One shade the more, one ray the less, had half impaired the nameless grace which waves in every raven tress, or softly lightens o'er her face; where thoughts serenely sweet express how pure, how dear their dwelling place. And on that cheek, and o'er that brow, so soft, so calm, yet eloquent, the smiles that win, the tints that glow, but tell of days in goodness spent a mind at peace with all below, a heart whose love is innocent!
The place was silvered and transformed by the light of the moon, which, at the full, hung like a great luminous pearl on the radiant breast of heaven. The moon, swinging low in the heavens, cast long, deep shadows far down the trail. Looked pale and wan, as if it shouldn't be up on a night like this. It rose unwillingly and hung like an ill specter. Silhouetted against it, dim and hazy through the dampness which rose from the unwholesome fens, stood the assorted towers... shone over its white stone buildings, quietly sleeping in the still hours of the night, as over the white, silent slabs of a country churchyard.
She walks in beauty, like the night of cloudless climes and starry skies; and all that's best of dark and bright meet in her aspect and her eyes: thus mellowed to that tender light which heaven to gaudy day denies. Princess Luna eyes never left her lover's sight. One wing on Twilight's body which kept warmth under the cold dark moon. "Beautiful, isn't it dear Twilight?" Luna said, as she looked around space.
Twilight nodded, her eyes trailing a bright point of light moving rapidly across space that faded at almost the instant it appeared. The speeds of meteors can actually vary quite a bit. Often she would see a glowing trail of smoke behind them that fades away in about one or two seconds. "Was it like this when you were trapped?" She asked, her eyes now on the indigo alicorn at her side.
Luna turned to her and nodded gently, “Yes. Every time I felt alone, I would look down at the Earth below. Seeing those ponies happy and smiling... Even though I was facing my punishment, I knew that my subjects were safe and happy. That was all that I really cared about after what I had done...”
"But weren’t you Nightmare Moon during your imprisonment in the moon?"
"Sometimes she would come out and try to escape. During that time, I would be trapped in my mind with no control over my body. I would wait until I had the power to push her back. Every time, I wished that I was home, I grew very weary of the constant battle with the darkness,” Luna lowered her head and uttered, "but they were wishes and nothing more." She sighed, opening her eyes to look at the ground. Twilight took notice of Luna's eyebrows drooping a little and stared into her eyes finding nothing sadness, regret, fear, and loneliness.
Twilight saw sadness in Luna eyes. She had seen in the eyes of the mare. Who kept running from terrible and gruesome things she has done as Nightmare Moon. Luna never explained what bothered her the most about her alter-ego. Those are memories that Luna never wanted to remember. Seen those she killed as Nightmare Moon made Luna afraid she would be overcome with guilt. It was apparent that she was still fighting an intense battle with that wicked mare of darkness. Twilight could see how much of a burden Luna was carrying; she looked exhausted, despite being in a dream state. Twilight felt sorry for her, this sadness is pervasive and reveals something about her troubled soul... It's a wonder how Twilight caught the sadness in Luna's eyes, but she did.
Twilight pulled Luna closer with her wing, and nuzzled her. "Well you're home now, and evil that was inside you vanished when my friends used the elements of harmony against you as Nightmare Moon, you have nothing to worry about."
When those words went through Luna ears her sadness tried to hold it back, but eventually it cracked through the veneer. When it did Luna's face, and eyes, lit up and she couldn’t help but gasp a little. Her whole body smiled, not just Luna lips like the mare next to her.
Luna nuzzled Twilight and whispered: "Thank you dear, Twilight. They watched as their planet stood two-hundred and thirty-eight thousand, nine-hundred miles away as it rotated slowly in dark quiet space. Seconds passed as utter silence filled the air, but was broken with a sigh coming from the mare seated next to Luna. "Is something wrong, Twilight Sparkle?"
Twilight sighed. "Don't get me wrong I love spending time with you, but-"
"But what?"
"Do we have to keep seeing each other through dreams?"
Luna sadly nodded her head. "We cannot be seen together in reality,"
"But why?" Twilight asked, a hint of sadness in her voice. She didn't understand they had to always meet in secret rather than in public.
