Many Moons Agoby GrapeVinoChaptersA Troubled EveningLike Drawing Blood from a StoneDust and ShadowsSistersA Troubled EveningA summer’s day was often appreciated in Ponyville and Canterlot. The ponies would all thank the pegasi for doing their jobs, clearing the skies, with the occasional bout of rainfall. And what’s more they would thank Princess Celestia, during the Summer Sun Celebration, for raising the sun every morning to be higher in the sky than any other time of year. Summer was generally a happy time for everypony, and it had been even more so since Night Mare Moon’s defeat, followed by her return as Princess Luna, royalty once more. Slowly, but surely, she was being accepted by the public again. The past year had been a good one, and yet Princess Celestia still found herself restless on the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration. Luna’s job of bringing out the moon came later and later every night during summer, and she always found herself with more and more free time. Due to that she had been rather productive today, or at least she thought she had been. After a late breakfast Luna had found herself in the library once again studying the history of Equestria that she had missed in her time away. After that she had mingled with some of the residents of Canterlot; though they were fewer than the ponies that wished to meet her sister, she was still grateful that anypony was willing to see her. A quick lunch with Celestia and she was meeting with Twilight Sparkle and some royal advisors in preparation for the Celebration tomorrow morn. After all she had never attended it before, and needed to know how to act, and what would be happening. After Twilight had offered so kindly to help, she couldn't say no. The day was finally reaching its end; already well into the evening at 8:30pm, yet the sun still lingered nearing the horizon. Princess Luna woke up with a great yawn from a daytime nap. After meeting with Twilight, Luna had only saw fit to get some sleep in her chambers before the night, and inevitable sunrise. Luna savoured the feeling of refreshment from her sleep for a couple of seconds before getting herself tidied up and ready for the celebrations. It was surprising how much her bed-head showed in a flowing mane of ethereal stars, but it was fixable none the less. She walked out of her chambers rearing and ready to go, anxious to bring out the moon. Though it was a celebration of the sun the moon still had to be out. What’s more, everypony would be enjoying it, and the night sky, for once, since they all stayed up to see the sun rise. Luna wondered over to her sister Celestia’s room with a sense of excitement about her. She even noticed one or two guards loosen up a little on the way there at the sight of her high spirits. “Tia! Greetings, it is almost time for celebrations, let us spend this most wonderful of nights together!” Luna said with a smile as she approached her door. “Tia, hello?... Are you there?” She tapped her hoof on the ornate door and still received no response. “I am entering sister, if you wish the contrary then speak now” Luna pushed open the door to find the room empty and somewhat messier than usual. “Hmm, that is odd. Wouldn’t she be preparing around now?” A little bewildered Luna closed the door and turned back into the corridors of the castle, and found a guard dressed in ornate gold armour through the next set of doors. “Pardon me, but dost thou happen to have information regarding the whereabouts of my sister?” “I am afraid not Princess. All I know is that Princess Celestia left her chambers at around 7:30 without any word of what she was doing. My apologies your highness,” The guard replied in a disciplined voice. “There is no need to apologise. Art thou aware as to whether she had any obligations?” “So far as I am aware, Princess Celestia had completed all of her royal duties before she vacated her chamber your highness,” A puzzled look crossed Luna’s face as she put her hoof to her chin. “My thanks, at ease.” As Luna walked through the castle she pondered where she could be on the eve of such an important event. Last time she had checked it was very uncommon for her to ignore royal duties, and further more she was aware that she had often refused meeting with her subjects in favour of dealing with the matters of Equestria. It was awfully odd indeed. Luna checked near to every place she could think of in the castle. Eventually she discovered that she had flown off into the horizon off the castle steps, thanks to one of the guards again. For a minute she felt clueless, but slowly it came to her. They were sisters after all, and Luna started remembering how, in the early days, Celestia would always find some place with a view when she was troubled. Now that she reflected on it, Celestia had been a little distant at lunch. Luna looked with determination to the sun gently touching the horizon, and took to flight with a mighty beat of her wings sending her soaring into the warm winds of dusk. She felt the air rushing through her mane and took to the first place she could think of that made sense. There was a lovely café that Celestia had taken her to once or twice; the most notable thing about it was that it had a fantastic view of Canterlot. It seemed a better place than any to start, and soon enough she had it in her sights. Luna made an effort to land with grace as not to scare anyone, and to make sure no pony caught wind that something was wrong. She tucked in her wings and made her way up the marble steps to the gilded entrance of the café. Luna spotted a banner across the café reading ‘Open all night for the Summer Sun Celebration’, below which was a quaint sign hung modestly above the door reading ‘The Griffins Lookout’. It almost looked out of place, being so small and undecorated against the backdrop of the café itself which was composed almost entirely of pristine white marble. Luna had never taken the time to ask, but she imagined it was from some forgotten time when the café wasn't so grand. Luna stepped inside the café and took a look around. One or two ponies seemed a little frightened, but they all bowed none-the-less. “Princess Luna, how may we help you today?” A colt that Luna knew to be the owner of the café stood forward and spoke. He had an expertly styled mane, which had the colour of dark coffee. His coat was also brown in colour, but this time more like that of fresh cocoa beans. His cutie mark, unsurprisingly, was a steaming cup of coffee. “Ah, Rich Brew, we are pleased to see thou again, but we are afraid we cannot stop for long, we are searching for Princess Celestia. Has she been here?” Luna had been learning to control her volume since Nightmare Night, and she was getting good at it, but she was still having trouble not using the royal ‘we’ when in the presence of her subjects. Especially when nervous. “Actually, she was here a while ago, your highness. She stopped by for a cup of tea and sat on the balcony for a while,” Rich spoke with grace. He seemed used to speaking to royalty and the like. “When did she leave? Did she speak of where she may be going?” “Hmm, Princess Celestia left around eight if I’m not mistaken, but I am afraid she didn’t say anything about where she was off to, your majesty. She was surprisingly quiet while she was here. I attempted to give her another cup of tea with no charge, but she just smiled and paid me anyway,” Rich’s eyes seemed to trail off into thought as he said the last few words. Luna sighed. “Our thanks none-the-less, Rich. If thou would excuse us we must be going. enjoy the celebrations” “You too your highness, but if you have some time later tonight come by and I’ll brew you some of the strongest coffee you’ve ever had. We just got a new shipment of beans in.” “That sounds wonderful. We may take advantage of that offer later, but for now, farewell.” Luna took to the sky once more when outside the café. She made a mental note to come back for that coffee, later, if the situation permitted. Though she hadn't found Celestia at The Griffins Lookout it gave her some ideas of what was happening. Whenever Celestia had a problem she would always find a view, but she had a tendency to find places where you could see more and more the larger of an issue she had. It was almost as if she tried to gain perspective on the situation by having a larger perspective of the world around her. Luna didn't think Celestia knew about it herself, and she had been doing it for years. If she had moved on from a view of Canterlot it must have meant that whatever she’d been thinking of was something that was troubling her very much indeed. Luna thought for a while, and looked to the spires and towers of Canterlot. Though all of them were great in size, none would provide a better view than The Griffins Lookout. At this point Luna got significantly more worried. Celestia had left Canterlot. She was sure of it. She would usually be able to spot her in a second; at any time of day or night Celestia would always have a small crowd following her. It was almost 9 o’clock and the sun was nearly completely set, Luna couldn't just turn up to the Celebrations without her. She had to find her. Then, while gliding over the mountains, she saw it. A rocky outcropping on the forested slopes. Luna had a quick look around, from there Celestia would be able to see all of Canterlot, Ponyville, and one or two towns in the distance. It was perfectly placed, this had to be where she was. Luna made a beeline straight toward it without a moments hesitation. As she closed in on the outcropping she saw how densely the forest surrounded it was, only a Pegasus would be able to get to it, without difficulty at least. It was secluded, and hard to reach. This was bad. Author's Note Next Chapter coming up soon. Be gentle... Nah I'm kidding, go wild with the criticism, it's the only way I'll learn! haha! Like Drawing Blood from a StoneMoments later and Luna spotted her sister. Celestia emerged from behind some of the plant life circling the rocky clearing, she was pacing. Celestia walked to the edge of the rugged balcony and looked out into the distance. Luna could tell she had spotted her, but Celestia simply stood in place and continued gazing at the sunset. Luna took one last swooping arc and landed softly behind her sister a couple of meters away. She furled her wings and looked to her sister, spending a