Reaching For The Sun

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six

Prologue

“You have to get out of here!”

Twilight madly shook her head, the Element of Magic once more rested upon her brow after they had been forced to retrieve the Elements from the Tree of Harmony. Discord was at that moment in the Everfree itself, monitoring for any further dangers that might arise.

The night had been long. How long, Twilight was unsure. Days, maybe? It was as if all of Celestia’s magic had been focused on protecting the minds of her ponies from the fog trying to break them. The sun had stayed below the horizon. Twilight looked up at the dull moon and shivered, knowing it wouldn’t take long until he found them.

“I’m not leaving you!”

“Do not make me order you to leave, Twilight Sparkle!”

Twilight turned to see Celestia. She was bloody from the battle she had already fought. If not for Luna and Cadance… Twilight shook her head. “Celestia, I don’t think you are in any shape to be giving me orders.”

Celestia actually chuckled as she gazed at Twilight. “You’ve grown so much. It wasn’t that long ago that you would have obeyed without a thought.” She started coughing, a rivulet of blood landing on the floor as she winced. “This is not the time for you to gain such stubbornness, Twilight Sparkle. He will be here soon. Equestria needs you and your friends. I am… expendable.”

“What are you saying? You’re Princess Celestia! Of all ponies…” Twilight felt Celestia’s hoof lay gently upon her lips. She looked up to see Celestia smiling down at her, a line of blood trailing from her mouth. Her eyes were firm, yet full of unshed tears.

“Twilight, I want you to listen to me. Equestria does not need me like it needs you and your friends. I can fall this night if I must to protect you all.” Her horn was alight, still fighting for everyone she loved. “You need to go now, Twilight… please, if nothing else at least hide. Do not fall to him. You are such a strong and amazing mare. Losing you to him…” She trailed off, shaking her head.

Twilight swallowed hard as she nuzzled Celestia’s hoof, feeling her wing wrap around her like so many times before. This was different, though. And they both knew it. “I’ll never give up on you, Celestia. Never!”

Celestia leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on Twilight’s cheek, her own cheek a rosy red. “I’ll hold you to that, Twilight Sparkle.”

A moment of silence was far to short for the two mares who nuzzled close. Words that they wanted to say begged to come out. Before it was to late.

“Celestia I…”

“I know, Twilight…”

It had to be enough as Celestia withdrew from the embrace, as the moon fell from the sky. Only the lanterns and the stars lit up the area. Twilight felt a tear fall down her cheek as she prayed for Luna and Cadance.

“Run. Do you hear me, Twilight? Run to the Everfree. Discord will protect you if need be. Now, go!” Celestia turned as she heard the sound of a bell. “Go! Now!”

A whimper left Twilight’s lips, but finally, she did as she was commanded. She turned and ran as she heard the bell getting louder. Yet, she did not head for the Everfree as she was bid. She hid behind a house. And she slowly maneuvered herself so only her head was poking out. And she watched.

Celestia stood tall, even as the wind whipped around her. The once-bustling village lay silent around her, all the ponies having already been evacuated to safety in the crystal mines. Moments passed as the sound of the bell steadily grew louder and closer. he was soon eye to eye with the large ram who was grinning at her. His eyes glowing with unnatural light.

“Peek-a-boo, Celestia.” His voice was smooth, and caused Twilight’s bones to ache every time she had heard it. This was to be no exception.

Celestia glared him down, before lashing out with her front hooves. She slammed into his chest with all her strength, sending him sprawling to the ground. Celestia laughed. “It seems you don’t handle physical abuse as well as you do magic. Good to know!”

Twilight watched as she kicked off her hoof shoes and threw off her crown with a firm shake of her head.

“Get up you, bucking monster! You want my ponies? You’ll have to go through me and I don’t think you can!” Celestia winced as his cloven hoof met her muzzle, snapping her head back. She spat out a bit of blood and tackled him to the ground.

