Luna Won't You Cry For Me

Chapters

Chapter 1: Back From Banishment
Chapter 2: Untold History
Chapter 3: Faces Old and New
Chapter 4: That Strange Pink Pony
Chapter 5: Hearth's Warming, Blue Star Style
Chapter 6: Animals and Apologies

Chapter 1: Back From Banishment

It was a chill winter's night in the Everfree Forest. The wind-driven snow piled up heavily around the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. It was quiet, or at least as quiet as the Everfree gets. But even if anypony had been around, they probably wouldn't have been able to hear what was happening inside.

What was happening was a gaseous vapor, blackish-blue in color, rising out from the ground underneath the palace. At first, only a few wisps made it through the decaying cobblestone floor of the throne room. But slowly, gradually, more and more came through, creating a swirling, glowing, vortex. The vortex may have only lasted five seconds, but then, as suddenly as it appeared, it vanished, leaving behind something very different.

A unicorn stallion now stood where the vortex had been. His coat was as black as the night outside. His blue mane, which stood out abruptly from his coat was long and tied back. He wore a white dinner jacket, adorned with golden orbs both as buttons and cuff-links. The white-and-gold attire matched his cutie mark, a compass rose. However, his most striking feature were his eyes, which shone with much more luster than their navy blue coloring would indicate.

The stallion peered around the old throne room, not in confusion, as he knew precisely where he was, but more in amusement.

"Well it appears nopony calls this place home any longer," he mused aloud before looking at the falling snow through the hole in the ceiling, "And, I suppose, I shouldn't either."

He began to walk out of the room with nary a glance backwards. As he set foot outside the castle walls, he effortlessly cast a protective magic bubble around himself.

*-*-*-*-*

The next morning came way too early for some of the citizens of Ponyville. While it was nice to see the fresh snow that had been made to fall the night before, there sadly wasn't enough of it to declare a city-wide snow day.

However, there was one pony who couldn't be brought down by the daily grind. That pony was Pinkie Pie. The smiling pony traveled through town on her usual morning walk, though considering that she was bouncing the term might not apply. With each little hop her four hooves made a delightful crunching sound against the snow.

"Good morning, Cheerilee," she waved to the schoolteacher, who was looking worse for wear, though considering it was the last week before Hearth's Warming break, nopony could really blame her.

"Good morning, Pinkie," Cheerilee returned, brightening up significantly. And who could blame her, Pinkie wasn't the former Element of Laughter for no reason.

Pinkie went on her way. She was almost to the edge of town, then she would turn back and get her own workday started. She bounced up to the top of a small rise which gave her a good view of the town, as well as the neighboring Everfree Forest. Usually, she wouldn't take in the view for very long, as it was nothing she hadn't seen a million times at this point, but today, something of interest caught her eye. Just as she was about to head back into town, she noticed somepony emerging from the forest. It was nopony she knew, which instantly made it interesting, but what was even more interesting to Pinkie was how he was dressed, which seemed more than a little out of place.

She wouldn't be Pinkamena Diane Pie if she just let somepony new stroll into town without saying hello. She quickly changed off of her usual course and trotted to where the path to and from the forest met with the main street of town. That way, Pinkie hoped, it would make it seem like their meeting was purely coincidental, though that wasn't the case at all. Pinkie timed her walk perfectly, meeting the new pony almost nose-to-nose where the path's converged.

"Hi," Pinkie greeted, trying not to scare him, as she knew she had a habit of doing, "Welcome to Ponyville. What were you doing in the forest?"

"Ponyville, you say," the stallion asked, not sure what to make of the bright pink pony who now stood in front of him.

"Absotutely-lutely!"

"This isn't where I want to be," the stallion explained bluntly, "I'm looking for Princess Celestia."

"Well, you won't find her here, unless there's some kind of special royal business I don't know about. But that can't be because I would certainly know about it. Or maybe if she made a visit because of something Twilight did. But other than that, you won't find Celestia here."

"Then I'll be on my way."

The stallion walked past Pinkie a ways before she got him to stop once again.

"Hey, if you really want to see the princess, you should talk to Twilight."

The stallion ran this over in his head. He didn't know who this 'Twilight' pony was, but obviously things are a little different than before, especially if there are new towns. Since he had nothing else to go on, he figured this was as good a bet as any.

"And where, pray tell, would I find this Twilight?"

"Oh, she lives in the giant crystal tree-palace thing. Straight up the road, you can't miss it."

This information confused the stallion significantly. "Giant crystal tree-palace thing" made absolutely no sense to him, but he decided to humor the pink mare and be on his way, "Thank you, ma'am, I will go there post-haste."

"You're welcome," Pinkie waved as the stallion continued on his way.

The black-and-blue stallion didn't care much for this so-called "Ponyville". In his eyes, it wasn't much more than a village, no more than a pinpoint on the Equestrian map. Though, he had to admit, if there really was a palace here, then the town must hold some importance, whatever that may be.

He didn't have to go very far to find what he was looking for. Rising in front of him stood a tall structure. The ground floor and first story looked like the trunk of a tree, a crystal tree. The rest looked like an ordinary palace, mostly colored purple. He walked up to the door, surprised to find that there didn't seem to be any guards. Giving the door a firm knock, he stood there for a second before it opened, by itself. Now he was even more confused than when he had first gotten here.

Walking down the main corridor, it almost felt like the castle was empty. He was so used to places like this being filled to the brim with every kind of waitstaff and servant imaginable that not having to dodge thirty ponies at any given time was a relief. However, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was the only one there. He began to wonder if Twilight was even here. If she lived in a palace, she must be somepony important, and she could be elsewhere. However, as soon as this train of logic came to a halt, his questions were answered.

"Is somepony here," a voice called down a side hall, which the stallion immediately turned down. Soon thereafter, he found what appeared to be a library. And, more importantly, there was another pony there. The lavender mare looked at him, her eyes the only facial feature visible as she was half-behind a book which was levitating in her magic.

"Yes," the stallion began, "I was told by a strange pink mare in town to come here and talk to a pony by the name of Twilight. Do you know where they are?"

The lavender pony shut the book and put it down.

"I am Twilight Sparkle," she stood up, causing the stallion to notice that she had wings in addition to a horn, "Who are you?"

"You are...an alicorn?"

"Oh, yes, some ponies only use my title, Princess Twilight Sparkle, but I just prefer Twilight."

The stallion, now aware of the status of the pony in front of him, quickly bowed.

"I'm sorry, your highness," he apologized, "I was unaware who you were."

"Oh, that's OK. Wait, you don't know who I am? The name Twilight Sparkle doesn't ring any bells?"

"I'm afraid not," the stallion said as he rose, "I must admit that I have been out of the loop for quite some time."

"Elements of Harmony?"

"I know of them. But the last time I saw them, Celestia was using them as statuary in the palace."

"You know Princess Celestia?"

"Yes. That's why I've come here. The pink one told me you could help me find her. It seems she no longer lives in the old palace."

Twilight was, unsurprisingly, confused, "Exactly how far out of the loop are you?"

"That depends. Tell me, how many Summer Sun Celebrations have come to pass?"

"Well, let's see. This year was the one thousand and...fourth Summer Sun Celebration."

This information knocked the stallion flat on his ass. He stared at Twilight blankly.

"I have been gone for that long," he muttered, not expecting a response.

"Um...sir," Twilight said, trying to get his attention, "Who exactly are you?"

The stallion regained his four hooves and shook his head, "My name is Blue Star van der Dusk, of the noble house of Dusk. Celestia banished me to Tartarus one thousand years ago."

It was now Twilight's turn to be taken aback by new information. The young alicorn took a hop back, taking on a defensive stance.

"If Celestia banished you, you must be evil," she said, completely confident of the fact, "What did you do?"

"I did nothing," Blue Star mourned, sitting back on his haunches and hanging his head, "I was only trying to defend Luna."

Twilight eased up a bit at the stallion's emotional display, "You know Princess Luna?"

