Matters of Vice

Chapters

1: Luna's Modern Life
2: My Sister and Me
3: The Adventures of Luna & Luna
4: We Can't Do This on Equestria
5: Never Afraid of the Dark

1: Luna's Modern Life

Vice Principal Luna opened her front door and flipped on the lights. The sight of a messy kitchen promptly greeted her.

The good news was that at least the kitchen wasn't messy with food. The bad news was that it was still messy with work. Unfinished curriculum plans. Discarded administrative proposals. Even her knitting project of a full-moon scarf lay on a table, stuck in quarter-moon state.

Luna sighed and shook her head. It was that last one that hurt the most. Rarely did she get the time to indulge in personal projects these days. She'd meant for that scarf to warm her through winter. Yet here she was, on the brink of April showers and still nothing to show for—

Luna shook her head again, hard, in an effort to force out the self-pity. For both her and Celestia’s sakes, she couldn't afford any. Not that she didn't deserve it, she told herself.

Honestly.

First, an angry student turned demoness. Then, three girls who hadn't even been students at all, attempting to conquer the world through hate. Both had used her school—her and Celestia’s school—as a springboard to greater things. And being mind-controlled twice in one year was not Luna's idea of fun.

She could only thank her lucky stars nobody had, as far as she knew, alerted the media of either supernatural event. But there was always the future—if there was even one in store for her, at this rate.

Her phone dinged, then buzzed, snapping her out of her reverie. She looked at the screen. Celestia's face looked back at her.

After unlocking the phone, she read the text she'd received:

Out with Sunset. Emotional emergency. A principal's work is never done, it seems.

The weekend, however, is ours. Just the two of us. Pretty sure we need it. Saturday we'll recover, Sunday we'll discuss the school.

(At least the walls survived this time.)

Can't believe this happened again. I'm so sorry. You deserve better.

Unable to think of a suitable reply, Luna placed the phone on the nearby table.

Her clothes felt heavy, partly from the from the rain she'd been caught in between her SUV and the house, but also partly just from her mood. Only when she shed them and changed into a nightgown did she feel light enough to move about again. After making a calming tea, she shut herself in her bedroom.

She tried again to remember the events of the last few days. With concentration, it didn't take long before scattered images bubbled to the surface.

Curse those three evil girls. And curse their honeyed voices all the more. Somehow, every single word out of them had made perfect sense. Every single one of their requests had been impossible to deny.

Luna remembered herself and Celestia trying their hardest to fight back, to counter the spell being cast on them, to lay down the law and tell them, "no," just once! No, they could not take over administrative duties; no, they could not hold a disharmonic competition which went against the very principles Canterlot High School was founded on; and no, they most certainly could not take over the world.

But in the end, it was not to be. The girls, and their voices, worked their magic—it had to have been magic, Luna had felt its poison kiss on her mind before—and both principals were forced to watch helplessly as their entire school descended into madness. Student against student, mind against mind, heart versus heart, the whole body at each other's throats.

More so than any brainwashing, Luna considered being forced to condone the whole terrible spectacle to be the lowest of indignities.

Yet the Dazzlings—oh, right, that had been their name—would have succeeded if a few key students hadn't intervened: the same girls who had saved them the last time dark magic had come to town, the DJ girl whom she had confiscated countless headphones from over the years... and one more.

Sunset Shimmer.

Luna was still trying to figure that one out. That girl had been a hellion for years. Still, those eight had succeeded where Luna and her sister had miserably failed. The word "frustration" didn't begin to cover Luna's feelings on the fact.

Sister, you know I'm here for you, she thought. But I truly wonder if we're fighting a losing battle.

Luna picked up the remote, and turned on the television.

It didn’t help.

"-and the buyout of Rich Industries is still showing sweeping repercussions, as Northstar Technologies encroaches on The Sterling Group's recently-acquired title of largest economic power in the country. At the moment, both are technically still business partners, but rumor has it that Northstar may have found itself a new supplier of raw materials. If this is true, what happens then is anyone's guess. For Harmony News Network, this is Prancy Drew, signing-"

Luna clicked the television off, and brushed her teeth.

We tried money. We tried guidance, she thought. But maybe it's time we finally faced facts. The world simply revolves around a different set of ideals than ours.

Luna settled into bed, the softness of the mattress calling her to slumber. She mused briefly on the possibilities. A good night's sleep, with her mind once more her own, would surely prove to be the most relaxing activity she'd engaged in all week.

Tired of musing on wayward girls and dark magic, she welcomed it.

2: My Sister and Me

As usual, the mansion was empty.

Luna's footsteps echoed throughout its halls as she walked through the foyer, up its steps, and to her bedroom—a room filled with astronomical paraphernalia. The cleaning lady had been through recently; the hallway lining Luna's bedroom showed signs of having been swept, mopped, and polished.

By standing request, she hadn't touched Luna's room proper. Luna could clean up after herself, thank you very much. The staff were happy to acquiesce.

Out of curiosity, she left her room, turned the corner, and peered towards her sister's. The hallway surrounding it showed... well, the cleaning lady had been through here as well, but a tornado had clearly followed.

Luna sighed.

So, the mansion wasn’t empty, after all.

Luna followed the trail of papers, which had various geometric shapes and mathematical formulas scribbled on them. She followed the trail up steps, around corners, then up more steps, to an alcove which led to an entirely different wing of the mansion.

As she entered the wing, flashing lights caught her eye. They were a sight Luna knew well. She was on the right track.