Twilight almost winced a few times for the fiend as Celestia ripped into him with both hooves and teeth. He wasn’t looking too good from what Twilight could see. She dare not cast a spell, even if only to see in the dark.

“This is what happens to those who try to take my ponys’ free-will!” With each word, Celestia punched him in the face with alternating hoofs. She could feel the bruises on her face and chest from his counter-blows, but she did not care.

The bell was silent as the ram lay still and Celestia kicked him aside. She glared down at him “And stay dead this time…”

Twilight felt joy surge through her body as she realized it was over. He was dead! Luna...was probably battered and beaten up, but they’d all be alright! Things were going to be okay- Her eyes widened as the ram got back to his hooves. Celestia had already turned from him. He was going to...

“Celestia! Behind you! He isn’t dead!”

Celestia turned, her eyes flashing. Her horn briefly went out as her whole body began to glow. “You will never take their minds while I have any life in my body!” The glow quickly grew to an inferno of energy surrounding the both of them. “I will stop you! I will end you!”

Twilight forced herself to watch. Frozen in her hiding space. She could do nothing but watch as the ball of energy grew even brighter.

“Equestria will never be yours! This world has rejected you!”

A whoosh of released energy swept over the abandoned Ponyville, knocking Twilight to her belly as she forced herself back up. She saw Celestia panting on her belly, a portal of energy beside her as she shakingly went to get to her hooves. Two large cloven hooves reached through and dragged her through the portal. It closed the instant she was through.

“Celestia!”

“Celestia!” Twilight sat up, sweat-soaked bangs falling into her eyes as sobs escaped her muzzle.

“Twilight! Twilight, it’s okay, Twi. It was just a nightmare!”

Twilight shook her head as she felt Spike’s arms wrapped around her. “N-no it wasn’t…”

Spike frowned and brushed Twilight’s sweaty bangs away. “Again, Twi? It’s been ten years…You have to let it go, Twi.”

“Never, Spike. I promised.” Twilight gave her little assistant a hug and got up. It’s going to be a busy day

Chapter One

Twilight slowly combed out her wet mane. Spike had insisted she take a nice long shower after she had woken up like that once again. Twilight squeezed her eyes shut. She knew why Luna wouldn’t enter her nightmares, but that didn’t make them easier to deal with. A frown appeared on her muzzle as she looked down and bit her lip. I know she suffers her own nightmares of that night. I can’t blame her for not wanting any more. She set her comb back on the counter and gazed at herself in the mirror.

The last ten years had been kind to her. No longer did she look like a unicorn with wings. She had finally grown into her alicorn-hood, standing between Cadance and Luna in height. Her mane was still in the same no-nonsense style she’d worn her entire life, though strands would sparkle in the right light. She reached for her currying brush, but shook her head. She just wasn’t in the mood. Besides, her fur looked presentable as it was.

Spike looked up as Twilight came down into the dining room, “Hey, Twilight. You’re looking loads better! Starlight already finished breakfast and said to tell you she was going to get some coffee before grabbing Sunset.” He shrugged, setting Twilight’s breakfast down. “I think she might be addicted to the coffee over there, Twi.”

Twilight shrugged as she poured syrup over her waffles. “She only gets it once a week, Spike. I hardly think that is anything approaching an addiction. They remember I have my monthly meeting with Luna and Cadance today, right?”

“Yeah, no sweat. I even reminded Starlight before she left. She said they’ll be in the lab uh...then she started spouting science gobbly gook? So, yeah, they’ll be in the lab when you get back.” Spike dug into his own waffles. he licked his lips, but hesitated. “They, um, are having that remembrance thing today, right?”

Twilight gave a simple nod after a moment.

Spike tapped the table top with his claw. “I um...Are you going to be part of it this year?” He finally asked, after a few more bites were eaten.

“You know the answer to that Spike.” Twilight’s voice was crisp, and without the warmth it normally held when she was speaking to Spike or any of her other friends.

