Chapters The Day After
Little Star
By Admiral Q
It was a tired, but happy, Twilight that walked into her new home. Golden Oaks Library, a tree magically altered to be a library, was a quaint little place, though certainly not as large or stocked as her tower in Canterlot. However, that tower could not provide the one thing she wanted most: her friends.
Friends. Such a strange, new concept for her. Those that many would consider her friends in the past were like family to her, and they were very few. Spike, Cadance, even Princess Celestia were like family to her, not friends. She made her first real friends yesterday. Five wonderful, if strange, mares willing not only to follow her into danger but also to offer the greatest gift of all to somepony they just met. She looked forward to studying this new, wonderful magic that friendship brings. She yawned, interrupting her thoughts. She partied with the whole town at not only the beginning of summer but also the return of Princess Luna, Princess Celestia's younger sister. Sadly, the Princesses had to go to Canterlot hours earlier, but they do have A LOT of catching up to do. Putting Spike in his bed, she walked to her own and lay comfortably on it, falling asleep soon after.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself in a strange hallway that was both new and familiar to her. She carried something in her mouth. She felt scared, but didn't know why. She was running to the end of the hallway. When she got there, she saw Princess Celestia in a great room next to a statue, a statue that was very familiar. Twilight then saw the Element of Magic emerge from the sphere in the top of the statue and join with the other Elements in their original form. They spun around the white alicorn, creating a ring of rainbow colors as Princess Celestia floated into the air and through a broken skylight. Looking in the direction the Princess was looking at, Twilight saw Nightmare Moon. However, instead of fear at the sight, Twilight felt...happiness? That didn't make sense! Before she could think further on that, the two alicorns fired beams from their horns at the same time. Nightmare Moon's beam held for a second before being overwhelmed by the combined might of Princess Celestia and the Elements of Harmony. Twilight saw the beam hit the moon, followed by the appearance of the familiar silhouette of a mare. To Twilight's surprise, she felt shock. The item in her mouth dropped as sorrow began to take hold of her. From her lips she heard a word.
“No...NO!” Twilight jerked up and panted, finding herself back in the library.
"TWILIGHT!” Spike jumped out of his bed and ran to her. Responding to Spike's call, she looked at him. He had a very concerned look on his face. “You okay, Twilight?”
Twilight took deep breaths and calmed herself a bit. “Just a dream, Spike, nothing to worry about.” She hoped. “Come on, let's get the daily checklist out and see what we have planned today.”
“Uh, Twi, we never made one. We were kind of busy the past couple of days.” Twilight groaned at that and tried to think of something quickly. Then, an idea popped into her head.
“Well, why don't we organize and catalog the library? See what needs to be changed?” Twilight was interrupted by a rumble from her stomach. She smiled sheepishly. “Okay, breakfast first.” Then, she'd make Celestia pay. Startled at her own thoughts, Twilight shook her head. 'What was that?' Such hostility, against Celestia? Her mentor and princess? Had to be a leftover from the weird dream.
* * * * * *
Celestia was doing a rare thing for her nowadays. She was flying using her own wings. Normally, she had to use her chariot and be all official, but this was too personal for that, not to mention faster. Thankfully, her time in the sun actually gave her some rest, because she had yet to sleep since Twilight managed to release her from Nightmare Moon's grasp. She spent all night trying to catch Luna up with all that has happen since Luna was gone and to apologize for ignoring her issues all those years ago. The results of that discussion...was a mixed bag. Both forgave each other for the past, and later they would work on how to co-rule again.
However, Luna kept asking the one question Celestia has dreaded for the past thousand years. Celestia did her best to dodge the question, and eventually exhaustion caused Luna to pass out in Celestia's room. Returning from the moon, then being hit with the Elements of Harmrony, THEN a nearly all-day party, finally ending with their little talk would do anypony in. She can't even remember the last time she saw Luna in that form. They've both been in their powered forms for so long, Celestia could hardly recognize the depictions of her in books, way back when her mane was a bright pink. She was distracting herself with this trip down memory lane. She didn't answer the question because she didn't know how to answer it without causing too much pain. To be honest with herself, no matter what pain was in the future, she was afraid that the truth would cause Luna to become Nightmare Moon again. For once in her long life, she had no plan for this. She'd been so focused on Luna's return and restoration, along with trying to preserve her sister's reputation by separating Luna from Nightmare Moon in the lore today. What real plans she had died when that Sonic Rainboom happened. Since then, it's been a jury-rigged plan.
She caught sight of Golden Oaks Library and teleported in, trying to keep this visit as private as possible. She heard a yelp and saw Twilight jump before the unicorn realized who it was.
“P-Princess Celestia!” The unicorn bowed. Celestia was always uncomfortable with Twilight bowing to her, but there was no helping that for now. "Has something happened!? Is your sister alright!?” Celestia raised a hoof up to silence Twilight.
“Nothing's happened, Twilight. My sister is resting right now. We...We haven't fully worked things out, but things are going well.” She looked back at Twilight, who had closed her eyes with a pained look on her face and a hoof held to her head. “Twilight, are you okay?” Celestia asked with great concern. The mare turned away from her before speaking.
“Oh, NOW you are concerned about me. Or maybe it isn't me that you are concerned about.” Twilight said in a dark tone.
Celestia was very confused and asked, “Of course I'm concerned. Why would you think otherwise?”
“Well, you certainly have a funny way showing it, but since you have forgotten, I shall remind you.” Before Celestia could react, Twilight turned around and Celestia saw lavender before feeling pain in both her front and back and a crunch.
She found herself outside on her back, the sun shining on her stomach. She got up quickly but groaned a bit from the pain. 'Yeah, I'm going to be feeling that one for a few days.'
“Princess!” Celestia looked over to see the pegasus Rainbow Dash hovering nearby. “You okay, Princess?” Celestia didn't answer, as she saw Twilight emerge from the hole she made in her library. The mare's eyes were glowing white like they did ten years ago, and Celestia was filled with fear.
'No, no, please no,' Celestia begged internally.
“Twilight! Did you attack the Princess?” Rainbow Dash asked. The mare looked at Rainbow Dash.
“Stay out of this, Rainbow. This is between me and Celestia. I don't want you hurt.” Without waiting for a response, the mare looked back at Celestia. “I wonder, oh Princess, if this is a fear of yours? A nightmare, maybe?” Twilight chuckled. “Oh, you have NO idea what a Nightmare is. But I shall give you a taste.
Twilight's horn glowed again, but, instead of a bolt forming, it caused a glow around Twilight herself. Cracks appeared along her side, and, within a minute, wings sprouted from them. For Celestia, this was the worse thing that could happen. The magic she felt from Twilight she felt once before. She had to stop this from happening again. Celestia spotted a frying pan at a nearby stall. She lifted it with her magic and threw it at Twilight's horn. Twilight didn't expect this kind of attack, and the pan connected, disrupting her magic and distracting her.
That was all Celestia needed. She leaped into the air and tackled Twilight to the ground before charging her horn and touching it to Twilight, using a spell she really only used twice before.
“No! NO! Not again! NOT AGAIN! LET ME GO!” Twilight pleaded in fear before the spell took full effect and Twilight lost consciousness. Celestia stepped back, feeling drained. A lock of pink mane showed how much magic she just used. And all she had to show for it was a sleeping Twilight. A Twilight with wings. To her, those wings were an omen. She had to face what had happened long ago.
“Princess, you alright?” Rainbow Dash asked, closing in slowly. Celestia took a breath, steadying herself for what was to come.
“I hope I will be, in time, Rainbow Dash.”
“How in the hay is Twilight an alicorn? And why did she attack you?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Rainbow Dash, I will answer that soon. Please, get your friends and have them come to the library. Rainbow Dash saluted and zipped away. After assuring other ponies nearby that she had the situation under control, she took Twilight and walked back into the library, where she saw Spike looking at them, concerned.
After altering his dragon fire so that a letter would go to her aide instead of her, Celestia had Spike write a letter. It told her aide to wake Luna and have her come to the library. If her sister asked the reason, the aide was to respond with, "Your question will be answered in Ponyville."
Author's Note
So what dark truth will Celestia reveal?
Also if any are interested in editing this PM me.
Author's Note
This and the next chapter will be dark and I think you can guess why.
End of Happiness
1005 years ago
It was with relief that Luna landed back on the balcony of her home. The negotiations between Equestria and the Kingdom of Griffonstone went on much longer than planned. She was eager to return to her family, especially her Little Star. She quickly changed back to her preferred form and opened the balcony door.
“MOMMA!” a small voice cheered, and Luna heard the sound of small hooves galloping on the stone floor. A smile came to her lips as she saw her three-year-old daughter appear. She was carrying something in her mouth.
“MY LITTLE STAR!” She lowered herself and picked her daughter up with her magic and hugged her. She then saw what her daughter had. It was a plushie alicorn that bore her very first form. 'Where did she get this?'
“Welcome home, honey.” She saw Darkwing come out of the kitchen. With her eyes she asked the question, and Darkwing nodded in understanding. “I found an old painting of you and your sister. You looked cute like that, by the way.” That caused Luna to pout, which brought a chuckle out of her husband. “So, I decided to have a pair of plushies made in your images' likenesses. That one is her favorite. She calls it 'Woona'.”
“Well, it is nice to know my Little Star has good taste. So, Twilight, were you good to deserve your new toys?”
“Yes, Momma.” Luna looked over to Darkwing questioningly.
“She actually was," Darkwing confirmed, "The worst was when she wanted you.”
Luna lifted Twilight so they could be face-to-face. She gave her daughter a sad smile before saying, “I am sorry, Twilight, but my duties as princess sometimes take me away from here. I cannot avoid that, but I do not have to go anywhere for a while.”
“Yay!” Twilight cheered. Luna gave a deep smile and nuzzled her little Twilight. She then carried her daughter to her room and played with her until supper.
At dinner, her husband asked, “So, how did the meetings with the griffons go?”
Luna groaned before answering, “I don't know what's worse. The griffon representatives or our nobility. If I could, I would put both in an arena and watch them fight each other. It would be very entertaining. Sadly, as much as I would like to ignore them, we can't anymore since they unified themselves.”
“You and your sister have protected us from worse, so we'll be okay.”
“Again, such optimism. I wish I had that.”
* * * * * *
The hours after dinner found Luna in her daughter's room, playing with her. Luna had the pink-maned Tia plushie in her magic.
“Beware! The big sister is coming in for your cake!” she said, having the toy fly down at Twilight. Twilight swung Woona went it got close, and Luna had Tia fly to the side. “And the younger sister saves the day again!” Luna then grabbed Twilight and, with her black wing, tickled Twilight on her stomach. Her Little Star laughed uncontrollably under the attack, Luna joining in the laughs.
“Sometimes, it's hard to tell which one of you is the foal.” Luna looked over to see her husband leaning against the doorway smirking at the sight before him.
“Just because I know how to have fun at times does not make me a child. Hay, I should take you to our castle in the Everfree.” Then, an evil idea came to her head, and she smiled widely. She saw Darkwing look on with fear, and her smile grew wider. “In fact, I think you should join us. Twilight! Tickle attack on Daddy!” Luna said as her mane grabbed Darkwing and pulled him in. He made a valiant effort to escape, but it was all for naught.
“WAIT! NO! I'M TOO YOUNG TO DIE!” he screamed as she and Twilight dove in and began the tickle attack. “HAHAHAHAHAHA! NO, PLEASE! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! MERCY!”
Luna paused and looked at her daughter. “Well, should we?”
Her daughter looked like she thought about it, before she answered, “Nah.” And she began tickling her father again.
“Good choice!” And Luna joined in again.
A few hours later, Twilight was asleep in her bed with Woona in her hooves. She was so adorable. Luna herself lay in her bed with her husband.
“I'm gonna get you both for that,” Darkwing said.
“Promises, promises.”
She felt him shift in their bed. “Still, despite the tickle torture, I am the luckiest stallion alive to have two wonderful mares in my life.”
Luna kissed him and replied, “You are not the only one who is lucky.” Before either could say more, they fell asleep, and the sun continued rising outside for a new day.
* * * * * *
An alarm woke the couple up, and, after some stretching, Luna went to the balcony and raised the moon as her sister lowered the sun. Her royal duty done, she went to check on her Little Star. Entering the bedroom, she found that Twilight was still asleep and looking as adorable as ever. She hated waking her up, but she had to.
“Twilight, dear, time to wake up.” She nuzzled her daughter's head, only to have Twilight swat her face and turn in her bed. She nuzzled harder, and again Twilight swatted her. “Okay, no more Mrs. Nice Mare.” With her magic, she pulled the blanket away, causing a yelp from her daughter. She then took Twilight in her magic and took her to breakfast.
Breakfast was a simple affair. Yes, it could be as fancy as any in Canterlot, but dealing with the waste that went by the title of "nobility" has actually driven Luna from most of the fancy dishes. And anyway, her Little Star adored the pancakes they had.
After breakfast, Luna entered her throne room. A great, blue throne with her cutie mark in its original white dominated the room, but a small, lavender throne was added a month ago for her daughter. Celestia NEVER came to the Citadel, so it was safe to give her daughter the throne she deserved. Luna sat on her throne and saw her daughter sit on hers with Woona in her mouth again. Her daughter hardly went anywhere without the plushie, it seemed. That's fine; it will keep her busy as Luna dealt with her Night Court.
Sadly, her Night Court was not busy. Yes, her beloved bat-ponies did come to her when they needed help, but hardly anypony else came anymore. Hay, the last time she held it even in Canterlot, nopony came. She gave up holding it there or even at the castle in Everfree.
This night was typical for her. An hour of nothing, killing time by looking over reports and suggestions from her advisers on the running of the Citadel. She did see a few ponies seeking her help on one issue or another. She was always happy to help, unless it was a frivolous thing that never needed her help to solve, in the first place. Thankfully, after literally tossing some ponies out for making such requests, they dropped. The rest of the time she spent playing with Twilight until the court was closed for the night.
After dinner, the family played together, enjoying each other's company. Luna would admit that things could be better, but they could also be far worse. She was content with her life, right now.
* * * * * *
1002 years ago
Luna was looking over a proposal, when her husband came up to her.
“Princess Celestia has requested my presence,” he said.
Luna looked up from her proposal. “Why just you? Why not both of us?”
He shrugged and said, “Her letter stated that she didn't need to bother you with whatever she had planned. Apparently, her captain is ill, and she wants me to fill in for him on a job she needs done.”
Luna looked back to the scroll. “Well, at least she values your skill. Please be careful, my love.”
“Of course. I do have a family to return to.” With that, he went over and rubbed Twilight's hair. Their daughter, now six years old, batted it away.
“DAD!” she screeched, causing Darkwing to laugh.
