Chapters Celestia grimaced as she glanced across the crowd. Every morning, every night. Why do they show up and cheer for my raising and lowering of the sun, but not for my sister’s beautiful moon…
She closed her eyes and allowed her wings to lift her from the balcony. Her horn began to glow with a glorious golden aura, spearing a round of applause from those gathered below her. Why do they cheer…
The sun sank below the horizon and she landed. Taking a step back and giving her younger sister an absent-minded nod. I’m sorry, sister...
She watched as Luna stepped forward, the crowds cries quieting down as she stepped into view. She heard her sister’s sigh carry above the crowds noise. Luna’s eyes closed as she floated into the air, a light purple aura encasing her horn as the moon rose into the sky in the distance. My dear sister…
A half-hearted cheer rose from the remainder of the crowd, but even that didn’t last long. As Luna landed, Celestia stepped forward and rubbed her cheek against Luna’s shoulder. “Sister, when shall they appreciate my night?” Luna asked her quietly as if she already knew the answer to its question.
“Come, Luna, I’ve a treat for you,” Celestia said with a small broken smile. “Just follow me.” Celestia turned and walked into the castle, navigating the halls until they came to her study.
Celestia offered Luna a cushion and Luna took it for herself, once she was comfortable she looked up to her sister. “Celestia, what are we-”
“We’re going out for the night,” Celestia levitated a book off a nearby shelf and opened it between them. “I want to show you what happens in your night,” Celestia smiled and looked up at her. “Now, do you want to be a pegasus or a unicorn?”
The corners of Luna’s mouth curled upwards a little. “I guess I’ll go as a pegasus.”
“Alright, I’ll be a unicorn then,” Celestia said as she smiled back deviously. She began casting the spell, a swirl of light emitting from her horn, after a few seconds it exploded in a blinding flash.
Celestia squeezed her eyes closed and felt a wave of heat pass through her. After it passed, she opened her eyes to look at her sister, her mane was a dark lavender that matched her coat which was only a shade or two lighter.
Luna rubbed her own eyes and blinked a few times in a daze. Celestia turned to look into a mirror, seeing herself, her coat was snow white and her mane was a light pink and quite fluffy.
Luna bounced to her hooves. “We need fake names!” she burst into laughter, “Can I call you Sun Butt?!”
Celestia chuckled. “I’d prefer you didn’t.”
“Sun Butt it is! You can call me Starlight,” Luna’s eyes beamed with excitement and anticipation.
Celestia raised her hoof to her chin, “How does Sunshine sound?”
“Sure, Sun Butt,” Luna teased.
Celestia shook her head but smiled anyways before starting for the door. She paused before opening it. “It might be better if we just teleport out of the castle.”
Luna nodded and headed for the balcony. Celestia smiled as the world swiftly shifted around them. They were now standing outside the main gates of the castle.
“Where do we begin, sister?” Luna asked, obviously trying to hide her excitement.
“I’m not sure, I suppose we should find someplace to go. Let’s find someone to ask.” Celestia began to walk and Luna followed close behind. No one was in sight but dull music and the sound of laughter echoed off the buildings ahead. The sisters looked at each other and nodded before galloping towards the sounds.
When the source of the noise came into view, the street lamps showed a neon blue sign hanging over a set of jewel encrusted wooden doors. Lunar Tavern had several small groups of ponies standing near the doors.
Luna’s wings popped open with excitement, “Let’s go inside!” She exclaimed happily.
Celestia calmly raised a hoof to Luna’s chest. “Hang on, Luna. Get your wings in order first, when was the last time you were in a tavern?”
“Umm…” Luna sat down and her wings slumped down her sides, “Well, it was before we were princesses… a few hundred years? Huh, It’s been awhile, hasn’t it.”
“Yes, yes it has,” she smirked. “Things have changed but for now, just stay with me.”
Luna nodded, “Well, I think we can both manage to adapt to the situation.” She shoved passed Celestia’s hoof and started towards a group of three. As they neared two ponies standing nearby the door, they both turned to the newcomers. One, a dark blue unicorn stallion with a black mane and tail, gave a friendly smile. “Hello, ladies,” he said with a finely-tuned voice. “I don’t believe I’ve seen you two before.”
The other pony standing nearby was a pure white pegasus with a dark red mane and tail, she simply smiled and nodded her greetings. Celestia smiled in return, “Well, that may be because this is the first time we’ve been in Canterlot. Beautiful city. My sister and I are actually from Vancouver.”
The stallion nodded. “So this is your first night in this wonderful city, perhaps I could show the two of you around town. Maybe even buy you a drink or two, this bar right here has some of the best drinks in all of Equestria.”
The pegasus mare giggled a little but otherwise said nothing. Celestia smiled at her before giving the stallion her attention. “I think my sister and I will be fine for tonight. We’ll be leaving at dawn.”
“Well, can I, at least, accompany you inside?” he asked curiously, testing the limits of her patience. She looked over her shoulder at her sister who nodded, her eyes still sparkling with excitement. Celestia looked back to the unicorn. “I suppose. First, what’s your names?”
He smirked, “I’m Alister, pleasure to meet you.”
“And I’m Parish. Parish Snowfall.” She took a step forward and cocked her head sideways with a smile.