“Twilight it-it’s been ten years! There are foals in your school who grew up without even hearing her voice I just it… it’s not healthy!”

Twilight got up from the table and looked Spike directly in the eye. “I have told you this before, Spike, and I am telling you for the last time. Celestia is NOT dead! Cadance can still sense her heart, Luna call still feel her aura! Until both of them tell me that they no longer feel her I will never give up!”

“L-luna goes to the remembrance ceremonies.” Spike tried going at it another way, hoping to cool Twilight’s temper. He instead winced as Twilight grit her teeth.

“She is required as the ruling princess of Equestria. Notice Cadance refuses to attend for the same reason that I do. And each year Luna once again refuses to sign the papers to declare her sister…” Twilight snorted, tossing her mane. “I’ve eaten enough. I need to get to Canterlot.”

“C-can I come with you, Twilight?” Spike asked, cradling his tail and watching as his sister/mother seemed to be warring with herself. Finally, she gave a nod

“Alright, maybe you can think of something we have missed.” Twilight laid down on her belly. “Get on, Spike.”

Twilight embraced Luna, then Cadance, before taking a seat on a purple cushion besides Cadance. While it was true they saw each other at least every month Twilight, still felt giddy filly joy when she was in her sister-in-law’s presence. Spike also received a large hug from Cadance as Luna found another cushion for him to sit upon.

“A good day to you, Twilight.” Luna smiled before wincing as she recalled the black ribbons everywhere. “As much as today can be, at least. Do either of you have any news?”

Cadance sighed. “Nothing more to report than last month, Aunt Luna. Auntie’s heart remains beating and love has filled it. Though it’s not that of romance, but of familial in nature.” She shook her head. “Bits of extra joy now and then, but nothing I can fully explain.”

Luna rubbed her chin. “Familial love. That may come in handy… And you, Twilight Sparkle. How goes your own project?”

Twilight sighed. “Not much different than our last meeting. I’ve asked Sunset if she can come more than every weekend. However, she makes a fair point that though she and Sci-Twi-er, that is my human equivalent’s, nickname have their own lab. She is still expected to be there during normal working hours.” Twilight glanced down. “She does have her own life across the portal. But, as it is I believe she, Starlight, and myself have been making progress in understanding exactly how the portal works. If we knew exactly where Celestia had sent him and herself I’m certain we’d be ready to open a portal there within the next few days.”

Luna nodded. “And in my case, my findings remain the same. Tia is near a leyline, which is allowing her aura to continue to repair itself. If only I could get the nobility to understand the words, ‘my sister is not dead,’ my job would be far easier!” Luna frowned as she shook her head. “As it is, we may have to cut our meeting short. I have to prepare for the remembrance ceremony. Twilight Sparkle, Cadenza, can I not convince either of you to suffer this along side me?”

Twilight shook her head. “I’m sorry, Luna. You know my reasons.”

Cadance smiled sadly. “Which are the same as mine, Auntie. I get enough of it when I return home after every one of our meetings.”

Luna nodded in understanding, her shoulders slumping. “If only I had some proof to give the ponies aside from my word.” She glanced over at Spike, who was frowning.“What is it, young Spike? Doth...do you have anything to add? Any ideas are welcome, I assure you. As of right now we three continue to bash our heads into an unmoving wall.”

Spike glanced over to Twilight, who gave him an encouraging nod along with a small smile. He stood up and looked up at Luna. “Well, you said you can sense Princess Celestia’s aura. And, um, Cadance, you can feel her heart, right?”

Both mares nodded. “Yes, little one, that is true. However, it does not help us locate my sister’s location in another world.” Luna smiled gently. “But, I assume that there is something you have thought of that we have not?”

“Well, couldn’t you use Rarity’s gem-finding spell and kinda rework it to find either the Princess’s heart or aura or um both?” Spike finished, nervously wringing his claws as the three mares stared at him in shock before Luna threw her head back and laughed.

