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           The Requirements of Love : Redemption           
                    -by PrincessDashie-                    
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                Chapter 1: Secrets Revealed                
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Chapter 1: Secrets Revealed
“I never asked you to do that momma... It's... my fault.”
Spectrum Sky sat at her desk, looking over the days homework.  “Hmm.... mythical beasts... check... fundamentals of the space time continuum... check... magical remedies and utilization... check... hmm... everything seems to be in order.”  She stood up, taking a moment to stretch her legs.  “Maybe... I'll go for a walk.”
The castle corridors were exceptionally quiet at night.  As she walked, she was met with the familiar glow of the candles that lit her path.  As she walked, she took interests in the paintings that decorated the walls, as she did every night.  She loved art, especially the paintings in the castle: they allowed her glimpses into the worlds of the past, worlds she couldn't imagine.  However, throughout the castle, there is one particular piece of work, that she admires the most.  In Princess Celestia's studies, stood a stained glass window.  This window... depicted a blue Pegasus, and an orange Earth pony... her mothers.
“Spectrum?  Is that you?”
She turned around to see her sister, Pacific Rose, flying over to her.  “Hey sis, what are you doing up?”
“Oh... well... I couldn't sleep.”  Rose replied, landing next to her sister.  “Whatcha looking at?”
Spectrum turned to face the painting she was just admiring.  “I was looking at this painting, the one auntie Luna bought last week.  The guards finally put it up, and... well... I was just admiring it, is all.”
Rose nodded, staring at the picture.  “I don't get what's so fascinating about it... it just looks like a regular old forest to me.”
Spectrum nodded.  “That's, WHY I was admiring it.  Look around at all these other pictures Rose” she asked, pointing her hoof and trailing along the walls.  “Ever picture here has something spectacular going on in it... but this one... is just like you said... just a regular old forest.”
“You have a test tomorrow dontcha sis?” Rose asked, catching her sister off guard.
“Y... yes I do.  My defense against dark magic test, it should be easy.  You have a test tomorrow as well, right?”  She asked, looking at her sister who drooped her head to the ground.
“Y... yeah but... I'm gonna fail it, I just know it.  I'm no good at flying.  I can float around places, but that's about all I’m good for... SOME Pegasus I am huh?  I doubt momma Rainbow would take any pride in me if she was here.  She was the best flier in all of Equestria, and what am I?” Tears began to form from Rose's eyes as she spoke to her sister.  “I'm... I'm gonna drop out of flight school sis.”
“You will do no such thing.” Spectrum said.  “Think about how sad Grandma Tia would be if you dropped out?”
“She wouldn't be happy I'm sure... neither would Auntie Luna.” Rose said.  “But...”
“Girls?”
“Hey auntie.” Spectrum said.
“Sweetheart, are you OK?” Luna said, wiping the tears from Rose's eyes.
“Yeah... I guess... but...” Rose cried, causing Luna to pull her into a hug.
“Shh... you're going to do fine tomorrow... you think you're not good at flying, but you really are...  You're gonna wow them tomorrow, but... if you think it would be best to drop out... you have my support my niece.  It can't be easy, being a Pegasus living in a castle of Unicorns.  So... I cannot judge you for quitting your flying school, and neither can my sister.” Luna whispered, pulling her niece firmly into her chest.  “Do you girls want to get a late night snack?”
They both nodded.
“Great!” Luna exclaimed.  “To tell you the truth I was going to go eat regardless of what your answer was.”  she said with a laugh.
In the dining room, Luna retrieved an angel food cake from the refrigerator, and sat it down in front of her along with 3 plates and 3 sets of utensils.  “Let us... refrain from mentioning this to Tia?  She wouldn't be too thrilled if she found out your auntie was giving you sweets at 2 in the morning” Luna said with a smile.
“Won't the chef be upset when he finds tomorrow's dessert half eaten?” Spectrum asked.
“Not if eat it all.” Luna said with a wink.
“Auntie?”
“Yush Roze?” Luna said, crumbs spilling from her mouth as she tried desperately to talk and swallow at the same time.
“Would... would momma Rainbow be proud of me?”
Luna swallowed her cake, and wrapped her wing around Rose, drawing her closer.  “Sweetie, Rainbow would most definitely be proud of you.  When... when she was laying in that hospital bed.” Luna said, tearing up.  “The first thing she did... was... ask to hold you.  She was then... given a choice...”
“I know auntie... she chose to give her life up, to let my sister live.” Rose said.
Nodding, Luna continued.  “She would be proud of you Rose, and I'm sure she's watching you right now, as you eat that cake, and I'm sure she's smiling, knowing that you and Spectrum are safe, and loved, her and Applejack too.”
“But auntie... it's my fault our momma Rainbow died.”  Spectrum cried.
“Spectrum,” Luna said, using her other wing to pull her close.  “Your mom never thought twice about her decision.  She made that decision out of unconditional love for both of you.  She knew... that if she lived, she would be targeted once again, yet... because she chose to let YOU live, you and your sister have each other, you will never be alone like she was.”
“Why didn't Grandma Tia save them?  I already learned in class that it's possible, that only Grandma Tia can do it... so why didn't she save them?”
“Spectrum, sweetie...” Luna said, “Tia made a tough decision not to.  She knew that if she had saved them, then like I said before, they would be targeted once again, and more innocent ponies could potentially get hurt, or even killed from it.  Tia... had to make that decision... as a ruler, and not as a... a mother.”
“I understand.”
“Spectrum are you OK?” Luna asked, as Spectrum excused herself from the table.
“I am” she replied, nodding.  “Come Rose, let's go to bed.”
“OK sis.”  Rose replied.  “Auntie, thank you so much for cheering me up, and for the cake as well.”  She said to Luna.
“Oh well you are most welcome little ones.  Now hurry up to bed before Tia fi-”
“Luna!” called a voice voice from down the hall.
“Tia?!?” she replied in a panic, as her sister ran into the room.  She quickly glanced back and forth between her sister and the two fillies who were making their way out of the room.
“I swear I gave it to them with good intentions..”  Luna cried.
“Never mind that, come to my room Luna... SHE has been spotted.”
Luna's eyes snapped open in surprise.  Surely her sister could not be mentioning the pony who she thought she was... there could be no possible way.  Quickly the two galloped down the main corridor with Spectrum and Rose following closely behind, making sure they were out of sight.