“Be good for your mother, Twilight.” She nodded and held her Woona to her body. She still loved that thing. It was difficult to get it away from her if it needed fixing, but she loved seeing her precious Woona restored enough to forgive them. With that done, he took off for whatever task Luna's sister had for him.
* * * * * *
“Your Highness,” a voice said, causing Luna to wake up from her sleep. Rubbing her eyes, she saw her head maid Night Breeze looking at her.
“What is it, Breeze?” Luna asked, yawning.
“Princess Celestia has requested your presence.”
“Did she give any reason?” Breeze just shook her head in reply. Luna took on her second form and checked on Twilight, who was still sleeping. After a quick kiss on the forehead, she headed out to see what her sister wanted.
She arrived at Canterlot, as Celestia alternated between the castles every year. This year, it was Canerlot's turn. Landing late in the day, she walked into the castle. There, she saw Canterlot nobility hanging around. The all glanced at her before lifting their snouts in the air.
'Typical Canterlot nobility. Can't wait to see you run into something with that move.' She otherwise ignored them and went to the nearest guard.
“Where is my sister?” she asked.
“Follow me, Your Highness.” Luna did so, and they went through the hallways until he stopped in front of a door. “Princess Celestia is in here, Your Highness.” Luna nodded and opened the door.
“Sister?” she asked as she entered the room. She saw Celestia facing away from her. When Celestia turned around, there was sadness in her eyes.
“Oh, Luna, I'm so sorry,” she said.
Fear entered Luna's gut. “No,” Luna whispered. She raced towards her sister till she was beside Celestia's large form. There, on a bed next to Celestia, was her husband lying reposed. There were clear battle wounds all over his body. Anger and sorrow built up inside of Luna. She faced her sister. “WHAT HAPPENED!?” she snarled.
“I received a report of rogue griffons attacking on the border," Celestia answered, "Captain Iron Wall is ill, and your captain was very skilled. After hearing about the attack, I had hoped that recruiting him would start mending the rift between us. His force was ambushed, and while they manage to slay the raiding party, his wounds were too severe, and he died before we could get him to a hospital. He saved a lot of ponies with his bravery.”
Luna was in tears. Here, her husband lay dead. She knew, of course, that he would eventually die on her. That was the way of things. However, she thought she would still have decades before that happened. This was much too soon.
Darkwing was a good soldier. To be a captain of a guard, he had to be. He should not have fallen into a trap so easily. Unless the enemy was tipped off. Yes, that had to be it. Somepony did not like him, because he served her. That somepony made sure he died in the attack.
“I trusted you with his safety," Luna said coldly, "and now he is dead. Likely by betrayal, dear sister. I suggest you look closely at your forces. Never request help from my guard ever again.”
Before Celestia could respond, Luna lit her horn and teleported herself and her husband's body to the Citadel.
* * * * * *
After taking care of the details of Darkwing's funeral, Luna went to her daughter. Twilight had the right to know. Luna found her in Twilight's room, playing with the toy versions of Luna and her sister in simpler times. Twilight saw her and smiled, but her smile faded when she saw the look on her mother's face.
“Mom, why do you look like that? Why are you so sad?”
Luna looked at her daughter. “Because, my Little Star, Daddy...your daddy won't be coming back to us."
Twilight dropped her toys in shock. “What? Why? Why would daddy leave us? Weren't we happy?” Twilight asked tearfully.
“It was not by his choice, my daughter. Some evil beings took him from us. The funeral will be tomorrow so that you can say goodbye.”
Twilight said nothing, but she ran to her mother and hugged her as she cried, and Luna joined her. They spent many hours together mourning Darkwing's death.
* * * * * *
The next day, Luna was back in what she now considered as her true form. She wore her armor-like regalia, and her daughter wore a small tiara and tearfully stood next to her mother. Luna tried to look strong for everypony. A full military funeral was done for her husband. Luna said a few words to the crowd before she and Twilight said their final goodbyes. He was then placed in his stone coffin, which had the following words inscribed into the side:
Darkwing 977 AD-1002 AD
Brave Captain of the Lunar guard, and a loving husband and father.
Pain of the Princesses
1000 years ago
Luna was playing with her daughter in the castle garden, bouncing a ball between herself and Twilight. It was one of the few times she could just spend time with her beloved daughter. No duties or meetings, just innocent fun that she hadn't had since she and Celestia built the castle in Everfree. Twilight gave the ball a good buck and the ball soared far to the left. Luna had to dive to knock it back. She saw Twilight run for it, but Luna then noticed her aide behind her daughter.
“It's time, Your Highness,” her aide said.
Luna gave a sigh and nodded. “Come on, Twilight. Time for bed.”
“But I'm not sleepy. I wanna play more,” she complained, though a small yawn betrayed her.
Luna gave a knowing smile. “Sadly, I can't.” She took Twilight in her mouth and carried her into the castle.
“I'm not a foal anymore, Mom!” Twilight complained.
“Well, you're my foal, and I'm bigger than you,” Luna said through her muffled mouth. Twilight just crossed her forelegs and pouted. Luna put Twilight down in her bed and began tucking her daughter in.
“Do you really have to go, Momma?” she whined, her resistance to bedtime weakening.
“I have duties I must attend to. Signing these agreements is good for all of Equestira, even if most reject our night. You have little Woona to keep you company.”
In response, Twilight grabbed the doll in her forehooves. “I'd rather have you. Momma.”
Luna nuzzled her daughter. “And I'd rather be here with you, my precious Star. No matter where I go or how far it takes me, you will always be in my heart. Now, rest and I will be back before you rise with my moon.” Twilight soon fell asleep with a smile on her lips, clinging hard to Woona as if the doll was her mother by proxy. Luna smiled as she reverted to her old look, kissed her daughter on the forehead, and left for Canterlot.
* * * * * *
It was midmorning by the time she and Celestia got done with all the agreements, like mutual defense and trade agreements. Luna got up, stretched, and prepared to head for the balcony and home.
“Luna, wait.”
Luna snorted and looked back to her older sister. “What is it now, sister?”
“Our subjects are having a Harmony Parade this afternoon. I think it would be good for both of us to be there, since we bear the Elements of Harmony. Afterwards, you could spend the rest of the day here. You can sleep in my room, and we can share a meal with each other again, I miss having you around.”
“I doubt that.”
Celestia was shocked by that statement. “But, sister, how can you say that?”
“Rather easily, dear sister. Hay, this Harmony Parade is the perfect example. Harmony is the balance of forces, but our dear kingdom is far from balanced. They love you and your precious day, yet they hold nothing but fear and hatred for my night. A parade based on harmony is occurring during YOUR day. I could accept this if it were during twilight. No, what we have is yet another celebration during your day. Goodbye, sister. I have ponies who actually love me waiting at my home.” She left, flying toward her home.
What she didn't see was the hurt look on Celestia's face as her own sister rejected her.
* * * * * *
The flight gave Luna time to clam down from her last outrage. Her sister didn't care for what she did, just like the sun-lovers didn't. Luna had an equal role during Discord and Sombra. She had been on the front lines during the times some country foolishly went to war with them. She even guarded the Equestrians' dreams, witnessing horrors of nightmares when she monitored their dreams, and she received nothing for it. Was it so much to ask for the same love, adoration, and respect that her sister had? She nearly assumed her larger form just to spill out the magic contained in her.
The sun was midway in the sky when she spotted trails of smoke. “Is there a forest fire?” she thought aloud, increasing her speed. In minutes, fear reigned in her heart. It wasn't a forest on fire. It was the Citadel that was in flames. Her home, her ponies, HER DAUGHTER WAS UNDER ATTACK! She dove in and saw an army surrounding her home. However, the banners of the army were what truly enraged her. She saw Celestia's cutie mark; she saw the sign of the Knights of Ra, a red circle with blades around it; and she saw the sign of the Order of Celestial Light, a circle of red, white, and orange with closing wings.
Her rage was becoming too much. These radical followers of her sister's day have dared attack her. She even saw the armor of the Day Guard among their ranks. Her sister had betrayed her, the Parade no more than a ruse so Luna would be safe as HER precious ponies were slaughtered. IT SHALL NOT BE . Putting all her rage into her horn, she let out a beam of energy that sliced through the army below. The screams of the wounded and dying filled her with pleasure.
'This is what you get for attacking an alicorn's home.'
“THE NIGHT MARE! THE NIGHT MARE IS HERE!”
“AND YOU WILL PAY FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE HERE!” she declared in the Royal Canterlot Voice, doing a couple more sweeps with her magic, taking out their siege weapons, before enemy fire forced her to retreat to the castle. So far, most of the fire and damage were in the lower sections of the Citadel, but how long would that last?
She landed in a balcony and cried out, “Night Hammer!”
A bat pony appeared only a minute after the call. “I'm here, Your Highness.”
“I want a full report of the attack and the current state of the Citadel,” Luna ordered as she headed to the war room, her captain at her heels.
“Well, Your Highness, they attacked about midmorning, when the bulk of us were asleep. Their aim was true; a quarter of the guard were incapacitated before they could wake. From what we can tell, they likely used the forest around us to hide their approach. From what I saw, it has to be easily an army of four thousand ponies. There is fighting in the lower levels, and reports say they are sparing nopony.” Night Hammer wilted in her armor. “We weren't expecting this, Your Highness. I'm sorry.”
Luna sighed. “You are not to blame, my captain. Our forces have been focused on outside threats. Though my sister and I have had a rift between us, not even I suspected such an attack from what are supposed to be our fellow Equestrians. Where's my daughter?”
“In the safe room.” Upon hearing this, Luna sighed in relief.
The doors to the war room burst open, and a unicorn guard rushed in, shouting, “Princess! They have gotten to level forty!”
Luna frowned. 'That isn't good.' Luna looked over the layout of the Citadel on the table. No, it wasn't good at all.
She turned back to her guards. “We've lost the Citadel. We've lost too many guards on the initial attack, and I have no faith in help from my sister as I had originally planned on. Night Hammer, begin evacuating the civilians through the emergency tunnels. The guards should be either trying to hold back the enemy or directing the evacuation.”
“Yes, Princess. What will you be doing?”
Luna gave her a dark smile. “Showing these traitors why I am a Princess of Equestira.”
* * * * * *
Show them, she did. For hours, she helped hold the traitors back as the civilians fled. Sadly, they couldn't save all, and her rage grew as she saw the bodies of children in the streets and buildings. Her valiant guard fought hard, but it was a doomed fight to begin with. Even brave Night Hammer fell an hour ago, taking ten ponies with her as she collapsed a building. She was taking a short break, when she heard armored hoofsteps nearby.
“Come on, troops. We have the Night Mare of the Moon in a corner. She and her tainted ilk can't hold much longer. This will be our greatest victory since we allowed that tainted pegasus captain of hers to die at the borders.”
Luna had been right all along. Darkwing was murdered by proxy. Rejuvenated by her hate and anger, she felt it was time to act. She took flight, and, with a beam of magic, she cut through the column of troops near her. One mare only had time to grunt before she was smashed to death by Luna's landing as the next victim of her rage. She then went hoof-to-hoof with the survivors. She barely felt the impact of their blows as her hoof smashed the face of one pony. An uppercut sent another flying. Her buck sent another through a wall from which the unfortunate mare didn't get up again. A Wing Burst beheaded another. Soon all but one foe were dead. The stallion tried to crawl away, but two of his hooves were mangled. From the ranking on his armor, he was likely the head pony of this group, thus the one who talked earlier. GOOD. She leapt over and pinned him to the ground.
“Why have you and your ilk committed treason against the crown?” she asked him.
He spat a bit. “What treason?”
“What treason!?” Luna repeated with restrained rage. “You have risen an army without my knowledge and permission, you have attacked and murdered your fellow ponies, and you have assaulted a princess, and you ask, 'What treason'? ”
“There is only one princess in Equestira, and you and your tainted ilk hamper her. With you gone, we can at last convince her to have eternal day, and we can bask forever in her glorious sun.”
“At least my sister isn't a part of this atrocity. But you are a foal. I AM A PRINCESS OF EQUESTRIA. SOMETHING YOU HAVE QUITE FORGOTTEN. I SHALL REMIND YOU AND ALL OF EQUESTRIA OF MY POWER! ” She closed her head to the stallion's with the most evil of smiles. “And I shall pay you for the death of my husband, who was a far better pony than either of us.” With those final words, she lifted a hoof and killed him.
The deed done, she took to the air and surveyed the battle. The Citadel had flames everywhere from the siege weapons she destoryed earlier, but many were likely started by the solarists as an attempt to 'purify' the city. She saw only a handful of fighting.
'Time to get Twilight and get out of here.' She flew through the smoke-filled sky and entered the castle. From there, she raced through the hallways, which still looked intact. The solarists hadn't gotten this far, yet. She arrived at the safe room and, with a magical key, opened the doors. She saw Twilight huddled in a corner with her Woona, crying.
“Twilight!” Luna raced over to her daughter.
Twilight tried to sink farther into the corner. “No! STAY BACK! MAMA!”
“Mama's right here, my Little Star.” Twilight had never seen this form of her mother. Hay, even her voice was different, so she lifted a hoof close to her daughter. Twilight manage to gather the courage to sniff the offered hoof. No matter the form, Luna's scent would always be the same, and a daughter would know the scent of her mother. She saw the light go on in Twilight's eyes before the filly leapt and hugged her mother.
“I was scared, Mama. I heard explosions and screaming. Miss Hammer put me in here and told me not to come out.”
“It's okay to be scared, but I'm here now, and I will protect you, my Star. You were a good girl to stay here. Now get on my back. We are leaving for a safe place.” She felt Twilight shift and get on her back, and she saw her grab Woona. “Ready?”
“Yes, Mama.” With that, Luna charged her horn and, with a pop, she teleported from the safe room to the top of the castle. Once outside, she took to the air, and, after blasting a couple of foalish pegasi, she set course for the last place she felt safe now. Twilight asked, “Mama, where are we going?”
“To an old castle I helped build, long ago. It's even older than the Citadel. It's the only safe place left I can think of.” The Royal Sisters' Castle had many wards that she placed, and there was always the Harmony Cave. Only she and Celestia knew where that was. In either case, Twilight would be safe there. She felt Twilight hug her tightly. “Fear not, my daughter. I will set this right for both of us.” That seemed to comfort Twilight, and Luna flew on in the late afternoon sky, leaving the Citadel behind.
* * * * * *
She arrived at the old castle and quickly shooed away what staff was present, before heading to her old room. Once inside, she activated all the wards and placed Twilight on her bed. She summoned and drank a potion she learned long ago from a zebra shaman. It healed what few wounds she had and energized her. She would need that for the plans she formed as she sang to her daughter to get her to sleep. Her Children of the Night could always pull them off, and, with Twilight asleep, she petted her daughter with a wing for an hour, before a knock sounded at the door. With a sigh, she got up and opened the door. A maid was on the other side.