"A little more than 'know her', princess."

"What do you mean by that?"

"If you take me to see Celestia, I will explain everything."

"OK, I will help you. But it can't be today. I will have to send a letter in advance. We can go to Canterlot tomorrow."

"Thank you, princess. And, if I may change the subject, what exactly are you the princess of," he asked craning his neck to get a look at her flank, or more correctly, her cutie mark, "I would guess the stars?"

"Nope. Princess of Friendship."

"Princess of Friendship," Blue deadpanned, "Next you're going to tell me that there is a Princess of Love."

"Uh, yeah. She's my sister-in-law."

"It seems I have much to learn."

Chapter 2: Untold History

The next day started early for Blue Star van der Dusk. Unfortunately, this was not a good thing. As with most of the members of his family, he wasn't a morning person in the slightest, he was a night owl. That being said, it didn't help that he barely got any sleep last night. This was because Twilight, as per usual, spent hours talking with him trying to get as much information as she could before they went to see Celestia. However, most of the time Blue refused to answer, or simply told Twilight to be patient, that everything would be known in due time.

The formerly-banished noble dragged his way to the kitchen, where he sat heavily in one of the chairs. Twilight had yet to rise, but he knew that the only other resident of the castle was surely awake.

As if to confirm the assumption, Spike soon walked out from the cooking area of the kitchen, a plate of fruit in one claw and a glass pot which held a strange blackish liquid. Blue had met Spike the day before, and it had been off-putting to say the least. A thousand years ago, dragons were the biggest threat to Equestria, so to see one in a castle was unnerving to say the least. However, after a bit of personal history, Blue had decided that there was nothing to fear from this dragon, not to mention that with Spike's small size, Blue knew that he could take the drake in a fight if need be.

Spike began pouring the black liquid into a ceramic mug, much to Blue's confusion.

"It's called coffee," Spike answered the unspoken question, "I don't drink it, but Twilight likes a cup in the morning. Would you like to try it?"

"I'm not sure. What does it contain, it smells strange."

"It's just ground-up roasted beans. The beans naturally contain caffeine, which is an energy-booster. And, judging from your appearance, you could use some energy," Spike poured a bit into a second mug which hadn't been there a second ago, passing it to Blue, "you look like a stallion who takes it Black, that is to say, with no cream or sugar."

"Quick study."

"You don't put sugar in your tea."

"Precisely."

Blue hesitantly levitated the mug to his lips, taking a very small sip of the hot brew. After sloshing it around in his mouth for a moment to ascertain the flavor, he gulped it down, finishing with a satisfying sigh.

"Well," Spike asked.

"It's not bad. I could never get used to drinking it, it's too bitter. But a cup every now and then wouldn't hurt me."

As Blue took another sip, Twilight entered the room and took her seat at the head of the table. Blue had noticed that it had an etched emblem in it which looked like her cutie mark.

"So, princess," Blue began, but was cut off.

"Coffee first, questions later," Twilight mumbled, levitating the first mug Spike had and taking a big gulp. Blue wondered how she could drink so much of the hot liquid at once, "Ahh, better. Now, you were saying?"

"I was going to ask how we were going to get to Canterlot."

"Oh, Celestia will send a royal carriage for us."

"You don't have them yourself?"

Twilight grinned sheepishly, "Well, I've only had this palace for a month or so. The necessary process to staff it and guard it have not been completed."

"Well that explains a lot. But tell me, aren't you worried? I mean, I know times have changed, but an unguarded castle anywhere can't be the safest place in the world."

"Blue, when was the last war you know of?"

"The last war I know of ended the year before I was born, so about thirty years before my banishment, why?"

"There hasn't been another war since."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. There have been a few powerful individuals who attempted at one time or another to take the throne of Equestria for themselves, but there have been no conflict that has pitted nation against nation."

"Wow. That's impressive."

"Indeed," there was silence for a time before Twilight suddenly perked up and stared at Blue dumbfoundly, "Wait, you're thirty!"

"Well if you simply go by the number of years I've been alive, then I guess that makes me about one thousand and thirty, but if you only count my years in the land of the living, then yes, around thirty, give or take a year."

"You don't look a day over twenty."

Blue smiled, "There's a reason for that too, princess. Like I said, all your questions will be answered in due time."

They ate the rest of their breakfast in silence. After that was done, Twilight headed to the library, while Blue opted to take a look around the castle.

As he went, he noticed two things immediately. The first was that this palace was a lot smaller than the old royal palace. He began to wonder what the castle in Canterlot looked like now. They were still in the process of building it when he was banished. Ironically, it had originally been designed to act as a winter palace for Celestia and Luna, but after, well, Blue didn't want to think about that. He was sure to get an ear-full, if not an explanation, from Celestia later on.

Even though the palace was on the smaller side, it still took Blue a few hours to take in everything it had to offer. He was particularly perplexed by the fact that the throne room held not one, but seven thrones. He could tell that one was for Twilight, and the one that was smaller than the others was for Spike. But the other six, each with a different engraving on the headboard, he had no explanation for.

While standing in this very room, a bright purple flash went off hear him. Turning toward the light, he found Twilight, fresh from an easily-completed teleportation.

"The carriage is here," she stated.

"On my way," Blue responded with a short nod.

Twilight once again teleported away. Blue followed with a teleportation spell of his own soon after.

*-*-*-*-*

The carriage ride to the Canterlot Castle, as Twilight referred to it, had been pleasant enough. Spike had come along as well, no use in him being alone in the palace, and besides, he was just as curious as Twilight about Blue's origins.

When the carriage touched down, Spike was the first one to hop out. He proceeded to hold the door open like a footman as Blue, then Twilight, exited in turn. The three of them walked the short distance to the main set of golden double doors, which was flanked by two guards, both of whom bowed immediately upon spotting the lavender alicorn.

"Princess Celestia patiently awaits your arrival in the throne room," one of the guards said.

"Thank you," Twilight said before tacking on, "at ease."

Once inside the castle proper, Twilight led the way down the various hallways. Every time they passed a maid or some other worker, that pony would bow for a second or two before carrying on whatever it was they were doing.

Soon enough, they reached another set of golden double doors which marked the entrance to the throne room. After the guards let them through, they were met by an almost-empty room. A red carpet ran across the white marble floor to a short set of stairs. At the top of the small rise sat two thrones, each with a banner or tapestry hanging above them. One depicted the sun in all its glory, the other a similar portrait of a crescent Moon.

And then Blue laid his eyes on the pony who was sitting in one of the thrones. Princess Celestia, her tri-colored mane billowing in the nonexistent breeze as it always did. She wore a very neutral look on her face, an emotion that Blue couldn't figure out the meaning of. Celestia, taking initiative, rose from her throne and slowly stepped down to the main floor.

"Twilight, Spike," Celestia began in that even, motherly tone of voice of hers, "is this the pony you wanted to talk to me about."

"Yes, he is," Twilight answered with a nod, "To be honest, I'm not sure if I believe his story or not."

"Well let me put your mind at ease," the princess of the sun said, turning her gaze to the stallion, "Blue Star van der Dusk, I see you have returned. And right on schedule, I might add."

"And here I was worried you had forgotten about me," Blue sounded calm, but Celestia could tell that he really wasn't.

"I sense that you wish me harm."

"Perhaps, perhaps not. It all depends on one thing."

"And what is that?"

"Whether or not you are going to apologize to me."

Although Blue had to look up to look Celestia in the eyes, he was not intimidated. This wasn't his first rodeo with the princess, and at this rate, it probably wasn't going to be his last.

"If you've come for an apology, you have come to the wrong place."

"Very well," Blue shrugged his shoulders. His horn began to glow, and in a flash, a long, white tube of some sort appeared next to Celestia's head. Twilight had no idea what this strange object was.

*SMACK*

With a slight tilt of his head, Blue brought the object, which was a satin glove, across Celestia's muzzle. Immediately, Twilight jumped back, returning to the defensive stance she held the day before, but this time with her horn already glowing.

