Chapter 1:

Once Upon A Time

Once upon a time, the gods and mortals lived apart. The gods lived in a different plane of existence, and the mortals lived right next door. The gods lived in peace and harmony with one another until the Darkness struck. No pony knows where it came from, and the gods fought valiantly against it, but they were no match, and were forced to flee their home. Jumping planes, the gods appeared to the mortals and were welcomed with open arms. Thankful for the new home, the gods gave all of the ponies different gifts. For some, they gained horns and the ability to perform magical feats, for others they gained wings and flight. That did not mean those bound to the earth and without horns were not given a gift, they too gained magic, but it was something deep within. For centuries, the gods and mortals lived together but the Darkness returned, attacking the gods and their new home. Working together, the Darkness was pushed back by the gods and mortals, but they suffered heavy losses with the gods and soon only two remained, sisters goddesses, the Goddesses of Day and Night, Shining Celestia and Goodnight Luna.

Thus, the two were given princesshood and ruled together to create harmony for all the land. To do this, the elder sister used her goddess powers to raise the sun at dawn then the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects. But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger sister refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon. She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night and bring about the Darkness eternal. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom: the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister, and banished her permanently to the moon. Saddened by what she had to do, the elder sister crowned a new princess, Princess Platinum, as the new ruler of Equestria. Swearing to keep the sun and moon on track, the elder sister created a shining kingdom in the sky and vowed to only return when Equestria needed her most, leaving the land in the hands of the mortals. They say that on the longest night, 1000 years after her defeat, Nightmare Moon would free herself from her entrapment and come back to seek her revenge, but that is just an old ponies tale.

Closing the book, the young mare looked up and grinned at the awed expressions on the children in front of her, their teacher smiling lightly at the back of the room. “Story time is over! Everyone try to find a book that you like!” The mare called, the children rushing to get up and grab a book to check out. The mare sighed silently and got up herself, groaning internally as her back pulled uncomfortably. She stretched out as she got to her feet and waved her hand, her horn glowing a bright raspberry color. Several pieces of litter floated up and into a trash can close by while the children enthusiastically chattered along with one another. She didn’t feel the need to call for quiet, giving a small smile to the obviously stressed teacher, who was trying to get two boys to stop arguing. Quickly making her way to the large reception desk, the young mare used her magic to gently separate two kids, who were playfully wrestling around on the ground. They glanced at her and smiled widely before rushing off. With a small smile on her muzzle, the mare took a seat behind the desk and opened her ledger, checking to see who owed what book to the library. This was not where she thought she would end up, a librarian in a small sleepy little town. A small frown marred her brow as her thoughts drifted towards the past, eyes glazing as memories flashed across her mind’s eye.

She had been chosen from five hopefuls and trained in the bustling city of Canterlot to become the Archivist of Magic, a pony figure head with unimaginable power. That hadn’t exactly worked out. When her test had arrived, she had done everything perfectly, but it seemed like fate had other plans. Her failure and subsequent mental break down had forced the Princess’s hand and she was forced to take a sabbatical. One of her old teachers had joked she needed to lighten up and relax, as long as she became the Archivist of Magic before 30, then she would always be the youngest, never mind becoming an Archivist at 15. Her year of “relaxation” had turned to two, then three and now she was almost on her fifth. She couldn’t quite find it in herself to be disappointed in the time spent though, a small smile appearing on her lips as she remembered all of the good times she had been having. She never had true friends before coming to the small town and now she had at least five! It wasn’t much, but she was proud with getting out of her shell and learning more about others. “Miss Twilight?” She heard, the mare coming out of her inner musing and looking down her muzzle at a small girl, who tossed her a smile. She was rather young, around six or seven, but was larger than the other fillies in her class. She had a yellow coat, long red mane which was held back by a red bow, blue overalls, black boots, and red plaid shirt, her orange colored eyes bright and excited. Twilight instantly recognized her as Apple Blossming Bloom, one of her frequent visitors as well as the younger sister of the nicest mare in town.

Apple Bloom was often accompanied by her older sister Applejack whenever she came to the library and Twilight had a soft spot for the large apple oriented mare. She was sweet, a little bit on the quiet side, but she tried to make Twilight feel overly comfortable when they hung out. “Hello Apple Bloom, what can I do for you today?” She asked gently, a warm smile spreading further across her face. Apple Bloom seemed to relax and offer back a shyer grin in response, lifting a book and showing it off.