Celestia's mind spun a little, "I've heard rumor of you, Alister"
A knowing smirk spread across his lips. "Really now, how so?"
Celestia rolled her eyes. "Not much, just that you're quite the thief."
Alister chuckled a bit and glanced back at Parish. "It appears my reputation precedes me yet again.”
Author's Note
Sorry about that! XD I just realized! I had accidently posted chapter 3 instead of chapter 2! FORGIVE ME!!!!
Celestia was about to speak when she felt Luna tap her shoulder and give her two acute nods to the side. Celestia bowed her head and followed her away from the two strangers. “He’s dangerous and we know he’s a criminal. Shouldn’t we arrest him or something?”
“We’re not here to make unwanted enemies of anypony. We have no authority until this spell ends anyways, so why don’t we just enjoy ourselves?” Celestia paused and raised a hoof to her chin for a moment. “Of course, we can always just find out where he’ll be tomorrow and arrest him then.”
Luna only nodded her agreement. “I suppose that will work. But sister, what do we know of Parish?”
“Nothing yet. I do know that these two were often seen with Trixie Lulamoon,” Celestia said quietly. “Perhaps we can learn more from her in the future, but for now, let's just have fun, we’re not here to work.”
Luna smiled and opened her wings, floating back over to the pair, landing next to the white pegasus. Celestia watched as Luna nudged the mare with a hoof and said something. She smiled and rejoined the group. “So I suppose I owe you my other question then, don’t I?”
Alister laughed, “I suppose so.”
“What do you think of our princess’s night sky?” she asked casually, giving Luna a small smile.
“I love it! It’s my favorite time of day, once the sun sets the city comes to life. You’d be surprised with how many amazing places there are to visit in the City of Night. Canterlot is home to the famous DJ-PON3’s club, several high-end bars and probably one of the most beautiful parkways in Equestria. There’s no place better to view the night sky than the Mountain Passage Parkway. It’s a trail that ponies created along the mountain’s edge, you can see almost all of Equestria!” He paused and watched Luna’s face light up in a joyful embarrassment.
Parish smiled softly. “The Mountain Passage is somewhat dangerous, but it’s wide enough to have picnics on. For a good majority of it, you can see CloudsDale. Though, really early in the morning, when the moon is at it’s lowest, it’s light will cause the rainbows of CloudsDale to glow. It’s a very beautiful ambient light show.”
Celestia looked at Luna. “Well, I suppose that’s something we have got to go see. Wouldn’t you agree, sister?”
Luna nodded, her wings flared in excitement, nearly knocking the white pegasus off her feet. She quickly closed her wings as Parish scowled at her. “Sorry, I get excited easily. So what was all this about drinks?” she asked trying to shift the attention away from her and her excitability.
Alister spoke up, “Right... You were going to let me buy you two fine mares around, right?”
Parish turned her piercing gaze at him, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You get one regardless, seeing as you’re broker than these two,” He said, obviously not thinking himself through, he immediately shifted his gaze back to the Celestia, “Sorry, I didn’t mean-”
“Don’t even try it. But yes, we’re both quite thirsty.” Luna said, walking over to stand by her sister.
He spun on his hooves, tucking his chin to his chest and began strutting towards the front door. Embarrassment gripped him when no one followed, but instead stared at him. “Um, yes… this way ladies.”
Luna and Parish shared a giggle as Celestia sighed rolling her eyes once again. How is this jester such a renowned thief?
She shrugged it off and followed them towards the door which emitted the pumping sounds of partying ponies and loud music. As she entered the club, she was welcomed by two rather large buff black stallions who put her guards to pure shame. Beyond them was a mass of moving bodies, all lit by rapidly shifting colored lights and adorned by the glow in the dark bracelets, necklaces, and tail augments.
To her left was a rather long and large bar, almost all of the seats there were taken. A collection of alcohol which could barely rival that of the Royal Winery. The wall was completely filled with different types of whiskey, rum, vodka, wine, and an assortment of other types she herself had no idea even existed. Each shelf of bottles was highlighted in a different color light that reflected from the bottles, making each bottle look even more delicious.
She averted her eyes from the unholy amount of alcohol that was on display to where her party had decided to go, they were heading towards what looked to be the VIP section of the bar. Along the entire right side of the room were large party booths, round red seats with beautifully crafted tables. But parting them all in the dead center of the wall was a door that was labeled in bright purple neon lights “VIP”.
The sounds of the bar faded away as the doors were closed behind them. “So wait, why are we in here and not out there?” She asked, noticing that she could barely hear herself speaking in a normal indoor voice.
Alister twisted his neck so he could see her over his shoulder. “Well, I’m VIP with this place, so I get to sit back here with whoever I want and tonight. That’s you, girls. Now, would you like to meet anyone here or continue to our private booth?”
Parish laughed, “Really? Why offer something like that? I doubt these girls want to meet any of these ponies, I mean Hoity Toity isn’t the most interesting of stallions after all.” She flicked her tail in Alister’s face and started towards an empty table.
Celestia was last to take a seat next to Alister and Luna was seated with Parish opposite of them. Celestia picked up a card that sat in the middle of the table, accompanying three glasses and a bottle of champagne. She looked the card over and smiled.
