Immortal Legacies

Chapters

Immortal Legacies
Goodbye
Remember

Immortal Legacies

The moon shone high over Canterlot, a large castle town built on and out of a mountain which over looked the magical land of Equestria, as many ponies dreamed of happy times unaware of the alarm they were about to receive. Black clouds formed over the castle as a loud angry voice suddenly echoed through the halls, awakening even the deepest sleepers as it boomed. ”HOW COULD THEE?!” Lightning cracked through the sky as two pegasi ponies wearing the solar guard armor cringed. They stood outside a large door decorated with images of the sun, moon, and different types of ponies. Behind the door the angry voice boomed out like a tidal wave. “YOU ARE WRONG! WE WILL NOT ACCEPT THIS!” The door was shoved open so hard that a chunk of the wood broke off and landed near a guard's leg. A tall alicorn, with a dark blue coat as well as mane and tail that seemed to be made of the night sky itself, stormed out from the room. On her head she wore a black crown and over her withers she wore a small black guard with the symbol of the moon. The thing that drew the guard's eyes first however was her cutey mark, pure black with the moon over it. She was Luna, princess of the night.

The furious pony turned on the open door as her horn glowed again, slamming the door with such force that the wall it was embedded into shook. The guards cringed as her eyes turned over them, but it was only for a moment, as she quickly stormed off.

“What do you think that was about? I've never heard Princess Luna yell at her sister like that...”

“Who knows? She used the royal canterlot voice again so she must have been-” He went silent as the door opened a second time, much more quietly. An alicorn, even taller than the previous one, with a white coat and a mane and tail that seemed to be made of a rainbow came from behind the door. She wore a golden crown and over her withers she wore a small golden necklace with a purple gem in the center. Her cutey mark was the sun itself, though the guard was wise enough not to look at it. She was Celestia, princess of the sun and elder sister to Luna.

Celestia gazed down at her guards for a few moments in silence before speaking. "I need the two of you to ready my carriage and fly to Ponyville. When you arrive I want you to gather my student, Twilight Sparkle. Bring her here immediately." The two guards dashed off, watched by the princess of the sun until they disappeared up some stairs. She turned and walked back into her room, her horn glowing as the door repaired itself behind her. She slowly laid down on a cushion near the fireplace, tossing a small log in as it burned. "Tonight is going to be a long night..." She mumbled as she rang a small bell by her door to summon a servant.

A short journey away, overlooked by the castle, a small town slumbered peacefully in the night. In the town a large tree had been hollowed out and made into a small government building, the towns library, and had long since closed for the night. Curled in her bed in the library a small purple unicorn, with a mane and tail of varying purple colors, slept soundly. She was Twilight Sparkle, librarian, protege to the princess, element of magic, and a snappy dancer to boot. And she was also sleeping soundly, unaware of what her future held.

She groaned as the incessant knocking on her door began and awoke her from her pleasant dreams about solving the equestrian transmorgriphication quasi latency equation. She held a pillow over her head and after a few minutes the knocking stopped. "Finally..." She rolled over and screamed as loud as she could at the pony flying outside her window... Who then proceeded to knock lightly on the glass. She dove across the bed, falling off with a shriek as her horn lit up. She grabbed a lamp in her magic and hurled it across the room, shattering both the window and the lamp.

"What's going on?!" A small purple dragon with green spikes mumbled, curled up in a tiny miniature bed on the floor, Spike, Twilight Sparkle's assistant. He sat up in his little bed, looking around frantically but groggily.

"Twilight Sparkle. Please calm down." The pony flew in from the broken window. "The princess has summoned you. Please, come with me." He held out his hoof to her.

"The princess?" It took a few seconds for understanding to click on the young unicorn's face, but she swiftly got to her hooves, and to recognize the armor the pegasus wore. "O-Of course! I'll gather my-"

"Please. There is no time to pack. The princess has requested your immediate arrival."

"Oh... O-Of course." She gulped nervously as she took the stallions hoof. He led her to the window, where the carriage resided, held aloft by one pegasus with a side propped on the window sill. The pegasus flew out to reattach himself to the carriage before Twilight jumped inside.

"Spike I'll be back as soon as I can! Get the window fixed tomorrow and remember to- EEK!" Her orders were lost as the pegasi took off, carrying her to Canterlot and whatever her teacher had in store for her. Spike merely shrugged and closed the curtains before curling back up in his bed, dreaming of delicious jewels.

Twilight nervously entered the princess's chambers, cringing as the door slammed shut behind her. Celestia was laying on a large green cushion with a smaller, pony sized red one a few feet away. "Twilight Sparkle. I have been waiting, please, sit."

"Of course, princess." The unicorn said as she moved quickly to sit across from the alicorn. "Is this about my studies? Is there a test? If you'd give me a bit of time I could study and better prepare and-"

"No. Twilight, this is not a test. This is... A lesson." The Princess of the sun smiled down at her faithful student as her horn glowed and brought a small cup of coffee to the unicorn's hoof. "You have much to learn and only a short time to learn it. I wish this could be done another way, but I'm afraid there is no other choice." Celestia let out a soft sigh as she sipped her own drink.

"I don't understand, Princess Celestia?"

"Twilight... My time is coming to an end. I am dying."

"WHAT?! But that's impossible! You're the princess of the sun, without you the world will be swallowed by night! Is it Discord? We can stop him, we-"

"SILENCE!" Celestia's wings spread out as she yelled. "This is not something that can be avoided. All things, even alicorns, die. I have lived a very long time and I cannot fight my coming end. But before I pass there is much I must discuss with you. First, I will tell you who Celestia truly is."

"But.... You are Celestia. How can..."

"Twilight, please listen. Do you remember the hearth warming eve story? How all of the ponies came together to settle in Equestria?" As Twilight nodded, the princess continued. "The story, as most ponies believe, is that for a great time Equestria had peace until Discord came. That... Was not quite true. You see my child, tensions were still strong. The earth ponies felt the others were still abusing their positions and the unicorns and pegasi felt they shouldn't have to help perform menial labor like the earth ponies. In order to help calm these tensions the government of the time created small groups comprised of some of each pony. They termed these groups 'herds', and it was there duty to perform tasks for the government as well as spread good relations through the other species."

"Well, that makes sense. But what does this have to do with you, your highness?"

Celestia slowly got to her hooves. "Twilight, for that I must show you. The castle where you faced Nightmare Moon... There were things in those halls that were hidden away and lost in the thousand years she was away. Just as I was once shown these things, now I will show you." Her wings spread out and her horn glowed, as the world faded away around them.

The world came back around Twilight slowly, starting with a small light near her withers. The light slowly expanded around her, unveiling the world, starting with a small path under her hooves, then grass surrounding the path, trees a bit farther out... and at the end of a path, a castle. The entire world was faded, looking gray tinted and filtered. It took her a few moments to realize that she had seen the castle long ago. "That's... It can't be..."

"It is. The castle you and your friends faced Nightmare Moon just a few short years ago." Celestia's voice said behind her, before the princess appeared by her side. Despite the filter over her eyes, the princess appeared clearly in stark contrast to the rest of the world. "Now, come along. There is much I must show you." The two ponies walked to the doorway and slowly navigated through the halls of the restored but empty castle.

After a few minutes of walking they arrived in the same chamber Twilight had once faced Nightmare Moon, before using the elements of harmony. Except instead of crumbling pillars, broken windows, and overgrown vines, the chamber was pristine and well kept with freshly cut marble. Stained glass windows lined the walls. Celestia slowly led her to the closest, an image of six ponies running around the sun. A green earth pony, an onyx earth pony, a white unicorn, a gray unicorn, a green pegasus, and a red pegasus.

"Those were the elements of harmony. Two small herds that were instrumental in making this world we now live in. And creating the alicorns to rule over day and night."

"But I thought you and Luna were the first to use them?"

"Twilight... The first Celestia and Luna are in that image."

The unicorn let out a startled gasp as she looked at the picture closely. "The two unicorns?" This only brought a soft chuckle from the alicorn.

"No, but most would make that mistake. The light colored unicorn and the dark colored earth pony were the first. Celestia and Luna respectfully."

"But how? A pony can't just become an alicorn... Can they? What about Cadence?"

"No. A pony cannot just... Become an alicorn. But I will explain all of that before the night is through. Including Cadence. Those six met soon after Equestria was founded, while this very castle was being built. They traveled to the frozen lands in order to acquire objects lost during the exodus from their old home, including spell books that detailed some of the greatest spells unicorns ever learned. Which also held the spells on how to control the day and night sky."

Twilight's eyes lit up at those words. "Spell books? But I've never seen any like that. Pertaining to control of the sun and stars and-" Again she was interrupted by an expansion of wings.

"No. Most ponies don't believe those spells even exist anymore. The books themselves are hidden away where no pony can see or use them until all of Equestria is once again ready. I know you have more questions Twilight, but please allow me to continue." After a few moments of silence from the curious unicorn, she began again. "The six returned with what they had been tasked to recover, but the trip had been long and difficult. And new challenges had arisen during their departure. The land of Equestria was ripe with bounty, a bounty many wished to steal from them once they had cultivated the land and created a home. With hostilities still strong between the three species of ponies, they were unprepared for the griffin attacks from the east and the dragon assaults from the north, they were slaughtered by the thousands." Slowly Celestia lead her to the next stain glassed window. It showed a pony village, burning in flame as ponies ran in all directions. Dragons flew over head and breathed thick flame on them, griffins on the ground lobbed spears at the fleeing ponies. "The unicorns turned to the most powerful magics they could find, attempting to shield their kind from the attacks. And for a while, they succeeded. They bought time. Many herds were sent out to try and find a way to defeat their foes, as new spells were constantly developed to protect the ponies.