“Ah want to check this one out! Applejack said she was goin to read me a story tomorrow night and Ah thought this would be great!” She chattered excitedly, Twilight reaching over and taking the book gingerly. She turned it over in her hands and perked up since it had been the same book she had been reading from earlier.

“Pony Tales Across Equestria, an excellent choice,” she said playfully, winking while the child giggled. She began assigning them out while Apple Bloom reached into the pack on her back and tugged out two well worn books from within.

“Ah just finished these two! They were really good!” She squeaked, Twilight chuckling and nodding, taking the books and passing back the one she had just finished checking out.

“I’m glad you enjoyed them,” she said before taking note of the teacher, Cheerilee, making her way toward the exit with her students. “You should get going, your class is leaving,” she said softly, the filly looking over then jumping.

“Ah forgot we’re gettin' out early! The Summer Sun Celebration has been drivin’ everypony crazy on the farm,” the girl said almost absentmindedly as she pushed her book into her backpack. “I heard Princess Platinum the 12th is going to be here!” She said excitedly, Twilight chuckling and nodding along. She had heard the rumors as well and had to deal with the mayor’s panic attack about it. As well as working as the town’s librarian, she also acted as an assistant to the mayor, not that she liked that part of her job. The older mare was worse than her when it came to nerves and that was saying something. “Oh! Applejack said yew can sit with us during the celebration! Rarity and Sweetie Belle are too!” She squeaked out, Twilight relaxing and nodding.

“I look forward to it, I’ll see you tonight,” she said warmly, the filly giggling and running over to the flustered teacher, who had paused to let them finish their conversation. When the girl rushed out, the teacher offered a tired wave then shut the door, allowing Twilight to fully relax in the quiet of her home. After a second, she heaved a heavy sigh and pushed herself to her feet, moving around her desk and lifting a hand. Her familiar raspberry colored magic wrapped around her horn and hand, coating the inside of the library for a brief moment. Suddenly, all of the books began shifting and rearranging themselves, moving into their proper places while various messes began picking themselves up and moving into the trash. When the last pieces placed themselves within the trashcans, Twilight allowed her magic to fade then rapidly blinked black spots out of her vision, grimacing as her head throbbed and her stomach growled. While massive displays of magic were not outside of her ability, she usually tried not to do it on an empty stomach. With how busy her schedule had been lately, she hadn’t had the time to properly shop for food so she figured she could just grab something while she was out. Working as the mayor’s assistant was frustrating at times, but also rewarding and she only had to do one last check in with the people working for the festival, then her work for the celebration was complete. With that thought, she headed out of the main part of the library and up a flight of stairs, heading into her room and grabbing her messenger bag and tossing it on. She turned to the full length mirror in the corner of the room and examined herself. Her dark purple coat was free of grime and sweat, thanks to the air circulation spell she always cast in the morning, and her dark sapphire blue mane was piled into a messy bun, twin tails falling out and framing her face. A singular streak of purple and pink weaved through the locks and she grinned to herself, tugging her collar closed and hiding the white birthmark that peeked out.

Her chest contained a star shaped patch of white fur that she usually was able to hide with her various button up, the tip of the star only appearing when she wore T Shirts or under shirts. Her current white button up was thankfully clear of grime as well and she grabbed a purple sweater vest, grinning when she tossed it on and completed the librarian look. Her black slacks were free from wrinkles and her black dress shoes had no scuffs. She just had to keep the streak going, good footwear was difficult to maintain in a town where most of the roads were made of dirt. She slipped her silver frames off and replaced them with her half moon golden pair before giving herself a thumbs up and heading back downstairs. She used her magic to flip the open sign to close then opened the front door and began stepping out, sighing softly to herself. She had so much to do and so little time. She supposed she could take some time to stop at Sugarcube Corner after she got the majority of her check ins done. Stepping out of her home, she only had a second to think before she ducked and a pony flew right over her head, tumbling into the library proper and slamming into a bookcase. The large piece of furniture tilted back and forth and Twilight quickly stabilized it with her magic, turning to the fallen pony and giving her a scowl. Laid out on the floor was the residential dare devil/weather manager, Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow,” Twilight grumbled in annoyance, using her magic to lift the mare from the ground and give her a once over.

The other mare was a light blue Pegasus, with white patterns on her fingers, palms, and left eye. She had a long rainbow colored mane that faded to white at her scalp and large rainbow tipped wings that were thankfully ruffled but not broken. Her red eyes seemed to be spinning and Twilight set her down, frowning a bit deeper. “Are you okay?” She asked, Rainbow shaking her head then giving her a wide grin.

