Dead Weight

Celestia gazed upon her younger sister where she lay at her side, nestled under her wing.

The situation had devolved from a normal breakfast quickly, the princess reflected. Luna had begun to sob and stammer the instant she had barged through her doors. Plans had changed accordingly. They had moved from the balcony to her bedchamber, where things were warm and safe. Celestia had gone off of her memories with Twilight when she had conjured their blankets and vanilla-minty candles, all the while aware that this was not her student but her sister, her equal. Fortunately there had been no protest. Now as they rested before the fire with their empty plates and cups, all was well.

For now.

Celestia could only observe her sister quietly while the seconds ticked away, brow knit, wondering what was best to say. Centuries of existence didn't mean one was granted omniscience, a dream she sorely wished was possible.

Her nerves strained against her better thoughts. She wanted to panic, run, and scream obscenities. Her wings itched to take her far, far away where she could reflect without the moment crushing her, without the walls closing in. Memories flashed before her eyes, visions she wished would cease themselves, cease their haunting. She breathed deeply and prayed. Not again, never again.

Her body shuddered with her sigh. She was carefully composed save this, the movements and sounds even of themselves minimal, unnoticeable.

Or so she thought.

Luna shifted beneath her wing and lifted her head.

"Sister, I've troubled you," She whispered. "You cannot handle this, can you?"

"What you have told me is difficult to process," Celestia managed in her calmest voice. Even to her own ears, her voice was steady. Regal even.

The expression in her sister's eyes was sad, but more frighteningly, knowing. "Forget all I've told you in confidence." Luna shook her head and looked away into the flames. "Tis perhaps nothing."

Celestia brought her nose to Luna's neck. She inhaled her scent - perhaps a strange thing, but it reminded her this was real. That she was real. Nuzzling her, she said, "Don't be that way. It's merely a lot to take in. I want to answer you."

"But you are afraid of upsetting me," Luna answered. "You are afraid that my interests in the dark are those of Nightmare Moon's, and not my own."

"Luna." To speak her sister’s name was a plea to her own ears, betraying her.

"Tia," Luna sighed. "I think you focus on the past, more-so than I."

"I believe," Celestia said softly, speaking from memory of a previous recitation, "That the past is the foundation for the future. You know that I'm merely cautious."

"Verily," Luna agreed. "But you forget that in the past, I had certain responsibilities. Before things happened as they did." She paused. "Even Nightmare Moon didn't used to be a villain."

"But to give you those responsibilities now, with the population as it is." Celestia's throat tightened. Rather than continue and strangle her words, she gracefully fell silent, her eyes going unfocused. The firelight and her sister's shadow became blurs.

"This civilization is your success," Luna sighed. "Not mine. My absence was what made it possible. You know that."

"Luna, don't say that." There was a tense sound to her voice she couldn't hide, a sound that was almost a growl as Celestia suppressed her tears.

"Tia."  Luna leaned back and rested her head on her sister's neck. For a moment, they peered into the other's eyes.

"You should be proud of yourself, not crying so," her sister told her. The warmth in Luna's voice seemed impossible. "You brought forth a powerful kingdom from the rubble of our conflict. You have led a people centuries into prosperity and enlightenment, into innumerable victories as well as treaties. You managed to be strong without me."

Celestia sighed and kissed her nose. "It has been hard."

"Should it be so difficult?" Luna asked softly. "When I should share your duties?"

A noise squirmed in Celestia's throat. The warmth of her sister's body was oppressive.

"Don't be afraid," Luna soothed. "We can do this together. A balance of light and dark was meant to be."

"N-no," Celestia managed. She wrestled herself from Luna's side, stood up abruptly. Unable to stand seeing her sister’s shadow in the flames, she closed her eyes.

"Tia-"

"Stop," She gasped. "Just stop. I can't Luna, I-I just can't."

Luna was silent.

Celestia continued, using what will she had left to steady her voice and keep the tears from coming. "You want me to let darkness into m-our kingdom," She swallowed. "You want me, to endanger our little ponies' health and sanity, so that you feel equal. So that there are more problems, so you can do more work."