“Leave it to a child to see what three mares were too blind to see!” She got up and placed a hoof on Spike’s shoulder, before she turned and trotted to the hallway to order a carriage to retrieve Rarity poshaste.

Cadance beamed as she followed after Luna to let Shining Armor know she’d be staying in Canterlot for a few days, at least as Twilight came up behind Spike and wrapped him in a warm hug with both her forelegs and wings wrapped around him.

“Good job Spike… I’m so proud of you.”

Chapter Two

It took surprisingly little time for the six mares to get a working spell together. Twilight sent for Sunset and Starlight as soon as Rarity was on her way. If they were going to get this working, she’d need them, along with all of their notes.

Twilight finally glanced up from the scroll they had just completed. Around her were exhausted but alert mares. They were some of the best she could have ever asked for. Surrounding the scroll were the remains of the fast food they had shoved in their mouths between debating equations. Each mare had yelled something unflattering at least once, and Twilight was rather impressed at the range of volume they all had.

Coffee had helped them to stay awake while intermittent tea helped soothe feelings.Twilight licked her chapped lips as she blinked swollen eyes. “Th-this is it… We’ve done it. This will create a portal to arrive within one mile of Celestia.” A laugh escaped her as all hugged, laughter and tears coming in intervals. After three days locked in this small room, they had done it.

After several minutes of embracing one another, they pulled back as Cadance wiped the tears from her eyes. “And now we have one last problem. Who is going through to bring her back?”

The six mares slowly looked between one another, until Rarity finally spoke up. “I’m afraid I am forced to decline such an honor. Working on the spell to bring back our beloved Princess was well worth the time it took, but I fear I may have already lost customers. And as a business mare I am responsible for those within my employ.” She brushed a bit of dirty mane from her eyes. “I am sorry.”

Luna shook her head. “No, you have naught to apologize for, Lady Rarity. And do inform any customers you fear you have lost that I will personally replace any of them with ponies far more deserving.” Luna smiled at Rarity, who blushed and stammered. “It is the least I can do in thanks for the assistance you have given to us all. I am truly in your debt.” With that said, Luna prostrated herself on the floor in front of Rarity, touching her horn to the floor. “Anything you desire within my power, consider it yours.”

Rarity continued to stammer, until Twilight gently shut her mouth with magic. “Why don’t you head home and take a shower before you think any more on it.”

Rarity blinked and smiled. “Yes. I think I’ll do that, Twilight. Ahem, Luna? I don’t suppose I’d be able to get a ride home, would I?”

Luna smiled as she stood and walked Rarity outside, directing one of the guards in a quiet voice.

Sunset stood up and stretched her legs and back.“I have to decline as well. While I’d love to go and get Princess Celestia, I don’t think I’m who she’d most want to see.” She gave Twilight a light punch on the shoulder.

“Yeah, gotta decline for the same reason, Twilight. She likes me well enough as I’m your student. But the first pony she has seen in ten years shouldn’t be me.” Starlight stood up next to Sunset, smiling at Twilight. Both mares shared a knowing smile as they followed after, Luna also hoping to grab that ride back to Ponyville.

“Cadance? You’re her niece,” Twilight started as Cadance shook her head, standing up from the table and stretching out her wings.

“Ow! I should have done that a few times when we took short breaks. Flying is going to suck… Sorry, Ladybug, but it can’t be me that goes. Not to bring her back.”

“But, I don’t understand…” Twilight trailed off as Cadance’s joyful laugh filled the room.

“You will. Remember, I can see Auntie’s heart.” Cadance rested a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “This is between you and Aunt Luna. Only one of you can go. Now, I’m about three days late from getting home, so I’m going to take a shower and head out before your brother decides you’ve decided to foal nap me.” She kissed Twilight’s nose, causing her to swish her tail in irritation.

After a few moments, Luna rentered the room and took her seat across from Twilight. They were silent for several moments, simply staring at the completed spell on the table between them.

