Nightfall

The darkness of night receded as the edge of the summer sun crept just over the horizon, its soft rays casting a hue of pinks and yellows across the early morning sky. In the vivid light, Canterlot, the ancient kingdom of pony kind, shone as if made of gold.

Though her horn glowed intensely, Princess Celestia stood quietly as she watched the sunrise and looked out across the city from her spire’s window. Despite the beautiful view, she closed her eyes then inhaled deeply, the luminance of her horn dulling then fading completely as she did.

Finding it difficult to face what was troubling her, instead she distracted herself by focusing on things she couldn’t see. Honey and cinnamon wafted lightly on a cool breeze, the delicious scents drifting her thoughts to the blossoming royal gardens. She could almost picture the various flowers and their assortment of colorful pedals, and though the sweet fragrances managed to distract her for a time, something else caught her attention as well. Over the distant roar of the neighboring waterfalls, trumpets sounded across the kingdom, their blare an age old custom signifying the change from night to day. With the announcement of morning's arrival, ponies would soon fill the various brick and stone streets, but rather than feel elated Canterlot had made it safely to another day, the princess twisted her lips in frustration.

“So many years have gone by... I had so much time to prepare and yet now I don’t even know the first thing to say.” Celestia bowed her head and stifled a small sigh. “I have my sister once more… but, by doing this, do I chance losing her once again?” Her heart ached at the notion.

Slowly turning from the window, her freshly brushed mane slid from her shoulders, the sunlight making the colors of her hair gleam. “No matter what's happened in the past, this is Luna’s place – her home." Feeling almost as if she were lecturing herself, she paused a moment and imagined what Star Swirl would say if he were here. "She's taken the form of her younger self... The burden of protecting Equestria cannot be beared by such tiny shoulders.” She mimicked the ancient mage's deeper voice and smiled at the thought of having his guidance at a time like this.

Trying not to be overcome by her worries, Celestia breathed deeply once more, allowing her thoughts to again be overrun by flowers in bloom, but nodded as she knew what had to be done. “There's still so much left to prepare her for, but until her memories return, being a part of the cycle we once shared is something she'll never be ready to endure. My sister must understand the sacrifices that were made to give her this chance...”

In a puff of smoke and green flame, a tiny scroll appeared then bounced as it landed upon Celestia’s desk. Almost as quickly as it had appeared, Celestia’s magic lifted the scroll and floated it across the massive chambers over to her. As it came to a stop and hovered magically before her, the tiny wax seal split and the scroll unrolled. The princess wasted no time reading its contents.

Dear Princess Celestia,

These last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind, but I can't thank you enough for allowing me to stay in Ponyville!

I just wanted you to know, Spike and I should be arriving at the Canterlot train station in just a short while. Once we're there, we have a few places to visit, but the important thing is we’ll be picking up our last few items to finish the move. Before we get started though, we'll be sure to stop by the castle to visit!

See you soon!

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

As she finished reading, Celestia looked to a large trunk sitting in a corner of her chambers and smiled. "As always, your timing couldn't be any more perfect, my little pony."

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A tiny dark blue alicorn stood upon her balcony and blinked heavily as she peered across the beautiful morning landscape then drowsily covered her mouth with a forehoof. "It'sh... s'ho pwetty..." She said, barely managing to squeek out the words between yawns. With a gentle rub of her eyes, she turned from the golden view of the city to look inside her room, where her giant fluffy bed waited invitingly.

Princess Luna's expression suddenly turned stern. "Nuh uh! I cannot think of resting! Big sister wants to meet with me!" She said stoicly and gave a determined nod as she flapped her wings, slowly lifting herself into the air. "But... I suppose there isn't any reason why I couldn't wait under the covers."

Giggling, she fluttered lazily across the room until hovering just above her bed. Preparing for a nice, soft landing into the warm folds of her blankets, she stretched her legs and began to slowly descend... But a sudden, loud knock startled her. Losing control, she crashed face-first into a mound of pillows.

"Luna?" A familiar voice said the princess's name from behind the large chamber door. Magically glowing soft yellow, the door slowly creaked open and Princess Celestia peeked inside. "Oh, I had hoped I wouldn't wake you!"

"No, um... " Luna quickly dug herself free from the soft mound then brushed away a thick wave of sparkling blue hair which immediately fell right back onto her face. "I... wasn't ash'leep-" she stopped mid-sentence to fight back another yawn, this one stealing her voice. "I just thought it would be nice to wait for you while in bed. It probably wasn't the best idea..." She smiled sheepishly and fidgeted as she peeked at her sister through her bangs.

Celestia's smirk turned into a warm smile as she leaned forward and nuzzled Luna. "It's quite alright. It's my fault I made you wait and I'm sure you're exhausted. But..." She paused a moment, as if considering her words carefully. "The matter I've come to speak with you of is very important. However, I fear it's also something that may be difficult to face... Are you certain you're ready?"

Luna blinked hard, determined to push back the ever-encroaching sleepiness. "I'm not that tired, really! Please, let's not delay this any longer..."

Celestia gave an appreciative nod then looked behind her to the door she had just entered through. "Then, to get started... I have some things to show you."

Luna almost jumped in excitement, a sudden burst of energy flowing through her washing away the haze of sleepiness. "Really? What are they?"

Celestia held her cheerful expression but Luna could tell she was masking her feelings. There was sadness in her eyes. "They're belongings of yours... from everything that happened."