“Your Highness, Princess Celestia is approaching.”
“Very well. Tell the staff to seek shelter. Things will be messy soon, and I do not wish the staff harmed by what is to come.”
“As you wish, Princess,” the maid said, bowing, as Luna returned to her daughter's side. She gave the sleeping filly a loving smile and kissed her on the forehead. She then left to meet her sister.
* * * * * *
She was nearly at the throne room when she heard a familiar voice.
“Luna?”
Luna steeled herself and let herslef be known. “Not another step,” she said coldly as she came around, walking in front of the throne she once sat in and likely would again.
“Luna.” Celestia actually looked releaved. “I felt your use of magic. Is everything okay?”
“Is everything okay?” Luna repeated, shaking her head before looking coldly at her sister. “Did you really think I would stand idly by while they all bask in your precious light!” Celestia looked confused. “I see I need to clarify things more. Today, my Citadel came under attack. Hundreds of ponies were killed. ALL DONE BY EQUESTRIANS!” Celestia looked shocked, and Luna pressed on, “Oh yes, I can confirm the presence of the Knights of Ra, The Order of Celestial Light, several ponies bearing your banner, and even members of your Day Guard. It no longer matters whether you were behind it or not. This incident has made one thing clear. Until my daughter is ready to rule at my side, there can be only be one princess in Equestria. And that princess will be ME!” With that, she stomped her forehooves. Cracks formed behind her, and a window shattered. She dug deep into her power as she moved the moon to block the sun and transformed into her true form. There was no reason to hide anymore. She jumped from the balcony that connected the thrones and landed on the floor below. She approached her sister in her true and fearsome form. To her sister's credit, she didn't flinch. She just stared at her younger sister.
“Luna, you must lower the moon. It is your duty.”
“Luna? No, not anymore. She was too weak to protect those she loved. The name garners no respect.” She looked away from her sister and put a hoof to her muzzle, before she got an idea. “Do you know, dear sister, that your beloved subjects never used my old name? No, they came up with a nice little title for me. I was, to them, the Night Mare of the Moon. I think I will use that against them. Yes, I am Nightmare Moon. And I have but one royal duty, now: TO DESTROY YOU!”
She charged an attack that just barely missed Celestia, blasting an opening in the glass ceiling. Her sister flew through it, causing Nightmare Moon to smirk. “And where do you think you are going?” She flew after her sister, getting blasted for her troubles. She did a barrel roll to recover. 'Nice move, Tia,' she thought, firing several bolts at her sister, causing Celestia to break off from the attack and give momentum to Nightmare Moon. Celestia fired blindly behind her to try to regain momentum while dodging Nightmare Moon's returning blasts. The castle took a lot of the punishment from missed blasts as the two alicorns flew around it. Nightmare Moon predicted her sister's next move and launched a powerful beam. It hit dead center on her sister's chest. Celestia screamed in pain and fell through the hole in the roof of the throne room. Nightmare, for her part, laughed in glee. 'Celestia will soon fall, and night will reign eternal. With my strength shown, the ponies wouldn't dare oppose me or even think of harming my daughter ever again.' She saw a flash below and saw her sister rise up with, of all things, the Elements of Harmony spinning around her. 'She's bluffing. There's no way we can use them alone; they need both of us. No matter. This will end it.' She summoned the bulk of her power as Celestia arrayed the Elements with her horn. Nightmare thought she saw a tear in her sister's eyes as they both fired. Her beamed held for a second before being overwhelmed by Celestia's. Somehow, she did it. She used the Elements.
“No!” she said before the beam hit her. “TTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWILIIIIIIIIIIGHT!”she screamed, as she flew to the moon for her thousand-year imprisonment. Now, her daughter was alone.
* * * * * *
Present day
Luna looked down at the memory of what happened. She went overboard, back then. Eternal Night wouldn't have protected her daughter. It would have left the two of them alone on a dead, frozen world.
“I can take over from here, sister,” Celestia said. Luna nodded and waited to hear how her daughter got stuck with a split personality and how she only barely aged since that night. Twilight should have been more like Luna in her second form or her sister's than an average pony. That was not even mentioning her posing as a unicorn, instead of the alicorn she truly was. She listened intently as Celestia began her side of the tale.
* * * * * *
1000 years ago, directly after the battle
Celestia landed hard on her hooves, taking deep breaths. She saw a round stone land in front of her. It had an imprint of a gem on it. It shocked her, and she quickly glanced around and saw five stone orbs around her. They had to be the Elements. They had rejected her for using them the way she did. The Element of Magic itself seemed to have just disappeared. She looked up at the moon. It had changed to feature an outline of a mare on it.
She was about to lower the moon and return the day, when she finally heard another voice shouting, “No! No. No. No. NO! MOTHER! ”
Celestia looked towards the voice and saw a filly alicorn with dark lavender fur, a dark blue mane with purple and pink stripes in it. What really disturbed her, though, were her fangs and slitted pupils, which matched those she saw on the corrupted form of her sister. Only, the color was different. Also different were the tears and sadness in them. She also saw something at the fillies hooves, but before she could look further, the filly noticed her.
“YOU!” Not even Luna had such hatred in her voice a mere few minutes ago. “First, you took daddy away, and he never came back. Now, you took my mother from me! I WANT HER BACK! ” She tried to blast Celestia, and, although she was slow to charge her bolt, Celestia felt a good deal of power in it. Her niece was a powerhouse. “THEY HAVE TAKEN EVERYTHING FROM ME! NO MORE! I WILL GET BACK WHAT IS MINE, STARTING WITH MOTHER!”Her niece's eyes glowed white, and Celestia saw, to her great surprise and despair, stars fall from the heavens and crash around the castle, causing massive earthquakes.
“Niece, please stop! You will harm our ponies!” Celestia pleaded.
“NO! They have harmed ME! My home is gone, Daddy is gone, and now Momma is GONE! " Celestia saw more stars beginning to fall. She had to act to save the world again. With a magic bolt, she knocked her niece to the ground, interrupting the filly's control of the stars. She had to prepare another spell, one she wished she didn't have to use. However, it was the only hope she and the world had. It would take a lot of her magic, but, considering everything, it was a small price to pay.
Her niece begged and pleaded as a stasis pod was created around her. As powerful as she was, she couldn't fight the effect of the spell, and she quickly fell asleep before it fully covered her. When the spell was finished, the pod looked like a lavender-colored orb which pulsed slowly. She would not age, and she would sleep until she was released. Celestia saw a bit of pink mane come in front of her. She had used so much magic that she lost her etheral mane and tail.
She wordlessly lowered the moon and brought back the day, as she nuzzled the orb. “I am so sorry, my niece. My foolishness lead to this. I swear to you, you will be reunited with your mother, and when we are reunited, we will be a family. I am SO SORRY!” With that, she wailed and cried at the injustice brought upon her family.
* * * * * *
Hours later, Celestia carried the pod containing her niece on her back as she surveyed the castle. It was hit hard by the short fight. It seemed the staff fled the castle during the fight. She couldn't blame them. The last time she had to go all out was a couple years ago, against Sombra. Luna was in a hurry to get that job done, and now Celestia knew why. Looking at the pod, Celestia felt jealous. Her sister had an alicorn daughter, a very rare thing, indeed. She wished Luna told her about the little filly.
After her survey, she was once again in the throne room of the ruined castle. She could repair the place, but she felt no urge to do so. Without Luna it would simply feel like a crime. She stepped on something and looked down. She saw a doll on the floor. She picked it up with her magic. It nearly brought her to tears. It was a likeness of her sister in their early years, before they had fully bonded with their celestial bodies. It took some damage in the fight, and she used magic to repair the doll. It obviously meant much to her niece, and she would preserve it. Lastly, she placed the Elements back on their pedestals. She hoped that, if not her, then maybe others could wield them again. With nothing else to do, she left the castle she and her sister once called home. She silently cried as they left the ruined castle and landscape behind.
* * * * * *
She landed in her private room. She warded it so nopony could come in. Her niece would be safe there until she could find a more suitable place for her. With that finished, she left her room and headed for the throne room. She had things to take care of.
“Princess!” Celestia saw her head maid Glimmer Belle gallop up to her. “Are you alright?”
“No, no, I am not. Glimmer, I want my generals in the throne room within the hour. I have critical things I need to discuss. Also, until further notice, nopony is allowed in my quarters. Understood?”
Glimmer bowed. “Of course, Your Highness.” With that, she raced away to do her job. Celestia liked the Belle clan. They were a proper, but generous, clan of unicorns. They were far more worthy of the title of nobility than many who held it. She sat on her throne and prepared a spell she would need for the meeting to come.
Before the hour was up, her generals had arrived, along with her Captain of the Royal Guard Piercing Armor. What she didn't expect was her Grand Mage as well.
“Sunbeam Sparkle, I didn't request your presence here.”
The flame-colored mare responded, “No, Your Highness, you didn't, but I felt the massive use of magic, and I know something big has happened, so I came to offer what support I can.”
“Very well. I believe it will be useful for you to witness what will happen at this meeting. Now all of you have noticed the change in my appearance. It is temporary, but it is a sign of what I have had to do. A couple hours ago, I had to fight my own sister and prevent her from causing Eternal Night. I, using the Elements of Harmony, have banished her to the moon. The fight was costing, and the Royal Sisters' Castle is in ruins.”
“So that's the reason that we had an eclipse and that stars fell?” General Terra Firm asked.
“It is.” She had to keep her niece's existence a secret, for now. She saw signs of a smirk among the generals, and she quietly raged. 'Lulu was right,' she thought. Aloud, she said, “However, my sister was not without cause." With a tap of her hoof, she activated her spell. While the generals looked around in confusion, the room was bathed in golden light. Sunbeam simply look around, intrigued.
“Oh, some kind of persuasion spell.”
Sunbeam's statement caused at least a small smile on Celestia's face. “Very perceptive, Sunbeam. It is, indeed, a persuasion spell. It will tell me if any of you lie to me." She said that last part coldly. “You have to answer any question I give, for these are answers I need. Now, the reasons for my sister's actions are not fully known to me, though I can make some good guesses. For a long time, our little ponies didn't give her the due she has earned through her service to Equestira. Very few ponies did. She received her due mostly from her beloved bat-ponies, which are equally as shunned as she was. Not even I showed her proper respect, for I was blinded by the love and adoration the ponies gave me.
"Well, things have gotten worse than that. Members of my own government have conspired against her. Earlier today, as she returned to her Citadel, it came under attack. Not by griffons, minotaurs, or monsters. No, they were attacked by fellow Equestrians.” She saw quite a few gasp in surprise. Pony against pony in a violent matter was unheard of since the founding of the nation, outside of criminal intent. “Oh, yes," Celestia continued, "Followers of the Knights of Ra and of the Order of Celestial Light have been confirmed to be a part of the attack. But that's not the worst of it.” She paused to let that settle. “No, the worst of it was that my sister saw and fought members of the Day Guard, and the Guard went after everypony who lived there. Luna was not even sure if anypony lived. This caused her to believe that she had to remove me from power, becoming what she called "Nightmare Moon" and bringing Eternal Night. Now, I want to know. Did any of you order the attack on my SISTER!?”
“I certainly didn't order any attack,” said the pegasus Shadow Kicker. She continued, “By your will, Princess, I will find those responsible and bring them to justice.” The beams of light didn't change, showing Shadow Kicker's reputation for loyalty to be well-founded.
“I am ashamed that members of my Guard have played a part in this,” said Piercing. “While we are focused on your protection, that protection also applies to all members of the royal family. I WILL find the traitors for you, Your Highness.” Again, the beams didn't change. Sunbeam and a couple of other generals also proved their innocence. However, three failed to do so.
“Captain," Celestia ordered, "place these ponies under arrest for treason against the crown.” The accused ponies tried to run, but still-loyal guards secured them. “Shadow Kicker, form a group of your best fliers and head to the Citadel of the Stars. Find the ponies that attacked it. Capture their leaders and kill the rest. They have forfeited all rights by attempting to commit genocide.” Shadow saluted and raced off. “Sunbeam, you will take some guards and search the homes of the dishonored generals to find anything about the attack, plans against my sister, or ties to the cults behind this. We must nip this corruption in the bud, now.”
* * * * * *
A few days later, Celstia regained her ethereal mane, though it was still only of one hue. She looked down coldly at the masterminds behind the attack against her sister. What they did sickened her. Especially after she went through the documents of the cults, who accused Luna of being her enemy and a corrupting influence, and who even wished for an eternal day. She had decreed that these groups be disbanded and outlawed. Any who followed their teachings were to be jailed to await trial. She held the masterminds' trials publicly, and now she was going to make an example of these poor excuses for ponies. They wanted her sun so bad, then they shall have it. She used her sun and burned them alive. They had a chance to scream for a second before they died, the message sent.
With the execution done and over, she headed back in, feeling tired. She just didn't have much energy, anymore.
“Princess!”
Celestia looked over to see Sunbeam gallop up to her. “What is it, Sunbeam?”
“I have been using some of Starswirl's old books and spells, and I used some on the stars. Your Highness, according to my readings, the stars will align with the moon in a thousand years.”
Celestia looked up in shock. “That would give her enough energy to break free.”
“Indeed, Your Highness. That cannot be stopped, but there is some hope. According to a vision I had while performing these spells, six ponies will confront your sister. Either they will heal your sister or we are doomed to Eternal Night.”
'Six ponies,' Celestia thought as she looked to the sky. She said, “Maybe there is some hope after all.”
* * * * * *
10 years ago
Celestia looked out of her balcony, enjoying a break. She looked over to the Everfree Forest. The place has drastically changed since the battle. It has grown wild and dangerous. Creatures born from the remains of the stars her niece brought down roam the forest. She feared how bad it would be were the Tree of Harmony not trying to keep things in balance. She has monitored the changes. It helped her deal with the pain of loss. She even managed to use the forest to help some humble earth ponies find a new home.
The small town of Ponyville always brought a smile to her lips. A town of harmony. No place in Equestria had had all three major tribes represented in equal numbers like Ponyville does now. Sadly, she has not been met with complete success.
The pain of Sunset Shimmer was still fairly new. She had hoped the talented mare would be a new bearer for the Element of Magic, or even be Celestia's replacement. She has seen no activity from the Elements all this time, and time was running out. She felt that another fight between her and her sister would end with their deaths. If Luna refuses to listen to reason, she would have no choice, and she hoped that Sunset would care for her ponies. Instead, Sunset grew power-hungry and fled through a magic mirror. She hoped the mare was okay. She had again failed somepony close to her. 'You'd think you would learn by now, Celestia,' she thought bitterly.
