Celestia…

The ruler of all Equestria, the pony who is Earth, Pegasus, and Unicorn combined into one majestic being—a true Alicorn. The one who has lived hundreds, maybe thousands of years. She has faced threat after threat, probably possesses knowledge that spans eons, and commands respect with every step she takes.

And she’s standing right in front of me.

This is the equivalent of meeting God in this world.

"It brings me great relief to see that all of you are safe, my little ponies," said Celestia, her voice warm, her presence calming.

I shuddered.

She had saved us. She arrived just in time. One more minute, and we might not have made it.

But then my brain kicked into overdrive.

Wait. She has vast knowledge. I… I am an anomaly. Oh no. What if she realizes what I am? What if she thinks I’m some sort of parasite that hijacked this body like a symbiote, using knowledge from my past life? What if she sees me as a disruption to the universe’s balance? And if she does… what will she do to me? Disintegrate me with magical rainbow lasers? Banish me to the void?

Oh no, she’s totally going to exile me!

My entire body froze, and before I could stop myself, I blurted out in a rush, "Please don’t exile me! Don’t lock me in a dungeon for the rest of my life—or banish me and throw the dungeon where I’ve been banished! I’m completely innocent! I demand a fair trial in court!"

Celestia’s eyes widened in surprise. For a split second, her regal composure faltered, and then she smiled gently. "What an active imagination you have, little one. I assure you, I have no intention of doing any such thing. In fact, I should be the one apologizing. None of this should have happened."

I blinked.

She’s apologizing?

The ruler of Equestria, who saved our lives, is apologizing to us?

For a moment, I couldn’t process it. My jaw almost hit the ground.

But then something even more important hit me.

I was safe.

Oh, sweet stars, I wasn’t getting exiled! A wave of relief washed over me, and I let out a deep sigh I didn’t realize I’d been holding.

Celestia continued speaking, her voice tinged with sadness. "As I flew here, I observed that the trials had been affected by some kind of magical surge. A wild magic overload caused all of this. I’m truly sorry you had to endure such an ordeal."

Wild magic? A surge?

I mulled over her words. I really should’ve read more books about magic by now, but I could at least piece some things together. The chaotic explosion from earlier—it hadn’t just sent us flying. It must have disrupted the trials, causing this entire mess. For a brief moment, I was worried that such trials were even allowed for foals.

Wait a second. That explosion… whether it was caused by the star or Flashing—it reminded me of something.

I scanned the area. Flashing was slowly getting up, rubbing his head and groaning. He hadn’t noticed Celestia yet, nor that she had cleared the entire area of the twisted roots.

On the other side, though, I spotted the saddlebags. My star.

Like a moth to a flame, I moved towards it. Without hesitation, I picked up the star, slipped it back into the bag, and slung it over my back.

Finally, it was back where it belonged.

But then my gaze shifted to Flashing.

“Flashing…” I muttered under my breath, narrowing my eyes.

He froze, finally realizing Celestia’s presence.

Okay, sure, he did all those horrible things, both physically and verbally. But… he’s just a kid. Kids are dumb sometimes. I could let it slide, right? Maybe if I just walked away, things wouldn’t escalate. I mean, reporting him to Celestia could make things worse.

...Did you think that’s what I’d actually do?

Of course not.

I took a deep breath, turned to Celestia, and let it all out in one rushed sentence. "Flashing is a unicorn who infiltrated Rockville to take advantage of the trials and stand out above everypony else! He already knew about the tests beforehand and even attacked me and my sisters, both physically and emotionally!" I pointed a hoof directly at him, my voice trembling with righteous fury.

All eyes turned to Flashing.

"WHAT?!" Flashing shouted, finally snapping out of his daze. He stammered, his voice cracking under the pressure. "Th-those are lies! Lies, I tell you!"

The silence that followed was deafening.

Everypony stared at him.

At his horn, which stood out like a beacon of guilt.

The sound of Flashing gulping nervously could be heard loud and clear.

Maud, ever the calm one, stated, "It’s true."

Pinkamena nodded in agreement, her eyes glaring at Flashing with uncharacteristic seriousness.

Flashing looked between us and Celestia, his composure crumbling with every passing second. He opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it, realizing there was nothing he could say to save himself now.

I stood there, chest puffed out in defiance, as I prepared to see where this would lead.

Today, justice wasn’t just served. It was delivered.

Celestia approached Flashing slowly, her steps calm and deliberate, carrying no hint of aggression—just an air of quiet authority.

Her gaze swept over him from head to hoof, and I could see the tension radiating off Flashing. His ears pinned back, his legs trembled ever so slightly.

"You must be Flashing Blow," Celestia said, her voice calm but firm. "We’ve conducted a thorough review of recent relocations to Rockville, as well as a deeper investigation into certain irregularities. What we’ve found, Flashing, is that both you and your parents are in serious trouble."

Flashing’s eyes widened in panic, his ears flicking nervously. "B-but—"

She continued, unyielding. "Flashing, despite your earlier conduct, you were selected for this stage because of your outstanding results in the preliminary trials. However, given the recent revelations, it’s clear we were mistaken about you. Aggressive behavior—whether physical or verbal—will not be tolerated. Rest assured, we’ll have a serious discussion about this upon our return."

I watched as Flashing visibly swallowed the lump in his throat, his confidence utterly shattered.

I exhaled, releasing the tension that had gripped my entire body. Watching him squirm was oddly satisfying. Sure, he’s just a colt, and I doubt they’ll throw him in Tartarus or turn him into stone—punishments like that are way too extreme for somepony his age. But a long, miserable summer at some disciplinary institute? Now that feels about right.

Celestia turned to address us all, her expression softening. "We’ll discuss the details further later. For now, it is imperative that all of you be carefully examined."

She gave us a gentle nod, signaling for us to climb onto her back.