“I take it that Cadenza declined as well?” Luna finally stated, seeing Twilight nod. She tapped her fore hoof upon the table top. Both continued to sit in silence, battling their thoughts. Each waited to see if the other would speak first.

Twilight finally caved.“Cadance said it had to be either you or me. No other pony. She told me to remember that she could see Celestia’s heart.”

Luna snorted and shook her head. “But of course. And who better than my beloved niece to understand a pony’s heart…”

Both mares chuckled before falling silent again. Spike was softly snoring, curled up on a abandoned cushion beside Twilight.

Luna finally sighed and stood up to gaze down at Twilight.“Twilight Sparkle...You recall our first meeting, I would hope?”

Twilight nodded. It had been one of the scariest but greatest moments of her life.

Luna licked her lips. “I doubt that you remember, but… you reached your hoof to me. When you were directing the Element’s power towards the Nightmare, I saw you reaching out to me to welcome me back, to show I was welcome.”

“I-I don’t remember. But If I had been able I know, I would have.” Twilight smiled, a strand of her mane falling out of place as it sparkled.

“As I said, I did not expect you would recall. But I treasure that memory, Twilight. You were the first thing I saw when I was released from my madness, even before Tia. And that is why… Twilight Sparkle, you will be the one to use this spell.” Luna placed her hooves on Twilight’s shoulders, tears running down her cheeks as she smiled widely at her first friend.

“Bring my sister home, Twilight Sparkle.”

Chapter Three

Twilight circled the cleared spot in her lab a few more times. “How close are we, Sunset?” She called over to Sunset, who was mumbling and using her magic to clear the circle of any type of debris. Starlight, meanwhile, was trying for the eighth time to draw the circle component of the spell in chalk.

“I think once Starlight figures out how to draw a circle.” Sunset poked her tongue out at Starlight, who was playfully glaring up at her. “We’ll be ready. How long should we keep the spell open for, Twi?”

Twilight paused. That was a problem she was still struggling with, and had been for the last week as they had been preparing the spell. They had no idea what to expect. All they knew was that Celestia was there, and that she was alive. At first, Twilight had thought to go through with a rope tied around her, so if something went wrong she could easily be pulled to safety. But that left the portal open the entirety of the time Twilight was there.

And as much as Twilight hoped this would be a quick in-and-out, there was always the possibility that Celestia had amnesia. And, well, if she didn’t even remember her or Equestria it would take longer as Twilight would not simply grab her without the mare trusting her.

“I think the best idea if to close it once I am fully through, then reopen it every three days until I return with Celestia.”

Starlight and Sunset glanced at each other before Sunset took a step towards her best friend. “Twi, are you sure? Three days is a long time to be trapped in another world when we have no idea what type of creatures live there.”

“Which is the reason that I want you to close the portal after me. We can’t take the chance that some type of beast might find it. Luna says there is a ley line right next to where I should appear. Don’t worry. I’ve been practicing my brother’s shield spell. He insisted. I can last three days no matter where I wind up.” Twilight wrapped her neck around Sunset’s. “I promise.”

Sunset curled her neck around Twilight’s in response, holding the hug for a few moments before pulling away and blinking back a tear. “You better, or I’ll come in after you. And I sure as buck won’t be as kind as I know you plan to be.”

A snicker escaped Twilight’s lips as she imagined Sunset racing through and grabbing both herself and Celestia in her magic, before sprinting back through the portal, not giving a buck about what any being said. “I know you would, Sunset.”

Starlight cleared her throat as she backed up. “Well, that's it. It’s the most perfect circle which has ever been drawn in Equestria!” She carefully dropped the nub of chalk far from the circle. “I think that’s everything.”

Twilight nodded as she glanced around at Starlight and Sunset. “You remember the spell to open and close the portal?”

Sunset rolled her eyes at Twilight. “Foal’s play. Starlight and I could cast this spell in our sleep. Right, Star?”