"The six returned a second time, having traveled across the world and beyond even the frozen lands, with the elements of harmony. Using the powers inside the elements they pushed the griffins and dragons back. Unfortunately they did not have the full power of the elements at their disposal... Nor did friendship fully fuel their actions." Slowly the two walked to a third window. The six ponies were there again, but they were fighting, the elements of harmony at their hooves and their coats had turned dark.

"What happened?" Twilight asked as she stared at the image, a shiver going down her spine.

"Greed. Selfishness. Regret. Vanity. Distrust. All of them played a part in what occurred. A spell was created, one which would allow a pony to transcend the barriers that separated the three species. Turning them into an alicorn. They fought amongst themselves, saying their representatives should be the ones to become the alicorn. The elements themselves fought and squabbled, their friendship tossed aside as they sought their own goals first. Their squabbling lured the most destructive force Equestria had ever seen. Discord."

"But the elements of harmony were used to seal him away, right? Isn't that what you told me? But... What about you and Luna? I thought it was the both of you... But you weren't around yet."

"No... when Discord was defeated we existed. But at this point we did not. Discord spread through the land like a plague, changing our world to suit his sick vision of fun. The elements were hopeless to fight him with their union broken, so the element of magic decided to take matters into her own hooves. She and other unicorns gathered in secret, or so they thought, and used the spell. It changed her, gave her power beyond what she had ever imagined. It turned her into the first Celestia."

"And then the elements were used?" Twilight asked as she pawed gingerly at the floor.

"No. As you know Discord thrives on changing ponies. Altering them into twisted visages of themselves. Celestia was no different. She had great power, beyond even what the unicorn's had ever imagined. And she demanded to be treated as a god." Celestia lead her to the next window. In the window it had an image of the proud ruler of Equestria, flames bursting from her mane and tail, ponies bowing before her as the sun shined high over head. "She ruled with an iron hoof. Her thoughts of love and kindness twisted to brutality. Discord merely stood and watched as she destroyed all once she had tried to protect. Even the remaining five elements of harmony were powerless to stop her." The princess stopped for a moment as she fell to the ground, her face flush as the color in her hair seemed to dim, the rainbows that flowed through it having turned almost gray.

"Princess? Are you okay?!" Twilight rushed to her side, her horn glowing as she tried to help the princess up.

"Twilight... I told you. My time is nearing it's end... But I must tell you all this before I fade. Discord reveled in the fact he had corrupted Celestia, and allowed the ponies free of his presence, for a time. Merely content to watch and laugh, he missed the very thing that led to his downfall. The remaining five elements gathered and set their differences aside. They chose the element of kindness and cast that spell one final time. And so Luna was created. With an alicorn at their side they faced Celestia again. And through friendship they managed to return her to the way she once was. In a way very similar to how you returned your friends once Discord had altered them."

Twilight went silent for a moment, waiting for her to continue. But after a few minutes the princess remained quiet. "What happened then? What about Nightmare Moon? Why isn't any of this recorded?"

"Things... changed after that. Equestria entered a new reign of peace and harmony. While at first there was worry that Celestia and Luna would favor their original species, those worries turned out to be unfounded. Within a few decades the alicorn sisters were seen as the proper rulers and protectors of Equestria. The dragons and griffins made peace with them as equals. Celestia took over the day and Luna took over the night... But becoming alicorns changed more than just their powers. An alicorn like that lives for hundreds of years beyond what a normal pony will live. It... Eventually got to Luna as those she knew and loved perished. She threw herself into her nights, giving her everything. And when they were rejected... That was what led to Nightmare Moon. She had remained trapped for a thousand years and in that time there have been three different Celestia's. The first one died soon after banishing Luna, her heart unable to take it any longer. She transferred her powers to a unicorn like herself."

"So that Luna is still... The original Luna then?" Twilight wondered if she should make a chart. "What about the other Celestia's?"

"That will take place in a moment. The second Celestia changed many things in the kingdom. She abandoned this castle to the Everfree Forest and created the new Canterlot. She also worked to alter much of our past and hide it from the less investigative eye. Turning many of ponies fears into myths and legends. It was thanks to her that Nightmare Moon was believed only to be a fairytale, as well as the elements of harmony and Discord.

"By the time she faded, over three hundred years later, Equeastria was much like it is known today. She chose a pegasus as her successor... My..." Celestia shivered as tears began to flow down her face. "She was... Amazing. Beautiful, kind, generous. She was everything a pony could dream of."

"Celestia? How did you know her?" Twilight asked as she shifted nervously, looking down worriedly at the ground. It made her feel awkward seeing her teacher so upset.

"... When I first met her, I had nothing. She gave me... Everything. And then some. I was just an earth pony at the time she chose me. As her..." A light blush formed in her cheeks. "Consort."

"Princess!" Twilight gaped, a hoof over her mouth as her own cheeks turned red. "I-I don't think I should be hearing this!"

"No no Twilight, it's fine. Back then the princess having a consort was quite common. Many ponies had them... I could never bring myself to... I could never replace her..." Her eyes got a little faded as she looked to the side. "No pony should outlive those they love Twilight... That is why I am sorry I must ask you this..."

Twilight took a step back, her eyes going slightly wide. "You can't mean that..."

"Yes... I am sorry Twilight. But I need you to become the new Celestia."

"B-but... But why? You can't really be dying, you're the princess! I couldn't do nearly as good a job, I-"

"Twilight! I am dying. As much as you try to deny it, there is no avoiding this. Within a matter of days my life force will disappear and I will join her."

Twilight stared at her teacher. The mare who practically raised her since she was a filly, who showed her the many wonders of magic and led her to the magic of friendship... Tears began to slide down her face as her voice cracked. "B-but... But you can't... there is still so much for me to learn. So much I need to know. I... I can't..."

"Please, my faithful student. I have trained you since you were a foal..." Her wings reached out to pull the mare close. The world around them faded as the two were returned to Celestia's room, locked in the embrace of the princess. "There is no pony else I could ask. You are kind and loving. Brilliant beyond words. Your heart is pure. And I have done everything I can to make your rule as gentle as I can... I am sorry I must ask you of this, if I could this burden would remain mine to carry for another hundred years."

"But, what about my friends? Family? I'd need to tell them, and-"

"Twilight! While I can understand telling the elements of harmony... I must ask that you never tell your family."

"What? But princess..."

"The elements of harmony may be needed, if such a thing occurs your friends will need to be able to depend on you to work along side them. But as Celestia you will need to watch over all of Equestria. You cannot allow yourself to be divided... And allowing your family to know that you are still here, watching over them will divide you. And put them in danger to those
who desire to control you if word should spread out."

"Why not just tell them? Tell every pony?" Twilight asked as she tried to wipe the tears from her eyes, but they wouldn't stop.

"Equestria is not ready. Oh how I wish it was... If I had a few more centuries, it might have been... Ponies are changing Twilight. Your friends are proof of that. The sonic-rainboom is now used at will by the element of loyalty. The element of laughter and honesty have found ways to tap into their own earth magic. You and your brother are some of the most powerful unicorns ever born. And even more amazing... Cadence. A natural alicorn."

"Cadence?" Twilight slowly stopped her sniffling, wiping her eyes.

"Yes. She was the first, but I do not believe she will be the last. Perhaps in a few hundred years alicorns will be as common as pegasi or unicorns. Every year the magic that flows through ponies is developed and honed, eventually they will be ready. There will no longer be a need for Celestia to watch over them... Then... Then they will be able to learn." Her grip tightened around her student, soft tear drops falling on the purple unicorns head. "I'm so sorry I must do this to you Twilight... I wish I could live forever and never be forced to ask you to shoulder this burden. But we don't always get what we want my faithful student. Or what we need..."

"I... I need time to think... Celestia. What will happen if I refuse?"

"... Then Celestia will disappear. They will only have until Luna meets the same fate, and then they will be on their own... For better or worse." The princess's gaze lowered. "There is another reason I wish for you to take my place though, Twilight."

"Princess?"

"Luna... Likes you. She and the original Celestia were like sisters, the first of their species. They were very close... When she found out the truth, that the last pony she knew and loved was gone... It took her months to recover. She's only started to accept me, and already I am going to be lost to her. But you showed her kindness, and I know if you become Celestia, you will not let her suffer alone. You will help her deal with the difficulties she must face. Including her own time when it arrives. So please, I beg of you... Take my place. Not just for Equestria, but for Luna as well."

"... I understand... I... I..." She pulled from her teachers wings. Just a day ago those wings had seemed so warm and safe, now they felt like shackles wrapping around and binding her. "How long do I have?"

"A few days at most... I will have my guards bring you home. Please remember Twilight... No matter what happens... No matter what you decide. I will always care and love you." The princess closed her eyes and focused, the color in her mane slowly returning.

"..." Twilight couldn't bring herself to respond as she walked from the room, her head hanging... How could she ever decide? How could her teacher spring this on her now? How could she shoulder a burden like this... And what would happen if she didn't? Her mind raced for answers as she slowly walked through the castle walls... But inside she knew what she must do.