“I’m fine Sparky. Also, sorry about the entrance, not the best way I’ve entered the library,” she giggled. Twilight scowled at the nickname then rolled her eyes and lifted a hand, picking the slightly smaller woman up by the back of her black bomber jacket with her magic. The other mare pulled her black jean clad legs up like a kitty and owlishly looked to the other mare, who carried her out and lifted her up to a cloud, placing her down then placing her hands on her hips.

“Don’t call me Sparky. Also, aren’t you supposed to be clearing the air?” She asked, Rainbow grinning and pushing her rainbow colored goggles up from her neck to her forehead.

“I was just practicing a move! I’m going to show it off to the Wonderbolts tonight!” She said excitedly, Twilight raising a brow. She admired Rainbow’s confidence. She was always proclaiming that her next move was going to be the one to cement her place in the aerial crew. Twilight didn’t doubt it, but the other mare was so lazy when it came to some other things. Shaking the thought from her head, Twilight suddenly grinned and waved a hand.

“Clear the air in ten seconds and I’ll buy you lunch,” she offered, knowing that the only way to speed along the Pegasus was to give her an incentive.

“Oh! You’re on Sparky! I’ll meet you at Sugarcube Corner!” She called, Twilight rolling her eyes and waving her off.

“Let me check the others out first then I’ll join you for lunch!” She called back, Rainbow laughing and spinning around, jumping into the air and smirking.

“Ooooooh! Didn’t know you were like that Sparky!” She teased, smacking her rump and causing Twilight to blush brightly and hunch her shoulders.

“Oh shut up and do your job!” With that, Twilight swiftly closed the library doors and began marching towards the edge of town while Rainbow cackled behind her.

Sweet Apple Acres was one of the main three food providers for the small town of Ponywille and Twilight had been unofficially adopted into the family when she first arrived in town. They were a small family filled with kindness and care, Twilight not quite understanding why they had taken her in, but more than thankful for it. Walking through the archway and towards the towering home, Twilight glanced about at the large apple trees around her and sighed when her stomach growled loudly. She should have eaten before coming here. Shaking the wayward thought from her head, she sped up and smiled reflectively as soon as she spied the matriarch of the Apple family sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch. Her coat was a light green color and her white hair was pulled into a tight bun, her eyes shutting every once in a while as she began to doze in her seat. Granny Smith was one of the founders and pillars of Ponyville, having arrived years ago with her parents and making a home for them with others looking for a place to settle down. The old mare was tall but frail looking, something that the dangerous wild life tried to take advantage of, but were sorely unprepared for. She was wearing a red plaid button up and black stained pants that were tucked into black boots. An orange shawl was over her shoulders and clasped together by an apple pie pin, the same shape as her cutie mark. As soon as the older mare caught sight of her, she pushed herself to her feet and beamed brightly. “Well howdy hon! What can Ah do fer ya?” She called, Twilight speeding up and stopping right in front of her.

“Hello! I was just here to check in with the progress of the food situation for the Summer Sun Celebration. I have to send my final report in a few hours,” she said, the older mare nodding then leaning her head back. Twilight quickly covered her ears, but still couldn’t quite block out the loud holler of, “BIG MAC! APPLEJACK! BRIGHT MAC! BUTTERCUP! COME OVER HERE!” Twilight cringed but uncovered her head as the call ended and a stampede of boot fall announced the rapidly approaching Apple family. First on the scene was Bright Mac. He was the largest of the family with a warm smile and crinkle in his green eyes. His bright red hair was beginning to grey and the same grey was flecked through the mustache and beard he had on his face. Scars lined his thick arms and cut through his light yellow coat and like the rest of the family, he wore the customary red plaid shirt, but his blue pants were mud stained as well as his brown cowboy style boots. He placed his hands on his hips and chuckled before moving forward and scooping Twilight into a tight hug. He was the most affectionate of the family as well, passing that along to Apple Bloom.

“Well howdy honey! How are yew?” He asked as he placed her down, Twilight smiling in return and rubbing her neck.

“Hello Mr. Apple. I’m doing well,” she began, the man blanching and pouting.

“Now don’t go callin me Mr. Apple! Call me Bright or Pa!” He said with a pout, Twilight giggling and nodding.

“Alright Pa,” she said playfully, the stallion beaming brightly.

“Now that’s more like it!” He cheered, the mare giggling again.

