Afterstory: Third Book
Chapter 1: Celestia's funeral
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HEY! IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE EPILOGUE TO THE LAST STORY, READ IT NOW! GO TO SUNSET: SIREN OF THE EQUINES RIVER AND READ IT!
Everything was changed. All the events that led up to Sunset and Twilight's deaths were removed from history and replaced by Celestia's. Instead of Celestia standing beside Flash and explaining how the deceased died, Twilight stood there. Flash glanced back at Sunset, who was facing the other direction and looking at something. Flash listened to Twilight talk about how great she thought Celestia was.
"Even if she did betray me, I still look up to her..." Twilight whispered.
Flash swallowed and looked at her face. Twilight was crying and he wanted to comfort her. He awkwardly reached out and pulled her to his side and patted her arm a bit roughly. He expected Twilight to lay her head on his shoulder but she didn't. The two of them stood there silently. From a distance, Applejack and Rarity eyed the boy. He was definitely trying something...
"S-So..." Flash began.
He cleared his throat and glanced around him before continuing.
"Are you and Sunset..?"
This made Twilight's face twist painfully as she began to sob. It shocked Flash so badly that he stood frozen beside her. Twilight was full out crying now and everyone went to see how she was doing. Sunset slowly made her way to her, looking regretful and very guilty.
"Twilight..." Fluttershy whispered and hugged her. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity all group hugged her.
Flash, Sunset, and Big Mac stood back and watched sadly. Well, at least two of them did. Flash was confused about what happened. He didn't understand what triggered her to start to cry so much. All he did was start to ask about Sunset and Twilight's relationship...After a few moments, it dawned on him. Twilight was upset about their broken romance. They hadn't made amends. This gave Flash a feeling of selfish pleasure and sadness at the same time. He was glad they weren't together so he could take a shot at being with her. But since she was so sad about it...
Sunset stutter-stepped back and forth, deciding whether or not to come forward and go to Twilight or to just keep her distance. She and Twilight still haven't talked after that night. That night Celestia had taken the jewel's power from her, but died from the smoke. The poisonous smoke that came from the magic. Somehow, it created an even bigger hole between Twilight and Sunset, like Celestia was a part of making them closer. And in a way, she was.
When the hugging stopped Twilight looked to Sunset. But the girl looked away. She was too scared to say anything. She wanted to be with her, but how could she word it without stuttering and feeling guilty that she had destroyed what they had? Twilight looked down sadly and sighed. She guessed Sunset was too up in arms to talk still. It had been so long since she held Sunset's gaze. All she ever could see of her face was a blur as she turned her back on her.
Without warning, a sudden fizz and crack sounded and a scroll appeared hanging in the air. Brian Flash grabbed at it and unrolled the paper and automatically knew what it was.
"It's Celestia's will."
Everyone crowded around him and strained their necks to see. Looking down at the paper, Flash could barely understand what was written. Twilight reached to take the will from him and said," It's in Equestrian. I'll read it."
Her fingers brushed Flash's knuckle and he felt a small warm feeling come across his face. Sunset glared at him intensely and he straightened up. Twilight skimmed over it and read the will aloud.
To my dearest former student Twilight Sparkle and daughter Sunset Shimmer,
I have written this will evidently because of my death. I know this all may come as a shock to you, but in time you'll understand. What I ask of you is crucial to the survival of Equestria. Princess Twilight Sparkle, in light of my death, I grant you the title of Regal Advisor. It is a position greater than that of a princess and will require you to be very devoted to your country. As Regal Advisor, you shall help aid my sister in ruling Equestria, as she will take on the responsibility of being the new Official Ruler.
Equestria will be in much shock with the news of my passing and I need you there to see that all will be well in the time to pass as the date of my death becomes farther and farther. Twilight, I advise you raise the security around Canterlot. Do not let any enemies of mine come near the throne i.e. King Sombra. Only when the kingdom has resumed its regular function may you let security be lowered down to its usual standard.
Sunset, I'm so very sorry for all those years I've made you feel neglected and hated. It was for your protection that I kept you in the cellar area of the palace. Please forgive me. I wish to reverse everything that has happened and make it so you could have had a better life. Unfortunately, I cannot. So to make it up to you in the best way I can without my person to be there and help you, I give you my ring. This ring isn't just any ring, but one with special powers. It will help guide you through any problems. Just say the magic word and the ring will light up and help you. But I will tell you, this 'magic word' is unique to you. It has to be one that has a specific meaning to you.
To the both of you, I'm so sorry for causing you so much pain. I wish for the two of you to make amends and be as happy as I remember you to be. I can tell that you will have a bright future together. Please, girls, I want you both happy.
Twilight whispered this last part and sighed shakily. A spark of magic came from the scroll and a little object appeared inside a rolled part of it. Twilight unrolled it and took out a small ring with colors of the rainbow swirling inside the stone. It was magnificent. It was the ring Celestia mentioned. Twilight rolled the scroll up and looked to all her friends.
"This means...goodbye."
"You're leaving??" Pinkie Pie gasped.
Twilight nodded.
"Princess Celestia has promoted me and it's important I hurry back and tell Luna the news..."
Rarity threw herself at her and squeezed her into a hug.
"You're leaving!!! Oh my little darling!!!"
The others took turns saying goodbye and giving Twilight their best regards. From what they knew, she wouldn't be back for a long time with her new role as Regal Advisor. It obviously called for a lot of time and effort in kingdom affairs and such. Twilight smiled at her friends and sighed. She turned to see that only Sunset had not said goodbye. The girl stood looking at her feet and appearing a bit...weak. She was quieter than Twilight remembered. Not as talkative or as outspoken. Just quiet. But she knew it was all because of their fallen relationship.
"Sunset..."
The girl looked up, but then back down at her feet as if ashamed of something.
Twilight walked up to her and pressed the ring that Celestia had wished for her to have into Sunset's palm. The girl's hand was cold and a wisp of steamy air came from her mouth as she opened it in surprise. It was getting colder and colder as winter drew near. Twilight held her hand until it was warm and whispered to her.
"I miss you, Sunset. I want to be with you. Celestia knows we're meant for each other. Please don't let a misunderstanding fog your mind and destroy something wonderful. I love you. I'll always love you no matter what happens. That night that you nearly killed me is proof of it. I still care about you."
Sunset couldn't help but break down and cry. She couldn't speak without bursting into a sob. She really missed Twilight, too. But she had to go away.
"Twilight..." she croaked."Wh-What about the portal? Since she's gone and she's the one who cast that spell, can I..?"
"You can't. Celestia put an incantation that only she could break," Twilight told her and kissed her lightly on the cheek. "I'm sorry. I have to go."
Sunset grabbed Twilight's shoulders and pressed her lips over hers. It was a kiss that was long overdue and the both of them had needed and wanted one for a long time. It filled them with warmth and an overwhelming feeling of ease. Sunset and Twilight felt whole again. But they knew they would regret making up since Twilight had to leave. They made up.
But would have to break up.
Twilight stepped away and wiped the tears off her face. She took a few steps away from Sunset, but the girl was holding onto her hand desperately. She could see in her eyes that she wanted Twilight to stay. There was a possibility of her staying instead of going home. She and Sunset could be together instead and live a wonderful life. No worries in the world, just the two of them. But Twilight couldn't. It was too risky.
Twilight squeezed Sunset's hand reassuringly before Sunset let go. And with that, she didn't see her again for a long time.
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