Her musing was disturbed by a massive boom and rainbow colors. She looked in surprise. A Sonic Rainboom. She hadn't seen one in centuries. The pegasus who pulled that off will go far, indeed. Soon after the Rainboom, a massive rumble happened in the castle.
“What in Tartarus?” Then she felt it. A magic she felt once before. With wide eyes, she teleported to the hidden room in the castle. She had kept her niece's pod here since she made it. However, the pod was in shards, and her niece was out and breathing. Her eyes were glowing, and magic was streaming around her. It already caused a dragon egg that was also stored there to hatch. Fearing a repeat of a thousand years ago, she tried to seal her niece away. However, she was meeting resistance. She tried to force her spell more, but the resistance was too strong. She scanned the magic and was surprised to feel the Element of Magic itself present. The Element of Magic has chosen her niece!? If so, she couldn't use the pod again. She tried a pure sleep spell, which did get past the Element of Magic and succeed in putting her niece to sleep. Celestia observed the sleeping filly. There was no change but a cutie mark. It was a black star with a white starburst, with five pink stars surrounding it.
'What to do? A sudden appearance of another alicorn shortly after Cadance would raise too many questions.' The country wasn't ready for the full truth of the past. Sadly, even what was known back then has been blurred. The Harmony Parade has become the Summer Sun Celebration, an event Celestia attended, but one she hated due to the real meaning behind it. Even Nightmare Moon has survived as a boogeymare. Luna would have a hard time adjusting, if everything works. She had to keep her niece safe, but she couldn't hide her away. Also, her niece might not be willing to help her, due to lack of trust. 'So how can I do what I need to do?'
She pondered the question, soon getting an idea. It would be cruel to her niece, but it was the only way to get everything to work for her family. She could only hope the filly would forgive her for this. Gathering her magic, she cast a spell that suppressed her niece's pegasus and earth pony magic. She would be, in essence, a very powerful unicorn. She also suppressed the filly's memories so that she would be more trusting of her aunt. She noticed the filly change more than a mere loss of wings. Her fur turned into a lighter lavender, and the cutie mark, which was once a black star, became a magenta star, and the smaller stars turned white.
With that taken care of, she needed somepony to help raise her. Who could she trust? She then remembered something that brought a smile to her a few days ago. Cadance said an attractive stallion had entered the guard, and, being the good aunt, Celestia looked into it. Shining Armor seemed like a fine stallion and would likely do honor to that proud clan. She became very interested when the Sparkle and Armor clans began joining forces often. They were among the most loyal and honorable families in Canterlot. Yes, they would do nicely. She would cast a powerful geas spell to make everypony believe that her niece was their daughter. She would be safe with them, no problem.
But now her niece needed a name. She remembered Luna crying something out before being sealed on the moon. It sounded like a name. 'What was it? Sunset, Sunrise, Dusk, Twilight. WAIT, THAT WAS IT! Twilight.' Celestia looked at the sleeping filly. 'She does look like a beautiful twilight and the balance between day and night. Rather fitting. Now for the last part of the name?' She glanced at the cutie mark again. 'It's like sparkling stars. Wait. She will be part of the Sparkle/Armor clan, and she has that cutie mark. It couldn't be better. She will be Twilight Sparkle.'
* * * * * *
Present day
“I summoned Shining Armor, Night Light, and Twilight Velvet to a private room in the castle and cast the spell. Nopony, not even Cadance, knew the full truth before now.” Finishing her tale, Celestia looked up at the girls in front of her. Most were in shock, but the one she cared about most had her attention. Twilight was the saddest she had ever seen her niece. Tears were streaming out of her eyes and have been so for a while, it seemed. She lifted a hoof to comfort her niece. Twilight responded by swatting the hoof away, and the look on her face went from one of pure sadness to one of hurt and betrayal. Before Celestia could say anything, Twilight's horn lit up, and, with a pop, she was gone.
Author's Note
Yup epic chapter. Might be able to split it up but I didn't feel like the second part could stand alone.
Also this is Twilight Star's theme
With a purple flash, Twilight found herself in the only place she can think of to be away from everypony: the Castle of the Two Sisters. She looked down at the floor for a minute before raising a hoof and stomping it.
“IT WAS A LIE!” STOMP. “THE WHOLE THING WAS A LIE!” STOMP. “MY TEACHER!” STOMP. “MY LIFE!” STOMP. “MY-my family.” Tears rained down harder, and she stomped weakly with that last revelation and wept.
Twilight jerked as she heard a voice. She looked around.
“Who's there?” she asked.
Twilight looked over and nodded. the voice said. Twilight obeyed, and as she approached, she saw her reflection, but it wasn't a perfect one. Her fur was a darker lavender, and her eyes were like Nightmare Moon's but, again, in a darker lavender color. Her expression was of cold calculation. Her reflection opened its mouth to reveal sharp teeth. But the strangest thing of all was that Twilight hadn't opened her mouth. A lightbulb went off in Twilight's head.
“Then you're--”
Fear and sadness came over Twilight.
“I didn't know. You have to believe me. I didn't know!”
Twilight Star looked around. Twilight then saw her reflection's expression become sad and hurt. Twilight was about to answer, when she heard a voice.
“Twilight? Twilight, where are you?”
Twilight eyed her reflection and saw it had become normal. Except for the wings, of course. She sighed and said aloud, “I'm over here, Luna.” In seconds, Twilight heard the sound of galloping hooves, and soon afterward, the Princess of the Night appeared. Her face was full of worry. Twilight couldn't help but cringe. “I'm so sorry Luna. Please, don't hate me.” Twilight's answer was the sound of hooves running once more, and she braced herself for an impact. However, what she got was a hug.
“We could never hate thee, Twilight. Thou art our daughter and savior. We hate what has happened to thee.”
“She-she's still in here, Luna. I just talked with her.”
Luna leaned back a bit, puzzled. “Twilight Star?” Twilight nodded, Luna embraced her again. “Oh, my foalish sister, the harm thou has placed on thy niece! We swear to thee, our daughter, that we shall fix this and help both sides of thee.” Twilight was so touched by what she heard from the lunar princess, and the princess's scent seemed so familiar. All of this caused her to join in the hug, and both cried a full hour for the wrongs brought against them.
* * * * * *
The girls sat in one corner with Spike, while they left Princess Celestia alone in her corner. They really didn't know how to treat their ruler after what they just heard. Rarity was the one that broke the ice.
“So what do you girls think? I myself believe it because of her horn.”
“Wha does her horn have ta do with it?” Applejack asked with a confused tilt of her head.
“Well, among unicorns, among the desirable traits we seek in a potential mate is the length of their horn. I noticed Twilight had a larger then average horn for a pony her size. It's just a tad smaller then Fleur De Lis's and Princes Cadenza's. And as you may have noticed about Princess Luna's horn, it was the same length as Twilight's. So her being an alicorn isn't far-fetched, though her being one thousand years old, I would never guess. Still, she is a friend, and I will stand by her.”
“Same here.” Applejack then looked over to Celestia, who noticed the attention, and said in a loud and clear voice, “What the Princess did, that's no way to treat yer kin.” Celestia looked down, ashamed.
“Well, Twilight was there for us, so I'm gonna be there for her. She's my friend, and I never leave friends hanging,” Rainbow Dash said with conviction.
“Well, I'll just have to plan a big 'Twilight's an alicorn and happy reunion with your mom party',” Pinkie said with her usual enthusiasm.
“I'd wait a bit on that, Pinkie. Twilight will be in no mood for a party yet,” Applejack said.
“I just wonder how Twilight's family will deal with this,” Fluttershy wondered, and that rendered them all silent. The family that raised Twilight doesn't know the truth. How would they respond to the fact that the mare they raised was royalty?
“Well, Twilight will need me, no matter what. I'm her number one assistant,” Spike said with an absoluteness to it. Silence prevailed again until, to the surprise of everypony, Fluttershy approached the princess.
“Excuse me, Princess Celestia?” she asked timidly.
“Yes, my little pony?” she replied sadly.
“I was just wondering why doing that to Twilight was a good idea. It hurt her so much.” Celestia looked away and closed her eyes.
“I thought I was doing the right thing. I was afraid that, as she was, Twilight would be an even darker version of her mother, and without the Elements to assist me, I was scared for the world. I had planned to unseal her alicorn powers soon and work on being a family again, but I was clearly too optimistic. I just hope they can forgive me.” Tears started to fall from the once-regal mare's eyes, and the girls couldn't help but comfort the princess, even if they didn't like what she did to her family.
They stayed that way until they saw a flash, and the door opened to reveal Luna, soon followed by Twilight. Twilight looked fearfully at her friends, clearly wondering what they thought of her now.
“TWILIGHT!” they all cheered, making it known how they felt as they eveloped her in a group hug. A tear-filled smile came to Twilight's face. Even Luna had a smile on her face seeing the sight. Her daughter needed her friends to get through this.
“Thank you girls! This means a lot for me,” Twilight commented as she basked in the love of her friends.
“Don't mentioned it, Twi, wer'e all here for ya,” Applejack replied. Then Twilight noticed Celestia approaching, and her smile faded as the hug broke up.
“Princess Celestia,” Twilight said with a firm and formal tone, “I hereby resign as your personal student. I cannot trust you at this time, so I feel the position will be useless.”
“What about your alicorn magic, Twilight? You need to be trained in that,” Celestia pleaded.
“WE will train our daughter, sister,” Luna declared as she approached Twilight and put a wing over the other mare. “She is our daughter, and we have many years to catch up on. Thou hast told us that Spike the dragon could send thee letters with his flames, so if thou needst anything from us, or vice versa, he can provide that. Our daughter needs us more than Canterlot, nor has Canterlot been a place we like to call home. Instead, we shall stay here. We assume that this quaint little tree house has more then one bedroom?”
“It does,” Spike answered.
“Then we shall take the other room,” Luna then looked at Twilight and continued, “If thou wouldst not mind, that is.”
“It's okay, Luna.” Twilight smiled a bit before a yawn took over. “I think I'm going to bed; I'm exhausted.” The girls all said their goodbyes as Twilight headed up the stairs. Celestia watched her niece go with a pain-filled heart, when Luna appeared in front of her.
“Our old castle. Now.” Celestia nodded and teleported them to the castle. They ended up in the throne room, and Luna looked around. “Fitting to have this discussion here. Now we can talk without disturbing our daughter further then she already has been.” Luna then looked fiercely at her older sister. “We can understand thy reason for sealing her after banishing us, sister, but to make her the persona Twilight Sparkle when that Rainboom and her Element awoke her? WHAT WERE YOU THINKING, SISTER!? Thou hast always chastised me for being too hasty, but THIS!? We have more reason to remove you from power now than we did a thousand years ago. So tell us, dear sister, why we should not try again.”
“Because you are still weak from the Elements, you don't know the full state of the world, and the ponies would not sit still for it. Please, sister. I know I have made a terrible mistake in regards to Twilight. Just give me the chance to make amends to both of you,” Celestia pleaded.
“Those reasons are exactly why we have not attempted to remove thee. Do not make us regret that choice. Now, have the things you salvage from here for us be shipped to the tree house we will be living in for the foreseeable future.”
“Very well, sister. Anything else?” Celestia asked in a defeated voice.
“No, we shall leave thee to thy work. Good day, sister.” With that, Luna teleported out and left her sister alone in a castle that once held so many good memories. yet it had some of the most tragic ones as well. Celestia prayed that she would find a way to heal the rift between her and her family.
* * * * *
When Luna returned, she took to reading the more modern books in an effort to catch up with the times. 'Thank the moon that the written language has not changed that much.' She spent the next several hours reading until the dragon spoke up.
“Um, Princess Luna?” She looked up from the book she was reading and saw the baby dragon with the cutest apron on looking a tad fearfully at her.
“Please, in the privacy on our own home thou dost not need to use our title. Just call us Luna.”
“Um, okay, Luna. Could you get Twilight? Dinner is almost done and I don't think she's eaten all day.”
“Of course, young Spike. It shall be our honor.” Luna put the book down and went up the stairs. The first door she tried was the bathing room. The second door lead to an empty bedroom, which would likely be hers. Opening the last door, she finally found her daughter. Like the empty bedroom, the bed was next to the window, through which she saw the fading sun. Luna was still too weak to take back her royal duties for now, but she will get them back. However, she found some comfort being with her daughter again. She looked over her sleeping daughter. She had grown into a fine mare and would find a mate one day. Her daughter had a sad look on her face, and she clung to something hidden by her hoof and wing. Luna used a wing to brush back her daughter's hair, and she treasured the gesture she hasn't done in a thousand years. However it was time for dinner, so she had to wake her daughter. With a hoof, she gently shook Twilight.
“My Little Star, it is time to wake and eat dinner.” Twilight moaned and rubbed her eyes with her hooves as she sat up. It was then that Luna saw what Twilight was holding. It was Woona, the doll made so long ago in her likeness. Luna picked it up in her magic and looked it over. It was in excellent condition for its age, so it was either a replica that her sister made or her sister actually took the time to preserve it.
“Woona!” Twilight said and look around until she saw that Luna had it, and the older alicorn smirked.
“'Tis good to see thou still hast this doll, the maker did do a good job on it.”
“Celestia gave her to me when I became her student. She comforted me.”
“She was part of a gift from your father. He had one made of me and my sister.The maker did a good job; she is very accurate, and your father only had a portait to go on.” A smirk found its way onto her lips. “Woona was your favorite.” Twilight took the doll from her and looked over it.
”Luna...I-I don't know how to really respond to you. With these wings, it's obvious that you're my mother, but my feeling towards the mare that raised me--” Twilight stopped when Luna put a hoof on her daughter's shoulder.
“This will not be easy for either of us, Twilight. We do not expect thee to call us 'Mother' right away, but we can hope that you will one day. Now let us be off; young Spike has prepared dinner, and we can certainly use the meal,” Luna said as she paraded down with her daughter close behind.
Spike made spaghetti with hayballs for them, and both alicorns dug in eagerly. Watching the two devour the meal Spike could only comment, “Yup, they're related.” Then he went in to eat before all the food was gone.
Dreams and Decisions
Twilight ran through a formless void of dark purple, but it didn't bother her at all. Something else did, though. Something was chasing her, and she just wanted refuge. A golden light appeared, revealing a desk with a stack of books. The sight brought a smile to her lips, and she ran towards it.