She went up a final flight of stairs, shielding herself against the flashes, until she arrived in a room full of books, test tubes, and tiny machines. In the center of the scientific chaos stood a large telescope, set atop a platform which could be mechanically rotated and adjusted.

At the platform, looking into the starry sky, stood Luna’s older sister, Celestia. She was paler than usual, her multicolored hair was thoroughly disheveled, and her clothes looked like they’d been slept in. She stood absolutely still as she peered into the telescope’s lens. It was eerie—as if someone had cast her sister as a statue.

Then, with a gasp, Celestia leapt away, and ran to a table piled high with papers. After some shuffling, she furiously scribbled her notes.

Luna approached Celestia carefully, lest she be struck by a flying pen. "Sister, are you still at this?"

"Hm?" Celestia didn't turn her head. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Because you told me about this,” Luna said. “The next solar eclipse is a whole year from now."

"Exactly,” Celestia replied. “A year isn't nearly enough time."

Luna sighed, refraining from comment. Instead, she plopped the daily newspaper on the desk. It was already turned to an article about the Summer Solstice Seminar. "Congratulations,” she said. “The critics loved your talk."

Celestia gave the tiniest of nods. "Naturally."

Luna fought the urge to grimace. "Celestia, you didn't even call to say you were coming back from your trip. I know the world loves you, and I know you love this, but... do you ever let up?"

Celestia stopped writing. Raising her head up, she turned around. Even in the dim light, Luna could see bags under her eyes, and a weary smile on her face.

"Sister, if you were given the chance to uncover the secrets of the world—of the universe—would you let up?" Celestia asked.

Luna folded her arms. "I used to be able to say I wouldn't. But after watching you these last couple of years, I'm not so sure anymore."

Celestia opened her mouth to retort, but Luna held up a hand, walking amidst the mounds of books and papers. All around her was writing she could barely read, and titles she could scarcely understand.

"Simply put, Celestia, I don't think Mother and Father left us all this, to say nothing of our fortune, to use nonstop at the expense of the rest of our—"

Celestia’s mug slammed down with a crack, making Luna jump.

"This is the rest of my life, Luna,” Celestia said, sharply. “I'm sorry if it isn't yours, but it appears we just went down different paths." She gestured around the cluttered research room. "You’ve said it yourself: this is what I do. This is what I love." She chuckled. "I guess you'll just have to be the sane, normal girl for both of us."

Luna sighed. Realizing she was getting nowhere, she decided to change the subject. "How did your trip go? I mean, I know what everyone else thinks, but..."

"Quite well, actually,” Celestia said, perking up. “I've taken on a student."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I thought you were 'The World's Teacher.'"

"Oh, I am, but you know I've always wanted a student who truly understands,” Celestia said, clearing off some debris to reveal… a metal box that wasn’t there last time Luna had visited the lab. “And this one's fantastic. A true prodigy. Built pretty much anything I came up with off the top of my head. Speaking of which, could you grab me an egg from the fridge?"

Puzzled, Luna walked to the nearby fridge and retrieved an egg. Upon receiving it from her sister, Celestia plopped it into the box sitting on the desk.

The device bubbled. Seconds later, it rang. Celestia pressed a button at its base, opening it. "Hard-boiled egg?" she asked.

Luna took the egg gingerly. Mouth agape, she tore apart the shell. Raising the remains to her mouth, she sniffed, and took the tiniest of bites.

Her eyebrows shot up. It was tasty.

She looked at Celestia, eyebrow raised. "In five seconds?" Luna asked.

Celestia giggled. "Told you she was good."

Still awed, Luna took another bite, closing her eyes as she chewed...

...and when she opened her eyes, she was somewhere else.

She felt cheated. Only now did she realize she'd skipped dinner. Her stomach growled.

She saw white walls. Attendants in white and blue scrubs bustled around her. Equipment, vials, and towels were everywhere. The PA system overhead buzzed every so often, calling doctors and nurses to numbered rooms.

It only took Luna a moment to figure out where she was. When she did, her heart sank, and her mouth went dry.

Oh, no. Not here. Anywhere but here.

Luna saw a doorway to her right, and approached it. As she did, she heard voices. Angry, distraught voices.

"You were supposed to be her inspiration! Fuel a love for science! Isn't that what your TV seminars kept saying? Why did you do this to her? Why would you do this to her?"

"I didn't 'do' anything! By the time I knew what was going on, it was too late for me to stop her!"

"You drove her to this! As far as I'm concerned, that's the same as... let me go! Let me go, she has this coming! You know she does!"

A pause.

"...fine! I need some air anyway. Before we both end up having done things we'll regret."

A woman with purple and white-striped hair stormed out of the room, shoving past Luna. A shaken Celestia followed, the lapel of her jacket crumpled from someone’s grip. She stopped, turned back to Luna, and her expression brightened.

"You actually came," she said.

"As soon as I saw your text, yes,” Luna replied, resting a hand on her sister’s arm. “I had to find a quick substitute to take over my class, but..." Luna blinked. "Wait. You sound surprised."

"I... I suppose I am. A little."

Celestia shot forward, hugging her sister. Luna felt a warmth from the contact that she soon realized she'd missed over the years.

"Thank you," Celestia whispered. "You've often said you wanted your sister back. Well, you've got her now, whether you want to or not."

Luna hugged back. "Why wouldn't I? Celestia, what happened? This is the most I've heard out of you in months, and when we finally talk, you're speaking in riddles. What was that woman talking about, anyway? For that matter, who was she?"