Goodbye

"Princess! Princess, you need to wake up!" A voice pierced the darkness as Twilight's eyes slowly opened. She was staring into the eyes of a solar guard. "Discord is attacking!"

"What? Huh?" Twilight glanced down at herself... She was Celestia. Right. She'd become her. The princess. Slowly she got to her hooves and galloped to the window. The kingdom was in chaos, cats chasing dogs, houses upside down, floods of chocolate milk. "Gather the elements of harmony. We must strike back at once!"

"The elements of harmony have been lost for years your highness, ever since you lost them during the rebellion. Not to mention all the bearers of the elements of harmony died during your last few years of reign!"

"W-what? They're dead? But... Gather the court magicians!"

"We can't, magic everywhere has been draining ever since you took over Twilight."

"But, but-"

"And now the sun is crashing into Equestria! We're all doomed! Doomed because you were a horrible princess! Doomed! Beep! Beep! Beep!"

Twilight shrieked as her eyes opened and she toppled out of bed, her alarm clock beeping angrily at her as she tried to unbind herself from her blankets. A hoof reached up to slam down on it as she looked around, and then down. She was still Twilight! She was Twilight Sparkle, STUDENT of Celestia. Not Celestia herself. It must have all been a dream! A horrible dream! The sound of claw steps drew her attention to the ground floor as Spike walked in from the main room, wearing a little white apron.

"Breakfast is rea-whoa!" The little dragon let out a startled cry as he found himself soaring through the air suddenly, pulled up against the unicorn's cheek, and spun around as she danced in a little circle.

"Good morning, Spike! It's a beautiful morning, isn't it? The sun is shining, birds are singing, what a great morning to be alive!" She couldn't contain her glee. A dream, all of it. How silly of her to get worked up like that. Celestia couldn't die!

"Wow, you're excited this morning. Whatever the princess had you summoned for last night must have been really good, huh?" He let out a yelp as he was suddenly dropped.

"The... The princess... She..." Her eyes were brought to the window of the room... Still shattered with a blanket covering the hole. It wasn't a dream. It had happened... all of it. Her teacher. Her friend. A mare who was more a mother to her than her own mother... was dying. The tears tried to build up behind her eyes, but she suppressed them. It wasn't the time for that. She had to make a decision that would affect all of Equestria with only a few days to make it. She slowly pulled Spike close and held him until she could feel the flood ebbing away..

"Err... N-not so good? I'm sorry Twilight, but I'm sure it's not as... bad as you think?" He gently patted her back, trying to comfort her nervously. He bet Celestia gave her a bad review on one of her letters, his care taker was always over reacting when the princess was involved.

Twilight nibbled sullenly at her bowl of chocolate ice cream, grumbling softly as she glanced at the dragon who was doing the dishes. How could she do this? She couldn't be the ruler of all of Equestria, she just had to have Spike make her up a bowl of ice cream because she felt sad! But if she didn't every pony would know and it could destroy her home, the entire kingdom. Everything could be destroyed. "AGHHHHH!" She shrieked as she leaned her head back and thrashed her hooves through her mane. This was to much pressure! This was like her finals but a hundred, no a thousand times worse! She couldn't do this. She groaned and just buried her face in her ice cream, almost welcoming the painful ice cold as it shot through her face. "Spike... I need... I need you to do something for me." She grumbled around the icey chocolaty mixture. "I need you to go get my friends."

"Huh? Why?" The little purple dragon asked as he climbed onto the counter to put the last of the dishes in the cupboard.

"Please just... Just do it... I can't explain everything twice. Just tell them this is very important. Possible the most important thing we've ever done before. And no I am not over reacting!" She sighed as the dragon ran out of the kitchen. Her friends would be here soon and then she could tell everything. Slowly she lifted her head from the bowl of ice cream and grabbed a towel from its hook, dragging it over to her and wiping her face clean.

With a bit of difficulty she got up from the table and walked through the library and back into her room, her head hanging in defeat. Her horn glowed as she climbed back into bed, a large photo album flying from her small chest to land in in front of her. Gingerly she opened it and was greeted with four smiling faces, her, her parents, and her big brother. The first four or five pages were just of her and her family, the last pages were of her new friends. But in the center...

Tears slowly started going down her face as she flipped to one of the first photos. It was her as a child, sitting on Celestia's back. She'd been so nervous on that day, the princess had a photo shoot and wished to unveil her amazing student to the world. And Twilight had cried like a filly the entire time until the alicorn had agreed to take the picture with her. There was even a picture of them making faces at the camera.

The next picture was her and the princess covered in mud, Celestia holding Twilight pinned under one of her wings. The student had been having so much trouble with a new spell and had gone into another one of her little panics. The princess had taken her on a small picnic and before she knew it the picnic had ended in a food fight between them and the guards. Then in a small fit her magic had overloaded and she had summoned a rain cloud and drowned out the entire picnic, soaking every pony, and sending most of them tumbling down a muddy hill. The princess hadn't even gotten angry, she had just tickled the little filly until the rain ended.

The next batch showed her hopping around a little baby dragon who looked so confused as it sucked on its ruby pacifier. It had been the day she had met Spike. The princess had introduced them, told her it was the dragon that Twilight had released from its egg... Told her they were going to be the best of friends. That no matter what happened... Spike would always be there... For... Her... The tears began to flow like a river as she buried her face in her pillow. Did the princess know then? Did she know that one day her student would be asked to replace her? That the little dragon she took care of could possibly be her only companion who would... Her pillows drowned out her sobs as she wept, trembling into the soft cushions.

Twilight was brought out of her mourning as she heard the library door slam open, followed by a blue blur bursting into her room. "What's wrong? Twilight? Spike said you were falling apart!" A cerulean colored pegasus, with the strangest rainbow colored mane and tail, gazed up at her with worry, quickly flying up to hover around the little purple unicorn. Rainbow Dash, one of, if not the, fastest fliers in Equestria. "What happened?"

"Are.... Are the others on their way?" Twilight asked as she tried to wipe her eyes on her hoof.

"Yeah, they are. Wow... What's got you crying so hard?" The cyan pegasus reached out a hoof to gently wipe a tear away. "It's okay, Rainbow's here. Is it a test? A quiz? Did you fail an exam?"

The student sniffled, smiling at her friend. "I wish it was something as small as that... But no... It is so much worse."

"Wow... Something you think is worse than failing a test? Eek!" Rainbow's wings actually locked up for a second, making her land on the floor roughly. "T-they... they aren't canceling the Daring Doo saga, are they?"

"What?" She was actually taken aback by the pegasus's guess, she could even hear her friends heart pounding with fear. "Err... No. Nothing like... Let's just wait for the o-others, okay? I... I can't say this a second time..." She said with a soft shiver. "I'd give my horn not to have to say it the first time..."

The pegasus stared at her friend with confusing, looking to the door. Now she really wanted to know, but until the others got here she knew she couldn't pressure it out of the unicorn. But she wanted to knowwww! And patience was soooo not her strong point. She tried doing some loop de loops and awesome spins while she waited, but her patience was quickly running out. Finally as she neared the boiling point, the door was pushed open as two ponies entered. The first was a pure ivory colored unicorn with a perfectly kept purple mane and tail, the second was a little yellow pegasus with a pink mane and tail. Both were wearing white robes and had towels on their heads. Rarity and Fluttershy.

"We heard from Spike something just terrible happened! We canceled our spa trip and came over immediately." Rarity said as she moved in front of her heart broken friend. "Please, tell us what happened?" She softly leaned in to nuzzle Twilight.

Fluttershy stood near the back of the room, meekly poking at the floor. "If... If that's alright with you..." she softly muttered.

"I'll tell you all, just as soon as every pony is here. Please! Stop pushing for it.. It's going to be hard enough as it is..." Twilight could feel the tears attempting to push out of her eyes, though she tried to hold them back.

"Dear... You're crying. Here..." Slowly Rarity brought out a hoofkerchief and dabbed at the crying unicorn's eyes. "Just tell us what's wrong, we can tell the others when they get here."

"N-no..." She choked a bit on the words, shaking her head. "It... It has to be me... I have to tell them... Just... Please be patient..."

"Of course dear. We won't say a word." The fashionesta reached out to hug her friend, smiling softly. "It's going to be alright Twilight. It's all going to be alright."

"No... No it won't..."

"... Very well, darling. We'll wait until the others get here. It can't be-" She was silenced as the door shot open and two ponies ran through the doorway, Spike bouncing around on the back of an orange earth pony wearing a cowpony hat, sporting an orange mane. Applejack, owner of the Apple family farm outside Ponyville. Besides her was a slightly pudgy pink earth pony, with a mane and tail that resembled strawberry cotton candy. Pinkie Pie, a live in tenant at sugar cube corner and Twilight's funniest friend, not that she felt like laughting right then.

"Twilight! What in tarnation has you all worked up? It isn't another late assignment, is it?" Applejack sputtered out as she came to a sudden halt, Spike flying off her back and across the hall with a shriek! Before he hit the wall though he was enveloped in a purple aura, and dropped gently on the floor.

Twilight sighed as she shook her head. "You're all here... Please, just sit down and... And I'll explain. I just..." Her voice cracked as she sat down, and waited for her friends to sit down around her. "I don't know how to say this aside from just... saying it... Celestia is dying. And she asked me to..." Twilight began the story, telling them all she heard from the sun princess. It felt like she talked for hours, her friends staring at rapt attention. Rainbow had actually sat down half way through, her mouth hanging open in shock as the story was brought to a close. "A-and... T-that's what I needed to t-talk with all of you about..."