My sisters immediately climbed aboard with unwavering trust. Flashing hesitated for a moment, his head low, before begrudgingly following suit. Meanwhile, I stood rooted in place, staring at Celestia like she was a living legend—which, let’s be honest, she is.

Me? Riding on Princess Celestia’s back? I’d never, in all my lives, expected this.

I took a hesitant step forward, then another, before finally pulling myself onto her back.

Her wings unfurled with practiced grace, and with a powerful yet gentle beat, we ascended into the sky.

The wind rushed past my face, tousling my mane as the sun hung high above us, casting a warm golden glow over everything.

The sky.

It was always out of reach, always so far away from the grounded life I led. But now… now it was right here.

For a moment, I let myself revel in the surreal beauty of it all.

Then, inevitably, my thoughts began to wander.

Everything that’s happened.

I sighed, the weight of it pressing down on me. I used to long for something extraordinary in my life, even in my past life—a spark of wonder in the monotony. But these past few days? They’ve been pure chaos.

I couldn’t stop thinking about the roots, the capullo. The entity wasn’t entirely wrong. Pegasi, unicorns, magic—things I once thought impossible were now everywhere. And me? I’m just an Earth pony. Sure, I’m strong, but that’s it.

I clenched my jaw. I couldn’t beat any of them—not the pegasi, not the unicorns, not even the magic itself. A week ago, I’d never even seen a unicorn, and now I was expected to deal with egotistical magic users, vengeful rabbits, and roots that wanted to swallow me whole.

The entity in the capullo had whispered truths I didn’t want to hear. I’m no match for any of this. And if this is just the beginning… what happens next? What happens when I have to face an actual villain?

My chest tightened at the thought.

I looked around, my gaze drifting over the vast, fantastical landscape of Equestria below.

It’s easy to forget, amidst all the chaos, that this place is truly magical. A world where the extraordinary is ordinary, where fantasy is reality.

I shifted my gaze to Celestia.

Calm, composed, and radiating strength. She had defeated the roots so effortlessly. Where I had struggled and fought with everything I had, she had swooped in and saved us all—saved my sisters. And that mattered more than anything.

But me? I looked down at my hooves, feeling the weight of my inadequacy.

I must have been lost in thought longer than I realized because Celestia turned her head slightly, her wise eyes glancing back at me.

"You must be Echorellian Crumble Pie," she said, her voice carrying a kind warmth. "That’s a strong name."

I blinked, startled. "Just Echo is fine, Princess. My full name… it’s a bit long, don’t you think?"

She chuckled softly, the sound like a melody. "Perhaps. But there’s a certain charm to it. Every name tells a story, Echo. Do you know what yours means?"

I tilted my head, thinking. "Well… I guess my parents thought it was cute. Maybe because it has ‘ore’ in the middle, like rocks. Or maybe because ‘Echo’ reminds them of the sounds in caves. You know, echoes bouncing off stone walls."

She nodded, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "It does make sense. But echoes are more than that. They’re resilient. Even in the deepest darkness, they find their way, persisting until they’re heard. Don’t you think that sounds a little like you?"

Her words made me pause. I glanced up at her, unsure how to respond. "I… I don’t know. Maybe? It just feels like I’m wandering sometimes. Like I don’t know where this ‘echo’ is supposed to go. Every choice feels heavy, like I’m one wrong step away from messing everything up."

Celestia’s expression softened, her gaze filled with something that felt like understanding. "What matters is the courage to keep moving forward, even when you don’t know where the road will take you. And from what I've seen, you’re very good at finding your way, even in the toughest of situations."

"I just… try to figure things out. But no matter what I do, it feels like it’s never enough. There’s so much I don’t know, so much I can’t do. Like… magic. I’ll never have that."

Celestia tilted her head slightly, her gaze steady but kind. "Echo," she began, her voice soft and reassuring, "while I was flying over the forest to find you and your group, I saw the chaos that had taken root. The trials were altered, corrupted in ways they were never meant to be. The forest itself became a maze of danger. But amidst all of that, there was a light—a pure, brilliant light that cut through the darkness. That light is what guided me to you."

Her words froze me in place.

"The light…" I murmured, my eyes widening as realization began to dawn. "That was… me?"

I stared at her, stunned. The light she spoke of… it had to be when I escaped the suffocating prison of roots. The moment I refused to give up, no matter how hopeless it seemed.

I turned my gaze upward, letting my eyes drift toward the sky. The clouds rolled lazily across a sea of endless blue, the sun shining brighter than it had in days.

I slightly raised my front legs, to feel the wind, but quickly lowered them... it would be ridiculous, wouldn't it?

In the Rockville Town Hall, the largest room was thick with tension. Royal guards stood vigilantly at the doors, ensuring no curious onlookers could approach. At the center, a smooth stone roundtable brought together several key ponies: Harshwhinny, the test supervisor; Kibitz, the princess’s personal assistant; Solid Stone, the town’s mayor; and several other officials. Presiding over the meeting with her characteristic majestic calm was Princess Celestia.

Kibitz adjusted his glasses and spoke first. “The foals who participated in the trials have been taken to the local hospital for evaluation and rest. For now, it seems they only suffered minor scratches and extreme exhaustion. They should return home soon.”

Celestia nodded with a slight sigh of relief. “Thank you for the report, Kibitz.”

Harshwhinny, noticeably unsettled, took the floor. “My deepest apologies, Princess Celestia. I never imagined something like this could happen during the trials.”

Mayor Solid Stone, a gray stallion with an embarrassed expression, added, “We deeply regret all the mishaps, Princess. We never suspected that the recent influx of residents was part of an attempt to cheat in the trials.”

Celestia raised a hoof, signaling for him to stop. “You are not at fault, Miss Harshwhinny, Mayor Solid Stone. Both of you have done excellent work overseeing the trials and providing crucial information about the information leaks. Your diligence is appreciated.”