"How dare you strike the princess!" the youngest alicorn barked, revving up her horn for a magical blast.

She would have unleashed it too, if Celestia hadn't held up a hoof.

"Twilight, stop," the celestial goddess commanded, "I deserved that."

Twilight was dumbstruck, "What do you mean, you deserved it?"

"All those years ago," Blue answered for Celestia, "I was right, she was wrong, and I paid for it."

"But...he...you...," Twilight couldn't form a coherent thought.

"Allow me to explain."

*-*-*-*-*

Blue Star trudged wearily into the throne room, his tired hooves producing heavy steps on the cobblestone floor. It had been a long time since he had been here last. True, he could have waited until morning, but this was too important. He had made up his mind, and he was not going to be denied an audience with the princess.

"I have returned, Celestia."

Celestia looked down from her throne with a smile, "Ah, Blue Star. How goeth it with the Arabians?"

"They are still stubborn as a pack of mules. But at least they are gracious hosts."

"So, is there news?"

"Nary anything, princess. Same as it has always been."

"Then why send correspondence to ask us to stay up this late into the night? Surely such discussion could have waited until the morn."

"Meeting with you now has nothing to do with the Arabians. It has to do with Luna."

Celestia's eyes changed from an expression of curiosity to one of indignation, "Blue Star, don't--"

"NO! I will not have you ignore my pleas again. For four long years I have done this. For four years I have traveled to the edge of the map and back, trying to find solace, but it never comes."

"We understand the pain thou must feel," Celestia sighed, her eyes returning to their usual shape, "What is it that thou want from us?"

"Either bring Luna back, or kill me."

"Thou knowest well that I cannot do the former. And thou should knowest well that I will not do the latter."

"To Tartarus with your moral code. You are all-powerful, anything that you want to do, you can do. So chose."

"I will not kill you, Blue Star."

"Then bring Luna back."

"I will not do that either."

Blue began to seethe, his breaths becoming heavier. He could feel tears welling up behind his eyes, it was only a matter of time. He tried to stave it off by turning away from Celestia, back toward the entrance to the throne room. However, his mind would not let one thing go.

"Luna was right," he breathed, the volume not much more than a whisper.

"What did you say," Celestia growled, knowing full-well what he said.

"I said," Blue turned around sharply, "Luna. Was. Right! Do you want to know the real reason she was taken by Nightmare Moon?"

"Enlighten us," Celestia was beginning to seethe as well.

"It wasn't because ponies preferred your day to her night. She could live with that. She had her Vestrals, and she had me. But what she couldn't live with was the fact that her sister, her own flesh and blood, was a perfect stranger. You were content to allow her to rot away in the shadows. You were content in letting her be forgotten so that you could be worshiped further. She asked nothing from you other than to be her friend, and you couldn't even do that! Nightmare Moon's wasn't a greedy attempt to make eternal night, that was a metaphor. Her true goal was to show you what you showed her. Sadness, pain, loneliness, forever. And now, you have banished her to the Moon. She has nopony to comfort her, nopony to tell her that everything will turn out alright. You, your majesty, have sentenced your sister to a fate worse than death. And if you will not bring her back willingly, and amend for your wrongs, then I will force you!"

Blue's mane and tail began to flicker, as if they were made of candles. His eyes began to glow even more so than they normally did at night.

Celestia was being emotionally affected as well. Her normal mane and tail had given way to a mix of red and orange, the literal fire of her emotions coming out through her body.

For a time, they just stared off. Then Celestia made her move.

"HOW DARE THOU," Celestia screamed in the Royal Canterlot Voice, "HOW DARE THOU BERATE US FOR OUR ACTIONS! GUARDS, SEIZE HIM IMMEDIATELY!"

Two guards rushed Blue, but he was ready. His horn began to glow and spark before sending out a blue shockwave which spread out in a perfect circle out from him. The two guards were knocked out on contact. Celestia was able to fly out of the way.

"You did this," Blue yelled, completely consumed by his rage and sadness, "You could have prevented all of this, and you didn't."

"INSOLENT COLT! WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT THOU WILL NEVER SEE LUNA AGAIN IN YOUR AGELESS LIFE!"

Celestia began powering up her horn. Blue tried another magic attack, but Celestia once again dodged, using her ability to fly to her advantage. Her horn fully charged, she landed on the ground with building-rattling force, before blasting a beam of golden light from her appendage. The light engulfed Blue Star. And though it was the worst pain he had ever experienced, he kept his eyes dead-locked on Celestia until he disappeared.

*-*-*-*-*

"And that was the last time I saw Equestria," Blue concluded his flashback, "well, until two nights ago, at any rate."

Twilight and Spike, who had both seen a lot of things in their time, had both long since fallen onto their haunches, dumbfounded by what they had just heard. Blue and Celestia both stood in silence, looking at each other, both on the verge of tears at the painful memory.

"That...," Twilight finally found her voice, "that can't be true, is it princess?"

"Twilight," Celestia answered, "I'm afraid it's all true, every word. I can still remember the event vividly, though I haven't thought about it in a very long time."

Twilight sighed and picked herself up, "If that's the case then that is some tale. One that leaves me with just one unanswered question. What did you mean by 'in your ageless life'?"

"Ah, that," Blue Star said, bobbing his head from side to side ever so slightly in thought, "Well that's at least a simpler explanation. Do you know a being called Discord?"

"Yes."

"I was alive during his reign of chaos, when he almost defeated Celestia and Luna both. During his various chaotic feats, I was one of the ponies zapped. At the time, it didn't seem like anything had even happened, but afterward, when Celestia and Luna were restoring order, it was discovered that I had been made ageless, not immortal, ageless. I can still die from mortal wounds, but apparently I can survive a thousand years in Tartarus, so who knows."

"What do you suggest we do, princess," Twilight asked.

"I will have to formulate a plan. Unlike Nightmare Moon and Discord, Blue Star van der Dusk is of no threat to anypony. While I do that, I suggest you three take a walk, I'm sure there is much to discuss."

Chapter 3: Faces Old and New

Twilight, Spike, and Blue Star wandered the palace gardens. Twilight was taking the opportunity to lecture Blue Star on all the history he has missed, using the various statues as a reference. Blue Star, however, was looking for one in-particular.

"Where is he?" Blue asked, more to himself than anypony else, as he scanned the various pedestals, "He has to be here somewhere."

"Who are you looking for," Spike inquired from the stallion's back.

"Discord. Like I said, I was alive when during Discord's reign of chaos. I know that Celestia and Luna imprisoned him in a stone statue and set him up to be displayed in the palace. But I can't find him anywhere."

"Oh," Twilight said with some hesitation, "that's because he's not a statue anymore."

"Discord escaped!?"

"I wouldn't call it escaping," a masculine voice replied from nowhere, "It was more like being set free."

"Discord," Twilight barked, "show yourself this instant."

"Whatever you say, princess, whatever you say."

A short, sharp sound was heard, followed by a white puff of smoke. When the smoke cleared, there stood the strangest being known to Equestria.

"D-D-Discord," Blue Star stuttered in non-belief.

"Well how many draconeques' do you know?" Discord replied, snapping his talons and producing a can of soda. However, when he went to drink it, the can went down his gullet, leaving the liquid behind.

"How is this possible?"

"Long story," Twilight said rolling her eyes, "Celestia asked us to reform him, and it was successful. Discord no longer causes destructive chaos."

"Hold up a second, Sparklebutt," Discord said with a cock of his head, "this stallion seems familiar to me, and I don't know why."

"My name is Blue Star van der Dusk," he answered, "you made me ageless."

"Oh, now I remember. You were Luna's consort, weren't you."

"Yes."

"I remember now, you two used to make out in the gardens. I could see you two, you know."

"We knew."

"And then, if I remember correctly, Celestia banished you or something like that."

"Correct again. Your memory is pretty good."