Celestia looked down, mouth pressed into a thin line. She took a breath, and released the hug. Guiding Luna to the door, she gestured inside.

Luna saw a violet girl sleeping on a plush hospital bed. The top of her head was wrapped in bandages, bruising visible on her face. A few more bandages were wrapped around her arms and hands. A blue man and a white teenage boy stood watch over her.

"The doctors have said she'll be okay,” Celestia said, her voice low and shame-filled. “She just received a shock to her system. Literally."

She watched the violet girl in bandages breathe for a few moments. "You know…” Celestia continued. “You know how you once said maybe the pursuit of science wasn't worth giving up the rest of who you are? I'm starting to think you were right all along. I... I have to leave, Luna."

Luna jerked, staring at Celestia. "You what?"

"I need to lay low for a while,” Celestia said, rubbing at her forehead. "Don't know for how long. Could be months, years... however long it takes to make some sense of what I've made of my life. If there's any of it left that's worth making sense of."

"Then I'll come with you," Luna said, not missing a beat.

Celestia blinked. She shook her head, crossing her arms. "I couldn't ask you to do that."

"You can't ask me not to," Luna said, wrapping a hand around Celestia’s shoulder. She squeezed it, then took out her pocket mirror. Holding it up to Celestia, she showed her sister what she saw: a woman who barely looked alive.

Celestia’s eyes widened, her hand reaching up to her eyes. “Oh…”

"Exactly,” Luna said, putting the compact away. “I'm not sure I can leave you to your devices right now. I'll help you find a place, and we can start over. With my credentials, I can teach pretty much anywhere in Equestrian City."

Celestia's eyes softened. "Luna..."

The blue man emerged from of the room. Celestia broke away from Luna quickly. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Light," she said, going to him. "Again, I never dreamed anything like this would happen. "

"And yet, here we are," 'Mr. Light' replied curtly.

"I'll pay whatever medical bills are required, for as long as it takes," Celestia offered. "Your family will be aptly compensated."

"Yes, I'm sure we will be,” he said, eyes narrowed. “Mostly because you'll be hearing from our lawyers. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go check on my wife."

"No need." All turned to see the woman Luna had seen earlier return from the other end of the hallway. She stopped in front of Luna and extended her hand.

"I know you. Luna, right? One of the local teachers? I'm Velvet,” she said, smiling a little. “It's good to finally meet you. The children at my daughter's school rave about you all the time."

"Flattered." Luna said, shaking Velvet's hand. "I only know bits and pieces of what's been going on, but I'm truly sorry for what's happened."

Velvet sighed. "Thank you."

"Think nothing of it. As my sister said, we’re both willing to help,” Luna said, standing tall. “And in all honesty, if you need someone to vouch for my sister's character, I can assure you-"

Velvet held up her hand.

"I appreciate your desire to protect your family,” she said, voice sharp. “If only your sister had ours in mind as well." She glared at Celestia. "I think it's best for all of us if you leave now."

Celestia nodded. "Of course. Let's go, Luna,” Celestia said, already moving. “I have a lot to fill you in on. Velvet, you have my post office box. Please send me any paperwork needed."

The sisters headed through the hallway, and the exit beyond. As they did, Luna looked at Celestia. Her eyes were shut tight, and the tears she'd been holding in for hours were finally showing. Luna placed an arm around her sister for comfort and guidance.

And just then, she heard Velvet's voice from behind them.

"Take care, Luna,” she called. “I'd hate to see you turn out like Celestia. She doesn't care about anybody but herself!"

Luna shut her eyes, trying to block out the words, and the effect she knew they would have on her.

She failed miserably.

Whirling around, Luna let loose.

"You're wrong! She's cared for so many people, for so many years now! She's cared about the entire world! Traveled around solely to spread knowledge! Even now—"

Only then did Luna realize she was talking to an empty room she didn’t recognize at all.

"Majestic" was the first, and only, word which came to mind.

It was lined with lit torches, but maintained a motif encompassing a love of all things nocturnal. Blue hues, stars, even painted moons which resembled the one outside. Redundant, Luna mused, but no less welcome. In truth, she found it utterly soothing... and a little nostalgic.

Then she saw it.

"It" being a large, painted portrait, of a noble navy horse who looked quite a bit like her, standing beside an equally noble white horse who looked strikingly like her sister.

The pieces fell into place in her mind, and clicked. "This is... I'm in..."

"Equestria," said a voice from behind. "As promised. Or at least, a small important part of it."

Vice Principal Luna turned around to see her noble pony counterpart in the flesh.

"Salutations, 'sister'," Princess Luna said. "Welcome to Canterlot."

3: The Adventures of Luna & Luna

Vice Principal and Moon Princess stood in the latter's room, meeting eyes. The former cocked her head.

"I, um... yes. It's nice to see you as well." Luna said. "But... didn't you inform me that the, ah, portal's 'schedule' would not open for years yet?"

Princess Luna rolled her eyes. "As you have no doubt noticed, my sister's student has an uncanny knack for bending universal and magical laws. Even after knowing her as long as I have, I struggle to adjust to how fast she changes things."

Luna mused that she hadn't expected to see Equestria's Twilight Sparkle returning to the human world so soon, either. She sighed. "Something we have in common, then."

"One of many, I would wager." Princess Luna pointed to her counterpart's nightgown. "Are you not cold? I have my coat for protection from the elements, but humans..."