“Hurry Luna” Celestia said, impatiently waiting to close the door to her study.
Luna stopped just outside of the study.  She looked over her back to see the two fillies attempting to hide behind a lone flower pot.  “Tia... is it true?  Has she really come out of hiding now?”  Luna asked dumbfounded.
“Save it Luna, follow me to my study.”  Celestia said, before noticing her two grandchildren.  “You two off to bed now, it's way past your bedtime.”
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Luna walked in and took a seat next to Celestia at the table.  “Tia... is it true?  Has she really come out of hiding now?”  Luna asked dumbfounded.
An orange Pegasus in gold armor walked over from behind a desk.  He had a short blue mane, and piercing ocean blue eyes.
“Flash Sentry...” Luna whispered.  “We... ahem... I... thought you were on Vacation with Twilight, and your daughter?”
“Princess Luna!” Flash announced, raising a hoof to his forehead in salute.  “You are correct, Twilight, and Myself, along with our daughter Daisy, were visiting the Crystal Empire.  However, on the return trip I saw a most peculiar sight when our train was passing through the Galloping Gorge.”
“Shh... keep quiet Rose.”  Spectrum whispered, as they placed their ears up to the door, attempting to eavesdrop.
“The Galloping Gorge?” Luna asked.  “But... why would she be hiding there?  Was there anypony else with her?”
“I don't know... we were just on the train and we were passing through but... my eyes did not deceive me.  It was her... I dare not speak her name.  And...” Flash said.  “There appeared to be a small cottage in the background, but I’m not entirely sure. If... she is there, then it is imperative that we take her into custody!”
“Flash...” Celestia began.  “I appreciate your findings, and your opinion.  But... you know how many years it has been.  The one you saw may in fact not even be the pony we are looking for but... don't get me wrong.  I will immediately dispatch a few of our elite guards to survey the area, and keep close tabs on her.  For now... why not take a few more days off to be with your wife?”
“Thank you very much princess!” Flash replied appreciatively.
“Oh and one more thing Flash... when you arrive home, one... ask Twilight to come visit me soon, and two... tell your daughter good luck on her magic test tomorrow” Celestia stated.  “Actually... I have an idea... why not have little Daisy come over next weekend, and I'll see what I can do about getting Cadence to send little Shimmer Crystal down as well... I'm sure Spectrum and Rose would love to have a slumber party.  Plus it will.... ahem... give you and Twilight some alone time...  Good day Flash.”
Flash saluted, “Thank you for your concern princess.  I'm sure Daisy will be thrilled to spend time with your granddaughters.  I will be sure to let Twilight know of this as soon as I return home.”
Flash saluted once more before turning to face the door.
“Spectrum hurry!  Before he comes and catches us.”  Rose pleaded, pulling on her sisters foreleg signaling that it was time to run.
“OK OK” Spectrum said, while charging magic in her horn.  It glowed a faint tint of blue, before devouring both sisters in a blue orb.  Meanwhile upstairs, the two were ejected from a blue flash, tumbling across the floor until they crashed into the foot of their bed.
“We just disapparated right?” Rose asked, feeling a a bit woozy from the new experience.
“Yeah...” Spectrum said, shaking her head.  “That was my first time doing that... normally I would just teleport us... but Grandma would notice that... disapparating doesn't cause any form of magical disturbance... so it's virtually undetectable.”
“It's..... a weird feeling.” Rose laughed, swaying back and forth trying to regain her composure.
“So...” Spectrum said, putting her hoof to her head and rubbing it slowly.  “What the hay just happened?”
“Well.... the guard captain said he saw somepony in something called the Galloping Gorge.”  Rose relied, following suit with her hoof.  “And... apparently no pony has seen this one in awhile, because Grandma Tia was surprised and is going to send guards to basically spy.... on that pony... isn't spying bad tho?”
“Well... not if he or she is wanted for a crime... but still... usually Grandma Tia would issue a warrant before ordering somepony to go spy on another pony... it doesn't make sense...” Spectrum wondered.. pacing in circles.
“I'm not sure sis... this... is all weird... we didn't even hear a name... I wonder who it is?”   Rose spoke, placing herself deep within her mind, trying to recall if there was some hidden piece of information we skipped over.
Spectrum continued her pacing, stopping every few seconds to walk in the opposite direction.  “Hey... Rose... you don't think it's the pony that.... you know....”
Rose's heart skipped a beat, instantly she was sweating bullets at the possibility of this.  “Wait... sis... it... it can't be.... can it?  Surely Grandma Tia would order and immediate arrest if it was her.... Shooting Star... could it had been her?”
Spectrum took a seat on the edge of her bed, and stared at her hind hooves as she lightly kicked the floor.  “Sis... I'm... I'm kind of scared.”
Rose floated over and took a seat next to her sister and wrapped her hoofs around her in a loving embrace.  “I don't think you should be scared sis... Grandma Tia and Auntie Luna will keep us safe... plus we're surrounded by royal guards... nothing bad is going to happen.”
“I know sis but...” Spectrum whispered.  “She... Shooting Star that is... needs to be punished...I'm scared that she's going to get away.”
“She's not going to” Rose stated.  “Grandma Tia would never allow it... now... we should really go to sleep... we have to wake up in 4 hours for school...”
Spectrum sighed as she looked at the pendulum clock on the wall.  “We're gonna hate ourselves in the morning...” she moaned, watching as the minute hand just landed straight up signaling that it was 3 in the morning.
Rose nodded, as she pulled the comforter and sheets down halfway on the bed, so that she and her sister could climb in.  Once they were both situated, Spectrum used her magic to extinguish the flames from the few candles that littered her walls.
Moments passed as they both stared through the glass ceiling and into the night sky.
“Sis?”  Spectrum whispered.
“Yeah Spectrum?”  Rose replied, turning so that her muzzle was inches from her sister's.
“Do you... do you honestly think it's her.... you know... Shooting Star?”  She asked, shaking nervously.
“I don't know what I think honestly.  We don't know any details... we should keep listening around the castle for the next week or so and collect information, then we can decide on what to think” Rose replied.
Spectrum nodded, reaching out to hold her sister.  “We have each other sis... We always will right?”
Rose nodded, slowly drifting off into sleep.
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The next day was quite eventful.  Final exams were taking place at every school all across Canterlot.  Loud explosions and crackling noises could be heard all throughout Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.
