Chapters The Tale of Princess Celestia and Jake
Friendship from an Unexpected Place
Celestia sat at the dinner table staring down her plate. Lately she hadn't been herself. She felt depressed and lonely. Despite being loved by all, and her sister by her side, something was missing from her life. This feeling had come before, but had always gone away. This time, she couldn't shake it. The longer she thought about it, the reality that she had no real friends of her own occurred to the princess. She did have her faithful student Twilight, but that was more of a teacher-student relationship. As for everypony else, they were her subjects. There was her sister, who she was glad to have back after a thousand years of banishment. Her evil taint removed, Luna was busy with her duties as princess of the night. Yet even she managed to make a friend in Twilight, when she went to Ponyville on the last Nightmare Night, to change her frightful image to a more loving one. It also didn't help that Shining Armor had started dating their niece Princess Cadence. As Celestia sat, Luna came in after raising the moon, to spend time with her sister before starting her watch of the night. “Good evening, dear sister. How was your day?” she asked.
Celestia didn't even look up. “It was fine, how did you sleep?”
“I slept well,” she said as she took a seat next to her sister, noting her gloomy mood.
“So…” she started with a smirk on her face, “Are you going to eat or just study the food on your plate?”
The gloomy sister, not seeing the humor, simply responded, “I’m not hungry.”
“What’s wrong? I thought you said your day went well,” Luna asked.
“It’s nothing. I just don’t feeling like eating that’s all.”
Luna started to look concerned. “ You've been in this funk now for two whole months. What is wrong? And don’t brush me off this time. I want the truth.”
“Nothing is wrong,” Celestia persisted weakly, hoping her sister would drop it.
“I don’t believe you,” the dark mare pushed on. “I’m not the only one who has taken note of your mood. Every pony else has too. The entire castle has noted that you've been a bit… off.”
Celestia finally raised her head looking at her sister for the first time since she came in. “Have you gone back to Ponyville since Nightmare Night, to visit with your new friends?”
Luna was puzzled by the question but answered, “Of course I have. I am supposed to meet up with Twilight and the girls later at the doughnut shop in Canterlot. Why do you ask?”
“And how does it feel to have friends, that call you by your first name and treat you as an equal?” the older sister asked.
It started to dawn Luna exactly what was bothering her sister. “Is this why you have been so down lately? You should come with me then. Your company would be most welcome.”
“No,” she said looking down as her ears started to droop. “It isn't the same. I’m Twilight’s teacher, and as soon as I walk in the atmosphere would change. I have been the ruler for over a 1,000 years and it has always been this way."
“So what am I supposed to be then?” Luna asked a little irritated. “Am I not the Princess of the Night? Am I not worthy of their love and affection as well?”
“You are very much deserving of their love and affection, but when Twilight came to you, she just spoke to you as she would any other pony. There is a difference between a subject and a friend. You are going to see your friends. They will not bow because you are one of them, an equal. True, you are royalty, but you allowed them to become your friends. They had not seen you since the Nightmare Moon incident,” Celestia said, soothing her sister. “I have no pony other than you to speak plainly with. Do you understand?” Celestia asked, hoping to get her point across.
Luna wasn't sure what to say to her sister. Then she said “No pony is an island. You must allow yourself to have friends. Some pony out there can be that if you would only let them.”
Celestia understood what her sister was saying. It sounded so easy. Hadn't she been the pillar of advice for every pony? “I just want some pony to know me as plain Celestia and not as the Princess of the Dawn. Is that too much to ask?” she pleaded.
Luna felt her sister’s pain, but what she was asking for was impossible. Every pony knew who the sisters of day and night where. “You are who you are,” Luna said. “I have to go now. I’m going to be late for my meeting. Please try and cheer up and know you are always welcome.” With that, Luna left her sister to her thoughts.
Luna’s words rang true with Celestia but it still didn't matter. No one had ruled as long as she had. The mantle of being the princess was getting heavy after 1,000 years. She got up from the table and went to her room. As she went, she could hear the servants speaking in hushed tones that she might be taking ill. When she arrived at her room, Dusty, her chamber maid, met her at the door. “Your bed is turned down for the night, my lady. Is there anything else I can get for you?”
“No, thank you,” Celestia replied. “I would just like to be alone for awhile.”
Dusty smiled and nodded. “I will inform the guards of your wish your highness, goodnight.” With a curtsy, she left.
Celestia went over to her bed. No letter from Twilight. Twilight was always punctual with her letters. However, Celestia told her to write only when she had learned something new. This meant all was well with her student. She then thought about them gathering at the doughnut shop this evening, and it only added to her gloom. What she wouldn't give to have a friend that didn't see her as a princess. She felt the warm tears well up in her eyes. She laid her head on her pillow, hoping this grief would pass. As she lay there softly weeping, a faint glow started to emanate from the mirror in her room.
. . .
“Who’s there?” the creature asks.
With no hesitation he replies, “I’m Jake, protector of the innocent, and guardian of harmony, at your service!”
“What are you?”
Jake tilted his head to one side and gave her a curious look, “I’m a boy and who might you be?”
“My name is Celestia and I am an alicorn. Where are you from, Jake?”
“Where in the country or from which planet am I from?” Jake asks, still a little puzzled.
“Planet, I guess is a good starting point,” she says.
“Earth, how about you?” he asked, expecting the same answer.
“Equestria is the name of my homeland,” Celestia answered her tears gone as the questions continued.
“Equestria never heard of it. So next question…what is an alicorn?”
“An alicorn is a cross between a unicorn, pegasus and an earth pony. In other words, I have a horn, wings and am bigger and stronger than other ponies.”
“Could I have a look at your wings?” He had seen them when she had initially approached the mirror, but he wanted a better look. She took a few steps back and turned sideways and let her wings flutter a little.
As she does this Jake pointed to the mirror and announced, “You have a sun tattooed on your butt!”
Celestia stops fluttering her wings and giggles. “THAT, Jake, is my cutie mark. It is the mark of my special talent.”
“Your talent is the sun?!” Jake has a stunned look on his face.
“No, I raise and lower the sun in my world. How does the sun come up in yours?”
“It just does all by itself.”
Celestia faces the mirror again, “How old are you?”
“I’m 7 years old.”
