Dawning of the Sun, Rising of the Moon

After Celestia got her cutie mark, Luna was more determined than ever to get hers. During the next two years, Celestia grew even more radiant then before. Her mother had taught her everything she knew about the raising the sun. Selenos even taught her how to create stars. Meanwhile, Luna was a gorgeous little filly. She and her father spent every waking moment together. Selenos was helping her with her moon magic. He taught her the constellations, the different phases of the moon, and even the importance of dream magic. “Dreams are the collective thoughts of all our subjects.” he told her. “As the princess of the night, you have to learn how to subdue nightmares and bring peaceful dreams to every pony in Equestria.” Luna practiced and practiced. However, she couldn’t seem to raise the moon, no matter how hard she tried. One twilight, Selenos and Helia called their daughters to the throne room. They both had calm, warm smiles on their faces. “Celestia,” Selenos started. “It has come to your mothers and my attention that you have excelled in your studies of magic. You have been an excellent role model for Luna. So we have decided, that tonight, we want you to take Luna out and help her raise the moon. Luna, I know that this seems a bit unfair. However, your mother and I agree that I have taught you everything you need to know. It now rests on your shoulders darling. We know you can do it.” At first, Luna was upset. Her parents wanted Tia to show her how to do the job she was supposed to do! But, she composed herself, and nodded to her parents, who in turn gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek. “You can do it Luna. We believe in you.” Said Helia. Celestia decided to take Luna to a secluded field just outside of Canterlot. While they were flying there, Celestia said that she would let Luna try by herself, and if she needed help, Celestia would be there. When they landed, the sky was a dark navy blue. The only sound was the sound of the wind against the grass and the distant sounds of crickets. Luna stood on top of a hill. “Are you sure you’re ready?” Celestia asked. Luna smiled with a determined grin on her face. “Of course I’m ready!” Tia didn’t look so sure. “I could get it started for you if you want.” “No! You said I could do it by myself!” Luna objected. “But… you can…stand next to me. Just in case.” “Just in case.” Celestia chuckled. Without another moment of hesitation, Luna flew up into the sky. She closed her eyes and concentrated. Her horn began to glow. She fluttered her little wings. All of a sudden, the moon began to rise over the horizon. Just as the moon was at its peak, Luna lost her concentration. She started to plummet to the ground but Celestia caught her just in time. “Did it work? Is it there?” Luna asked while she covered her eyes with her hooves. Celestia smiled. “The moon or your cutie mark?” “The moon duh! I don’t have my…..” Luna looked at her flank, expecting it to be bare. However, she didn’t see what she was expecting. On her flank was a beautiful patch of black sky with a pure white crescent moon. “I did it!” Luna exclaimed. “I raised the moon AND got my cutie mark.” “Oh did you? I wasn’t watching.” “Tia!” “Just kidding!” They settled down on the grass together and looked at the radiant moon that Luna raised. “Do I have to do the stars too?” Luna asked. Celestia answered. “Most nights yes.” “ALL of them?” asked a very tired Luna. “Tell you what. I’ll do the stars tonight if you help me with the sun in the morning. “Luna yawned and snuggled up close to her sister. “Ok.”