final second or two pondering the situation. Luna noticed the subtle yellow glow of Celestia’s magic coming from her horn; she looked to the horizon and caught a final glimpse of the sun disappearing from view. “… The sun’s down.” Celestia spoke in a sombre, monotonous voice as the glow faded from her horn. Luna waited a moment then came to stand next to her. She briefly looked at Celestia, her expression blank and serious for the most part, but she saw sadness in the shape of her eyes. Luna didn’t say a word; she turned up the corners of her mouth ever so slightly, and then closed her eyes. Luna focused on her magic, focused on the moon so far up in the sky, out in space. She imagined the moon glowing with an eerie luminescence in the blackness of the night amongst a vast veil of stars. It was so vivid it seemed real, and it was so. She opened her eyes and, sure enough as every time in the past, the moon had mimicked her thoughts through her magic, now present amidst the countless stars in the night sky. Luna panted heavily for a few seconds. Though she had gotten somewhat used to it before, raising the moon was still a tough job, and Luna was a thousand years out of practice. Luna turned to her sister to make her attempt at a smile evident in some hope that it may rub off on her, but it was to no avail. Celestia continued to stare out at the panorama of Equestria, almost as if she was expecting an answer from it. Luna’s smile faded. A few more moments past before Luna finally spoke up to break the overbearing tension. “Tia. What’s wrong?” Celestia glanced at Luna for a second but did not speak. “Tia, what’s wrong? You know you can tell me. We’re sisters.” Luna was good at speaking ‘normally’ when around Celestia. She was very comfortable around her most of the time, yet at that moment she couldn't say the same. This time Celestia didn't even look at her. “Celestia, would you jus-!?” “How long has it been now?” Celestia asked suddenly, and though she spoke sternly it was not in anger. “I’m not sure I… how long since what?” “Since… since you came back.” “Well, come tomorrow morning, a year exactly. Surely you hadn't forgotten?” Luna’s confusion was evident in her voice. “No, no I haven’t. I just have to keep telling myself it’s been a year. I thought hearing it from you might help it sink in.” “… did it help?” Celestia simply dropped her head a little, finally breaking her gaze of the horizon. A few seconds past and Luna shuffled her hooves a little. When Celestia was like this she would always say what she needed to say in her own time. There was no point in asking questions or forcing it out of her, so they simply stood in silence for a minute or two. Celestia looked to the moon and once more broke the silence. “What was it like up there on the moon?” Sorrow filled her voice. “For one thousand years.” “Umm… Tia, I don’t-I’d rather not, uh….” Luna started nervously padding the ground and shifting her eyes around. “I’m sorry. That was rude of me.” “No it’s just… I’d rather not talk about it, sis.” Once again the crushing silence befell them. Luna looked down at the view of Canterlot; the ponies had begun putting festive lights up, and occasionally a silent firework would colour the sky above the city, too far for them to hear. “Tia, I’m here for you. I always will be. Please. Talk to me.” Luna knew it was useless trying to coax her to talk, but some words of kindness never hurt anypony. Celestia bit her lip, closed her eyes tight and turned away a little. She took a harsh breath in and composed herself. “It’s been so difficult, Luna. These last thousand years raising the sun and the moon. At first it wasn't too bad, but it got to me after a while. Some days I would just be so exhausted I couldn't leave my bed… and now you’re back, and suddenly I’m not tired every minute of the day. I can hardly believe you’re here again,” Celestia close her eyes with a pained look on her face. “Is that what this is about sis? Things getting easier?” “No. No, of course not.” Luna had never seen Celestia being so vague. “I’ve been so grateful for your help once again, and I find myself running the memories of your absence through my head over and over.” “Oh…” Luna had started putting a few things together. “You know… it’s just.” Celestia’s confidence seemed to waver. “Celestia.” “Sometimes there were nights when… I would just cry. Sometimes I wouldn’t know what the cause was. I’d had a good day but I’d just cry for hours.” Celestia’s eyes began welling up; she stood completely still, as if a single movement would push her over the edge into full on sobbing. “I was just so lonely sometimes. I’d look up at the moon and wonder if you were okay. When Twilight came along, and I started teaching her, I finally started feeling better, but every night I raised the moon I’d just find myself in depression again. It was horrible… and now you’re back.” “It’s okay Celest-“ “NO, it’s not okay!” Celestia yelled in her Canterlot voice, and at once all the wildlife around them was silenced. “I sent you to the moon! The moon! For one thousand years! How is that in the least bit okay?!” Luna was frozen in shock. Celestia suddenly became aware of herself and tried calming down. “I shouldn't be the one yelling, or crying for that matter.” Celestia had past the point of no return and a stream of tears ran down her face though she tried not to take notice of them. “I'm the one who sent you there, the one who made the decision to imprison you, and I'm acting as if I was on the moon for one thousand years! The day you came back you said you were sorry. I should have said sorry! I'm your sister… how-how could I have s-sent you to the moon?” It was no use resisting the tears anymore. Celestia began sobbing as well, her breaths becoming irregular and ragged. “But I was in the wrong Tia. I tried to overthrow you. I was so selfish that I didn't see that we were sisters anymore, I just saw you as an obstacle. So you acted the same way. It was only fair.” Luna’s voice was resolved and strong, but she could see it had only made things worse. “F-fair? What d-does that matter? You didn't deserve to go to th-the moon! I should have remembered we’re si-sis-sisters, for the both of us. No one deserves to go to the m-moon for one thousand years.” “But I did deserve it!” “Stop saying that!!! Why is this happening? Why are you so calm? Why am I so upset? I'm a terrible sister, why don’t you feel the same? You should hate me. Why wont you just hate me?” “Why? Why is it imperative that I hate you? It’s in the past we should just forget it.” Luna started saying the words through clenched teeth. Her brow furrowed. Why wouldn't Celestia just drop it? “In the past? It’s only been a year! And not once, not once have you confronted me about anything! This isn't the kind of thing you brush aside. At least you shouldn't think so.” “Oh, I shouldn't should I? Telling me how I should feel? I'm sure you wanted to brush it under the metaphorical carpet; I just wanted to do that as well, is that a problem?” Now Luna started yelling. “No, but this last year you've never questioned me. Never once argued with me. You're too complacent. Too calm.” “Then you should be happy! You have your sister back, and she’s more pleasant than ever. Just accept that I do not wish to talk about it!” “I cannot!” “Why?! Do you want to make things harder for yourself? Do you want me slamming doors and throwing tantrums like some filly? Or do you want me physically harming you?” “No, of cours-“ “Then stop asking me! It seems fairly simple to me,” Luna emphasised her words with furious hoof stomps. “I just want to know what you’re thinking, why you are acting the opposite to what you should, and why you won’t tell me about your imprisonment.” Luna’s brow was suddenly a lot less stern, and starting backing up slowly. Celestia, her tears now slowed, caught onto her vulnerability and pressed her harder, knowing she was close to finally getting some answers. “On that… rock. In that cold dark place. Knowing every day that I was still here, raising the moon with all the other ponies, while you were there. All alone. In the black of space… Completely alo-” “SHUT UP! SHUT YOUR MOUTH!” Luna had lost control of herself for just a second, screaming with all her might at her sister. Luna forced herself calm again, stilling her shifting, paranoid eyes, but it was for naught. Luna had lost her composure. She had to talk about it now. But then again why should she? Luna put up her defenses again, and after regaining her breath she stood, slightly turned from her sister, head held high and eyes closed, trying to close the conversation. To Luna’s surprise Celestia didn’t speak. She was almost certain she would have pursued the matter more; she had done now for so long. Luna risked a glance at Celestia. Her sister was simply staring at her. Completely still. Motionless. Expressionless. Her bloodshot eyes meeting Luna’s and holding her in a terrible gaze, she was afraid to look away. A moment passed. And then... “You could send me to the moon…” Author's Note Again as usual, don't be afraid to share your thoughts. Dust and ShadowsLuna’s eyes widened with terror. “Wh-…what?” “You’re just as powerful as me. Maybe marginally less powerful, but you could do it.” Celestia’s voice was cold. Luna’s heart skipped a beat. A second ago she was crying her eyes out, and now this. This was nothing like her. “It would be easy. And no one would have to question you. You could just say I had decided I liked controlling both the sun and the moon, and that I wanted you gone, wanted to get rid of you permanently this time. That it was for the greater good. And ‘poof’ off to the moon I go.” “T-T-T-Tia, I-“ “Why not? It’s a wonderful deal. Just exert some power and you’d be queen of everything for a thousand years, or even forever. I wouldn’t even have to come back. Then you could make it night as long as you wanted. Like you always wanted.” “You know I’m not like that now Tia!” “Go on! I’ll even play along We can give each other a few bruises, some black eyes, a cut or two, and make it look like there was a fight.” Celestia started pushing Luna. “Tia, please!” “Come on, show me! Show me what it was like on the moon. You won’t tell me, so let me experience it first hand!” Celestia’s pushing got harsher and Luna felt herself welling up. Celestia's pushing started to hurt, until one final strike and Luna slumped