“You’re not interested to know how old I am?”
“Grandma says it’s not nice to ask a lady her age.”
The alicorn smiled and then asked, “So you live with your grandmother?”
Jake looked down. “Yea, I came here after my mother died.”
“Where is your father?”
“He died before I was born. Grandma tells me he died in the war. My mom died in a car accident about a year ago.”
“I’m very sorry for your loss, Jake. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories.” She said, a look of pain crossing her face.
“It’s alright. I miss them but they are always in my heart. I have grandma and grandpa, so I’m not that lonely. When I first saw you in the mirror I thought maybe you might have been an angel. You are so white and beautiful with wings, I was hoping you could have let me speak with my parents. My grandma says angels can sometimes check up on us through mirrors. She put this one in my room, so that my folks could always look in on me.”
Celestia found tears welling up in her eyes again. “I’m sorry but I can’t help you with that. I wish I could.”
“Please don’t cry. They are in a better place now.” Seeing that she is upset reminds him of the pain he had heard earlier.
“I was sad. You see, I was lonely because I don’t have anypony who I can call my friend, somepony I can talk too. There is my sister but no pony else.”
Hearing this, Jake stands tall and says “Have no fear, Jake is here! I will be your friend. I don’t know why anyone else will not be your friend, but as of now you have one in me.” Jake notices that her jaw hangs down a little with surprise on her face. Confident that he has dispelled her grief, he continues with getting to know his NEW friend.
“It’s...complicated,” she said.
He could tell she was dodging the question. “It’s ok. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. I will listen when you’re ready to talk.”
She seemed to relax at this. Then she asks, “Jake do you know how to do magic?”
Jake raised one eyebrow, “No. We have people that do what grandpa calls sleight of hand but no real magic. At least not like what you’re doing.”
“But I’m not doing any magic,” Celestia protested.
“Then how is this happening with the mirror?”
“I really have no idea.”
“Jake, time for bed!” Jake’s grandmother calls from downstairs.
“Well that’s my grandma I have to go. Will I get to see you again?” he asked.
“I don’t know, but I hope so. It was really nice to meet you, Jake the Great,” Celestia said with a warm smile on her face.
“You can call me just Jake. All my FRIENDS do. Goodnight, Celestia.” Then he added with a grin, “Angel of Equestria.”
“You can call me Tia if you like?” she said blushing.
“Sure thing Tia,” Jake replied, still grinning. “And remember you don’t need to cry anymore because you have a friend now and forever, goodnight.”
“Goodnight Jake,” and as Celestia said those words, the image faded and the mirror went back to being normal once again.
. . .
Author's Note
This story is dedicated to my kids who asked, "Daddy tell us a story." This is my first time writing. I hope you all enjoy. Please feel free to make comments.
The Tale of Princess Celestia and Jake
The next morning Celestia woke and felt refreshed. She trotted over to the mirror and examined it closely. There didn’t seem to be anything different about it, just a normal mirror. Had it been a dream? Was Luna responsible for what happened last night? She wondered as she set about raising the sun. At breakfast her sister joined her as she always did. Dinner and breakfast were the two times of day the sisters saw one another and spoke. “Good morning Luna,” Celestia said with cheer. “How was your evening?”
Caught off guard at her sister’s sudden change in mood, Luna stared at her and then answered, “It was fine. You seem to be doing well this morning. What happened to you last night?”
“First, I have a question for you. Did you come into my dreams last night?” the older sister asked.
“I did not. Why do you ask?”
“Did you cast a spell on the mirror in my room?”
“No, what is going on with you?” Luna giving her a curious look.
At her sister’s reply, Celestia’s smile grew on her face. Her sister would be the only one powerful enough to enchant the mirror to another world. She was also the princess of dreams. She could enter a pony’s dreams and help them if nightmares were too bad. “Something happened last night I can’t explain. After you left despite your council I was still feeling depressed. Then as I was laying in my bed, the mirror came to life. I saw a world not of our own. I met a child from that world. He listened to me and offered his friendship. His name is Jake and he is from the planet Earth.”
The younger sister listened to every word without interruption. “Sister, you must let me see if this really happened, or if it was a dream. May I look into your mind?”
“Please do. I must know if it was real or not. It seemed real but I must know for sure.”
With that Luna came around the table and placed her horn on Celestia’s. Luna saw everything that happened that night in a quick replay in her mind. When she finished, she pulled away. “This was real, it was not a dream. I did not detect any hostility towards you or the kingdom. However it is strange that I do not know how the spell happened.”
“I don’t know either. That is why I’m heading for the library to look for answers.”
The younger princess looked confused. “Why not ask the royal mages for help? You could also ask Twilight. She is always good at research and--”
“No,” the older sister cut in. “No pony else will know of this for the time being. I want to look into this myself. I can ask if you have ever heard of Earth.”
“The universe is vast, Tia. For every star in my sky there are an untold number more beyond those. For every star, countless planets circle each. I’m afraid I can’t help unless I know more. At dinner this evening let me know what you discover. I will help you in your research this evening, I’m just glad to hear joy in your voice once more,” she said, (a warm smile crossing her face.) “Whoever this Jake is, we own him a debt. He has done what no pony else could do. I hope I get the chance to meet him,” she said as she returned to her seat.
The sisters finished breakfast and Luna went to bed. Celestia handled her morning reports with the kingdom. Once she had finished, she went to the library, where she hoped answers could be found. At first she went through the normal areas of the library. Then she turned her attention to the Starswirl the Bearded section. The wizard had been THE source of knowledge when it came to the obscurities of magic. He had lived longer and done more than any other unicorn in history.
In this world there were creatures called humans. They were the dominant species there. They owned horses and treated them as property. The horses could not speak and were no more than animals, unlike the pony tribes of Equestria. Celestia read on for what seemed like hours. Apparently the old wizard had spent awhile there. The name of the world was Earth, and they seemed to have some of the same problems that had plagued Equestria during the early part of her reign. The princess remembered those dark times and a shudder ran down her back. One day Starswirl couldn’t open the portal to Earth. He concluded that the universe is in constant motion. Due to this a portal between worlds could only be possible for a time. After that, travel to the world would be impossible until the universe came back into alignment. There was also a side note scribbled in, but the writing was unreadable. Time had worn it down.