"That... That's a doozy of an explanation." Applejack said as she tried to process all she just learned. "T-this is just a prank, right? Ain't no way the princess could just up and die like that."

"Y-yeah! It's gotta be a prank. Heh heh. Good one Twilight, never thought you'd come up with something so... So good." Rainbow said as she tried to laugh it off.

"It's not a prank!" The purple unicorn shrieked. "I would never joke about something like this! I... I don't know what I should do." Her voice got low. "I don't think I can... Take her place... Be her. I could never even try to live up to her." Her eyes got misty, but no tears fell. Her friends looked at each other for a few moments, before Rarity moved forward.

"Twilight, we can't make this decision for you. This is something beyond what any of us could ever hope to have to decide. But what we can do is this." She wrapped her hooves around the other unicorn. "We can stand by your side no matter the decision. No matter what you decide, we all know you can do it. You are the most talented pony any of us have ever met, and there is no pony in all of Equestria who could make a better C-" Her words choked for a moment there, having trouble saying what she had to. "Celestia. But no matter what you decide, we will be there for you, through it all. And we won't leave your side. Isn't that right?"

"Of course, sugarcube. Through hurricanes and parasprites we're with you until the end." Applejack moved forward, hugging Twilight as well.

"Yeah! No pony else comes nearly as close to being as awesome as me. I know you'll do a great job, no matter what you decide Twilight." Rainbow said as she flew in to join the group hug.

"You'd be the bestest Celestia ever, Twilight. Think of all the celebrations and holidays you could make!" Pinkie said as she giggled into the hug.

"Ummm... Yeah..." Fluttershy said nervously as she slowly moved into the hug. "You'd be good... I-if you wanted."

Twilight smiled as she felt her friends close, the warmth of their friendship lifting her heart up. "T-thank you. I needed to hear that... I... I know what I need to do. Spike! Take a letter." Silence responded back as she looked around the room. "Spike?" But aside from the six ponies, the room was empty. "Oh no." Her friends broke off from her, "I need to go find Spike, I'll be right back!" Her horn began to glow as she darted out of the library.

Silence reigned for a few moments before Rainbow coughed. "So. Who thinks she finally snapped?"

"Dashie!" Pinkie gasped in shock.

"Oh come on, I can't be the only one thinking it. All those books and studying, she probably read an old story or something and got the facts all jumbled, and then had a dream or something." Rainbow said as she flew around in the high roofed library.

"You don't really believe that, do you sugarcube?" Applejack asked with a sigh.

The cyan pegasus landed on a bookshelf. "Why not? It makes more sense than the thought of C-Celestia... Disappearing like that... And Twilight going up to take her place. I bet she'll j-just send the letter, and then the princess will make her get some sleep or something before she forgets all this nonsense." The speedster shook a little bit, looking away from the group.

"I... I wish I could believe that to darling..." Rarity said as she sat down, a little tear going down her face. "But... But I think Twilight was telling the truth. She would never imagine something like this happening to the princess. As much as we care about her, she's been so much more to Twilight than she ever has us. And... This decision can't be easy for her."

"You don't think she's actually going to do it, do you?" The multi-colored pegasus mumbled. "Become Celestia I mean? She's great and all, but this is a lot even for Twilight to tackle on her own."

"... She'll do it..." Fluttershy said softly, her gaze down, the others turning to her. "I-I mean... It's a request from the princess... T-Twilight would never do something against what the princess wanted... B-but that's just my thoughts, I could be wrong, sorry." She feebly kicked at the ground.

"Fluttershy, you're right." Rarity said firmly as she stamped a hoof down. "This is going to be the hardest thing Twilight has ever had to do. And we're going to have to stand by her, and be strong for her, every step of the way. Agreed?" It took a few moments, but slowly the others mumbled their agreements or nodded. Even Pinkie's hair refused to stay poofy under the circumstances, as it slowly drained of its fluff into thin strands of pink.

A small light spread from Twilight's horn, guiding her through Ponyville. She galloped after the guiding signal as it lead her towards the Apple family farm. The small tracker disappeared behind a tree as she heard a very familiar yelp and as she moved around behind the tree she saw her little dragon, Spike. "I've been looking for you." She said in her most soothing tone. A quick glance at the little ones eyes told her he had been crying, though he was wiping his eyes in order to hide it. "Why did you run off?"

"Didn't... Didn't want to hear the rest of the story..." He mumbled, sitting at the base of the tree and sniffling just a bit.

"Spike..." She laid down besides him, using her magic to pull him to her side, so he leaned on her instead of the tree. "Why were you crying?"

"... I wasn't crying." The little dragon mumbled as he nestled a bit against her, his little spikes tickling her side. "I... I don't want you to go!" Spike yelled as he suddenly hugged her. "I-I don't want you to become Celestia and leave me!" He shrieked, holding onto her tightly.

"Oh Spike..." She felt new tears forming in her eyes. "I'm sorry... But Spike. I promise no matter what happens, no matter what I do. I will never, ever, ever leave you." She wrapped a leg around him, pulling him into her own hug. "If I become Celestia I will always take care of you. And I will always need my number one assistant. I promise."

"P-pinkie promise?"

"I Pinkie promise, I will always be there for you. Even as Celestia." She nuzzled the little dragon, her eyes closing. "But... Spike..."

"W-what?"

"I... Think this is something I have to do. That I need to do, not just for me, but for all of Equestria. If I am the only one who can... Will you be okay with that?"

"... Promise you won't forget about me? Or send me away?"

"Oh Spike, I already did." She said with a soft chuckle. "How could I ever forget about my number one assistant?" She wiped a hoof under his eyes, trying to dry his tears. "Come along." Slowly she got up, using her magic to deposit the small dragon on her back. "I need to send Celestia a letter."

"O-Okay, Twilight..." The little dragon mumbled as they sped off back to the library.

To my dearest student,

Twilight Sparkle,

How I wish this choice never had to be made, but if there is one thing I have learned after my years as ruler of Equestria, it is that wishes rarely come true. I long to say I was over joyed at the decision you have made, but I know the pain and difficulty that this decision must have caused you. While I have done all I could to ensure you would not be alone during your reign, my heart still aches with sadness that you must take this burden. But I am forever grateful that you have accepted.

From there the small letter went into the details of what would happen next. The ritual would have to be performed in three days, the reason for her disappearance was simple. She would be heading far north on a train when an accident would occur. Officially, she wouldn't survive, disappearing into the icy cold, never to be seen again. Her family would be informed, a funeral service would take place... As far as the rest of Equestria would know... She'd be gone. Every pony except her friends, the princess of the night, and one little dragon.

Twilight crumbled the letter up as it burst into flame. She had only a few days to get ready, for the end of her life. She wiped the tears away as she smiled at her friends, who stood around her in the library. All doubts had been removed from their minds with that small piece of paper, the reality slowly sinking in. "I... I need to start getting ready..." She mumbled softly as she tried to process it. Only three days. Shining Armor wouldn't be home for at least another two weeks, she'd only have a chance to write him a letter. And she needed to see her parents. At least once before it was all over.

"Y-yeah..." Rainbow said as she watched her friend. "Want... Want us to help you pack?"

"No. I'm not going to pack. I mean... I'm not really going anywhere, right? I just... I just need to say good bye to every pony..." she shook. "Well... I guess... mom and dad. And I need to write Shining a note... I... I won't be able to say good bye to him..." The familiar moisture formed in her eyes.

Twilight's friends watched in silence, unsure of what to say. Slowly Rarity raised her voice. "Would... You like us to come with you? I know this must be hard, darling. But if we go together..." She went silent as the purple unicorn rapidly shook her head.

"I need to do this alone... If... If every pony comes, they'll know something is up... And... And the princess is right. It's best if they just think I'm gone." Slowly her hooves plodded at the ground. "I'm going to go to Canterlot. I'll miss all of you." She moved forward into the warm embrace of her friends yet again, before she picked up Spike onto her back, and walked out from the library. She'd rather have fought a dozen Discords than have to go through this.

Twilight paced nervously outside her parents home, occasionally moving a hoof towards the door bell but unable to bring herself to push it. What was she going to say? Hi mom? Hi dad? Going on a research trip, gee golly I hope I don't have an untimely demise and never see you again? Got any cookies? She stopped in front of the door, glancing up at the old antique door knocker. She hated that thing, it was made in the image of a gryphon's head, and there was no reason at all to have both a door knocker and a door bell. They couldn't even say one was for fillies and colts, since they were both pretty high up for adults to reach easily. Well, okay, if the young pony stood on its hind legs it could probably reach the door bell, but that didn't matter. It was a silly design and she should head home and write a strongly worded letter letting her parents know how to fix it. Yes. That would do. It would probably take all day so-

"Twilight, honey? What are you doing here?" A voice said from behind the studious unicorn, making her jump.

"GAH!" She turned around, two unicorns standing behind her. One was a blue stallion with dark blue hair, the other was a white mare with white and purple striped hair. Her parents

"Are you okay dear?" Twilight's mother gently put a hoof to her forehead. "You look a little flushed. "Why are you hovering outside our door?"