Both ponies let out a sigh of relief.

Celestia looked around the room, ensuring she had everyone’s attention. “This event was completely unexpected. No one could have foreseen it.”

At that moment, a guard entered the room, handing a scroll to Kibitz. Using his magic, the assistant quickly examined it, his expression darkening as he read.

“Princess,” he began, adjusting his glasses again, “we’ve confirmed that the nearby unnamed forest—known locally as a calm, uneventful place with no significant magical presence—has experienced a… ‘wild magic awakening.’”

The atmosphere in the room grew heavier, with incredulous glances exchanged among the ponies.

“That… has only happened once… the Everfree Forest,,” murmured Celestia, her eyes reflecting concern.

Solid Stone, visibly alarmed, spoke in a low voice. “Our forest has always been ordinary, without anything unusual. How could something like this happen?”

Kibitz continued, “According to our preliminary analyses, there was a sudden and massive buildup of wild magic, though its origin remains unknown. This surge affected the crystals used for the trials, altering their properties and pushing them to dangerous levels far beyond their intended purpose.”

Celestia nodded thoughtfully. “This means the system designed for the trials became uncontrollable.”

“Precisely, Princess,” confirmed Kibitz. “Particularly in the penultimate trial, the Trial of Honesty. The crystal in that section reacted anomalously, amplifying its effects beyond what was intended. Here are the details collected by our experts and from witness accounts.”

The assistant passed the scroll to those present. As they read, their expressions shifted from surprise to concern. The silence that followed was almost tangible.

Finally, Celestia spoke, her tone serene yet resolute. “In that case, I believe it’s time to analyze the group of participants.”

Harshwhinny picked up a document from the pile in front of her and stood to read it. “Based on current evaluations, we have some important findings. Of the four participants in the final stage, one has been disqualified due to recent events: Flashing Blow.”

All eyes turned toward her as she continued. “Flashing Blow, a unicorn who infiltrated Rockville by moving here to gain an advantage over the local earth ponies, Despite his attitude, stood out in the trials with outstanding results. However, upon further investigation, we discovered that his performance was manipulated thanks to prior information leaks, which automatically disqualifies him.

Celestia lowered her head slightly, her expression a mix of sadness and disapproval.

Harshwhinny went on. “However, another participant has drawn our attention: Echorellian Crumble Pie.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“Echorellian Crumble Pie,” Harshwhinny continued, “is a member of the Pie family, a humble group of rock farmers in Rockville. He is the fifth sibling, a triplet alongside two sisters, and the youngest in the family.”

Celestia tilted her head slightly, her interest deepening.

“In the written test, he achieved one of the highest scores, answering nearly every question correctly and finishing before most of the other participants.”

Mayor Solid Stone interrupted, incredulous. “Nearly every question correct? Even with the impossible exam?”

Harshwhinny nodded. “The section where he struggled the most was on magic, as expected. However, despite living in a town with no access to magical knowledge, he achieved a surprising sixty-two percent accuracy.”

Murmurs filled the room.

“Sixty-two percent? Without access to magical information? That’s incredible,” one pony commented.

“It’s unheard of for an earth pony,” added another.

Celestia listened attentively, her expression shifting from curiosity to a mix of admiration and contemplation.

Harshwhinny continued. “Additionally, during the practical trials, he demonstrated remarkable adaptability and uncommon perseverance, even in situations that pushed the limits of what could be expected from a colt his age.”

Harshwhinny, ever meticulous, reviewed the evaluations while the ponies present listened attentively.

"During the team phase," she began, "an especially unfortunate event occurred. The foals from other tribes—pegasi and unicorns—banded together with members of their own tribes, leaving the local earth ponies at a significant disadvantage for all subsequent trials."

A murmur of disapproval rippled through the room.

"If only they knew that their behavior during the tests was more important than the results. They wouldn't do such things," Solid Stone said in a resigned and disapproving tone. "Although it worked for us as an opportunity to weed out applicants."

"In the final test of that phase," Harshwhinny continued, "the capture-the-flag challenge, the odds were completely stacked against Echorellian Crumble Pie’s team. His group was demoralized and practically defeated before the challenge even began. Yet, it was he who managed to uplift his team’s spirits and, against all odds, devised a plan."

Celestia tilted her head slightly, intrigued.

"Echorellian used the resources at his disposal with remarkable ingenuity," Harshwhinny explained. "He took the team vests we provided and crafted several decoy flags. This confused the other two teams, who had also allied to target the earth ponies first. Thanks to his strategy, the opponents took much longer to locate his team’s real flag. Although the round ended in a tie, Echorellian’s leadership and creativity stood out significantly."

A thoughtful silence followed her words.

Celestia finally broke the silence, her voice soft yet full of meaning. "It seems Echorellian Crumble Pie is even more exceptional than we imagined."

The room remained quiet for a few moments before Celestia spoke again. "It’s time to discuss what happened to him and his group during the final stage. What evaluations were recorded before they went off the grid in the third trial?"

Harshwhinny nodded, consulting her notes. "The most notable event before the disruption occurred in the first trial, the Trial of Loyalty. Apparently, it was Echorellian who discovered that the trial was an illusion. Not only did he notice it, but he also dispelled the illusion by taking the crystal powering it. Curiously, he carefully placed the crystal on the ground before moving on."

Celestia murmured, a faint smile gracing her lips. "So he was the one who did it."

Harshwhinny continued. "In the third stage, the Trial of Kindness, that’s when everything went out of control, and we lost sight of the group. We believe that was when… the incident occurred."

The atmosphere grew tense. The mention of the magical surges left everyone uneasy.

Celestia intervened, her tone more serious. "During my flight over the forest, I witnessed the havoc caused by that unleashed magic. I arrived just in time to rescue the foals from the roots that had trapped them. But what I saw before my arrival was alarming."