Celestia flipped to the final page and saw an illustration of a mirror…her mirror. The description read how the wizard had used this magic mirror as a way to communicate over great distances. But there were no instructions on how to operate it. How long has that been hanging in my room? She thought back and then it hit her. Ever since she had moved to the new castle from their old one, after she had banished her sister to the moon. Over 1000 years and it just now wants to work? Then she remembered what the journal had said, “Magic has a will of its own.” In her early years when she was being trained in the ways of magic, her teacher had said that nothing happens without a reason.
At dinner Celestia told Luna everything that she had found. The younger sister vowed she would keep looking for anything more about the mirror. After dinner she returned to her room and started to experiment with the mirror. She tried casting spells on it, looking deep into it, even calling out Jake’s name and demanding he appear but nothing worked. She walked out to her balcony and looked into her sister’s beautiful night sky. She wondered if Jake was doing the same. She wondered if she would ever see him again. It seemed cruel for the universe to grant her wish only to turn right around and take it away again. Then there was a knock at her door. “Who is it?”
The door opened and Dusty stood in the door way with a glass of milk and a cupcake. “Good evening my lady. I hope I’m not bothering you but I thought this might cheer you up.”
Celestia smiled at the gesture. “You can put it on the table. Thank you Dusty.”
The maid came set the tray on the table and then looked at Celestia. “If you don’t mind my asking, is everything alright?”
“Everything is fine,” the princess said as she walked over to Dusty. “I’m just doing a little late night work.”
The maid gave Celestia a worried look. “If you insist, but if there is anything I can do please let me know. I’m concerned for you.”
“Really, I’m fine Dusty. It’s sweet of you to be concerned for me but I’m alright.” Besides you wouldn’t be able to help me with this problem anyways.
“Very well, goodnight,” and with that she curtsied and left.
With every passing day Celestia became more frustrated with the mirror. Luna had found nothing. She even had a guard posted by the mirror when she wasn’t there, to watch it. If anything happened she didn’t want to miss it. Still for 7 days nothing happened. She was starting to give up hope when on the 8th night she felt a longing in her heart. Somehow she knew Jake was thinking of her. She walked over to the mirror and sat before it. “Oh Jake, where are you?” she asked as she closed her eyes.
Suddenly she heard a voice. “I’m right here. Where have you been all this time, Tia?”
She looked up and into the eyes of a much older Jake. She was stunned into silence as the two stared at each other. Jake had his arms crossed and was obviously waiting for an answer, but still wore a grin. “What happened to you? I’ve been trying to reach you for over a week and how do you look so old?”
“A week?!” The shock on Jake face was undeniable. “It’s been 8 years here! I was starting to think I had just dreamed you up.”
Celestia didn’t know what to say. Nothing in the journal had said anything about the time being this off between the worlds. Then she remembered the side note that couldn’t be read. That was what it must have been about. The wizard would never have left out such an important detail in his research. She quickly regained her composure. She wasn’t sure how long she would have to speak with him and she didn’t want to waste any time. “How have you been?”
Jake smiled, “I’m fine but maybe you should go first. It’s only been a little over a week for you and years for me.”
She told him of all the research she had done on the mirror. How her kind had visited his world once before a long time ago. She had no idea about the time difference and why was he not aging before her eyes. Once again he had no answers for her. He was just glad she had been trying to reach him all this time. He said how he had done the same for awhile and then had given up and just waited. He told her of his life; it had been a good one. He still dreamed of her, which only made her blush.
He was not the boy she remembered. When they had first spoken he was 7. Now he was 15 years old and growing quick. They spoke on just about everything, from school to what he was planning on doing when he was finished with school. His dream was to be a pilot. After Jake explained what a pilot was, it made more sense to her. When Celestia told Jake about the ability to open a portal to Earth, he was eager to find out when that could happen. “I would love to have you over for a visit,” he said, beaming. “We would just have to wait for my grandparents to get out of the house. I don’t know how I would explain you to them.”
“Well don’t worry. If you came here I would have to keep you secret. No pony else knows of you except my sister.”
At the mention of her younger sister Jake started in on a flurry of new questions. “What does your sister do? What does she look like? Do you like her?”
Celestia was careful not to tell him that they were royalty. She smiled. “Well she raises the moon and watches over the dreams of others. She is smaller than I and dark like the night sky and yes, I love her very much.”
They talked for hours. Soon it was getting close to the time to raise the sun. The alicorn looked concerned. “I have to go soon, Jake. I don’t know when I will get to speak with you again. I have missed you and I hope this will not be the last time we speak. You’re not angry with me about so much time going by, are you?”
Jake reached out to the mirror as if to touch her beautiful face. “How could I ever be angry with you? You’re my friend and I yours. It isn’t your fault for so much time going by. Who knows, maybe one day you will figure out how to open that portal and we can finally meet face to face.”
“I would like that,” Celestia said, smiling at the thought. Then she got an idea. “Why can’t I come? I will find out how to come to you. I can use magic to create a disguise to look like a human.”
“Can you really do that? Change from one creature to another?”
“It is very powerful magic but I can do it. That way you can show me around and no one will ever know.”
“Brilliant!” Jake jumped to his feet. “How soon can you do this?”
“I don’t know. Time is moving so fast for you. It might be years your time before I can figure out the portal.” She didn’t want to kill the mood but it was the truth. If she took too long Jake may be dead of old age. Also the universe must be in proper alignment and there was no telling if that would even happen in his life time.
As if he had read her mind he quickly responded, “Don’t worry. This is the second time we have gotten to speak. Like you said we may not get another. If we do or you figure this out before I die then so be it. If not then it was fun while it lasted. No matter what, I don’t want you to blame yourself.”
The alicorn looked hurt at the mention of this might be the last time they would get to speak. Then resolve came to her. “It’s not fair. I don’t want to lose you. I have to figure this out. I WILL figure this out.” She looked outside and saw the moon setting. “I have to go Jake. Please don’t forget me.” Her eyes were pleading.
“Don’t worry Tia. It would be impossible to forget you. Now go do what you have to do.” Jake bid her goodnight and once again his image faded. They had talked all night and it didn’t even seem that long. It never was long enough.