"Well you're bound to forget things from time to time when you've been around as long as me, but I remember all of that."

"I just can't believe Celestia freed you."

"She wasn't too keen on the idea either. But now because of my good friend Fluttershy, I have seen the magic of friendship and have decided to change my ways for the better."

"I don't believe you for one second, but I suppose if Celestia and Twilight think you're on the up-and-up, then I can't really argue."

"Precisely. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go pull a prank on Celestia. Toodles."

Discord snapped his talons again, disappearing in the same puff of smoke.

"Things have changed much in a thousand years."

*-*-*-*-*

Prince Blueblood had just woken up. To his surprise and annoyance, he found it to already be early afternoon. Most ponies in this situation would bemoan staying up and partying so late into the night. But not Blueblood. He was more worried about the hangover he was experiencing as he slowly made his way through the halls.

As he turned a corner, he spotted one of his favorite maids, a blue Earth pony with a sky blue mane. She wasn't his favorite because of anything she did in-particular, he just liked staring at her flank. On this day, perhaps emboldened slightly by his blood alcohol content, he decided to push the envelope. Celestia had warned him on occasion about harassing the staff. But to Blueblood, what Celestia didn't see couldn't hurt her.

He made his way innocently down the hall until his target was in sight. She didn't see him, as she was too focused on dusting the frames of the various portraits that hung in the hall. When he was within reach, he raised his hoof and swiftly brought it down right on her cutie mark. The action caused a resounding smacking sound, which pleased Blueblood greatly. The maid did a little jump in surprise and turned around to see who was there, only to find the one pony she couldn't say anything to.

Blueblood gave a little smirk as his sloshed brain saw a rosy hue on the cheeks of the maid which wasn't really there. He was about to open his mouth to say something suggestive, but before he could, he felt himself picked up bodily in a blue aura and slammed against the opposing wall. And before he could cry out that he had been attacked, a hoof was pressed against his sternum and another against his throat. He was soon staring down the navy blue eyes of a very pissed-off stallion.

"Who are you to strike mares," Blue Star yelled, giving Blueblood a stare that would make some stallions wet themselves.

"I...," Blueblood stuttered, with a look on his face as if he had seen a ghost, "D-Dad?"

By this point, Twilight and Spike had caught up. They had just seen Blue Star run off into the castle, not sure of where he was going. They now saw him basically assaulting another pony, maybe not the nicest pony, but a pony nonetheless.

"Answer my question first, asshole."

"How dare you speak that way to me," Blueblood snapped, his thousand-yard stare replaced by rage, "Don't you know who I am? I am Prince Blueblood."

"Prince? As in, you are Celestia's son?"

"No, I'm her nephew."

This caused Blue Star to press his hoof a little further into Blueblood's larynx, "Luna's son?"

"No. Prince is just a title. I'm not actually related."

"Well for not being royalty, you have some massive ones. Striking a maid in the middle of the castle in broad daylight? The nerve. When I was alive, we treated mares with respect, even if they were common workers. Now I'm going to let you go, and you're going to apologize!"

At this point, Blueblood was running low on oxygen to his brain. He would do anything to regain his breath.

"OK," he whined, "Just please let me go."

Blue Star let go, still staring daggers. Blueblood took a moment to fix his blonde mane before taking a step toward the maid and bowing his head.

"My apologies, miss," he uttered clearly.

The maid looked between Blueblood and the random stallion who had kicked his flank. Blue Star gave a little tilt of his head. Smiling, the maid pulled her feather duster back and hit Blueblood repeatedly over the head with it. her honor restored, she turned and went back to her work. Blueblood returned his gaze to this new pony, who was now smiling at him for some reason.

"Now that that's taken care of," Blue Star said, throwing out a hoof, "come give your many-great granduncle a hug."

Blueblood, as well as Twilight and Spike, was stunned to silence. Unsurprisingly, Twilight found her voice first.

"Granduncle?"

"Why yes," Blue Star said, "I knew it as soon as I saw him. He looks like a white-and-blonde version of my big brother. Tell me, Blueblood, what was your father's name?"

"Blue Shield."

"Of the family van der Dusk?"

"Well, the nobles haven't used names like that in centuries, but yes, that was my father's direct lineage."

"Blue Shield was the name of my older brother," Blue Star explained, "it is unsurprising that his name has been handed down. And your cutie mark?"

It was at this point that the three other ponies realized that the two unicorns had matching cutie marks, save for some color differences.

"A stylized compass rose," Blueblood answered, "I've never really understood what it meant."

"At least one male in every generation of van der Dusk's have that cutie mark. It's because the family were originally travelers and explorers, the ones who mapped Equestria and the ones who mapped the stars in the sky."

"So you are truly a blood relative?"

"If I am correct, yes. Celestia should be able to tell us for certain, or at least tell me where I can find the genealogy records."

"Have you been gone a long time?"

"Has my story not been passed down by my own kin?"

"I'm afraid not. I've never heard of you before."

Blue Star gulped. If it wasn't for Celestia, and Luna, wherever she was, he would have been completely forgotten.

"Celestia banished me to Tartarus over a thousand years ago. It is a long story."

"I'm sorry to hear that, uncle."

"It is alright. Now, Blueblood, this has been a lovely chat, but I have other things to see. We will speak again soon."

"Of course."

*-*-*-*-*

It was late in the afternoon. Twilight had shown Blue Star the whole of the castle. Blue had to admit that he was impressed, it was much more stately than the old palace in what Twilight had explained was now called the Everfree Forest.

Regardless, it was now time for supper, and the two ponies and drake joined Celestia and Blueblood in the grand dining hall. Soon after their arrival, the double doors opened again. In stepped a dark blue alicorn, her mane of stars billowing. She looked tired, as if she had just gotten up.

The alicorn looked across the dining table to see that there were more ponies there than she would have figured. Sure, Blueblood was unexpected, but at least he lived in the castle. Twilight and Spike could have come at her sister's request. But the last pony. She knew him, but couldn't be quite sure why.

Blue Star, meanwhile, had no doubt as to who had just walked in. He quivered in his hooves as he got up from the table and made his way over to the alicorn. When he was close enough, he looked up slightly, as was necessary, and smiled.

"Luna," he said, his voice vibrating, "it's me. I'm back."

Princess Luna's eyes went wide with realization. There in front of her stood her stallion, the stallion she loved. She couldn't contain her excitement. Instantly, she picked him up with her forehooves and flew into the air, wrapping him tightly in a hug. She was near crushing him, but Blue Star didn't mind. All that mattered was that he was in Luna's hooves again.

"Oh glorious night," Luna exclaimed, being careful not to use the Canterlot Voice with Blue Star so close, "We cannot believe that thou hast returned to us."

She gave him one big, deep kiss. Blue Star about lost consciousness. He had forgotten how good it felt to be kissed, to be loved. After breaking the first one, Luna proceeded to spread little kisses all over his muzzle. Blue couldn't have wiped the smile off of his face if he had tried.

"It is great to see you too, Luna," he said when he got a chance.

Eventually, Luna returned them both to the ground, but the affection did not stop. She continued to hold him, and he finally found an opening to return the gesture.

"We thought you had been lost forever."

"Ageless, remember?"

"We remember, but Tia told me that you had been killed. But that matters not now, since you are here."

Blue Star processed what his princess had just said, and took a step back, finally rending himself from Luna's grasp.

"She told you what!?" He shot a look at Celestia, his eyes glowing in a way that they had not in some time.

"Blue Star," Celestia said, trying to keep her calm, "I am sorry, but there was nothing I could do. When Luna returned, she asked where you were. I couldn't tell her what I had done, so I told her that you were dead."

"You...you lied to me," Luna said, hurt.

"Sister, I couldn't bring myself to tell you that I had banished Blue Star. And, besides that, I couldn't be sure if he would ever come back. You needed to move on."

Luna stood again, "The Moon is rising. Goodnight sister."

Her horn lit up with a bright blue glow, and in a flash, she was gone.