“Botherin Twilight again?” They heard, turning and grinning at Bright Mac’s wife. She was walking up, a small limp in her step because of her prosthetic leg. She was dressed identically to Bright Mac and her orange mane was tossed into a ponytail. She gave Bright Mac a smile and headed over, her arms wide open. “Come give me a hug, Sug,” she said, Twilight smiling sheepishly and walking over. A quick hug later and the mare turned, frowning ever so slightly out towards the field. “Where are those children?” She grumbled, running a hand down her light orange coated arm.

“Ah got this sweet heart,” Bright said suddenly, grinning almost devilishly. Buttercup giggled as the large stallion cupped his hands around his mouth and sucked in a deep breath. Twilight quickly covered her ears again and winced as he suddenly yelled. “MISS TWILIGHT IS HERE!” She slowly lowered her hands and blinked when she heard another stampede of boot fall and looked over as somepony slid into view. When Twilight had first arrived into town, she hadn’t know what to make of the oldest daughter of Bright Mac and Buttercup, Applejack. She was a large and quiet mare, who had made it a habit to try to get to know Twilight from the moment she had stepped into town and was surprised partied in the library. She was sweating just a bit as she jogged over, mud caking her brown boots and some of it on her red plaid shirt. She was wearing a brown stetson hat and green bandana around her neck, a weak smile appearing on her muzzle. She had a dark orange coat but it changed to brown on her arms, which had tons of scars. Like Rainbow, her face contained a white splotch on the eye, but hers was on the right side as opposed to Rainbow’s left.

“Howdy Twi!” She gasped out as she slowed to a stop in front of her, panting and placing her hands on her knees. Bright snickered behind her while Buttercup giggled, Twilight smiling lightly and placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Are you doing alright?” She asked, Applejack grinning and nodding awkwardly.

“Right as rain! What are you doing here? Not that you need a reason to be here-!” She began before looking at her parents with wide panicked eyes. Twilight smiled lightly before taking mercy on the poor awkward mare, cleaning her throat and pulling out her checklist.

“I’m just here to check on the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration! Then I’ll be off to check in on Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie,” she said with a smile, Applejack nodding then frowning lightly.

“Ah hate to ask, but can yew deliver some lunch to her? Knowin that girl, she probably skipped breakfast.” Twilight nodded and Applejack beamed before rushing off. Twilight turned back to Bright and Buttercup, where were smiling lightly, Buttercup waving a hand.

“Might as well get started.” With that, they moved through the orchard and towards the large barn off to the side, while Buttercup gave her a rundown on what they had harvested and invested into the celebrations food prep. The farm had even taken the initiative to get into contact with some of the other farms in the area to get stuff from them too! Twilight was more than happy when Buttercup opened the barn doors and revealed the food piled within.

“This looks wonderful! You’ve all done such a great job! I’ll be off as soon as I have Rarity’s lunch,” Twilight began, turning as Applejack jogged up and grinned widely. She was holding a white bag in one hand and a purple one in the other, quickly passing them to the smaller mare. “Is Sweetie Belle with Rarity?” Twilight asked, Applejack blinking then blushing ever so slightly.

“No. I know you probably haven’t eaten anything today either so the second bag is for you,” she said awkwardly, Twilight blinking then giving her a warm smile.

“Thank you! You’re not wrong,” she laughed sheepishly, Applejack suddenly beaming.

“Well make sure yew eat,” she ordered playfully then rubbing her hands together and looking at her mother. Buttercup blinked then raised a brow, her other dropping just a bit, Twilight looking to Bright, who giggled slightly. The interaction seemed to last for a long moment before Applejack pouted and kicked at the ground with the tip of her boot. “Yew’re goin to sit with the family durin the celebration right?” She asked almost worriedly, Twilight blinking but smiling widely and nodding.

“Of course. I wouldn’t sit with anyone else,” she said sincerely, Applejack beaming and nodding.

