All it took was a single tear and the dark black shell cracked open.
This crack was a new root. A seed where many others would soon follow.
This crack which stemmed from the heart.

“I'm so sorry!”
Twilight cried as she emerged from the hollow Dusk.
“I never want to feel like that again, I'm so sorry if I hurt you.”

The apologies weren't necessary for her friends.
They were more than happy to just have Twilight back.
They were more than happy to see her for one last time.

Twilight looked up towards the sun and noticed.
It was still falling.
“But everything's okay now! We got Twilight back!” Pinkie jubilantly replied.

Twilight had one more thing to do.
“Girls…”
Everyone's ears perked up in anticipation.

“I need you to help me take a letter.”

The friends were eager to help Twilight with her request.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Princess Celestia,

When you told me that I was going to become a princess, I didn't know what to think.

At first, I was excited-- after all, it was something completely new that I couldn't wait to try.
However, the real reason why I didn't want to accept your offer…
...was because I was afraid.

I've known you nearly all my life.
I've always watched in awe at all the complex and intricate spells
You could cast with the greatest of poise.

You were perfect, and I knew that no matter how hard I tried,
I could never be as faultless as you are.

I was afraid that I would anger someone.
I was afraid that I wouldn't make you happy.
I was afraid that I would make a mistake.

Here with my friends...

...I've finally overcome that fear.

Everyone makes mistakes.
They're just an inherent part of life itself, so why should any of us worry?

Ultimately, character isn't defined by the mistakes that you made…
...but what you do to mend them.

So now, I'm going to fix mine.

It has been years since you've taken me in as your personal student, and in that time I've learned so much.
Even now, I'm still thankful for all that you have given me.

The events that led to this point in time will remain priceless, and I truly have been blessed to be surrounded by friends whose bond will remain eternal.

From the bottom of my heart, I can't thank you enough for this opportunity.

I can't tell you how much it meant to me.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

---She was already tearing up when she passed the letter on.

“Are you sure you want to do this, Twi?” Applejack responded.

Twilight simply just nodded her head and smiled.

From there, the six friends gathered for what felt like the longest embrace.

Almost as if it was for the very last time.

Because it was.

...