Better

The journey back was... uneventful, we kept silent throughout. Tia didn't speak a word. In her eyes, I saw emptiness. It was a blank stare, and that is how she looked like flying all the way home. Her mane was no longer ethereal: it is just strands of poly-chromatic hair. And even the color is threatening to disappear. Her face was devoid of any emotions. She looked exactly like a mannequin.

I hope she gets over it soon. I'd hate to have her looking like that from now on. Nopony would like to see their leader in such a distraught state. The last time she was like this, I had to organize the royal kitchen to make a giant Black Forest cake. She found out about it and gave me a lecture on how not to waste bits on making cake for her. I couldn't give a damn about spending: I know how to make money anyways. So I took a piece of cake and shove it into her mouth. That, and I splattered some frosting on her face. I still remember that food fight; there were cake flying everywhere! I pity the chefs and maids who'd have to clean up afterwards.

To think that Tia is a strong pony might've been... well, not that correct. She may look infallible to the eyes of many of her subjects. But little do they know that deep inside, Tia is as fragile as a shard of crystal glass.

Somehow I'm not as touched by Father's death. I sure miss him, and I will cry someday for him. But today is not that day. I have to be strong for Tia and Mother.

Being independent in the family really is weird. Maybe this is why I easily succumbed into my own feelings: because I was only thinking for myself. I never considered Tia's actions and only saw the consequences as something bad. She didn't deserve the treatment I gave her when she took care of me. I always hated the fact that Mother and Father had to leave, but I was too young at the time to understand.

Or rather, I was too busy with myself.

Ah, at last, Canterlot Castle. I always saw it as a symbol of central power: the edifice that represents our rule over Equestria. Not that ruling is meant with an iron fist or by dictatorship, but rather with power to protect and shield the populace against evils that lurk beyond it's borders.

As far as my readings on Canterlot history post-Nightmare go, Equestria has been the target of several attacks. Attacks that Tia successfully countered. There were dragons, griffons, birds, wolves. Hmmm... I didn't remember seeing Changelings in any of the books.

But somehow, today, I look at this castle not as a stronghold, or a fortress.

I finally am going to say that Canterlot is my home. Since Mother is back, I really feel like I'm just a filly in the house. Yes, Canterlot Castle is my house, the cities are my playground, and the throne is just another place to sit on.

Home sweet home.

"I promise you both, that from this day on, I will retake the throne of this kingdom. It's the least that I can do for your Father." Mother proclaimed with a resolute voice.

Mother hugged us, keeping us snug under her wings. Tia still looked lost.

We stayed that way for quite a while, until Mother finally let go of us. I honestly didn't know what to feel, or what to say. Today has been quite an ordeal.

"C-Come. Let us rest for the night." Tia finally spoke. Her voice is hiding mixed feelings. I can sense it.

We made our way into the Castle. We walked through the main hall, turned to the right and up the staircases until finally, we arrive at the quarters. Tia's room is at the right. My room is opposite of hers. And in front of of us, a wall. I noticed that along our trip, there were no guards. Even besides the doors where they should be.

"Where are all the guards, Tia?"

"I dismissed them for tonight. All the staffs get a day off for today." she said.

"But the castle is an operational building! Where are all the other ponies supposed to go for court?"

"I have redirected affairs to... Ponyville, for a few days."

She tapped at specific places on the wall. Top, sides, then bottom. She traced circles after circles and polygons after polygons. Suddenly a door materialized in front of us. It was Mother's and Father's room. I knew that something lurked behind that wall all along. I could feel a certain breeze at times.

"Welcome home, Mother. I've kept your chambers safe while you were gone." Tia said.

"Thank you, my daughter."

We exchanged our good nights. And then each of us parted ways, into our own rooms. I found my bed cleaned and made up. The pillows look plump and inviting, whilst the bed sheets and duvet are a sure source of warmth. I know that I am the Regent of the Moon, and thus I do not sleep at night, but I've been awake all day, just to wait for Mother. I honestly don't mind a good sleep.

Just before I close the doors, I could hear Mother whispering something.

"My dear, I'm home now, and I'll keep our home safe, like I promised."

"Mother, can I... sleep with you tonight? I know I'm a big mare and I probably should be sleeping in my own bed-"

"Of course you can Luna. Of course you can."

"Thank you, Mother."

I wanted to call Tia over as well, but she was already gone. The hall was empty of sound and pony.

Where am I?

Who's... Father, is that you?

"Father! You're alive!"

"Hush now, Celestia."

"Father I missed you so much."

