Light Through The Darkness

The carriage continued its journey through the sky, just like Midnight’s thoughts continued to race through her head. She had so many questions and concerns filling her head to the point of exploding. This wasn’t doing her any good. In fact, she was starting to feel lightheaded. Think of something else.

“Midnight,” called Luna quietly, “I have some things I need to tend to. You know, royal duties.”

“Of course, Princess. Don’t hold yourself up because of me.” she replied reassuringly.

“Thank you, Midnight. You look a bit tired. You and Starry Skies should get some sleep.”

“But what about-”

“Celestia will be right here. No need to worry. And besides, I’ll be back before the carriage arrives at Canterlot. That’s a promise.” Midnight gave her a nod, and Luna took off. She went back to her thoughts. Sleep. I am tired, as I’m sure Star is. She inched over slowly toward Starry Skies.

“Hey Star. If you’re tired you should get some sleep. We’ve still got some time before we arrive at Canterlot.”

“I don’t want to sleep.”

“Why not kiddo? It’d make me happy.”

“What about what makes me happy?”

“What d’you mean?”

“Why didn’t you tell me about these dreams before?”

“Star, they’re just dreams. I didn’t care to tell you because they weren’t a big deal.”

“Well they are now! Why didn’t you tell me? Don’t you trust me?”

“Star, it’s not about trust-”

“Then what, huh? Am I just not a good enough sister for you to tell?”

“Don’t say that, Star. I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d worry.”

“Duh. I’m your sister! If there’s a problem, of course I’m gonna worry!” Midnight glared at Starry Skies. She was at a loss for words. “How long have you been having the dreams?”

“Not that long.”

“How long!”

“A few years?”

“Years!?”

“How many times do I have to tell you? It wasn’t your problem!”

“Well, it is NOW!”

“Ugh, if I knew you were gonna act like this, I should have left you in Manehattan!” Starry Skies let out a small, suppressed gasp and turned away furiously. Midnight knew it didn’t take a genius to figure out that Starry Skies was disheartened. They sat for what seemed like hours in silence. Midnight filled the air with an apparent discomfort when she crossed the line with Starry Skies. All she wanted to do was to clear the air and fix her sister’s broken spirit, but to do that she first had to think of something to say.

“Star,” she said, gently putting her hoof around the filly, “I… I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.” The little filly looked up at her with tears lit up by the moonlight.

“Why, Mid? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Star, I-”

“Do you have any idea how that makes me feel? How is someone supposed to feel when their only sister doesn’t trust them enough to tell them her problems. Do I really not mean that much to you? Would you really rather have me back at home? Or would you just like not having a sister at all?” Midnight was completely taken aback. She brought her sister in close. Starry Skies wept lightly into her shoulder, while she thought of something to say. She looked endearingly into her sister’s sorrowful eyes.

“Oh Star, don’t ever think that I don’t want you, that’s the last thing I want you to think. Okay? And you know what?”

“What?”

“I’m glad you’re here with me. I need someone here with me, I mean look at me. I can’t even go to sleep without getting hurt.” Starry Skies pushed her playfully. “Sorry, bad joke. But seriously, You being here makes me so happy. I’ve only been able to make it this far because of you. I do it all for you. The nightmares are horrible at times. They make me wish I’d never wake up because I’d have to go back to them eventually, but I wake up and you make it all better. You’re my strength, what keeps me going. You’ve been with me through everything, and I’m thankful for that. I guess I could have told you, but I just didn’t want ‘my strength’ to worry about me.”

“C’mon, Mid. You don’t mean that.”

“I do, Star. You’re the only good thing in my life. Since M-Mom and Dad…” Midnight turned her head, trying to fight back tears.

“It’s okay, Midnight. I love you.”

“I… I love you too, Star.” Starry Skies turned Midnight’s head and brushed away a tear, then, she gave her a hug. I’m glad you’re my sister.

Look at them. Two sisters, just happy to be together. We used to be just like that, Luna and I. Even thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. Thank the stars Luna isn’t here to see me like this.

“Oh, Tia. They bring back memories don’t they?”

“Gah- Where did you come from?”

“I guess you were so captivated by the girls, you failed to notice my arrival. But tell me, don’t you see it in them? They’re just like us. Don’t you think?”

“Luna, I know I don’t say this enough,” Celestia, put a hoof around Luna, “but I love you.”

“I love you too, but where’d that come from? Getting soft on me, Tia?”

“D-Dunno what you’re talking about, Luna.”

“Are you crying?” she chuckled as she pulled Celestia closer.

“Course not! S-Something in my eye.”

“Don’t worry, there’s something in my eye too!”

Midnight Spark and Starry Skies both let out a big yawn, and some giggles.

“Alright, we’ve still got some time. Let’s get some shuteye.”

“But Mid, what about-”

“Don’t worry, Star? Luna’s right here with us. I’ll be fine.”

“Okay,” she said sleepily, “but will you sing me a lullaby?”

“Of course Star.” The little filly curled up next to her sister. ♪Hush now, quiet now, It’s time to lay your sleepy head. Hush now, quiet now, It’s time to go to bed. Drifting off to sleep, an exciting day behind you. Drifting off to sleep, let the joy of-♪ Midnight let out a big yawn. “Good night Star.” She put her head down and fell into a deep sleep.