Dear Princess Celestia,

I'm writing to you today from my balcony, overlooking Ponyville below. The ponies passing by stare up at me in wonder, or joy. I've become very popular. But you already knew that, and it isn't why I'm writing this.

Celestia, I've become very lonely and bitter. I can't deny this any longer.

You gave me absolutely no warning that I was to become a princess, save for some hoof-mess about fulfilling my destiny. I didn't want them, Celestia. Only, I never dared say so. I was scared you would be mad, and then, I looked up to you more than anypony.

But, with all due respect, now I don't.

You see, I was very happy, with amazing friends. But, my friends started to grow older. And the simple fact is, I didn't. Because I was, and still am immortal. The growing age gap caused me to slowly drift apart from them.

Naturally, I tried to mend the rift. But I couldn't. The gap only grew wider. And so it was, that, at the exact age I am now, I held Applejack's old hoof as she took her final breath and flatlined. I never told anypony her last words. They were these.

"Twilight, don't feel bad about this. I know this is gon' be tough for ya, but ah don't want you moping. Somehow, one way or another, you and I will see one another again. Promise me you will not cry for me, Twilight. Promise me, for someday we'll dance together, buck apples, and read quietly."

I promised her Celestia, and when I did, a look of bliss spread over her face, and she closed those beautiful, kind, green eyes. Her final breath rattled in her chest, and Applebloom broke into tears. I hugged that filly, but I kept my promise. I didn't cry. I thought Applejack was wrong. If I were to live forever, why would I see her again? I dismissed the thought. No point in false hope, I believed.

Next went poor Rainbow Dash. She left me her Wondercolts badge, and I'm sure you've seen it pinned in my mane behind my ear, though you never commented. Maybe you didn't notice?

She died easily, like Applejack. But, as you know, her parents were dead. The rest of our friends didn't know what was happening, and Scootaloo couldn't have flown up even if she had known. Poor filly, her wings let her down until the day she died.

"Twilight, don't cry, please. Remember me, and stay strong. Someday we will see one another again. I'm gonna go soon, I know. But I've had a good run, you know? Applejack and my friendly rivalry is over. Ah, Applejack, I'm gonna see her again..."

"Twilight, I'm not normally a mare of many words; she told me as her eyes closed. 'But I love you. I love you with all my heart. I'll see you eventually, friend."

And Rainbow Dash was no more, Celestia, just like that.

Pinkie, she went next. She died same as Applejack and Rainbow, peacefully in bed. Rarity, Fluttershy and I sat around her bed. Fluttershy was having trouble breathing, and I knew she didn't have much longer.

"Girls, I'm going to throw you guys the biggest party ever when you join me!"

Even on death's door, Pinkie managed to sound cheerful.

"I leave my party cannon to Santa Pony, because he is REAL I tell you! Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, I dont have much longer. I know you'll cry, but let them be tears of joy, please. Know that I am in a better place, in my young body again. And, most importantly, know that I am happy. Now, good night, my friends. I'll be waiting."

She said, Celestia, that she knew we would cry. But I didn't. No, I didn't shed a tear. I was sad, yes, but no tears fell. I had to stay strong, to honor their memories. That's what I believed at the time.

Fluttershy, as I predicted, passed away soon after. She left her animals to me. I remember every word she said as Rarity and I sat with her.

"Twilight, Rarity, thank you so much for staying here with me. Like a...farewell party. I want you, Twilight, to take care of my animals. They've promised to listen to you once I pass on. I love you both so, so much. Make sure my cottage goes to some...homeless ponies, okay Rarity?"

Rarity nodded vigorously.

"Friends, don't be sad. We'll see one another again soon. Until next time..." And her eyes closed, one last time.

Rarity and I rekindled the closeness of our old friendship in the absence of all our other friends. But that only made her loss harder to bear.

"Twilight, dear. I'm sorry I have to leave you here alone. I know you'll miss me, but please, don't be bitter. Make new friends, for me, please. I dont have much else to say, dear. But I love you. Now, I'm going to see Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. I'll tell them you said hi."

She summoned the last of her strength to make her horn glow, and a minuscule copy of all my friends cutie marks became emblazoned on my shoulder. When she took her last breath, I was hugging her gently.

Now, Celestia, I have broken my promise.

Spike lay still, his breath rasping.

"Twilight," he said. "Twilight, please don't be sad that I'm going to die...oh, who am I kidding. You will be, I know you. There's not much to say, but, could you tell me one more time? Once more, can I hear it?"

I knew what he meant.

"You're my number one assistant, Spike. Now, go to sleep. Sweet Dreams, buddy." And then, finally, tears fell. I broke my promise and cried silently for hours. And days it seemed. I cried off and on, lost in grief.

Now, I'm bitter, as I tried so fiercely to not become. And I miss my friends.

I remembered today what Applejack and the others said. Someday, we will see one another again. Someday.

I looked through all my books, and I found a spell, Celestia. It will reverse my being made into a princess. With my immortality gone, my body will revert to it's natural state. After three thousand years, that will be...nothing but ash.

My tears are dry, now, Celestia. I'm ready to see my friends again.

I'll miss you as well. And Cadence, and Shining, oh, Shining, and Luna as well. I'm sorry if I let you down doing this. But...

I miss my friends to terrible to bear. So, now, as my horn glows, two spells are being cast, one to send this to you, and the other to make my wings disappear, so I'll finally die, and see my friends aga•_

I stood up slowly, looking around in wonder. I was in front of the Golden Oak library. My castle wasn't at the end of the street.

"Oh, Sweet Celestia!" I recognized that voice, and turned, slowly, seeing that fashion oriented mare I'd come to love again in her last few weeks. Standing on either side of her were Sweetie Belle and Button Mash.

A tear fell to Rarity's cheek as she hugged me, and she didn't wipe it away. A whisper tickled my ear then.

"Oh, we've missed you, Twilight." A voice came from behind, as well.

"Ah told ya yall'd see me again one day, Twahlight." And for the first time in over a hundred years, I smiled.