“Sparkle... Daisy Sparkle, you're up” spoke the instructor.  A silver stallion, with a short greasy black mane, and small beady black eyes.
“Yes Professor Neighpe” spoke a soft, yet confident voice.
From the back of the class walked the daughter of Twilight Sparkle.  A young pink filly, sporting a pin straight white mane, with a single yellow streak and striking pink eyes.
“OK then, just like with the last filly, you're going to put up a reflective shield and I'm slowly going to attempt to penetrate it with a mid level destructive magic.”  He instructed, in a slow monotonous voice.
“Yes professor” she replied, taking a defensive stance in front of Professor Neighpe.  She lowered her head slightly and slowly her horn began to emanate a soft pink glow, which formed into a pink bubble that surrounded Daisy.
“Very... good... Ms... Sparkle” spoke Professor Neighpe.  He didn't move a muscle as his horn quickly glowed a bright blue, which soon instantly took the shape of a thundering lightning bolt which impacted Daisy's shield.  “I'm... going... to... start off.... easy....”
Seeing the magic intensify, Daisy increased the strength of her shield to compensate for the difference.  As the strength increased, so did the size of her shield.  She slowly pushed back his attack, which ultimately resulted in the Professor increasing the strength of his spell as well.  With a flick of his horn, the lightning bolt lost it's blue glow and was replaced with a fiery red appearance which effortlessly broke through Daisy's shield, sending her flying across the room, into a padded backing material.
“Very.... impressive” He spoke, softly clapping his hooves.
After picking herself up, Daisy smiled and nodded to the professor, and took her place in the back next to Spectrum Sky.
“Hey you did great!” Spectrum cheered.
“Thanks, but you're gonna do better.  You're the best in the class!” Daisy stated.
“Spectrum... Sky!” Shouted Professor Neighpe.
“Well I'm up.” Spectrum whispered.
“You'll do great!  Do that trick you showed me the other night!  Show him a lesson... this IS our finals after all.” Daisy suggested, watching as Spectrum put her hoof in the air before trotting down to the testing area.
Spectrum took her place in front of the Professor.  She stared into his piercing black eyes as he shot her down from across the hall.
“No defense?” the professor asked.
“Not needed” Spectrum calmly replied.
“Cocky little....... TERRAEMOTUS!” he shouted, sending a chunk of the wall flying towards Spectrum.  Daisy shrieked from the back of the class as the wall made contact with Spectrum.
To Professor Neighpe, that moment felt like an eternity.  He watched as Spectrum's eyes emitted a white glow, sending the wall barreling back towards him.  Professor Neighpe had only a fraction of a second to muster up a weak shield, which still resulted in him being thrown through the wall behind him.
The class stomped their hooves in applause as Spectrum Sky walked away unscathed.  Daisy ran up and wrapped her hooves around her in a friendly embrace.  “That was so awesome!  I knew without a doubt!  You're the best!”
“Yeah well...” Spectrum chuckled.  “Grandma Tia doesn't raise wimps.”
Daisy laughed, erupting a few snorts as she released her hold on Spectrum.  “Hey Rose's test is is next period.  I bet we could make it to her flight school to watch her.”
Spectrum smiled and nodded.  “We're gonna miss Crystal's test tho, she's closer to the beginning of the alphabet.”
“Aww don't worry she's gonna do fine, I'm worried about Rose tho, she gets WAY too nervous for her own good.”  Daisy spoke, watching Professor Neighpe slowly make his way out of the rubble in the adjacent room.  “On that note... I think it's time to run!”
Spectrum and Daisy took off in a full gallop out of the hallway before Professor Neighpe could give chase.  Once they were in the clear, they turned down one more hallway before coming to a stop.  Spectrum's horn glowed slightly before teleporting Daisy and herself to the Canterlot Flight School.
“Calm down Rose, you're going to give yourself a heart attack.”
“Easy for you to say Crystal.” Rose replied.  “You're like the best flier here.”
Crystal smiled gently at Rose, running her hoof through her curly pink and red mane.  “Well... momma Cadance did teach me a lot about flying, and Twilight did too” Crystal replied.
Rose stared into Crystals blood red eyes, seeing nothing but love spewing forth.  “Yeah well...” Rose said, turning away to face the obstacle course.
“It's easy Rose, watch and follow along with me.” Crystal said, extending her hoof to point towards the first obstacle.  “First... you have to slalom through those 10 hoops, then a quick nose dive through the final hoop.  Next... you're gonna reverse back and fly straight through those 12 clouds... make sure they dissipate.  Finally, you're going to do a high speed back flip and go in for a corkscrew nose dive landing gently on the X at the far end of the field” Crystal explained.
“Pacific Rose!”
Rose jumped in surprise when the instructor called her name.  “Um.... yes?” She squeaked.
“Your turn!” the instructor stated.
“Oh um... O....K” Pacific replied, blushing as she nervously flew to the starting grid.  She looked over her shoulder to see Crystal waving and cheering her on.  Pacific smiled and waved back before lowering her flight goggles over her eyes.
“Begin.”
Rose extended her wings and slowly took flight.  She flew through the air towards the first obstacle.  As she approached the rings, she began to tuck her wings back to help maintain control through the slalom.  She watched as the rings appeared to distance themselves from her.  She sped up, squinting her eyes to the point she was seeing double, yet miraculously made it through the slalom with no problems, that is... until she pulled up.  As she exited the last ring, she fully extended her wings to slow herself down, but she was going much to fast for what her wings were used to.  As she forced them open, the wind pressure immediately snapped them back.  She clamped her eyes shut as she fell into a death spiral, howling from the pain throbbing through her wings.
Seconds passed and she no longer felt the wind rushing by her.  Rose opened her eyes to see she was being suspended in mid air with magic... her sister's magic.
“S..Sis?” Rose whispered, before passing out from the pain.
Spectrum gently placed Rose on the ground in front of her, gently caressing her broken wing.  With a glow of her horn, she quickly mended the broken bones, and repaired her feathers.
“Rose!” Crystal cried.
Spectrum smiled at Crystal as she flew full speed towards them.
Once she reached them, Crystal gently caressed the back of Rose's head before turning to meet Spectrum.
“Is she going to be OK?” Crystal asked.
Nodding, Spectrum replied.  “Yes, she will be fine.  Just a few broken bones, but I mended them.  She'll be good as new as soon as she wakes up.”