"I know. I missed you too. Listen to me, Celestia. I have something important to tell you."

"Yes, Father."

"I know what you have been through all these years. When we left for the Council of Stars, I knew from that moment that you would hate us-"

"I would never hate you!... Well... I guess I was angry because you had to leave behind everything for me to take care of myself."

"I know, my child, and I'm deeply sorry for everything. You were so young at the time. I felt all your troubles and despairs throughout the millennium. But you have to take a look at yourself now, my daughter. You've grown into a true leader of your people. They give you more love than we could ever try to give. So be strong, Celestia. I know that deep inside your heart, you yearn for the protection and care from others. Be strong, and your people shall give you that which your heart desires."

"I will, Father."

"In time, you will meet interesting friends and foes. Do not take a friend for granted, until you test your friendship. And do not the same to a foe, for he may be a closer friend than what you already perceive. Do what your heart tells you to."

"I... I will, Father."

"I love you so much, Celestia. But I cannot be with you for much longer."

"What do you mean?"

"Celestia, I'm just a soul. My body is long gone. I'm... dead."

"NO! NO! I WON'T BELIEVE IT! NOOOOOOOO!"

"Celestia, don't cry now."

"It's not fair! It's not fair!"

"I know how you feel my daughter. After all these years, with no one to look after you, yet you had to do the same for others."

"This... isn't... fair..."

"Listen to me Celestia. This will be our last reunion. I will disappear in time's memories. I won't be there anymore to support you but I know that you are more than what you are. Your mother and Luna will always be there to carry you when you can't carry the burden. Promise me one thing my daughter, take good care of yourself. Live a good life. We'll surely meet again someday. Me, your mother, and your sisters."

"Father, please don't go. Please..."

"I'm sorry Celestia, but my time has come. Goodbye my beloved daughter."

"FATHER! NOOO! DON'T LEAVE MEEEEEE!"

I woke up crying. I feel pathetic, not sad. Something snapped in me. I-I-I-... I...

WHY?! Why does it have the end this way?! Why am I always the one to shoulder the weight?! And I get nothing from it!!

WHY?!!!

"Aaaarrrgggghhhh!!!"

"Princess! What happened! Are you hurt?"

"No, no, it was just... a dream. It's all."

"Al-Alright."

"Please, dismiss yourself Lieutenant. It is still too early to return for work."

"Yes, Your Highness."

I hope he hadn't seen the tears on my cheek.

The door was closed shut. I cast a mute shield around my room.

I laid in the cover of my duvet, staring at the ceiling. I... I just can't stop these tears flowing down my face.

It's just not fair. No one is going to cover for me. I'm always the one who has to step up front. And I'll always lose something dear for the sake of others. Why can't anyone be my hero, and save me from this... tragedy.

Haven't I been through enough torment!? When they left, when Luna left. How much longer must I carry on!?

Nopony ever cared to ask me how I feel, to soothe me when I'm troubled, to hold me tightly when I'm alone. None of my subjects really cared for me! All they expected was for me to solve their problems! And then, they go back home with a smile, knowing that Princess Celestia is going to save their day! While I sat on the throne, awaiting the next doomed fate that needs to be saved. Don't they all know that I too have a heart!? A heart that has weakened over time!?

' So be strong, '

When Father was here, I felt safe. There was a king to protect me from torments, from evils that reign outside. Nopony dared to challenge his reign because it was faultless. No one bore malicious intents towards him: they revere him. Our family was the emblem of nobility at it's finest.

Mother was no less greater: she was an excellent war marshal who fended off an entire battalion of griffons back then. Although the land under our rule wasn't as great as it is now, she had preserved order nevertheless.

All that is history. Father is gone. Forever.

' So be strong, '

But... at least, I still have Mother. And Luna.

Why am I so selfish? So... egoistic? Am I... really that childish? I'm thousands of years old, for goodness sake! Father's right. Take a look at what has happened to Equestria. It has been more prosperous than ever! Peace has been kept for longer than I could ever remember.

And I have trusted friends. They were always there besides me. Shining Armor, Cadence, Luna, The Elements of Harmony, and... my faithful student. Twilight was always besides me. She never turned her back on me. She has even saved me once, for goodness sake! How could I be so blind! They loved me more than Father!

' So be strong, '

Father's right. I must be strong. For Mother, for Luna, for my people. I shall become the true Regent of the Sun.

Thank you Father, for your words. I will hold on to them till I die.

Somehow, I feel that Father had forgotten that Luna was the only sister I had.