"Well, I wasn't exactly planning on taking a trip across dimensions tonight," Luna said. "Though now that I'm here, I'm surprised at the temperance of Equestrian nights." She held a hand out experimentally. "I'm not cold at all."

"Spring is spring, on either side of the mirror," Princess Luna said. "Still, let us make you presentable."

Princess Luna's horn glowed, covering Luna in a light blue aura. Shortly, Luna felt... cleansed. Refreshed. She took a deep breath, drinking the feeling in.

The rush faded, and when she opened her eyes, she saw that she wore her preferred work outfit: a blue, lunar-themed blouse and pants.

"Much obliged," Luna said, with a nod. "For the first time in a while, I almost feel like myself again." With nothing to distract her, she looked at her surroundings, taking in the room's motif. "Are these your chambers?" she asked.

Princess Luna smiled with pride. "What gave it away?"

"Well, it's missing the posters and shuttle blueprints, but otherwise, it looks quite a bit like my room as a girl," she said, pacing about the room. "I wish I could have kept that room. But our society trains us to forfeit such things as we age."

Princess Luna looked genuinely surprised. "Your world teaches you to stop embracing who you are?"

Luna huffed. "Believe me, I'm not a fan either. But if you don't, you get funny looks. Even in my office at school, I enjoy keeping the lights low, and my students talk about that as if it's some sort of eccentricity. Though I suppose the moon motif doesn't help either..."

Princess Luna's brow furrowed. "You should tell them what that darkness means to you. To us. Would I be correct in assuming you always felt more at peace once the sun was done for the day?"

Luna allowed a small smile to creep onto her face, relaxing. Perhaps this pony truly did understand her. "Maybe," she said.

Princess Luna chuckled. "I shall take what I can get. Come, then. Let us discuss the situation as it stands."

The two exited Princess Luna's bedroom, walking into the hallway.

Vice Principal Luna marveled at the grand halls of this place. Had it been built atop a cathedral? She saw stained glass windows wherever she looked. Some of them bore pictures of ponies which looked vaguely like her own students.

"When Celestia and I were told that the Sirens had resurfaced, I attempted to use my powers to assess theirs," the Princess explained. "I could not access their minds directly without being detected, so instead I decided to enter the dreams of their victims—you and your students." Princess Luna paused. "What I found worried me considerably."

"What did you find?"

Princess Luna's eyes narrowed. "Nothing."

"Nothing?" Luna repeated.

"Nothing. Either complete blanks, or nothing but anger and painful emotions, amidst your entire student body. With one exception."

"That being?"

Princess Luna's face turned grim. "Fear. Naught but fear in Twilight Sparkle. I have seen Twilight scared before, mind you, but never to the extent she was then. That was when I realized: she was under the siren song just like the rest. And there was nothing neither I, nor my sister, could do about it."

Luna sighed, looking away. "I know the feeling."

"Fortunately, Twilight and Sunset Shimmer triumphed—a testament to their strength of will and heart." The Princess turned to Luna. "But just the same, I was hoping you would be able to shed light on matters. Twilight will naturally provide her own report once she returns, but—"

Luna nodded. "I understand. I'll tell you everything I can remember. Just be warned, it isn't that much."

"I thank you for what you can contribute," the Princess said. "And in return, while you do…" Princess Luna walked to a nearby balcony. "As I recall, the first and last time we conversed, I promised a tour."

Luna began following her, and moments later, she felt the magic again. This time, it lifted her, as if she weighed absolutely nothing, until she was astride the alicorn's back.

"Huh." The woman placed her palms on Princess Luna's sides. "Roomy."

The Princess turned her head, looking back at Luna with lidded eyes. "Really, now?" she said, her voice as dry as desert sand.

Luna smiled back, chuckling. "Not remotely what I meant."

"Ah. Of course." The alicorn looked away, despite a subtle touch of crimson to her cheeks. "Well, then, let us be off."

Princess Luna jumped off of the balcony, then unfurled her wings. Vice Principal Luna's stomach lurched as they dipped, then rose gracefully into the air. On reflex, she looked behind her. The castle faded in the distance—

Wait, the what?

Luna did a double take. "That... that's a castle," she said, pointing.

"Did you, at some point, miss my title of 'Princess'?" Princess Luna teased.

"I..." Luna fumbled for a response. "Well, no, but that's—"

"Canterlot Castle, to be specific," the Princess said. "As you surmised earlier, you awoke in my royal chambers."

"We get a high school... and you get a castle," Luna muttered. Her mind boggled. She crossed her arms and pouted. "That's it. I'm officially lodging a complaint with the multiverse. I want throw rugs that soft in my office."

Princess Luna laughed.

As they cruised amidst the clouds, Vice Principal Luna recounted her experience with the Dazzlings. Princess Luna listened intently until her human self neared the end of her tale.

"...and when I was finally able to think straight again, the Dazzlings had already been defeated," Luna said. "Turned into regular teenagers. Regular teenagers who couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. They sounded like strangled cats when they tried to sing again."

"Most interesting," Princess Luna responded. "So that's where Starswirl's shenanigans led the Sirens. Now that they've been neutralized, I'm guessing that, as with Sunset, you and my sister's counterpart will be keeping an eye on them?"

"They actually escaped before we could get to them," Luna explained. "But make no mistake—we're on it. Just between us, I have a distinct feeling my sister will want to induct them into the student body. I'll never know why she has a soft spot for waywards." She sighed. "However, Princess—"

"Luna," said the Princess in a tender, reassuring voice, "Rarely do I say this, but I do believe we are far past formalities. Simply call me 'Luna,' as I do you."

