Chapters Many ponies don’t stay up and watch the stars anymore…
At least, that’s what Princess Luna had thought. Ever since Luna was freed from the evil grasp of Nightmare Moon, she had been having thoughts like this. I know I shouldn’t think like this, given that this mistrust in the people of Equestria is what made me become Nightmare Moon. But, I cannot help but think this way. So many children no longer insist on staying up just to have my night shine on them. This feeling isn’t jealousy though. It’s more of a lack of confidence in my night. Have I not made the night sky pleasing to my and my sister’s people? Perhaps, it is just the lack of ponies I see during the nightly hours. The guards give me plenty of company, but other than that, this castle falls silent. I cannot help but feel an empty void where my confidence in the night should be. Suddenly, a knock came at her chamber doors, temporarily snapping Luna out of these brooding thoughts. “Who, pray tell, disturbs us at this hour?” she asked. The voice that responded on the other side surprised the Princess of the Night.
“Lulu, it’s your sister. May I come in?” Luna, seeming slightly desperate to have somepony to talk to about these thoughts, unlocked the door and opened it with her magic.
“I was lying in my chambers when I saw you overlooking the town, Luna. Is everything-” Celestia was interrupted by slight sobs coming from her sister.
“Tia, ever since we- I came back, it seems as though my work goes on unappreciated. I can’t feel more than a sense of dread! These were the same thoughts that gave rise to my mistrust in you, before the banishment, but no matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to rid myself of them!”
The Princess of the Sun walked up to her sister, and put her hoof to her sister’s chin, lifting it up to meet her eyes. “Oh lulu, so much has changed since then. ‘Tis true that not many ponies gaze at your stars- even less in these modern times. Come, there is something I must show you in the Hall of Stories.” Luna stopped crying, and brought a slight smile to her face, feeling a glimpse of happiness in the sea of dread she was experiencing.
A few moments later, in the Hall of Stories…
I always felt a sense of purpose walking through these halls. Though erected after my banishment, these murals always make me feel proud of the events that transpired on them. As they were walking, Celestia started talking to Luna, not in a serious tone, or the tone used to comfort Equestria’s citizens, but in a tone that only sisters know. “Luna, I know we live in strange times. Discord’s reformed, my pupil joined us in the Royal bloodline, even the Crystal Palace was recovered.”
“Our lives have always been strange, Tia. It doesn’t surprise me that these events transpired.”
Tia sighed. “Then why are you bothered by the people not praising your night?”
Luna didn’t expect, nor think of the question Celestia brought up. Why am I upset at the citizens? It seems childish, when she puts it that way.
“I guess I’m looking for proof.”
“Of what, dear sister?” Celestia asked.
Luna paused for a moment, almost afraid of saying anything. “Proof that someone can still appreciate the beauty of the night- my beauty. You have been courted by many individuals that both admire you and your bright and wondrous days. Yet, I have never been approached, even before my banishment, and my nights were never praised that often. I now realize that it isn’t because I live in your shadow, but rather because nopony sees me the same way they see you. They fear me, as they always have. My night guard has always looked intimidating, making me unapproachable. My chariot strikes fear into any that look upon it. Even my night doesn’t provide enough light at times to ease the many fillies and colts in their beds of imaginary shadow monsters or ghouls in the dark. I have tried intermingling with our subjects on a night that was named for my shadowy self, only to make them fear me more until the end.”
Celestia felt sadness for her sister, realizing why Lulu cannot sleep often, why she spends so many nights alone in her chambers, looking into the distance as if searching for something. “Lulu, if I knew you felt this way sooner, I would have helped. It is true that I have been approached by many suitors, both young and old, but not once did I say yes. My days have always been admired, this has also been true. But if you think nopony praises your beauty, you are wrong. Not only do I admire you and your night, but there are many that still require your guidance in this world, and although they will never approach you in person, the realm of dreams is their way of courting you. Those fillies and colts too young to face fears, will find comfort in their dreams, knowing you will vanquish their monsters, even in their nightmares. Your arrival in Ponyville on Nightmare Night, despite the fearful entrance, was welcomed with joy at the end. Your beauty is praised, but subtly. Look here, on this mural.”
She motioned to a glass mural of Luna, after being reformed. The night Princess’ mural image looked humble and forgiving, and behind it stood the moon and stars painted to represent the night. “I commissioned that this be added to the Hall of Stories. It was to represent your return to Equestria, but now looking at it, it shows how much both I and our subjects see you not as a monster or a cruel demon, but rather as a misunderstood princess only looking to keep her subjects happy with the night she erected.