At breakfast, Celestia was practically falling asleep. “What happened?” Luna asked.
“I spoke with Jake last night…all night,” she said barely able to keep her eyes open.
“How did you do it?”
“I don’t know. I just wanted to speak with him like always and he was there but something happened. Time moves quicker for him than it does for us. One day our time is one year his time.” Luna was floored.
“I’m so sorry Tia. At that rate…” she trailed off not wanting to state the obvious. “How long do humans live?”
“I’m not sure. I’m assuming as long as the mortals of our world live, but that’s just a guess.” Celestia’s head was starting to drop slowly towards the table.
“Go to bed. You are in no shape to perform your royal duties. I will handle things today,” the young princess announced.
“I can’t go to sleep. Time is short. I must find a way to open a portal. I want to see him.”
“I will look. You must sleep. Just look at yourself. You’re going to sleep whether you want to or not.” Unable to argue the point any longer, Celestia gave in to her sister. She went off to bed without another word.
She awoke hours later feeling better but still tired. As she put herself together to see what Luna may have found, she glanced at the floor in front of the mirror. Lying there was a folded piece of paper. She unfolded it and started to read. It was from Jake. It looked like a journal entry. How did it get here? What if the mirror worked for letters the way she sent them to Twilight? She quickly scribbled down a note to Jake.
Jake, if you get my note write me back. Just put it near the mirror.
Your friend
Tia
As she finished the note, it began to glow. Then it floated over to the mirror and vanished. A few moments later another note appeared in front of the mirror and dropped to the floor. Celestia ran over to the note and read it.
Tia, received your note. This is great! Now we can write each other.
Your friend
Jake
Reading the note she forgot her royal bearing and pranced around the room like an excited filly. She grabbed the note and took off to find Luna. She found her sister in the Library pouring over a book in the Starswirl the Bearded wing. She laid the note in front of Luna, “It’s from Jake! The mirror allows letters to be sent as well as verbal communication.”
“When did you find this out?” she asked thankful to have a break from the book she was reading.
“Just now, I woke up and there it was in front of mirror.”
“Well that is better than what I’ve got, which is nothing so far. For exploring a new world there is surprising little about it. One would think that such a discovery would be not so difficult to look up.”
Celestia frowned at this and went over to the journal where she had found the first notes of the wizard. Flipping through it she noticed that at the end there was an illustration of the mirror then nothing. A closer look revealed that some pages were missing. “Some pages are missing at the end, here come and look.”
“You are right. We should have caught this sooner. So where do you think they went?” Luna asked.
“I’m not sure. I can’t imagine any pony purposely vandalizing these books. Not to mention this wing of the library is kept under lock and key due to the sensitive subject matter that is contained here. However, there has been no break-in and we are the only ponies who have been here lately.” The sisters stood and thought but without the last pages of the wizard’s journal the knowledge they were seeking might be lost forever.
With no leads they retired from the library for the evening. Dinner was the quietest it had been in days as both seemed lost in thought. Finally Luna broke the silence. “We shouldn’t just give up. There has to be a way,” the young princess said.
“I know what you mean but the answer will come. We must be patient and keep investigating. Also thank you for helping me today. You were right about needing the sleep.”
“It was nothing. I have a chance to see ponies and events I don’t get to see during the course of a normal night. I’m sorry I didn’t find anything though,” she said with regret in her voice.
“You have nothing to apologize for. You have been a big help. You covered for me, listened to me and have been there the whole time. I couldn’t have asked for more. No matter what happens, I am grateful for you.”
Luna smiled at her sister’s comments. “I have to go. If I can think of anything I will let you know.” With that, she was off to perform her nightly patrol.
Tired, Celestia returned to her room, her mind still working on her current dilemma. When she got there, she found Dusty inside. This wasn’t unusual since it was her job to keep her ruler’s chambers in order. However this time, Celestia found her reading from a pile of letters in front of the mirror. She walked quietly in and cleared her throat. Dusty jumped and spun around to face the princess. “What are you doing?” Celestia asked.
Dusty dropped the letter and quickly bowed. “I’m sorry your Highness, I didn’t hear you come in.”
“That’s not what I asked you. What were you doing reading those letters?”
“These are from your friend Jake, the child from another world?”
“This isn’t like you Dusty. You have never invaded my privacy before. What is going on? Please just tell me.”
Dusty looked away feeling embarrassed. “I had to know. I have overheard your conversations with him. I wanted to know his intentions for you.”
“And what did you discover about him?”
“He is telling you how his life is going. He misses you and hopes to see you soon. I apologize for all of this, my lady, but I know what you have been looking for in the library.”
The princess was shocked but curious at the same time. “Please go on.”
“For months now I’ve noticed your depression. The tear stained pillows, the soft crying as you fall asleep. I tried to get you to talk about it but you would pretend like nothing was wrong. Then something in you changed for the better. Your mood lightened up, and you seemed genuinely happy for the first time in a long time. I noticed you were spending an unusual amount of time in the restricted section of the library. After I overheard your second conversation with Jake, I could only assume you were looking for a way to operate Starswirl’s mirror and get to Earth. Then today I came in here to straighten up and noticed the mail on the floor. I thought nothing of it till I read one of the open letters.”
She knows everything?! The princess had underestimated the resourcefulness of her servant. It was taking everything she had to not show the shock on her face. “That still doesn’t explain why you invaded my privacy.”
Dusty looked directly into the princess’s eyes. “My family has faithfully served the kingdom for many generations, as far back as the time of Starswirl himself. A relative of mine even did the same job as I do now for the wizard during the day. She helped him with his research on the side and because of this was entrusted with a great secret. Starswirl realized the danger of mixing the two worlds. It was his fear that either evil would come here from Earth or some corrupt ruler would go conquer there. He felt pony kind as a whole wasn’t ready for such knowledge. So he removed the last few pages of his journal. These pages contain the location of Earth, how to open the portal and what to look for to make sure the universe is in proper alignment. It also tells how to operate his mirror.”
As Dusty spoke Celestia eyes grew large. The missing pages, finally. The problem was about to be solved and she could go see Jake.