"And here I thought it was because my official title was too long," Vice Principal Luna joked. "But all right. If I may speak freely, Luna?"

"Of course."

"Given all that's happened, it really does feel like we've been charged with doing your laundry," she said. "Our world gets used as a prison, and when containment gets beyond our ability, then you send in your royal muscle. Would you disagree?"

Princess Luna hesitated.

"I... understand your frustration," she said, swooping below a cloud. "However, if I am to believe my sister, there are beings from your world who would prove just as dangerous as our delinquents, were they given the opportunity." She turned and looked straight at Vice Principal Luna. "And that one such person has already surfaced."

Luna groaned. "One that my sister constantly blames herself for."

"It always comes back to Celestia, does it not?" Princess Luna said, with a sigh. She flew in silence for a moment, then said, "I can tell when a discussion grows wearisome. Let us digress for a spell. Tell me, Luna, have you had dinner?"

Vice Principal Luna's stomach churned, leading her to only one possible answer.

An hour later, both Lunas were airborne once more, with bellies full and spirits high.

Princess Luna had landed them on the roof of Canterlot's oldest restaurant: the Watercress. Atop that roof was her "usual table." Its position allowed for a far-reaching view of downtown Canterlot.

And what a view it had been.

Live music serenaded woman and mare as Vice Principal Luna ate, and looked over a busy, streetlamp-lit square. Ponies, some single, some in couples, trotted about. Some shopped, while others dined and danced, all amidst buildings that would not have been out of place in a small town in her own world.

But the greatest memory of Luna's outing had been the meal itself. Even with her preference for a nutritious diet, she had never seen a salad prepared so elegantly. An entire farm's worth of crops might as well have been on her plate.

Would that it had tasted as great as it looked. By concentrating, she could make out the savoriness of some of the ingredients, and the sweetness of others. Each different area of the plate, in fact, had led to a different flavor. But it was as if she could only tell as much with every other bite.

Luna furrowed her eyebrows as she mulled on the uneven experience. At least she was no longer hungry, and thus could finally think clearly. For now, that was more than enough.

"Still thinking about the meal, I see." Princess Luna smiled. "I do not blame you in the least."

"I will find that recipe," Luna vowed. "Even if I have to come back here through the mirror to get it."

Princess Luna laughed. "The secret ingredient is love—quite literally. The Watercress is home to the oldest and finest salad chef in Equestria. I provide him with inspiration during his nightly slumbers, and in turn, he sates my gourmet cravings."

"I suppose that's only fair."

"Indeed," said the alicorn as she descended to a beach that was below them.

Luna dismounted. Her eyes took a few moments to adjust to the light of the moon reflecting off of the waves of an endless ocean. Her mind and muscles relaxed as the rhythm of the waves reached her ears, and the salt air tickled her nose. She shed her shoes and socks, sighing as soft sand shifted under her bare feet. Just like the ocean, the sand went on forever, with nopony else in sight.

She gazed back towards the ocean's rolling waves. "We're not going swimming right after a meal, are we?" Luna joked. "I know that you told me you were away from your world for a millennium, but that's been a bad idea since the beginning of time."

Princess Luna shook her head. She looked down at the sand, shifting a hoof back and forth in it. With a sigh, she looked back up at Vice Principal Luna, her expression muted.
"I... suppose I should let you know that I didn't summon you here merely for small talk."

Luna sighed in return. "I suppose it was too much to hope for."

"When I heard the Sirens were defeated, I wanted to see if there were any lasting effects. With the mirror still accessible, I decided to seize the opportunity before Twilight returned," Princess Luna said. "Fortunately, none of your student body shows any traces of dark magic lingering within their minds."

"Good to know," Luna said.

"Yes. But when I came to you, you were already dreaming, and what I encountered was..." Princess Luna hesitated. "...revealing. In a sea of minds enjoying peace and tranquility, yours alone cried out in helplessness and despair."

Vice Principal Luna looked at Princess Luna, seeing concern in her eyes. She crossed her arms, and turned to the ocean. It was a long while before she spoke.

"I used to have that dream a lot," she finally said, voice quiet. "A few times a month, I'd wake up in a sweat, my heart practically beating out of my chest. It was years before I was able to force myself not to have it anymore." She huffed. "I suppose I can thank the Dazzlings for 'lowering my defenses', as it were."

Princess Luna nodded, then gestured out to the rising waters. "Be it to think, or to let off steam—when I need to shelve past fears and regrets, I often come here. I know not if a similar place exists on your world. But I offer this one to you, as well as my ear, if you think either will help."

Luna looked out at the sea, watching it roll in, white surf bubbling up the shore. It was quite peaceful.

"Do you meditate here?" Luna asked. "No offense, but I have a hard time picturing your species sitting cross-legged and chanting."

Princess Luna shook her head, with a chuckle. "No. I have… my own way of unwinding. Releasing steam, as it were. Allow me to show you."

Princess Luna then closed her eyes and took several slow, deep breaths. Soon, Luna saw that those breaths were in time with the movement of the waves.

The alicorn's horn glowed. As it did, so did the full moon above them.

The ocean trembled. The waves churned and swirled. The crash of sea against the land increased to a dull roar, making Luna wince. Then, as quickly as it happened, it was over. The waters stilled to their previous gentle pace, and the beach was calm again.