“What should we do now?”  asked Crystal.  “The instructor looks mad.”
Without a moments hesitation, Spectrum teleported to the instructor who at this point had his clipboard thrown against the wall as he stomped angrily back and forth in place.
“When she wakes up you tell her she failed!” He screamed.  “She is a disgrace to her royal name!”
“You're being unfair!  She broke her wing, you can't fail her for that, it's.... unjust!” Spectrum shouted.
“I can and I just did!” The instructor said.  “She is by far THE worse flier I have ever laid eyes on, and she has no business calling herself a Pegasus!”  He snatched the clipboard off the ground and angrily scribbled a note on her evaluation paper.  “I could care less if your grandmother is the Princess, rules are rules: she didn't complete the course... she failed!”
Spectrum held her head low, disgusted that the instructor would talk that way about her sister.  Sadly she teleported back, not from fear of him snapping at her, but out of fear of her doing something to him that not even her Grandmother would overlook.
“Well?”  Crystal asked, as Spectrum took a seat next to her unconscious sister.
“She failed... she failed her final...” Spectrum whispered.  She gently ran her hoof through her sister's mane, as she lay motionless.  “He's.... a plot... A ROYAL plot.”
“Oh no” Daisy cried.
“It's OK Daisy” Spectrum replied.  “I'm going to bring her home... Hopefully Grandma Tia doesn't take the news bad.”
Daisy nodded as the two sisters teleported back to the castle.  No sooner than they had arrived were they flooded by guards, a medical crew, and Princess Luna, who walked quickly over to the two fillies.
“Is she alright Spectrum?”  Luna asked, placing her hoof on Rose's forehead.
Spectrum finally allowed her tears to come forth, as she held her sister, limp in her arms.  “She's... OK.  I fixed her broken bones but... but....”
Luna levitated Rose and placed her on the medical team's stretcher, who securely fastened her to it before flying down the hall carrying her to the medical wing.
“Come with me Sweetie” Luna said, giving a soft nudge against Spectrum's shoulder.  The two walked in silence into Luna's chamber where they each took a seat in the corner near a glass cabinet.  Luna removed two wine glasses and a half empty bottle of 'Chateau de Mare' and filled both glasses half way.  With a flick of her horn, she placed one in front of her niece who looked at it curiously.
“Auntie... you know I'm not old enough.”  Spectrum stated, staring at her Aunt: perplexed as to why she would give her alcohol.
“Nonsense Spectrum”  Luna replied.  “Sometimes... we do things we shouldn't... but I'm sure by the end of this day you'll agree that this helps.”
Spectrum nodded, taking the glass and sipping a little.  She gagged as the bitter flavor flowed into her mouth, but was contempt to swallow it: Auntie wouldn't give it to her if it wouldn't help.
“Now then,” Luna began, taking a sip of her own wine.  “So what exactly happened today?”
Spectrum stared at the floor while she took a moment to gather her thoughts.  “Well... I had just finished up my exam, so Daisy suggested we go and watch Rose... and be there for support...  So... we teleported there but... as soon as I arrived she was falling from the sky... I caught her with my magic... and... and...”  by now she was sobbing incoherently.
Luna levitated the bottle over and filled Spectrum's glass up once more, this time to the top.  “Drink sweetie...” She whispered.  Spectrum nodded and downed the glass without thinking.  Once again Luna filled it half way, tho this time it was left untouched.  “So... what happened next Spectrum?”
Drying her tears, Spectrum continued.  “Well... her wing was broken... and her feathers were all torn... I fixed her wing... I'm pretty sure I did... then... I confronted the instructor.  He was angry... he called her a disgrace to all Pegasi and to our Royal name, I've... never been this upset at an instructor before.  Then... then he failed her... because her wing had broken... It's not right! That's so unfair!”
Luna scooted herself next to her niece and pulled her into a loving embrace.  “Everything will be alright little one.”  She held her close for the next few minutes until a knocking at the door interrupted their moment.  Seconds later it opened, revealing a nurse and Pacific Rose.
“Princess... pardon my intrusion but... your niece checked out alright and wanted to join you and her sister.”  she said.
Luna nodded and thanked the nurse, who in return bowed and shut the door.
Rose took a seat next to her sister, and gently hugged her.  “Auntie... today... I...”
“Shh”
“But!” Rose interjected, only to be met wit a hoof running softly through her mane.
“I know what happened dear” Luna replied.
“I'm... well I thought about this before leaving the medical room Auntie” Rose said, as Luna softly nodded.  “I'm... quitting flight school... it's not my thing” she said through sobs.
Spectrum wrapped her hoofs around her sister, still sobbing: now into her sisters coat.
Luna nodded, she wrapped her hoofs around both of the crying fillies.  “Like I said before little one, I'll support your decision.  Now... how about some chocolate to go with that wine?  Oh!”  Luna said, bringing over another glass.  She filled it and placed it in front of Rose, who took it graciously, unlike her sister who had questioned her Aunt's motives.
“Chocolate sounds nice right about now.” Rose said, taking a sip from her glass and sitting it down.
Luna whisked a small box from her bed and levitated it just in front of the three of them.  Opening it revealed many small chocolates.  All different shapes and sizes, and shades of brown too.  “It was a gift from the new king of Saddle Arabia... he just knew I loved gourmet chocolates.”  She placed a few in front of each of the fillies, before placing two in front of herself.
The next few hours were those of laughter and joy.  Soon, Rose and Spectrum had just about forgotten the day's events.  But as the night progressed, it was inevitable that bedtime would arrive for two very drunk fillies.
The next morning, Luna awoke to multiple wine bottles scattering her chamber, along with her two nieces sleeping in a ball against the wall.  Nopony seemed to have the ability to make it into a bed last night.  She looked in the mirror, and hardly recognized herself under the mess she dared call a mane.  After a quick brush she exited the room and joined her sister for the morning meeting albeit, quite hungover.
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“Good morning sister, you are looking rather elated this morning.” Luna said, chuckling slightly as she took her place next to Celestia at the meting table.
“And good morning to yourself my dear little sister... although you are looking a bit hungover?  I hope the prior days events had not troubled you too much.” Celestia replied.
“Well actually” Luna began, “I spent the evening with the girls.  I don't remember much of what happened, and they probably won't either.”
“LUNA!” Celestia shouted.  “You gave them your wine?”