Luna swallowed nervously. "I... I see. I've tried, but... I cannot remember much from then."

Celestia's horn sparkled and glowed softly, her magic fully opening the door to the chambers revealing a large wood and iron-bound trunk sitting in the hallway. Moving to give it space to bring inside, she then used her magic to carry the trunk across the room then sat it near Luna's bed. "I'm hoping this will help."

Luna gazed at the large wooden box a moment, somewhat uncertain what to do.

"I sealed it many ages ago with a locking spell that can only be undone by one of us," Celestia patted the top of the trunk with a hoof. "Inside you'll find the items I spoke of."

"I just... I'm not sure I understand, sister?"

Celestia's foreleg slid from the trunk as she looked at Luna curiously. "And what's that?"

"Why? Why would you keep anything of mine... I may not remember much, but I know I had to have done something terrible. If not for Twilight Sparkle and her friends..."

Celestia's head tilted as if surprised but her expression was sympathetic. "Time has healed much... Even so, you're here now - not as you once were, but as Princess Luna. The world is ready for your return and both Equestria and I are greatly in need of your aid," Celestia gave a long sigh then closed her eyes deep in thought. "But it's important that you remember what happened... It will almost certainly be painful, but the choices you made will always be a part of you... And because of that, you need to learn from them."

Luna looked to the floor, suddenly noticing all the cracks in the stone. "Are you... certain?

Celestia gave a single nod, her colorful mane flowing like liquid from the motion. "I believe bottling up your feelings is what lead to so many of the terrible things that happened. Keeping your memories locked away, like the items in here," she gestured to the trunk then continued. "Might only lead to another rift forming between us."

Luna's expression turned grim as her eyes finally moved from the floor to the large trunk.

Celestia moved close then draped her head over Luna's shoulder, embracing her. "This isn't something you'll face alone. Whatever happens, whatever you remember... I'm here for you, always."

Just being so near her sister seemed to help bring a sense of calm to her fears. Taking a deep breath, Luna closed her eyes and inserted her horn into the trunk's rather basic looking lock.

Various runes of stars and moons glowed intensely across the iron bands of the trunk as a series of clicks and pops came from within. With a creak and spatter of dust, the top of the large box slowly opened. Together, Luna and Celestia blinked then looked to one another and laughed as they both realized they had both taken a step back.

After scratching her head nervously, Luna slowly edged close to the trunk, then, after a quick glance to her sister for reassurance, took a peek inside. To her surprise, nothing stirred within the box and nothing glowed with magic. She had imagined she'd have to defend herself from something, but instead she only found a dust-covered charcoal-black breastplate, various large scrolls and an exceedingly worn book adorned with her cutie mark on its ancient cover.

An amethyst spark flared at the tip of Luna's horn as she used her magic to lift the items carefully from the trunk then floated them gently to the floor before her.

"Do they hold any meaning?" Celestia's voice was hushed, cautious.

Uncertain what to say, Luna gave a tiny nod but stayed quiet and began to slowly inspect each item. She started first on the scrolls. Fearful they may crumble, she unrolled one gently and only part way to see what was upon it. "My paintings... You kept these?"

Celestia nodded, then used her own magic to carefully unfurl another one of the scrolls completely. "You had a gift for intertwining your spells into your art, do you remember?"

Luna took a deep breath and nodded. The painting, a detailed image of the bustling old marketplace of inner Canterlot at midday, contained an intricate weaving of magical glyphs that formed the picture.

"Star Swirl himself assured me there wasn't a mage that could match what you accomplished with these..."

Luna knew her sister was being respectful, but this had never been painted to display her talent. With the correct invocation, the image would change to a view of the empty streets of the market at night. She could hazily remember how sickened and angry she felt as she painted each stroke, and the thought of feeling so alone - so isolated - made her bottom lip quiver. Exhaustion wore on her again and slowly she bowed her head.

Celestia gently touched Luna on the shoulder then sat on her haunches. "I am sorry, Luna... I knew this wouldn't be easy. Perhaps it'd be best to move on. How about the armor? Does it stir any memories?"

Giving a tiny nod, Luna gently set the scroll with the others and released her spell. She then shifted her attention to the black breastplate. With a soft puff, she gently blew on it creating a tiny cloud of dust then looked closely at the armor.

Though it was dinged and heavily worn in many places, it also had intricate details such as engraved ponies holding spears and silver edging, meaning this breastplate was likely worn by somepony in a high position, possibly the royal guard of old. She couldn't be sure of whose it might be, but as she noticed the image of a crescent moon on the hindquarters where the wearer's cutimark would be, she had a stirring feeling of who its owner was but still couldn't quite place it.

Annoyed at the fuzziness of her memories, she gave a small sigh and turned her attention to the final item. The soft glow of her purple magic lifted the ancient book into the air, but rather than simply bring it to her she turned and brought it to the edge of the bed. As it settled, something within the pages slipped free. Curious as to what it might be, she lifted the book's cover but froze in place.

"Luna? What is it? Are you... alright?"

Celestia's voice sounded distant. Slowly Luna reached forward and gently touched the item - a crimson dragon's scale - and shuddered as a wave of emotion struck her. There was so many ways to answer her sister's simple question, but she couldn't speak with the horrors of eons past running through her mind. In that fleeting instant she knew this was something Celestia could never help with.

Unwilling to give in to the flood of anguish from her renewed memories, the princess of the night closed her eyes and confronted the darkness within...