Princess Luna exhaled.

Vice Principal Luna did all she could not to stare, mouth agape. "Well," she said, flat-footed. "Ahem. While I like the idea... I'm afraid I can't quite follow your methods."

Princess Luna's eyes twinkled.

"What makes you so sure?"

Vice Principal Luna blinked. "Because I'm not you? I'm human. I can't use magic."

"Half a year ago, five of your students would have said the exact same thing," Princess Luna said, looking out over the water. "Then they were exposed to a single Equestrian artifact. You stand in that artifact's world of origin, Luna. Here, all are allowed—nay, encouraged—to find the magic inside of themselves."

Vice Principal Luna stared at the Princess for a long time.

The Princess stared back.

"...you're serious," Luna finally said.

Princess Luna nodded.

Vice Principal Luna sighed, then looked out towards the ocean, furrowing her brow. While she was no yogi, or whatever, Luna knew the basic practice of meditation and employed it from time to time. Granted, it had been some time, but she still remembered the steps. Given the Princess's demonstration, she figured that was as good a place to start as any.

Closing her eyes, Luna cleared her mind, and concentrated on the sound of the waves. Back, and forth. To, and fro.

A steady beat. Easy to do. In and out.

Satisfied, she raised her head and opened her eyes. She kept the still rolling waves in her ear, but fixated her eyes on the moon and stars above. Her focus. Where she always went in meditation: to the heavens.

And she felt it. The moon. The waves. The light.

Newfound energy ran through her body, flowing through her, cleansing her...

...transforming her.

She never felt the ears grow, or the tail, or even the sprouting of her wings, so lost was she in the other sensations. The moon, the stars, the waves, they were all a part of her now. It was only when the glow faded that she noticed her new... accessories.

The moment she did, she jumped and cried out in shock. Her hands touched the ears, the tail, the wings, and- the wings. Her wings.

"This..."—Vice Principal Luna swished her tail—"this is the same as..."

Princess Luna smiled and nodded.

With a determined gaze, Vice Principal Luna looked out to the ocean again and raised an arm. A geyser rose with it. Gasping, she jumped back.

She looked at her hand. She grinned determinedly.

Stepping forward, she flapped her wings once, twice, and rose. When she had a view from several yards up, she willed herself to remember the dream which had brought her here, and the emotions it brought with it.

Anger and frustration, sadness and helplessness. Her mind flashed to the students which had saved her, her sister, and their school twice over while she was forced to watch helplessly. She was supposed to be a leader. She was supposed to protect them! And she was not even of sound mind—

Vice Principal Luna's heart tensed, her breaths grew ragged, and she felt the lump in her throat growing by the second. Eyes squeezed shut, she failed to notice the moon's intensifying glow. Instead, she felt the wind whipping around her, and heard the roar of the waves beneath her. She was fine with it—she needed the breeze, she needed the noise.

Finally, she reopened her eyes, and with an anguished cry, she thrust out her palm.

And thunder burst forth from it.

It left her in a rush, the power, but it worked. The water before her parted in two, for as far as her eyes could see. Spent, she released the power, gasping for breath as the ocean slowly reassembled itself.

I'm... I'm one of them now, she thought.

Her anger receded, settling like the water below.

I can do something.

She hovered in place, wings flapping for what felt like a long time. Then, she raised both arms, casually and loosely, and twirled in the sky. The moon glowed, and rising waves crashed and collided, the sound and resulting showers resulting in a makeshift storm.

So many years, always bearing witness, never able to change a single thing!

Laughing, she took off like a shot across the water, the wind cool at her face. Zooming, spinning, and looping, she went any way she wanted, calling the wind any and every time she wanted.

Freedom! For once in her life, glorious freedom!

I want this so much, she thought, over and over. I want to take this back with me!

And what would you do with it?

Princess Luna appeared beside Vice Principal Luna, keeping pace with her own flight.

Vice Principal Luna shut her eyes tight, but never slowed down. "I... I don't know!" she shouted. "Maybe if something else comes through your stupid mirror I might actually be able to do something about it!"

She opened her eyes, gaze burning hot. Her words came in a cracked voice, an impassioned cry. "Even if I still needed help from my students, it would still be something! It would be better than what I've always been up until now: nothing!"

The second Vice Principal Luna spoke those words, a thunderclap sounded in the skies above, stronger than any she had ever heard in her life.

"Hold. Thy. Tongue!" The Princess's voice roared from all around Luna, as loud as, if not louder, than the thunderclap that had left her spinning. She was brought up short by the sight of Princess Luna, eyes flashing white and lightning flashing behind her.

Luna held where she was, hovering before the Princess in stunned silence.

"'Nothing,' you say?" Princess Luna bellowed again, the dual-toned sound like a physical blow against Luna's whole body. More lightning flashed in the distance, with more thunder to accompany it."In all of Equestria's history, no greater lie has ever been told!"

Luna cringed, ready for some strike from the terrifying visage before her. But it never came. Instead, Princess Luna calmed, the skies around her following suit. The only thing still churning were the waters far below them.

Luna saw tears in the Princess's eyes, and it only took a second for her to realize that tears ran down her own face as well.

"I remember those words," Princess Luna said, her voice soft but intense. "I said them myself a thousand years ago. Hearing them once more in a voice so like my own..." She closed her eyes and exhaled. "Foolish they were then, and foolish they will always be."

Princess Luna floated forward, and took Vice Principal Luna's hands in her hooves. Luna closed her eyes, looking away.