Luna threw herself back in her seat, realizing what she had just disclosed.  “Well... you see umm...”
“Save it for later sister, I'm sure you had your reasons.”  Celestia replied, as Shining Armor approached.
“Good morning Shining” Luna greeted.
“Good morning Shining Armor.  I see you have returned from the Galloping Gorge... how was the information?” Celestia asked.
Shining Armor nodded.  He placed his hoof to his muzzle, and after clearing his throat he began.
“I arrived at the disclosed location at 4:32 yesterday morning.  As you had believed, she is indeed residing in the Gorge.  It would seem that she has taking up residence, and is accompanied by no less than 2 other Alicorns.” Shining reported, being interrupted by Celestia.
“She's been busy I see.” Celetia replied, receiving a nod from Shining Armor.
“At approximately 17:40 yesterday evening, she was approached by an Orange Alicorn, who stayed only for a few moments then took off in the direction of the Smokey Mountain.” Shining said.
“So... Shooting Star went to see her mother... peculiar... I would think once she obtained the Lexicon she would have abandoned that pony...” Celestia added.
“Her mother?” Shining asked.
“Yes... I originally thought that it was she who had broken into the castle years ago and stole the Lexicon... at least I had before it was revealed to be Shooting Star instead... So...” Celestia said, standing up and walking over to a book shelf.
“So... what?”  Shining asked, as Celestia regained her seat, and placed a book in front of her.
“Shining Armor... what I'm about to tell you... must never leave your lips... it is imperative that I disclose this to you yet... I cannot permit you to utter this to another single pony, do you understand?” Celestia asked sternly.
“I understand princess, I vow to never release this information, even in the face of death.” Shining announced, placing a hoof to his chest in a salute.
Nodding she began.  “This started about 140 years ago.  I had given birth to my first child, yet... due to certain complications... these records were never released to the public...  Well... she was a very gifted Unicorn, if I had to compare her... I would say she was my equal by the time she was 21 but... I would never let her know that... nor would I ever divulge the extent of my power... but any-who as time grew on, she distanced herself from me, and began wandering the castle corridors at night.  About 40 years ago, something inside of my daughter snapped, and she went on a rampage.  In a single night she had destroyed most of Canterlot, and taken out a fraction of Fillydelphia before I could catch up with her... but by that time she was gone yet again... this time... she returned to the castle, and stole the Lexicon from my chambers... destroying the castle in the process.”
Shining nodded as the story was told.  Luna sat by idly, having heard this story in the past quite a few times.
“Well...” Celestia continued.  “She knew that the Lexicon had not yet been activated... all those times she shut herself away in her room, she had been researching the details of the Lexicon.  It was only a matter of time before she learned that she must use it to steal an Alicorn's powers before she could transfer them to herself, so... thus began her mission... and successful she was, as she indeed stole an Alicorn's power... resulting in him reverting to his prior form as a Pegasus.”
Shining Armor cleared his throat once Celestia had finished.  “Princess, indeed that is a moving story, and of very great importance to the history of Equestria but... if I may ask... what bearing has it on our current situation?”
“Shining Armor, you are wise beyond your years but... it is no  surprise that you didn't realize this sooner...  My daughter... her name was Starshine... the very Starshine that gave birth to Shooting Star.  Shooting Star... is my granddaughter.”

//-------------------------------------------------------//
             Chapter  2 : Immortality Revoked              
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Chapter 2 : Immortality Revoked
“Captain, everything looks to be in order.”
“Roger.”
Shining Armor sat with his back planted against an aged oak tree.  Through binoculars, he watched Starshine, gathering detailed info on her possible motives for staying in this location.  Though, he had been here, he had not come up with a single idea, besides the notion that perhaps Starshine lived here, to keep away from the world.
The week had passed slowly as he watched diligently.  A week of nothing but spying, sleeping, and eating... it's  enough to make a lowly guard rethink his choice of career, but... for the captain of the guard, it was his job to painstakingly fulfill his duty to the princess, and his duty was just this.
As the sun began to set for the evening, Shining Armor was met by his First Lieutenant, Flash Sentry.
“Good evening Captain” Flash whispered as he approached Shining Armor, ready to relieve him for the night shift.
“Hello Flash” Shining replied, as Flash took a seat next to him.
“How goes the watch?” Flash asked, taking a sip from his canteen.
Shining Armor handed the binoculars to Flash who took a look towards the clearing.  “Nothing... This week has been a waste.  She just lives here nothing more.:
Flash watched as Sunshine had finished folding her linens and placing them into a basket to bring inside.  “I'm going down there.”
Shining Armor's eyes snapped open in surprise.  “You will do no such thing!  Are you crazy?  If she see's us...”
“She's gonna eventually be arrested by us anyway...” Flash said, removing his side bags and placing them by the tree.  “This is roughly the time she goes to bed... at least, she did every night this week.  I'm going to... take a look around...”
Shining Armor called to Flash as he began making his way down the embankment.  “Flash... you know that there are two other Alicorns down there correct?”
Flash smiled, pulling a bag the size of a golf ball out of his mane and holding it up for Shining Armor to see.  “Chamaemlum nobile.... instant sleeping powder... Twi made it for me, just before we left.”
“I see” Shining Armor said.  “My sister never ceases to amaze me.”
Smiling, Flash extended his wings and gently made his way down, being careful not to attract the attention of the two Alicorn guards that stood guard over the house.  He landed just behind the house, and slowly creeped up to the wall.  Peering through the window, he confirmed that Sunshine was indeed laying down for the night, and took this as his only opportunity.
He slowly inched his way down the side of the house, using the utmost care to not alert the guards, as they were both stationed on each front corner of the house... strategic planning was a priority.  Flash was no further than a meter away when he made the decision to wait.
“Hey Murlock... do those guards really think we are so stupid... they've been up there now for a week.  Like Shooting Star is going to return with them here...idiots.”  The guard whispered.
“We'll keep acting as if there is nothing to see here... then they will leave and we'll get down to business finally... I can't believe they are taking us so lightly Seymour.”  Whispered the other.
“So I was right” Flash thought to himself, inching forward closing the distance between the guard and himself.  He pulled the bag out from his mane once more, and taking a small hoof full, he blew it in front of the guard, who sneezed upon inhaling it.  Seconds later he collapsed.