Harshwhinny nodded gravely. "Based on recent data, we can confirm something: that group faced the worst of the worst. The wild magic in the forest forced them to confront their deepest fears and personal darkness, pushing them to the limits of what a foal could endure."

The ponies exchanged looks filled with concern.

Kibitz adjusted his glasses and added, "According to reports, the epicenter of the magical concentration appeared to be centered on Echorellian. He bore the brunt of the darkness generated by the magical disturbance."

Harshwhinny’s voice wavered slightly as she continued. "I can’t fathom how an earth pony, without magic or special abilities, managed to endure something so devastating. According to the accounts, he not only broke free of that darkness but did so entirely on his own."

Mayor Solid Stone, incredulous, exclaimed, "Breaking free from something that extreme without magic? How is that even possible?"

"Mental strength," Harshwhinny said firmly. "The only plausible explanation is that Echorellian possesses an extraordinary level of resilience and determination. His mind endured something that even a trained adult would find unbearable."

Celestia remained pensive for a moment before speaking, her voice soft but imbued with authority. "Echorellian Crumble Pie not only demonstrated exceptional abilities during the trials but also revealed something far more valuable: an inner strength capable of withstanding the darkest adversities."

The silence in the room was filled with respect and awe. Everyone knew that Princess Celestia’s words were more than just recognition.

Celestia stood up and spread her wings, "Thank you for the work you did, I will be in charge of following up on the situation in the forest, but, for today, we should finish this" signaling the conclusion of the meeting for now. She still had one task left to accomplish that day.

The day had been an emotional whirlwind: surprises, disappointments, relief... and more questions than I could handle. Among those surprises was the fact that I had literally seen Princess Celestia in person.

At the local hospital, we were quickly checked over. Just a few scratches and exhaustion that seemed to drain every last drop of energy from my body. After some bandages, energy bars, water and answer questions, we were good to go. Our dad arrived to pick us up just before the sun set, wearing an expression of concern I didn’t often see.

As we trotted home, Pinkamena was glued to my side—almost too close. Her cheek, decorated with a pink bandage, pressed against mine, which bore a similar mark. I gently nudged her away to give myself some space, but while she stepped back slightly, she still walked very near.

I glanced at my sisters and smiled. They were safe. Without them, I don’t think I could’ve found the strength to break free from that cocoon.

I looked up at my dad. He walked silently, his face calm with the steady demeanor of a family leader. I observed him for a moment, remembering how his presence and our past conversation had anchored me when I needed it most.

I tilted my head thoughtfully. It was strange; I wouldn’t have been able to overcome that trial without their actions—without one small, seemingly insignificant moment.

When we finally reached the farm as the sun dipped below the horizon, Holder’s Boulder stood off to one side of the house, unchanged, like a symbol of constancy. Everything we had faced felt like a distant dream. If it weren’t for the bandages on our cheeks, anyone might think nothing had happened.

I sighed as my mind wandered back to Celestia. Having her in front of me had felt like standing in the presence of something beyond comprehension. I had so many questions I wanted to ask her, but at the crucial moment… I couldn’t say anything. By now, she was probably back in Canterlot while I returned to my routine: lemonade, blueprints, and my ever-growing decision tree.

When we arrived home, our older sisters greeted us at the door. Limestone, Marble, and Mom were there, embracing us in a warm and comforting welcome.

“We’re so relieved you’re okay,” Mom said, her voice heavy with relief. “We heard about what you had to face.”

“Are you really all right?” Marble asked, her eyes filled with concern.

“Of course,” I replied with a sly smile. “We’re basically made of rock; we’re tough to crack.”

Instead of prompting laughter, my comment was met with intrigued glances exchanged among them.

Then Mom spoke again, her tone more solemn. “There’s something you need to know, Echorellian. We have a visitor… someone here specifically to see you.”

“Me?” I repeated, pointing at myself incredulously.

I walked toward my room, my mind spinning with questions. I pushed the door open carefully, and as I entered, I noticed a silhouette.

Standing in the center of my room was Princess Celestia. Her elegant figure stood out as she examined my decision tree, blueprints, and notes scattered across the room with interest.

The creak of the door caught her attention, and she turned to me gracefully, offering a tranquil smile.

“I see you’ve arrived, Echorellian,” she said, her voice as calming as a soft breeze.

My heart skipped a beat. Princess Celestia… here? In my room?

“What could she possibly want with me?” I muttered, more to myself than to her, as I struggled to process what was happening.

Celestia remained at the center of the room, her serene gaze sweeping over the intricate diagrams and notes that covered the walls. Her attention lingered on the decision tree, its carefully drawn branches stretching outward like a map of endless thought.

I stood frozen in the doorway, my heart pounding. Why was she here? What could I possibly say to her?

Finally, I broke the silence, trying to keep my voice steady. “P-Princess Celestia… what are you doing here? I mean, it’s an honor, but… why me?”

She turned toward me, her smile warm yet slightly curious. “Why not you, Echo?” she replied in a calm tone. “I’ve heard many things about you during the trials, but what I’ve seen here,” she gestured to the decision tree with a tilt of her hoof, “is what intrigues me the most.”

I swallowed hard, following her gaze to my creation. “The tree? It’s nothing special… just something I use to… organize my thoughts.”

“Organize your thoughts,” Celestia repeated, stepping closer to the tree with evident curiosity. “This isn’t something typical for a colt your age. Every branch, every split, represents a decision you considered, a possibility you explored. This reflects not only organization but an inquisitive and deeply reflective mind.”

I blushed slightly, scuffing the floor with my hoof. “I don’t know if I’d call it that. It’s just… how I try not to get lost. Sometimes it feels like there are too many options, too many things that could go wrong.”