"Having unclouded judgment is one of the many duties of a princess. I cannot afford to get too close to somepony. If I do, I risk being distracted from my royal duties or even endangering the lives of the citizens for the sake of the one I care for," Luna explained. "If we were caught, my crown will be taken away from me and I will be stripped from my title. That is a path in which there is no way back. I know it doesn't sound fair but that's the rule in the family kingdom."
Twilight remain silent with her thoughts. Why is this a rule? Why can't it be changed? Princess Celestia would understand our decision...right? Why can't Princesses have a somepony and worried about their subjects isn't so hard...right? Questions rotated in her head being unanswered. "Why can't we date in secret back in Equestria?" She finally spoke up.
Luna thought for a moment thinking of an answer. When Luna found one she said, "Because my sister can sense us and will say we can't be together anymore for the sake of Equestria,"
They both watched as more bright points of light moving rapidly across space, beginning suddenly before fading into the night sky without a trace. "You have much to learn about being a princess and its consequences, then and only then will you understand."She said, as she rose up from where they were seated. "But always remember, I love you Twilight,"
Luna thought for a moment thinking of an answer.
Luna walked to Twilight and their muzzles touched. They stood there not wanting to break the kiss, but it had to be done. "I love you too, Luna." Then everything went black.
Twilight woke up in her bed. Her eyes darting around in searched for Luna but to no avail. There were no signs of her. Twilight groggily shook her head and got up from her untidy bed then straightened the bed with her magic. She stretched out her limbs and moaned when she heard her connective tissue crack. She left the room to attend her royal duties.
Chapter One: Royal Archive
You have much to learn about being a princess...
“I think we should send some guards to Manehatten to see if there are any changelings that may have taken refuge there,” spoke Luna.
…Both its rewards and its consequences...
“I agree. Princess Luna, have your guards check the Everfree Forest as well. It still remains dangerous andand would be the ideal sanctuary for them to lurk,” Celestia concurred.
“Agreed,” responded Luna.
…Only then will you truly understand...
“Twilight?”
...But always remember, I love you Twilight...
“Twilight!” shouted Celestia.
Twilight snapped out of though, all eyes stuck on her as both princesses waited for her response.
“Yes, Princess Celestia?” said Twilight.
Princess Celestia, who was seated across from Twilight shook her in disappointment.
“Twilight, when becoming a Princess you'll need to be on full alert,” spoke Celestia slightly bothered.
“Sorry I guess I'm still a little tired,” Twilight apologized.
She indeed felt quite tired after yesterday's events. Not only did she deliver an inspirational speech to the ponies of Canterlot, she also visited Ponyville to meet up with her friends.
“Yesterday really wore me out,” she spoke sheepishly.
“Well if you're that tired, I suggest you to get some rest. We have a big day ahead of us,” said Celestia.
Twilight nodded and got up then walked to the door. Before she reached the door, she turned to her teacher.
“Are you sure, because I can-”
Celestia held her hoof up and shook her head.
“I insist. You'll need to be fully awake for tomorrow,” stated Celestia.
Twilight left the room leaving Luna and Celestia alone. Luna felt she should of followed her, to make sure Twilight was alright. But soon dismissed the idea, thinking it might be too suspicious. She then turned to face her sister.
“I'm afraid this is may be too much for her, Tia,” Luna spoke with concern.
“I'm sure she'll be fine,” Celestial reassured. “You would always be concerned about little things, Lulu,” Celestia said with a chuckle.
“Ha...Ha very funny, Tia,” Luna said, as she rolled her eyes.
“Don't worry, little sister. I know that I chose the right one,” Celestia said.
The two princesses then went back to discussing the royal things were needed to be done to make a better Equestrian.
~5 hours later~
As she woke from her slumber, Twilight decided to take a stroll through the castle. During her trek, Twilight came across her friend from the Crystal Empire Flash Sentry. Following protocol, he saluted the approaching princess.
“Greetings, Princess Twilight!” said Flash Sentry.
“Hi, Flash Sentry,” spoke Twilight.
“Out for a stroll around the castle?” asked Flash.
“Yeah...” she responded.
Flash couldn't help but noticed that something seemed off with her.
