Bittersweet Bickering

  Midnight Spark and Starry Skies made their way out of the house. Luna was waiting next to a carriage pulled by pegasi of the Royal Guard.

     "Are you two ready to go?" Asked Luna.

     "Yes, Princess." Answered Midnight Spark.

     The two sisters boarded the carriage, and the pegasi took off. Looking back at her house, Midnight Spark felt vaguely empty. Was it leaving her home that caused this? No, it was more than that.

     "Take a good look at Manehattan, Star, because I have a feeling we might not see it anytime soon."

     "What makes you say that, sis?"

     "Just a feeling."

     "Midnight, is everything alright?" Interjected the princess.

     "Honestly, I don't know, Princess," Midnight responded "I wish it was, but all I can do is wait and find out if it is."

     "Don't worry. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about."

     "I hope so, Princess, I hope so." Midnight stated wistfully.

                                     * * *

     The rest of the trip was quiet. Starry Skies was looking at the scenery as they flew by, Princess Luna had departed during the flight to finish her royal duties, and Midnight Spark sat lost in thought.

     "What could the emergency be?" Midnight muttered to herself. "It must be important if we had to come along. What if it's a test!? No, it can’t be. But what if it is? I don't think Star is ready to showcase her skills to Princess Celestia."

     "I am too!" Cried out Starry Skies, overhearing her sister. "You don't know what I can do, Midnight! I've got more talent than most unicorns in all of Equestria. No one can compare to me! You don’t know a thing."

     "You may be talented, but you always seem to forget the one lesson that really matters. 'Pride is acceptable so long as it doesn't turn into boastfulness. Always act with grace and humility or you’ll drive even the closest friends away.' And do you really think you are ready to show your skills to Celestia? The Princess who trained the most talented unicorn turned alicorn princess, Twilight Sparkle?"

     "But I... I..."

     "Exactly. Your pride doesn’t let you see reason. You have a lot to think about, little filly!"

     Starry Skies turn away furiously. Midnight didn't need a sign to know that she had just hurt her sister's feelings. Midnight realized that she had gone over the line. She didn't want her sister anymore upset so she just sat quietly. Uneasiness loomed, but the two sisters didn't talk. Midnight sat trying to find the right words to comfort her sister's broken Spirit. She walked over and sat down next to Starry Skies. Starry Skies turned away, but Midnight spoke anyway.

     "Star, I... I just... Look. I wanted to apologize. I shouldn't have said what I had said." Said Midnight softly. Starry Skies turned to her with teary eyes.

     "Why are you apologizing? You didn't say anything wrong. You're right, I'm always too proud, and always making bad judgment. I need to be humble, but I'm not. I haven’t learned anything that Princess Luna taught; I'm not fit to be her student. I shouldn't have come." Starry Skies murmured. She wept lightly into Midnight's shoulder. Midnight hugged Starry Skies, and looked lovingly into her sister's watery eyes.

     "Star, you are a proud little filly, but you're still just a filly, silly. You still have so much time to learn to be a better pony. If anything, I'm glad you're here. You know, I never told you this but... I don't know what I'd do without you." Her voice broke. "I'm only Luna's student because you inspired me to be the best I can be. You sat with me through the hard times, and you are as much Luna’s student as I am. Star, you shouldn't give up on yourself. I do want you to be great, to be somepony. I always have, since... Since M-m-mom and Dad-"

     "Oh, Mid!" Squeaked Starry Skies. She hugged Midnight as tightly as she could. They sat hugging and crying for a little bit. They exchanged smiles and sat for a moment. Midnight then pulled out her books and began to study, she had to be ready to meet Celestia. Starry Skies sat down next to her. Eager to prove herself, she studied along.