Celestia tilted her head slightly, as though reflecting on my words. “Echo, there’s nothing wrong with thinking carefully about your decisions. But there’s a difference between considering possibilities and becoming trapped by them.”

“I know,” I admitted with a sigh. “Sometimes… it’s hard to move forward when I’m not sure what’s right.”

“What you’ve built here,” she said, gesturing again to the tree, “is an impressive tool, but also a reminder of the complexity of your thoughts. Every decision you make, every doubt you face, has value. But you must not allow those doubts to paralyze you.”

Her voice was like a warm breeze dispersing the fog in my mind.

“From what I’ve been told, and from what I’ve seen myself, during the trials, you faced incredibly difficult situations,” Celestia continued. “What impressed me most was how, despite everything, you found a way to move forward. Even when you were trapped in darkness, you didn’t give up. Why?”

I lowered my gaze for a moment, then raised my head with determination. “Because I wasn’t alone. I had my sisters with me. I had my family. I couldn’t give up while they were fighting so hard for me. And… because, deep down, I knew I still had the choice to keep going.”

Celestia smiled approvingly. “That is a lesson many don’t learn until much later in life, Echo.”

Her gaze was full of understanding. “Now, Echo, tell me… what do you hope to find at the end of this tree of yours? What do you want to become?”

I stared at my decision tree, my eyes fixed on the empty center where all the threads converged. That blank space stared back at me, almost mocking, a constant reminder of what I hadn’t been able to figure out. I stepped toward it, lifted a hoof as if to touch it, but stopped halfway and let it fall.

“It’s always the same question,” I said, breaking the silence. “I’ve spent so much time on this—researching, analyzing, mapping out every possibility. Every path, every little detail. But I always hit the same dead end. Always trying to find that thing to fill this space, but I never seem to define it.”

Celestia stood beside me, her calm gaze fixed on the tree with infinite patience. There was something in the way she observed it, as though she truly saw something beyond the lines and schemes. “And what do you think is missing, Echorellian?” she asked gently.

I let out a sigh, allowing my shoulders to sag slightly. “I don’t know… but it’s funny, really. Choosing to move forward without a clear direction is what’s helped me so far, but I’m not sure I’m ready to find what’s missing. Especially because… I didn’t even finish the trials. According to what Flashing said, we didn’t make it to the last one.”

“You mean the trial of Magic?” Celestia asked, her tone so gentle that I felt slightly less embarrassed answering.

I nodded, looking away. “Yeah. The fifth trial was a mess, and we didn’t even reach the sixth. It feels ironic, doesn’t it? A trial of magic, and me, an earth pony—I don’t even know what it’s like to have a spark of magic. I’d never have passed it.”

To my surprise, Celestia let out a soft, warm laugh, free of any mockery. “Echo, let me share something curious about the trial of Magic. That trial didn’t involve spells, enchantments, or even magical crystals. All it required was for the participants to push a door. Together.”

I stared at her, incredulous. “That’s it? Push a door?”

“Exactly,” she confirmed with a smile. “Magic isn’t always about sparks and fireworks. Sometimes, true magic lies in cooperation, in the union of wills to overcome a common obstacle. In that sense, though you didn’t reach the trial of Magic, I believe you passed it in a much more meaningful way.”

I frowned, processing her words. “How? I didn’t do anything special. If anything, we were humiliated.”

Celestia stepped closer to me, leaning slightly to meet my gaze. “What you faced in the forest was far more than any trial designed by me or the supervisors. You faced your darkness, your doubts, your deepest fears. And not only did you free yourself from them, but you also found the strength to move forward—not just for yourself, but for your sisters and others. That, Echo, is magic in its purest form.”

I swallowed hard, feeling a mix of pride, wonder, and lingering confusion.

“Magic,” I thought.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of what I was about to reveal. “But there’s still something else,” I said, sliding the satchel toward me and carefully opening it. From inside, I pulled out the violet star, holding it in my hooves and lifting it slightly so Celestia could see it clearly.

“This,” I said with as much seriousness as I could muster, “is a strange gem my family and I found when we got lost in a cave recently. It was an ancient cave, forgotten for generations by our family. I think it might be some sort of relic tied to our lineage. At first, it seemed special, even magical. It floated in the air as if it had a life of its own. But as soon as we left the cave, it just fell to the ground. Since then, it hasn’t shown any magical behavior.”

Celestia tilted her head slightly, her gaze focused intently on the star. There was something in her expression—an almost imperceptible flicker of recognition—that made me wonder if this wasn’t her first time encountering something like this.

“I’ve read every book Rockville has on gems, minerals, and geology,” I continued, “but nothing matches its structure or appearance. This star… it’s a mystery. Something completely unknown.”

For a moment, Celestia’s face remained composed, but I noticed a subtle spark in her eyes. “Echorellian,” she said softly, “your star reminds me of something I encountered a long time ago. Centuries ago, in fact, I found a gem with a similar design. It fell from the sky. However, When I sent her to study carefully and in depth, it exhibited no detectable traces of conventional or known magic. Eventually, I stored it in a safe place, thinking its purpose might reveal itself someday.”

I blinked, stunned. My star… falling from the sky? That sounded… almost too incredible to believe.

“And as for the magical explosion,” I continued, holding the star tightly in both hooves, “it was… chaotic. We were in a tense moment. Flashing had me restrained with his magic. He yanked the star from me, and that’s when it happened. It was like something snapped. Waves of magic shook everything and threw us into the air. It all happened so fast that I could barely process it.”

“So…” I said uncertainly “do you think it was the star or Flashing who caused the explosion?”

“It could be both” Celestia replied “When they studied it, many other unicorns experimented with it, but there was no anomalous or remarkable effect, in fact, nothing. But, you said that before that, you saw it floating right?”

“Yes”

“I don’t know why, but apparently, your star is possibly different or something that happened was different. The one we found remained motionless, but yours somehow reacted magically before the explosion”

“Does that lead us to?” I said curiously.

