Universe 31870

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“I don’t know what I would do without you,” Princess Luna softly smiled and gave a light bow of the head. After that, the alicorn of the moon sipped tea before putting the cup back on the desk.

“No, no, Princess! I should be honored you asked my advice concerning Zebra relations in the first place!” Twilight quickly waved her hoof.

The two were in Twilight’s personal study, a room with wide and full bookshelves up against every wall. It was like a library. They sat across each other at a desk that had various papers on it. Usually, Twilight would reserve that space for her own research papers; however, she had moved them out of the way to leave room for Luna’s paperwork.

While Twilight’s study, previously in the Canterlot Castle, was nearly always plunged in darkness with rare sightings of the sun, this one was bright. With the curtains open, the sunlight freely entered the room to bathe its occupants in its warmth. The best, though, was the sight. The window gave them a view of a majestic landscape, green hills covered in bright and colorful flowers.

Twilight unfurled her wings shyly as she was tempted to hide her face behind them when her mentor gave her an amused look. However, she folded them back just as quickly to avoid embarrassing herself.

“Twilight, there is no need for that. You aren’t my student anymore. I always value your opinion,” Luna placed a warm hoof on the lavender mare’s shoulder, making their gazes meet. “You are my equal now. Even then… You were never simply a student to me… I’ve always seen you as a daughter,” The moon princess caressed the mare’s cheek.

“I… Oh, Prin-I mean-Luna. I don’t know what to say…” Twilight stammered, struggling to find the words. How long had she hoped to hear those words? How long had she dreamed of this? It wasn’t something she wished for out loud in the past, but it had always been one of her deepest desires.

“Darling! Lunch is ready! Oh, and your family is here!” A feminine voice called out to them, interrupting Twilight’s whirlwind of emotions. “Take a break in your work!”

“We better not make her wait,” Luna nodded as she got off her chair.

“Coming!” Twilight loudly responded as she glided to overtake Luna and exit the room first. The moon alicorn playfully rolled her eyes but didn’t comment on it before following her former student down the stairs. The mare that had called them, Rarity, stood at the foot of the stairs to greet them with a smile. The moment Twilight got to her, the two softly nuzzled. “What did you prepare?”

“Stuffed sweet potatoes, chickpea stew, carrot salad, lettuce pie, and your favorite, hayburger,” Rarity listed happily as Twilight perked up in surprise.

“That’s certainly a feast! What’s the occasion? It must be special if my whole family is there too!” She inquired curiously, making the fashionista giggle.

“Oh, dear! You must have been really occupied with your research if you forgot what day it is today,” Rarity grinned before leaning forward and nuzzling the lavender mare. “Come, your family is waiting for you before they start eating, and I have a feeling your father is going to starve,” She chuckled before leading Twilight and Luna toward the living room.

Rarity the unicorn… She hadn’t changed much. She held herself gracefully, remaining elegant no matter the situation. She would always find a way to brighten Twilight’s day as she was present with her in every moment of adversity. If there was one pony Twilight knew she could always count on, it would be her. Despite the fact that the fashionista had opened boutiques all over Equestria, she rarely ever showed up to work, mostly delegating her tasks to competent ponies in favor of spending time at home with the lavender alicorn. Yes, even if Twilight had duties as an alicorn now, she chose to let Luna rule Equestria instead, as well as give her job of captain of the royal guard to someone else. It wasn’t that she was ungrateful or that she didn’t want to work hard now that she completed her studies.

Instead, she wanted to focus on personal research and have the role of a consultant. Most of all, it gave her the opportunity to spend more time with Rarity, here, at home.

Once they entered the living room, they were greeted by the dining table, where lunch was already served. Of course, Twilight’s family already sat there. There was her father, mother, and even her brother. Instead of heads, they had round white spots with random scribbles swirling over them as if they were an incomplete drawing.

“Sorry, I would have greeted you at the door, but I didn’t know you were coming!” Twilight apologized sheepishly before sitting at the end of the table, with Rarity sitting to her right, and Luna across at the other end.

“It’s alright, sweetie! We know how you get when you’re discussing diplomatic matters with the princess!” Her mother answered, her head still blank.

