Winds of Freedom

"They're so beautiful," the lunar princess whispered, her tired form lying limp in her bed. She reached out weakly for the two crying bundles that her husband held. As he gingerly passed them to her, she got her first look at the twin boys. One had a surprisingly thick shock of hair that was deep blue, much the same color as her mane when it flowed with galaxies held within. The other, which also had thick hair, had a darker complexion, with locks of black hair with red streaks in it.

     "They are fitting sons of the Princess of the Night and the Dark Lord," announced her husband. Despite his serious tone, he was grinning like a fool, his somewhat unsettling eyes twinkling with delight.

     "Sombra, I sincerely hope that shan't be the best thing thou will say about thy sons," Luna chided, but she was smiling as well. But then she looked down sadly. "If only they could know," she murmured. Her voice held years of pain in it, the pain of secrets that can never be revealed.

     "Luna, we agreed. They cannot know that I am their father. The rest of the country would persecute them for their whole lives because of their sire's mistakes." Sombra let his hands rest on the white sheets of Luna's bed. "I cannot live with that on my mind." He began to pace around the small room, his boots thumping against the soft brown carpet.

     "Just as thine country cannot know of our love. The decisions thou have made are sound, but we cannot help but wish that circumstances were different. If only they could see you fell victim to the same evil that we did. If only..." Luna gazed up at the ceiling in frustration.

     The ceiling was painted with the stars, glowing like the night sky. Luna took pride in her art, but now it only reminded her of the trials she had gone through as the nocturnal half of Equestria's government. She had made her fair share of mistakes, but she had been forgiven. She was, after all, Celestia's sister. Sombra had not been forgiven. She doubted he ever would be.

     "My crimes can never be undone. But I can hold hope that my sons will make a difference in this world. That is good enough for me. I hope that is good enough for you as well," Sombra told her. He stopped his pacing and walked to his wife's side. His fingers entwined with hers, squeezing her hand. "It will be okay." He looked at her, his brow furrowed with concern, but he was smiling encouragingly as well.

     "I surely hope so." Luna smiled at her son's faces. They would certainly have an interesting future. Whether it would be a good one, only time would tell.

     "Sleep well, little ones," she whispered softly. "For the Night shall always be your guardian."

     "And your friend," added Sombra. They looked at each other sadly, before smiling again. They only had so long before this moment would disappear. They had best make the most of it.