“I don’t know, there may even be a third reason for the explosion, but given the situations, it could have happened due to the situation they were involved in where there was tension. It could even have been… you, Echo”

“What did you feel at that moment?” she asked gently.

I hesitated, staring at the star in my hooves. “I was worried,” I admitted. “Flashing had pushed my sister. He had us under his control, and I confronted him because I couldn’t let him hurt them. That worry, that fear… that’s all I could think about.”

Celestia looked thoughtful, her gaze distant for a moment. “That’s interesting,” she said at last. “Intense emotions can often serve as catalysts for magical events. What you describe… sounds like it could be connected to the situation.”

“Me?” I asked incredulously. “I doubt it. I’m just an earth pony. I don’t have magic.”

“That’s not entirely true,” Celestia replied with a gentle smile. “All creatures in this world possess magic in some form. It doesn’t always manifest as it does in unicorns or alicorns, but it’s there.”

Her words left me speechless. Magic? In me? That couldn’t be right… could it?

Celestia leaned forward slightly, her horn glowing with a soft golden light as she enveloped the star in her magic. She didn’t touch it directly but seemed to be examining it carefully. After a few moments, she opened her eyes and allowed the star to settle back into my hooves.

“I don’t detect any active magic in this star at the moment,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean it lacks a purpose. And given that my investigators found no conclusions about the one I encountered before, yet yours seems to have reacted… there may be a connection. Whatever its nature, that makes it unique. I believe it should remain with you, Echorellian.”

I stared down at the star, its faint glow reflecting in my eyes. “Alright… thanks, I guess,” I murmured, feeling a strange mix of awe and responsibility.

Celestia’s gaze softened, as though she could see beyond what even I understood about myself. “Keep it safe and take care of it, Echo,” she said, her tone laced with quiet confidence. “Because someday, I believe you’ll uncover more about its purpose.”

I noticed the faint glow of the star. Once again, I thought they would take it away from me, but they let me keep it.

Celestia began to prepare to leave. "I think it’s time for me to go for now. There are some matters I must attend to," she said in her serene tone as she exited the room.

We gathered in front of our house, standing beneath the starry sky she had raised herself.

"Thank you for visiting our humble home, Princess," my father said, bowing alongside my mother.

"It’s my pleasure. But I regret the trouble and danger your children had to face," Celestia responded with genuine concern. "As compensation, you will receive a gift in the future. But for now, I’d like to offer you something special tonight."

She raised her gaze to the sky, pointing with her hoof to the night firmament. "I hope you’ll be awake a few minutes before dawn. I recommend finding the highest hill; it will be a moment worth seeing."

She gave us a subtle wink before spreading her majestic wings and taking flight toward the center of town.

"Did she just… invite us to watch her raise the sun?" my mother asked, still somewhat incredulous.

We slept for only a few hours before the bells woke us. Normally, we were used to rising early, but this time it was different; the night still blanketed the sky when we stirred.

My family was already gathered on the highest hill near the farm. My parents rested on the ground, while my sisters sat, their eyes fixed on the horizon with eager anticipation.

I, however, lingered behind for a moment. I stood in front of my decision tree, the mental map I’d been drawing throughout my life. It was full of possible paths, all converging in a blank center.

I stared at that empty space—the place that had haunted me for years.

What should I put there?

I sighed, unable to answer. Finally, I decided to leave it and head out to join the others.

We sat atop the hill. The sky was still dark, but the stars shone brightly—a canvas of infinite possibilities.

I settled at the edge of the group, my gaze fixed on the stars. They had always fascinated me, but tonight… tonight, they felt different.

As we waited for Celestia to arrive and raise the sun, I got lost in my thoughts, my eyes glued to the night sky. The stars shone with a calmness that starkly contrasted the chaos in my mind.

A question kept echoing within me: “What do you want to be?”

It was so simple, yet so incredibly difficult.

All my life, I had watched others find clear and defined paths—like my siblings. Robin, with his academic pursuits. Amanda, with her artistic exhibits. Or… Anthony. Academia, art, and sports. Each had something that defined them. They had found their way.

And me?

I was still here.

I sighed, visualizing my decision tree in my mind. All those branches, all those options, and not a single answer. Just a void in the center, mocking me.

"Just pick something."

"Take it one step at a time."

"Don’t rush; keep exploring."

Those pieces of advice played on repeat in my head, like a melody stuck on loop. But what happens when you follow them and still don’t get anywhere? What happens when years pass, and you’re still the same—even after dying and getting a second chance?

Tears threatened to fall, but I held them back. Why can't I choose? Why am I still stuck here?

I had studied so much, learned, researched, gathered information. I had tried every possible trick to move forward, yet I always ended up in the same place.

"There is no answer."

That was the only conclusion I could come to.

I hated myself for it—for not moving forward, for feeling like I was letting everyone down, for not finding the purpose that seemed so natural to others. My sisters, my family, even Celestia—they had all encouraged me, supported me, cheered me on to keep me from falling into darkness. And yet, here I was, in the same spot.

But as I looked at the starry sky, I let my thoughts settle like leaves drifting on a river. There was something I always did, something I never failed to do: I got back up.

Over and over again. No matter how many times I fell, no matter how many doubts tormented me, no matter how many paths seemed to lead nowhere—I kept going.

And maybe… that wasn’t so bad.

"Echo," a gentle voice called behind me.

I turned my head to see my mother sitting beside me. Her face radiated that calmness that always managed to comfort me.

"It’s beautiful, isn’t it?" she said, looking up at the sky.

I nodded, not saying a word, turning my gaze back to the stars.

Falling and getting back up again—that’s what I do.