to the floor. “DO IT!” “I will NOT!” Luna turned her eyes to her sisters, tears streaming down her cheeks and shimmering in the moonlight. Celestia stopped as she saw Luna's tears. “I will n-not because I don't want to lose you again!” Celestia stood speechless. Luna could not hold it in any more. She choked in a last attempt to defy her sadness but ultimately gave in. In half a scream Luna let out a millennia of true despair and sadness as she began crying. Celestia stood frozen, her own tears rolling off her face and onto the ground. Luna almost writhed as she sobbed and drew ragged breaths, howling in despair. Eventually, Celestia moved closer to her sister, but did not have the courage to try to comfort her, not feeling she had the right to do so any more. Luna's breath steadied after some time, finally feeling like she had exhausted some of the sorrow she felt. She lay on the earthy ground looking with hollow eyes at her namesake. “... One. Thousand. Years... It was absolute agony.” her eyes did not shift focus. “It's not like being alone here. It's different. You notice the moment you're there... Everything was muffled. Dulled. Suffocated.” “What I think is the first few weeks I was there, the visage of Nightmare Moon still upon me, the only thoughts I had were of rage. I sent blasts of magic across the landscape, flying as best I could, my screams of rage filling the nothingness. In a way those were the times I was most sane.” Luna's eyes glazed over as she dove deeper into her memory. “Then, after the last of my anger had drained from me, that's when I heard it. Not silence... no. I had expected silence. I heard my own heartbeat” “The only thing that ever sounded... normal was my own heartbeat... It was maddening. Every beat hammered into my mind just how alone I was. How far away I was. How lost everything was. And every beat after that grew in volume until it became so deafening, so intense that my head felt like it was about to explode. I just grabbed my head and screamed for hours to hear something other than... Other than that horrid pounding, chipping away at my sanity every second.” Luna's voice grew more and more disturbed as she went on. “I can't remember how long I screamed for. I went until my voice broke. Until I could taste blood every time I yelled. Until my voice was no more than crackled, dry whispers.” Luna took a few second to calm herself before continuing. “When it was too painful to try drowning out the sound any more I lowered myself into a crater, and I lay within a pit of white dust. Motionless for what felt like months, I learnt to block out the sound of my own heart. That was when I truly lost any concept of time.” She stopped for a second, eyes lowering slightly. “Then, when I could no longer properly perceive myself, that was when the hallucinations started... It may have been seconds, it may have been hundreds of years, but for what felt like an eternity I ran from shadows I thought, no... Knew where going to kill me in the most painful ways imaginable. A few times I thought they had caught me, and unspeakable pain raked my very being. Every muscle and nerve within me was shredded and torn by unseen claws, but then I found myself running again.” “I think there was a point when I stopped, and waited. Waited for those shadowed abominations to come and kill me. I wanted them to. I didn't care how painful it would be. I sat and yearned for death, too much of a coward to do it myself. But they never came. I sat, looking to what I had once sought to conquer praying that you would relieve me of my immortality, so I could finally just suffocate and be left to drift within the vast emptiness of space surrounded by white powder and shining stars.” Luna could no longer look at the glowing prison in the sky, instead electing to cast her eyes to the soil at her feet before closing her eyes tightly and gritting her teeth choking back tears. Celestia knew she wasn't finished. She couldn't speak if she wanted to. Her throat felt like it was trying to crawl out of her neck, so tight it almost felt painful, tears now silently falling from her eyes. Luna managed to hold back from crying before continuing. “I-I'm n-not sure how... but seeing Equestria somehow brought me back. Back to who I was. I sat and stared at the greens, blues and whites. Watched as they faded to blacks and purples, with glimmers of light grey floating above it all in the night time. It reminded me of what I had wanted, I remembered you, sister, and how you had banished me. I threw myself to obsession. Only ever thinking of the past, and reliving the day we fought, the day I was banished. All I saw was Equestria, a land that you had denied me, and I sat and plotted day by day, my eyes fixated upon that distant sphere. Whenever it went out of sight, I ran desperately across the surface to try and see it again, and I found myself growing colder and colder, my feathers icing over and my muscles seizing as everything around me grew darker. I went as far as I could before I turned back. But every time it went out of my sight I flew to the other side and waited as far as I could into that cold shadow.” “Soon enough I felt myself assume the visage of Nightmare Moon once more, and my mind was focused. I was finally sane, but I was blinded by rage and ambition. I could see nothing more than the conquest of Equestria.” “And then the final hour came, and my elation was beyond what I could imagine. As the light of the stars closed in on me, I heard my heart racing so fast that I could've sworn it would burst forth from me...” Luna rubbed her eyes with her hoof. “... It was the most torturous thing... I have ever been through. And it would never have happened if I hadn't been filled with so much rage.” Luna tentatively opened her eyes, now bloodshot, and took another look at the moon before turning away with a pained expression. Celestia processed the last of what Luna had said, and ground her teeth as more tears flooded from her eyes. She finally felt Luna's story relinquish its hold on her, her knees shaking, then buckling. She fell to the ground in such emotional torment that she couldn't even muster the energy to scream or vocalise her pain. How? How could she have done this to her? She had never thought of the implications of that banishment. How could she be so cruel to sentence her to that. How could she call herself a Princess? The weight of every word Luna spoked crashed down on her again in its totality, and it was unimaginable. Luna turned as she heard her sister collapse. Seeing Celestia covering her head with her hooves her whole body occasionally heaving and twitching in an attempt to breath, scared to do so in case she may have to live any longer after what she had done. Luna seemed confused for an instant before a serene expression came over her. Celestia hardly even heard the hoofsteps, and flinched at Luna's touch. She knelt by her sisters side with her hoof on Celestia's back. “Tia...” “Get away from me! I don't deserve you!” Celestia kept her head and eyes hidden with her hooves. “Tia-” “No... I'm a monster. Not fit to rule, after putting my sister through such horrors!” “Ti-” “Just lea-” “Celestia! Be quiet for one moment will you!?” Luna raised her voice, but there was no anger to be found. Surprised by her tone, Celestia slowly peeked through her hooves to see Luna's face. Rather than a face of pity or fury, she saw Luna's eyes softly glimmering in the moonlight and a small smile playing upon her lips. Shocked, Celestia finally uncovered her face and reared her head up slightly, hooves now in front of her, so to look into Luna's eyes in disbelief. “Celestia. I can't hope to imagine what you feel right now, and you, and perhaps myself as well, can't hope to know what I felt while on the moon-” Celestia choked a little, as if to cry, but with a stern look from Luna settled for a sniffle. “-But there's one thing I do know, and I know you do too. It's what thing were once like before any of that. Before the fighting, and before even Discord, or even King Sombra.” Celestia brought her head a little higher, now only Glancing at Luna every now and then. “I remember that we used to be sisters, Tia... And I remember how we used to make each other laugh and smile.” Celestia's head fell, crestfallen. “Used to be,” conceded Celestia. “And still can be again, Tia.” SistersLuna's voice was so kind and hopeful that Celestia felt something loosen in her chest. “Whu-... What?” “Tia, all of that is gone now, and so is the part where we were sisters, true. But we were sisters for so much longer than we were enemies! Remember how whenever I was having a bad day, or I just couldn't get something right, you'd always help me guide my thoughts.” Celestia nodded slowly. “Remember how you used to go to New Buffalo whenever I was down, just because you knew the coffee there was my favourite? Even though you hate coffee.” Celestia nodded again. “And how about when we used to sit together at the table on those few evenings and mornings when we were awake enough to have a meal, and we still managed to laugh and joke even though we were less agreeable than a chimera in a sink-hole?” Celestia began smiling slightly. “Yeah...” “Then why, if that was such a big part of our lives, should the last one thousand years be what we focus on?” “True... but we can't ignor-” “And we won't! And we haven't!” Celestia looked into Luna's eyes with a bitter-sweet expression, obviously finding it difficult to gain Luna's optimism. “Oh darn it, Tia, I just want my sister back! I finally got it all out of my system, and I just want my big sis again!” Luna threw her arms around Celestia's neck and hugged her like she had never hugged her before, her eyes welling up again. Celestia looked shocked for a second before the warmth of her sisters embrace finally seeped into her, and she truly felt Luna's love, almost radiating from her. “And I want my little sister too!” and in response she wrapped her hooves around her little sister as tightly as Luna had. Eyes closed with smiles upon their faces and tears rolling down their cheeks. They sunk into each others hugs, for the first time in over one thousand years. After sitting for a while, together on the rocky balcony, Celestia and Luna Departed for Canterlot. The warm breeze did little to help their reddened eyes, but they hardly cared. As they arrived they walked side by side