Chapter One: A dying light.
Princess Twilight Sparkle's left ear flicked again as the monitor beeped softly. To the lavender princess, it was more like a dreadful timer just waiting to go off. She sat near a hospital bed, her head resting on the carefully-arranged blanket. Her ears pinned against her head, and a frown upon her maw, that hinted at anger and sadness. Twilight opened her eyes, and sniffled. She woke up just a few minutes ago. Hoping that her arrival at the Ponyville Hospital yesterday was just a horrible dream. But alas.
In the hospital bed was an elderly mare who was very real. That sound of labored, ragged breathing was like nothing Twilight ever dreamed about.
The Alicorn looked at her mother, her eyes flickering with sadness. She adjusted herself and placed a hoof on her mother's cheek. Caressing it lovingly. With no warning, the monitor started to beep. Signaling that Twilight Velvet's heart finally ceased to beat.
Twilight gasped, and shook her head.
"Mom?! Mom!" Shouted Twilight. The floor beneath her now feeling even colder than before. Twilight's body trembled with utter sadness. Nurse ponies came running in, insisting that the Princess leave the room. Twilight ignored them, and just like that. She teleported out of the hospital.
Twilight Velvet's funeral was going to be planned soon.
Twilight Velvet was buried in the Ponyville cemetery. Right next to her husband.
Shining Armor. Princess Cadence. Applejack. Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash. Rarity. Fluttershy. Princess Twilight. And the two Royal sisters, along with Apple Bloom. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle and Big Mac.
It was a bright sunny day. But there was nothing to be bright and happy about that day. Twilight, along with her brother. Said their good byes to their mother. Twilight gently placed a flower near the headstone. The loss of her mother has emotionally drained Twilight. She then came across a realization that made her very sad. Twilight turned her attention to her friends. How long would remain in her life?
Princess Celestia walked up to her former student. The two of them had not spoken in a week, but the Princess of the Sun wanted to comfort Twilight. She raised a hoof to place on the lavender Alicorn's shoulder. But Twilight moved out of reach. Not wanting any comfort at the moment. Not even Princess Celestia. Celestia was about to speak. But decided it was best to give Twilight her space. Just for now. She'd want to talk with Twilight later in the week though.
A day later. Princess Twilight Sparkle was in her castle. In the bedroom chamber. Just lying in bed. Her mind racing with multiple thoughts. Her pillow was soaked with tears, Twilight groaned and stood up in the bed. Sadness has come, was still there. But now. Anger was creeping. She wanted to speak with Princess Celestia now. Their friendship has been strained recently. And honestly. Twilight had no idea. And this didn't help the current event to happen lately.
In Canterlot:
Princess Celestia was on the balcony. Right out side of her bedroom and she was raising the sun. More slowly than usual. She felt tired. Living for more than a thousand years was catching up on her, very slowly. But she could feel it. As if boulders were chained to her hooves. She didn't feel like this until recently. Not putting as much effort into life as she did before. And this concerned her.
That is why she desired to speak with Twilight. To her. Twilight was one of her best friends. if not. Her best friend. Sure. She was close to her sister. Luna. But with Twilight, it was different. Twilight wasn't like a daughter to her. Celestia knew Twilight since the lavender pony was only a filly. And she has seen Twilight grow into a remarkable mare. In her own right. Celestia was amazed, but proud of how much Twilight has grown. Not just into an adult, but mentally as well. It saddened Celestia to see how much Twilight's current loss affected her.
There was a knock at the door. And Princess Celestia turned lightly.
"Who is it?" Princess Celestia asked.
"It's me...Twilight..." Answered the voice.
With out answering, Celestia opened the door with the magic from her horn. Twilight entered, and Princess Celestia gave her a soft and warm smile. Hoping to bring some comfort to her best friend. Twilight couldn't help but return the smile. But the smile didn't last long.
"I want to speak with you about something, Princess Celestia." Said Twilight.
"Celestia. Please. Call me Celestia. No need to be formal anymore. Twilight. We're equals." Celestia said softly. As she usually talked. No annoyance in her voice.
Twilight lowered her ears. Never thinking of being as equal to Celestia, but nodded.
"Thank you...Celestia." Twilight replied. Hearing Celestia's soft voice again brought a warm feeling to Twilight. It always soothed her. She always welcomed the sound of the white Alicorn's voice.
"I'm sorry..." Twilight said, stifling a sob. But she couldn't hold it back anymore. She was distraught from the loss of her mother, and the silent treatment she willingly gave Princess Celestia. And with that, she began to sob.
"Oh, Twilight. Ssshhh" Celestia cooed, to try and calm the other Alicorn. Walking to her, and embracing Twilight in a hug. Holding her close. Nuzzling away the tears.