“Besides, we’re happy to get any time with you, sis,” Her brother added.

“R-Right… I am still so sorry I never contacted you during my studies under Luna. I don’t know what I was thinking, but I promise I’ll make up for the time lost,” Twilight affirmed remorsefully.

“No need to apologize. We completely understand. I mean, this is the princess, after all. We’re just happy that your studies have ended, and you came to us,” Her mother quickly reassured her.

“And I assure you that your daughter has been exemplary. She has outdone herself in every assignment I have given her. I am very proud of her,” Luna grinned, glancing at her former student.

Twilight smiled in response, feeling content with the praise. She had never believed Luna and her family would come together one day, yet they had done so several times already, and it was always such a pleasure. She was nearly overwhelmed with the amount of attention and love she received.

“Hmm!” Her father suddenly voiced while stuffing himself with pie. “Oh, Rarity, you are quite a cook! My daughter is so lucky to have you!” He praised the white unicorn. “I am telling you, my wife here didn’t know a thing when we started dating, and neither did I! We had to go out to eat most of the time because her cuisine was just terrible!” He laughed amusedly.

“Oh, shush you,” Twilight’s mother elbowed him in the stomach, nearly making him choke on his pie… Though, it wasn’t quite visible since their faces were completely blank still.

“I would say I am the lucky one, actually,” Rarity waved her hoof, smiling wide. “Your daughter has been my sweetest source of joy ever since we met,” She rubbed the alicorn’s shoulder.

“Pfft, no, I’m not…” Twilight looked away sheepishly with reddened cheeks. The sight made her family laugh wholeheartedly.

“Come now, sweetie! Even after all this time, you’re still so shy! There’s no need to be embarrassed!” Her mother reassured her. “I’m sure my daughter thinks the same of you, Rarity, but she has no idea of how to convey her feelings,” She snickered, placing her hoof against what seemed to be her chin.

“Mom! I-I know now!” Twilight’s blush deepened as she hid her face behind a wing.

“Now, now, let’s not tease her too much! Especially on this day!” Rarity intervened amusedly.

“Right. What day is it? Not that I’m not happy my family is here, but there has to be a reason,” Twilight cleared her throat shyly.

“See? I knew sis would forget,” Her brother chuckled while the lavender alicorn could only look around, perplexed.

“It’s your birthday, sweetie!” Her father clarified, making Twilight’s ears perk up. “Rarity here called us so we can celebrate it together!” He gestured to the white unicorn.

“That’s… You remembered my birthday?” Twilight questioned the other mare.

“Of course, I did, dear,” Rarity cheerily confirmed, nuzzling the lavender pony’s cheek. “Once everyone has their fill, I’ll bring the birthday cake, and not to brag, but I believe I have outdone myself!” She proudly exclaimed.

“I’d be fine with anything you cook, Rarity… Ugh!” Twilight suddenly clutched her head, doubling in pain. Something suddenly rattled her brain as if she had been hit.

“Are you okay, darling?” Rarity worriedly held onto the lavender alicorn, patting her on the back.

“Y-Yess, I am… Don’t worry. Just a headache…” Twilight shook her head. While her family’s faces were blank, she could still perceive the worry their expressions housed. They cared about her so much, and to think she believed they wouldn’t accept her…

“It must be my fault. I’ve been overworking her, lately,” Luna lightly reassured everyone.

The former student simply nodded, wondering what this was truly about. Her vision had gotten blurry too when that headache had suddenly hurt her. Not exactly blurry… More like static…

“I told you plenty of times to take breaks, dear,” Rarity smiled.

“You’re right… I’ll be more careful,” Twilight replied.

The lavender alicorn looked ahead, slowly forgetting about that headache in the first place as they resumed their discussion. They talked of mundane subjects, their daily lives, and whatever major may have happened lately. Rarity would talk about her and Twilight’s vacation plans. Twilight’s mother would mention some gossip she heard. Her father would make crude jokes, much to Twilight’s embarrassment as Luna would surprisingly laugh at them.