through the decorated city in contented silence with warming smiles on their faces. They suddenly spotted four royal guard running through the street, in as professional of a panic as could be achieved, almost skidding to a halt in front of the Princesses. “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, what happened? You've been gone for so long, we didn't know wher-... Um?” The guard was quickly silenced by Luna raising her hoof to him to stop him. “We were gone for quite a while, that is true, but what's important is that we are back and there is no crisis to be had.” Luna spoke in a calm authoritative voice. “But where? We should have been informed! If something had happened we would have been left withou-” He was stopped again by Luna. “... We are Princesses, and last time I checked, that mean we are not prisoners.” Celestia looked softly to her sister at the last word. “No. Not at all... Not anymore... So it is to my understanding that my sister and I are allowed to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while to talk to one another. Somewhere a little less populated. Am I correct in that understanding?” Luna asked, almost slyly. “Erm... Yes, your Majesty, but-” “Then I don't see the issue. Do you?” The guard stuttered. His companions frozen and slightly agape from surprise. “Good. Now if you don't mind, would you be so kind as to clear the way? My sister and I where on our way to see Nightsun Bloom's firework display.” The guards sat still for a moment, unsure of how to react. The most forward one looked to Celestia, as if for an answer or contradiction, but in return all he received was a smile and a look as if to say 'Well. You head her.' With that they stepped aside. Watching them pass, their normal stern 'guard faces' returned to them before hearing the two sisters break out into giggles a little way down the path. The sisters spent the rest of the night trotting through Canterlot enjoying all manor of festivities that had been set up. There were night time puppet shows, firework displays, fire-breathers and so much more. They even got the chance to peruse shops of various natures, all open late with various sales available. And for whatever reason, whether it was not wanting to inturrupt the sisters personal affairs, or whether ponies could see they had been crying earlier, not a soul bothered them for the rest of the night. Before they knew it, it had come to be time for the finale. The guards beckoned them over to the oh-so-familiar stage which had not changed in so long. The golden circle, with pinions like sunlight spreading around it, a frame for the great solar body that was to be raised, and positioned in a point in Canterlot so that all may see the very instant that it breached the horizon before settling for a second within that glimmering gold ring. As they approached the steps, the crowd now gargantuan with the whole population of the city, and more, now gathered to one spot. It slowly grew silent as the sisters came to the first step. A rather official looking pony, with a quill for a cutie mark, stepped up to the mic. “Fillies and gentlecolts! For the first time in one thousand years, please welcome to the stage not only Princess Celestia, but also Princess Luna!” The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. The crowd was alive with energy, even having stayed up all night the atmosphere was positively electric. Celestia looked to her little sister. “Are you ready?” She smiled, and Luna took a breath in through the nose before breathing out slowly. She opened her eyes with a determined, yet nervous look on her face. “Yes. I am, sister.” Celestia nodded softly before turning to face forward and putting her hoof out as if to step up. She took a deep breath as well, just as Luna had. “Together... As sisters.” Luna nodded and put her hoof out too before both taking that first stride up to the stage in tandem. As one. The crowd cheered and a fanfare played as they arrived at their positions. The crowd slowly quietened once more. “It is not often that we see such amazing displays of joy and happiness, but today is an exception that everypony can truly...” As she carried on Celestia and Luna stood in silence. Luna was clearly tense, and her big sister noticed, and for one moment, Celestia's face lit up as if an idea had struck. After a small speech the time came. “Now, without further adieu, may I welcome to the front of the stage, Princess Luna!” The crowds cheered, though it was noticeably quieter, but still enthusiastic. Luna stepped forward. She readied herself to lower the moon, closing her eyes before feeling a hoof on her shoulder. It was Celestia. “Tia?” Luna asked, confused. “I think that you've had enough of the moon for one night, little sister. Let me lower to the moon tonight...” Luna looked to her sisters eyes, trying to find some meaning behind this, but only saw a twinkle which endeared her to trust in her big sister. She nodded and stepped down. Celestia looked to the quill-marked pony and silently gestured to go to the mic again. A murmur of confusion arose in the crowd. “Erm... ugh-Ahem. Excuse me, there has been a small change. May I instead welcome to the front of the stage, Princess Celestia!” An applause and some cheering was heard, the crowd obviously confused. Luna watched as Celestia ignited the magic within her horn, and then saw the moon dip below the horizon as she did so. In the thousands of years that Luna had been raising and lowering the moon, she realised she has never truly been able to watch the moon set. And she felt in her heart a small joy as she was granted the opportunity right before her eyes by her big sister. Celestia completed the spell as applause rose from the crowd, but then did something that Luna did not quite expect. Walking up to the mic Celestia beckoned the announcer to step aside so she may speak. “Fillies and gentlecolts! I can imagine that we have taken you slightly off guard tonight with the change in schedule. For that I apologise, but it is for something that I feel has been long since due that I have done this.” Luna looked on in confusion the crowd now so silent you could hear a pin drop. “You may or may not all be aware of the events which occurred exactly one year ago today, and if you aren't you've certainly heard of my sisters reputation. But you also now know that my sister has returned to us as she once was many years before I sentenced her to a terrible fate upon the moon. She has returned to us as our loving and caring Princess. And it is for that reason, and many more that I see fit that we change things slightly this year.” Celestia's words resonated with Luna even though she was still unsure what Celestia was doing, as was the crowd. “So now I shall delay no further. May I please welcome to the front of the stage for the first time in history, so as to raise the sun for you tonight, my sister and monarch of the night, Princess Luna!” A few seconds passed before anyone realised what she had just said. Luna still stood in place, stunned. But to Luna's surprise it did not stay silent. Instead a cheer like no other roared up from the crowd. Luna recoiled slightly before slowly stepping forward unsure of what to think. Her sister approached her and leaned in to speak to her personally as the crowd cheered. “I'm sorry. I hope I didn't take you too off guard.” “Errrm.” Celestia chuckled. “Are you okay to do this?” Luna turned to look at Celestia and saw a worried expression on her face. At this Luna regained herself and replied. “Yes. Yes I believe I can.” Luna replied confidently with a warm smile. Celestia turned to walk to the back of the stage. “Tia!” Celestia turned and saw her little sister mouth to her two unmistakable words. 'Thank you'. And at that they took their positions. Luna looked to the sky for a second and closed her eyes. Her magic alighting her horn, and her mind focusing. Instead of a serene night sky she instead pictured the brightest and sunniest day she ever did remember. She imagined the suns golden rays dispersing outward into a fresh, clear bright blue horizon. She felt her magic find the sun, and she caught hold of it, her whole being grasping onto it. It could tell she was unfamiliar with it, and she could tell it was unfamiliar with her, but a certain acceptance washed over them as Luna remembered her big sister. Luna began to lift with all she could muster! This could be no ordinary sunrise. This was the brightest in the year. She pulled and pulled and felt her wings unfurl and her hooves leave the ground, bringing the sun with her until soon enough she felt the sun settle, and slide into place content in where it was, yet confident it was where it was meant to be. Luna opened her eyes and what had replaced a busy night city was thousands of ponies faces bathed in light, herself before them all. Every eye was on her as she flew. And in one final moment every ponies saw it was done, and they cheered in such a fashion that Luna had never seen. Luna looked behind her and saw the sun sitting happily within the golden frame on stage, and without even realising she smiled so brightly that even the combined sunlight of an entire summer could not outshine her. Luna looked to her sister and saw tears rolling down her cheeks as she regarded her with pride immeasurable. She landed and hugged her, both of them laughing with joy. They parted and looked to each other. “Luna. I have to know... when we were on the balcony, why did you so suddenly come to comfort me after everything you had said?” Celestia's eyes shone with anticipation. Luna thought for a second. “Because it was at that moment I saw something in you that I had not seen for one thousand years, Tia.” “What did you see?” “I saw... I saw that you really and truly cared about me... and it was in that moment, when I saw you in such turmoil over what had happened, that I finally put my hatred aside. And finally, after so long...” Celestia held her breath. “Forgave you.” The two sister looked to each other eyes for a few seconds, thousands of unseen words being spoken as the thunder of the crowd still surrounded them. And in those seconds Celestia realised that maybe, just maybe, she could now forgive herself too. She nodded. “Come on, I think it's time we went home. You need some sleep.” “Actually... can we stay up for a while for breakfast? And can we get a coffee from the Griffins Lookout?” “I couldn't think of anything more wonderful.”