“Something wrong, your highness?” he asked with genuine concern.
She simply waved off the question.
“No, I'm fine. Just dealing with some princess stuff is all,” she responded nonchalantly.
“Well, if you ever need somepony to talk to, I'm here for you,” Flash smiled.
Feeling that he was being sincere with his offer, she decided to share her grievance. She quickly looked around to see if anypony was around. With the coast clear, she leaned in and whispered,
“Follow me. I have something I wanna discuss with you.”
“Yes, your highness,” saluted Flash.
The two then found a secluded hallway to chat in private.
“Okay, what I'm about to tell is private and cannot be discussed with anypony else. Not even Celestia. Do you promise to keep it between us?” asked Twilight.
“You have my word, princess.”
After breathing a sigh of relief, she began to disclose the recent events that has happened within the last few months. As they were talking some guards began to patrol nearby and the two decided to move their conversation. The two then began to walk toward the historical wing of the castle. Walking side by side, Flash Sentry was still trying wrap his head around what he has been told.
“So let me get this straight! You're saying you and Luna are dating?!” shouted Flash.
“Shh, not so loud! We trying to keep it a secret, remember,” Twilight whispered.
“Sorry, but when and how did this happen?” Flash whispered.
“Well it started about three months ago. And the reason why is a little too complicated to explain right now,” explained Twilight.
“Okay, I hope you'll clue me in later.”
“You bet, Flash.”
Flash soon noticed the architecture along the walls had change from the ones he was use to seeing. He then realized that they were in a different part of the castle.
“Where in the hay are we? I've never been around here before,” asked Flash.
“We are headed to the Royal Archive,” stated Twilight.
“Huh? Why are were going there?”
“You'll see, Flash.”
The two then continued toward Canterlot Royal Archive, the place where the collection of all the historical documents of the Canterlot Royal resided. Inside laid records dating back before the rule of Celestia and Luna. Twilight believed that inside that archive may lie the answers that she has desperately been searching for. The truth behind the 'Royal Rule'.
“So what do you expect to find in the archive?” asked Flash, a little curious of what they might find.
Twilight nodded.
“I'm sure that there is a document with explanation as to what this 'Royal Rule' is and how it came to . But if there's not. then I know Celestia is hiding something from me. Either way, I'm detremined to find out the truth.”
“I don't think Princess Celestia would something like that, would she?”
Twilight then thought for a moment. Would her beloved mentor, surrogate mother, and trusted friend willingly hide something from her? Or give an explaination as to why she can't ever discover this secret?
“I don't know. But I do know is I'm going to find out,” Twilight spoke with resolve.
“If you're sure about it, then let's do this,” Flash said.
They soon came across two guards blocking the entrance inside the archive.
“Halt!” shouted one of the guards, pointing his sword at Flash.
“It's fine he's with me,” Twilight said approaching the guards as well.
“Our apologies, your highness,” the stallion bow down to show his respects. “But I regret to inform you Princess Celestia has forbidding anypony from entering the Royal Archives, even you,” the stoic guard stated.
Twilight could help but feel hurt. Is the origin of this rule so important, that she would keep it from her own protege? With no other choice, she conjured a Sleeping Spell which knocked out both of the guards.
“Twilight, what the-,” exclaimed Flash
“Don't worry, Flash. It's just a Sleeping Spell,”
They then proceeded to enter into the Canterlot Royal Archive. Twilight hoped that whatever was in there would answer all her questions, but at the same time she had a feeling that once she learned the truth it might be something that too much for her to handle.
Inside there stood roughly about two-million bookshelves filled with a multitude of parchments documenting the very history of Equestria. As she observed the wonderment of the archive she noticed a statue in the center of the archive. It three ponies (one in the middle, one on the right, and one left) lifiting their hooves to the stars. The two ponies on the left and right were Luna and Celestia, but Twilight was unfamiliar of the poniy in the center.
“Alright, Flash. Time to get to work!” stated Twilight.
As the minutes slowly passed, a pile of parchments lay next to the two friends, as neither Twilight nor Flash were able to find what they were looking for.
“Twilight, this is taking too long. We're not even a quarter of the way done,” Flash said, throwing the another parchment onto the pile. “I think those guards are gonna wake soon.”