"Wait, Luna," Blue Star yelled. He looked back and gave Celestia a look before teleporting himself.

This left Celestia, Blueblood, Twilight, and Spike at the table, each with a different expression, but all feeling sad.

"I hope he can get to her," Celestia said, "he will be able to comfort her, he always was able to. Oh, and Twilight, I know how I want Blue Star treated."

"Yes, princess?"

"He will stay here in the castle. I have a feeling that neither him nor Luna could stand to be apart for one more second. However, I would like you and each of his friends to come and visit him. Like Luna, there is a lot that he needs to learn. His heart is still pained from his banishment, he needs ponies to reach out to him. Luna will help with that a lot, but I think you all will be an even bigger help. And I would suggest starting with Pinkie Pie."

"Are you sure, princess. Pinkie Pie might be a little much for him."

"That's precisely why."

*-*-*-*-*

It had taken a few minutes, but Blue Star had finally found Luna. He could hear her sobbing inside her bedroom, while he stood outside it, unsure of how he should proceed.

"Luna," he knocked, "it's Blue, may I enter?"

He knew he couldn't force her to see him, but he was hopeful. There were a minute of tense silence before another voice was heard.

"You may," Luna said, although the door muffled it so much that Blue hardly heard her.

Opening the door, Blue entered the room. Obviously, he hadn't seen this version of Luna's room, but it wasn't a lot different than how he remembered her old one. A lot of space, many Moon and star symbols, and a large canopy bed. Blue could make out an alicorn silhouette behind the drawn shades of the bed. He moved slowly, not wishing to startle her, though she was fully aware that he was there.

"Are you OK," he asked, a stupid question to be sure, but one that needed to be asked.

"Tia lied to me," Luna answered, "Tia has never lied to me."

"I know. I'm sure in her mind it was the right thing to do. But are you going to let a lie, no matter how egregious, ruin your relationship with her. I mean, you became Nightmare Moon, tried to kill Celestia, got banished to the Moon, returned, and after all that she is still your friend. I don't think it can go anywhere but up from there."

It was subtle, but Luna cracked a smile at that logic.

"Thank you. I needed to hear that."

"Anytime, Luna. Is there anything you wish for me to do, beautiful?"

Luna's smile grew wider, "Do you think you could stay up with me all night like you used to?"

"Well I'm a little out of practice, and it's been a long day, but I think I can pull it off."

"Excellent," Luna rose her head slightly, "Now, come and snuggle your princess."

"Yes, your majesty."

Chapter 4: That Strange Pink Pony

It had been a few days, or nights as Blue Star was counting them, since Twilight and Spike had returned to Ponyville. He was aware that Princess Celestia had told the younger alicorn to tell her friends about him and help him adjust. Suffice is to say, Blue was skeptical at first, until it was explained that these friends were the former bearers of the Elements of Harmony.

And it just so happened that right now, he was casually eating breakfast with Luna and Celestia, waiting for the arrival of one of them. He knew it was probably a mistake to have stayed up all night, but he served Princess Luna, and whatever she wanted, she got.

Without warning, the doors to the dining hall burst open. A few miscellaneous streamers and colorful balloons were produced, followed by a single pony. It didn't take Blue Star a second to recognize her, though he had only seen her once before.

"Good morning, Pinkie," Celestia greeted, "I'm glad you arrived in time for breakfast."

"Of course, princess," the pink mare said, taking a seat at the table with nary a bow to either royal in the room, "Had to get up real early to catch the train, but it's worth it."

"You," Blue said, catching the new mare's attention, "I know you."

Pinkie gasped in realization, "And I know you. You're that weird pony who came out of the Everfree Forest looking for Celestia. And obviously you found her."

"You were the one who told me where to find Twilight."

"That's right."

"You are one of the Elements of Harmony?"

"Element of Laughter."

"Huh. OK. And what exactly are you doing here? OK, I know why you're here, but what exactly do you intend to do?"

"Well I could tell you, but that'd be boring, and Pinkie Pie doesn't do boring. I'm going to show you. But first, breakfast."

The four ponies finished their breakfast. Blue was astounded by just how much this pink friend of Twilight's could eat. She seemed to have the appetite of an alicorn, but even when she declared herself full, she didn't seem the worse for it. With the most important meal of the day over with, Celestia went off to do her royal duties, and Luna went to bed, but not without a so-called "good day" kiss first.

Blue and Pinkie walked out of the castle, Pinkie doing more hopping than walking. Blue had no idea what this obviously fun-loving, silly pony could help him with, so he decided to cut to the chase.

"So are you going to tell me what we're doing," he asked, "or am I going to have to guess?"

"It's easy," Pinkie replied, "You've been gone for a thousand years, that's a long time. And, except for Luna, and maybe Celestia, I don't know if she counts, you don't have any friends at all. And nopony can live a happy, fulfilled life without lots of friends."

"I don't need friends," Blue scoffed, "I have Luna, that's all I need."

"Oh come on, didn't you have friends before?"

"I wouldn't really call them 'friends'. You see, back in my day, nobles such as myself made acquaintances, we made political alliances, and we made business partnerships. We did not made friendships. It was a rare occurrence if a husband and wife truly loved each other. Everything was political. When I began consorting with Luna, I began to run on her schedule, that is to say, I was awake during the night and asleep during the day. As such, I never met new ponies."

"Well no worries," Pinkie threw a hoof around Blue's shoulder, "I'm going to teach you how to make friends, it's going to be fun, fun, fun."

"It is too early in the morning for this."

*--*--*--*--*

Pinkie led Blue down onto the main street of Canterlot proper. She had this big grin on her face and waved hello to everypony they passed, regardless of whether or not that pony returned the sentiment.

"Are you looking for anypony in particular," Blue asked, "or is this normal for you?"

"If you're going to be a happy, friend-having, pony, you need to learn to show it. If you smile and wave at enough ponies, eventually they are going to start smiling and waving back."

"I have many years experience as both a royal consort and an ambassador, I know how to be pleasant, even if I have to fake it."

"I hope you don't have to fake it."

"Everything is so different," Blue mused, stopping in his tracks, "When I was here last, Canterlot was a city, surely, but nothing like this. You can't walk five paces without almost knocking into somepony."

"You don't really like other ponies, do you," Pinkie said with a sad inflection.

"It's not that, per say, it's just that I do better in one-on-one situations. Did I seem anti-social when I met you the first time?"

"No, you seemed like you were in a hurry."

"Precisely. I like getting my business accomplished as efficiently as possible, with as few other ponies involved as possible. If that makes me anti-social, then I'm anti-social, I call it picking your companions accordingly."

"You don't mind me, right? Or Twilight?"

"Of course not. Celestia is right, I need to adjust to this new world. Luna can only help me so much in that regard. You, Twilight, and the others, I do need your help, and I am accepting of it. There are just certain boundaries that I prefer to keep."

"Note to self: don't throw you a surprise party."

"Now you get the idea."

The two ponies continued on their way. Pinkie had calmed down somewhat, which Blue was appreciative of. Soon, however, Pinkie stopped dead in front of a little shop.

"C'mon," the party pony called, "one of my friends runs this place. Let's say hello."

She bounced inside with Blue on her tail.

"Hey Pinkie," the large beige stallion standing behind the counter greeted, "who's your friend?"

"You'll have to be more specific Joe," Pinkie responded, "You know that everypony is my friend."

"That I do, but the question still stands."

"My name is Blue Star van der Dusk," he answered.

"Heh," the pony named Joe quipped, "you sound like a noblepony."

"That's because I am."

"Oh, I don't get too many nobles in here, what can I do for ya."

"A bear claw for me," Pinkie ordered, "do you want a doughnut, Blue, Joe's are the best."

"They don't call me Doughnut Joe for nothing."

"No, I'm fine," Blue answered, "but, perhaps, tell me Joe, do you serve coffee?"

"Sure do, how do you take it?"

"Black, and not too strong."