A Troubled EveningA summer’s day was often appreciated in Ponyville and Canterlot. The ponies would all thank the pegasi for doing their jobs, clearing the skies, with the occasional bout of rainfall. And what’s more they would thank Princess Celestia, during the Summer Sun Celebration, for raising the sun every morning to be higher in the sky than any other time of year. Summer was generally a happy time for everypony, and it had been even more so since Night Mare Moon’s defeat, followed by her return as Princess Luna, royalty once more. Slowly, but surely, she was being accepted by the public again. The past year had been a good one, and yet Princess Celestia still found herself restless on the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration. Luna’s job of bringing out the moon came later and later every night during summer, and she always found herself with more and more free time. Due to that she had been rather productive today, or at least she thought she had been. After a late breakfast Luna had found herself in the library once again studying the history of Equestria that she had missed in her time away. After that she had mingled with some of the residents of Canterlot; though they were fewer than the ponies that wished to meet her sister, she was still grateful that anypony was willing to see her. A quick lunch with Celestia and she was meeting with Twilight Sparkle and some royal advisors in preparation for the Celebration tomorrow morn. After all she had never attended it before, and needed to know how to act, and what would be happening. After Twilight had offered so kindly to help, she couldn't say no. The day was finally reaching its end; already well into the evening at 8:30pm, yet the sun still lingered nearing the horizon. Princess Luna woke up with a great yawn from a daytime nap. After meeting with Twilight, Luna had only saw fit to get some sleep in her chambers before the night, and inevitable sunrise. Luna savoured the feeling of refreshment from her sleep for a couple of seconds before getting herself tidied up and ready for the celebrations. It was surprising how much her bed-head showed in a flowing mane of ethereal stars, but it was fixable none the less. She walked out of her chambers rearing and ready to go, anxious to bring out the moon. Though it was a celebration of the sun the moon still had to be out. What’s more, everypony would be enjoying it, and the night sky, for once, since they all stayed up to see the sun rise. Luna wondered over to her sister Celestia’s room with a sense of excitement about her. She even noticed one or two guards loosen up a little on the way there at the sight of her high spirits. “Tia! Greetings, it is almost time for celebrations, let us spend this most wonderful of nights together!” Luna said with a smile as she approached her door. “Tia, hello?... Are you there?” She tapped her hoof on the ornate door and still received no response. “I am entering sister, if you wish the contrary then speak now” Luna pushed open the door to find the room empty and somewhat messier than usual. “Hmm, that is odd. Wouldn’t she be preparing around now?” A little bewildered Luna closed the door and turned back into the corridors of the castle, and found a guard dressed in ornate gold armour through the next set of doors. “Pardon me, but dost thou happen to have information regarding the whereabouts of my sister?” “I am afraid not Princess. All I know is that Princess Celestia left her chambers at around 7:30 without any word of what she was doing. My apologies your highness,” The guard replied in a disciplined voice. “There is no need to apologise. Art thou aware as to whether she had any obligations?” “So far as I am aware, Princess Celestia had completed all of her royal duties before she vacated her chamber your highness,” A puzzled look crossed Luna’s face as she put her hoof to her chin. “My thanks, at ease.” As Luna walked through the castle she pondered where she could be on the eve of such an important event. Last time she had checked it was very uncommon for her to ignore royal duties, and further more she was aware that she had often refused meeting with her subjects in favour of dealing with the matters of Equestria. It was awfully odd indeed. Luna checked near to every place she could think of in the castle. Eventually she discovered that she had flown off into the horizon off the castle steps, thanks to one of the guards again. For a minute she felt clueless, but slowly it came to her. They were sisters after all, and Luna started remembering how, in the early days, Celestia would always find some place with a view when she was troubled. Now that she reflected on it, Celestia had been a little distant at lunch. Luna looked with determination to the sun gently touching the horizon, and took to flight with a mighty beat of her wings sending her soaring into the warm winds of dusk. She felt the air rushing through her mane and took to the first place she could think of that made sense. There was a lovely café that Celestia had taken her to once or twice; the most notable thing about it was that it had a fantastic view of Canterlot. It seemed a better place than any to start, and soon enough she had it in her sights. Luna made an effort to land with grace as not to scare anyone, and to make sure no pony caught wind that something was wrong. She tucked in her wings and made her way up the marble steps to the gilded entrance of the café. Luna spotted a banner across the café reading ‘Open all night for the Summer Sun Celebration’, below which was a quaint sign hung modestly above the door reading ‘The Griffins Lookout’. It almost looked out of place, being so small and undecorated against the backdrop of the café itself which was composed almost entirely of pristine white marble. Luna had never taken the time to ask, but she imagined it was from some forgotten time when the café wasn't so grand. Luna stepped inside the café and took a look around. One or two ponies seemed a little frightened, but they all bowed none-the-less. “Princess Luna, how may we help you today?” A colt that Luna knew to be the owner of the café stood forward and spoke. He had an expertly styled mane, which had the colour of dark coffee. His coat was also brown in colour, but this time more like that of fresh cocoa beans. His cutie mark, unsurprisingly, was a steaming cup of coffee. “Ah, Rich Brew, we are pleased to see thou again, but we are afraid we cannot stop for long, we are searching for Princess Celestia. Has she been here?” Luna had been learning to control her volume since Nightmare Night, and she was getting good at it, but she was still having trouble not using the royal ‘we’ when in the presence of her subjects. Especially when nervous. “Actually, she was here a while ago, your highness. She stopped by for a cup of tea and sat on the balcony for a while,” Rich spoke with grace. He seemed used to speaking to royalty and the like. “When did she leave? Did she speak of where she may be going?” “Hmm, Princess Celestia left around eight if I’m not mistaken, but I am afraid she didn’t say anything about where she was off to, your majesty. She was surprisingly quiet while she was here. I attempted to give her another cup of tea with no charge, but she just smiled and paid me anyway,” Rich’s eyes seemed to trail off into thought as he said the last few words. Luna sighed. “Our thanks none-the-less, Rich. If thou would excuse us we must be going. enjoy the celebrations” “You too your highness, but if you have some time later tonight come by and I’ll brew you some of the strongest coffee you’ve ever had. We just got a new shipment of beans in.” “That sounds wonderful. We may take advantage of that offer later, but for now, farewell.” Luna took to the sky once more when outside the café. She made a mental note to come back for that coffee, later, if the situation permitted. Though she hadn't found Celestia at The Griffins Lookout it gave her some ideas of what was happening. Whenever Celestia had a problem she would always find a view, but she had a tendency to find places where you could see more and more the larger of an issue she had. It was almost as if she tried to gain perspective on the situation by having a larger perspective of the world around her. Luna didn't think Celestia knew about it herself, and she had been doing it for years. If she had moved on from a view of Canterlot it must have meant that whatever she’d been thinking of was something that was troubling her very much indeed. Luna thought for a while, and looked to the spires and towers of Canterlot. Though all of them were great in size, none would provide a better view than The Griffins Lookout. At this point Luna got significantly more worried. Celestia had left Canterlot. She was sure of it. She would usually be able to spot her in a second; at any time of day or night Celestia would always have a small crowd following her. It was almost 9 o’clock and the sun was nearly completely set, Luna couldn't just turn up to the Celebrations without her. She had to find her. Then, while gliding over the mountains, she saw it. A rocky outcropping on the forested slopes. Luna had a quick look around, from there Celestia would be able to see all of Canterlot, Ponyville, and one or two towns in the distance. It was perfectly placed, this had to be where she was. Luna made a beeline straight toward it without a moments hesitation. As she closed in on the outcropping she saw how densely the forest surrounded it was, only a Pegasus would be able to get to it, without difficulty at least. It was secluded, and hard to reach. This was bad. Author's Note Next Chapter coming up soon. Be gentle... Nah I'm kidding, go wild with the criticism, it's the only way I'll learn! haha!
