do we start trainin’ with you Princess?!”

Princess Celestia took a sip of her tea, before she gave her reply.

“Actually, I have to manage Equestria. I am far too busy to oversee your training.” She noticed the looks of disappointment spread across their faces. “However, I have found a suitable replacement. Luna!” The younger of the two alicorns flew in from a window and landed beside Celestia.

“My sister shall help you hone your respective skills, in the case Discord actually does return.”

The Princess of the night turned and faced the group of bewildered ponies. A serious look upon her face.

“I know not if this threat is real and I know not if we shall really require your services; but until we are for certain I shall aid you in bettering yourselves. THis will not be easy and I expect you all to put your whole being, nay, your whole SOUL into your training.” Rarity and Fluttershy grimaced, Rainbow Dash had a smug look on her face. “Will you commit to this training and sacrifice your needs and desires for the sake of Equestria!?”

The six ponies stood up from their seats and shouted “Yes, ma’am!”

“Good,” Luna turned to leave the way she came, “We begin this afternoon.”

!