"Got it, one bear claw and one large cup of joe," he laughed, as he always did whenever he, or anypony, called it that.

Not a minute later, the two ponies were exiting Joe's doughnut shop, Pinkie having eaten her bear claw in one bite and Blue delicately sipping on his coffee, holding the cup in his magic. The black brew was doing its job, the caffeine steadily making him more awake and more aware.

"So what's next on our agenda," Blue asked as they again made their way down the street.

"Don't know," was the response, "At times like these, I usually just wait, something interesting usually happens."

"That doesn't seem very organized. Here I thought you had some grand plan to introduce me to the magic of friendship."

"If you're looking for organized, look for Twilight. I am a pony who goes with the flow. Oh, look over there, there's a pony you should meet."

She was actually pointing to a pair of ponies, both white unicorns. From behind, Blue could only assume that the lithe one with the pink mane was a mare and the slightly stockier one with the combed blue mane was a stallion. When they reached them, Pinkie had no qualms about tapping the presumed stallion on the shoulder. Both of the new ponies turned around, confirming Blue's suspicions.

"I say, who," the stallion began, but then paused as realization crossed his face, "I remember you, you're one of Rarity's good friends, are you not?"

"Absotutetly-loutely," Pinkie exclaimed, "I met you at the Canterlot Garden Party."

"Ah yes, I remember now. And who is this other pony?"

"Oh, right," Pinkie sprung backwards and looped an hoof around Blue's shoulder, "this is Blue Star. Don't ask me how I know him, it's a long story. Blue this is Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis."

"A pleasure meeting you, sir," Fancy and Blue shook hooves.

"Yes, a pleasure," Fleur said, which allowed Blue to hear the distinctive accent in her voice.

"Le plaisir est pour moi, monsieur et mademoiselle," Blue said in a perfect Prench accent.

"Vous êtes à l'aise en prançais?"

"I wouldn't say fluent, exactly. But I was ambassador to Prance for a year, and I picked up things here and there."

"When were you ambassador to Prance," Fancy asked, "I've never heard of you before."

"Oh that would have been around a thousand years ago."

Both Fancy and Fleur's jaws were hung about a foot off the ground.

"A thousand years ago," Fancy uttered as he tried to regain his composure.

"It's a long story. But suffice is to say, I am back in Equestria and am adjusting accordingly."

"Are you an immortal," Fleur asked.

"No, only ageless. Like I said, it's a long story which I would rather not tell at this time."

"Of course," Fancy said, "but am I to presume that you are somepony of importance?"

"Well I am a noble, of the house van der Dusk. My many-great grandnephew is apparently an adopted prince, and I am an adviser to Princess Luna," Blue didn't want to have to explain his personal relationship with Luna to ponies he barely knew.

"At any rate, it's good to see that you have returned from wherever you were. I hope that we can cross paths again in the future. Come, Fleur, we wouldn't want to be late."

"Adieu," Fleur said as they began to walk away.

"Au revoir," Blue called after them.

"See," Pinkie said once the other two ponies were out of sight, "you know exactly how to make friends. My work here is done."

"I told you that in the first place, but you didn't believe me."

*--*--*--*--*

That night at dinner, it was Celestia, Luna, Blue, and Pinkie, who had been offered a night's stay in the first place.

"Tell me, Blue Star," Celestia asked, "what has Pinkie taught you?"

"Nothing that I didn't already know. Although apparently my Prench accent is still good."

"Oh really," Luna said with a expanded eyes.

"Yes, Luna, but you know I only break out the foreign languages on special occasions."

"You're no fun."

"I beg to disagree, right Pinkie? Pinkie?

Pinkie Pie wasn't listening, as she was seemed too intent on out-eating Celestia.

"Hey, you were going to back me up."

The alicorn sisters laughed.

Chapter 5: Hearth's Warming, Blue Star Style

Blue Star was stirred from a peaceful slumber. It wasn't a violent awakening, or even a particularly annoying one, just something was causing him to stir. Opening his eyes slightly and allowing them to adjust for the light, he saw a dark blue muzzle and two blue eyes staring at him. If he wasn't so used to this, it might have scared him.

"Luna," he whispered, "you woke me up."

"Sorry," the princess apologized, "We didn't mean to. Return to your sleep."

"Shouldn't I be getting up? I mean, if it's late enough for you to be going to bed."

"Nonsense, it is Hearth's Warming Eve, we need our rest."

Hearth's Warming Eve, the holiday which had been placed on top of the winter solstice in the thousand years Blue was gone. He didn't know much about this holiday, other than the history behind it and the fact that it was one of Luna's favorite days, since it was the longest night of the year. As such, on every solstice they had been together, they had stayed up all night. Back then, they would be the only ones, but now, Blue supposed, many ponies would be celebrating the holiday late into the evening. And since his princess had asked him to sleep, sleep he would, helped along by the warmth of Luna's body and the sound of her pleasant, steady, breathing.

*--*--*--*--*

Luna must have placed a spell on them, for they did not stir again until almost dinnertime. It wasn't the first time that Blue had slept for 18 hours straight, and it certainly wouldn't be the last. Since it was a holiday, Blue decided to wake Luna up in a special way.

"Réveillez-vous, ma princesse," Blue said in perfect Prench.

Luna didn't move a muscle, so he tried something else.

"Surgere iam tempus, pulchra princeps lunae," he said, speaking Latin this time.

This time, Luna shuffled in her sleep, but only in a move to bury herself further into her pillow.

"OK, I've tried playing nice, now I'll have to do it the other way."

Blue reached a hoof around behind Luna's flank, pulling her closer to him. Luna didn't mind this in the slightest, simply using it as an excuse to cuddle further. However, Blue then craned his neck around her barrel and kissed the spot where her wing connected to her body, a known hot-spot for any pony with wings. He then steadily made his way up her wing in the same fashion. This elicited cute little coos from Luna, who seemed to be fighting against her baser instinct which told her to jump the stallion doing this to her. Then, Blue stopped and stared down the princess, awaiting the response he knew was coming.

"Uhh," Luna moaned in one part protest, one part arousal, "don't stop."

"Sorry princess, you would have gotten more if you had just acknowledged that you were awake in the first place."

"You little tease," Luna said as she opened her eyes.

"Good to know I still have the touch. Come, we're going to be late for dinner."

"Thou knowest We can keep you here as long as We please."

"I know," Blue said with a nod before he was interrupted by a sizable gargle from Luna's stomach, "Hmm, seems the royal stomach is hungry."

"Well, the royal loins are hungry as well."

"In time, my princess. We do have all night, after all," Blue quipped, giving Luna a wink and a kiss.

Luna, resigning herself, got out of bed. She and Blue quickly dressed and made their way to the royal dining hall. There they found Celestia, Twilight, Spike, and the rest of the Ponyville mares.

"Good evening, sister, Blue Star," Celestia greeted.

The two ponies sat, Blue sweeping his gaze over his other table mates.

"The other Elements of Harmony, I presume?"

"Yeah," Pinkie called from her place, "That's right, I almost forgot that you have only met Twilight and me."

"And Spike," Blue corrected.

The necessary introductions were made. Twilight had obviously told the others about Blue's history, all the better for them to help him adjust. With all the official business over with, dinner was served. They got about halfway through the meal without much conversation of interest.

"So," Blue Star began a new topic, "what is everypony's plans for the eve of the solstice?"

"Oh," Twilight said, "we almost forgot to tell you, we're going to a play."

"A play?"

"Yeah," Pinkie interjected, "the play which tells the story of Hearth's Warming. It was really fun when we played the parts, but this year a different group of ponies are doing the acting, and we'll be doing the watching."

"You all will be," Spike pointed out, "I'll be narrating."

"Do I know this story," Blue asked.

"Yes," Celestia answered, "it is basically the story of the founding of Equestria and how the three pony tribes came together in harmony."