Starlight nodded as she forced a grin onto her muzzle. “Seriously. Teach. Compared to restructuring Starswirl’s time travel spell? Piece of cake!”

Twilight nodded “And Spike?” She did not want to take the chance of him racing after her like he had when they first met Sunset.

“At Rarity’s until tonight, after which Applejack is taking him and well… One of your friends will have an eye on him at all times.” Sunset shrugged. “Don’t worry about him.”

“Well, I think that’s everything.” Twilight took a deep breath as she stared at the chalk circle on her floor. “Alright, girls. Cast the spell.”

As one, both Sunset and Starlight’s horns began glowing reddish-blue. A vortex slowly appeared within the chalk outline until it filled the entire circle. It glowed gold as it locked onto Celestia’s magical aura.

Twilight took one final deep breath and jumped through the portal. The second Twilight’s horn vanished from sight, they cut the magic to their horns.

“Think she’ll be alright, Sunset?” Starlight panted a bit. She looked at the golden unicorn, who simply lifted an eyebrow. Starlight chuckled. “Right, it’s Twilight. Stupid question, sorry.”

Twilight winced as she opened her eyes. “Note to self. If I ever create another portal, use the wall. Falling from the sky was not fun. I’m lucky that it was only a few feet! With how the spell was created, as long as Celestia was within the parameters, I could have come out a mile up!”

She slowly got to her hooves and took a look around. All around her was grass. It was a nice field, like ones she remembered galloping through in her youth. Beyond the field she could make out what appeared to be a road, but saw no cars driving up or down it. “Curious…” She lifted a hoof and flapped her wings a few times. “Well, it doesn’t seem like this is Sunset’s home. Is this another world with humans? Or maybe a similar creature and yet I remain unchanged.”

Her eyes suddenly caught sight of a farmhouse. From what Twilight could see from her vantage point, it appeared to be a simple two-story home, white with red trim. Slowly she walked through the field towards it, t trying to stay as quiet as possible so as not to startle any equines that the farm may house. She shivered, recalling the first time human Applejack introduced her to that world’s horses. I still don’t want to bother them, even if they aren’t sapient. Quickly though, Twilight realized that the farm she was approaching didn’t have any type of barn or other area that would house equines or cows. She frowned as she opened the gate which separated the farm from the field, careful to shut it behind her. She was very thankful that her magic was working as well as she and Luna has hypothesized.

She slowly and carefully made her way past the many chickens, even as they squacked in annoyance as she brushed past them. She offered them silent apologies as she walked closer to the house. She passed by a few pigs in a pen, and even a few nanny goats. Still no sign of equines, or Celestia… he finally made it to the back door to see two pairs of muddy boots. She remembered Sunset referring to them as ‘cowboy boots’. One was that of an adult size, while the other was far smaller. Obviously a child lived here.

Maybe Celestia is being kept as the child’s pet or playmate?. No. Knock it off Twilight. Stop assuming before you know any facts.

Twilight slowly pressed her ear against the door, listening for any voices or any one moving. Not hearing anything, she took a final deep breath before slowly turning the handle and walking inside.

Chapter Four

Twilight nudged the door open and poked her head through. She looked around the room and spotted a bench, upon which were several pairs of shoes of different types. With a glance, she was again able to see that they were the same two sizes. Well, that makes it obvious that there are only two bipedal beings living here. An adult and their child. She slowly and quietly shut the door behind her, as her hooves clip-clopped over the clean tile floor. Every few steps she paused to listen, holding her breath as her ears twitched, straining to hear any sound.

Finally, she reached the edge of the strange room and came into a dining room. sSe took a few steps in and gazed around. It looks...just like the dining room Sunset and Twilight have. Simple, clean… Her eyes caught a bit of color as she looked towards the fridge. Several colored drawings hung from the door. Obviously, the older being had put the juvenile’s work on the fridge. Huh, such a pony-like thing to do…

Paying too much attention to the artwork on the fridge, Twilight didn’t notice the scritching sound of a crayon on paper until it was almost too late. She stopped herself a few steps from the dining table, where a child was sitting at the table and coloring. They were up on their knees, tongue poking out all of their attention on the project that was in front of them. A colt. Young, maybe six at most… Obviously the juvenile of this house. He looks human. What’s going on here..