"Luna. Look at me, please," The Princess said.

Vice Principal Luna slowly turned her head, blinking back tears.

"Allow me to impart a nugget of wisdom that took a thousand years of exile for me to learn," Princess Luna said. "'Nothing' is the furthest thing from what we are. If you wish, I can prove this to you."

Luna remained silent. Then... "Please?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Princess Luna smiled. "It will require a new venue. One of significant meaning for both of us. Hold onto my hooves tightly, and close your eyes."

Vice Principal Luna did as she was asked. Then, she felt the wind once more, and heard the waters churn even louder than before.

Gradually, light intruded into the darkness of her vision, until it took over completely.

4: We Can't Do This on Equestria

She heard absolutely nothing, not even a breeze, and her vision was darkness. Moments later, her feet gently landed on solid ground.

"You may open your eyes now," The Princess said.

Vice Principal Luna did, and she saw everything. The stars were not only above them, but all around them. A blue planet was easily visible in the distance, along with other planets! And even a sun! A sun... an entire solar system... with one celestial object clearly missing...

She squealed in shock. "Luna, where have you taken us?"

"Calm down, Luna," Princess Luna said, with a chuckle. "I think you know. Oh, and do remember to breathe as well."

Vice Principal Luna did. "How am I breathing in space?" she squeaked.

Princess Luna pointed to her horn. "I'm taking care of that," she replied. "And the fact that we're not freezing as well. One might say I have... intimate knowledge of the conditions up here."

"I..." Vice Principal Luna looked around, finally taking it all in. "I'm... I'm in space." She looked down, tapping her feet on the rock beneath herself, and promptly figured out the rest.

"I'm actually on... no...."

She bent her legs, then jumped as high as she could manage—which, she quickly confirmed, was very high indeed. She let out a euphoric whoop as she sailed across the landscape, all of her cares forgotten in the moment.

"'One small step,' I believe the saying goes?" Princess Luna said, watching Luna bounce around. "Congratulations on being the first lady on the moon. Well, our moon, at any rate. Also, human lady goodness but there are a lot of qualifiers here I never planned on—"

"It's fine, I can deal with it," Luna said, as she landed. "This... this is even more beautiful than I imagined! And believe me, I imagined for years, watched so many videos, wore out almost a dozen telescopes, I—" She turned to Princess Luna with shining eyes. "I'm at a loss for words. I'm not sure that even a hundred 'thank you's would cover this."

"I was hoping it would be to your liking," The Princess said. "The very first time I ever crossed the mirror, I spied a dream of a little blue girl playing with a toy vehicle and speaking as if it were a star-faring vessel." Princess Luna winked. "Your happiness is my happiness. I'm simply glad to see I guessed correctly."

"So many years. I was sure it would stay in my dreams," Luna said, feeling exactly like that little blue girl again.

"Nothing has to," Princess Luna said, "be it traveling the stars or looking after one's home. Doing anything, being anything, living the life you want—it is always within your reach, If you're willing to do what is needed... and maintain both patience and faith."

Both Lunas stepped forward to view the twinkling stars, and the pony-populated planet in the distance.

"My sister and I," Princess Luna explained, "are amongst the most 'powerful' wielders of magic in our world." As she spoke, visions soared before the both of them, showing ponies which, once again, looked very much like Vice Principal Luna's students, battling all sorts of monsters. "Yet we entrust its protection to a handful of humbler ponies, some of whom possess no traditional magical training whatsoever."

"But why?" Luna asked. "You and Celestia can do so much. You can cross worlds, cast magic, awaken it in others—"

"One, because if a domain's leaders fall, that domain is that much easier to destroy from within," The Princess explained, matter-of-factly. "And two-because magical prowess is hardly everything. The ability to change the world is often said to be reserved for those with power. But in the grand scope of the universe, it is actually afforded to time. And waiting until it is right."

The visions from before shifted one last time, to show pony sister banishing sister into the moon itself. Luna gasped as she grasped the scene before them.

She looked to Princess Luna. The mare had closed her eyes, but was still unable to stop the tears from forming underneath them.

Luna turned around, and hugged her. Princess Luna sighed and sat, hugging Luna in return.

"Just how much sadness have you carried over so many years?" Luna whispered.

"I could ask you the same question," The Princess replied. "We could probably fill tomes, you and I."

The Princess sighed, wiped her eyes, and rose. "But I actually did not bring us up here to dwell on the past," she said. "You asked for guidance on the future. And speaking as somepony who has some years on her, I promise to do what I can."

"I appreciate it," Luna said. "The best I could ever could do in my world was train to be a… well. A normal teacher, teaching normal things. Which I was good at, don't get me wrong. But my sister was world famous for her knowledge. I envied her."

She looked away.

"But I also loved her. Even if I wasn't always sure that she felt the same," Luna admitted. "Then the scandal happened, and all of a sudden... she needed me. After so many years, my presence held meaning for her. And I couldn't have been happier."

She looked up into The Princess's eyes again.

"It was the closest I'd come in a long time to feeling truly special," Luna said, voice soft. "I... just wish it hadn't come at the cost of my sister's smile. If only I knew a decade ago what we all know now."

Princess Luna nodded. "I can see why you took to your newfound magic so well."

"I would do anything to help Celestia," Luna said. "Words I suppose you've constantly uttered too?"

Princess Luna nodded. "When I returned from my exile, I saw my own sister wracked with pain and guilt, not unlike mine. She put on a brave smiling face for her subjects, but even after our... long time apart, I still know her best.