“Just what are you hiding from me, Celestia?” Twilight uttered, not even acknowledging Flash Sentry's comment.
After a few seconds of skimming through her current parchments, she tossed into the ever growing pile. As she scanned the for her next document, she came across an old dusty parchment covered with cob web. Feeling as thought she may have found what she was looking for, Twilight's heart began to pound rapidly against her chest at full speed. Her hooves were shaking with excitement with every passing second. A drop of sweat pouring down her face, as she slowly open the parchment. Just as she was about to read the parchment, a bright light filled the room. As the light faded, Celestia appeared in front of Twilight with an frown upon her face.
“P-Princess Celestia...I can explain...”stuttered Twilight.
“My chambers...Now!” said Celestia with anger lacing her words.
Using her magic to open a nearby window, Celestia proceeded to fly out of the room. Twilight felt that her heart was in her stomach, as she knew that she was in for a severe scolding. She turned to see Flash Sentry wore a worried expression on his face.
“Don't worry I'll be fine,” she reassured, then took off after Celestia leaving him alone.
“How can you be so sure? You totally disobeyed her,” explained Flash.
“I know, but I'm sure my punishment won't be too bad,” Twilight smile nervously.
“I hope you know what you're getting into Twilight,” Flash said.
With that, Twilight departed for her mentor's chambers. It was then, the two guards burst through the door with their swords pointed directly at Flash.
“Halt criminal scum!”
Flash merely shook his head.
“Twilight, you better have some kind of party waiting for me after this mess,” he silently uttered.
Uttered silence passed through the Celestia chambers. Twilight felt more afraid, because Celestia had never before waited to addressed what Twilight did wrong in private.
“Celestia I-,” Twilight tried to explain.
Celestia just held a hoof up which promoted Twilight not to speak.
“I thought I can trust you Twilight,” spoke Celestia.
Twilight was about to speak, but decided to remain silent. Celestia went into her wine cabinet and took out a bottle along with a glass. Celestia sighed as poured herself a glass of wine and briefly took a sip.
“I thought I choose somepony who would be faithful to me,” she sighed.
She then took another sip. Celestia then threw her glass against the wall, which caused it to shatter and spew across the floor. As the tears were streaming down her face, Twilight could see the hurt and rage in her mentor's eyes.
“And this is how you treat me! By sneaking into the archives when I told you not to!”
“But I-”
“You were my most trusted student!”
“If you would just-”
“It was I who chose you to become the next princess! And this is how you show your gratitude!”
After hearing this, Twilight could no longer hold the tears. As the tears flowed forth, she felt deeply hurt as the one who she considered her mentor and thought of as her surrogate mother was angrily shouting at her.
“WELL MAYBE YOU CHOSE WRONG!” she shouted, as she ran out the chamber.
As she saw her precious student leave, Celestia could help but feel ashamed.
“Maybe, I did,” she uttered.
A few hours had passed since the incident, but Celestia still remained in her chambers. Staring out the window, the feel of hurt and betrayal still resonated within her.
“Why, Twilight? Why would you listen?” she whispered through the silence.
The deafening silence that filled the room quickly ended, as an angry princess of the night busted through the doors.
“WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!” Luna angrily shouted.
Celestia didn't respond, but simply kept her gaze on the setting sun on the horizon.
“I believed it's almost time for you to raised the moon, dear sister,”
“The moon can wait, Tia. What cannot is you apologizing to Twilight Sparkle for-,”
“APOLOGIZE FOR WHAT?!” she suddenly spoke with the Royal Canterlot voice.
This action quickly caught Luna's attention.
“For going against what I told her not to do?” asked Celestia.
“For dragging her into this. She will have to watched her friends and family grow old and die while she remains immortal. We have been through this for thousands years, but she only been through it few years she won't last,”
“I chose her because I saw something in her. Something powerful enough can raise Equestria from the ashes should we failed to do so !”
Luna sighed and walked near the exit, but turned to faced her elder sister.
“You're starting to sound just like mother did, before she went mad. I'm afraid for you,” she said, then walked out the room.