"Oh... Err... W-well, I ummm..." Think! Come on Twilight, you are one of the highest scoring students in the history of Canterlot. You have aced more tests than most ponies will ever see. You put together a telescope by hoof at the age of seven, performed your first third level incantation at the age of nine! You can do this! Make an excuse! "I... Tripped." By Luna's star speckled mane! "I mean, I'm going on a trip... And I wanted to see you. Before I went. Research trip! For the princess. Eh... heh heh..." She could feel her eyes misting up. And not just because her excuse was horrible.

"Oh... Well, I guess that's..." Her parents shared a confused look as her father's horn glowed and opened the door, "Nice?" Her mother offered, as they entered the modest home. Her parents were far from being the high and noble ponies her friend Rarity dreamed of, but they were still quite well off. The home had two stories with a hushed brown carpet and wallpaper with roses lining it. The walls had the occasional piece of art or bookshelf hiding them from view. They walked to the sitting room, a small room with a large gray chair her father always sat in, and the couch she and her mother sat in. For a moment after sitting she closed her eyes, thinking back to when she was younger and they would all sit like this, and they'd ask her about her lessons, or her friends(or lack there-of), or just having tea and discuss the goings on in the family. She tried to remember the last time she had done this, and a knife twisted in her her heart as she realized it may have been even before she left to Ponyville.

Sure, she still saw her parents... on occasion. But most of her trips were to see the princess, and she always put off visits to her parents as something she could do at any time. There was no rush after all... and now this would be the last time she'd ever sit and talk with them like this. It took her a few moments to suppress the tears and a few more to realize her parents were talking to her.

"Twily?" Her father asked as he looked at her across from his chair. "Are you okay? You seem troubled."

"Oh... It's... It's nothing. Just a little stress from this trip. It's... Very important. I don't want to mess it up." She said as she forced a fake smile.

"Oh honey. You don't need to worry so much." Her mother patted a hoof gently on her withers. "You're the smartest pony we've ever known, not to mention the student of the princess. I'm sure no matter what happens you'll ace it just like you have everything else." Those words only made her tense more though, as her mother sighed. "And even if you didn't dear, I'm sure the princess would understand. She wouldn't have chosen you after all, if you weren't special."

"... Thanks mom. I really needed to hear that." Twilight smiled and then moved forward, hugging her tightly. "I love you mom. I... I just want you to know. I love you. And dad. So much. No matter what happens."

"O-oh... I... I see." Her mom awkwardly patted her back, "I love you too dear. What's brought this on?"

"Nothing... I just... I want you both to know. In case anything happened. If I messed up or... or something. I want you to both know how much I love you." She slowly pulled from the hug and smiled to her mother. She then got up and moved to her father, hugging him next. He reacted about as awkwardly as her mother, both her parents sharing bewildered looks at their daughters strange behavior. "So uhhh... W-what's for dinner?"

Tears streaked down Twilight's face as she wrote the letter on the train's little passenger tables. She was alone in the car, as the princess's representative she had been given her own private car for the trip. Not like it really mattered though, around midnight there would be an 'accident' and it would fly off the cliff, leading to her 'disappearance'. The other cars would experience some turbulence, but aside from a delay, they would be fine. She only had another hour until it would be over... all of it.

Her friends had met her at the train, it had been a teary farewell. Sadly, her parents had been to busy to come. But they assured her they would see her when she came back, and it wasn't like she could tell them there would be no point. Her goodbyes had been difficult, but they were done. All except one last one.

"Dear big brother... No, sounds weird. Dear Shining Armor? No, sounds awkward." She chewed on the eraser for a moment until it popped into her mind! Of course! "Dear bbbff..." Her pencil blew across the paper as she wrote, telling him about how happy she was for his new life, how her studies were going, how much she cared about him and wished they could see each other more. How sure she was that Cadence and him would be happy together, she couldn't wait to one day see her nieces and nephews. And how growing up she always knew he'd be there for her. She wished she could do the same.

Before she knew it, there was a little tap on her withers. "Twilight, it's time." Celestia whispered into her ear. A moment later she felt the car lift into the air as the two ponies disappeared in a flash, though she still imagined she could hear it crashing into the ground below. The only thing remaining in it was a broken table, a few pencils, and scattered pages of a farewell letter.

Remember

The two appeared in a large white room with five pillars surrounding a large pentagram in the center. Each pillar had a number of gems inserted in them and was colored to match the colors of a different element of harmony, with a final jewel in the center of the pentagram. Two ponies wearing brown cloaks were standing off to the side. The room was covered in arcane symbols the likes of which even she had never seen during her studies. Slowly she moved forward to touch one of the pillars. “What are these for?”

“As I said, the elements were important for the implementation of this spell.” Celestia said softly as she walked into the center of the pentagram. “While they do not need to be here physically, the pillars share a connection with them. They were crafted back before the first Celestia by the original bearers of the elements. While their magic does pale in comparison to the elements when properly wielded, they are more than enough for this.” The princess then dropped down and laid on her stomach.

Twilight slowly moved to her teachers side, looking her over. The white coat which had been so pure and untarnished had now become gray and sickly. Her mane and tail had dulled to an almost black color. And worst of all, her cutie mark was almost completely faded.

Slowly the purple unicorn went to her knees and nestled under the alicorn's wing. She buried her head in her teacher's mane and softly let out a gentle sob. “Don't leave me... Please. There has to be another way. I... I'm not ready for this. I'm not good enough. I'll screw everything up and ruin everything you worked for.”

“Oh Twilight...” The wing pulled the little mare closer. “You are better than you know. And I know how you feel my student. I was once in your position, I was afraid that I would fail. That I would destroy what my love had created. But I'll tell you what I wish she had a chance to tell me.” Slowly she turned her head to face the little mare. “I chose you from every pony in all of Equestria. Out of every unicorn, pegasus, and earth pony I chose you and you alone. No pony could do this as well as you. I know at times it will be difficult and you will feel like there you won't succeed. But you will. I know you will.” Gently she leaned in and kissed the unicorn's horn, eliciting a blush from the mare. “Because you are my number one student. And I know no matter the challenge, be it making friends, trapping a millennial old evil, or writing a report on the long term effects of adding pine needles to ones diet, that you never have and never will let me down.” She then looked off to the side. “And... Equestria needs you. My time has come to an end. So please. I ask you one last time. Will you take my place?”

“... Yes princess...” Twilight said softly, watching her teacher for one final time.

“Thank you. You may begin.” The princess motioned to the two hooded figures, who moved to opposite sides around them. A glow came from their hoods as the pillars began to sparkle.

“Who are they? I thought no pony else was going to know about this?” Twilight asked softly.

“The spell cannot be cast by me alone. They are here to ensure it all goes smoothly. Do not worry, for they are the very best. And they will not speak a word of what they see here.”

“I see...” Twilight mumbled as her and the princess's body began to glow. She felt as if she was floating as she felt a numbness start to spread from her hooves. Looking down she could see her body was disappearing! She turned to the princess, who was experiencing a similar effect. “Princess? What's happening?” Fear tinged her voice.

“Do not worry my student. This is natural. This is all part of the ritual.” The alicorn closed her eyes as more and more of her body dissolved into a white light.

The purple mare looked down at her body then at the princess. One final time. The last time she would ever see her. “Celestia. I... I love you. Thank you for raising me. I couldn't have asked for any pony better.”

Celestia smiled one last time, sadness in her eyes. “I know my student. I could not have asked for any student better. I loved you as well. As if you were my-” Twilight would never know if the words ended because the princess dissolved, she dissolved, or they had both at the same time. She only knew one thing.

In the end she had been more than just a student to her mentor. More than just a replacement. She had been her daughter.

Slowly the world came back into focus around Twilight. The pillars had stopped glimmering and the two cloaked ponies stood over her. “Are you alright your highness?” One of them asked.

It took her a few moments to realize they were talking to her! She looked down at her body. Her white, tall body. Slowly she stood up to tower over the two ponies. “I... I'm fine. Light headed, but fine.”

“... Did the ritual... work?”

“... Yes. I believe it did.”

“Good. Now, the princess told us there were some things you need to get a hold on before you leave. First, who are we?”

“Who are you? How would I know, we've never...” Her voice trailed off as she realized she DID know who they were. The one on her left was a pink unicorn stallion by the name of Cottonmane. The one on her right was a yellow unicorn mare by the name of Candymane. They were brother and sister. Among the highest tiers of mages in Celestia's... her employ. Fiercely loyal. They had been chosen recently for this ceremony and had agreed to help her get control of her new powers. They had also... Wait? How did she know all this? “How do I know you? I... we've never met!”

“The princess told us. Anything that any of the Celestia's have experienced in their memory, is now yours to access. All you need do is try to focus on it. Spells, history, those they cared about, please try.” Cottonmane said as the two ponies moved their hoods back.

Twilight did think. To the very first Celestia. To the first time the elements were used. To the banishing of Luna. To the first time she and the princess had met, but from the princess's point of view. It was strange. Each memory was fresh as if it had only just happened, but the emotions and thoughts of the time were dulled. It was as if she was experiencing it through a book. “This is... Amazing.” She flowed through her teachers memories. In moments she saw his life, before he was chosen as a consort, after, and when he first became the princess. She couldn't help but wonder if this was rude to spy on her teachers private moments like that. Especially some of the darker parts her teacher had suffered through.

“It won't last forever.”

“I'm sorry?” She asked in confusion.