Twilight took a few step back, hoping to escape out the back door before he noticed her. There is enough magic here for me to at least transform into a human. Just stay quiet. Don’t startle the colt. “Oomph!”

Twilight's hoof flew out from under her, knocking her to the ground with a loud thump. The sound startled the colt. He quickly looked up, revealing forest-green eyes that were almost hidden behind long brown hair, including bangs that really needed to be trimmed. Twilight snorted as the thought passed through her mind. It really wasn’t the time to worry about whether or not a foal she had never met needed a haircut.

Twilight tried to scramble to all fours before wincing. Yep. That’s going to cause some problems. Her back right fetlock was already starting to swell. The colt was staring at her until his eyes saw what she had slipped on. e winced hopping down from his chair.

“I’m sorry, Miss Pony. Mommy always says to put away my toys ‘cause someone might slip on ‘em, but I got started colorin an I forgot. Does your ankle hurt bad?” He walked over towards her, clearly expecting a response from Twilight. She kept her muzzle shut, however, hoping to learn more from this child.

He crouched next to her, careful to not touch her wings. He frowned at the swelling in her fetlock. “I’m gonna get you my boo-boo buddy, Miss Pony. He’s got an ice pack for when you hurts yourself!”

Twilight watched as he scampered over to the freezer in just his sock-covered feet. He rustled within the freezer for a few moments, then pulled out what looked like a teddy bear. He seemed to consider before opening the fridge and pulling out an apple and a bottle of water. Once he took a step back, the door closed on its own, and he grabbed a cloth from the table. A placemat?

He crouched in front of Twilight and set down the apple and bottle of water on the mat before carefully placing his boo-boo buddy on Twilight’s swollen fetlock, just like Mommy would when he got a owie and needed boo-boo buddy. “Here you go, Miss Pony. I didn’t know if you was hungry or not, but Mommy and me, we grow really nummy apples. Um, can you get the lid off the bottle? Or is your horn not working right?”

Twilight blinked a few times before she finally lifted her fore hoof to touch her horn, causing the colt to give her a beaming smile. Adorable dimples and a missing baby tooth. He’s so cute I feel like I might keel over…

“Oh, good! I was getting worried you wasn’t able to understand me. Miss Pony? Can you talk or did ja lose your voice? It’s okay if you did. Mommy and me’ll help you find it.” He seemed to think of something and gave a little face-hoof, giggling. “Mommy would be so dis-pointed with me! I didn’t even introduce myself! No wonder you aren’t talking, Miss Pony! My name is Hunter. I’m five years old and I live here with my Mommy!”

Twilight licked her lips. She looked up into his eager dark green eyes and smiled. He’s a very kind child who obviously knows quite a bit about ponies. Five years. Didn’t Cadance mention feeling a great sorrow followed by an even greater joy five years ago? She carefully used a touch of magic to open the water bottle and took a swig of it, before clearing her throat. “I’m sorry, Hunter. I had a bit of dust in my throat from my trip here. My name is Twilight Sparkle.”

Before she could get anything else out, Hunter’s eyes widened and he jumped to his feet. He clapped his hands together in utter joy “Yes! I knew it! I knew you had ta be Twilight! You have her pretty coat and I-I can see your cutie mark! It’s just like… Hang on a second. I’ll be right back!” Hunter raced from the room as Twilight blinked a few times. She took a bite of the apple. She had skipped breakfast, and Hunter was right. It really was very tasty.

Hunter came back few moments later, a stuffed toy in his arms. His gaze darted between it and Twilight. He poked his tongue out, obviously comparing the two. “Well… It isn’t the best, Miss Twilight. But Mommy did say no one should know you became a princess yet.” He set the toy down for Twilight to examine. And Twilight was thankful she had already had swallowed, or she’d have likely choked.