“There is yet one pony that still enjoys your night every day. Not only me, but since your return, only one pony has respected you for who you are, and not who you were. Do you know who that pony might be?” Luna thought for a moment, trying to recall who appreciated her for herself, not fear her shadowed past. Then it occurred to her.
It was she who was the only pony to understand I wasn’t my past self at Nightmare Night. She was the one who saved me as well. “Twilight Sparkle still appreciates my beautiful night?” Her sister nodded to confirm it. “But does she appreciate me as well?”
“That is a mystery for you to solve, dear sister. I cannot answer for the feelings that others possess.” With that, hope was restored to Luna’s lonely heart.
Author's Note
Not only is this my first non-crossover related story, but it is also my first romance fic! I needed some time from other stories to focus on work, so i wrote this up. Plus, educational things are coming up that i need to prepare for. But, please enjoy this!
Twilight rolled around, pouring sweat in her new bed at the crystal castle that overlooked Ponyville. It was clear that she was having a nightmare, not being able to calm down. In the dream world, she was being chased by a shadow. What this shadow was, or what it represented, she had no clue. All she knew is that it was pure evil, and shouldn’t be touched by its dark taint. What is this thing? What does it want from me? The purple alicorn asked herself. She was surprised to hear the dark form respond to her questions. Don’t you recognize me, poor sweet little filly? It’s me, Nightmare Moon! The voice trembled and shook the world they were in. But, that’s not possible! Me and my friends vanquished you! We watched you disintegrate when we freed Luna from you! The dark figure only laughed.
Did you really think that would stop ME? Pathetic! I am the embodiment of Nightmares itself! You cannot simply destroy me!
“ENOUGH!!!” another voice boomed with equal force as the supposed ‘Nightmare Moon’. “You have tormented this mare for too long! Be gone, and leave this dream!” the new voice said.
Or what, you’ll destroy me? You cannot even touch me, “Princess Luna”
Suddenly, out from behind Twilight, Luna had appeared to protect the confused and scared pony that lie between the two entities. “You cannot harm this mare! SHE IS PROTECTED!” the midnight princess said, slamming her hooves down.
YOU CHALLENGE ME?! I AM NIGHTMARE ITSELF! I CANNOT BE DEFEATED!!! Suddenly, the shadow lunged at the two princesses, only to be stopped by an aura of light, emanating from none other than Luna. B-but that’s impossible! You shouldn’t be able to even touch me! What sorcery have you conjured, devil-mare?!
“I only use the courage against the fear you once chained me with, foul darkness! Your taint can no longer harm me, or my friends! For no light is stronger than the courage to face fears, rather than let them take hold of you! It was Twilight and her friends that taught me that. Never approach this mare again!”
The blackness scoffed at its adversary’s confidence. With one final lunge, the darkness broke through the aura of light. When this happened, Luna’s eyes glowed brightly, and the aura was summoned once more, this time twice as powerful as it was before. “LEAVE THIS CHILD UNHARMED!!! OR SUFFER THE WRATH OF THE NIGHT!” Luna screamed, blasting the aura outwards, diminishing the darkness, and only leaving light. “Are you okay, my little Twilight?” What did you do, Princess? That was unlike any other spell I’ve seen! Twilight asked.
“’Tis but an illusion. I only used the courage you gave me to face the darkness in the night. Thank you, Twilight.” The princess of the night flew away into the vastness of the dream world Twilight was in. Wait, Luna! I have something I need to say! All this time, all I wanted to say was-
Curious, the next morning, Twilight Sparkle asked Luna to meet with her in Ponyville in the newly named Castle of Friendship…
“Thank you for coming on such short notice, Luna.” Twilight said.
“Twas nothing, really. Although, we are curious as to why you have summoned us. Is there something wrong, and you require my assistance?”
She shook her head. “No, it’s nothing like that. I was just wondering…”
Luna became curious. “Yes, what is it, Twilight?”
The more the conversation continued, the more nervous Twilight became, and the more curious Luna was. “Well, if it isn’t a bother, I was wondering if you could teach me a few things about entering dreams.” The midnight coated princess was both shocked and surprised at this sudden interest in the realm of dreams, where reality has a tendency to fly away from a pony’s grasp. Could it be that she knew of our interference in her nightmare? Luna thought to herself. Sighing, she said “Okay Twilight, but heed my warning: most dreams are not to be fooled with. It can alter perspectives and change behaviors more than you think. It is our duty as princess to help those in the nightmare too deep to return. In order to prepare, you must wait until we raise the moon.”