“The memories. This is all fresh to you, but the princess said after a few months the memories will die down and become harder to access. Within a century only the latest incarnation will be accessible. Within two none of those will be accessible either. She said the first month will be best served logging whatever you feel is most important. Within her private safe she holds a spell book which can be used to bring out those you feel are most important to keep.” Candymane said as her horn lit up. The world disappeared around them for a moment, before carpet formed under their feet and the three stood in front of a large doorway, the same one which held the elements of harmony before Discord's arrival. “Her tomes, journals, spell books, all such things are within there. Only your horn can open it, your highness.”

“I... I see.”

“The announcement of your previous self's disappearance will be released tomorrow. The search will last a week before you will be assumed dead. All of your duties will be put on hold until then. Do as you wish until then your highness.” Cottonmane said as he bowed his head politely.

“I just lost one of the most important ponies to me in Equestria. How can you tell me to get over it in just a week? Why are you bossing me around? I'm the princess now...” Twilight said softly.

“... I apologize, your highness, but I am only doing as the previous you told me. I live only to serve. If there is anything you would wish for us to do, then please do tell us. Otherwise we desire to continue on the plan your previous self set in order.” The pink unicorn informed her.

“... No... that will be fine. She... She knew what she was doing.” Twilight slowly moved to the door as she heard the other two ponies retreat. She leaned down to insert her horn and unlock the door. Inside the room there was the pedestal the elements now laid on. And a few chests and book cases. Slowly she slid inside as the door closed behind her.

She moved to sit in front of the elements, gazing at them mournfully. Tears began to flow from her eyes as she allowed the night to wash over her and smother her in the loss of her teacher.

Twilight awoke to a loud banging sound from behind her. Slowly she turned to the door behind her and walked towards it, throwing it open and gazing down at the two unicorns who stood in her way. It was the two from the night before except they now wore purple robes inlaid with arcane symbols, signs of their status as her magicians. “What is it?” She asked softly, rubbing her puffy eyes.

“We are sorry to bother you your highness but it is almost time to raise the sun.”

“... Oh.” She squeaked, looking out the window. Already the moon was just dipping behind the cliffs. “I... I'll get right on that.” She looked through her mind until she found the sun raising spell. Her horn glowed as slowly the sun began to rise and move along its axis. She was a little startled at how easy it was, she'd always imagined that it would be a heavy massive object... But it felt almost light as a feather. She wonder if it was from the gathered magic of all those years that made it light, or if it was just her bodies natural ability. She was so lost in her thoughts she hadn't realized that Cottonmane had been speaking to her. “What?”

“I asked if you had been napping your highness. If you are sleepy please allow us to escort you to your room.”

“I... I'm not sleepy. I just feel exhausted. I... I want to see Luna. Where is she?”

“She is at her home on the edge of the Everfree forest. Would you like us to prepare an escort to transport you?”

“No. I'd prefer to go alone. A map will suffice.”

“As you wish your highness.” Cottonmane's horn glowed for a moment as a small map popped into existence in front of the princess.

Twilight took the map and slowly opened it. A moment later she disappeared.

“Do you believe she will be okay?” Candymane asked her brother softly.

“She will grieve and then she will rule. We'll help her as the previous princess asked us too. That is our duty.”

“You sound like you're reading that off a pamphlet.” She grumbled dryly.

“We're all doing the best we can Candy. We need to be strong and firm now, for her sake.”

“... Which her?”

“...” Cottonmane walked away, ignoring the question.

Twilight arrived with a small flash in a tower just outside the Everfree forest. She was in a small room with a bed, the night sky painted on the ceiling, and a balcony with thick drapes which managed to keep the sun out. She was a little startled that she was able to make the teleport in one go, as before such a leap would take two or three points to rest. In fact, she wasn't even tired. However she had planned to teleport outside the tower, arriving inside and in this particular room had her a tad worried. Perhaps she had miscalculated?

“I was wondering when you would show up, Twilight.” A voice said from behind her, making her jump.

Quickly the alicorn turned and backed away. “Luna, I was looking for you. I wanted to-”

“Talk? Chat? Tell me things will be okay? That you won't be leaving me any time soon?” Luna said with a mock laughter. “Please. You know nothing.” The princess of the night moved to her bed, her horn glowing as a tea kettle and two china cups materialized. “Would you like some tea?” The alicorn already began pouring them before Twilight could respond.

“I... Ahhhh... you seem well...” Nervously she shifted from hoof to hoof before awkwardly sitting down. She wondered if she should do anything with her wings as she held them close to her body.

“Well? Of course I do. Why should I seem upset?” Slowly the dark alicorn sipped her tea. “I've only lost another friend. I'm used to it by now. Before I was known as Luna I'd already lost more than one.” She let out a bitter laugh.

“Luna, if you want to talk about it, we can. This can't be easy for you.”

“... With all due respect Twilight... Worry about yourself. All I wish is to be alone and mourn in peace. I like you and I do not wish to hurt you. But if you stay around I know I will.”

“Luna, there's no need for that. Come on, you can tell me. We're in this together... I mean... We're the only ones of our kind now, right?”

“... Only ones of our... kind?” Luna's eye twitched as the glass shattered. “Twilight... Leave. Now. Before I say something we both regret.”

“No. You need to get this out. You're one of the only ones who can really understand what I'm going through, since you lost your sister and all...”

“Understand?! UNDERSTAND?!” Black flames erupted from Luna's mane as the tea began to boil away. “Don't imagine for a moment you can even BEGIN to comprehend any of this! You lost your teacher, boo hoo. Do you have any idea what I've lost?” She slammed a hoof down on her bed, as the frame shattered under her. “I've had to stand around helplessly as my friends, family, lovers, all of them died! Every pony I've ever cared for or loved died! All but one! Then I make my greatest mistake and return to this land to find out not only has the last remaining pony I knew died, that it was my own selfish actions that caused her death?!” She was screaming now as the tower shook, her magic billowing off her in waves. Tears dripped from her eyes as she shook with fury. “Finally... Finally I... I try to develop affection for this new sister. I try to care for her. Since... Since it would have to be fine, r-right?” Tears flowed down her face as the tower stopped shaking. “I... I would have to die first... M-my time should be up... Why isn't it up? I-Is this a curse? Am I cursed to watch every pony I ever care for die? To lose every pony precious to me?”

Twilight moved forward, wrapping her hooves around the crying princess as tears flowed down her cheeks as well.”I'm not going anywhere... I promise.”

“That's what she said too. She said she wouldn't die. But she did. It's not fair... My life should have run out years before her. I-I just want my rest too... I don't want to lose any pony else...”

“I won't go anywhere before you. I pinkie promise.” The new princess of the sun said gently. She wondered if she even had any right to grieve at this point. She was losing her old life and her teacher but Luna had lost so much more. She tightened her hug. “I know this is hard but... I'll be with you. By your side until your time comes as well. You won't lose me. I'll be your big sister forever... Okay?”

“Okay... Thank you... Twilight.” Luna laid her head against Twilight's shoulder and wept until she could no more, eventually giving way to sleep.

After the princess of the night lost consciousness Twilight slowly tucked her into bed and pulled away. She put a hoof over her aching heart as she turned away. “I'll be stronger... This hurts so much. But I won't let it beat me. Not this. To many ponies need me.” Her eyes were drawn back around to the sleeping alicorn. “Even the strongest ones.” And with that, she disappeared.

Twilight reappeared in the castles court yard and walked into the towering palace with a firm presence. As she walked guards quickly opened the doors for her until once again she stood before her safe. Quickly she opened it and grabbed the spell books before closing the door and teleporting herself and her books to her new room.

As she appeared in the room she froze in mid step, looking around. She remembered the first time she had been here. She had been a small filly, taking her first steps with her teacher. She had been so nervous and scared because she had been certain she would mess up and make the princess regret ever having her come. She had nightmares the night before and kept waiting for the princess to glare down at her with annoyance at her small frame and even smaller magical talent, after all she was only a filly.

She'd entered the room alone, but no pony had been there. After about a half an hour of waiting patiently she started getting antsy and decided to explore. She had tried opening a small storage chest but it had been sealed shut. She'd then looked under the bed and found a small jewel case. She was still just a child and her curiosity had gotten the better of her. She'd opened it and fallen into one of her teachers little pranks.

The moment she had opened it a blue paint packet had exploded, covering her in its contents. A few minutes later Celestia had appeared and she was certain she was going to be reprimanded and scolded, instead the princess had merely laughed and told her she should feel free to explore the world around her. But she should always ask permission before going through the belongings of another. Despite learning her lesson it wasn't the last time she'd fall for her teacher's pranks.

The memories of her lost teacher brought a fresh batch of tears to her eyes. She quickly wiped them away before turning and leaving the room, the books bound together and laying on her back between her wings. The moment she opened the door she jumped a little as Cottonmane and Candymane stared at her from the other side.

“Is there something you require princess?” Cottonmane asked.

“I... Yes. I wanted to study. Somewhere... Somewhere else. And I'm going to need a new bedroom to sleep in.”

“Of course your highness. We will have it taken care of immediately. Would you like to come to the library?” Candymane asked as the two stared at her. She couldn't help but feel a little creeped out by the way they stared.

“No... I want somewhere alone.”

“Very well. Perhaps one of the guest rooms? We can have it altered to become your permanent residence.” Cottonmane responded. Twilight really wished just one of them would answer her, instead of switching off. She half expected them to start speaking in unison or finish each others sentences. And that would be creepy.

“I'd like that. Please have it done.”

“Very well. How about you give us your things and we will have it settled, while you attend breakfast?” Candymane this time. It was really starting to creep her out.