"Celestia," Came Luna's soft, pleading voice. "It is not like that-"

"Have you even thought of what could happen? The thousands of deaths that could happen?"

Luna sighed heavily, pained. "If ponies die then they can be resurrected."

"Which will offset the balance of existence!" Celestia's voice was almost a shriek. "There is life, and there is death, Luna. There isn't supposed to be a strange in-between!"  She was carried away now, wings flaring as she stomped around, tossed her head, dizzy on these emotions, a surreality presenting itself in her mind.

Luna's horn glowed out of the corner of her eye, muffling the room, no doubt so that guards wouldn't hear. Her guards.

Celestia was breathing heavily, staring at nothing while her heart raced in her chest. She struggled to calm herself down, and in her efforts was rigid on the spot.

Luna was quiet.

Celestia turned her head, locking her sister in her gaze. "Do you know what happened the last time?"

"I was banished to the-"

"No," Celestia cut her off. "What happened," she repeated, "Was there were so many of your minions after you were gone, such a taint to the land, the fabric of our existence came undone."

Luna's eyes widened. Slowly however, her brow knit.

"What?" Celestia hissed.

"I was merely thinking," Luna started slowly, "It is hard to believe that the fabric was loosened purely by my magic alone. You know as well as I that darkness is a natural aspect of this world."

"It is not natural Luna!" Celestia argued. "Twisting the balance and turning death into life is not supposed to happen.” She stomped her hoof. “The laws are only supposed to work one way."

"But," Luna retorted, "If it could be done and so easily, does that not mean it belongs in the world?"

Celestia groaned and rubbed her temples with the wrist of her wing.

"What of technology, does it belong?" Luna continued.

"Technology is not harmful to ponies," Celestia informed her in a weary voice. "And it cannot be harmful to ponies, because it is done by ponies, for the improvement of the population. Dark magic doesn't do that Luna. Dark magic sickens, hurts, and kills. It is a tool of destruction and nothing more."

"But what of a failed piece of technology, does it not hurt others?"

"Luna," Celestia sighed. "You are implying then that dark magic can be improved on. Can it?"

Luna did not reply.

"I thought so," Celestia said, giving her sister a firm look from under her wing. "I am sorry to say this, dearest sister, but I do not think dark magic belongs in this world. Whether you govern it and it's creations, or not."

Luna sighed deeply, her expression becoming petulant. She tilted her head. "I understand however, that this is a world that you created. Can you not change your designs?"

Celestia gave a hollow, tired laugh. "You speak as if establishing a culture of love and peace was a mere game. That a utopia simply hatches from an egg by a b-bird..."

"Sister," Luna said softly, eyeing her. "You can't be perfect."

"I'm not, Luna. I'm only -"

"Doing what I can for the best," They both intoned in a dull voice.

Celestia gave a start, blinking at her sister as a weight formed deep in her chest. Wait. How often do I repeat myself? Am I becoming a broken record, or am I simply transparent?

Luna did not look surprised, or even impressed, continuing, "I think you need what is known as a vacation."

“I am perfectly fine,” Celestia scowled. Then, she realized her sister’s intention, her heart sinking even further.  "I am not leaving this kingdom in your hooves," she added.

Luna sat up, looking wounded. "Oh, so do you not trust me?"

"No," Celestia sighed. "It's not that but I-"

"Do not trust me. You believe I will corrupt your kingdom somehow, and remove it from your precious light." Luna stared hard at her, gaze challenging – dangerous even - while her sister, in response, crumpled at those words.

The room changed. Celestia stared at her sister in horror, the smaller’s figure sinking into the abyss while the glow of Luna's eyes in the firelight brightened and came alive, even as the fire itself soon vanished. Twin slits, electrified by the screams of falling stars and stolen souls, stared back. Predatory, calculating things, judging her weaknesses.