“Oh, where do you think you're going, Sparkle?” said a familiar voice. She stopped and looked around. “Those books can't help you now.” The desk disappeared, and a dark figure took its place. A figure with dragon-like eyes in lavender colors. The figure extended a wing out, and Twilight saw a bit on it's edge. The figure started flipping the coin, the noise of it's spin unusually loud. “It's time, Sparkle. It's time to take back what is mine and end your farce of a life.”
Twilight woke up with a start. She sat up in her bed and checked the clock. It was 4 am.
'Seriously, Sparkle, what the buck? Is that how you feel about me?'
'Sorry, Star, but you scare me. I...I just don't know what to do about this.'
She sighed before answering Sparkle, 'I don't know, either. Nothing is as either of us imagine. Get some rest, Sparkle. No doubt, you will be in control again soon enough. I will be out thinking.'
'Doesn't our body need rest?'
'Not as much as mortal ponies, Sparkle. Hence your late night study sessions. If a mortal pony tried to do what you've been doing, they'd be dead on their hooves the next day. But we do need mental rest, which is what I suggest to you.'
'How do you know this?'
'Simple. I had tutoring before everything went to Tartarus. You don't know this, because you were an implant designed not to remember those days.' She felt the hurt Sparkle had at that. She sighed again. 'Sorry, Sparkle, I could have worded that better. Please, just get some rest, okay?' She felt Sparkle give a mental nod, and she felt Sparkle fall asleep again. While it was still dark out, she needed some fresh air, so she quietly got out of bed and, silently as possible, passed Spike. Thankfully, she didn't wake him up, and she smiled at the sleeping dragon. If only she had the peace of mind he did.
Leaving the library, she walked around, heading for a park. Glancing at the sky above, she saw her mother's night and her stars out. Celestia may control them now, but like her mom, she was determined to regain her birthright. Finding a picnic table, Twilight sat on the bench and wondered about the future. Her future, Sparkle's future, her mom's future, her adoptive family's future, and her friends'. She looked down and sighed.
“Twilight?” She sprang up and looked to the voice, and it was none other then Fluttershy. The butter pegasus eep ed and cowered a bit when she noticed it wasn't Twilight Sparkle in control. That hurt Twilight Star.
“Please, please, Fluttershy. Don't be afraid of me.” Twilight looked down at the table. “I don't want any of you girls afraid of me; you're my friends.”
“You consider us friends? Even after we attacked your mom?”
“Of course, I do. Mom wasn't right in the head the other day. You try living on the moon for a thousand years alone, and you'd be a bit unstable, too. Before Sparkle was around and my mom was sent away, I had no real friends. I had kind guards that doted on me like a niece. And Sparkle never sought out any friends; studying and pleasing Celestia was all that mattered to her. She had the potential for friends in Canterlot, but she ignored them.” After a pause, she continued, “We really should contact them again. Anyway, you and the other girls got past all of that to be our friends. I need you and Mom for some stability in this world.” She raised her head up and a question formed. “By the way, what are you doing out, Fluttershy? It is an odd time for most ponies.”
“Oh, I sometimes make sure my nocturnal animal friends get to bed nice and safe and comfy. What about you, Twilight?”
“Have a lot on my mind right now. How to deal with my family issue. How will Velvet, Nightlight, and Shiny react to the truth? I'm scared. I fear how they will react to us. Would they reject us? I fear the answer.” She felt a sudden warmth, turning to find Fluttershy hugging her. She felt tension leave her and leaned into the hug. “Thank you, Fluttershy.”
“Anytime, Twilight. As I said before, everypony needs a little kindness.” Fluttershy broke off the hug and looked over at Twilight with curiosity. “So similar yet so different. How do you feel about the other you?”
“Sparkle?” Fluttershy nodded, and Twilight thought on it for a bit. “It's confusing, Fluttershy. She is as much a victim as I am, but she represents something I hate. I will have to deal with her and she with me, as we share this body.”
“Well, in a way, she is your sister. Just give her a chance; she's a nice pony. Also, do you see better in the dark with those eyes?”
A smile graced her lips before she answered, “Yes, I do. It doesn't make sense to have the alicorn of the stars unable to see well at night.”
“Makes sense. I can't wait what the two of you will make in the night sky.”
“Thank you, Fluttershy. That means a lot.” She look up and saw the sky getting lighter. “You better get some sleep, Fluttershy. I'm going to try to get some; I want to find out my foster parents stand on all of this.”
“Well, good luck to both of you. Oh, and your mom.”
Twilight waved to her friend and headed back to the library to get some rest.
* * * * *
Twilight Sparkle woke up with the sun glaring down her. She yawned and stretched, feeling good to be in control again. She was starting to get what Twilight Star was talking about. A glance at the clock said it was ten o'clock in the morning. She walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. There, she saw Luna at the table, while Spike was making lunch. Spike glanced her way and commented, “'Bout time you woke up. What is it with you two? At least I have the excuse of being a baby dragon.”
“We're night alicorns, Spike. Night is our element, and we are the most at home in it, just as our sister is more at home in the day,” Luna answered, and Twilight couldn't deny the logic in that. She always felt better in the night than in the day. Luna looked at her with some concern. “You seem to have something on your mind, my daughter. Would care to share it with us?”
“Well, I did have a nightmare last night--” she started, but Luna interrupted her.
“I am sorry, my daughter. I am still regaining strength after being hit by the Elements, and I can't watch over my domain of dreams.”
“You can watch over dreams?” she asked.
Luna nodded. “I am the Alicorn of the Night.” Luna put a hoof to her chin and looked up thoughtfully. “Though, since you are the Alicorn of the Stars, I don't think I can use that title anymore. But I'm straying from the subject. As night alicorns, we have a domain over dreams, to bring ends to nightmares and help our ponies.” Luna paused, and a sad look came to her face. “That is, if they let us help them instead of cowering in fear of us.” Twilight felt for her birth mother and put a hoof on Luna's shoulder.
“It's okay, Luna. We both are recovering in different things, but some good came out of this. Star let me sleep as she thought on things, and when I awoke, and she allowed me to view her thoughts, and I have to agree. I need to see my parents...well, adopted parents. I need to know where I stand with them.”
“An excellent idea, my daughter. A pony should always know where they stand with their family. We shall send for a chariot from our sister and get there post haste.”
“Um, I rather not involve Celestia at this point.”
Luna looked at her confused. “But, how would we get there? It is much too long and difficult for a walk. Even a carriage would take a day to reach there, and we have yet to see a carriage business here.”
“We take the train.” She saw Luna tilt her head in a way that was absolutely adorable.
“What is a train?” Luna asked, and Twilight had to smirk
“I'll show you, Luna. But let's get some cloaks. I rather hold off of my true heritage for a bit.”
“A wise choice, my daughter.” Luna's horn glowed, and soon, a pair of cloaks appeared. Luna gave one to Twilight, who looked surprised. “What? Just because we are not at full strength yet does not mean we are helpless. Creating a cloak is a simple spell. We should teach it to you sometime.”
Twilight smiled back. “I'll take you up on that.” Turning to Spike, she said, “Spike, please watch over the library while we're gone.”
“AAWWW! Why can't I come?”
“We need somepony to mind the library. We will only be gone a couple days, at most.” That didn't seem to placate the dragon. “I'll get you some gems while we're there.” Now, he lit up.
“Deal!” Both mares chuckled, and donning their cloaks, as well as a saddle bag for Twilight, they left.
The two alicorns were halfway to the train station when they ran into Rainbow Dash.
Literally.
“Twilight, are you alright?” Luna said worriedly. Twilight groaned from under the cyan mare.
“Oops, sorry, Twi,” Rainbow chuckled before getting up and helping her up. “Nice to see you out finally. We were getting concerned.”
“I'm fine, Luna. Not the first time Rainbow ran into me.” That got a snicker from the pegasus. Eyeing said pegasus, she told Rainbow her plan.
“You're coming back, right?” Rainbow asked with a hint of concern.
“Of course, I am. I just need to let my family know what's what. They deserve to know it.” Twilight looked down. “I won't feel comfortable in Canterlot for some time with the history there.”
“Okay, Twi. Just remember that I'm giving you flying lessons. Those wings of yours aren't meant for show, and I definitely want a new flying buddy.”
“I promise, Rainbow, we will get some flying lessons in. This is all still a lot for me to get used to,” she said in surrender, “Rainbow, could you tell our friends where we're going?”
“Heh, sure,” the pegasus said with a shrug. She took back to the air, allowing Twilight and Luna to continue towards the train station.
When they arrived at the station, Luna's eyes bugged out.
“Daughter, what is this?”
Twilight had to giggle at Luna's reaction. “This is a train, Luna. We found a way to power things with steam, and this was invented as a result. It can pull carts of ponies or cargo great distances and in better time than the ships or carts you are likely used to. This will get us to Canterlot in a matter of hours.” Twilight stepped up to the teller and put down ten bits. “Two tickets for Canterlot, please.” The teller took the bits and hoofed out a pair of tickets.
“Here you go, ma'am. Enjoy the ride.” Twilight nodded, guided Luna into one of the cars, and directed her birth mother to a bench. Luna had such a look of curiosity on her face as Twilight directed her to a seat.
“We have never thought such a thing could exist. An extended carriage. We thought it impractical, yet here it is. 'Tis a wonder.”
“Luna, why do you refer to yourself in plural form. It makes sense for me and Star, but are you Luna and Nightmare Moon?”
“Nay, Nightmare Moon is not another personality but a mindset. We use the royal 'we' and address our subjects in the Royal Canterlot Voice because tradition demands it.”
"It doesn't anymore, Luna. I never heard Celestia use them once. She barely raises her voice and always refers to herself as 'I'. I believe the tradition fell out of favor not long after what happened to you...us.”
“Daughter, you and I cannot change the past. We can only learn from it. Now we...I have been out of touch for a thousand years. It would please me if you taught me how the world has changed.”
Twilight smiled at that. “Well, I didn't bring much but I will teach you what I know.”
* * * * *
Near the end of their journey, Twilight was oblivious to her mother, as she was in pure lecture mode. Luna's eyes were spinning around as she was overwhelmed with the information.
'SPARKLE, STOP! PLEASE STOP!' she heard Star yell in her head. It got her to stop her lecture. 'Look at Mother. That was too much at once. Hay, it was too much for me and we are joined together.' Twilight looked at Luna, whose eyes were still spinning. She blushed at her mistake.
“Sorry, Luna, I sort of get into lecture mode at times.”
Luna shook her head, and her eyes returned to normal. “It's okay, my Little Star. It seems you inherited Celestia's mentor mindset.” Twilight's mood dropped when she heard that. She didn't want anything to do with Celestia, and Star agreed fully with that sentiment. She then felt a hoof under her chin, her head was lifted up, and she looked Luna in the eyes, eyes filled with love and care. “We have issues with our...my sister, but that does not mean that all her lessons were bad. We had ruled for several centuries before everything went to Tartarus. Now the train, as you called it, has stopped and I want to see these ponies that added you to their family.” Twilight nodded, and the two departed the train.
Twilight lead Luna down a familiar path. While Luna looked curiously over the city, Twilight was buried in the past. The bookstores and Donut Joe's brought smiles to her lips. However when she approached the Armor Manor, she felt fear. As far as she and her family knew, she was their daughter, and Twilight Velvet gave birth to her. They lived a good life and were happy. But how would they feel when they learn all of that was a lie. She feared rejection so bad. Luna seemed to sense her unease and nuzzled her, and Twilight even felt support from Star. With this reassurance, she walked up to the door and knocked. It took a minute before the door opened to reveal her adopted father Nightlight, his dark blue form illuminated by a nearby light as the sun was sinking torward the horizon.
“Hi, Dad,” she said with some sheepishness. But Nightlight just smiled at her, and before she knew it, she was in a hug.
“Oh, my Little Light, it's so good to see you.” Her dad then looked at the cloaked Luna. “And who is this, Little Light?"
“This is Princess Luna, Princess Celestia's sister. She and I have something important to tell you all.”
“Well, come on in. Your brother and Cadance are here, as well.”
Twilight lit up when she heard that. “CADANCE IS HERE!?” She let out a squee after that.
As they walked in, she heard a familiar voice ask, “Is that Twilight?”
“It's me, Cadance.” A pink blur appeared, and for an instant, Twilight thought that Pinkie had followed them, but it was too big. In no time, Twilight started their greeting. "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” The two then hugged, and it helped make Twilight feel better. Cadance barely walked away when Twilight spotted her mother.
“Hello, Twilight,” Velvet said with a smile, and the two mares also had a quick hug. “How have you been, dear?”
Twilight's smile faded. “Could be better, Mom. Please, everypony, let's head to the living room.”
“I'll get us some snacks,” her mother said and disappeared into the kitchen.
As they gathered in the living room, Twilight heard the sound of the toilet flushing, and a minute later, she saw her brother come into the living room. He was shocked at first, but a smile soon followed.
“Twily!” he cheered, and the two hugged before taking seats. Velvet came out with a tray of drinks and snacks, and her dad broke the ice.
“So, my Little Light, you said you had some news about you and Princess Luna here?”
“What, that you have fallen in love with each other?” her mom asked.
Luna did an epic spit take after hearing that.
Twilight just facehoofed at the idea.
“No we are not in love in that kind of way.” Twilight looked to Luna, who just nodded. “The truth is that I am not your daughter.” She undid the clasp of the cloak and unfurled her wings. “I am the daughter of Luna,” she said to the shocked faces of her family and her old foalsitter.
Author's Note
Forgot to add this originally. But the dream sequence is based off of this from a classic.
In all, Twilight thought the only family she had known in her life took her wings well. Cadence and Mom had their jaws hanging. As for Shining and Dad, welll...
They fainted.
Luna walked up beside her. “This is the likely replacement for the current Captain of the Sun Guard. This worries me.”
“That's my brother!” Twilight said in defense of Shining.
“Well, he's not making a great impression, Daughter,” Luna replied.
“Could somepony explain what the buck is going on!?” That was from Cadence.
“Wake Dad and Shining, and I'll tell you everything,” Twilight said. In a minute, they got the male members of the family awake, and Twilight told them all of her real origins and how she came to live with them. When she was done, she sat and waited. Looking down, she worried what her family would say after hearing the truth.
The first response was a hug from her mom. “Sweetie, you are my daughter. I raised you for most of your life. I can't see you in any other way.”
“Likewise, my Little Light,” Her dad chipped in. Twilight smiled at that.
She saw Shiny smile and nod his head. Twilight started to tear up.
“Why don't you, Shining and I make lunch,” Cadence offered. Twilight nodded, filled with joy, and the three ponies headed into kitchen.