“Breakfast? No. I'm not really hungry, I-”

“You must eat breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day.” The two said in unison. Okay, now she was completely creeped out.

“S-sure. I'll go do that. Bye!” She darted off quickly. The moment she was out of sight the two ponies burst into laughter.

“That was awesome, her face was priceless when we did that.” Candymane said between her laughter.

“Definitely. We should do it again after we set her room up. I'm thinking something along the lines of 'You're room is ready mistress. We shall now depart'.” Cottonmane said as his horn glowed and he started picking things up in his magic. “I'll transfer some of the smaller things, go grab some of the servants to help with the rest. I'm thinking... How about that nice room on the east wing, where the griffin ambassador stayed last winter? It gives a nice view of the rising sun.”

“Sounds good. I'll see you there.” The yellow unicorn quickly departed, leaving her pink brother to gather the smaller things and begin the move.

Twilight stopped outside the dining hall before taking a deep breath and pushing the door open. She froze when she caught sight of the room. A long thin table filled with food filled the hall. With a large chair designed for her now massive frame at one end. And a dozen or so smaller chairs which currently a number of guards, administrators, and other important ponies resided. She gulped as she slowly moved inside. The moment she did every pony stood up and stared at her, making her gulp nervously. “A-at ease.” She said softly before she started walking towards the back of the room and taking a seat. As the other ponies sat down she glanced at the food before slowly drawing a small bowl of alfalfa soup to her.

Fortunately she had spent the vast majority of her youth at this very table, albeit one chair to the right, so she was able to follow all the rituals she needed to avoid causing issues. She stuck to short answers whenever she was asked anything, trying to avoid going into detail, though she had to occasionally pause to shift through the previous Celestia's memories to understand what ponies were asking her.

The meal went fine until about half way through when one of her sun guards entered the dining hall and walked to her. “Your highness? I have bad news.” She stopped eating to look at the guard.

“What is it?”

“The train your student was traveling on, Twilight Sparkle, had an accident last night. The carts separated and hers went off the cliff. A search team has already been sent out to try and find her, but there has yet to have been any news. I was told to bring this news to you immediately.” The guard bowed obediently.

“I... I see.” She gulped as she tried to think. She had to react in the right way or they'd become suspicious. And now the room had gone quiet as every pony stopped to stare at her. “I want a battalion of our best fliers out there looking for her. No pony will rest until my precious student is found.” She said firmly. She couldn't help but feel awkward, calling herself 'precious' and sending her own search party out. The guard quickly galloped out of the dining hall as the talking began again. She excused herself as she left the dining hall and started walking through the castles halls, letting out a sad sigh. She was suddenly stopped as two familiar ponies stood in front of her. “Ah. Candymane. Cottonmane.”

“I'm Cottonmane.”

“And I'm Candymane. Your highness.”

“... Of course you are. What is it now?”

“Your room is ready. And you have guests.” The two said in unison, making a shiver go down Twilight's spine.

“I... I see. Where is my new room?”

“Follow us mistress. We shall now depart” The two said as they turned away from her, giving each other a wink. Slowly the princess followed them, her lips curled in a grimace.

Before long she was standing in front of a large oak door in the east wing, near the top of the tower. “And this is my new room?”

“Yes your highness. Guards will be stationed outside at all times later. But for the moment we thought it best to give you some privacy.” Cottonmane said with a smile.

“Why?” Slowly she pushed the door open... and let out a shriek as five small blurs tackled her. Twilight was bowled over as she realized what the five blurs were. “You guys? What are you doing here?” She asked her friends, a rare smile forming on her lips.

They all started speaking at once in a jumbled mess before going quiet. After a few moments of silence Applejack piped up. “Well shucks Twi, we knew you must be feelin' miserable after all thats happened, so we set out to visit you as soon as morning hit. Errr, yah are Twilight, ain't chya?”

“Yes... I am. Celestia has gone. Shall we head inside?” Slowly her friends pulled free from their hugs and walked into the room as Twilight followed. The room was pleasant enough, with a large balcony and a princess sized bed. It was still quite bland with a lot of boxes and other objects pushed into one corner. Her teachers property, she imagined, she'd have to go through them later. But for now she sat down on the bed as her friends joined her.

“So! What's it like to be the head honcho? Banish any demons yet, crush any uprisings? Battle any dragons?” Rainbow asked as she punched the air a few times.

“I studied.”

“Of course you did. Only you could become princess and spend your time studying. Kinda... H-hey. Twilight, I'm just kidding. No need to look so sad.” The blue pegasus reached a hoof up to pat her side.

“Really Rainbow Dash, you could do with a little tact. Now darling, tell us. How have you been holding up? Anything you'd like to talk about?” Rarity asked in a soft motherly tone. “About your day?”

“Well... I had to send out a search party for myself, so there was that. That was weird. Also... I can see the memories of every single Celestia before me. Both before and after they became Celestia. I've tried not to go to far back but it is quite fascinating. I have a spell book now that can help me to extract certain memories to allow me to keep them for when this wears off. I was thinking of...And this isn't what you meant, is it?”

“Go ahead and talk about whatever you want Twilight.” Rarity put a hoof gently over Twilight's. “This is your day. We're here for you.” The others slowly nodded.

“Well... I...” And again she let it all out in a torrent of grief and suffering. She told them about how she missed her teacher, how weird it felt to be able to see all those memories, about her talk with Luna, how she wasn't sure she could do this. Near the end she did begin to feel a little better, and softly worked up the courage to ask them something important. “Do... You think you can stick around for a bit? I mean, just until the search is called off. Just pretend you're here waiting for news to come back... For me?”

“We'd love to sugar cube but...” Applejack said softly as she looked off to the side. “Most of us got jobs. Or lil critters that look up to us. I know if I take off to many more days from work we won't have enough time to buck the south fields before cider season.”

“Oh... I... I understand. I...” she paused for a moment. “Well... Perhaps I could find jobs for you around here?” She asked nervously. “And I'm sure I could hoof the bill and have some ponies head down to the farm and your respective jobs to take care of things. I mean, while you were working here it would be only normal for me to tend to such arrangements, right?”

Applejack sighed a little. She didn't like that, getting a token job while some pony else did her real work felt an awful lot like charity, and she didn't like having others do her work for her. On the other hoof she knew her friend really did need her and this likely was the best way to handle things. “Fine. But only the work I would do normally, and until I'm able to go back. Nothing more.”

“Hey, you get some pony who wants to keep the skies clear, feel free.” Rainbow said with a chuckle. “No hair off my mane if some pony else does it.”

“Mr. And Mrs. Cake will be fine without me so I can stay here a bit anyway.” Pinkie said with a light hop. “And maybe we can have a 'Twilight became the new princess and goodbye Celestia we'll always remember you' party!” She cringed at the sudden glares from her friends. “Or not.”

“Well I suppose I could start some new designs I've been working on...” Rarity said with a smile. “One of the privaleges of being ones own boss is I can set my own vacation times.”

“Oh dear... I suppose I could send a letter back home... I do hope Lyra and Bonbon won't mind watching my little friends for a little longer... I did tell them it would only be for a few days...” Fluttershy said softly.

“Then it's settled. You'll all stay here for a bit longer. I'll have rooms prepared immediately. Cottonmane? Candymane?” Twilight called out as she exited to the room.

“Your highness?” Twin voices said from behind her, making her jump.

“How did you, when did you, but, you were... Don't do that!” She glared at the two who just smiled knowingly at her. “I want rooms prepared for my friends. Immediately.”

“As you wish.” The two bowed politely and then disappeared in a flash of sparks.

“That was creepy. Do they always talk like that?” Rainbow asked as she watched where the two had been a second ago.

“More often than I'd like.” Twilight grumbled.

The days passed slowly but thanks to her friends the pain was dulled. Fortunately her predecessor had taken great care to ensure she wouldn't be overwhelmed and she was slowly being introduced into her new life. The twin unicorns were also proving to be useful especially when it came to reminding her of upcoming tasks. She was even starting to think that maybe she could do this. Just maybe. And then the fourth day of the 'search' for her body began.

She was awoken by pounding hooves and yelling outside her door. Then moments later by shrieks of pain followed by the door bursting open. “Celestia!” Shining Armor yelled as he stormed into the room, the guards protecting her door were laid out on the ground with swirls in their eyes.

“B-big br... S-Shining Armor. What is the meaning of this?” She managed to squeak out. She knew she should have used an angry and disapproving tone but it was hard. She hadn't had him look at her so angrily in years! And she had been much smaller then. Granted being woken up in the middle of the night and still being wrapped in her blanket really didn't help.

“My sister! She's been missing for four days, why am I only hearing about this now?!” He yelled. “You should have had a message sent to me immediately!”

“Oh! Right! I forgot.” And oh wow she regretted saying that instantly, as his face turned red. She hadn't really thought about it since it wasn't a real search and rescue. Seemed kind of a shame to ruin her big brother's honey moon over that.

“... YOU FORGOT?!” He yelled with such a fury that even Luna's Royal Canterlot Voice couldn't hope to compete with. “MY SISTER IS LOST IN THE MOUNTAINS AND YOU 'FORGET' TO TELL ME?!”