And so they waited. Some meaningful conversation was had between the two, mostly about the new roles Princess Twilight is expected to fill.
They both avoided talking about their secret admirations towards one another.
“Is it going to be painful, Luna?” she asked.
Luna shook her head. “No, but when you enter, you will feel drained at first, which is why it is important to stay near me. Now concentrate. Search your feelings, Twilight. Find a memory that helps you sleep when scared. Do you have the memory?” She nodded. “Good! Now focus on that memory, use it as a doorway.” Twilight heeded her instructor’s words, and began to focus her magic on the memory. Slowly, her horn started to glow, getting brighter with the passing of time.
“Excellent! You learn well, my new student!” Luna said, clopping her hooves. “Now, the hard part. Visualize yourself walking through the doorway your memory created."
“I think I have it, Luna. I can almost reach… There!” Twilight opened her eyes, gazing on the Dreamscape. It was like an ocean of memories, fillies and colts dreaming of cute and adorable animals, stallions and mares dreaming of the past. “I did it Luna! I actually did it!” She looked around, absorbing every detail, every gateway to another pony’s mind. Suddenly, it dawned on her. Where is Luna? She thought.
Twilight began wandering the dreamscape, looking for her mentor of this strange and curious place, all the while in awe of this new world before her. Suddenly, as if someone turned off a giant light, everything went dark, and before her lie a lonesome little filly, scared and in the dark. Is that…? It was Luna, but as a filly. “I’m so scared! Tia, where are you? I’m all alone, and this place is scary!” The filly began sobbing, crying out to anypony who would listen. Are these… Luna’s dreams? Oh, no! This is bad! Something must have gone wrong, and Luna didn’t make it to the Dreamscape!
FRET NOT, YOUNG ONE. YOU ARE NOT ALONE…
“Who said that? Is that you, Tia?” Somehow soothing, yet terrifying, the mysterious voice called out to the crying Luna. NO, LUNA. I AM THE NIGHT, AND I HAVE COME HERE TO HELP YOU BE BRAVE.
Twilight gasped at the scene before her. I recognize that voice- It’s Nightmare Moon!
Author's Note
Wanted another perspective, this time from Twilight. There's also a Star Wars reference i threw in there for the lulz!
Moments before, during the casting ritual…
“I can almost reach…” the alicorn said through labored breaths, channeling all of her energies into this single spell. Suddenly, Luna observed something happening to the young mare before her. Wait, is she…? Her eyes filled with shock and worry, when she noticed that Twilight wasn’t just draining her magical energy into the spell, but her life-force itself! Oh, this is not good! If she continues to deplete her energy, she could DIE from magical exertion! I have to think quickly if I have any chance to save her! At first, she tried to reach her new pupil by telling her to stop the spell, but it had no effect, for the alicorn was too far into the Dreamscape to respond to any outside source. I have no choice. In order to save her, I must channel my own magical energies into the spell. I fear that this will drain me, and leave my little Twilight in the Dreamscape. She snapped out of her thoughts to take one last look at the mare before her. It’s a risk I will have to take. I must know if she cares for me as well as my night. I don’t want to be alone again…
Luna readied herself to channel the magical energies she possessed into Twilight, storing all the energy into her horn. Then, the Princess gave her power to the pony by shooting a beam full of energy at the purple alicorn herself. It seemed to have worked, for Twilight’s eyes began to glow pure white, and her body stopped convulsing. Once the purple alicorn settled into a calmed state, Luna smiled at the pony, tearing up before finally collapsing from exhaustion.
“NO! GET AWAY FROM HER, YOU MONSTER!” Twilight shouted at the top of her lungs, only to be blatantly ignored by both parties. Becoming angrier, and slightly hoping to spare Luna from suffering the same nightmare Twilight was spared days before, she shot magical beams and spells of all sorts at Nightmare Moon, hoping to at least get its attention. The shots only phased through it, as though they were specters trying to interact outside of the ether. Suddenly, it occurred to her: she can’t interact with the dream because it was more than that- it was a memory. Maybe, I can change the memory to something near the present, something that contains me in it! I’ve read that dreaming about memories are not just about one, but about multiple instead! Eager to test this theory and save her friend, Twilight began casting a spell to speed up the memory cluster, hopefully landing in a present memory. After a few moments, she could see it working, but barely. In an effort to maintain the spell, she channeled everything into it, causing her horn to spark uncontrollably. This seemed to have worked, for they were no longer in a dark abyss, but in familiar territory- the Canterlot Palace Throne Room. Luna was much older than the previous filly version, but seemed emotionally different than the reformed one from present times. She sat upon her small throne next to Celestia, both hearing a plea from a farmer that hailed from the west.