At any moment the silence would break, and her sister, the demon, would laugh – but first her mouth will open…

"N-Nightmare..." Celestia’s whisper was a prayer. These were visions, yes, but could she change it this time? Make the first move? "N-no, I don't want to fight. You can't... You can’t make me, not again."

Perhaps, she thought, if Luna could hear-

The void bent and stretched, returning to an arching, stone chamber lined with silks and tapestries. Moonlight glared like blades through the wall before them, outlining her sister's dark figure. Luna scowled imperiously from her perch on the ceremonial balcony. Then, she reared in a howl of voice, storm, and crumbling rock -

Enveloped by the red of her own hatred, the sphere was a dying sun amidst the frost crackling forth from it's center, covering everything in white -

Time sped forward.

Those slits were met, eyes were locked. Nightmare Moon pointed her horn to begin her final act. Celestia knew she had failed once again, that this monster could not be reasoned with. Her sister was gone.

No.

Dead. Luna was dead, beneath that coat of Stygian sin.

Gone.

At any moment the silence would break, and the demon who had worn her sister’s face would laugh; Celestia would see the mouthful of jagged fangs, learning once more what her sister – not her sister - had been eating -

None of it –

Celestia's vision blurred. When it returned, she found herself in her bedroom.

Everything to the alicorn was strangely horizontal and warm, although there was a sensation of floating between the duplicates. Her eyes uncrossed themselves as things came into perspective, her breathing slowing.

Celestia realized her sister was no longer by the fire. Luna couldn't be found as she looked about the room. But this weight –

Was that a shifting of feathers? A clink of metal?

Nightmare Moon, donned in her armor, was embracing her sister tightly. Celestia went limp in the mare’s arms, a part of her mind simply giving up the fight. When the mare gazed into Celestia's eyes however, there was no hatred or bloodlust to be found in the bestial orbs, only compassion.

A cry sounded in her sister’s throat. Mockery. This, this was mockery.

"Celestia," Nightmare Moon spoke in her sister's voice. "Hush."

"You..." Celestia's words trailed.

You monster! How dare you!

"I am your sister," Nightmare Moon told her, continuing her charade. "I love you very much. And although I disagree with your beliefs, I will not destroy our kingdom and start another war."

Nightmare Moon peeled her body away, leaving Celestia baffled on the floor across from her, her own body unable to cooperate aside from twitches of her legs and wings.

Yet, the Nightmare did not attack, simply taking a seat across from her. Waiting with all the patience an immortal being could possess.

Why?

…Oh.

Celestia stared at the mare, nausea rising in her throat. " Luna, how are you doing that?"

Nightmare Moon smiled. "It's an illusion, Tia. Did it help you any? You were...Having another attack." The black mare's expression, Celestia realized, was that of concern.

No. Yes.

Celestia nodded her head. "Some,” she lied. “P-please change back though." She gestured with her hoof.

Nightmare Moon did not.

"Luna!" Celestia cried.

Nightmare Moon gazed upon her sister calmly. "Sister, this is me as well."

"No it's not. It's not!" Celestia screamed. "It may have been once, but this...This form..."

What am I saying? This has never been you, Luna! Never- You! You are a fool! You were tricked. Corrupted! De-Destroyed, by this… Thing…

Celestia buried her face in her hooves, unable to bear looking upon the mare any longer. The cold metal of her hoof-guards soothed her sweaty brow. She turned her attention to the sensation, tuning out everything else except the sound of her own breathing.

Luna relented and shifted back it seemed, because after a flash of blue light, a smaller head was nuzzling itself against her sister's, cooing softly, hushing her with soft nothings. They settled together and curled up to watch the fire die low. Celestia was too weak to protest.

"You need a vacation," Luna told her softly.

"No I don't," Celestia said. "Don't tell me that again...Please... Okay?"

She gave her sister a look.

"I will tell you that you are hurting yourself," Luna murmured. "And you should, in fact, trust me."

Celestia moaned in her throat. "I should trust you to do what, exactly?"

Luna fell silent.