The maid kept going. “The pages were entrusted to my family. It was thought no one would ever find out but in the event someone did they had to be of good character. Also if contact was made with the other world that person must also be of good character. As you know the early rulers of the three tribes were not as kind and loving as yourself. I know how important this Jake is to you.
I have watched you over the years at events and holidays. You put on a brave face but I know how lonely you are. And though I wish I could offer my hoof in friendship it isn't the same. You needed a special pony. Happy as you were to get your sister back after the Chosen one and her friends freed her, it still wasn’t enough. I had to be sure of him. If all I had to go on was his letters and the conversations it would be enough. If you wait right here, I will bring you what you seek.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for, I’m sorry. I should have had more faith in you. I have to be so strong all the time for all my subjects. I..I didn’t know who to trust with this information.”
Dusty squeezed the princess harder as she began to tear up. “Thank you, my lady. You were right to keep this to yourself. However royalty should never apologize to a servant like me.”
Celestia released the maid and wiped away her tears. “That’s the right of royalty. I can apologize to whomever I choose. You have an answer that I needed, for my friend doesn’t have the luxury of time.” The maid wiped her eyes and gave a curtsy. She quickly left only to return with an old leather pouch. In it were the last few pages of the wizard’s journal. She then took her leave of the princess.
The Tale of Princess Celestia and Jake
According the last pages the portal was not as difficult as she had imagined. The stars just had to be in the proper alignment. She walked to her balcony and looked into her sister’s night sky. If she understood this right the universe would be all lined up in about 6 more days. When it happened she would only have one day Earth time. The good news was that no pony would even know she was gone, since the time was so different she would be away for only a few minutes her time. Thank you Dusty. If it hadn’t been for maid’s snooping she would have missed the deadline.
She wrote a note and sent it through the mirror, then stood in front and waited for Jake, hoping that the vague instructions would work. Suddenly there was Jake. “Hey there angel, so you figured it out. Well it took you a day. And here I thought it was going to take longer.”
“So six years to kill, I think I can do that. So did you get a chance to read all my letters?”
“Every last one before I tried the mirror. Our worlds sound a lot alike.”
“What would you like to do on your visit? I know its six years away but less than a week for you soooo any thoughts?”
“I wouldn’t know where to begin. How about you decide because I’m going to be seeing you, so it really doesn’t matter,” Celestia said. She didn’t want to sound indecisive but the ideas were endless, and she really only wanted to see him.
They didn’t talk long this time because Celestia couldn’t stifle a yawn. “I’m sorry. Please, don’t think you’re boring me.”
“Not at all, I always keep my audience riveted,” as Jake began to laugh. “I think we need to call it a night though. Now that we understand how the mirror works it’s ok. I will see you again.”
She smiles at this and then bid Jake a goodnight. She then collected Jake’s letters and placed them on a table and went to bed. For the next six days she wrote and spoke with Jake.
A couple of days passed and it was time for their daily talk. She stood before the mirror and an older Jake appeared. This time he had a look of concern on his face. “What’s wrong?” Celestia asked.
“We need to talk. I’m fine but something I would have never dreamed of has happened.”
The princess didn’t like the sound of that. “Go ahead.”
“Remember when I told you, we have something here called television. We watch shows for entertainment.”
“Yes.” She remembered hearing of this from a past discussion of theirs.
“Well a new show has come on. It’s called My Little Pony Friendship is Magic. The show is about all of Equestia. You’re in it, so is your sister, and Twilight and her friends. They wield the Elements of Harmony. I don’t know how this has happened. The show is a huge success. Fans, called Bronies, are all over my world.” Celestia didn’t know what to say. She looked away knowing what was coming next.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were a princess? We have been friends all this time and you never said anything to me. Why?” Jake’s gaze never left her. She could feel his eyes.
“I was afraid if you knew what I was then you would have treated me differently. I never meant to lie to you.” She could feel shame running through her and a hint of panic.
Jake’s face suddenly broke into a grin. “Tia, I like you. What you do for a job or your title, makes little difference to me. I will say that it is like watching a movie of all our talks. The Grand Galloping Gala kept me laughing forever. As for lying, I don’t recall you ever lying to me. You just left out a few details.
Celestia looked back surprised. “So you’re not angry with me?”
“Oh course not. I just want you to be honest with me. Ok?”
Relief washed over her. “Ok. No more secrets I promise. So, what else did you see in the show?”
“The show really follows Twilight and her friends more than it does you. Each episode they write you letters about what lessons have been learned about friendship. I love the episode where your sister learns how to make friends on Nightmare Night.”
“So I guess you got to see my world after all. What do you think of Equestria?” Celestia asked.
“It’s beautiful. The funny part is that the show was meant for little girls, but many are in love with it. Even adults are into the show. The fans write stories, music, and art all inspired by the show. However when you come, it should be in disguise as we talked about. I don’t think my world is ready for Princess Celestia to go from fantasy to reality,” Jake said.
“Sounds like a wise idea to me.”
With each passing day he looked older and older. It was a little unnerving to watch his life in fast forward. She was there through all the good and the bad. She remembered when he graduated high school and when his grandparents died. First his grandfather, then his grandmother a year later. By the time the sixth day had rolled around it was as if they had been lifelong friends. Celestia had told Luna about Dusty days earlier. She left her younger sister specific instructions: should anything go wrong, Luna would rule. The princess of the night insisted on being in the room when she went. She wouldn’t have a very long wait. This was mostly to see Celestia off and make sure she came back. Before she left she had to change her appearance. So she focused her magic and in a flash of light she was a beautiful woman with long golden hair and lavender eyes. She wore white sandals, with a light blue summer dress. It took Luna a minute to get use to her sister’s new look. She had never seen a human before. “How do you feel?”
“GREAT! It worked. I hope I fit in there. Do you think he’ll like it? He hasn’t seen me like this yet.”
“You have always been beautiful but I do not know what passes for a human. Let him be the judge. After all if he does not like it you can always change,” Luna said.
“Well then I’m off,” and with that Celestia concentrated once more and swirling purple clouds appeared before the mirror. They grew in size till it was tall enough to walk through. She stepped through the doorway and portal closed behind her.
