Chapter 19
Secrets Revealed
Twilight woke up with a jolt. She quickly found out that she was no longer in front of the Crystal Mirror. Instead, she was laying in a hospital bed. Surrounding her bed were various snacks and get-well-soon cards. The purple unicorn tried to remember what happened to her, but was startled out of her thoughts when she heard a calm voice say, "Good afternoon, Twilight!" It was at that moment when Twilight realized that Celestia was at the side of her bed.
"I rushed to Canterlot as soon as I got a letter from your friend, Rarity." Celestia explained. "I'm impressed with how well you handled things on your own." The mention of her friend was enough for Twilight to sit up. "Professor, is Rarity alright? What about Applejack?" "Calm down, Twilight. If you don't relax, Nurse Redheart will make me leave! Your friends are fine." Celestia assured. Twilight started to relax now that she knew her friends were safe.
"I was discussing the stone's power with Star Swirl and we agreed that the stone must be destroyed." the headmistress stated. "But if the stone is destroyed, wouldn't it mean that Star Swirl is going to die soon?" Twilight asked worried. "Star Swirl will have more than enough time to settle his affairs, but he will unfortunately die." Celestia sadly replied as she lowered her head.
After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, Twilight decided to change the subject. "Professor, I have a question. How was I able to retrieve the stone from the Crystal Mirror?" Celestia then looked up and said, "You were able to retrieve the stone because you never wanted to use it's power, like Discord trying to resurrect Sombra. Discord was not able to touch you either. Do you know why?" Twilight shook her head.
"You see, ever since the night your parents sacrificed themselves to save you, you have been protected by magic that not even Sombra could have imagined." Celestia continued. "That magic is love. Your parents' love for you was what protected you all these years, and it always will." Twilight smiled upon hearing those words. She felt proud to be her parents' daughter.
Celestia then took a glance at a clock. "I see that visiting hours are nearly over, so I must be on my way." She was about to leave when Twilight called for her. "Before you leave, Professor, I still have one more question." "And what's that, Twilight?" Celestia asked as she turned to the unicorn once more. "Why does Professor Flintheart hate me?" "Well, your father saved Professor Flintheart's life many years ago and Flintheart hated to own that debt. He spent all year protecting you, so I suppose that makes him and your father even." Celestia guessed. "Now that you have been enlightened on everything, I suggest that you get some rest soon." she said as she left Twilight alone.
After a couple of days, Twilight was finally released from the hospital. She wandered through the castle, searching for her friends. It wasn't long before Twilight finally found her friends at the top of the staircase. "Applejack! Rarity!" she called out. Both ponies looked down the stairs to see Twilight alive and well. "Twilight!" Once they reached the bottom of the stairs, the three friends embraced each other in a group hug. With the stone gone, Twilight felt safe for the first time in a long time.