The sun beamed down upon the princesses faces, their twin gaze was locked onto the cloudless, baby blue skies, a shining blue that could allow them to feed off of it's beauty and live forever. This day could make everypony wish they could live off it’s beauty for all of time as both mares sat on the soft grass underneath them. Luna’s eyes were shut as the warmth from the sun shined upon her face. She sighed, as all the stress that weighed on her shoulders vanished. There was one problem, however, that didn’t seem to vanish and that was her sister’s change in attitude.
Twilight stared at the sun’s beauty, wondering if the mare who created it changed over the years. Something about Celestia’s tone, the look on her face unmoved her. Something inside the Canterlot Archive she was very secretive about.
“Princess Luna, I need to ask-
“You, don’t have to call me Princess.” Luna interrupted as her eyes opened, “You know you can always call me Luna, cause you sound more cute saying that.”
Twilight blushed at the comment, “Can I ask you something?”
An eyebrow was raised in reply. “What is it?”Luna asked, now curious. “Is it something bad?”
Twilight shook her head, “It’s about how Celestia reacted when she found out I was sneaking around.”
Luna sighed, “I don’t wanna talk about my sister’s actions right now.” she replied coldly, “She’s changed over the years Twilight and I-” she stopped as her tears ran down her cheek. “I don’t even recognize her anymore.”
Twilight gasped, and opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. They both just stared into the gazing sun as the unmoving silence passed through them.
As the stillness crept into her skin, she couldn’t contain the question she held in any longer. “How long are we going to keep doing this?”
“Pardon?”
Twilight sighed. “Secretly seeing each other through my dreams?” She asked, “I mean I do love the places we pick to see each other in here, but it seems all too unreal.”
“Twilight, you know we can’t-
“Why not!” Twilight interrupted her, “Because Celestia said so, Celestia doesn’t control you, Luna!”
“The rules control me, Twilight! they control us!” Luna hissed at her. “We all have to follow them!”
“What happens when we don’t?”
Luna was about to open her mouth to speak, but she couldn’t find the right words to tell Twilight.
Twilight chuckled.“You, don’t even know,do you?” she sighed. “Did you and Celestia ever try to break the royalty rule?”
Luna shook her head, “Me and my sister have held true to the rule for so long, we both hold great fear for breaking them.”
Feeling ashamed for her outburst, Twilight placed a wing over Luna’s shoulder, “I’m sorry.” she said, “I shouldn’t be pressuring you to break something you're true to.”
Luna turned to her young princess and smiled, “It’s alright Twilight, I’ll try to find a way for us to be together in reality.”
“Thank you.”
It’s as if the colors and intensity of the light are just enough to calm the Princesses worries and angry. The sun is like a great big romantic, inspirational fire in the sky. It would be as if a powerful symphony was quieting down, becoming more emotional and beautiful as it dies down.
Its rays seem friendly. They reminded her of a certain old friend, waving goodbye to them. The pair didn’t know if Celestia's mind had finally given up, but Luna was filled with confidence that she’d see her sister's sanity and kindness return.
Luna leaned over to Twilight and their muzzles touched. both sat there not wanting to break the kiss, but it had to be done.
After a long passionate kiss Twilight broke away. She bit her lip as she stared into her special somepony's eyes, wanting to kiss her fiercely. Twilight giggled, “I gotta go.”
Luna nodded and got up, “Twilight, I promise I’ll find a way.” And with that, trotted off towards the sky as it began fracturing around them.
Twilight woke up, and groggily shook her head. She smiled as the thought of the promise Luna had made filled her with hope. She raised her head to see the light in the room was fading away, creating new shadows and dark patches around her. Twilight was surrounded by Eyes filled with darkness that glimmered from the tree hollows. The wind wailed between distorted trunks, carrying the sickly stink of wood rot.
“W-W-Where am I?”
A sadistic laugh echoed through the dark forest, enjoying the smell and taste of Twilight’s fear. You’re in our world, Princess.” The voice said.
Twilight backed up into a tree , feeling the wood scratch the back of her neck,“What do you want? Who are you?”
“Questions, questions.” It chuckled, Just know, Princess, thatwe only want one thing.” it growled as the darkness closed in on Twilight, “To break you!”