She couldn't help but feel a little touched at his reaction, she'd never seen him so angry. On the other hoof ponies had started to gather to see the scene and it was quickly getting out of control. “Shining I would remind you that you are in the-”

“Blow it out your flank!” He roared, making her mouth actually fall open in shock. “This is my sister we are talking about! Why aren't you searching for her?! This was one of your assignments! She's your student for moons shake! You should be scouring the countryside for her! Instead I find you laid up in bed sleeping on your fat-”

“ENOUGH!” She roared, her wings spreading out. “You are in the presence of the princess of the sun.” She climbed from her bed and stood tall over him. “Do not think for a moment I am just abandoning my student, I have our greatest soldiers searching for her. Your behavior here however is unacceptable. You will return to your quarters until you have calmed down and regained your senses Shining.” She walked forwards as she glared down at him, towering above. “I will forgive your rudeness due to the pain you must be feeling now. But do. Not. Test me.”

“I need to-” But before he could finish the sentence, he disappeared in a flash of Twilight's glimmering horn.

She then glanced to the doorway, “begone.” She ordered as the spectators quickly galloped away. She then turned to walk to the balcony, sighing sadly as she glanced at the moon. It would be sunrise soon, and she had a feeling the problems with her brother had only just begun. Joy.

She was right, they were just beginning. The next morning she had awoken to discover that he had left the castle and taken a carriage to join the search, leaving Cadence behind. The princess of love was now doing her very best to avoid the new princess of the sun, even skipping meals and diving behind curtains a few times. Twilight didn't force the issue however.

One thought kept running through her mind though. Should she tell them? After all, Cadence was an alicorn. And Shining Armor was her brother. What harm could it do to tell them? But each time the same thought formed in her head.

Cadence was a natural alicorn. Not like her or Luna. Who knew what differences that could mean to them? She might live as long as a normal pony, as long as her and Luna, or even longer than both of them. And though she hated to admit it she couldn't help but suspect that the pink alicorn might wish to use the alicorn spell on her brother. And as tempting as that was, she knew such magic shouldn't be used for selfish reasons.

So instead she tried to distract herself by spending most of her time going through the memories and lives of her counter parts and drawing information from them. The memories themselves tended to be fast and easy to navigate, going through a few years only taking a few moments with only a few aspects of them being noteworthy. A large tome she kept stored by her bed side had been slowly filled with information from the many past lives of Celestia. Both their victories and their defeats.

The first had lost every pony precious to her, in the end she had been back stabbed and had over a dozen attempts on her life from greedy noble ponies who wished to usurp her. The only pony she truly trusted on her death bed was the one she turned into her replacement.

The second had changed the way she was perceived and the way the government functioned, turning herself into an almighty being who over looked the ponies rather than a powerful pony who ruled them. In the span of her life she had watched her entire family line die out soon before choosing her replacement.

The third was interesting. She had lived a life similar to Rainbow Dash's, constantly pushing her limits and trying to be the best she could at everything. After becoming an alicorn she had pushed herself to rule the country and expand relations with all the other races. She had also told more than a few ponies her secret and on more than one occasion was forced to stifle it from leaking out. Many times by force. And her eventual end was caused by this decision. A number of ponies wanted to become the next Celestia and they took great methods to eliminate the competition. Including the princess's prized consort. Twilight tried her hardest to avoid looking at such a painful memory for to long.

The fourth, and her teacher, felt the oddest. Her teacher had tried to slowly create a more stable, self sufficient Equestria. One that would not need her anymore. And in some parts she succeeded. But Twilight could also see parts of her life through her teacher's eyes, the struggles she made, the decisions. The difficulty she suffered on deciding to make her student her successor.

As much as Twilight wanted to tell her brother and sister-in-law she couldn't forget the difficulties it would cause them. Difficulties that would haunt the two of them for the entirety of their lives. Their grief at her passing would be hard at first but over time the pain would dull. They would have their own children and live their own lives. Free of the stress of her secret.

With that in her mind, she was certain she had made the right decision. Until the day the search was called off and she was assumed dead.

The search had lasted an additional week beyond planned, Shining unable to allow it to end until he had personally scanned the mountain ranges from top to bottom with every spell he could think of. But of course there was no pony to be found. Her funeral had been a large affair, filled with soft mournful music and a solar guard salute. Her brother and friends had spoken and talked about her life, about how wonderful and what a thirst for knowledge she had.

She had refused to speak, afraid she would take the podium and scream that she was alive, that they shouldn't be mourning her! Mourn Celestia, the greatest princess there ever was! But instead she had to keep silent and watch her friends and family weep for her. The moment the service was over she departed, unable to face the mourners.

The night of the funeral she was awoken by a pounding on her door. “Go 'way...” She yelled, but the pounding didn't stop. She put a pillow over her head as she groaned, wondering where her guards were. And then the door opened. “Of course... Hello Shining.” She grumbled into her pillow.

“Celestia! We need tah talk.” He was in full armor and his face bore a fierce scowl. He seemed unsteady on his feet and it took a few seconds for her to realize why.

“You're drunk!”

“Yes I am! You should beh too!” He yelled. “And I'm jus' tipsy. I had a few ciders. Dat isn't the issue here! Dah issue is my lil sister ish gone! And you couldn't even say a few wordsh at her funaroll!” He steadied himself against her bedpost.

“Shining you are drunk and I will not have this conversation until you are-”

“WE ARE GOING TO TALK NOW! My sister ish DEAD because of you!” He yelled so hard he actually fell backwards onto his bottom, having to use her bed post to climb back to his hooves.

“Yes! She's gone! There is nothing I can do about it. Trust me if there was anything, anything I could do to bring her back I would! But her sacrifice isn't in vain, what she did was for all of Equestria and I'm doing my very best to cope!”

“For... For all of Equestria?! You sent her on a research assignment!” He howled, and tossed something in her face. It took her a few moments to realize it was the dried but water damaged remains of the note she had written to her brother, many of the words illegible. “You should have gone wid her! Or teleported her! This... this is your fault! All of it!”

“Shining. Calm down. You are hardly acting in a manner befitting the head of guard. Head home and drink some coffee. Now.”

“... No.” He said defiantly.

“Shining, that's an order.” She warned.

He then flung something else at her. His helmet. “I'm nod takin' orders from you. I hereby resign from the royal guard.” He growled, fire burning in his eyes.

“I... W-what?” Twilight said in shock, eyes wide. “But, your dream, it-”

“My dream was never to protect my sister's killer.” He growled as he turned and wobbled towards the door.

She was in shock. She had never seen him so angry. Slowly she flipped through the notes she had written him and noticed fresh moisture on many of the pages. Tears. Even during her funeral he hadn't cried, containing it inside. Had her note really affected him so much? Quickly she got to her hooves and ran to the door way. “Shining!”

--- Centuries later---

Twilight flew high over the mountains of Equestria, soaring over roads and icy peaks as she headed towards her destination. She was meeting her student shortly at a small train station just a few miles away from where she had originally been lost to the world. Normally she would have traveled in her royal carriage, but this meeting was special. Just between her and her precious student. It wasn't long before the train station came into view and she could see a single figure, wrapped tightly in a thick furry coat.

She landed besides her student with barely a sound, but almost instantly the hooded pony darted forward to hug her teacher.

“Hello my dear student. Are you ready for what I must show you?” Slowly the hood bobbed a few times. “Good. It is not to far away so it will take but a moment.” Her horn glowed as the two disappeared in a flash. A moment later they reappeared near the base of the mountains, in a small valley with a few inches of snow. “I chose this place because it was remote and I didn't desire for any pony to see what I had created until the time was right. You will be the first.” Slowly she walked towards the mountain as her horn glowed yet again. A stone door, hidden in the mountain, opened slowly as they walked to reveal a dark chamber within.

As they walked inside the door closed behind them and torches came alive throughout the chamber. It was huge, hundreds of feet wide and tall. Carved with her own magic over centuries. Tapestries, stained glass, tomes, and a large assortment of objects filled the caves. “I have spent the vast majority of my life gathering these items for future generations.”

“Your highness? What do you mean?”

“There is much I need to tell you my student. Much about myself you do not know.” The princess moved in front of her student, standing tall, as she prepared to give the same speech her teacher once had. “You see, Celestia is not as you know her...”

The story was much the same it had been long ago, except this time her own story had been added. But there was one important change. “But you see my student. Times have changed.” Gently she placed a hoof on a thick tome on a pedestal. “I have become little more than a figure head. In the last year alone there were three alicorns born. The magics my friends unlocked have been passed down. Pony kind is now able to stand on its own hooves. Celestia is no longer needed.” She gently reached out to place a hoof on her students head. “But there is still one task I wish for you to perform for me.”

“Your... Your highness?” The voice from behind the hood squeaked.

“Those who came before me gave up much for Equestria. I've spent my life gathering their story. Items from their life, paintings, things they owed. I've written down their stories, had images drawn to their likenesses.” She motioned to a stained glass window, a .image of Celestia with the sun gleaming behind her and her body hidden by the glare of the sun so she was only an orange shape. “This is to be their immortal legacy. And for you I have one last task.”

“Y-yes?” Again the voice squeaked.

“A museum has been built in the castle I once face Nightmare Moon so long ago. All of this will be put on display there.” Slowly she reached out with a hoof, to push the coats hood down and reveal the blue coated unicorn mare beneath. “I chose you for this task since I first laid eyes on you.”

“What? Why? What do you need me to do?”

“I could see that same flare that she held all those years ago when we met. An old friend of mine. Radiance Lulamoon, I wish for you to become the guardian and curator of our legacy.”