Like Drawing Blood from a StoneMoments later and Luna spotted her sister. Celestia emerged from behind some of the plant life circling the rocky clearing, she was pacing. Celestia walked to the edge of the rugged balcony and looked out into the distance. Luna could tell she had spotted her, but Celestia simply stood in place and continued gazing at the sunset. Luna took one last swooping arc and landed softly behind her sister a couple of meters away. She furled her wings and looked to her sister, spending a final second or two pondering the situation. Luna noticed the subtle yellow glow of Celestia’s magic coming from her horn; she looked to the horizon and caught a final glimpse of the sun disappearing from view. “… The sun’s down.” Celestia spoke in a sombre, monotonous voice as the glow faded from her horn. Luna waited a moment then came to stand next to her. She briefly looked at Celestia, her expression blank and serious for the most part, but she saw sadness in the shape of her eyes. Luna didn’t say a word; she turned up the corners of her mouth ever so slightly, and then closed her eyes. Luna focused on her magic, focused on the moon so far up in the sky, out in space. She imagined the moon glowing with an eerie luminescence in the blackness of the night amongst a vast veil of stars. It was so vivid it seemed real, and it was so. She opened her eyes and, sure enough as every time in the past, the moon had mimicked her thoughts through her magic, now present amidst the countless stars in the night sky. Luna panted heavily for a few seconds. Though she had gotten somewhat used to it before, raising the moon was still a tough job, and Luna was a thousand years out of practice. Luna turned to her sister to make her attempt at a smile evident in some hope that it may rub off on her, but it was to no avail. Celestia continued to stare out at the panorama of Equestria, almost as if she was expecting an answer from it. Luna’s smile faded. A few more moments past before Luna finally spoke up to break the overbearing tension. “Tia. What’s wrong?” Celestia glanced at Luna for a second but did not speak. “Tia, what’s wrong? You know you can tell me. We’re sisters.” Luna was good at speaking ‘normally’ when around Celestia. She was very comfortable around her most of the time, yet at that moment she couldn't say the same. This time Celestia didn't even look at her. “Celestia, would you jus-!?” “How long has it been now?” Celestia asked suddenly, and though she spoke sternly it was not in anger. “I’m not sure I… how long since what?” “Since… since you came back.” “Well, come tomorrow morning, a year exactly. Surely you hadn't forgotten?” Luna’s confusion was evident in her voice. “No, no I haven’t. I just have to keep telling myself it’s been a year. I thought hearing it from you might help it sink in.” “… did it help?” Celestia simply dropped her head a little, finally breaking her gaze of the horizon. A few seconds past and Luna shuffled her hooves a little. When Celestia was like this she would always say what she needed to say in her own time. There was no point in asking questions or forcing it out of her, so they simply stood in silence for a minute or two. Celestia looked to the moon and once more broke the silence. “What was it like up there on the moon?” Sorrow filled her voice. “For one thousand years.” “Umm… Tia, I don’t-I’d rather not, uh….” Luna started nervously padding the ground and shifting her eyes around. “I’m sorry. That was rude of me.” “No it’s just… I’d rather not talk about it, sis.” Once again the crushing silence befell them. Luna looked down at the view of Canterlot; the ponies had begun putting festive lights up, and occasionally a silent firework would colour the sky above the city, too far for them to hear. “Tia, I’m here for you. I always will be. Please. Talk to me.” Luna knew it was useless trying to coax her to talk, but some words of kindness never hurt anypony. Celestia bit her lip, closed her eyes tight and turned away a little. She took a harsh breath in and composed herself. “It’s been so difficult, Luna. These last thousand years raising the sun and the moon. At first it wasn't too bad, but it got to me after a while. Some days I would just be so exhausted I couldn't leave my bed… and now you’re back, and suddenly I’m not tired every minute of the day. I can hardly believe you’re here again,” Celestia close her eyes with a pained look on her face. “Is that what this is about sis? Things getting easier?” “No. No, of course not.” Luna had never seen Celestia being so vague. “I’ve been so grateful for your help once again, and I find myself running the memories of your absence through my head over and over.” “Oh…” Luna had started putting a few things together. “You know… it’s just.” Celestia’s confidence seemed to waver. “Celestia.” “Sometimes there were nights when… I would just cry. Sometimes I wouldn’t know what the cause was. I’d had a good day but I’d just cry for hours.” Celestia’s eyes began welling up; she stood completely still, as if a single movement would push her over the edge into full on sobbing. “I was just so lonely sometimes. I’d look up at the moon and wonder if you were okay. When Twilight came along, and I started teaching her, I finally started feeling better, but every night I raised the moon I’d just find myself in depression again. It was horrible… and now you’re back.” “It’s okay Celest-“ “NO, it’s not okay!” Celestia yelled in her Canterlot voice, and at once all the wildlife around them was silenced. “I sent you to the moon! The moon! For one thousand years! How is that in the least bit okay?!” Luna was frozen in shock. Celestia suddenly became aware of herself and tried calming down. “I shouldn't be the one yelling, or crying for that matter.” Celestia had past the point of no return and a stream of tears ran down her face though she tried not to take notice of them. “I'm the one who sent you there, the one who made the decision to imprison you, and I'm acting as if I was on the moon for one thousand years! The day you came back you said you were sorry. I should have said sorry! I'm your sister… how-how could I have s-sent you to the moon?” It was no use resisting the tears anymore. Celestia began sobbing as well, her breaths becoming irregular and ragged. “But I was in the wrong Tia. I tried to overthrow you. I was so selfish that I didn't see that we were sisters anymore, I just saw you as an obstacle. So you acted the same way. It was only fair.” Luna’s voice was resolved and strong, but she could see it had only made things worse. “F-fair? What d-does that matter? You didn't deserve to go to th-the moon! I should have remembered we’re si-sis-sisters, for the both of us. No one deserves to go to the m-moon for one thousand years.” “But I did deserve it!” “Stop saying that!!! Why is this happening? Why are you so calm? Why am I so upset? I'm a terrible sister, why don’t you feel the same? You should hate me. Why wont you just hate me?” “Why? Why is it imperative that I hate you? It’s in the past we should just forget it.” Luna started saying the words through clenched teeth. Her brow furrowed. Why wouldn't Celestia just drop it? “In the past? It’s only been a year! And not once, not once have you confronted me about anything! This isn't the kind of thing you brush aside. At least you shouldn't think so.” “Oh, I shouldn't should I? Telling me how I should feel? I'm sure you wanted to brush it under the metaphorical carpet; I just wanted to do that as well, is that a problem?” Now Luna started yelling. “No, but this last year you've never questioned me. Never once argued with me. You're too complacent. Too calm.” “Then you should be happy! You have your sister back, and she’s more pleasant than ever. Just accept that I do not wish to talk about it!” “I cannot!” “Why?! Do you want to make things harder for yourself? Do you want me slamming doors and throwing tantrums like some filly? Or do you want me physically harming you?” “No, of cours-“ “Then stop asking me! It seems fairly simple to me,” Luna emphasised her words with furious hoof stomps. “I just want to know what you’re thinking, why you are acting the opposite to what you should, and why you won’t tell me about your imprisonment.” Luna’s brow was suddenly a lot less stern, and starting backing up slowly. Celestia, her tears now slowed, caught onto her vulnerability and pressed her harder, knowing she was close to finally getting some answers. “On that… rock. In that cold dark place. Knowing every day that I was still here, raising the moon with all the other ponies, while you were there. All alone. In the black of space… Completely alo-” “SHUT UP! SHUT YOUR MOUTH!” Luna had lost control of herself for just a second, screaming with all her might at her sister. Luna forced herself calm again, stilling her shifting, paranoid eyes, but it was for naught. Luna had lost her composure. She had to talk about it now. But then again why should she? Luna put up her defenses again, and after regaining her breath she stood, slightly turned from her sister, head held high and eyes closed, trying to close the conversation. To Luna’s surprise Celestia didn’t speak. She was almost certain she would have pursued the matter more; she had done now for so long. Luna risked a glance at Celestia. Her sister was simply staring at her. Completely still. Motionless. Expressionless. Her bloodshot eyes meeting Luna’s and holding her in a terrible gaze, she was afraid to look away. A moment passed. And then... “You could send me to the moon…” Author's Note Again as usual, don't be afraid to share your thoughts.