“The crops we yield are in short supply, Princesses! If we do not receive a Harvest Moon soon, many of your citizens will die of starvation”
“We have decided that the Harvest Moon will be moved to an earlier date, hoping that this would save our peoples’ crops and stomachs.” Celestia stated in the Royal Canterlot Voice, which was strange to the observing future student, given that she spoke so gently in the court nowadays. After the dispute was settled, Celestia bid leave so she could rest for the night. After the pearl alicorn was out of sight, and earshot,
Luna’s horn glowed with a dark hue, summoning a large shadow. What troubles you, my little pony? The shadow asked. “Why must we hide ourselves from our sister? She seems she would understand…”
I always knew you were a coward! Very well then, if you won’t join me in taking back the night, I’ll just have to take it back BY FORCE!!! Suddenly, the shadow swarmed around Luna, blocking all means of escape. As if sensing its wounded prey, the shadow lunged at her from all angles, enveloping her, changing her. “I can’t fight it!! The shadow is too strong!” she squealed in pain. Twilight, still a witness to this possession, could only cover her mouth, and tear up at the Princess before her slowly losing control of her own mind. T-there’s nothing I can do! I don’t want to watch this, not anymore! Celestia, I had no idea, Luna!!! She began casting the spell again, transporting her to a very recent memory: the night Luna was freed from Nightmare Moon. It was back at the Canterlot Palace, where young Luna was being escorted by her older sister through the very halls that were once just a small village castle, not the capital of Equestria. The rooms were clear of servants and guards by order of the Princess. “Tia, can you ever forgive us for the foolish things we have done?”
Her sister only smiled at the young filly before her. “I forgive you, Luna. Much has changed over the years you were gone. We no longer fight with the griffons, our old castle is in ruins, and I have been teaching my very own student to learn the value of friendship so-” Celestia paused for a moment, tearing up. “So I don’t have to witness another pupil go through the same trauma that you and I did. That night I banished you, I couldn’t stop weeping. It felt like I would die then and there!” her tearing up started to turn into sobbing. “I’ve witnessed too much death, too much for one lifetime! I WISHED I NEVER HAD DONE IT!!!”
This emotional scene had made the younger one cry as well. “It’s okay, Tia. We forgive you. We are here now, and that is all that matters. Our night will make way for a new horizon, as it should have been.” Luna, despite being drained of energy, lowered the moon to make way for the sun to rise on a new day.
This is the memory Twilight had chosen to erect Luna out of her comatose state. She cast the spell, focusing on the connection this memory had, and cast it at Luna.
After the spell was complete, Luna awoke in the middle of the Dreamscape, groggy and unaware of the dreams that Twilight had witnessed. “Luna! Thank Celestia you’re alright!”
Grunting, Luna was still recovering from the drain of magic. “Ngh, I’m fine now, Twilight. Thank you.”
“But I didn’t do anything, Princess!” Twilight scrunched her muzzle, trying to act like Luna recovered on her own, which only made Luna giggle at the alicorn before her. “We were not born yesterday you know!”
Author's Note
Not too touchy-feely, but it's going to get there! Wanted a build-up and also wanted Twilight to possess knowledge of Luna's transition to Nightmare Moon. I'm interested in hearing if this chapter was good or an utter catastrophe, so comment and let me know!
“So, how does the Dreamscape work?” Twilight asked.
“Well, in theory at least, it’s supposed to allow you to magically enter one’s dreams with no hindrance. However, you have seen the possible consequences it may have.” She replied, reminding her of the almost fatal incident moments prior. Luna continued explaining. “Once in the Dreamscape however, it becomes increasingly easier to traverse through the fictional mind of ponies, Minotaurs, and other sentient creatures.”
The purple alicorn was beginning to understand how it all worked. “I think I get it now. Once we enter, we can see the dream in real time! But doesn’t it get lonely, managing all those dreams by yourself?” she asked, only to hear a sad sigh come from Luna.
“It’s… Been difficult, yes. Alas, this was the burden that I chose to take upon as co-ruler of Equestria.” What was left of a smile or any other emotion, only faded to a frown. “It was also the reason I became Nightmare Moon. One of them, at least.” The more she talked of her lonely duty, the sadder she became. “Not a whole lot of ponies would want to come near me, let alone spend the night in the Dreamscape with me! Why were you willing to, Twilight Sparkle?” The sudden change of subject surprised the young Alicorn. She began to blush, becoming nervous to tell Princess Luna the reason behind her invitation.