“Murlock?  Wake your plot up!”  Seymour said, walking over to his companion, noticing the traces of the yellow powder sticking to his nose.  “Royal guards...” he whispered, as he slowly crept around the corner, facing Flash Sentry straight in the eyes.
“I didn't expect this.” He thought to himself, reaching to where he would have kept his knife, but remembering he had removed his side bag before coming here.  He took some backwards steps quite slowly, as Seymour's horn began to glow black.  Flash closed his eyes, fearing the worse the only thing on his mind was his wife and daughter... until he heard a thundering crack.
Opening his eyes, he watched as Seymour flew 20 feet away, as Shining Armor removed himself from his bucking formation.  “You alright?”
Flash softly nodded, shaking his head, he quickly regained his composure.  “Thanks.”
Shining Armor swiftly placed hoof-cuffs on each Alicorn, along with a magic inhibiting ring on each of their horns.  “Hurry up and do your thing...  We're not going to arrest her tonight but...”  Shining Armor whispered, pulling a small black tack like object out of his side bag.  “You're going to use the rest of that powder on her... and after cleaning her up, you're going to attach this to the bottom of one of her back hoofs.”
Flash took the small device.  Looking at it, it was obviously a magic tracer designed by the princess herself.  “Understood.”
Flash slowly creeped through the front door, carefully watching for other potential guards.  He saw none as he approached Sunshine's bedroom.  Opening the door, Flash gently entered the room.  He approached Sunshine who slept soundly.  He sprinkled a small amount of the powder into her nose, and besides a sudden sneeze, she turned on her side and fell into an even deeper sleep.  He waved out the window, signaling it was clear for Shining to enter.
A minute later and Shining Armor entered the room.  The two of them spent the next half hour tearing the room apart searching for anything of importance.  By the time they were done searching, the room looked as if a tornado had gone through.  Book cases were knocked over, chests opened and their contents scattered across the floor.
“Nothing...” Shining Armor stated, taking a seat on the floor.
Flash joined him for a moment and eyed the sleeping Alicorn.  “What do we do about HER?”
Shining Armor shook his head, staring at her for a moment, then noticing a small crack in the floor right by her bed.  He approached it, and quickly determined it was loose floorboard.  He removed it, and inside lay a small brown box, and a ragged old book.  “Well what do we have here?” He asked, inspecting the box... “It won't open... and this book... There's... a page missing.”  Flash... take these.”  He said, handing them to Flash who placed them in his side bags.  “Also... give me the magic tracer.”
Flash handed him the tracer from his bag, and watched as Shining Armor inserted it into the bottom of Sunshine's back hoof.  “There we go.  Now then... let's get this mess cleaned up and report back to the princess.” Shining Armor sighed, as he took note of the pile of destruction that he had created just moments ago.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
“Hey Daisy” Spectrum asked.  “Your Dad is coming home tonight... right?”
“Yeah” She replied, nodding her head.  “I've missed him a lot.  Mom has been a bit sad... I can't blame her... he's been gone for a week now.”
Spectrum nodded, looking at the wall of her bedroom.  Pictures scattered the walls... pictures of her... and her sister.  Others of her Grandmother and Auntie, yet... the one that meant the most to her was the one which she kept on the nightstand of her bed.  She picked the white frame up, housing a picture of both her mothers on their wedding day.  “I wish...”
“What's wrong Hun?” Daisy asked, taking a seat next to Spectrum.
“I wish... I could have met my parents... I always have dreams about them but...” She added.  She took note as a single tear splashed on the glass.  “Grandma Tia said... that momma Rainbow chose to save me instead of herself... what's... what's it like to make a decision like that?  What does it feel like... to choose to sacrifice yourself, for the benefit of another?”
“Sis!”
Spectrum sat the picture down, and faced the door as Rose and Crystal came flying in.
“Hurry!  Come to Grandma's study!”  Rose shouted.
As the four of them galloped as fast as they could, Spectrum couldn't help but notice the increase in the number of guards that were stationed.  “Rose.. why are we in such a hurry?!?”
“Shining Armor... and... Flash... Sentry” Rose replied, gasping for breath as she ran.  “Returned... they found... something.”
As they entered the study, they all took a seat at the end of the meeting table, as Shining Armor and Flash sat down the two objects they retrieved.
“Princess Celestia... should they really be present for this?” Shining Armor asked, pointing a hoof at Spectrum and the others.
Luna however, placed her hoof on Shining Armor's, lowering it.  “If it's about their parents, then they have every right to be present.”  Luna said, smiling at her nieces.
“Well then” Shining Armor announced, clearing his throat.  “Last night we apprehended Sunshine's Alicorn guards, and retrieved these... from a hidden storage compartment in her bedroom.
Celestia took the box and the book, and inspected them.  The box, from what she could tell was sealed with a powerful dark magic, one of which she could not open, the book... had a single written page... being followed by one which had been torn out.
If you are reading this, and are not my daughter, then turn back now as this contains nothing of importance to you.  Not a day goes by when I don't think back on that day when I received these powers of mine, and also of the day I transferred a portion to you.  Those days however, are long gone, and mine too, shall just be pages in a history book.  However as you know, you have the means of which to grow even stronger, yet the object you retrieved is not yet ready to be fully awakened by your own hoofs.  Even if you chose to awaken the lexicon now, and even if you were to determine it's location, I have made it impossible for you to use it, let alone access it until your powers have matured.  But as you may be wondering, you do have the means to access this... it's all in your head, you'll soon know the spell, just learn to use it.  In the light of all of which has happened, living here is a gamble.  Not all Alicorns as you already know... are immortal.  Do not think for a second that you are as well... my daughter.  Immortality comes with a price, a sacrifice of which I do not deem you worthy of.
Now seek out the magic of which you shall rightfully own.  Go now... learn... and harness the Lexicon... the spell you seek... is on the next page... the location of that page... is hidden within the one you read.
Your mother,
Sunshine
“So... It's a diary”  Celestia stated.  Inspecting the book, and the missing page.  “Whoever... did this... knew we were coming.”
Luna picked the box up from the table and examined it.  “I'll say it's safe to assume that the Lexicon is inside of here... and the missing spell is the means of gaining entry into this box.”
“And... the clue to finding the missing page is within this diary entry?” Shining Armor said, looking at the note, reading it again.  “I can't see anything” He stated, handing the diary back to Celestia.
“You know... This will be a wonderful test for my granddaughter” She said, handing the diary to Spectrum.  “If there is anypony able to figure this out... it's definitely her.”