Dust and ShadowsLuna’s eyes widened with terror. “Wh-…what?” “You’re just as powerful as me. Maybe marginally less powerful, but you could do it.” Celestia’s voice was cold. Luna’s heart skipped a beat. A second ago she was crying her eyes out, and now this. This was nothing like her. “It would be easy. And no one would have to question you. You could just say I had decided I liked controlling both the sun and the moon, and that I wanted you gone, wanted to get rid of you permanently this time. That it was for the greater good. And ‘poof’ off to the moon I go.” “T-T-T-Tia, I-“ “Why not? It’s a wonderful deal. Just exert some power and you’d be queen of everything for a thousand years, or even forever. I wouldn’t even have to come back. Then you could make it night as long as you wanted. Like you always wanted.” “You know I’m not like that now Tia!” “Go on! I’ll even play along We can give each other a few bruises, some black eyes, a cut or two, and make it look like there was a fight.” Celestia started pushing Luna. “Tia, please!” “Come on, show me! Show me what it was like on the moon. You won’t tell me, so let me experience it first hand!” Celestia’s pushing got harsher and Luna felt herself welling up. Celestia's pushing started to hurt, until one final strike and Luna slumped to the floor. “DO IT!” “I will NOT!” Luna turned her eyes to her sisters, tears streaming down her cheeks and shimmering in the moonlight. Celestia stopped as she saw Luna's tears. “I will n-not because I don't want to lose you again!” Celestia stood speechless. Luna could not hold it in any more. She choked in a last attempt to defy her sadness but ultimately gave in. In half a scream Luna let out a millennia of true despair and sadness as she began crying. Celestia stood frozen, her own tears rolling off her face and onto the ground. Luna almost writhed as she sobbed and drew ragged breaths, howling in despair. Eventually, Celestia moved closer to her sister, but did not have the courage to try to comfort her, not feeling she had the right to do so any more. Luna's breath steadied after some time, finally feeling like she had exhausted some of the sorrow she felt. She lay on the earthy ground looking with hollow eyes at her namesake. “... One. Thousand. Years... It was absolute agony.” her eyes did not shift focus. “It's not like being alone here. It's different. You notice the moment you're there... Everything was muffled. Dulled. Suffocated.” “What I think is the first few weeks I was there, the visage of Nightmare Moon still upon me, the only thoughts I had were of rage. I sent blasts of magic across the landscape, flying as best I could, my screams of rage filling the nothingness. In a way those were the times I was most sane.” Luna's eyes glazed over as she dove deeper into her memory. “Then, after the last of my anger had drained from me, that's when I heard it. Not silence... no. I had expected silence. I heard my own heartbeat” “The only thing that ever sounded... normal was my own heartbeat... It was maddening. Every beat hammered into my mind just how alone I was. How far away I was. How lost everything was. And every beat after that grew in volume until it became so deafening, so intense that my head felt like it was about to explode. I just grabbed my head and screamed for hours to hear something other than... Other than that horrid pounding, chipping away at my sanity every second.” Luna's voice grew more and more disturbed as she went on. “I can't remember how long I screamed for. I went until my voice broke. Until I could taste blood every time I yelled. Until my voice was no more than crackled, dry whispers.” Luna took a few second to calm herself before continuing. “When it was too painful to try drowning out the sound any more I lowered myself into a crater, and I lay within a pit of white dust. Motionless for what felt like months, I learnt to block out the sound of my own heart. That was when I truly lost any concept of time.” She stopped for a second, eyes lowering slightly. “Then, when I could no longer properly perceive myself, that was when the hallucinations started... It may have been seconds, it may have been hundreds of years, but for what felt like an eternity I ran from shadows I thought, no... Knew where going to kill me in the most painful ways imaginable. A few times I thought they had caught me, and unspeakable pain raked my very being. Every muscle and nerve within me was shredded and torn by unseen claws, but then I found myself running again.” “I think there was a point when I stopped, and waited. Waited for those shadowed abominations to come and kill me. I wanted them to. I didn't care how painful it would be. I sat and yearned for death, too much of a coward to do it myself. But they never came. I sat, looking to what I had once sought to conquer praying that you would relieve me of my immortality, so I could finally just suffocate and be left to drift within the vast emptiness of space surrounded by white powder and shining stars.” Luna could no longer look at the glowing prison in the sky, instead electing to cast her eyes to the soil at her feet before closing her eyes tightly and gritting her teeth choking back tears. Celestia knew she wasn't finished. She couldn't speak if she wanted to. Her throat felt like it was trying to crawl out of her neck, so tight it almost felt painful, tears now silently falling from her eyes. Luna managed to hold back from crying before continuing. “I-I'm n-not sure how... but seeing Equestria somehow brought me back. Back to who I was. I sat and stared at the greens, blues and whites. Watched as they faded to blacks and purples, with glimmers of light grey floating above it all in the night time. It reminded me of what I had wanted, I remembered you, sister, and how you had banished me. I threw myself to obsession. Only ever thinking of the past, and reliving the day we fought, the day I was banished. All I saw was Equestria, a land that you had denied me, and I sat and plotted day by day, my eyes fixated upon that distant sphere. Whenever it went out of sight, I ran desperately across the surface to try and see it again, and I found myself growing colder and colder, my feathers icing over and my muscles seizing as everything around me grew darker. I went as far as I could before I turned back. But every time it went out of my sight I flew to the other side and waited as far as I could into that cold shadow.” “Soon enough I felt myself assume the visage of Nightmare Moon once more, and my mind was focused. I was finally sane, but I was blinded by rage and ambition. I could see nothing more than the conquest of Equestria.” “And then the final hour came, and my elation was beyond what I could imagine. As the light of the stars closed in on me, I heard my heart racing so fast that I could've sworn it would burst forth from me...” Luna rubbed her eyes with her hoof. “... It was the most torturous thing... I have ever been through. And it would never have happened if I hadn't been filled with so much rage.” Luna tentatively opened her eyes, now bloodshot, and took another look at the moon before turning away with a pained expression. Celestia processed the last of what Luna had said, and ground her teeth as more tears flooded from her eyes. She finally felt Luna's story relinquish its hold on her, her knees shaking, then buckling. She fell to the ground in such emotional torment that she couldn't even muster the energy to scream or vocalise her pain. How? How could she have done this to her? She had never thought of the implications of that banishment. How could she be so cruel to sentence her to that. How could she call herself a Princess? The weight of every word Luna spoked crashed down on her again in its totality, and it was unimaginable. Luna turned as she heard her sister collapse. Seeing Celestia covering her head with her hooves her whole body occasionally heaving and twitching in an attempt to breath, scared to do so in case she may have to live any longer after what she had done. Luna seemed confused for an instant before a serene expression came over her. Celestia hardly even heard the hoofsteps, and flinched at Luna's touch. She knelt by her sisters side with her hoof on Celestia's back. “Tia...” “Get away from me! I don't deserve you!” Celestia kept her head and eyes hidden with her hooves. “Tia-” “No... I'm a monster. Not fit to rule, after putting my sister through such horrors!” “Ti-” “Just lea-” “Celestia! Be quiet for one moment will you!?” Luna raised her voice, but there was no anger to be found. Surprised by her tone, Celestia slowly peeked through her hooves to see Luna's face. Rather than a face of pity or fury, she saw Luna's eyes softly glimmering in the moonlight and a small smile playing upon her lips. Shocked, Celestia finally uncovered her face and reared her head up slightly, hooves now in front of her, so to look into Luna's eyes in disbelief. “Celestia. I can't hope to imagine what you feel right now, and you, and perhaps myself as well, can't hope to know what I felt while on the moon-” Celestia choked a little, as if to cry, but with a stern look from Luna settled for a sniffle. “-But there's one thing I do know, and I know you do too. It's what thing were once like before any of that. Before the fighting, and before even Discord, or even King Sombra.” Celestia brought her head a little higher, now only Glancing at Luna every now and then. “I remember that we used to be sisters, Tia... And I remember how we used to make each other laugh and smile.” Celestia's head fell, crestfallen. “Used to be,” conceded Celestia. “And still can be again, Tia.”
SistersLuna's voice was so kind and hopeful that Celestia felt something loosen in her chest. “Whu-... What?” “Tia, all of that is gone now, and so is the part where we were sisters, true. But we were sisters for so much longer than we were enemies! Remember how whenever I was having a bad day, or I just couldn't get something right, you'd always help me guide my thoughts.” Celestia nodded slowly. “Remember how you used to go to New Buffalo whenever I was down, just because you knew the coffee there was my favourite? Even though you hate coffee.” Celestia nodded again. “And how about when we used to sit together at the table on those few evenings and mornings when we were awake enough to have a meal, and we still managed to laugh and joke even though we were less agreeable than a chimera in a sink-hole?” Celestia began smiling slightly. “Yeah...” “Then why, if that was such a big part of our lives, should the last one thousand years be what we focus on?” “True... but we can't ignor-” “And we won't! And we haven't!” Celestia looked into Luna's eyes with a bitter-sweet expression, obviously finding it difficult to gain Luna's optimism. “Oh darn it, Tia, I just want my sister back! I finally got it all out of my system, and I just want my big sis again!” Luna threw her arms around Celestia's neck and hugged her like she had never hugged her before, her eyes welling up again. Celestia looked shocked for a second before the warmth of her sisters embrace finally seeped into her, and she truly felt Luna's love, almost radiating from her. “And I want my little sister too!” and in response she wrapped her hooves around her little sister as tightly as Luna had. Eyes closed with smiles upon their faces and tears rolling down their cheeks. They sunk into each others hugs, for the first time in over one thousand years. After sitting for a while, together on the rocky balcony, Celestia and Luna Departed for Canterlot. The warm breeze did little to help their reddened eyes, but they hardly cared. As they arrived they walked side by side through the decorated city in contented silence with