Luna watched her daughter go with her adopted brother and cousin, and when the door shut, she and Twilight's adopted parents looked at each other. She broke the silence. “Thank you. Thank you for not rejecting her. She's never really had friends, just me, my husband, and a few guards. I was so afraid you'd reject her like so many others.” Tears started flowing. “I'm glad she had ponies like you to raise her when I couldn't anymore. I want to be part of her life again. Can there be room for the three of us in her life?”
Luna broke down crying until she felt sudden warmth. She found herself hugged by the unicorn couple. She looked at them, confused. Both smiled at her. “It's alright, Princess. We all have some adjustments to make. We have long considered your sister family, and while I'm not too happy with her and her actions, I see no reason why we can't extend our family to you. You have an idea of what she is going to go through, we don't. All we can do is show that we love her.”
“Thank you, thank you both. I don't have the resources I once had, so I could use all the allies I can get to keep her safe.”
“She’s our daughter, too, Princess. Don’t hesitate to call on us or our son. He’s been more protective of her than even we have been,” Night Light replied. Luna nodded, and the three parents spent most of the night chatting away, as did the siblings and marefriend upstairs.
The next day, Twilight was out with her brother and Cadence. she wore a cloak to hide her wings and enjoyed the city. They hung out at Doughnut Joe's, where Twilight really brightened up, and after that, they went to the Royal Library. They had just entered the grounds of the castle and were heading towards the library when a pony ran into Twilight. Twilight fell back on to her back.
“Watch where you are going, you...” The voice was none other then Prince Blueblood. But whatever he was going to say was lost as he stared at Twilight. The collision knocked Twilight on her back, so the cloak was no longer covering her wings, and Blueblood and many guards saw her wings. She squeaked and immediately teleported to the guest room back home, hyperventilating.
Luna, who was using the room for the time being, was surprised to see her and went over to her daughter. “Twilight, are you okay?” she asked as she helped Twilight up.
“They know. I bumped into Blueblood, and my wings were revealed. Soon, everypony will know.”
Luna hugged her. “It was bound to happen eventually. Worry not, we will get through it together.” Twilight accepted the hug, and Luna slightly rocked them while stroking Twilight's mane comfortingly. “I'm not going away again, my dearest daughter. And we have your adopted parents ready to stand with you, as well as your brother and cousin, and even your friends in Ponyville. Now come. I believe my sister will help us with this.”
* * * * *
Luna was right. Later that day, Celestia did show up to help, and her plan was an announcement of the truth. Celestia was regal and ready as she addressed her ponies.
"My little ponies, you no doubt have heard many rumors the past few days since the Summer Sun Celebration. I am here to address them with truth. One thousand years ago, a horrible atrocity happened, where Equestrians killed fellow Equestrians for a simple difference in opinion. The near destruction of my sister's followers drove her to desperate measures, which resulted in her banishment. What isn't known was that what she'd done was to protect her daughter." There were gasps of shock in the audience. "Yes, I have another niece. One born of my sister. After I was forced to banish my sister, I found the foal in my old castle and initially kept her in a stasis spell to reunite her with her mother after the banishment spell had run its course.
"Sadly, though, fate had other plans, and she lived in secret among us for her own protection with not even the memory of who she actually was. Restoring my sister has brought back my niece's alicorn powers, and she is starting to regain her memories, as well. And yes, it is the pony you know as my student: Twilight Sparkle."
Celestia motioned for Twilight to walk forward, and with a nod from Luna, she gulped and did. She walked to the balcony and saw hundreds of ponies. Gulping again, she began, "Hello, everypony. As Princess Celestia told you, I am Twilight Sparkle, and I am the daughter of Princess Luna. Things will be...difficult for the next few weeks, so while I'm still learning who I really am, I ask for patience from my fellow ponies."
With that, Twilight stepped back, and Celestia stepped forward. "My little ponies, this is a trying time for my family. Please, let us have the privacy during this time. Thank you." As they all stepped away, they were already hearing questions from reporters.
"Princess Celestia, I think I'm going to head back to Ponyville."
"Good idea, Twilight. You don't need to deal with the political fallout of this right now. I'll have a chariot take you and Luna to Ponyville."
"Thank you, Sister," Luna said.
Twilight looked to her family. "Sorry to run so soon," she told them.
"Honey, it's okay. You have a lot on your plate right now and don't need to deal with the nobility or the press," Twilight Velvet said, hugging her. "Just keep in touch with us, Baby."
"Of course, Mom." The two separated, and soon, Twilight and Luna were on a chariot heading for Ponyville.
Luna looked ahead at the town. "It's a quaint little town,"Luna commented.
"It is, though my first night here, I was convinced that every pony in town was crazy."
"Means we should fit in, then." The mares look at each other and chuckled.
Soon, the chariot landed in front of the library, and Twilight thanked the charioteers. She and Luna were about to head inside when they heard, "Hey, Twi!" They looked and saw Rainbow Dash flying towards them. "Welcome back!"
"Thank you, Rainbow. It's nice to be back."
"That bad, huh?"
"Well, these are out, now." Twilight flapped her wings. "Soon, all of Equestria will know."
"Well, if they have a problem with it, they can bring it to me," Rainbow said firmly.
"Thank you, Loyal Rainbow. It is good to know we have allies," Luna commented.
"So, how was the family?" Rainbow asked.
"They took it well and still consider themselves my family. Thanks for asking, Rainbow," Twilight responded.
“No prob. Just no mushy stuff with me, okay? Oh, and stop by Sugarcube Corner tomorrow afternoon.”
“Got it, Rainbow,” Twilight said, and the pegasus nodded and zipped away.
The two alicorns walked inside, and Twilight was immediately hugged by Spike. “Glad you're back, Twilight,” he said into her fur.
“Same here, Spike. Luna and I could use some food,” Twilight replied.
“Got it.” Spike dashed to the kitchen.
“Such a devoted servant,” Luna commented.
“He's not a servant. He's my little brother. I took care of him when he was a newborn, and he helps me around the place.”
“I see. That explains things,” Luna commented with a smirk.
“What? What the hay does that mean!?” Twilight asked, noticing the smirk.
“Oh, nothing,” Luna said with a giggle. Twilight pouted, and the giggle turned to a laugh. Twilight shoved Luna, and Luna shoved back. Twilight magically tossed a nearby throw pillow at Luna, and a pillow fight quickly erupted between the two mares, each with a smile on her face during the much-needed time of pure innocence and bonding between the two.
Soon, dinner interrupted their fun. Spike had made an excellent meal, and the small family enjoyed both the dinner and one another's company. After the meal, Twilight took a shower and had just started drying herself when she noticed her reflection didn't look right. Understanding quickly, she said, "Oh, hello, Star. What can I do for you?"
"Oh, nothing. I just wanted to check up on you. I'm glad you and Mom are getting along well, but be on your guard. Celestia may not be our direct enemy, but there are ponies that will act against you in her name. This will be a dangerous time for us."
"Are you saying we can't trust anypony?" Sparkle asked.
"No, I'm saying you shouldn't blindly trust others. Ponies have to earn it. My mother trusted she and her followers would be safe in Equestria. We know how that turned out. We are in the spotlight, Sparkle. There will be those interested in us for our ties to the crown, those that might want to kill us for the 'glory of the day'. Mother has already lost our father. She can't lose us."
"She won't, Star," Sparkle said with conviction.
"Good. Good night, Sparkle." Star's image faded to show only Twilight Sparkle. After finishing the bathroom and bidding her mother good night, she fell asleep and had pleasant dreams.
* * * * *
The next day, everyone in the library went through their usual routines. Oddly, Luna was the last to wake, while Spike was the first. Breakfast woke the ponies up enough, and afterward, Luna taught Twilight some alicorn spells while Twilight caught her up on history.
At about two o'clock, they headed to Sugarcube Corner to see what Dash wanted. She opened the door and saw darkness. Suddenly, the lights came on, and many ponies yelled, "Surprise!" Twilight jumped, and Luna became defensive before they both saw a sign that read, "Happy Reunion and Welcome to Ponyville, Luna!" Twilight's friends, unsurprisingly, were there, as well as many other residents of Ponyville. Pinkie appeared before them.
“Hi, girls! I figured you two needed a party for being reunited, and Luna needed a real Welcome to Ponyville party, so I thought, 'Hey, why not do both at once!'”
“Thank you, Pinkie Pie. This is most welcoming,” Luna said. Pinkie smiled and put party hats on their heads before disappearing in a cloud of pony-shaped smoke. “How does that mare do that?”
“Don't know, I plan to find out,” Twilight replied. “Well, let's join the party. Oh, and when getting a drink, make sure you see the label. I drank hot sauce accidentally at my Welcome to Ponyville party.” Luna lifted a hoof to try to stop the giggling. “Don't laugh! It wasn't funny!” Twilight snapped, and Luna started laughing in earnest.
Noticing Twilight's pout, Luna got close and pecked her on the cheek. “You're so cute when you pout, Daughter. Come, let's enjoy this party.” Twilight nodded, her smile returning, and they fully entered the party.
The party was joyous, the mares enjoying the treats, the games, and the company. The future may have been uncertain for the two mares, but they took comfort that they had friends and family ready and willing to stand behind them. They would get through this. They were the alicorns of night, and after so long apart, nothing will split them again. United with each other and with those around them, they could meet any challenge and win.
Author's Note
Still recovering but started writing again. Also changed the rating to mature do to what future chapters.
Reclaiming
Twilight screamed as she fell from the sky, plowing into the ground on impact, creating a small trench, another mark in the earth displaying her failure. She moaned, her mouth full of dirt. Not the most appetizing thing in the world.
“Way to go, Sparkle. Thank the moon alicorn bodies are tough,” Star commented.
“Shut it,” Twilight shot back, getting up and spitting the dirt out of her mouth.
“No. This is my body, too, and you’re roughing it up.”
Before Twilight could retort, she heard the sound of wing beats approaching. “Geez, Twi, how did you crash during such a simple exercise?” she heard Dash ask.
Twilight groaned. “Well, excuse me. I didn't have these till a few days ago.”
“But you were born with them,” Rainbow rebutted.
Twilight then shifted, as Star pushed herself out. “I was eight when my home was attacked. I didn’t have much flight training,” she managed to snap before they switched back.
“Well, get back up. We have plenty of daylight left,” Dash said. Twilight groaned again as she got up. “It’s not that bad, Twi. Now come on.”
*****************************
It was evening when Twilight returned to the library, sore all over from her flying and her many, many crashes. As she walked through the main room, she heard her mother speak out.
“Good evening, daughter.” Twilight looked up and blinked. Her mother had…changed. She was taller now, just a tad shorter than Cadance, her fur a darker blue that matched Twilight's mane. Her own mane was now ethereal, with the appearance of the night sky.
“Good…evening, Mother. What happened?” Twilight asked.
“My magic has fully returned to me. This is my original form.”
“Original form?”
Luna nodded. “Yes, my daughter. All alicorns have the ability to shift their forms to an extent. Your aunt can do the same, though she loves her current size. It makes her look motherly even to adults. But no doubt, when she wants a break, she becomes a normal pony size and stops channeling her magic into her mane.”
“You can do that?” Twilight asked.
“Yes. It is necessary when you are as old and powerful as I and my sister are. We are so infused with power, we need an outlet, and the mane and tail are easy to channel it into. We can turn it off for some time, but not forever.”
Twilight thought for a bit. “So, what's Celestia's true mane color?”
Luna smiled at the question. “Pink.”
That explains some of the art I've seen of her and you.”
Luna looked shocked. “There is art of me?”
“Yes, but not much, and it’s usually with Celestia.”
“Hm, I did not expect that. Oh, well. Spike! Prepare a large meal. I will need it tonight.”
“Got it!” Spike said from the kitchen.
“What are you doing tonight, Mother?” Twilight asked.
Her mother smirked at her. “With my magic restored, I will go clear out the section of Everfree near Ponyville and around the castle so I can rebuild it. My sister may have abandoned it, but I will not.”
“Be careful, Mother.”
“Of course.” She nuzzled Twilight. “I have a daughter to return to.” Luna then led them into the kitchen and to the small table as Spike was busy by the oven.
“So, why Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters?” Twilight asked.
“Its name is Everfree Castle, and while this place is quaint, ‘tis hardly a place for a princess. I cannot hold court or perform many other royal duties here.”
“But I like this place.”
“I am not asking you to come with me. But I cannot stay here. At the very least, I will be close by in Everfree Castle,” Luna says, to Twilight’s relief.
Soon, Spike brought out the meals, and the mares looked eagerly on. Luna had pasta, a salad, and breadsticks. Twilight had a homemade hayburger and a salad. Spike had a hayburger of his own with a clawful of gems. All three ate their meals eagerly.
**********************
After dinner, Luna was in the Everfree Forest, having just slain a manticore. With her feline foe now a mere pile of ash, she moved on. The forest used to spread for mere miles from her old castle, but in the years since it was abandoned, the forest expanded widely until it covered leagues in all directions from the castle.
Soon, Luna sensed an awful smell and a series of growls. Looking around, she saw green, glowing eyes all around her. She smirked and lit her horn. The timberwolves leaped out at her, and she launched fireballs in all directions. The timberwolves yelped and whined as the flames engulfed them, trying to flee but soon succumbing to the fire.
“Just because my sister is the Alicorn of the Sun doesn't mean I am incapable of fire spells,” Luna said, right before a cockatrice charged at her. Luna turned and bucked its head off. The forest was also more hostile than she remembered.
Soon, Luna finally found a chasm, spotting Everfree Castle in the distance on the other side, the castle she and her sister built before taking the thrones of Equestria. Luna flew down to inspect what needed to be repaired or replaced.
The first thing would be the bridge, the current rope-and-wood bridge looking to be about one strong breeze from collapsing. She decided to replace it with a stone one later. She flew over and soon landed in the front courtyard. She would need to erect walls to keep the hostile forest out.
The first building she inspected was the smithy next to the barracks. The door had rotted away, so she just walked through the doorway to enter. She passed the rotten weapon racks, some still holding swords and spears. Even a suit of armor was still there. She moved to the back of the building with the forge. Turns out that the roof had collapsed at some point, the debris covering the floor. Luna teleported the debris outside to clear later and inspected the damages. The furnace was empty of coal, but the pit looked in good condition. She tested the bellows, finding them functional. The anvil was still present and in fine condition. The tools, however, were another story. They were either missing or rusted beyond usefulness. They would have to be replaced. A simple task.
Leaving the smithy, she decided to go ahead and examine the castle proper. She skipped the atrium and other rooms and went straight to the antechamber leading to the throne room. It was intact, surprisingly, so Luna opened the doors to the throne room. It still bore the scars of her battle with Celestia. The glass roof was shattered and needed to be replaced. So did the stained-glass windows and the east wall. The dais needed touching up, and Celestia’s gold throne would need to be replaced with a purple one. This castle was hers and Twilight's now.