"Wait. Let me guess," he began to pointing to each pony in turn, "Princess Platinum, Clover the Clever, Commander Hurricane, Private Pansy, Prime Minister Puddinghead, and Smart Cookie."

The six mares were quite surprised that he could accurately guess the parts that each had played.

"Very good, Blue," Luna applauded.

"Wait a moment," the ageless unicorn thought aloud, "does the play explain..."

He would have said more, but Celestia magicked his lips shut.

"Now Blue," the princess of the Sun said, "I think you're thousand-year-old memory is starting to get the worse of you."

"Hmm hemm hu hu," Blue mumbled behind his still-shut lips.

"Are you going to be joining us for the play," Celestia asked, finally letting go.

Blue swept at his mane with a hoof before answering, "Certainly. I am very interested in how the story is told theatrically. Now if you'll excuse me, I must prepare. I have been sleeping all day."

Blue rose out of his chair and left the dining hall.

"Is everything alright, princess," Twilight asked, "Blue seemed out of sorts."

"We shall check on him," Luna volunteered, quickly teleporting away.

*--*--*--*--*

Blue had returned to Luna's chambers, where his own wardrobe was kept, in equal parts confusion and anger. Celestia was hiding something, and he knew what it was. Now he was interested in hearing why Celestia was hiding. However, he knew he would never get the straight answer out of her.

His inner musings were interrupted by the sound of teleportation magic behind him. Turning, he saw Luna standing there.

"Luna," he said, "is there something wrong?"

"Not with us," she answered, "but thou has something on your mind."

"Why did Celestia shut me up?

Luna didn't answer.

"Is there something I should know. Something that has happened while I was away that I should be made aware of?"

"We don't think thou would understand."

"When have I not understood, Luna? You know exactly what I am talking about. Is it not common knowledge that you and Celestia are the daughters of Princess Platinum, who is, in turn, the daughter of King Sombra, tyrant of the Crystal Empire?"

Luna was silent for a moment before answering, "No."

"What? Luna that is your lineage. You should be proud of where you came from, even if it means associating with ponies that weren't as harmonious and peaceful as you. I know one or two things about lost family history. Why would you and Celestia allow this?"

"A few years ago, the lost Crystal Empire resurfaced. Along with this came the reascension and redefeat of King Sombra. After that occurred, Celestia and I could not risk being linked with him, even if he is our grandfather. It's complicated."

"Doesn't sound complicated to me. And wait, you said Sombra returned? Is it just me or does nopony who Celestia puts down stays down. Nightmare Moon returned, King Sombra returned, Discord was set free, even I returned to this plane of existence."

"We fail to see what this has to do with the original subject."

"It doesn't, it's just interesting, that's all. Back to the subject at-hoof, you and Celestia should make it common knowledge. I mean, any harm that would be done by being related to Sombra should be assuaged by the good done by your mother, Princess Platinum, in creating Equestria and helping bring peace and harmony to the three tribes. And if Celestia is not moved by my words alone, I'm sure the words of the Elements of Harmony will assist me."

By the end of this little speech, Luna was in near-tears. She sat on her haunches, head bowed.

"Thou are right," she said, voice quivering, "Celestia and I have done little to honor our mother's legacy. When Celestia explained this relatively-new holiday to me, that was one of the reasons she listed. But she still couldn't bring herself to admit the truth to her little ponies, our little ponies. Why are we ashamed of our lineage? Why do we fear what our subjects will think?"

Blue Star made his way over to the lunar princess and proceeded to throw his hooves around her, a gesture she was quick to return.

"Luna, please don't cry on my account. But my thoughts still stand. I, no, we, should talk to Celestia about this. What better time than Hearth's Warming Eve, if not Hearth's Warming Day, to announce this publicly and explain everything? Just remember, I will be there, and I am sure the Elements will back you both up. At least think about it. But know that I am not angry with you, I could never be angry with you."

Gradually, Luna's demeanor warmed, and the hug of comfort turned to a hug of affection.

"Thank thee, Blue. Thou always knowest what to say. Will thou still come to the play with us?"

"Of course, my princess, of course."

*--*--*--*--*

After the play was over and all the ponies had returned to the castle, the Elements were quick to hit the hay. There was still Hearth's Warming Day to look forward to, after all. Of course, Luna and Blue Star would be awake all evening, but they still needed to talk to Celestia before the solar princess departed to dreamland.

"Sister," Luna began as the three of them walked the halls toward Celestia's chamber, "may we have a word with thee?"

"Of course," Celestia answered, "what is it?"

"It is about Hearth's Warming," Luna looked to Blue for a second before continuing, "We think we should announce publicly who our mother and grandfather are."

Celestia closed her eyes and took a moment to breathe, "Where does this come from, out of the blue?"

"I brought it up," Blue replied, "after you kept my mouth shut at dinner, Luna and I had a talk about it. Your majesty, I do not understand why you keep this a secret. This all happened a long time ago, long before anypony, even you and Luna, were born. I see no harm that could come from it."

"You shouldn't concern yourself with this, Blue Star. It is true that the original events happened eons ago. However, the plight of the Crystal Empire is still fresh in the minds of many ponies, and in the nightmares of the citizens of that region. Any mention of King Sombra at this point is too much of a risk for me, Luna, or Cadance, to take."

"At least tell your subjects who your mother was."

"I understand your interest. I was wrong to forcibly keep you silent earlier, for that I apologize. But it cannot be done at this time. Someday it will be public knowledge, I give my word, but today is not that day."

"But...," Blue began again, but stopped when Celestia raised a hoof.

"I am sorry. I am tired. We can take up this discussion at another time. For now, I must rest. Goodnight dear sister, goodnight Blue Star."

With that, Celestia entered her room and locked the door behind her. Blue's breathing became labored, his horn glowing, before he turned around and unleashed a shot of dark blue magic at one of the marble walls.

"Blue," Luna asked, partly in concern and partly in fear.

"I'm sorry, Luna. I shouldn't have done that. But that right there is part of the reason I got banished. Celestia sometimes doesn't know when to listen to the advice of other ponies. Some things have changed so much in a thousand years, and yet, somethings haven't changed at all."

Blue started down the hallway again, in the direction of Luna's room. However, after only a few steps, he lurched to the side, leaning against the wall, sobbing.

"Blue," Luna asked, now in complete worry as she rushed over and enveloped him in her wings.

"I have to make up for it," he said.

"Make up for what," Luna asked, confused.

"I was gone for a thousand years. I missed so much, and I am sorry that I did. I will make everything right, I promise. There is so much I want to accomplish, and I intend to do it all."

"We know. Thou will be around for a long time, you are ageless. Whatever it is you want to do, you will do it, and We will help thou."

"Thank you, Luna," Blue nuzzled into the princess' neck, in almost a role-reversal of earlier.

"What is the first thing on your agenda?"

"To be honest," Blue now looked up with a smile, "To teach you how to speak modern Equuish."

"Not happening," Luna replied with a smirk, "We enjoy speaking in this manner. What is second on your wish list?"

"I am going to turn Blueblood into a proper stallion. One that would make my brother proud."

"That is not going to be an easy task."

"I know. I'll figure out something."

Chapter 6: Animals and Apologies

Blue Star sat against the trunk of a tree in the royal gardens. He was waiting patiently for one of the elements to arrive. He hadn't been told specifically which one, but he was sure they would be agreeable nevertheless. And so he sat and waited, looking at all the various animals who called the gardens home. One of the perks of royalty was that Celestia could ask for pretty much whatever weather she wished and she would get it. Thus, even in the dead of winter, the gardens remained green.

"Um, excuse me," a voice said from nearby. Blue Star only faintly heard it, but he still turned his head in the direction of the voice. There he spotted a mare whom he recognized.

"Hello miss, Fluttershy, was it?"

"Um, yes," the pegasus said in her trademark quiet tone, "I don't believe we've been properly introduced."

"Well, every time Twilight tried, you hid. Are you afraid of me?"

"No, no, it's not that. It's just my natural reaction around ponies I don't know."