Celestia sighed. Feelings were often hurt in the truth, but she could have worded that better. "I'm sorry, Lulu."

"Nae, I'm sorry," Luna told her softly. "I should not have expected you to change your mind so easily."

Celestia was quiet.

"I am frustrated, dear sister," Luna sighed. "But, my only desire is to save and preserve the life of the one dead soul that remains. One soul. Will you let me have that? One life, which I may claim as my own?"

"You are ignoring the existence of your batponies,” Celestia noted, turning her head from Luna’s begging eyes.

"While they may be mine, they have fared well enough in this world that I am not concerned overmuch."

"Still, you are ignoring-"

"I am not ignoring," Luna interrupted, "How you slew my subjects because they didn't fit in with your idea of safety."

"Safety." Celestia breathed, a chill racing down her spine. "No, I want to preserve what already exists, Luna. I want the 2 billion ponies that now call this country home to live long, prosperous lives, free of unnecessary dangers."

"Unne-"

"A lich," Celestia swallowed, continuing, "No matter how supposedly-docile, breathes dark magic and curses all beings around him to live short, tormented lives. His existence is poison, Luna. Poison to you and poison to me. He must be slain, and will, if found."

"Very well."

"You...accept that?" Celestia blinked.

"Oh no, not in the slightest." Luna nuzzled her.

Celestia froze. For a moment her mind spiraled blankly for the worst, drawing up centuries of assassination attempts and subtle warfare -

"But I will not challenge you."

Celestia sighed deeply, her emotions stripped and gutted. "I apologize for expecting a coup to come from this."

She was too weary to build her walls. There had been too many false starts. She was done.

A thought came to her. "What are you going to do about the Night Court? You had suspended it, and it has been hours now."

"I will cancel it," Luna answered. "I am far too worn to deal with their games tonight."

"Luna! It's your responsibility," Celestia's reply came with the last spark of emotion she could muster.

"And my responsibilities also entail me not tearing apart the castle in my grief," Luna informed her. "Might I please have this night to myself?" Her gaze held a solemn intensity.

Celestia could only nod, understanding very well. "Certainly."

"May I do that?- Ah,” Luna blinked, clearly having expected another argument. “ You seem exhausted."

"I need to sleep, yes."A smile struggled to appear.

Luna smiled as well. “I see.”

There was an awkward silence at this acknowledgment, both of them gazing about the room to collect themselves.

“I will clean up the plates and put out the last of the embers,” Luna mused. “You may rest.”

“I appreciate your generosity,” Celestia said softly, stifling a yawn, “But you should let me worry over that. I can clean up in the morning.”

Luna frowned at this, but didn’t seem to want to argue, sighing lightly and making her way for the door. Any notions of anger were put aside the moment her sister turned her head and smiled.

“Goodnight then, Tia,” Luna said softly.

“Goodnight then, Lulu,” Celestia replied.

The door closed.

Celestia gazed a moment longer upon it before she moved toward the canopy bed, a magnificent sight in mahogany, draped in multi-hued silks with the combined effect of a pastel spring morning, although the colors were now ruined by the shadows of her room, appearing grim and lifeless.

With a heavy sigh, the princess descended beneath her bedcovers. Although her rationality declared herself too tired to think, her mind was already running rampant with Luna’s words, churning out odd feelings and half-thoughts that made no sense in her panic at first, but soon clarified to be possible scenarios in her foresight.

They were probably premonitions. Probably.

Luna would try something. Celestia knew she would.  She knew not when nor how, but the rest was clear – clearly involving the lich, her old policies, and Nightmare Moon.

Definitely Nightmare Moon.

She would not let her sister be taken again. Celestia swore this promise up and down where she lay, knowing too, the tactics of this game were not like the last. This would not become a war of swords, but of words. Instead of devastation there would be quiet out-maneuverings. She and her ‘sister’ would take turns, once and then another, until there was a victor.

Yes, this sounded right.

Celestia closed her eyes.

Luna would make her move tonight. Then, it would be her turn.