"Even now, I can only sometimes get her to open up to me," The Princess said. "But I don't hold it against her. Because, unlike your Celestia, mine did not have her family by her side. So many years, so many storms she weathered all by herself. All because of me."

Luna gripped Princess Luna's withers. "But that's just it! Is this truly all we can do? Stand by and watch as our sisters hurt?"

Princess Luna chuckled. "You speak as if that's not one of the most important things one sister can do for another. Even amidst our turmoil, I still know beyond a shadow of a doubt that during the times when I was at my lowest, and and even when I was in exile, my sister never gave up on me... and she never will." She closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Opening her eyes, she smiled at Luna. "That gives me the strength to keep going, despite our past mistakes, and to support her in turn.

"The sun blazes with power, drawing attention to itself and to the day," The Princess said, gesturing to the sun in the far distance. "The moon channels only as much of the sun's power as it needs. But otherwise, the night is patient. Its patience, its endurance, its willingness to step aside and let others shine when they wish, is its strength. So it is with you," She prodded Luna's chest with her hoof, "with me, and our sisters."

Both Lunas directed their vision to the blue planet before them. It looked bigger, somehow. Luna chalked it up to her imagination.

"This is who we are, Luna," Princess Luna said. "We are the watch. We are the guardians."

Woman and mare landed back on the beach. Both looked to the moon, nodding in reverence and understanding, then at each other.

"Usually when I enter dreams, my aim is to banish the fears which lead to nightmares entirely," Princess Luna said, cocking her head. "However, I must admit that I have no clue if I've managed to so do tonight."

"For what it's worth, you've done more for me tonight than I've been able to do by myself for years," Luna said. "But you've also done something more." She clasped one of the Princess's hooves in both her hands, expression earnest. "You've ensured that you have more than one sister in your corner. Even if she has to cross an entire world to get to you."

Princess Luna smiled and nodded. "Consider the sentiment returned," she said. "Shall we get back to our lives for now, then?" She lowered herself, and waved an inviting wing.

Luna slid back on. "I have this sudden urge to buy the darkest riding mare I can find when I get back to my world," she said, giggling.

Princess Luna laughed as she took off. "Perhaps you should. I'll come visit you both."

"Can you actually do that?"

"Technically, I could," The Princess said, "but in all seriousness: our visits should remain as scarce as possible. However, should you ever need to converse about matters both worldly or…" She glanced back at Luna, "personal, again, contact Sunset Shimmer. She will know what to do."

Princess Luna flapped her wings grandly, climbing higher. Soon, The moon and stars seemed almost in reach.

"I will," Luna said, lying against Princess Luna's shoulder. She closed her eyes, and enjoyed the soft breeze of the flight. "Thank you for everything."

"You're quite welcome," Princess Luna replied. "I extend my own gratitude in return. It's nice to be able to step outside of yourself once in awhile."

Luna would have agreed... were she not currently deep in the midst of the most relaxing sleep she'd had in months.

5: Never Afraid of the Dark

When Luna opened her eyes, she was back in her nightgown, and back in her bed. Sunlight peeked in through the blinds.

Was it all a dream? she thought, mind working furiously despite just waking. Did I actually go to Equestria? Heavens, did we really go until morning? Is... is she still...

"Luna?" she said aloud.

No answer. Until someone beside her groaned. Startled, she nearly fell out of bed. Then she saw Celestia in her own nightgown, one arm reaching for Luna.

As Luna watched her sister, the words of both the Night Princess, and of one of her students, echoed in her mind.

"The night is patient," Princess Luna had said. "Its patience, its endurance, its willingness to step aside and let others shine when they wish, is its strength. This is who we are, Luna. We are guardians."

"A lot of people, people I don’t even know, fight so their lives can be what they want them to be," Rainbow Dash had said. "Which means you have to, too, Miss Luna. You deserve way better. You and Principal Celestia do. My friends and I didn't save the school just 'cause it was the right thing to do. We saved it because it was worth saving."

A weight lifted from Luna's shoulder—weight she'd known for years.

So be it, she thought, taking Celestia's hand. I shall guard. And together, Celestia and I shall fight. Fight to have the lives we want. Lives free of regrets.

Celestia stirred, squeezing Luna's hand sleepily. "Mmmm... long night," she mumbled.

Luna nodded. "Yes, for both of us," she said.

Celestia sighed, rubbing at her eyes with her free hand. "...couldn't sleep," she said, voice tight. "Alone, in my room, I mean. Came in here. I'm..." Celestia sniffled. "Luna, I'm so sorry. About everything, I mean. Not just collapsing here without your permission. But... but for being completely unable to—"

"Shhh." Luna placed a finger to her sister's lips, sighed, and pulled Celestia closer. She stroked her hair. She wondered what talks Princess Celestia had been having with the woman in front of her. Whatever they were, Luna could see that they weren't the ones she needed.

Luna would fix that. As best she could, anyway.

"Never say sorry to me again, Celestia," Luna said. "I should have told you this long ago: between us, there has never been anything to forgive."

Celestia froze, looking up into Luna's eyes.

"I... I-I love you, Luna," Celestia said, her own wide eyes and choked voice speaking volumes. She embraced her sister. "I always have. Even when I was caught up in myself. I should have told you that long ago as well."

"Later is always better than never." Luna hugged back. "I love you too, Celestia." She closed her eyes, hugging her sister tight. "And I always will."