VIP Seating
Sir Alister, Lady Snowfall, Lady Lulamoon
“So you know Trixie?” she asked glancing towards Alister.
Alister's eyes softened and his shoulders slumped slightly. "Yeah, I knew her."
"What happened?" Luna questioned curiously.
"Well... I haven't seen her or heard a word about her in months. The last time I talked to her, she said she was going to the castle to try and change her life." He paused and glanced to Parish.
Parish nodded and poured herself a glass of champagne. "Well, Alister and Trixie found Octavia Melody in a bar one night and got her to talk about her recent breakup with Vinyl Scratch."
Parish paused to take a drink of her champagne and a bartender appeared next to the table. "Is there anything I can bring you?" He asked casually, glancing around the table.
Luna answered excitedly, “A pint of Starberry Mead!”
The bartender cocked an eyebrow unamused and everyone else at the table just stared at her. “I’m sorry ma’am, we do not carry this… mead.”
Celestia saw a small, knowing, smile spread across Parish’s lips. Parish looked at the bartender, “I think she meant the Star Blast, sir. Please, two.”
He nodded and turned his head towards Alister and Celestia. “And the usual, good sir?”
Alister nodded and waved his hoof, dismissing the bartender. He looked across the table and gave Parish a nod, “So… I just realized I never got your names. What are they again?”
Celestia laughed, “Of course you don’t have our names, we never gave them to you.”
Alister pushed, “Than what may they be?”
Luna tapped her hoof on the table top. “Sorry, but I don’t feel like giving my name to a criminal, though I am curious, what happened to Trixie after that?”
Parish readjusted herself, so she could wrap her tail around her hooves. "Well, like I said before, they met Octavia and got her to talk about her break up. Alister and Trixie then sold the inside scoop to a newspaper and when Trixie heard that Octavia tried to commit suicide a few months after ditching town. She decided that she wanted to change, she didn’t want to ruin others lives like that. I don’t blame her, and personally, I wish I had gone with her, but she’s probably so far up Celestia’s magical bookshelf-” She paused, “Forgive me… I’m just going to blame the champagne.”
Celestia’s jaw dropped at the level of disrespect, “For your information, Trixie isn’t up anyone’s bookshelf , she’s been in Ponyville starting a new life with new friends. Friends I... she trusts.”
Parish’s eyebrow rose in curiosity. “Ponyville, huh?”
“I’d suggest staying away from her if you’re hoping to get her to rejoin your… criminal group.” Luna said looking at Celestia. “Princess Celestia already freed her of all her charges. She doesn’t want her old life catching up to her. So please, leave her be.”
Alister slammed a hoof on the table. “So, how do you two know so much about her! I’ve been trying to track her down for months!”
“Calm down. No need to spoil the night, Alister.” Parish said with a sigh of relief, “If she’s happy and safe we should be happy for her, y’know?”
He sighed in defeat. “I guess… where’s that waiter? I want my Everfree Fantasy.”
Celestia looked at the two of them, Alister seemed a bit aggravated and Parish seemed to be deep in thought. She looked at Luna as an awkward silence fell upon the tables company.
Luna glanced at Parish and smiled. "What is your job with Sir Alister?"
Parish looked up at Luna. "Hmm... I suppose you could say I keep my clients out of the dungeons."
"How so?" Luna pressed.
Parish laughed, "Sorry but this isn't the time and place for such sensitive topics."
Alister tossed a hoof around Celestia’s neck. “So what is your name?”
Celestia giggled a little at the sudden burning in her cheeks. "It's Sunshine. I know, I know... Weird name right? My mother used to say I was the Sunshine of her day."
"Well, it suits you," He said casually moving closer to her. He glanced across at Parish and Luna. She followed his line of sight, Parish had scooted closer to Luna, probably with similar intentions.
"And how about you, Princess, what's your name?" She noticed his voice didn't have the same seductive tone to it.
Luna looked at him, "Oh me? It's Lu- Starlight... Our mother was indeed odd in her naming, apparently while my sister is the sunshine of her day, I'm the starlight in her night." She winked at him but gave her attention back to Parish.
Celestia felt his hoof move down her back and hook around her wrist. "So Alister, how long have you and Parish been together?" She said with a smile as she turned her head to catch his eyes.
She heard Parish laugh. "You're kidding, right? I wouldn't date him if he were the last stallion in Equestria. Besides him being a complete bore as well as a slick talking horndog, he's simply not my type."
Luna and Celestia shared a hushed chuckle, but Alister withdrew his hoof from her waist and pointed it at her. "How dare you! I- uh..." He withdrew his hoof and rubbed his chin, "Meh, you know me so well." He winked at her and laughed.
"I know I do, but I'll forever know Trixie’s better than you would be." She teased him with a kissy face.
His face turned red realizing what that meant for him. "That's something you should have kept to yourself, Parish."
"What? That thought turn you on?" She chuckled at his reaction.
He started laughing and tried to hide his face by looking away from the three mares. "That's it, where's my drinks!" he shouted towards the bar.
All the mares broke into a fit of laughter as a bartender appeared with drinks. "Here are your drinks, sir. Two Everfree Fantasies, and two Star Blasts." He levitated the drinks to their spots and left without another word.