“Great! See ya tonight Sugarcube!” She said excitedly before rushing off. Twilight shared a small laugh with Bright Mac before tucking Rarity’s lunch into her messenger’s bag. She gave the two older adults a wave before heading for the exit to the farm. The sun beat down on the mare, but she cast a small cooling spell on herself while opening her lunch and drooling just a bit at the apple fritter that greeted her. She took a big bite and sighed happily as she began eating for the first time that day. Sitting with the Apple family was a treat, the young woman having never been too close to her own family as a child. She had been five when she was taken to Canterlot Castle for her exam and by the end of it, she along with four other hopefuls had been chosen to train further with the current Archivists. Her step-mother, father, and older brother were distant figures in her life, the only person that she had thought of as a mother figure in her life was her old baby sitter, Lovely Days. The white coated Pegasus was the royal babysitter, having been around for years and taken care of the current princess as a foal as well. She was motherly and wonderful, making some of Twilight’s earlier memories all the more bittersweet, because after failing her Archivist test, she was forced to break all contact with her because of her leaving. Twilight often wondered how the mare was doing. Shaking the thought from her mind, she quickly eat her apple fritter then tugged out a bottle of apple juice and guzzled it down, tucking her trash away and focusing on the task at hand.

A quick glance up showed that the skies were clear and a familiar rainbow streak was heading towards the Sugarcube Corner, Twilight snorting but grinning to herself. Not ten second flat, but the other mare had at least gotten the job done in a timely manner. Shaking the thought from her head, she focused on the road again, and found she had unconsciously gotten into town. Speeding up, she waved to the townsfolk, who seemed more livelier than usual. Her journey to town hall was quick and she opened the large double doors to find the town’s residential seamstress deep at work. Rarity Belle was a beautiful mare with a stunning white coat, white mane, and red eyes, which she usually turned purple with blue contacts. She was a rare albino pony, the mare sensitive to sunlight, but never fussing when she was out and about in town. She was warm and generous, helping others in need before even thinking of herself. She was dressed in black slacks and a purple blazer with her diamond shaped cutie mark on the back, red half moon glasses perched on her muzzle and black heels making her even taller than she usually was. She was holding up two identical looking ribbons in her magic and narrowing her eyes on them while tilting her head from side to side. Twilight opened her mouth to speak but the mare lifted a hand and leaned her head to the side. “Just a moment Twilight! I’ll be done soon!” She called, Twilight grinning and taking a seat. The mare was back to being lost in thought for all of ten minutes, finally putting one ribbon near the front of the stage and one high above it. “Perfect! Now! What can I do for you?” She called, turning and tugging her glasses off, giving the other mare a small smile.

“I was just checking in! The mayor needs a report,” Twilight began, getting up and walking over. She reached into her bag, producing the lunch bag and checklist, grinning when Rarity eyed it curiously.

“Who’s the lunch for?” She asked, Twilight raising a brow at her. Rarity narrowed her eyes then they widened and she blushed, a small sheepish laugh escaping her. “Applejack always knows,” she whined but eagerly took the bag and grinned a little more relaxed. “How does my work look?”

“Stunning! I’m sure the mayor will love it!” Twilight gushed, the other mare beaming brightly.

“Well then! I’m glad I got the seal of approval! When the celebrations all over and done with, how about you Fluttershy, and I go to the spa! My treat!” Twilight blinked at the invitation before deciding that she did deserve a treat for putting up with not only the slightly more neurotic mayor, but her own responsibilities.

“Sure! I’ll tell you all about the time I made Blueblood regret asking me out,” Twilight joked, Rarity lighting up and beaming.

“I can’t wait to hear it. Are you sitting with the Apples and I?” She asked while batting her lashes. Twilight snorted but nodded and Rarity giggled, waving her off and turning towards her lunch. “That’s wonderful! I’ll see you tonight!”

“See you tonight!” With that, Twilight was once again out and into the afternoon air, making a beeline for the trees that surrounded the border of the town. One more person to check in with before her report was mostly finished and she could get lunch with Rainbow Dash. The sun was already beginning to dip towards the horizon so Twilight sped up and soon came to a large clearing, where animals sang in harmony with one another. Twilight smiled and closed her eyes as she listened in, opening them and spying the town's vet and recluse, Fluttershy. She was a pretty yellow coated Pegasus mare, with a long pink mane that was tossed into a messy bun. Her yellow coat slowly changed to green around her hands and green feathers tips her wings, scars marring her hands and disappearing up into her baggy pink sweater. Her long blue skirt was almost to the ground and black work boots poked out, the mare quietly correcting an enthusiastic robin.

“Good work everyone! We’re going to do so well at the ceremony!” She gushed quietly before pausing and looking back, jumping when she spied Twilight. “Oh! You startled me!” She said with a small shy smile.

“Sorry! Your song is lovely!” Twilight said enthusiastically, the mare beaming brightly in return.