Celestia looked around a familiar room. This was Jake’s room. There was a bed, dresser and a night stand. There were posters of what she assumed were airplanes, (Jake was supposed to know how to fly those) and of her. There standing in the doorway to the room was a tall, well built man with blond hair. He wore pants and a blue, short sleeve shirt with a collar. She just gazed into his blue eyes and for a few moments no words passed between them. She walked over and reached her hand out to touch him. “Jake. It’s really you.”
Jake reached out and lightly touched her hand. It seemed like he was in a dream state. “Tia? Is it really you?”
Celestia moved to him and they embraced. “It is you. I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited for this moment.” Jake said. He took a step back to have a better look at her. “Wow! When you said you were coming in disguise, I never thought.”
Celestia looked worried. “Do you like it? I wasn’t sure what passed for a human girl. I can change it if you don’t—“
“Don’t you dare.” Jake said cutting her off trying to find words. “You’re…uh…you look, wow.”
All she could do was blush. Then she took his hands once again. “Sooo, what do we want to do today?”
Jake seemed to find his bearing again. “Well, why don’t I take you flying this morning?”
“That would be wonderful!”
So the two set off for the airfield, where Jake rented a plane. They flew over the country side and Celestia took it all in. Earth was beautiful. They saw rivers, the ocean, and farm fields. It was summer and the weather was warm. The sky was clear with a light wind blowing. After a couple of hours, they landed back at the field. “That was incredible! Usually all that flying would make one tired but these planes are great,” she said.
Jake smiled. “Glad to hear you’re having fun, ready for more?”
“What’s next?” She could barely contain her excitement.
“I’m going to take you to what we call a theme park. They have rides and shows and food. You’re gonna love it!”
Soon they were at the park. Jake introduced her to a roller coaster. She laughed and screamed as they twisted, turned and flipped. Then they took in a show. The dancing and the singing were wonderful. Afterward he took her to lunch. They ate pizza and soda. Such delights were not found on her world. The day was going great. After lunch more rides, from something called bumper cars, to a merry go round. They even went to a petting zoo. There the two of them had a surprise. Celestia remembered the wizard’s notes that horses of Earth were no more than animals. However, when they entered and the animals caught sight of her they crowded in. The animals were all kinds, horses, goats, cows and more. They came in and without a word bowed to Celestia. The two stood there stunned and then Jake turned to her, “What’s going on?”
“I don’t know.” She whispered. People were starting to stare. Children were pointing at the animals and at Celestia.
“I think we had better leave, Tia. We are drawing a crowd and I’m not referring to the animals.” Jake said, looking around.
“Ok.” She looked at the animals and smiled. “Rise, thank you all for your welcome, but I must be going now.” The animals got to their feet and made way for the two of them. Celestia took Jake’s arm and they walked to the exit, the animals escorting them all the way.
She turned to the child, “No, no, I’m just good with animals.” They made their escape as quickly as the crowd would let them, the whole time trying not to answer any more questions about Celestia’s way with animals.
Once they were far enough out of ear shot Jake turned to her. “Seriously, I’ve never seen animals behave that way before. It’s as if they knew who you were.”
“I don’t have any answers for you. The wizard’s journal said that the horses of Earth were no more than animals. Nothing was said about that.”
Jake chuckled. “It could be they can see through your disguise. That was amazing though.”
She hadn’t let go of his arm and she just squeezed it. “Yes it was. But I would rather that not happen again. I don’t want to be bowed to. Today I’m just Tia. Today it’s just us.”
“Don’t worry, I doubt that will happen again. Besides I have one more place to take you.”
“More? Where are we going this time? I don’t know how this can get any better,” she said.
“It’s a surprise.” He winked at her and they left the park.
They went to a store where Jake bought cheese, an assortment of fruit and something to drink. From the store he took her to a nature park. They parked the car and from the trunk Jake produced a blanket, and a basket, which he put the food in. It was a short hike to a grassy knoll with a tree in the center. On the way there they passed by a mother sitting on a bench with her toddler in her baby carriage. Celestia went to admire the child as the two of them passed by. “Oh Jake isn’t she just the cutest?”
“She’s a cutie alright.” Jake said. The mother looked over at the two, “Thank you.”
Then the child pointed at Celestia, “Horsie.”
The mother looked at her daughter. “Not dear, that is a woman or lady, not a horse.”
The child reached to touch Celestia. “Pretty, white horsie.”
Jake took Celestia’s arm. “Come on honey, we better get going before she calls you something else.”
They bid the mother and her daughter farewell and as they left they could hear the little girl saying, “Bye bye horsie.”
“Ok, first animals and now small children, are you sure no one else can see your true form?” Jake said teasingly.
“I don’t understand, the spell should fool everyone. Jake are you sure no human can do magic?”
“Positive, but here is another theory for you. What if small children can see your true form due to their innocencs? People say a child sees the world differently than an adult. Then again I’m just guessing here. Let’s just hope we don’t run into anymore animals or small children.”
They finally reached the knoll at the top of the hill, overlooking the valley. Jake spread the blanket under the tree and set out the food for a picnic. Jake sat with his back against the tree as Celestia picked up a grape and fed it to him. She turned her attention to look at the view. The sun was starting to set, casting the valley in a lovely shade of orange. “Beautiful.” She sighed.
“Yea, beautiful,” Jake repeated.
She turned towards him and noticed he was looking at her and not the valley. Her heart started to race. She had set out to find a friend but this feeling was different. Then Dusty’s words ran through her mind. You deserve to be able to go out and find happiness for yourself. What came out of her mouth next surprised even her. “Jake, come back with me. You have no family left here. This doesn’t have to be our only day together, if--“
He put a finger to her lips. “Shh. It’s alright. I’ve given this a lot of thought. Our worlds were not meant to mix. How would I live in your world?” He cracked a smirk. “You guys don’t even eat meat. I would starve.”
She pushed his finger aside. “Would you be serious about this? You wouldn’t starve, and besides, am I not worth it?”
Jake’s face took on a more serious tone. He cupped her face in his hands. “You worth that and so much more, but we have right now. Let’s not waste it”
Celestia’s heart would not stop pounding. She pleaded with him. “Please, come wit—“
Jake pulled her close and silenced her with a kiss. The world spun around Celestia. She couldn’t remember ever being this torn in two. On one side happiness like she had never known, on the other side despair for she knew it would not last. Jake continued to hold her under the tree as the sun set. Finally it was down. He brushed a strand of hair from her face and said. “Looks like our time is up. I hope you had a great day.”