It was peaceful. It was… Nice. No, it was better than that. Twilight didn’t want to sound ungrateful… In fact, she was filled with joy so pure that it warmed her heart like the sun. She felt like this was truly where she belonged, surrounded by ponies who loved her, and who she loved in return.

“Needed some time away?” Rarity asked as she joined Twilight outside. The alicorn had sat outside at the back of the house, watching the sunset. Even occupied by the festivities, Princess Luna didn’t forget to move the sun.

“Just a breath of fresh air. Besides, I knew you’d come,” Twilight smiled warmly as the unicorn snuggled up by her side.

“So, it’s not that you needed time away… But time alone with me,” Rarity chuckled, resting her head on the other mare’s shoulder.

“You could say that,” Twilight nodded innocently. “Thank you for the birthday party. You didn’t need to throw anything. I mean, I didn’t even remember to celebrate it,”

“Don’t be ridiculous, darling,” Rarity scoffed. “You always remembered mine. Besides, making you happy makes me happy. We’re both winning here,” She declared.

Twilight hummed quietly, closing her eyes as if she was dozing off. She was taking in the moment, enjoying it. She was bathed in the unicorn’s warmth coupled with the setting sun’s. This was a tranquil atmosphere, one she got to experience and appreciate every day, yet, she considered it a precious moment every time.

“I could stay like this forever,” Twilight murmured. Intense pain shot up to her head again, hitting harder than ever. “Ah!” She cried, clutching her skull with a hoof as she stumbled away from Rarity. It was much worse than earlier! Rocks smashed up against her head like a constant torrent of onslaught.

“Twilight! What’s wrong?!” Rarity jumped to her hooves, quickly running after the alicorn, who groaned painfully.

Images. They were blurry images going through her head, forcefully breaking into her skull and mind! Twilight witnessed Rarity’s crying face, blood, and… As she looked down, a hole in her chest flashed through her vision.

“Darling? Please! Talk to me! What’s going on?!” Rarity grabbed her by the shoulder while Twilight breathed heavily, looking horrified.

“Huff… Huff…” Twilight’s legs shook, her eyes wide. “Rarity…” She uttered shakily. “Where am I? W… What is this place? And… Who are you?” She slowly backed away while the unicorn’s expression softened, gaining a sad glint.

“Twilight… I’m sorry. I am so, so sorry,” Rarity shook her head, downcast as if she received terrible news.

“I died. I know I died. I know,” Twilight’s breath was caught in her throat. She hesitantly looked down, only for her eyes to quickly shoot up again. “Is this the afterlife? Is that what this is?” She questioned hurriedly.

“It’s… an afterlife. Unique to each creature,” Rarity confirmed without mincing her words. “It’s… Your ideal world. How you imagined your perfect life in your last moments, constructed from your deepest desires,” She explained softly while Twilight looked around.

It was a peaceful Equestria, glorious and beautiful. No… This wasn’t the ideal part of this world. This was simply the cherry on top. Her deepest desires resided in this house with her. Princess Luna loved her and treated her as a daughter. Her family welcomed her with open hooves. Rarity chose to stay with her.

“Why… Do my parents and brother not have faces?” Twilight inquired in confusion.

“You don’t remember them,” Rarity answered.

“And who are you?” The alicorn asked hesitantly.

“I am sorry, but I cannot tell you that,” Rarity, or rather who wore Rarity’s face, replied reluctantly.

“So… This is fake… It’s an illusion… My family isn’t really there, nor is Princess Luna or Rarity, or anypony for that matter! I’m still alone!” Twilight yelled, tears prickling her eyes.

“It’s paradise, designed to bring eternal happiness for all who are resting. It was made so you wouldn’t know of its nature, that you died at all,” Rarity explained.

“But then… Why do I know? Why am I remembering?” Twilight asked fearfully.

“For the same reason that I cannot tell you who I am…” Rarity sighed sadly. “Because you are about to leave this place,” She revealed. "Paradise stops being paradise once you know its true nature,"

The alicorn’s eyes widened in incomprehension.

“Leave? But I died! I can’t possibly leave!” She argued. As far as she was aware, she didn’t have the power to return from the dead! She doubted anyone did!