“I look forward to showing it off tonight,” she said almost playfully before turning back to the robin and speaking to him. With her distracted, Twilight turned and began heading back towards town, making her report as she walked at a leisurely pace. She didn’t have much to do now except speak with Pinkie and get the last part of her report written. Grinning since she was almost done with her task, Twilight sped up and into town proper, bee lining to Sugarcube Corner. The bakery was alive with ponies, some rushing about, others chatting and sitting around, Twilight instantly seeing Rainbow in the corner. The other mare was balancing a straw on her muzzle and allowed it to fall after a moment, grinning when she looked at Twilight.

“You are so slow Sparky. Checking out the girls?” She asked playfully as Twilight walked over and claimed the seat across from her.

“Jealous?” Twilight grumbled, Rainbow laughing loudly and smacking the table with a hand.

“Nice one!” Twilight grinned while rolling her eyes, lifting a hand and smiling when the towns residential party planner cartwheeled over. The mare was pink coated, but splotches of grey were on her arms and neck, her bright blue eyes rolling from Rainbow to Twilight. Her pink mane was tugged back into a puffy afro and she grinned easily.

“Hey Dashie! Sparky! What can I get you guys?” She asked, Twilight frowning at the nickname while Rainbow smirked. She instantly began listing her order while Twilight looked around the bustling room, surprised with the height of activity around her. When Rainbow went quiet, Twilight ordered a small muffin and juice, tugging out her bit bag and quickly paying. “Coming right up!” Pinkie called, turning and bouncing off, revealing the pink skirt that fell to her mid thigh, pink jacket with her cutie mark on the back and blue and white boots, that had been hidden under an apron.

“So how are the others holding up?” Twilight finishing her report since it seemed like everything was in order and everyone was too busy to talk to her.

“Everyone is all set for the celebration!” She said happily, sending off the report and looking over as Pinkie reappeared and placed Rainbow’s food in front of her. She did the same to Twilight then leaned forward, ushering the two closer. They did so and she excitedly beamed, looking from one to the other.

“I heard this year Princess Platinum the 12th is going to make an appearance!” She began, Rainbow nodding while shoving some of her food into her mouth. Twilight nibbled on her muffin and Pinkie looked around again before whispering. “I also heard that they were going to announce the newest Archivist!” That made Twilight’s stomach swoop and she instantly lost her appetite, looking at Pinkie in shock.

“What?” She asked slowly, Pinkie nodding while Rainbow now looked over curiously.

“They said that the other Archivists are going to present the newest Archivist! I’m so excited to see who’s taking over magic!” She gushed, Rainbow instantly beginning to speak about it. The two began going back and forth, Twilight looking at her muffin almost dumbfounded until she remembered the stack of letters she had been meaning to read through on her desk at the library. She usually made it a point to go through all of her mail when it came in, but her extra duties as the mayors assistant had made her push it off.

“Hey I have to go,” Twilight said quickly, Pinkie and Rainbow looking at her in confusion. Pinkie instantly looked worried while Rainbow narrowed her eyes.

“Hey are you okay?” Twilight ignored the question and rushed off, pushing through the crowd, that suddenly felt suffocating. Panic and stress were constant companions in life, she had been diagnosed quite early with a panic disorder when she was barely starting her training, but it hadn’t stopped her from achieving great things. Running through town and dodging different ponies, their faces blurring together as she headed home to find the letter that had most likely already been waiting for her. Her stomach swooped again and Twilight felt like vomiting, pushing the nausea down as she got to the door of the building and quickly unlocked it, rushing in and slamming the door behind her. She scrambled to the desk and grabbed at the letters, flipping through them until she uncovered the one with the Canterlot royal seal. She tore it open and grabbed at the simple letter, scanning the context quickly.

Dear Madam Twilight Sparkle of the House of Stars,

It’s been a while since I’ve written to you, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the 1000th Summer Sun Celebration is upon us, and we need all of our Archivists. This means the test will be administered that night. It seems fitting right? I hate to do this to you, but we has waited long enough, be ready.

Master Shine Swirl

The letter tumbled from her grasp and to the ground, Twilight staring sightless before her. This was what she had been trying to avoid. She had purposefully been vague about why she was sent to Ponyville, trying to keep her old life in Canterlot separate from her new one. Panic began to well and clog her throat, everything shifting from reality to a foggy unreality where she was suddenly conscious of how fast her heart was beating and how harsh her breathing was. She felt like she was about to pass out, but knew from experience that focusing on that would make her actually go over the edge, the mare trying to take in deep shuddery breathes. She was only half successful, wheezing slightly as she forced her trembling body to inhale slowly and exhale. She felt nausea turn her stomach and she swallowed several times slowly sitting on the ground and curling into a small ball. She had always been a nervous person, her diagnosis’ had come to no surprise, the mare having Lovely Days to keep her company and comfort her when she was in the castle. After coming to Ponyville, the mantle had been passed to her new friends, who seemed to know just how to help her. Applejack was always the one to find her, sitting with her until she calmed and came back to reality, then the others would arrive and make her feel better.