"Finally!" Alister said as he dropped his strawberry slice into the drink. "Sweet Celestia, I love these enchanted strawberry drinks."
Celestia laughed, "You're quite welcome."
Luna busted out laughing and Parish just shared a look with Alister before laughing too. "Why not “sweet Luna”? It's not alway Celestia who deserves praising," said Parish with a grin.
"Eh, I guess you got a point, Celestia's a bit of an attention whore. Luna probably has better things to do, besides Luna has much more beautiful sky. I mean when was the last time Celestia gave us a meteor shower to watch, or a shooting star to wish upon," said Alister without missing a beat. “The only stars Celestia has are the ones on her butt.”
Celestia shook her head, "Please don't talk about Celestia that way..."
"Why not? It's true, ever since Luna returned, the night has been so much better. Why else would so many ponies sleep through the day and work or play at night? It's just better."
"Well still, no need to call Princess Celestia an attention whore," said Luna from her side of the table.
Celestia bit her lip and looked down into her drink, she could feel the tears rising behind her eyes. She sniffed and pushed the strawberry into her drink to watch it fizzle and darken in color.
Alister wrapped his hoof around her again. "C'mon Sunshine, no need to be upset. Aren't you enjoying this night?"
Celestia took a large gulp of her drink before scooting away from him and towards Luna. "I suppose... But it saddens me that you can insult your princess like that."
Parish leaned forward and sipped at the rim of her glass. "Ignore him. He can be a bit of a spoilsport.”
"Parish, don't even try to play innocent, you're just as much against daylight hours as I am." He sighed. “Fine, fine, I’m sorry for what I’ve said… There now, can we please get drunk and have fun?”
Parish took a drink of her Star Blast and laughed. “And exactly what sort of fun do you mean?”
Luna leaned towards her, “Sunshine? Should we maybe leave, we’ve got other places to go… the night’s running short by now, I’m sure.”
Alister quickly choked down his drink. “You can’t leave yet! I mean, we’ve only just begun to drink…”
Celestia gave him a wink, “Don’t worry, we’ll see you again tomorrow before we leave town.”
Alister frowned and scooted out of the booth. “But we didn’t even get to know the two of you.”
Parish also stood up to allow Luna to wiggle out of her spot. “That’s fine, leaves a mystery for the next time we four speak.”
Celestia bowed her head slightly, Luna followed suit. “Thank you for your time, and for the drinks. I’ll see you tomorrow,” said Celestia with a wink.
Luna flicked her tail anxiously. “We’ll see ourselves out, thank you.”
Celestia followed her sister through the door, leaving the two to their own affairs. Celestia flattened her ears to the noise that erupted from the speakers and all the ponies around them. They made their way outside and away from the place. “We’ll see them tomorrow. Perhaps Alister will get what he deserves.”
“He’s an obvious crook, but I’m not so sure about Parish. She doesn’t seem to be the kind to really get involved with any of the crimes he’s done…” Luna tilted her head in thought. “From what I gathered, she more or less protects those who do the crimes, making sure they aren’t caught.”
“That alone is a crime, harboring fugitives,” said Celestia. She glanced back and saw Parish walking out of the bar, she opened her wings and flew off in the opposite direction. “Either way, we’ve still got a few hours, how about we just go for a walk through Canterlot’s park? After that, we can head up the Parkway they had been talking about.”
A pleasant silence fell over them as they walked through the city. There were ponies everywhere, couples walking side by side, groups of friends spending time together, bars alive with music and partying ponies, restaurants buzzing with customers, delectable smells filled the air. “I’m hungry,” Celestia said as she turned towards a restaurant that was clearly of the higher class quality.
As they entered, a couple, a white unicorn with a two-toned blue mane with purple glasses and a light gray earth pony wearing a bowtie walked out, the earth mare stumbled forward and fell into Luna who simply opened her wings to prevent herself from falling. The mare looked up at her, “Sorry ma’am, I’ve, uh… had too much to drink, yeah…” She stood up, avoiding the use of her front right hoof in the process.
“You must be Octavia Melody,” said Celestia with a smile. She turned her head to the other mare, “That means you’re Vinyl Scratch, yes?”
“The one and only! It’s always a pleasure to meet a fan!” she said with a certain ring to her voice as if she were standing on a stage.
Celestia smiled, “The pleasure is mine. How has your night been?”
Octavia looked at the ground, but Vinyl smiled, “It’s been hectic, but not all bad now that we’ve eaten something. This place has some fantastic food! I hope you two enjoy yourselves, but we’ve really gotta get movin’.”
Luna looked at Octavia but decided against saying anything. As the two continued on their way, she looked over at Celestia. “Isn’t she the one Alister and Parish were talking about? She attempted suicide, right?”
Celestia nodded, not wanting to think about it. She continued to the restaurant, “Let’s get some food in us, shall we? I’m rather curious what this tastes like compared to our chef’s cuisine.”
Luna nodded and followed her to the front podium. “Hello, ladies. Table for two?” asked the unicorn who stood behind it. Celestia nodded and he smiled, “This way,” He levitated two menus and began walking to an open booth capable of seating four ponies. The tables were low to the ground and there were massive pillows built right into the floor on either side of it.
