One left.

Time Elapsed Since the Death of Twilight Sparkle: 35 Years

The soft hum of orchestral music drifted through the boutique as Rarity meticulously sifted through her wardrobe. Sequins or frills? The choice seemed monumental, though her once-steady hooves trembled slightly with age. She held up two dresses, tilting her head as she scrutinized each one.

“Gosh, I don’t know which one I should choose. Sequins or frills?” she mused aloud, her voice carrying a hint of exasperation.

A deep rumble of laughter sounded from behind her. Ducking slightly to step through the doorway, Spike entered. Now towering over her, the dragon’s broad shoulders filled the room. “The sequins one looks nice,” he said, half-smiling, his emerald eyes warm but distracted.

Rarity sighed with mock relief. “You’re right, Spike. The frills are much too bold for me these days.”

Spike chuckled, leaning casually against the doorway. “Rarity, I know you’re excited about this ball, but shouldn’t you check in with Applejack? She said she was almost ready, but you know how she is. She’s probably still polishing the same saddlebag.”

“Quite right,” Rarity replied, smoothing the hem of her dress. “Though knowing Rainbow Dash, she’ll keep her on track—if she hasn’t dragged her into some ridiculous competition.”

Spike smirked. “Or they’re both trying to see who can pack faster. Again.”

Their banter was interrupted by the sound of a portal snapping open. The air shimmered briefly before Discord emerged, stepping out with his usual flair. Fluttershy followed closely behind, wearing a soft, flowing dress that complemented her gentle demeanor.

“Darling!” Rarity exclaimed, rushing over to embrace Fluttershy. “You look *fabulous* in that dress!”

Discord grinned. “She sure does, doesn’t she?”

Spike smiled at the scene, though his expression grew wistful. “Twilight would’ve loved to see this,” he said softly.

A quiet moment passed as the others nodded in agreement. Rarity placed a hoof on Spike’s arm. “Don’t worry, dear. We’ll visit her this weekend.”

With their preparations complete, the group set off for the train station, laughter and light conversation filling the air.

“Knowing Pinkie,” Discord said, his tone full of mischievous glee, “she’s probably whipped up the most chaotic party Canterlot has ever seen.”

Fluttershy giggled, and Rarity rolled her eyes affectionately.

When they arrived, they spotted Applejack and Rainbow Dash sprinting toward the platform, saddlebags jostling as they ran. Both skidded to a halt, panting heavily.

“I… won…” Applejack gasped between breaths.

“No… I did…” Rainbow Dash argued weakly, slumping against a nearby post.

Spike chuckled, crossing his arms. “I think *we* won.”

Applejack straightened up, a grin spreading across her face. “Spike, I swear, every time I see ya, you’ve grown even bigger. Aren’t you just the most adorable young dragon?”

Spike flushed, looking away. “Applejack, I’m not cute. I’m cool!”

Rarity giggled, while Fluttershy gently nudged them toward the waiting train. “Come on, everyone,” she said. “Pinkie’s probably bursting with excitement to show us her decorations.”

Three days after the ball, the train chugged back toward Ponyville. The group shared fond memories of the festivities, their laughter echoing through the cabin. But as the train pulled into the station, a somber mood settled over Spike and Rarity. They had one last stop to make.

“I wonder how she’s doing,” Spike said thoughtfully as they walked toward the small, secluded cemetery just outside Ponyville.

“She’s probably jealous of how much fun we’re having,” Rarity replied with a soft chuckle, though her smile faded as they approached the headstone.

To their surprise, an unfamiliar pony stood before the grave. Her lavender coat bore an uncanny resemblance to Twilight’s, though it lacked the alicorn’s signature wings and regal bearing. Her mane was a muted purple, streaked with teal, and her posture was hesitant.

Spike cleared his throat. “Oh, hello?”

The pony jumped slightly, turning to face them. “Oh! I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to intrude. You must be here to visit the princess. I’ll just… be on my way.”

Rarity stepped forward, her expression kind. “No need to leave, darling. We’d love to chat.”

The pony hesitated, shifting her weight nervously. “Er… alright. I guess I can stay for a little while.”

Spike sat down beside her, his imposing figure softened by his gentle demeanor. “What’s your name?” he asked.

“Glimmer,” she replied. “Starlight Glimmer.”

Spike’s eyes widened slightly. “Wow. That’s uncanny, huh? How did you know her?”

Starlight hesitated, her gaze falling to the ground. “She… borrowed my magic to defeat Tirek. I misjudged her. She was in a tough spot.”

Spike placed a reassuring claw on her shoulder. “Twilight made her share of mistakes. Some were forgiven, others weren’t. But she always tried to make things right. I hope whatever happened between you two was resolved before… before her end.”

Starlight shook her head, her voice heavy with regret. “That’s the thing. It wasn’t. I wish I could have gotten to know her better, but I didn’t. And now, all I feel is anger. I hate that I feel this way, but I do.”

Spike’s smile faltered. “I’m sorry for what happened. On her behalf, I’m truly sorry.”

Starlight looked at him, her eyes glistening. “Thank you. That… that helps, a little.”

With that, she stood and teleported away, leaving Spike and Rarity alone by the grave.

“Poor dear,” Rarity said, her voice tinged with sadness. “I wish she had known Twilight as we did. Perhaps then she’d be able to forgive her.”

Spike nodded, his gaze fixed on the headstone. He reached out, tracing the engraved words with a claw:

Here lies Twilight Sparkle, Guardian of Friendship. She loved, she learned, and she gave her all.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the cemetery, Spike and Rarity sat in quiet reflection. Though Twilight was gone, her legacy lived on—in the friendships she had forged, the lessons she had taught, and the hearts she had touched.

And in the fading light, it almost felt as though she were there with them, her presence as enduring as the love she had shared.