Moving on from there, Luna inspected the other rooms of the castle, which, besides the dust, cobwebs, and rotting furniture, were overall fine. Some parts of the roof had collapsed, and a couple of towers had lost their top levels, though. Thankfully, her organ was in perfect condition and still worked. Luna sighed in relief. Overall, the castle was salvageable.
“You will be used again, old friend. To house me, my daughter, and what allies we have.” She then left to finish clearing the forest.
******************
In a mansion in Canterlot, several ponies met in a spacious conference room, the curtains closed, leaving the room only lit by the dim candles.
“It's bad enough that the Nightmare has returned, but that she has an alicorn daughter, as well? Our goddess is outnumbered and is in more danger than ever before,” a female unicorn stated.
“What of Princess Cadenza?” a pegasus mare asked.
The other mare snorted. “She is the Princess of Love. She’s never fought in her life. Our goddess has fended off several threats to Equestria in her centuries of life. But we can’t take any chances. We need to act to save her.”
“And we will,” a stallion interrupted. “We have an advantage. The Nightmare and her daughter do not have their spawn surrounding them like they did a thousand years ago.”
“Who ever would have thought Twilight Sparkle came from that demon?” another stallion asked.
“I never liked her. Wrong colors to be the goddess’s faithful student. Sunset Shimmer was a far more suitable student. A shame she disappeared,” the unicorn mare said.
“She was likely killed by agents of the Nightmare,” the second stallion replied. “They’re certainly a superstitious lot.”
“Whatever the case, they are vulnerable. We shall take Twilight and announce our presence to Equestria. Soon, Equestria will be free of the Nightmare once and for all.”
I woke up with a grumble, the sun had managed to find the gap in the leaves. With a yawn and a stretch I got started with the day. After a quick trip to the bathroom I headed to the kitchen not really noticing much, just the aroma of Equestria's most wonderful drink. I went into the kitchen and found a cup. It was soon in my hooves and the warm liquid down my muzzle and throat. After a quarter of it was gone I set the cup down.
“Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!” I exclaimed before I heard chuckling. I looked over and saw Spike as the source.
“You and your mother are so alike. She just had this grumpy look until I gave her cup. Then she praised the drink and nuzzled the cup.” I giggled and imagined the sight of mother doing that.
“We're night alicorns, mornings are not our thing.”
“Kinda odd considering you were the student of the sun alicorn,” he said, causing me to wince at that. “Oh, sorry Twilight. I guess that is still sensitive?” to which I nodded.
“She was my role model, I looked up to her. Wanted to be her in a way. Then everything I thought was a lie, how can I ever trust her again? Spike I am a parasite, Star was born in this body and I was created to use it for Celestia's desires.”
“Twilight….” Spike said sadly.
“I know, I know, being too hard on myself, but what of Star? She never asked for this. She should have had a fun foalhood with her family. Instead she is trapped in her own body while someone else controls it. It's a crappy situation for all of us.”
“So, what do you want to do Twilight?” Spike asked.
I sighed, “I don't know. I don't have a solution.” After a bit of silence I asked. “Where is mother?”
“Oh she is at the ruined castle to preparing for the rebuild.”
“Well then, we should organize the library. I haven't done that yet, and this place likely needs it.”
“You got it Twilight!” So with that we spent a couple hours organizing the library until we took a break and went out for lunch, running into Rarity there.
“Darling! How are you on this fine day?”
“Pretty good Rarity, just reorganizing the library. How long has it been vacant?”
Rarity tilted her head up with a hoof on her chin thinking.
“I'd say about five years since Tome Reader retired. The library wasn’t exactly a priority for the town.”
I frowned at that. Books are important! And I heard Star chuckle.
'It’s not funny!'
That caused full out laughter,
'Oh you are adorable Sparkle.'
“You two having a conversation?” Rarity asked.
I blinked and looked at her.
“What?” I asked confused.
“You at times tilt your head like you are listening to something.” I was surprised I didn't feel the table under my jaw.
“How?” I asked, even Star was curious.
With a wave of her hoof Rarity responded,
“Darling, I am a fashionista. My work is all on the detail, so I am observant of even the littlest detail whether its clothing or ponies. And you Twilight have had my utmost attention since I learned what happened to you. You are my friend and I care dearly about you. This can't be an easy time, figuring out who you really are and your relationship with Princess Luna.”
I look down and nodded,
“You are right, it's been crazy. How do you feel about Star?”
“Haven’t talked to her to make a concrete judgment but I believe a wrong was done to her. I would like to know both of you if possible.”
I felt Star knocking on the door so to speak, wanting to speak to Rarity. I allowed it. I felt her take control and saw Rarity's eyes go wide as Star spoke.
“I would like to know you and the other girls better myself. Me and Sparkle still have things to work out but we have a basic understanding.”
Before the conversation could go further we noticed it getting dark out. Rarity and Star looked up and we saw dark clouds above the town. “What is Rainbow doing?” Star asked.
“No clue darling, it’s supposed to be a sunny day today.” Soon a rainbow streak was visible. Rarity raised a hoof. “You hoo, Rainbow Dash!” The streak slowed, then headed their way, soon resolving into Rainbow Dash hovering in front of them.
“Hey girls, what’s up?”
“The clouds. What is going on Rainbow Dash?” She raised her forehooves.
“Not my fault, this stuff is smoke and it's coming from that mountain!” pointing east.
We looked, and yes, smoke was coming from the mountain. Star frowned, and I felt her get up and excuse herself before heading for the Library. Once inside, I felt her switch so I was in control again.
“Spike, send a letter to Celestia about this. Wish we could also tell mother."
“We can,” Spike said.
I looked at him confused,
“How?” I asked.
“Before she left, your mom showed me how to use my fire breath better. Now I can message her the same way I do Celestia.”
“Oh…well let them know that we are seeing smoke coming from a mountain west of Ponyville.” Spike took out a pair of scrolls and began writing as I looked through the library, trying to find a book on this. Soon a scroll appeared which he handed to me and I read it aloud.
Dear Twilight,
Thank you for telling me. We appear to have a dragon taking a century long nap. While normally not a big deal that smoke is from their snoring and it will damage the local ecology if it goes on. I would like you and your friends to handle this.
Sincerely,
Celestia
'How dare she even ask us to do anything,' Star seethed.
'Well she is the Princess.' I countered.
'And so are we Sparkle.'
Their friends arrived, asking what was going on.
“We have a napping dragon in the mountains. The smoke is from its snoring.”
“Well what is going to be done about it?” Applejack asked. Before I could answer the door opened and mother came in.
“I got your message daughter. What was sister's response?”
“She wants me and my friends to deal with it.”
“ABSOLUTELY NOT!” roared as she stomped a hoof. “None of you have the training for this, something I will fix.” Dash zipped up to her with an angery look.
“HEY! I know martial arts!”
“Good on you Rainbow Dash, but do they train you on fighting a dragon? Where to hit it?”
“Uuuummmmm.” Dash looked uncertain and mother had a smug look on her muzzle.
“See you are not trained for this. Since you aren’t it is foalish to use the current bearers for a task the Royal Guard should be trained for." Grumbling under her breath, "That mare... I will take care of this dragon.” She then looked at me with a slight smile on her muzzle. “Daughter, I would like you to join me as I take care of this.” I was shocked to say the least.
“Why her and not us!?” Dash asked.
“Because she is an alicorn so much more durable than a mortal pony and as a princess of Equestria she will be tasked with defending it, and not just with the Elements. So will you join me my daughter?” I looked to the floor in thought. Mother did have a point, as a princess she was expected to defend her ponies.
'And it means more time with mother.~'Star chipped in. I looked up and looked at mother, who had a worried look on her face.
“I'll do it mother,” getting a smile from her.
“Then let us be off!” Mother's horn lit and soon we were in a distinctly night themed room.
“Where are we?” I asked.
“In the apartment my sister set up for me in Canterlot Castle. She had hoped I would live here with her.” She snorted and rolled her eyes. “Like that would happen, I despise this city.” I winced at that, this had been my home, and I hated to see such anger against it. I saw mother slump a bit seeing my reaction. “Twilight, most of the anti-night movements started here. They hated me because I wasn’t so easily swayed the way my sister was. Frankly I am concerned for her. While many to worship her as a goddess many are buying time to remove her and restore ‘proper' order.” That was concerning. I may not be happy with Celestia right now but I certainly didn't wish that.
'Speak for yourself Sparkle.' Star said. I ignored that.
“So are we goddesses?” I asked mother. She paused and looked at the ceiling for a minute before looking at me.
“As much as my sister and I would like to claim otherwise, yes, yes we are goddesses. We don't die of age, we have immense magical power and are the avatars of something. Me the moon, sister the Sun, Cadance love…”
“And me?”
“You Twilight, the stars. I saw the stars move without my command before the fall. And the fact you have so many astronomy books and equipment confirms to it.”
I thought on what mother just said,
“That means..my friends, my family.”
“You will watch them grow old and die while you may grow in size but not in age. My only advice is treasure the time you do have with them…and protect them. I only had a few years with your father, not the decades I had hoped for. Everyday with those you love is a gift Twilight, don't waste it.”
I nodded, desiring to change the subject.
“So why are we here since you dislike Canterlot so much?”
Mother dug through a closet as she answered.
“Because my sister build this place close to what we had at Everfree. I used it when we had a lot of treaties to look over, thus it should still have a spare set…..Huzzah!” Mother dragged out a chest which she opened to reveal black armor. Mother stripped off the regalia she wore, replacing it with the armor which a smaller black version of the Nightmare Armor.
“That looks familiar.”
Mother gave me another smirk.
“It should. After centuries of fighting, I have found the ideal armor setup.”
“The Nightmare set didn't cover as much as this though,” I said as I looked over the armor.
“Well that was a prototype armor that protected more than it seemed to. Plus your father did enjoy how it looked on me in that form.” Mother had a whimsical look on her face, and I felt Star longing for that form their mother wore at that time.
“Can you take that form again?” I asked, and mother looked surprised. “Star wants to see it again if possible.”
Mother gave a small smile,
“Yes I can, another ability to teach you my daughter. Right now that form would not be a wise choice but I promise to show you some time. I hope it won't scare you now.”
“Now that I know the true story behind it I am more curious than afraid. Does Celestia have this ability?”
Mother laughed, and it was melodious like Twilight's foalsitter Cadance.
“Oh yes, my sister is not always in cake flanks form. She likes to get information not filtered by her advisors. Now let us be off.” She again lit her horn and soon we were back outside of Ponyville. W hile Mother readied her wings, I quickly got my wings ready as well. Mother took to the air and I soon followed. It was rough for me, but mother assisted me, giving me tips that made my flight smoother.
We slowly approached the mountain the smoke was coming from, and soon found a cave, landing just outside it.
Mother looked at me and asked.
“Do you know any defensive spells?”
“My brother taught me shield spells.”
“Good, use them and watch your mother work.” She trotted in as I cast my shield before slowly following. Despite the smoke, I saw a red colored dragon that was easily the size of a house sleeping on piles of gold.
Mother walked up to its face.
“WAKE UP YOU LAZY LIZARD!” mother yelled in royal Canterlot voice. The shockwave and volume woke the dragon which glared at her with wide eyes. “Good, you are awake,” mother said cheerfully. “Now your snoring here is harmful to the ponies in the area. Take your hoard and find a new place to nap away from our ponies or any other creatures so your snoring smoke will not harm anyone.” The dragon’s response was breathing fire on mother.
“MOTHER!” I cried out. But when the flames stopped, mother was standing there unharmed and smirking at it.
“My turn.” Mother drew her sword and in a blur of speed she struck several spots on the dragon, leaving cuts, causing the dragon the roar in pain. Then mother slammed into the back of its head, making it slam onto the ground. Mother then walked atop its head from the back to its muzzle. She stabbed her sword in its muzzle, causing the dragon to flinch. “Now, you will leave our land….and leave a portion of your hoard. Perhaps that and the pain will make you remember that you could have just left peacefully.” Mother then hopped off his snout. He growled but mother simply lifted her sword, so he grabbed most of his hoard and flew out of the cave. Mother put away her sword and used her magic to make the remaining hoard disappear before I went up and hugged her.
“You had me so worried mother when he breathed fire on you.”
“Thankfully my faith in my sister's detail work was well founded, this armor is as good if not better than my old set. Sorry to worry you daughter, but even with out this armor I would survive that, it would just be painful.”
“Okay…..” I took a calming breath. “So what did you do with the hoard?”
“Ponyville now has a surplus of funds since they were the town most affected. Now, let us head home and report our victory!” Mother raised a hoof in the air and couldn't help but smile, mother could be entertaining at times.
“You had me so worried mother when he breathed fire on you.”
“Thankfully my faith in my sister's detail work was well founded, this armor is as good if not better than my old set. Sorry to worry you daughter, but even with out this armor I would survive that, it would just be painful.”
“Okay…..” I took a calming breath. “So what did you do with the hoard?”
“Ponyville now has a surplus of funds since they were the town most affected. Now, let us head home and report our victory!” Mother raised a hoof in the air and couldn't help but smile, mother could be entertaining at times.
Author's Note
thanks to Javarod for the editing of this chapter
I woke with a yawn and with the sun in my eyes. I groan and head to the bathroom to do my business. As I comb my mane, I address the mirror. “Morning Star.”
Star appeared, rubbing her eyes. “I'd rather still be asleep right now...” she grumbled. I chuckled at the response, tapping the mirror twice. Star gave me a slight smile and tapped back before she disappeared, leaving me with just my reflection. Minutes later, I headed to the kitchen. I could already smell the meal Spike was cooking. “Morning, Spike,” I said as I opened the door.
“It's almost noon, Twilight. Coffee's on the table, and lunch will be ready soon.” The next thing I knew was the feeling of warm liquid down my throat and feeling much better.
“So, where's Luna?” I asked.
“She went to the Everfree castle to meet with the construction ponies Celestia sent over.”
“I'll pay her a visit after I finish my meal.”
Spike nodded and soon had their meal on the table. As usual, Spike’s meals were top notch. After eating, I got up to head out. Looking over my shoulder at my assistant, I said, “Spike, take care of things till I get back.”
“You got it Twilight!” he replied with a smile, then turned and left. With the library behind me, I headed through town. Some ponies waved at me, and I happily waved back. Others bowed to me, and I was unsure how to take that.
‘Sparkle, we are an alicorn, and more than that, we are the daughter of Princess Luna, meaning we are royalty and deserve deference.’
‘But..’