“Wow, comfortable,” said Luna as she laid across the pillow. “I could sleep here. Sister, we need these in the cast- back home!” she caught herself and chuckled nervously.
Luna smiled and turned to the waiter, “First, I’d like to ask you a question: What do you think of this night sky?” she asked as she looked out the window they were seated near.
“It’s beautiful, ma’am. Princess Luna has done a splendid job, indeed. Here are your menus, what would you like to drink?”
“What do you suggest?” asked Luna with a chuckle.
“Personally, I enjoy the Mango juice, Mango is a rare fruit amongst Equestrian restaurants, being that it only grows in the Griffon homeland.” He smiled, “I suggest it, it’s quite a unique drink, and healthy.”
Luna laughed, “Then I know what I want!”
“And for you, Miss?” he asked Celestia, his voice taking on a flat tone as he looked them over. He sighed quietly to himself.
“I’ll also take the Mango Juice.” she said, skimming through the menu options.
The stallion bowed his head and dismissed himself. Steamed Herbal Salad? Nah… Carrot and Potato stew? hmm, thinly sliced carrots, diced potato chunks, minced sweet onions, and chopped red pepper sauteed together before being added to the tomato and garlic soup. Topped with the finest and most delectable cheeses Canterlot has to offer. “I think I know what I want… I want this Potato stew. How about you sister?”
“I sort of want this,” she paused spinning her menu around for Celestia to see, Luna pointed her hoof at an item near the bottom, “Zucchini and Cilantro Alfredo, if you’re getting a stew, I’d like a pasta. At least this way we can test two different dishes.”
Celestia smiled, “Get what you want, I’m hungrier just looking at these descriptions, I can’t wait to try it! We might just end up coming back here more often, we never do get to eat anywhere outside our palace.”
Celestia immediately cocked her head from side to side, she noticed a pair of ears facing her, but other than that, no one seemed to catch her mistake. "Anyways, do you think ponies appreciate your night so far?"
"I wish I knew more about those who did though I do appreciate what I've seen and heard." Luna said as she touched her chin. "It's been a lot of fun!" She laughed quieting herself as ponies glanced over and hushed whispers began to fill the nearby tables.
"Ignore them, if you're enjoying yourself, then so am I," Celestia said with a smile. She glanced around and saw their waiter approaching with their drinks.
He levitated their drinks to their places. "Do you know what you will have?"
Celestia took a drink of her mango juice to help smooth her throat. So much better than that alcohol Alister had.
Luna smiled up at him from where she lay, "yes, I would like the Zucchini and Cilantro Alfredo, my sister would like the Potato and Carrot stew. Thank you."
With that, he nodded and took the menus from them. He eyed them again, before snorting and walking away. Celestia snorted, "Talk about rude, I wonder what's wrong with him."
Luna just laughed and sipped her drink. "So what're we going to do about Parish and Alister?"
"I don't expect him to be back at that club until nightfall, but I do expect him to wait for us to show. You'll have to have your pegasus guards go down and attempt to arrest him though I think he'll have an escape plan. You and I should also go." She flicked her tail and laid down in a comfortable position.
"But what of Parish Snowfall?" Luna asked.
"What of her? We'll arrest the two of them, and search recent records as well as question them, we won't have too much time, though because we'll both be playing catch up on our duties." Celestia sighed, "I don't look forward to staying awake through all the hearings in court."
"I understand, sister, but she may be of value to us. She knows where many of our lost criminals are and perhaps she could lead us to them." Luna suggested, he glanced off towards the kitchen, "I hope they hurry, I'm almost out of juice."
"I suppose, perhaps we should talk about this someplace where we have more priv- oh look! Here comes our food!" Celestia sat up in a hurry, and Luna scrambled to do the same.
"Here are your dishes, ladies. Would you like refills?" He asked. His dislike for us as plain as the words rolling off his tongue.
"Is there a problem, sir? You've been eyeing us all night," asked Celestia calmly.
His expression didn't change, instead, he just sat the plates down and left. "Knew it," said Luna with a grin, "I wonder what he would do if we ended the spell right in front of him. Disrespect like that should be reserved for those who've deserved it."
They shared a laugh. "Starlight, I don't think that would be a wise choice. I can't help but wonder how we provoked him, though." Celestia watched as the same unicorn waiter cheerfully chatted with a nearby table, he laughed, bowed, and walked away.
Luna giggled "Well, perhaps he has a thing for one of us."
"I doubt it," She said laying back down on the pillow.
Luna cocked an eyebrow and stood up, provoking the obvious question from Celestia, "And where are you off too?"
"I'm going to just ask around. See what these ponies think of this night I give them."
Celestia shook her head but didn't say anything. She stood and nodded to her sister before turned and walked across the restaurant. The two of them stopped in front of a table of three Pegasi sat quietly chatting while they waited for their food. “Hello! I’m Starlight, this is my sister, Sunshine. We’re in town for a night or two and we’re just wondering… What is your opinion on Princess Luna’s return and the wonderful nights she has given to all of us in years past?”
Celestia quickly bumped her rump against her sisters, Luna quickly corrected herself. “Oh uhh, I mean the last year or so.” She turned to her sister and snorted with her brow furrowed for a moment before returning a pleasant smile to the three pegasi.