Twilight ran her hands up and into her mane, gripping the strands as she tried to ground herself, tightly closing her eyes as she fought to keep the tears from welling. She hated feeling like this and usually would cry herself to sleep after attacks, but she knew she just couldn’t this time. Gritting her teeth and cycling through each calming exercise she knew, flinching when the front door opened and Applejack stepped in. She looked concerned, her eyes darting around before her head turned and she looked down. “Oh hun,” she heard softly, more tears welling in her eyes as she finally felt the panic dull.

“I’m sorry,” Twilight quietly gasped out, Applejack walking in and over, kneeling in front of her while gently reaching up and wiping the tears from her eyes.

“It’s alright hun. Yew can’t control it,” she said lowly, taking a seat at her side and wrapping an arm around her shoulder. Twilight sniffled and rubbed at her muzzle then glared at her knees, feeling relief at being comforted and annoyance at needing the comfort to begin with. “What happened? Rainbow and Pinkie came running to find me and some how got Rarity and Fluttershy to look for yew too. They didn’t say much,” she said softly, Twilight swallowing nervously and looking at the open library door.

“Re-Remember how I said I was here because I had failed a test in Canterlot?” Twilight said slowly, shivering as the rest of her nervousness bundled itself into her belly. It was manageable at least, something she could deal with.

“Yeah. Yew said yew were here to study for a year but yew just never went back,” Applejack said with a frown on her face, Twilight taking in a deep breath, the air stopping when Rarity and Fluttershy rushed in.

“Darling! There you are!” Rarity cried, swiftly walking over and kneeling in front of her. Rarity was a lot when she got flustered, ponies thought she was dramatic and over the top, but Twilight secretly loved it. The other mare placed her hands on Twilight’s cheeks, gingerly tilting her head from side to side, Twilight smiling and giggling lightly at the affection. Rarity beamed while Fluttershy knelt at her side, silently offering her own brand of support. “Did you have another attack?” Rarity asked lightly, Twilight nodding then nuzzling into her hand just a bit.

“I’m sorry,” Twilight began but Rarity gave her a gentle look.

“You have nothing to apologize for dear.” Twilight relaxed against Applejack and looked to the door as Rainbow tumbled in, hitting the ground hard while Pinkie followed, checking her over. Rarity grunted in annoyance while Fluttershy giggled, Rainbow rolling over and grinning widely.

“Sparky!” Twilight gave her a small flat look, but the panic was gone and now replaced with a grim determination. She couldn’t run from her fate, but she could at least try to keep her friends.

“I…..I failed my Archivist test when I was fifteen,” Twilight blurt out, the others looking at her with wide eyes.

“You were supposed to be an Archivist?” Rarity asked slowly, almost confused while Twilight looked down and nervously shifted in her seat.

“I……I was supposed to be the youngest Archivist, but when I took the test….I messed up or something and was rejected. I was sent here to study and train,” Twilight said softly, the others looking at one another in worry.

“That scar on your back…..was that from?” Pinkie asked hesitantly, Twilight narrowing her eyes on her lap and glaring ever so slightly.

“Yeah….” She mumbled, Rainbow huffing and moving over, laying her head on the ground near Twilight’s legs.

“They just can’t make you an Archivist if you don’t want right? Just quit,” she suggested, Twilight looking at her with wide eyes. She had thought about quitting before but knew it could never be that simple.

“I can’t just-,” she began before she felt it, a shift in the air. Her head snapped up and she looked to the entrance where a figure moved in. She was tall and tired looking, her horn burnt at the end as she looked around the area. She was much older, hunched as she used a cane to walk, and sighed when she looked over and saw Twilight on the ground.

“Are you alright dear?” She asked softly, her voice strong but laced with concern. The former Archivist of Magic was at one point the sternest of her teachers, having pushed Twilight to the point of breaking more than once. It had taken Twilight failing and the magical meltdown that followed for the older mare to see the turmoil she had caused her successor. She had apologized over and over and while Twilight forgave her, she knew the older mare didn’t forgive herself. She had a grey coat and short white mane, the locks at one point black. Her dark purple eyes were filled with worry and her dark purple suit was pressed to perfection.