“Luna has assembled the most powerful artifacts at her disposition to bring you back. The Alicorn Amulet, the Bloodstone Scepter, nectar from an Eternal Flower, Prismia’s Necklace, the Hexstone, and finally, one of her feathers,” Rarity listed, much to Twlight’s shock.

“She’s bringing me back? Using all of those resources? But… Why? I am just a student! She can replace me at any time!” Twilight argued.

You would have thought Twilight wouldn’t have been questioning it. That she would have accepted it and rejoiced because Luna proved how much she cared for her, but also because she escaped death… Because she would also leave this fake world… This illusion to enjoy the spoils of her real life instead! However, her feelings went in the opposite direction. The reason was simple and understandable. It was because…

“Luna believes you still have a destiny to fulfill, and that a disaster only you can prevent is coming,” Rarity said.

“What? What is coming?” Twilight questioned. The alicorn could barely stand on her feet as the world turned red. The sky and the ground were bathed in the color of blood as the sun rose high in the sky, burning with might.

“HA HA HA HA HA!” A loud roaring laughter echoed throughout the land, making Twilight’s whole body shake with fear. Her fur stood on end. This was no mere fear. It was guttural. Her body was screaming at her to run and hide. Her survival instincts were begging her to move. However, she was frozen. She was frozen as charred corpses of screaming ponies surrounded her, all stuck in agonizing expressions of torment and despair.

“A world of fire. A world of death,” Rarity stated with a pained expression.

“Daybreaker,” Twilight breathed out as if the name itself struck fear into her. The alicorn desperately shook her head before opening her eyes and inspecting her surroundings again. The fire was gone, and so were the corpses. The world returned to what it was tranquil and beautiful.

“When Daybreaker returns, her power will know no limits. Her fury and her hatred will burn the very fabric of reality,” Rarity gazed up. “It was foretold in the stars long ago… Her endless lust and greed will bring an end to this world,”

You would have thought Twilight would have understood why Luna was bringing her back, and that she would have accepted her destiny… To fight alongside her and defeat Daybreaker once and for all. However… She felt the opposite… Because…

“I… I am no one. How can I help? What am I supposed to do? Princess Luna is an alicorn who has lived for over a thousand years! I didn’t even live to my thirties!” Twilight argued while shaking her head, her eyes watering. Rarity could only watch on with sadness. “I want to stay here! B-Besides, it’s not like you’re going to allow this!”

Because Twilight had seen Paradise.

“I do not reap souls. I only welcome them with joy,” Rarity shook her head. The reason why Rarity apologized earlier wasn’t because Twilight was deceived, but because the ‘unicorn’ knew that Twilight would be forced to leave. “I have no power over you nor Luna,”

“But… I don’t want to... I don't want to leave...” Twilight uttered with pleading eyes. “You don’t understand. I’ve never felt so loved before!”

“This world is made of love. It is Love,” Rarity smiled mournfully.

“And-And… I’m the happiest I have ever been!” The alicorn continued to argue desperately.

“The happiest you ever will be,” Rarity could only confirm while Twilight’s expression fell in realization.

The horizon grew darker, slowly pulled into a seemingly endless darkness.

“Please…” Twilight begged quietly, falling to her knees and bowing her head.

“I am so sorry,” Rarity gently caressed the top of the mare’s head as a beam of light shot down from the sky, slamming right into the alicorn.

The effect was immediate. Twilight threw her head back, screaming in agony. It was as if her soul was being torn apart! And she couldn’t do anything to stop it! The darkness from the horizon approached closer and closer the more the alicorn’s body was being disintegrated as if she was beamed up in the sky piece by piece. She wouldn't simply return, she would ascend.

Immortality was often a cruel fate in itself. However, Twilight’s case, especially, was quite horrific. Those who were granted such a gift would never die of old age but in exchange… They would never reach the afterlife, even if they died. Twilight was given a taste of paradise, only for it to be ripped out… And she would never get it back.

‘Rarity’ smiled wistfully while her body turned into darkness, leaving nothing but an endless and silent void.

Author's Note

And so it ends, or rather begins, for this Twilight. Damn, was I too cruel? Maybe. Maybe... I can only wish her good luck