One mare simply giggled, while the other just stared at her, the stallion of the group smiled up at the two mares, “I personally enjoy her nights more than Celestia’s daylight hours. Even before Celestia brought her back, Celestia’s night’s weren’t nearly as beautiful as those of our new princess.”
The mare who had been glaring at her friend looked up and nodded her agreement. “Ever since Princess Luna’s return, the night sky has been ever changing! It’s simply beautiful. Celestia’s days are great but daytime is for working and cleaning, night time is for relaxing and partying. Nothing beats a good night out on the town, right guys?”
The other two nodded their agreement. Luna's smile grew even wider, "I'm so happy to hear that some ponies appreciate the night as much as I."
One of the mares laughed, "All hail the Lunar Empire!"
"Luna Empire?" Celestia asked curiously.
"Yes, it's like anypony who prefers to live in the night Princess Luna provides for us. It's more or less a general knowledge sort of thing." The mare answered kindly.
Celestia bowed and Luna followed suit, "Thank you for your time. We'll leave you alone now. Enjoy your dinner!"
"We're here for breakfast!" Said one of the smiling mares.
The stallion laughed, "Have a good night, ladies."
"Should we ask another table?" Asked Luna in a hushed tone.
Celestia thought about it for a moment and shook her head. "We should finish our meals, I imagine they’ve cooled off enough by now."
Luna nodded and the two of them returned to their booth. Luna sat down and began eating “Hey, Sunbutt, do you remember when we were children? I remember when we used to play in the garden every time it snowed. do you remember that?”
“Yes, I do, Moon Moon. We used to build snow forts and have battles with snowballs as our projectiles.” Celestia smiled with the memory playing through her head. “I remember that mother would always warn us about staying outside for too long, she said our hooves would get so cold they’d fall off and we’d have to fly everywhere.”
“Yeah, and did we ever listen?” asked Luna.
“Nope! Not until you caught that cold.” Celestia winked.
“Yeah, while I was stuck in bed for a whole week, you were always off hanging out with our friends and having a good time while I was stuck there!”
“Yeah, well you ate nothing but those muffins Mrs. Potts always made!” She snapped back with a laugh.
Luna laughed but continued to eat her alfredo. “You know, I miss her. She always made the best-baked goods. Not even Applejack can match those tasty treats.”
Celestia laughed and left her spoon laying in her bowl. “You know, I can’t help but feel like we’re wasting time here… Wanna race? Whoever finishes first takes the lead of the remainder of the night, sound good?”
Luna leaned back after swallowing her last bite. “I think I won,” she burped looking at her empty plate and glass.
“Cheater, I have soup! You had an actual plate, obviously, you would win!” said Celestia lifting her bowl to her lips. She polished it off and laid down on the pillows, her tail wrapped around her hind legs.
“Yeah, well you had magic. So it was fair. After this, I want to go to that parkway Alister and Parish were talking about.” Luna said with a smile. That smile faded quickly as she noticed something. Celestia followed her line of sight to spot their waiter and a rather small orange unicorn walking towards them.
When they arrived the waiter murmured something to the smaller unicorn before looking up at the two mares. The small unicorn spoke first. “Hello ladies, this is my restaurant and it has come to my attention that you have no bits with you, so may I ask. How do you plan to pay for the meal you’ve just eaten?”
Celestia and Luna both sat straight and smiled at him. Celestia started, “I’m sorry, sir. We have no money with us.”
“Than I can not allow you to leave.” He turned to the waiter, “Please contact the royal guard, these two mares will be visiting Luna tonight.”
Luna couldn’t help but laugh. The manager turned and stared at her, “And why is this funny? You’re about to be an indentured servant around here. Of course, you could always just stay in a prison cell for the next year or two. So how is this funny?”
Celestia joined Luna’s laughed and fell back across the pillows, “I can’t…” she took a deep breath, “I’m sorry, but I just- I can’t breath!” She exclaimed, taking the attention of the entire restaurant.
The manager began turning dark red with anger. “How dare you insult me in my own establishment!”
The waiter returned with two purple armored pegasus guards. The manager smiled and looked at the guards, “These two hooligans came in here and ate knowing they had no way to pay for this meal.”
The guards nodded and stepped towards the table. “The two of you are under arrest. We will be taking you to speak with Princess Luna.”
Luna laughed even harder. “Yeah, good luck with that!” she said, stifling her laughter. She chuckled again. “Look, how about you just go speak with the Princesses tomorrow afternoon. They will gladly reimburse you for this meal.”
“I’m sorry, but I can not let you leave my establishment without paying what you owe.” He closed his eyes and shook his head. He nodded to the guards and they stepped forward ready to fight if the had to.
“Please come with us peacefully. We don’t want to hurt either of you,” said one of the guard.
Luna stood and stepped forward. “You-”
The guard stepped forward and cut her off, “Do you know your rights? Do. Not. Speak.”
“Listen here, young colt, I know who you are and I will not tolerate this from you right now.” She looked to the other guard who had stepped over to stand next to the other guard. “You are both knights of the Lunar Princess, Respect her and stand down now.”
Luna turned and nodded to Celestia. Both the guards laughed, “You speak as if you were Luna herself. Well, I’m sorry to tell you little filly. You’ve just won yourself a beating before we drag you to the castle.”