“I’m…..I’m alright,” Twilight said slowly, though the tremors persisted as more worry and anxiety remained within. The older mare narrowed her eyes, but seemed to take her word for it, looking to the others curiously then around.

“Let’s not do a song and dance about this. Is your back healed?” The mare asked, walking over to a table and placing her hand on a stack of papers.

“Yes,” Twilight said quietly, feeling Applejack’s arm tighten around her shoulders.

“Then we dance and I pass the torch to you,” she said with finality in her voice, Twilight shrinking into herself while Rainbow surged to her feet.

“Wait just one minute! What if she doesn’t want to do this anymore?!” She snapped, the older woman’s eyes sharpening.

“Is that the truth Twilight? Do you want to give up? Do you want all of those years wasted?” She asked, looking sternly at the now panicked mare on the ground.

“No! I’m ready!” Twilight said quickly, scrambling to her feet along with the others.

“You’re manipulating her!” Rarity snarled, Pinkie scowling and placing her hands on her hips.

“And you’re being a huge meanie pants!” Twilight helplessly looked to the others then her older mentor, who seemed to only be focused on her.

“Guys-,” Twilight began, but the others had formed an almost protective circle around her.

“You don’t have to do this,” Fluttershy whispered, Twilight taking the hand that had slipped into hers and tightly gripping it.

“But I do,” Twilight whispered lowly, looking up at Fluttershy. The mare looked at her in confusion and Twilight nodded towards the older mare sadly. “She can’t stay the Archivist of Magic much longer. I have the training and can do the spell work. I don’t want to, but…..I have to,” she whispered, squeezing the hand tightly before letting it go. “I’m ready,” Twilight announced, sounding more confident than she felt. The others looked to her, but she kept her focus on the older mare, who slowly began to relax.

“Good. Let’s go my dear. The rest of you should head to the celebration.”

Twilight paced from one side of the backroom to the other, listening to the mayor drone on and on about the achievements of the royal family, the other Archivists scattered about. The Archivist of Day was seated next to the Archivist of Love, who was grumbling and trying to light a cigarette. The Archivist of Night and the Archivist of Harmony were sharing a plate of cookies while the Former Archivist of Magic was trying to calm herself down. They had done this once before and it blew up in their face, quite literally so now it was time to try again. “Have you enjoyed your vacation?” The Archivist of Love asked, finally lighting her cigarette and taking a long drag from it. She was dressed in a red suit and looked annoyed, Twilight shrinking into herself.

“Still bitter about having the title of youngest Archivist taken from you?” The Archivist of Night said loudly. The Archivist of Love looking at him sharply and Twilight felt a small smile appear on her muzzle at his defense of her. The Archivist of Night was a black coated unicorn stallion with a short blue mane and dark red eyes, hidden behind black frame glasses. He was closer in age to the Archivist of Magic, and the Archivist of Harmony glanced over, dusting crumbs off her own rainbow colored suit and the stallions dark blue one. Her pink coat was clear of grime for once and her short grey mane was trimmed and curled close to her muzzle.

“We can’t all be prodigies Copper,” the Archivist of Harmony said, winking at Twilight, who smiled back.

“Shut up Heart Song,” Copper hissed, glaring heatedly at the Archivist of Day, Sunny Spells. Sunny ignored her and looked at Twilight next, a bit of worry in his golden eyed gaze.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” He asked, pushing his pink mane out of his eyes and smoothing a hand through his white coat.

“I will be.” Twilight said weakly, wincing as the mayor announced each of the other Archivists by title. They offered a small wave, Copper putting out her cigarette before joining them on stage. The Former Archivist, Shine Swirl, took the seat at Twilight’s side, then placed a hand on her knee.

“My time draws to a close as yours begins anew. I wish I had been softer on you,” she whispered, Twilight looking at her somberly before looking down.

“I wish a lot of things.” With that, they fell into a strangely peaceful silence that was interrupted when the other stopped talking suddenly.

“Now announcing! Former Archivist Shine Swirl and her successor! Twilight Sparkle!"

Author's Note

God it's been so long since I've been in the fandom, but after seeing the MLP infection stuff, it reignited the muse! This has nothing to do with infection stuff, but honestly I'm thinking of writing something for that too. So far this will take up some of my free time. Thank you for reading!