But then, a question whispered through my mind: Why do I do it? Is it for myself? Or…

I glanced at my family. Pinkamena, sitting next to Maud, the two of them talking quietly. Limestone and Marble were sharing an apple, while Dad and Mom exchanged serene words. They were my rock, and at the same time, the reason behind my efforts.

Do I do it for them?

The answer wasn’t simple, but something in me knew it didn’t matter.

It didn’t matter how much I had to search to find a way to keep them safe.

It didn’t matter how deeply I had to sink to confront my own darkness if it meant I could help my family.

I get back up. And I move forward. Step by step.

Even if I’m struck down.

Even if I’m bound by roots.

Even if I’m trapped in a cocoon of doubts and fears.

Despite it all, I keep going.

During the trials, I saw it clearly. I faced magic—something I’d never understood or controlled. I couldn’t beat Flashing. I couldn’t stop the colony of roots. But even so, I kept moving forward.

It’s ironic. I gave it my all, yet I always seemed to hit a limit I couldn’t surpass. Then Celestia came, with a simple spell that cleared the way and saved us—my sisters and me.

I kept thinking about it. That limit.

In that moment, I wished for so many things. I wished for the strength to be more. To not need saving. To know what it feels like to have magic. To know what it feels like to fly.

Fly…

I’ve always looked up at the sky, searching for signs of pegasi gliding among the clouds. Every flap of their wings, every turn in the air, seemed like a dance of freedom I could only imagine.

But I can’t do that. I’m not a pegasus. Nor a unicorn. I’m an earth pony.

Magic and flight…

I closed my eyes and let the cool dawn breeze brush against my face. I raised my hooves, stretching them out as if they were wings. For a moment, I imagined what it would feel like to have the wind rushing through feathers, the thrill of diving into the open air, and the power of magic lighting my path.

I want to experience it all. I don’t want to be confined to one thing. I want to feel everything, to understand everything.

But not just for myself.

I thought of Anthony, how I wanted to be there in his final moments, to help him reach his dreams. I thought of my family, how I wanted to protect them in the cave, ensuring they made it out safely. I thought of my sisters, how I fought to keep them from being crushed by the roots—roots I had somehow caused.

I want others to be happy, too.

I’ve spent my entire life doubting, building possible paths in my mind. But I’ve never dared to choose one. What if I choose wrong? What if… I fail?

But… thinking about it, I wouldn’t have escaped the void without what others did for me.

Maybe the actions we take don’t go in just one direction.

What if I can be something greater? Something that helps not just me, but others too?

The gentle flutter of wings pulled me from my thoughts. I looked up to see Celestia descending beside me, her figure glowing softly in the night sky's faint light.

I blinked in surprise and quickly averted my gaze, trying to act as though this was completely normal.

She smiled, clearly noticing my awkwardness.

Whether by luck, mistake, or something else, I had been reborn with my memories intact. Now, in this life, I looked like just another colt, but I still carried the memories of my previous life. In a way, I could say I’d lived more than anyone else realized.

But her… Celestia… she had lived far more than anyone could comprehend.

I couldn’t help but think about everything she represented. Here was Celestia, someone who had lived through centuries, perhaps millennia, facing unimaginable challenges. With her magic and wisdom, she could have chosen any life, any destiny. But she chose to stay. To help. To guide. To protect.

Without thinking too much, I let a question escape my lips. “How do you do it? How do you bear the weight of being who you are?”

Celestia looked at me, surprised at first, but her expression soon softened. “With perseverance, faith in others, and acceptance that I don’t always have the answers. Being an alicorn doesn’t mean being perfect, Echorellian. It means embracing imperfection, learning from it every day, and using your strengths to help others.”

Her words struck something deep within me. Embrace imperfection.

I turned my gaze back to the sky, my thoughts drifting among the stars.

“I’ve noticed how you look at the sky,” Celestia continued, her tone warm. “There’s something about it that calls to you, isn’t there?”

“I’ve always been fascinated by it… the vastness, the unknown,” I admitted. “It makes me feel small, but at the same time, like I could be part of something bigger.”

Celestia nodded, her expression contemplative. “Perhaps tonight, you’ll find an answer in the sunrise. There’s a special power in watching the sun rise, especially when you understand what it means.”

As Celestia prepared to raise the sun, I felt a tension in the air, as if even nature was holding its breath in reverence for what was about to happen. My family stood beside me—a humble family of rock farmers, living in a dusty, forgotten corner of Equestria.

A place where magic seemed nonexistent, where our lives revolved around rocks and more rocks. How could someone like me aspire to something greater?

Celestia stepped forward, her horn beginning to glow with a soft, golden aura. As she did, memories began swirling in my mind—a flood of images and emotions of everything that had brought me to this moment.

From the day I opened my eyes in this world, surrounded by dust, stone, and more gray than any mind should endure. “We’re rock farmers? How is that even a thing?”

I chuckled to myself at the memory. Life has a peculiar sense of humor.

Then there was the moment I recognized Pinkie for the first time—the shock of realizing that this world wasn’t just new, but one I already knew. A world I thought was fictional. And yet, here I was, living it.

I thought of the years that followed, of how I trained every day of my life, moving and carrying rocks, of how I read every book I could find in Rockville, only to be disappointed when I discovered they were all about… rocks.

My mind jumped to the camp, to the trials, to the chaos I had caused trying to keep Pinkie from facing an uncertain future. Or, funnier still, nearly drowning three times because of how stubborn I was.

I remembered the darkness of the situation, when we were trapped in the cave and separated, but the glow of the moss above our heads lit the way out.

How I ended up facing rabbits, unicorns, roots, and, ultimately, my own darkness.

But there was also support.

I remembered how my sisters never stopped fighting for me, how their voices pulled me from the abyss. How even Anthony, from a memory of my past life, gave me strength when I needed it most.

Celestia began raising the sun, and the first rays of light illuminated the horizon. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting that warm light fill every corner of my being.