Both the guards stepped forward, one of them with their wings open while the other reared up on his hind legs. Celestia quickly gripped the table with her magic and flipped it sideways, using it as a wall between Luna and the guards. “You are all behaving like children! Just speak with the princesses tomorrow. They will cover all damages and debts for this incident. Trust me.”
“Stop talking out your ass and give me my money!” he roared.
“That’s it, we’re out of here, guards. take us to the princesses,” said Celestia, she glanced at luna with a stern gaze, she nodded her obedience.
The guards stepped to either side and guided the two of them out of the restaurant with their wings spread, ready to use them if they had to move quickly. As soon as the exited the building the own of it followed them out. Celestia laughed and bolted for a nearby alleyway, both the guards took to the air and so did Luna following her.
Once they were in the alley Celestia spun around to face the three of them as Luna landed next to her. “Now that we’re out of the restaurant. I’ll show you why you can’t arrest us.”
Luna simply smiled at them. “You two trouble making thieves can’t escape the three of us!” shouted the unicorn. He quickly grabbed a trashcan and flung it at them with his magic. Celestia caught it in her own magic and tore it from his grip.
She stepped forward and cast another spell, both the guards changed to defensive stances, ready to dodge whatever she was going to throw at them. She disabled their disguises and returned them both to their original bodies. Celestia smiled down at the three, the guards immediately dropping into bows.
The manager just stood there baffled. He quickly dropped into a bow when he realized what had just occurred. “I’m so sorry ma’am, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry-” Celestia quickly gripped his lips in her magic and stood him up gently.
“My dear pony, I don’t blame you for being aggressive or defending your property, but to show no sign of compromise to two obviously poor souls such as those, that’s just wrong. Show some kindness and be aware of who you’re dealing with.” She smiled gently before releasing him.
He simply nodded not sure what to do or say, instead he bowed again. Luna laughed and stepped towards the guards who were still bowing. “You two did a fine job, but next time, if you throw threats like that around again, I’ll be sure to personally teach you the same lesson you were about to try and teach me.”
Both the guards stood and nodded their apologies. Celestia turned to them, “I want the two of you to return to the castle and return here with the reimbursement. Three hundred bits should cover the damages as well as the meal.”
Both the guards saluted and disappeared into the sky. “Now, I’m going to wipe your mind blank of the last five minutes. You’ll remember us as we were but not as we are. The guards will return with your reimbursement soon.”
His eyes went wide and he opened his mouth to speak but Celestia gripped him in her magic and began the process of deleting his memory. His eyes closed and she laid him on the ground. “All done, time to turn us back into Sunshine and Starlight.”
Luna laughed, “Alright sister, can we go to the Parkway next?”
Celestia nodded and turned them back into their disguises. “He’ll wake up soon, We’ll wait for the guards to return and let them know of the silence they must keep.”
“Alright.” Luna sat down and watched the Manager as he laid on his side, slowly breathing.
Eventually stirring the stallion woke up, he looked up to see the two sisters sitting in front of him. He quickly jumped to his hooves and began to say something before it registered that he was alone with them in an alleyway.
Celestia quickly broke the silence. “Good sir, I’m sorry for the trouble we’ve caused you. There are two guards on their way with three hundred bits to reimburse you for the trouble we’ve caused you if you will kindly go back inside and calm your customers and staff before the guards arrive, my sister and I will take our leave now.”
The stallion growled as he focused on her, “I will not let you leave without some sort of punishment for what you have done! Not only have you eaten for free in my restaurant and made a mockery of me, but I will not be talked down to by some whores of Canterlot!”
Celestia was taken aback by the sudden aggression. Luna sighed and looked at her, “Celestia, can you just knock him out again already, it’s obvious the mind wipe worked.”
The stallion stood straight, “You stupid little-” His eyes rolled up into his head and he crumpled to the ground.
“Dear Me, he was annoying.” Celestia sighed and walked out of the alleyway. Luna followed her and just then the guards landed with two good sized sacks of bits. “He’s in the alleyway. We’ve wiped his memory so he doesn’t know we’re the princesses. You will behave as if we are dear friends of Celestia’s... else I’ll be forced to rinse your minds of the entirety of tonight.”
They both bowed and went to rouse the manager. Celestia nodded to Luna. “Let’s go.”
The two of them had reached the entrance of the parkway Alister had spoken of. The two of them sat down. “Wow, no wonder the Unicorns stay in just the upper ring of the city.”
“Why couldn’t you just teleport us here?” Luna asked as she took a deep breath.
“I didn’t think about it, to be honest. It was nice walking, though… Just a bit further than I expected.” Celestia dropped to her side and looked up at the sky through the trees. “Your stars are so bright tonight, Luna.”
Luna smiled and looked at her sister. Celestia looked back at her before rolling back to her hooves. “C’mon, let's get up there to the cliff.”
Luna nodded and stood, “It shouldn’t be much further, I guess we can rest once we get there. I do want to see what Cloudsdale looks like from up there.”
As they walked Celestia smiled, “Well I did notice something earlier.”
Luna tilted her head, stepping over a fallen branch on the path. “What’d that be?”