Spectrum blushed, taking the book and scanning the page.  “But... but grandma... I don't see anything.”
“I'm positive you will dear.” Celestia replied.  “Now... why don't you four head up to bed, it's getting late.”
Spectrum nodded, and took the lead exiting the room.  Celestia closed the door behind them and returned to the table.  “Shining Armor” She called.
“Ma’am!”
“I want you to take the lexicon when you return to the Crystal Empire.  Surely, if Sunshine discovers it has gone missing... the first place she will search is Canterlot” Celestia said, handing the box over to Shining Armor.
“Then!” Shining Armor said, setting the box down on the table.  “It is imperative that we strengthen the protection here!  We can't risk the safety of all of you again!”
“Which is why the girls will be sent to Cloudsdale.”
“Why Cloudsdale?”  Luna asked.  “Oh...”
Celestia nodded.  “Lightning Storm will keep them safe.  We... discussed the possibility of this happening years ago.  I... will also take residence there as well for the time being.”
“Sister!  Why can't we just use the Elements of-” Luna yelled.
“Because... the Elements of Harmony... died with Rainbow Dash and Applejack” Celestia replied, staring at the ground.
“How... is that possible?” Luna whispered.
Celestia relieved herself from the table and stood at her windowsill to gather her thoughts.  As she opened the window, a cool breeze overtook the room, as if it were extinguishing all the sorrow she held for the moment.
“Normally... Luna...”  Celestia began, turning to face her sister.  “Normally the Elements are passed on before one's death but... since the last bearers died... they are unable to pass on the Elements of Honesty and Loyalty.”
“I see...” Luna sadly replied.
“The girls and myself will leave for Cloudsdale in the morning... Luna!  I wish for you to head to Manehatten and keep watch there.  Shining Armor and Flash Sentry...”
“Ma’am” they said in unison.
“You have both done well... return to your families in the morning.  And Flash... don't tell Twilight where I am headed... alright?”
“Sure...” Flash replied.  “We will leave Canterlot as well... it seems it will not be safe here for the time being.”
Celestia nodded, approaching the table and examining the box one more time.  “This one thing started this all those years ago...”
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
“I... don't wanna go to Cloudsdale sis”  Rose said, as they headed to their room.
“We shouldn't have snooped Rose but... I don't want to go there either.”  Spectrum replied.  “I wish there were somewhere else we could go.”
“Umm...” Crystal hummed.  “Maybe... you two can come with me and daddy back to the Crystal Empire?”
“But!” Daisy cut in.  “Spectrum wants to figure out this book... right Spectrum?”
Spectrum looked at the book as it floated in front of her.  “To be honest... it wasn't hard.”
Rose stopped in her tracks, causing Daisy and Crystal to plow into her.  “What do you mean it wasn't hard?”
“Save it until we're back in our room” Spectrum replied.
They quietly walked past the guards as they climbed the stairs into the northeastern tower that housed their bedroom.  Spectrum opened the door as everyone scrambled to get inside.  As she entered, Spectrum placed the book down on the table and placed a muffling spell along the walls of the room.
“A muffling spell?” Daisy asked.
“Yeah... I don't want the guards hearing and telling Grandma Tia” Spectrum replied.
“So.... You figured the book out?” Crystal asked.
“Yeah... and I'm sure Grandma Tia did too... it's not like it was supposed to be hard... just to keep thrill seekers away I guess.”  Spectrum said, grabbing her scissors from inside her crafts box.  “The secret is... the first letter of every sentence. I-N-T-H-E-B-I-N-D-I-N-G.”
“In the binding!” they all said together.
Spectrum nodded, slicing a small opening in the binding and reveling a folded piece of paper.  She pulled the paper out and unfolded it, placing it on the table.  She read the one word on the piece of paper.
“Zephyrus” Rose said.
“That's not a spell!” Spectrum yelled.  “It's... I don't know what it is!” She screamed, falling backwards onto the floor.
“I'll... be right back girls.” Daisy announced as she quickly left the room, but returned in under a minute, floating in front of her was a book.  She placed it on the table and opened it to the last page.
“Zephyrus” Spectrum read.  “The god of the west wind...”
“Zephyrus was the horse god that pulled Zeus's chariot” Daisy said, pointing to his picture.
“but... isn't that just a myth? Crystal asked.
“Yes Crystal” Daisy replied.  “But... Zephyrus was said to live in a cave in Thrace.”
“Isn't there a shrine for him out west?” Rose asked.
Daisy nodded, pointing to the next page in the book.  “A alter was erected in the Smokey Mountain in his honor.  It attracts local tourists year round who flock to pay their respects, in hopes that the spirit may bless them with his holy magic.”
“That settles that” Spectrum said.  “I'm going there.”
Everypony's eyes snapped open.  “Are you crazy?!?” asked Rose.  “You could get yourself killed!”
“Rose...” Spectrum whispered.  “Grandma gave me this book because she said I'm the only one who could figure it out.”
“And you did!”  Rose replied angrily.  “But she didn't say for you to go get yourself killed on some crazy chicken chase.”
“I'm going Rose... My mind is made up” Spectrum said, grabbing her side bag from under her bed.
Rose left the room, being followed by Crystal.
“She's upset... are you sure you should go Spectrum?”  Daisy asked.
Spectrum stared at the page from the book.  “Shooting Star killed both of my moms... I have to go...”
“Then we're going with you” Crystal and Rose said, as they returned with bags full of food and supplies.
“Girls” Spectrum whispered, running to them and embracing them.  “But.. how did you not attract the guards attention?”
“Easy!” Crystal giggled.  “We told them we were hungry and wanted some food for our sleepover.”
“Should we... take the lexicon with us?” Daisy asked.
“No...” replied Spectrum.  “We know where it will be.  If we find what we're looking for... we'll come back for it.”
“When... are we leaving?” Crystal asked.
“In one hour” Spectrum replied.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Celestia and Luna stood on the south balcony, overlooking Ponyville.  They watched together as the ponies, one by one, turned the lights off in their houses.  Celestia also looked towards Sweet Apple Acres, the former home of her daughter and daughter in law.  But... it was abandoned now.  After Applejack's death, Granny Smith passed away from sheer heartbreak.  Big McIntosh left for Appleloosa to be with the rest of his family, while Applebloom refused to go, insisting on staying with the other Cutie Mark Crusaders.