“I-I, Well, you see…”
Could this be it? Will I find out if my sister’s hints had any truth behind them? The midnight mare thought, brimming with excitement and anticipation.
Now’s your chance to tell her how you feel, Twilight. The mare thought. “I really wanted to spend time with you, Luna!” she blurted out. Silence filled the distance between the two in the Dreamscape. This wasn’t the usual silence it held though; this was the silence of tension building. Neither one wanted to speak, but they both knew the silence had to be broken at some point. “Twilight, come with me. There is a place I think it might be appropriate to talk about each other’s feelings toward one another.”
Oh no! I must’ve made Luna nervous! Maybe she doesn’t like me, perhaps this was just a waste of- Wait, did she say each other’s feelings? Twilight grew more and more curious, hoping to hear Luna’s thoughts about this matter as well. The duo were walking through the Dreamscape, Twilight following her temporary mentor, Luna; hoping for an answer from her, and also an explanation for this feeling down in her chest. They came to a stop, when Luna opened a portal to what looked like a large observatory for the stars. “Welcome, Twilight, to the Lunar Forge. This is where-”
“Where you make all the stars for the night sky! *gasps* is that Starswirl’s original Sun Bottles? Ooh, and look over there!” She pointed to a shelf full of what looked like various bits of clothing that once comprised of Starswirl the Bearded’s wardrobe. “B-But His entire living quarters burned down during the Great Griffon Siege! How did they survive?”
Luna chuckled at the giddy bookworm Princess ogling over the ancient relics Luna stored for safe keeping. Only you, My Little Twilight, would be more fascinated in old relics from our mentor. “Yes, ‘tis true that I kept a few mementos in here. But living old memories aren’t why I brought you here, Twilight.” The Princess’ tone became more serious, getting the purple mare’s attention. “I brought you here to ask you something”
“Yes, what is it, Luna?”
Luna started to blush, swallowing what felt like the rest of her courage. We weren’t afraid before! Why now? Is this the same nervousness she felt when confessing? She shook her head, focusing on the words she wanted to say. “I wanted to know what you thought of my night sky, and more importantly, if you feel the same way I do.”
Twilight looked around; paying attention to every beautiful detail the sky had lain out before her. Everything from the constellations to the meteor showers, she absorbed, looking at each and every star. “I think it’s very beautiful. It reminds me that we should cherish any ounce of light we receive.” Luna moved in closer, becoming more and more interested in what she had to say about her night sky that she always felt alone in. The alicorn continued. “But it also makes me feel alone. All those stars, up in that sky, it makes you wonder if this is the only place where life is. It makes me feel scared, like there is nothing else, but-”
“But the shadows that chase us through the light…” Luna answered the same thought they both had, giving a knowing look. “My Little Twilight, it is important to remember that these feelings should not be used as a burden, lest you end up like…like Nightmare Moon.” She paused for a moment, unsure of whether to continue or not. Twilight was focused on the story being told, taking in every droplet of information, indicating that the Princess should continue. She closed her eyes “It was… hard to adapt to adapt to this new and strange world to us. We weren’t sure we could have survived through it all. These new thoughts and ideas, they help question the night sky. It makes ponies afraid of the change that is to come. Every challenge made us realize that we will never be alone so long as there are ponies that are willing to guide and nurture us. Ponies like you, Twilight Sparkle.” Silence filled the room, not a single indication that there were two princesses spending time with each other, both afraid to talk. She opened her eyes, only to see a small purple alicorn tear up, hiding a smile behind her hoof.
“Oh, Luna! You are just as beautiful as your night sky! At first, I wasn’t sure if you or Celestia would approve, but when I asked her about it, she told me that love was dangerous if not approached in the right way. I waited, hoping for a sign from you. Then it came that night, when I had a nightmare. I knew you would be able to calm down in a familiar environment, so I thought the Dreamscape would be the best idea so-” She was interrupted by a compassionate kiss on her lips.
“Silence now, young one. Let us just enjoy the night sky together.”
The feeling in Twilight’s chest was clear now. This was love, pure and unaltered, and nothing could change how they both felt.
Author's Note
I really, truly, tried to make this more than 3 chapters! Alas, i didn't, but it's not about the end result, it's about the fun you have along the way, as well as the smiles you give to people. I believe it met both of these descriptions, so I did what i set out to do. Now for some long awaited rest among the stars that greet us every night.