“When I used the spell again, it worked more efficiently than the first time. It didn’t require nearly as much concentration or power. I don’t want to overuse it because I don’t know what could happen if the spell were to be miscast. However, I think I could use this glimmer spell just about any time to transform us back and forth between these forms and our true forms.”
“So there’s a risk that you may butcher the spell and trap us in these forms?” Luna asked as she studied the path they walked on.
“Yes sister, that is a very real possibility. Luckily we can study this spell in more depth in the future.” She smiled, “Hey, Luna.”
Luna looked up at her, “Yes?”
“We’re almost there, race you to the top!” said Celestia taking off towards the open sky up ahead.
Luna laughed and opened her wings, gliding easily passed the earthbound unicorn. Celestia shouted after her and smirked, her horn taking light as she channeled a teleport spell. She appeared at the top of the hill facing luna. She sat down and blew a raspberry.
Luna landed next to her, galloping to a stop. “That’s cheating!”
“No, it isn’t, you flew! Obviously, flight is faster than even the fastest sprinters in Equestria.” Celestia stood and turned towards the cliffs edge. She walked towards it and laid down on the grass, her fluffy pink tail wrapped neatly around her flank and hooves. Luna walked over to her and laid down with her, resting her head against her sister's shoulder.
“It’s truly beautiful,” she whispered as she looked out over Equestria. The rainbows pouring from Cloudsdale were illuminated in the moons glow and were casting colorful shadows across the land below.
“Hello ladies.” came a female voice from behind them. Celestia and Luna both looked back to its source. There stood Parish Snowfall. “I’ve been waiting for you for awhile now. Was beginning to believe you weren’t coming.”
Luna stood and walked over to her. “Why are you here?”
“Relax princess, I’m alone,” she said promptly sitting down and wrapping her dark red tail around her hooves. “I’m here because I know who the two of you are, and I know you know where Trixie is, I simply ask if you can point me in her direction.”
“I’m sorry Parish but Trixie does not want any connections to her old life. We’ve the right to protect her and her wishes from those who may seek to cause her harm.” Celestia answered.
Parish nodded. “I expected that answer, Celestia. Though you have yet to hear my reasons for seeking her out. You see, I don’t want to be a part of these criminal groups anymore. I understand that Trixie had last been seen heading into your castle, and from there somewhere else with princess Twilight Sparkle. Though that’s where the trail has gone cold. No one seems to know where she has gone and it’s been far too long since she was last seen in Canterlot. All I ask is that you point me in the right direction and I keep all your secrets safe.”
“Well that was a mouthful,” said Luna with a giggle. “You speak as if you’re afraid of losing her. Don’t worry, she’s safe where she is and much happier with her new position and line of work.”
Parish stood up suddenly, her fur standing on end and her tail held low, flicking ever so slightly from side to side. “Look, I just want to find her! She’s very important to me and I need her. I need to be with her!”
“Parish, I’m sorry but she’s happier where she is. If your feelings are true, then you should feel happy for her. There is nothing my sister and I can or will give you to fix what you once had with Trixie. However, we can help you escape these criminals you spend your time protecting. You can either come to the palace and speak with us tomorrow or you can be tracked down and arrested later. Either way, you’ll be speaking to me in the near future. So it is your choice, Parish. We can help you if you’re willing to help us.” Celestia turned away from her and laid back down where she had been before.
As Luna laid back down next to her, Parish sighed and joined them, sitting little ways off. “Alister didn’t lie, though, this is a beautiful view, isn’t it? Trixie and I used to come up here at night and watch the lights dance.”
“You really loved her, didn’t you?” Luna asked quietly.
“Yes, I do. Though I guess she didn’t return the love I felt for her, seeing as she’s vanished without even saying goodbye.” Celestia could hear a small whimper escape Parish’s lips.
“I’m sorry for what you’ve been through, Parish, but you still can make a change with your life, maybe one day your paths will cross again. I can’t say what will happen on that day, but you’ll be free to choose as you wish to happen. All I ask is that you come to me tomorrow.”
“Alright princess, I’ll take my leave and allow you two to enjoy what remains of your night. I’ll consider your proposition.” Parish stood and spread her wings, readying herself to take off.
“One moment, Parish. How did you know we would be here and how did you know who we were?” Luna asked curiously.
“It wasn’t hard, for starters, you never changed your cutie marks, or even tried to hide them. Along with that, who drinks mead anymore? There were more than just a few observations I made that led to the conclusion of who you may be. I wasn’t completely sure until I saw the two of you in that alleyway.” She paused and touched her hoof to her chin.
“By the way, that restaurant is an underground hub. The owner you had been speaking with is one of the thugs I am keeping track of for a certain group of unicorns. Anyways, don’t be late raising the sun, else someone may get suspicious.” With that Parish disappeared over the cliffs edge and reappeared a moment later, flying off towards the entrance of the parkway.
Celestia looked at Luna and smiled, “We should be going back to the castle, it’s almost time for the sunrise.”
Luna nodded and pressed her head against her sister’s shoulder. “Five more minutes, sister. Please?”
Celestia watched as Luna closed her eyes and her ear flicked, “Alright. Five more minutes. I love you, sister.”
Luna smiled and yawned. “Love you too, Celestia. Thank you for doing this for me.”