A great day was an understatement. “It wasn’t great; it was the BEST day ever.” She started to tear up.
Jake brushed a tear from her eye. “Angels shouldn’t cry. We were given a gift that is unheard of. I had better get you back before it’s too late. They need you in Equestria.”
“You are lucky because you are mortal. Jake, I’m immortal. You will die and I will live on without you. It’s not fair.”
“Life rarely is fair. That is why when you get joy like this, you don’t waste a moment of it.” Jake said as they walked back to the car.
The ride back to Jake’s place was a quiet one. Jake pulled into a gas station for some gas. When he was finished filling up the two went inside to pay. While standing in line a masked man barged into the store holding a gun. He demanded money from the clerk and everyone else in the store. When he came to Celestia she had no money. “What do you mean you don’t have any money?! Pretty girls like you always have money! Now give it up or else!” The man shouted.
“Calm down, she doesn’t have any; you can have all of mine. I paid for her today. This doesn’t have to get ugly.” Jake said trying to calm the man.
A siren sounded in the distance. At this sound the robber lunged at Celestia. Jake tackled him before he can reach her. Unable to do anything Celestia looked on in fear. The two men are in a mass of limbs on the ground. They are kicking one another and struggling for the gun. They rise to their knees as the fight continued then without warning a shot rang out. The robber stumbled backwards. Jake slowly sank back to the floor as the robber realized what he has done and fled. Celestia screamed and went to Jake. “Jake! Are you alright?”
“Ugh, I’ve been better.” His attempt to smile is quickly replaced by a grimace of pain as his shirt is turned red. “You have to leave me now. You have to get home, *cough* before it’s too late.”
“No! I won’t leave you! I have to save you!” She starts to panic. She can feel his life leaving his body and there isn’t much time left. She held his hand as he started to feel colder.
“Don’t think saving me is in the cards. We..we had today, *COUGH* and that is more then I cou..could have hoped for.” Jake could barely keep his eyes open. She leans down to hold him as tears stream down her face. He whispered, “I love you Tia. Goodbye.” Then Jake went limp.
“Jake? JAKE?! No, no, no, no! Don’t die! Please don’t die, I love you, please!” She realized Jake is gone and let out a terrifying scream. A brilliant white light and a sound of thunder filled the room and the two are instantly transported back to Jake’s place. Celestia discarded her human form as the portal is ripped open. She levitated Jake’s body and they both plunged through.
On the other side Luna has waited to greet her sister and find out how her trip went. When Celestia came through the portal with Jake’s body questions arise rapidly. “What happened? Is this who I think it is? Are you alright?” Luna was a flurry of questions.
“NO TIME FOR QUESTIONS, HELP ME!” Celestia, said in the royal Canterlot voice.
Luna leaned forward to inspect Jake’s lifeless body. “I am sorry. He is dead dear sister.”
“HIS BODY IS DESTROYED BUT HIS SPIRIT LINGERS! I WILL SAVE HIM!”
Luna’s eye widen as she realized what her sister has proposed. “You cannot do this. Do you even have his consent? This has never been done before, it may not work.”
“HE SACRIFICED HIMSELF FOR ME!”
The sisters’ horns began to glow and the castle chambers faded away till they are surrounded by stars. Then the universe seemed to envelope Jake’s body as he is levitated above the sister’s heads. There is a burst of light and Jake is gone.
The Tale of Princess Celestia and Jake
The last thing Jake remembered was the feeling cold as he said goodbye to Tia, before he was swallowed by darkness. As if someone lit a candle, there was a faint light. It grew in intensity as it came closer. Then Jake found that he was surrounded by it. He felt warm and safe and familiar voices were heard. “We are so proud of you. You gave friendship, love, and in the end your life to another. You have earned a place here if you wish.”
“Who is there? Where am I?” Jake looked around and still could see no one. From out of nowhere, Jake’s parents and grandparents appear. They look well, as they surround and embrace him.
“Mom…Dad…Grandma and Grandpa? It is a tearful scene as for the first time in years he is reunited with his family. Jake had never told Celestia, but without her he would have been very lonely. He never had any close friends except her. “I’ve missed all of you so much .” Jake returned his family’s embrace not wanting to let go. Tears of joy streamed down his face.
“You were never alone son. We were always with you,” his mother says.
“Watching over you, even when we couldn’t be there,” added his father.
“You can rest now if you like. There is no pain or suffering here. You will want for nothing and we can be together forever,” his grandfather chimed in.
“But you have also been given a choice,” Jake’s grandmother added. She waved her hand and an image appeared of Celestia and Luna trying to change fate by bringing Jake back to life.
“I don’t understand. I’m dead; there is nothing they can do,” Jake said as he felt Celestia’s pain and determination even there.
“You’re wrong son. They can indeed bring you back to life, but it will not be the life you once had. They will make you like them. You will not return to Earth and the life you knew before. Even now those two are using all of their power to do something that has never been done before in all of creation. You must choose, an immortal rest here or a life with Celestia,” his grandmother spoke, looking from the image back to Jake.
“But Grandma, she is immortal. Even in her world I will grow old and die.” Jake looked to the image and the light has faded away. Where his old body had once been was a raven colored alicorn with a silvery mane and tail, with a white star on its forehead below its horn. Jake stared dumbfounded at the image. “You weren’t kidding. She really did make me like her but I still don’t understand.”
“You must choose my child. If you stay then that body will be an empty shell and will never live. If you choose to return you will have a new life with Celestia.” As she spoke she put a comforting hand of Jake’s shoulder and looked at the image. Celestia was over Jake’s body pleading for him to come back between sobs. Luna had tears in her eyes as well.
“Will I ever see any of you again?”
“As we said before, we will always be with you. My son, I know what is in your heart. We are fine, but she is suffering. I know you feel it. She needs you,” his father said.
Jake smiled as he held them. “I love you all so much .”
. . .