"Then how ever do you meet ponies?"

"I usually don't. I try to keep to myself most of the time."

"That sounds lonely."

"It's not that bad. Then again, I have all my animal friends to keep me company."

"Ah yes, Luna told me you took care of animals. I suppose that's why you had me meet you here?"

"Yes. This is my favorite part of the castle. And besides, it's nice and quiet, peaceful."

"I agree with that sentiment. So, tell me, Fluttershy, what do you want to teach me?"

"Nothing in particular."

"Really? I figured Celestia or Twilight would have drawn up some over-arching goals for each of you when it came to these little meetings. Pinkie certainly had everything figured out when we talked."

"That doesn't surprise me. But no, they didn't give us instructions or anything like that. Other than to be your friends, I suppose."

"Well I'm not against that. Which element did you represent again?"

"Kindness."

"That makes sense. It takes a big heart to take care of other living creatures."

"Th-Thank you. But I'm not perfect or anything. There have been a few times when my nature has gotten the better of me."

"Oh really? Do tell."

"Well, for example, the first time I came to the gardens. It was the night of the Grand Galloping Gala, and I was so excited to see all the critters that Celestia keeps here. I was so sure that they would all be my friends and we would have a great time."

"Didn't turn out that way?"

"Let's just say I got a little frustrated. It got to the point where I was trying to catch them in nets. In the end, I caused a stampede which ran right through the main ballroom of the palace."

"Oh no."

"Oh yes. Rainbow said I had a look of pure anger on my face, yelling at the critters to love me," Fluttershy began chuckling a little at the memory, "For a few weeks, Rainbow made jokes about 'Flutterage'."

Blue Star put a hoof in front of his mouth to keep from laughing, "That's some story. I assume that everything worked out in the end?"

"Oh yes. The next time we came to the castle, Celestia came out here with me and assured the critters that I was a good friend. Things got even better after I took care of Philomena."

"Celestia's phoenix?"

"You know her?"

"That bird is older than me. Yes I know her. Celestia actually let you take care of her, that's a big vote of confidence."

"Well, actually," Fluttershy began, getting a little smaller, "I kind of stole her."

"You stole Philomena," Blue Star exclaimed, "and lived to tell about it?"

"Well I thought she was sick, she was losing her feathers and had gotten all pale. I couldn't stand to see her like that, so I stole her and brought her back to my cottage for healing."

"Oh, I think I know where this is going."

"After a whole day of trying, and Twilight and I avoiding the royal guards who were looking for her, Philomena eventually burnt up into ashes."

"That's what I thought."

"I was devastated. I thought Celestia was going to banish me or throw me in a dungeon or something. I never cried so hard in my life."

"Then Philomena rose from the ashes and everything was alright, right?"

"Exactly. I didn't know she was a phoenix, I had never seen one before. So I thought she had really died, on my watch, no less. Sometimes, its best to just leave well enough alone."

There was a lull in the conversation. Fluttershy said hello to some of the animals which came up to her. Blue Star just sat there in mute contemplation.

"Fluttershy, I have to ask you. Are you afraid of me?"

"Well, I am afraid of a lot of things. And it didn't help when Twilight told us you had returned from being banished. I naturally assumed you were some sort of threat."

"Can't blame you on that one."

"But then she told us how Luna reacted to seeing you and all of that, and we all felt much better."

"I'm no saint," Blue sighed, "I've made a lot of mistakes. Some worked out, just like in your stories, and some didn't. I owe a lot of ponies a lot of apologies. Too bad most of them are gone."

"What about those who are still around?"

"I don't know if they want to hear them. Not to mention that I am terrible at apologies. I'd rather do something to rectify a situation than say something."

"You don't seem to have difficulties with words."

"They say actions speak louder than words, and I follow that mantra. Then again, it was actions that got me into this mess, so I don't suppose they would be very good at getting me out of it."

Again there was silence.

"Celestia would accept your apology," Fluttershy continued, "and so would Luna. They've seen a lot, and a lot of time has passed. I know it's hard, but if you want to make sure your relationships with them are as good as they can be, it must be done."

"You're right, Fluttershy," Blue Star said, getting to his hooves, "thank you."

The ageless stallion began to walk off toward the castle.

"Where are you going," Fluttershy asked.

"To speak with my nephew."

*--*--*--*--*

It took Blue Star an hour's worth of asking various servants and guards to find Blueblood. As it turned out, he was in the royal library. When Blue came across him, his muzzle was deep in a history book.

"Trying to find my name," Blue Star asked, startling the prince.

"No, uncle," he responded, "just brushing up. It's been awhile since I've read this book."

"Well good. As my brother would say, 'Reading is the gateway of intellect'."

"Did grandpa used to say that, or are you making that up?"

"He really did. He was a few years older than me, you know. Sometimes he would help me with my schoolwork."

"That's nice. Were you looking for me, uncle, or just coming to the library."

"As a matter of fact, I was looking for you. I have something I wish to tell you."

"OK," Blueblood said, magically closing the book, "I'm listening."

"Blueblood, this might not make a lot of sense, but I have to say this. I am sorry. I should have been around, I wish I could have been around. Not just to see you grow up, but to see your ancestors before you. By all rights, I should have been an uncle many times over before now, and I am sorry that I missed those experiences."

"I understand."

"There is more. I am sorry to my brother, Blue Shield. I was his only sibling, after all, and he was mine. When I was banished, he lost a brother. And although he obviously had a family of his own to love and take care of, I am sorry for any heartache that I caused him. I know this is a thousand years too late, but it had to be said."

"It's OK, uncle," Blueblood said, coming up and throwing a hoof around in a hug, "What's done is done, I suppose. There's no going back and changing anything. It's like when you read something that happened in a history book. You may wish you could go back and change something, keep something from happening, but the truth is, you can't. You can only live with the consequences of actions."

Blue Star patted his nephew on the back, "You're right, Blueblood, you're right. Now, one more thing, I have two more apologies to make, and I want you to bear witness to them. Tonight, at dinner, don't be late."

*--*--*--*--*

Dinner couldn't come fast enough for Blue Star. He wanted to stave off the temptation of rehearsing what he was going to say, opting instead of speaking straight from the heart. But the more time passed, the tougher this became.

When dinner was finally served, everypony was in attendance. Celestia and Luna were at the ends, Fluttershy was on one side, with Blue Star and Blueblood on the other. As soon as the opening salads were served, Blue Star took up his wine glass in his magic and caused it to ring as if he had struck it with something. This had the effect of getting everypony's attention.

"In lieu of a toast this evening," he began, "I would instead like to issue two apologies and a thank you."

"Really," Luna asked, "to whom?"

"First," Blue turned slightly to his left, "to Princess Celestia. I apologize for everything that led up to my banishment. I apologize for questioning your judgement. I apologize for crossing you, by either sharpness of tongue or sharpness of magic. That was wrong of me, and I deserved worse than what I got. I should consider myself lucky that I am out of Tartarus and still alive, instead of holding onto anger from centuries past."

"I accept your apology," Celestia said with a nod, "Thank you."

"Secondly," Blue now turned to his right, "I apologize to you, Luna. I apologize for not being here waiting for you when you returned from your own exile. I should have been here, but I was not, serving out my just punishment for allowing my emotions to override my better judgement. By my calculations, we lost four years or so of being together and enjoying each other's companionship, and I know I can't get that back."

"You know you didn't need to apologize," Luna sighed, "but thank you just the same."

"And finally," Blue now turned to the pegasus across the table, "thank you, Fluttershy. The Element of Kindness is still strong within you. Thank you for what you told me earlier today in the garden. Thank you for trusting me with those potentially embarrassing stories. And thank you for giving me the confidence to apologize to Celestia, Luna, and Blueblood as well. I am indebted."

"Th-Thank you," Fluttershy said meekly.

"Now that that's out of the way," Blue Star raised his glass slightly higher, "we can eat. Cheers."

"Cheers," said everypony at the table.