Lullaby
“Twilight… Just a little more Twilight, we're almost there,” Spike said to the aged mare who had fallen asleep upon his back mid-flight. Much time had passed as Twilight coat and mane had aged into a dimmer shade of purple. Spike had grown into an adult dragon with wings, although he had not succumbed to greed, causing him to remain somewhat smaller compared to other dragons.
“Oh Spike, it’s so beautiful,” said Twilight, looking around the skyline as the sun's light reflected off the various clouds and earth below, irradiating a scene full of vibrant colors.
“Twilight, I… You’re right, it is beautiful,” Spike said, slightly choking on his words as he finished his sentence. Unbeknownst to Twilight, the purple dragon’s eyes now glazed with tears as he continued to focus his attention towards the sky ahead.
“What are we doing up here anyways? I just remember talking to you this morning about something to do with Celestia while we were in Canterlot’s library, the rest has sort of… slipped my mind,” said Twilight, as she adjusted her glasses with her right hoof.
“The Princess, she… she wanted to see you. In fact, she’s holding a celebration for you, for everything that you’ve done for her and Equestria.” Spike said, gently closing his eyes briefly as he continued to flap his wings.
“We’ll that’s nice. Where is this celebration being held? That is, if you do not mind me asking.” Twilight said, letting out a loud yawn.
“She’s had it planned for Ponyville, around the old library. The residents have restored it and… it looks as good as new,” Spike said, finishing the last half quite hastily as if to conceal his true emotions.
“Oh my, it’s been a while. I hope they haven’t changed it too much, although I guess it still wouldn’t change all those memories. So many adventures, so many moments…” Twilight said, lowering her head, briefly closing her eyes as if to play them all through her head once again.
“Hey, sleepy head… I brought some books for you to read. They’re in the back satchel, I made sure to bring only your top favorites.” Spike hastily said, quickly trying to keep Twilight awake.
“Awe, Spike, thank you. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to read one of them; I mean we do still have some time ahead of us.” Twilight said cheerfully, closing her eyes as she smiled towards Spike’s green eyes and he turned his head to look to her with a grin.
“Twilight, you know that I have always looked up to you. You have been more to me than just a friend,” Spike said softly, his speech now a bit shaky as he had lost control of his emotions.
“You have always been like a mother to me. I just want to thank you for everything, for being there for me as a child.” Spike said in a low voice as tears rolled down his cheeks while he turned his head back around. Twilight, using her hoof, patted him gently on his back closing her eyes as she rubbed his scales.
“Spike, there is no need to thank me. You are a wonderful dragon, and from the day you were hatched I knew you would be a great companion. I know it’s a terrible thought, but I can’t imagine what my life would have been like if I failed my test and couldn’t have hatched you,” the purple mare said, using her magic to levitate one of the books out of the brown satchel and into her hooves. Spike started sniffling as she turned her attention towards him once more.
“Are you alright? Why are you so sad? It’s just a quick celebration. You should be happy. I mean I...” Twilight asked, yawning in mid-sentence.
“I just love celebrations.”
“It’s nothing Twilight. Don’t mind me,” Spike said, wiping tears from his eyes.
“So, what book did you choose?” asked the large dragon, who was slowly dodging the incoming clouds in their path.
“It’s the third volume of the Daring Do series. Wow this is an old one!” exclaimed Twilight as loud as she could, which was nothing but a gentle tone of excitement.
“Twilight, could you… could you read it out loud? For old times’ sake.” Spike asked in a sullen tone, awaiting a reply.
“Of course!” said Twilight with a soft tone of cheer in her little shout. As the two continued through the sky they passed many Pegasi, who upon seeing her, stopped their duties to wave and smile.
They soon reached Ponyville, which was brimming with life; the only area open was near the old library at the center of town. As they landed a crowd cheered, waving and smiling towards the large dragon and the purple mare. Twilight’s amethyst-colored eyes grew wide with glee as she looked at the building through her glasses, remembering all the times she had spent with her friends.
Royal trumpets played as Princess Celestia landed right behind the purple dragon. A young white Alicorn colt walked alongside her, his shaggy silver mane concealed the left side of his face. He looked to her with his only visible eye, which was a deep red.
“Miss Twilight Sparkle, it is such an honor to meet you,” the pale colt said in a proper tone, closing his only visible eye and lowering his ears, bowing to her.
“Oh my. Are you related to the princess?” asked Twilight softly, smiling down at the young colt, who had stopped bowing to sit on his haunches.
“He’s… yes. I guess you could say that, in a way, he is a distant relative.” said Celestia, just wanting to spend the moment with her pupil. The many ponies all looked to Twilight, giving her a look of compassion and pride.
“Twilight, you and your friends have done great things in Equestria. Things that we are all thankful for; I wanted to speak to you personally because…” Celestia said, raising her hoof to her eyes to wipe away tears that had started forming.
“You were more than just my student. You were like my daughter. I watched you grow from an adorable little filly into the vibrant and caring mare that you are today. I just want to thank you on behalf of the ponies of Equestria for everything that you have accomplished and done for us.” Celestia said as everyone cheered, causing a heartwarming smile to form on Twilight's face.
“Princess, I’m sorry if I’m a bit… tired.” Twilight let out a small yawn, leaning her head upon the book she held in her hooves. The cheering slowly halted, and everypony lowered their heads, some starting to cry. Celestia approached Spike, leaning over his back to gently stroke Twilight’s mane.
“Shhhh, it’s alright little one. You’ve earned your rest; I promise you won’t have to worry anymore,” Celestia whispered softly, trailing her voice as she watched the purple mare close her eyes peacefully. Spike started sobbing as Celestia closed her eyes, thinking back to Twilight’s first days as her student.
“Hush little pony, don’t you cry. Within your dreams, you can touch the sky,” sung Celestia in a caring tone, opening her eyes when she finished, still stroking Twilight’s soft mane as her tears continued to roll off her cheeks. Twilight lay silent, a smile of great fulfillment and happiness upon her face.
Author's Note
Will be revising this story for a quick rewrite, will include an improved intro with better formatting throughout the story.