‘No buts. We are a princess of Equestria. It will be up to us to defend and rule it well. We have Mother and Celestia, even Cadance to show us what to do and what not to do.’ I hummed in response. In a short while, we were back in the forest. I kept my senses up, alert for danger, but all I heard were the usual sounds of a forest except for the sounds of construction. Gingerly, I crossed the bridge and headed inside the ruined castle. As I walked, I heard yelling, so I headed in that direction, following it to the throne room. There, Luna was arguing with a unicorn stallion with a blueprint between them.
“No, I want it done THIS way!” Luna yelled out.
“But that is not the proper way to do things. And my design is much better.”
“In your mind, maybe, but I am paying you, and this is what I want. My style wins.”
“But it won’t look like Canterlot Castle.”
“I don’t want it to look like that castle. I want it themed after me and my daughter.”
“But that would be ugly. Not a proper castle at all!”
“Then get out; you are fired!” With a hoof, she pointed to the door. With a huff, the unicorn stomped away as Luna glared at him. But then, she noticed me, and she smiled. “My daughter!” She came over to nuzzle me. I still had to get use to that, but Star helped and I returned it.
“So what happened?” I asked.
Luna rolled her eyes.
“Arrogance and ego, my daughter. I want this old castle to reflect us, but some do not seem to understand that.” Luna sighed. “Sister thought to help us out by sending who was likely suggested as the best architect in the land, but that reputation has lend to arrogance. I have a vision for this castle, and his was completely different. I shall have to find a good architect that will do what I envision. And your plans, my dear daughter?”
“Well, check out what my friends are doing.”
Luna lit up. “A fine idea. May I join you? Perhaps your friends know a good builder.”
“Of course, Luna.” With that, the two of us headed out of the castle and back into the Everfree. Soon, I felt a weight on my back and looked over to see Luna’s wing there. I looked at her, and she quickly removed her wing.
“Apologies, Twilight.”
“No, I'm sorry. I have to get use to you as my mom.” I looked down only to feel a wing on my chin, which lifted my head to see Luna looking at me.
“We are both trying to adjust to things, my daughter, and we will meet them together.” She gave a small smile. I returned it.
“Agreed…Mother.” Her smiled brightened at my calling her that. I looked forward again, and in a short time, we left Everfree and headed for Applejack's place.
We soon saw the apple trees of Sweet Apple Acres. I glanced over to Luna, who looked on in wonder.
“Never seen apple trees before, Luna?”
“I have, but none this healthy. They are far thicker then the ones I saw back in the day.”
“Applejack’s family prides itself in having the best apples in Equestria.”
“A title well earned, it seems.”
I nodded in reply, and before long, we found Applejack bucking the trees. “Hey, Applejack!”
Said mare looked up and smiled. “Twi!” She raced over to hug me. I felt her strength in the hug. We broke the hug and smiled at each other. “How ya doin', Twi?”
“Alright. My…mother decided to join me since she has issues with a builder.”
Luna stepped up. “Good day, Honest Applejack,” Luna greeted with a nod.
“Good afternoon, Yer Highness. What issues are ya dealing with?”
Luna sighed and rolled her eyes. “The builder my sister hired would not listen to what I want. He wanted a Canterlot clone. I want something different. My daughter suggested you might know somepony.”
“Twi's right. My family's pretty big, and we know some in the building business. I'll send some yer way, Princess.”
Luna smiled. “Thank you, Honest Applejack.”
“Why are ya callin' me that, Princess?”
“You bear the Element of Honesty. Thus, you have earned its title to your name. It is a great honor. Only my sister and I have ever donned those titles.” Luna glanced up in thought. "As far as we know, anyway."
“Well thanks, Princess, but I prefer just Applejack.”
“As you wish. So, how are you and my daughter getting along?”
Applejack gave a smile. “She buys our apples a lot. Been teachin' her how to buck like an earth pony. She knocked down ten trees so far.”
I blushed as Luna giggled. “That is my daughter!”
“Mom!” I complain as Applejack joined in the laughter. I glared between them both. I don’t think it was effective, considering they kept laughing. I pouted as they started to calm down.
“Oh, I haven’t laughed like that in ages. Not since your father was with us,” Luna says. That hurt...The father I never knew. While Night Light was a good father, I would have liked to know my actual father.
“Well I was about to finish up this last batch of trees before having lunch," Applejack said. "Y'all wanna join me?”
“We would be delighted, Applejack,” Luna replied, and we followed my new friend to her home after she took care of her last tree. As she headed for the kitchen, we sat and waited at her dining table. Soon, Applejacked return with sandwiches for the three of us. They were delicious, made with fresh ingredients. Luna seemed to enjoy the meal as well.
“So, how are the flying lessons, Twilight?” I moaned in memory of my last session. Dirt tastes awful. Luna chuckled a bit at the nonverbal response. I gave her a glare to no effect. I felt a pat on my back and saw Applejack smiling at me.
“It'll be worth it, Twi.”
I gave her a small nod.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
As the sun began to set and Applejack had said goodbye to Twilight and her mother, Applejack approached a tree with two gravestones. Stopping, she took her hat off and held it to her chest.
“Ma, Pa, I know it’s been a while. Things have been kinda hectic around here.” She proceeded to tell them about Twilight and the issues with her family. “Watchin' Twi and her mom, it...made me a bit jealous. They can still talk with each other, while I can only talk to you . I miss talking with ya. I miss seeing your smiles and laughs as you riled each other and me and Big Mac up. Miss yer food and your wisdom. I just miss seein' you both.” She felt tears run down her cheeks. “Twi doesn’t know how lucky she is to still have her ma. I love you both. Goodnight.” Applejack wiped her tears and put her hat back on and headed away as the sun set on the land.
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Once Upon A Time In the Magical Land of Equestria...
Celestia looked after Twilight, while Spike prepared snacks. All of Twilight's new friends and fellow Element Bearers had arrived. They all gave her bows and greeted her. She nodded and smiled at them until she heard a groan. Everypony looked over to Twilight and saw her get up. Twilight looked up to Celestia with her lavender eyes, eyes that gave Celestia some relief for the time being. Twilight would be more rational, right now. Well, more rational than the mare usually is when things go awry.
“Princess, your mane! What happened?” Twilight asked hysterically.
“I'm just tired, Twilight. I had to use a lot of magic.”
“Oh, okay. But why are you here? I thought you'd be in Canterlot?”
Celestia couldn't help the sadness in her voice. “Twilight, something has happened to you.” Twilight eyes went wide, and she unknowingly flared her wings.
“What!? What happened? Am I sick? Am I dying?”
“Uh, Twi, look behind you.” The mare named Applejack said. Twilight did so, her mouth open as if to ask the mare why, when she noticed her wings. She just stared at them, and Celestia noticed an ear flick a couple of times. She knew what that meant. Twilight was on the verge of a breakdown. Celestia saw one of Twilight's hooves slowly go up and tap her horn. Twilight seemed to relax a fraction at that. She did, however, turn back around.
“Princess! I'm an alicorn! Why am I an ALICORN!?”
“It will be explained as soon as Luna arrives. Until then, please, be calm, my student.” She saw Twilight try to relax until, thankfully, the sound of a winged pony was heard and the door opened.
“Sister, why is there a hole in the...wall?” Luna started until she noticed Twilight. Or rather, until she noticed Twilight's wings. A sense of realization appeared on her face, and she looked at Celestia with fear. “Sister, please tell me that thou didn't? PLEASE!?” Celestia didn't respond, but that was all the answer Luna needed. A cold look overtook Luna's face. “Thou and I will have words later, DEAR sister.”
“Forgive my rudeness, but can somepony PLEASE tell us why Twilight is an alicorn and why she attacked Princess Celestia?” Rainbow Dash asked impatiently.
Luna looked a tad shocked, hearing that. “Of course, but first allow me to fix this hole and put a privacy dome over us,” she said. They saw her go over to the hole, and, with her horn glowing, they all saw the hole close up, and soon it was like it was never there.
“Thank you, sister," Celestia said, "I believe you should begin. It does start with you, after all.”
Luna took a deep breath before saying, “Very well. The tale of Nightmare Moon started one thousand and eight years ago...”
* * * * * *
Luna looked on with relief at the sight of her citadel. The Citadel of the Stars was her haven for her precious bat-ponies. She discovered them a century after the defeat of Discord. She became their savior when she protected them from the tribalism of the three primary pony tribes. They became her guard, her sword and shield. They loved her night when others shunned it.
She could have arrived at the citadel faster on her own, but she had to take the chariot back. Granted, she wished she didn't have to leave the Citadel in the first place, but her sister requested her presence, so she had to go. Thank the night their meeting wasn't at Canterlot, though. That place drove her nuts. Honestly, she didn't know what her sister saw in the place. It was so out of touch with the rest of Equestria, which was saying something considering her current standing with her subjects. No, they met at the castle they built together in simpler days. She still had fondness for the place, but the Citadel was her home now.
The Citadel was a fortress city carved on the top of a mountain. It housed all of the bat-ponies in Equestria and any ponies willing to live with them. Sadly, the number of ponies in residence was still too few, even after centuries of coexistence. The chariot landed on the balcony of what the locals have dubbed the "Midnight Castle". She liked the name and let it stick. Thanking her guards, she went into her quarters.
“Welcome back, Mistress of the Night.” Luna couldn't help the smile on her lips as she saw her Captain of the Guard Darkwing. He was unlike most of her beloved subjects, as he wasn't a bat-pony. He was a regular pegasus. He had dark purple fur, red eyes, and a lavender mane and tail.
“Always the flatterer, eh, dear Darkwing?” He just smiled. Luna continued, “Give me a minute to dismiss my spell." She dismissed her illusion, and her appearance became that of her preferred form. Her dark-blue fur was replaced with midnight black. Her mane went from a majestic blue calmly waving in the night to a wild purple starfield. It was a good thing that the Solar Guards stopped check for disguise spells. Normally, that wouldn't be a problem for her; she and her sister could assume different physical forms without magic. However, she had a very good reason the past few months not to do so.
Darkwing looked lustfully at her regal form. “There's the mare I love.” Happiness filled Luna as she laid her larger form down on a couch to rest her legs. She had full proof of his love. She carried it in her enlarged belly. Darkwing had not only proven himself among her bat-ponies, who now consider him a brother, but he also proved himself worthy to be her husband. He even gave her a child, something that is hard for an alicorn to have. With all their powers, their near immortality, and even their being a union of the three primary tribes, is was hard for female alicorns to bear any offspring. However, Darkwing managed to impregnate her. They both looked lovingly at her belly containing one of her greatest treasures. “So," Darkwing began, "What did your sister want?”
Luna sighed. “Oh, she asked me to check out some legal things, since my eyes can catch some things hers cannot, and she wanted to get my signature on a couple of things that need both of our approval. Oh! She also invited me to the Summer Sun Celebration.”
“I'm guessing that you declined?”
“Of course I declined. ONCE AGAIN, she has another holiday that is celebrated during HER day! That makes, what, ten different days they celebrate HER and HER DAY?”
“Well, you do have three at night: Hearth's Warming, Nightmare Night, and the Grand Galloping Gala.”
“Oh, yes! Hearth's Warming, the celebration of unity, yet my bat-ponies are still isolated from the other tribes. Nightmare Night? A night where the children scream in terror at the so called Nightmare of the Moon, and guess who is portrayed as that!? And the Gala, the most boring night of the entire year. Seriously, I do not know what my sister sees in that night. Not to mention that there is no love lost between me and the so-called nobility. They hardly deserve that title, anymore.” Darkwing looked into her now-draconic eyes with sadness.
“Love, bring these concerns to your sister. I want her to know about us. I want her to know that she will be an aunt soon.”
“Do you not think I've tried? She said that the ponies' behavior was just a phase that they would grow out of. Well, DEAR sister," Luna said, speaking to no one in particular, at this point, "it has been fifty years, and nothing has changed. If anything, things have gotten worse." She turned once more to Darkwing. "And telling her about us? My sister is naught but a gossip. If I tell her, then soon all of Equestria will know about us, and how do you think the nobility will respond? They will condemn you because you are not of proper breeding and will do everything in their power to drive you away. Not to mention how they'll treat our child. No, I will not endanger our family like that.”
“Give her a chance, Luna. She's your sister. I think you can make her keep it a secret.”
“Ever the optimist, I see.”
Darkwing gave her a grin. “I got you, didn't I?”
That did cause Luna to chuckle. “Touche. Now come here, my handsome stallion.” Her husband didn't need a second invitation. He climbed onto the bed and kissed his Mistress of the Night. They began to kiss passionately, until Luna interrupted it, the twinges of pain she felt becoming searing. “Love, as much as I would love to continue this, I think my water just broke.” Shocked, Darkwing flew to her rear.
“Yes, honey, it did. Stay calm. I'll get the doctor.” He sped over to the door and wrenched it open.
“GET THE DOCTOR! MY WIFE IS IN LABOR!” Luna managed a chuckle through the contractions. Her husband could be so precious at times. She winced as another contraction hit.
* * * * * *
During the next few hours, Luna felt she was in a battle for her life. She was practically a goddess. Giving birth should NOT be this painful. She roared, threw lighting, and tossed furniture around with her magic, the pain was so great.
“Push!”
“I AM PUSHING, YOU FOAL! I'VE BEEN PUSHING FOR THE PAST FEW HOURS! AHHHH!” She felt the pain and pressure finally ease, and she panted for a bit hearing the sounds of a foal crying.
“Congratulations, Your Highness. It's a filly alicorn.” That shocked Luna. The chances of getting pregnant were low for her kind, and even when they did, many foals ended up being of one or, more rarely, two tribes. Having an alicorn child was possible, but extremely rare. She really beat the odds with this one.
“Let me see her.” Her husband brought the foal over. She had fur of a color between her father's fur and his mane. Her own mane was a dark blue, matching the mane of Luna's old form, with purple and pink stripes going through it. She yawned, showing the sharp teeth that Luna's current form had, and when the foal opened her eyes, the parents saw that her eyes were a lavender color with slitted pupils, exactly like Luna's present eyes.
“She's beautiful, Lulu," Darkwing said.
“Yes. She has the best parts of both of us.”
“What should we name her?” Her husband asked.
'That was the question,' Luna thought as she watched her daughter. Her fur did remind Luna of Darkwing, but it also reminded her of the Andromeda nebula she saw in her night sky. Or perhaps it reminded her more of when the sun was setting for a new night. Yes, that would do for part of the name. But what of the other part? While her daughter's hair would be like any other pony's for a mortal pony's lifetime, it will eventually end up like Luna's and her sister's, all starry and made of magic. That was it!
“Her name will be Twilight Star. She is the bringer of new night, and among the greatest stars of my night." She looked at her foal lovingly. "Yes, you will my little Star.”
Author's Note
The next few chapters will be in the past.
get ready for the feels.