warming smiles on their faces. They suddenly spotted four royal guard running through the street, in as professional of a panic as could be achieved, almost skidding to a halt in front of the Princesses. “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, what happened? You've been gone for so long, we didn't know wher-... Um?” The guard was quickly silenced by Luna raising her hoof to him to stop him. “We were gone for quite a while, that is true, but what's important is that we are back and there is no crisis to be had.” Luna spoke in a calm authoritative voice. “But where? We should have been informed! If something had happened we would have been left withou-” He was stopped again by Luna. “... We are Princesses, and last time I checked, that mean we are not prisoners.” Celestia looked softly to her sister at the last word. “No. Not at all... Not anymore... So it is to my understanding that my sister and I are allowed to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while to talk to one another. Somewhere a little less populated. Am I correct in that understanding?” Luna asked, almost slyly. “Erm... Yes, your Majesty, but-” “Then I don't see the issue. Do you?” The guard stuttered. His companions frozen and slightly agape from surprise. “Good. Now if you don't mind, would you be so kind as to clear the way? My sister and I where on our way to see Nightsun Bloom's firework display.” The guards sat still for a moment, unsure of how to react. The most forward one looked to Celestia, as if for an answer or contradiction, but in return all he received was a smile and a look as if to say 'Well. You head her.' With that they stepped aside. Watching them pass, their normal stern 'guard faces' returned to them before hearing the two sisters break out into giggles a little way down the path. The sisters spent the rest of the night trotting through Canterlot enjoying all manor of festivities that had been set up. There were night time puppet shows, firework displays, fire-breathers and so much more. They even got the chance to peruse shops of various natures, all open late with various sales available. And for whatever reason, whether it was not wanting to inturrupt the sisters personal affairs, or whether ponies could see they had been crying earlier, not a soul bothered them for the rest of the night. Before they knew it, it had come to be time for the finale. The guards beckoned them over to the oh-so-familiar stage which had not changed in so long. The golden circle, with pinions like sunlight spreading around it, a frame for the great solar body that was to be raised, and positioned in a point in Canterlot so that all may see the very instant that it breached the horizon before settling for a second within that glimmering gold ring. As they approached the steps, the crowd now gargantuan with the whole population of the city, and more, now gathered to one spot. It slowly grew silent as the sisters came to the first step. A rather official looking pony, with a quill for a cutie mark, stepped up to the mic. “Fillies and gentlecolts! For the first time in one thousand years, please welcome to the stage not only Princess Celestia, but also Princess Luna!” The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. The crowd was alive with energy, even having stayed up all night the atmosphere was positively electric. Celestia looked to her little sister. “Are you ready?” She smiled, and Luna took a breath in through the nose before breathing out slowly. She opened her eyes with a determined, yet nervous look on her face. “Yes. I am, sister.” Celestia nodded softly before turning to face forward and putting her hoof out as if to step up. She took a deep breath as well, just as Luna had. “Together... As sisters.” Luna nodded and put her hoof out too before both taking that first stride up to the stage in tandem. As one. The crowd cheered and a fanfare played as they arrived at their positions. The crowd slowly quietened once more. “It is not often that we see such amazing displays of joy and happiness, but today is an exception that everypony can truly...” As she carried on Celestia and Luna stood in silence. Luna was clearly tense, and her big sister noticed, and for one moment, Celestia's face lit up as if an idea had struck. After a small speech the time came. “Now, without further adieu, may I welcome to the front of the stage, Princess Luna!” The crowds cheered, though it was noticeably quieter, but still enthusiastic. Luna stepped forward. She readied herself to lower the moon, closing her eyes before feeling a hoof on her shoulder. It was Celestia. “Tia?” Luna asked, confused. “I think that you've had enough of the moon for one night, little sister. Let me lower to the moon tonight...” Luna looked to her sisters eyes, trying to find some meaning behind this, but only saw a twinkle which endeared her to trust in her big sister. She nodded and stepped down. Celestia looked to the quill-marked pony and silently gestured to go to the mic again. A murmur of confusion arose in the crowd. “Erm... ugh-Ahem. Excuse me, there has been a small change. May I instead welcome to the front of the stage, Princess Celestia!” An applause and some cheering was heard, the crowd obviously confused. Luna watched as Celestia ignited the magic within her horn, and then saw the moon dip below the horizon as she did so. In the thousands of years that Luna had been raising and lowering the moon, she realised she has never truly been able to watch the moon set. And she felt in her heart a small joy as she was granted the opportunity right before her eyes by her big sister. Celestia completed the spell as applause rose from the crowd, but then did something that Luna did not quite expect. Walking up to the mic Celestia beckoned the announcer to step aside so she may speak. “Fillies and gentlecolts! I can imagine that we have taken you slightly off guard tonight with the change in schedule. For that I apologise, but it is for something that I feel has been long since due that I have done this.” Luna looked on in confusion the crowd now so silent you could hear a pin drop. “You may or may not all be aware of the events which occurred exactly one year ago today, and if you aren't you've certainly heard of my sisters reputation. But you also now know that my sister has returned to us as she once was many years before I sentenced her to a terrible fate upon the moon. She has returned to us as our loving and caring Princess. And it is for that reason, and many more that I see fit that we change things slightly this year.” Celestia's words resonated with Luna even though she was still unsure what Celestia was doing, as was the crowd. “So now I shall delay no further. May I please welcome to the front of the stage for the first time in history, so as to raise the sun for you tonight, my sister and monarch of the night, Princess Luna!” A few seconds passed before anyone realised what she had just said. Luna still stood in place, stunned. But to Luna's surprise it did not stay silent. Instead a cheer like no other roared up from the crowd. Luna recoiled slightly before slowly stepping forward unsure of what to think. Her sister approached her and leaned in to speak to her personally as the crowd cheered. “I'm sorry. I hope I didn't take you too off guard.” “Errrm.” Celestia chuckled. “Are you okay to do this?” Luna turned to look at Celestia and saw a worried expression on her face. At this Luna regained herself and replied. “Yes. Yes I believe I can.” Luna replied confidently with a warm smile. Celestia turned to walk to the back of the stage. “Tia!” Celestia turned and saw her little sister mouth to her two unmistakable words. 'Thank you'. And at that they took their positions. Luna looked to the sky for a second and closed her eyes. Her magic alighting her horn, and her mind focusing. Instead of a serene night sky she instead pictured the brightest and sunniest day she ever did remember. She imagined the suns golden rays dispersing outward into a fresh, clear bright blue horizon. She felt her magic find the sun, and she caught hold of it, her whole being grasping onto it. It could tell she was unfamiliar with it, and she could tell it was unfamiliar with her, but a certain acceptance washed over them as Luna remembered her big sister. Luna began to lift with all she could muster! This could be no ordinary sunrise. This was the brightest in the year. She pulled and pulled and felt her wings unfurl and her hooves leave the ground, bringing the sun with her until soon enough she felt the sun settle, and slide into place content in where it was, yet confident it was where it was meant to be. Luna opened her eyes and what had replaced a busy night city was thousands of ponies faces bathed in light, herself before them all. Every eye was on her as she flew. And in one final moment every ponies saw it was done, and they cheered in such a fashion that Luna had never seen. Luna looked behind her and saw the sun sitting happily within the golden frame on stage, and without even realising she smiled so brightly that even the combined sunlight of an entire summer could not outshine her. Luna looked to her sister and saw tears rolling down her cheeks as she regarded her with pride immeasurable. She landed and hugged her, both of them laughing with joy. They parted and looked to each other. “Luna. I have to know... when we were on the balcony, why did you so suddenly come to comfort me after everything you had said?” Celestia's eyes shone with anticipation. Luna thought for a second. “Because it was at that moment I saw something in you that I had not seen for one thousand years, Tia.” “What did you see?” “I saw... I saw that you really and truly cared about me... and it was in that moment, when I saw you in such turmoil over what had happened, that I finally put my hatred aside. And finally, after so long...” Celestia held her breath. “Forgave you.” The two sister looked to each other eyes for a few seconds, thousands of unseen words being spoken as the thunder of the crowd still surrounded them. And in those seconds Celestia realised that maybe, just maybe, she could now forgive herself too. She nodded. “Come on, I think it's time we went home. You need some sleep.” “Actually... can we stay up for a while for breakfast? And can we get a coffee from the Griffins Lookout?” “I couldn't think of anything more wonderful.”