“What is troubling you sister?” Luna asked, wiping a tear from Celestia's face.
“Oh Luna,” she replied.  “It's been 14 years yet... nothing has healed.”
Luna wrapped her hoofs around her eldest sister's neck, drawing her close.
“I'm sorry Luna.” Celestia said as she extended her wings and flew towards Ponyville.
Luna watched as her sister left, no doubt heading down to her daughters last home.  “Sis... what do I have to do to heal the pain?”  She said, as she curled up in the corner and fell asleep.
A few moments passed and Celestia landed in front of the old barn.  She looked at the barn that was now missing boards from the walls, and half of the roof had caved in.  She walked inside only to be met with a magnitude of dust.  Obviously, when the remainder of the Apple family left, they did not even bother packing.
Celestia walked through the house that time forgot, glancing at the photos that scattered the walls.  Most every picture had now included Rainbow Dash.  Obviously she played a role in the family, and had been welcomed warmly in the end.
Walking up the stairs, Celetia approached the door that lead to their bedroom.  She gently pushed it open and soon was standing in the center of her daughters bedroom.  Unlike the rest of the house, this room was spotless.  There was not a speck of dust to be seen.
“How odd.” Celestia whispered, as she opened up Applejack's nightstand, finding a diary inside.
I'm feeling really bad this year.  It's bucking season and Mac is out there bucking by himself, and Applebloom... she's trying her best.  Rainbow has been having those nightmares again, hopefully they disappear soon, it pains me to see her screaming as she wakes up in the middle of the night.  Well... today was nice I reckon.  We spent the day in bed, thinking up names for our foals.  We've settled on Pacific Rose for mine... gotta keep tradition with an apple name right?  Rainbow on the other hand has absolutely no idea whatsoever.  Typical Rainbow, trying to figure out the coolest or most awesome name she can think of.  We got a letter today from the princess, she wants to see us soon, and go to a banquet with her... I don't even know what that means, but Rainbow sure seems excited.  So until next time faithful diary of mine, talk to ya tomorrow.
Celestia turned the page which contained only two sentences.
I know you don't believe me about my thoughts on my dream Applejack, I think my dream is going to come true.  But, in case it does and I die like I did in the dream well... I love you forever Applejack....
Rainbow Dash
“She knew... She knew she was approaching the end of her life” Celestia said through sobs, while tears streamed down her face.  “It's only natural I guess... she's my daughter, and it's only natural that she would have some magic ability, despite her lack of a horn.”
Something glimmered that caught Celestia's eyes.  She sat the diary down on the bed, and approached the closet.  Opening the door, she was met with the dresses that Rainbow and Applejack wore on their wedding day.  Standing there in their presence, memories of that day came flooding back to the princess.
“How... are you feeling?” She asked.
Rainbow frowned a little, meeting the princess's gaze.  “To be honest... I'm nervous...”
“It's perfectly fine for you to be nervous dear... this is a big change in your life.”
Rainbow nodded, turning to look at herself in the mirror once more.  “I asked my dad to invite my mom...”
“Did you now?” chuckled Celestia.
“I hope she comes...” Rainbow said, trailing off.
“I promise that she is going to be there Rainbow, even if you don't know it.”
Celestia sat back down on the bed, sinking her face into her hoofs.  “I'm such an idiot.  I shouldn't have ever left her in the first place... I should have... told her when I first met her in Ponyville all those years ago.” She said, as her coat slowly became soaked from her tears.
“I promised your father many years ago... 22 to be exact... that I would not divulge that information to you.  Don't be upset my dear... she will be at your wedding, I promise.”
“I promised him nothing, it was a lie!  I made HIM promise not to tell you... I'm such an idiot.  But... at least I was there... just like I promised you Rainbow.  I told that one lie all those years ago... and thus doing so... I broke my bond with the Elements of Harmony.” She whispered, holding back what tears she could.
But finally Celestia collapsed on the floor, being consumed in her own grief.  For the first time in 14 years, the pain of losing her daughter was overbearing, and she couldn't take it any more.
“Curse my immortality!” She shouted.  Her horn glowed bright yellow, engulfing her in a yellow sphere.  When she emerged she was noticeably shorter, her ethereal mane had been replaced with a simple pink mane which no longer defied gravity.  A small yellow orb fell from her horn and landed at her hoofs.
“I've lived for far too many years and grown attached to far too many ponies.”
The next morning Celestia returned to the castle to find her sister asleep on her balcony.  She approached her and nuzzled her gently, causing the night princess to stir.
“S...Sis?” Luna whispered, before snapping her eyes open.  “Wha?? What happened to your mane?  When did you get back?”
“Luna... I can't keep living on with this grief from losing her.  I've... decided to finally age myself as a normal pony.  It's your turn to shine on the throne little sister.”
“But sister!” cried Luna.
“No buts Luna!” Celestia responded, cradling her sisters face in her hoofs.
“But... where will you go?” Luna asked.
“It's time... after all these years... to finally be with my husband.” Celestia stated, as she turned to walk inside.
Luna stood up to follow her, but stopped at the door, a question lingered on the front of her mind.  “That's not... the only thing you're going there for... is it?” She asked.
Celestia walked to her bedroom, with Luna following close behind.  She unlocked the door and walked inside, removing the black box from her nightstand and placing it on the table.
“reclude” She said, as the box opened up, revealing the lexicon.
“Sis?  How did you know?” Luna asked, taking a seat on the edge of Celestia's bed.
Celestia placed her yellow orb by the lexicon, and with a tap of her horn, the lexicon swallowed the orb, leaving behind a faint yellow glow.
“There will be a time when Spectrum is ready to use this... but until then you must keep it safe Luna.”
Luna nodded, taking the box from her sister as she relocked it.  “I thought you were leaving it with Shining Armor?” She asked.
“I only said that last night because they were listening outside of the door.  They... probably aren't here right now.  It's obvious that little Spectrum figured out the book puzzle and has left searching for an answer.” Celestia said, as she took a seat next to Luna, placing her head on Luna's shoulder.
“And you're OK with that?” Luna asked.
“It's her destiny.  It is she who is destined to destroy Shooting Star.  I... cannot do it, knowing she is my blood.”  Celestia whispered.
“So... I must ask this Tia... Just... what is it that they will find on their journey?”
Celestia fell backwards into her bed.  “That I do not know little sister.”