The anguish can be heard in the princess’s voice throughout the castle. The sisters and Jake’s new body were in Celestia’s chambers once more. Luna came to her sister’s side and put her head next to hers. “We tried our best but some things are beyond even us. I am so sorry Tia for your loss. He will be given a royal funeral for his sacrifice.” Luna’s words have fallen on deaf ears. Her sister is consumed with grief as she held her love in her hooves. Then there is the faintest heartbeat. It grows in intensity as his eyes start to twitch. Celestia tears stop as she peered in his face. “Jake?”
As if to answer her, his blue eyes opened and he looked into her eyes. “I choose you Tia.”
Instantly grief is replaced with overwhelming joy. Luna is still stunned at the fact Jake is alive. “JAKE! I knew I could save you! I’ve never wanted anything more in my entire life!” A new wave of tears streaked down Celestia’s face.
Jake held Celestia tightly. Luna got over her shock enough to ask, “You’re not surprise by your new form?”
“Well a little, but I saw what you two were doing when I was on the other side. I was given the choice to come back or stay. I chose to come back. I still have things to do,” Jake said as Celestia let go and leaned back to look him in the face.
“What do you have to do?”, the sisters asked together.
Jake leaned forward and kissed Celestia gently. “Why, to look after you of course, you’re a mess without me.” He had a smirk on his face. Then he reached up and whipped the tears from Celestia’s face. “Remember what I said before, angels shouldn’t cry.”
“Oh Jake, I love you !” Celestia knocked him to the floor in an embrace.
“I love you to Tia, forever and always.”
Unable to sit by, Luna jumped onto the pile on the floor embracing them both. “Don’t forget me!”
“Never, Luna,” Jake says. “Heck, what am I saying? You guys will be tired of me in a week. Then you’ll just ship me off to some distant world.”
Everyone laughed. Then one by one they untangle themselves and helped Jake to his feet. At first there was no problem. Jake’s first attempt at walking was a bit shaky. The sisters each took a side of Jake to steady him. In a few minutes he was walking fine around the room. “Well this is easier than I thought it would be,” Jake said as he picked up his pace.
“You’re a fast learner. Now we just have to teach you to use your wings and magic,” stated Celestia. “We can handle that here but..” she trails off.
“What is it?” Luna asked, giving her sister a curious look.
“His name, where he is from, how do we explain your sudden appearance to the kingdom? You are the only male alicorn in the whole world to my knowledge,” Celestia continued.
Hearing this, Jake came to a sudden stop. “I never thought about that but, ah, AH CHOO,” *KABOOM*! Where once there had been a wall now was a gaping hole. “What just happened? I only sneezed and Oh My God!”
The princesses were just as shocked as Jake. “Looks like magic training will have to happen sooner than we thought. You don’t seem to have control of it yet,” Luna said still staring at the hole.
The door was thrown open and a pair of guards were at the ready, “Princess Celestia, we heard a loud explosion. Are you alright?” They saw Jake and the hole in the wall and took a more defensive stance. “Who are you?”
“It is alright. This is Prince Distant Star. He is visiting me. We are fine, it was just an accident.”
Luna and Jake both give Celestia a funny look before catching on what she is trying to do. “Oh yes, he is my sister’s friend. We will need to clean up this mess though.”
“Yes your highness at once,” the guards bow and leave the room.
“We are going to have to do something about that. You are not used to your powers yet, and we can’t have you blowing holes in the castle.” Celestia walked to her dresser were a small chest sits. She opened it and produced a ring which she places on Jake’s horn. “This is suppressor. It will prevent that from happening again.”
“Thank you. But I have some questions. Why an alicorn? Why not keep me as a human? I would have been less dangerous.”
The sisters look toward each other and back to Jake. Celestia started off, “we have very little knowledge on humans. So we don’t know how your body is made up. If we had tried to make a human body and got it wrong, then you would not have lived. I was not willing to take that chance.”
“But when you visited me on Earth you looked just like a human.”
“That was an illusion. That is why the animals and the baby were not fooled. They saw me for who I really was. As to why you are an alicorn…I never meant for you to be one. I wasn’t thinking clearly, I just wanted to save you.”
Luna shook her head, “Its true Jake, we were not sure what would happen. We knew that you needed a new body, but when the spell was cast we could not be sure of the results. If you like we could try and change you to another pony.”
“No , I mean, no thank you. You just said you didn’t know what would happen. For all any of us knows if you try again I might be turned into a house plant.”
“I’m sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen. I just wanted to see you. I-“
“That is enough, I will not hear it. You saved me after I tried to save you. You have nothing to apologize for. This has been the most unusual day of my life. So I guess I’m Prince Distant Star now, cleaver.”
“What’s that?”
“As far as ponies go, how do I look?” Jake looked from one sister to another waiting for an answer. Luna smiles sheepishly and blushes. Celestia says with a grin, “I wouldn’t worry about that if I were you, but as ponies go you look great .”
Epilogue
“So Daddy is an alien, zombie pony? If he is, what does that make me?” the filly asked with worry in her voice and wide eyes.
“Day Lily, he is not a zombie nor is he an alien. He is every bit a pony as are you.”
“How long did it take him to learn magic? Who taught him? Did he know how to use his wings right away? Did he ever go back to visit Earth? How did he get his cutie mark?”
“It took some time for your Father to learn how to safely control his magic. It took less time for him to figure out how to fly. The rest will have to wait for another time.”
“How come no one calls Dad, Jake? They call him Distant Star instead. Does any pony else know where Dad came from?”
“Only a very few know where your father really came from. Everyone else thinks he is from a faraway land and that his name is Distant Star. This is a secret that you cannot tell anypony else. Do you understand? If ponies knew the truth they might treat him differently and he doesn’t want that.”
Lily jumped up and puts her front hooves on her hips and said, “I won’t tell another pony. I will protect Daddy!”
Celestia smiled at her daughter. It reminded her of Jake, at their first meeting so many years ago. How he had pledged to be her friend because he was the guardian of harmony. How he had changed her life forever. “Alright time for bed. Your Daddy will be in to see you when he gets home.” She tucked in her daughter and kissed her goodnight. She closed the door and went to bed knowing her husband would be home soon. She would wake to find him nuzzling her and fresh flowers would be on the table. A beautiful kingdom, wonderful subjects, and a loving family; what more could a princess ask for . She smiled at the thought as she drifted off to sleep.
-The End-