A memory surged forward with clarity: my birthday in my past life, sharing a humble cupcake with Anthony. It was that very birthday when I started building my decision tree—a system to try to control the uncontrollable, to make sense of a life filled with possibilities and uncertain paths.

I imagined my tree, slowly growing, forming and expanding with every bit of information I collected and researched throughout my life.

I opened my eyes and looked at the sunrise, its golden light spreading slowly.

Then, I understood.

I had spent my entire life asking myself the same question: "What do I want to be?"

The question had followed me everywhere. Memories flooded my mind—all the moments in my life when that question immobilized me, unanswered.

In the classroom of my past life, where my teacher asked me…
Sitting with Anthony, as he asked me…
Under the moon at night, at the camp, asking myself…
During the written test, staring at a single question on the page…
Even in my room, with Celestia asking me…

"What do you want to be?"

The sun finally revealed itself in all its majesty, and something within me shifted.

I imagined my tree again, massive and full, brimming with possibilities and paths. It began to crack.

In front of me was Celestia, radiant against the rising sun. Her wings were spread wide, her horn glowing with brilliance.

For an instant, my mind stopped running in circles. My doubts, my fears, my anxiety over choosing the right path… all of it melted away. What remained was a peace I had never felt before.

I knew.

For the first time in my life, I knew with certainty.

I couldn’t hold it back any longer. I fell to the ground, my hooves digging into the earth. Tears spilled freely, hot and liberating.

“At last… after all this time… I finally know,” I murmured through my sobs, barely comprehensible even to myself.

In my mind, my decision tree—that symbol of my indecision and desperate attempts to control every possibility—began to crack even more. The branches snapped, the leaves fell, and finally, it all collapsed, forming a single image.

I saw it clearly.

A wide, genuine smile spread across my face as the words escaped my lips in a whisper that seemed to resonate through my entire being.

"What do I want to be?"

All the versions of myself, the ones who had faced that question at different stages of my life—in school, on the bench, on the hill, during the exam, in my room—answered in unison:

"I want to be… an Alicorn."

A bright light emerged from me.

The air seemed to hum with an energy I couldn’t describe, and as Celestia finished raising the sun, she turned just enough to look at me. Her serene gaze brightened with a soft smile, as if she had already known what I had decided.

Author's Note

Celestia arrives to save the day.

Once the danger is resolved, Flashing Blow’s true attitude is revealed, and it’s clear he’ll face serious consequences for his actions.

The group safely returned to Rockville, where the aftermath of the events was closely examined. Among the key revelations was the awakening of wild magic in the forest, an unforeseen phenomenon. Echo, having performed exceptionally during the trials, caught Celestia’s attention, prompting her to visit him that night.

During their conversation, Echo and Celestia delved deeply into the question that had always haunted him: “What do you want to be?” Echo also revealed the mysterious star to Celestia. Despite her recognition of its resemblance to a gem she had encountered long ago, Celestia chose to leave the star in Echo’s care, noting that it may hold a unique connection to him.

As a gesture of gratitude, Celestia promised the Pie family a future reward and gave them a special gift that same night: the chance to witness her raising the sun.

That night, Echo reflected on why he continued to move forward despite his lingering doubts and inability to choose a clear path. After much soul-searching, he finally discovered the answer to the question that had tormented him for so long.

“I want to be… an Alicorn.”

Fun Facts:

• Initial Concept: This arc was originally conceived as an annual event in Rockville resembling an Olympic Games with a rock theme. The arc would have taken place over two days, with Celestia attending the first day to watch Echo’s class perform a play that she would enjoy immensely.
• Flashing Blow’s Evolution: Flashing underwent multiple revisions during development. He was initially written as a long-time resident of Rockville, embodying the stereotypical schoolyard bully archetype, complete with two lackeys. However, he was later reworked to have a more defined motive and to serve as a direct foil to Echo. Additionally, the idea of Flashing being a unicorn hidden in Rockville was adjusted, as it seemed implausible for no one to notice.
• Rewriting the Magic Explosion: The explosion of wild magic caused by the star underwent significant changes. In earlier drafts it was not credible that someone would not be able to notice the origin in a public setting. Now, none of the characters are entirely certain about the explosion’s origin—whether it was the star, Flashing, or something else entirely—building suspense for future developments. (All for the convenience of the script)
• Celestia’s Search: The story takes place before the Sonic Rainboom, meaning it predates Twilight Sparkle’s selection as Celestia’s protégé. This led to the logical expansion of Celestia’s search beyond the School for Gifted Unicorns, adding depth to her involvement in Rockville’s trials.
• The Star and Echo: Crafting a believable scenario where Echo could reveal the star to Celestia while she chose to let him keep it was a delicate balance. This was resolved by leaning into the uncertainty surrounding the star’s origin and its reaction to Echo.

Spoilers and Notes:

• Comic Connections: The star is not the Element of Magic, though it bears a resemblance. According to My Little Pony comic issue #75, the gem is linked to a broader storyline involving chaos magic and Cosmos. In this story, Celestia’s limited knowledge leads her to suspect a potential connection to the Element of Magic, which justifies her decision to leave the star with Echo.
• Anthony’s Role: This may not be the last time we hear about Anthony. There are several possible directions to take his character, and his story arc is still open for development.
• Flashing Blow’s Future: Flashing’s story isn’t over. Despite his arrogance, he has been humiliated, disqualified, and stripped of his chance to achieve greatness—all because of Echo. His lingering resentment, combined with the unresolved matter of the star, sets the stage for future confrontations.

With this chapter, the trial arc comes to a close, marking the beginning of Echo’s long journey toward becoming an Alicorn.

From here, the story will shift back to Echo’s day-to-day life, focusing on his gradual progress and the challenges he’ll face along the way. Of course, there will still be the occasional chapter featuring adventures and unexpected twist

Thank you for reading!