Standing in front of her was her. Well, in plush form. And I’m still a unicorn. But whoever made this even knew how many spirals my horn has...ho...Celestia? “Where… where did this toy come from, Hunter?”

The little boy hummed before shrugging. “Some company? Mommy got sent all of the main six to a-prove before they, um, are mass-released?” He looked to Twilight, who gave a nod that he got the wording right. “Mommy let me keep one of every pony, but yours is my favorite! Mommy uses her to tell me my bedtime stories!”

Twilight licked her lips. So many things were starting to fit, but… “What type of stories does your Mommy tell you, Hunter?”

“About Equestria! About ponies and gryphons! About adventures and friendship!” He smiled. “A Lot of ‘em are about you, Miss Twilight.” He smiled nervously, as if he had just realized his hero was in front of him. “I love Mommy’s stories about you… Like how you stopped Discord… And went through the portal mirror…” He picked his toy back up, wrapping his arms firmly around her as Twilight stared open mouthed. No way. It can’t be, but… there isn’t any other answer..

“Hunter? Is your Mommy named Cel-”

Hunter turned as the front door opened, revealing a tall woman with long blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. She was yelling out the front door. “Don’t worry, Ray. I’ll check my email as soon as Hunter is in bed! The scripts will be read over by next week. Now stop panicking. That’s my job!”

Twilight’s heart stopped as the familiar half-forgotten laugh filled her ears. She watched the woman turn around to reveal a stunningly beautiful caucasian woman with sun-tanned skin. She wore jeans and a flannel shirt. She had Sky-blue eyes which took in the scene, and a joyous smile which made her even more beautiful. But before Twilight could even open her mouth to speak, the woman was on the floor, her arms wrapped around Twilight’s neck.

Twilight’s eyes widened from the sudden embrace, but she placed her head on the woman’s shoulder. She both felt the tears and heard the sobs escaping the woman. Tears began to fill her own eyes as she heard Celestia’s voice in her ear.

“Tw-twilight… I knew… I knew you’d find me.”

Chapter Five

Twilight sat there, stunned as Celestia clung to her and cried. In the many different scenarios, she had gone through, either in her own head or while during the monthly meetings, this had never been one she had considered. None of them even reached the joy she was feeling as the human woman clung to her. A joy that seemed to grow as Hunter joined the hug.

After a few more minutes, Celestia pulled back, still smiling as she used her fingertips to wipe away Twilight’s own tears. Hunter glanced between both of them as Twilight began to grin as well.

“I did tell you that I would never give up, Tia.”

A blissful laugh filled the room as Celestia nodded. “I never thought you would, Twilight Sparkle. Never.” She stood up, lifting up Hunter and balancing him on her hip. “Have you been here very long?”

Twilight shook her head. She once again tried to stand on all fours, but winced and sat back down. “Ouch!”

Celestia frowned as she kneeled, She set Hunter back onto his feet. “Are you all right? Were you injured getting here? Is it an unsafe manner to return with?”

“N-no it’s quite safe. I just er, well I snuck into your lovely home and saw Hunter coloring at the table. I didn’t want to disturb him and well…” Twilight trailed off, not wanting to get the colt into trouble.

“It was my fault, Mommy. She tripped on my car, I’m really sorry!” Hunter looked up at his Mommy his bottom lip jutted out. “I took care of her owie though! I got her my Boo-boo Buddy and everything, Mommy!”

Celestia sighed and blew her blonde bangs out of her eyes. If it wasn’t Luna, it was Sunset, or Twilight, or now Hunter. She had no defense to a little one’s sad bottom lip. Luckily, I do not have that same weakness when it comes to nobles… “I’m sure Twilight Sparkle does not blame you, Hunter, she is well aware of what it’s like to get so absorbed in your own things that you forget everything else.” Celestia smiled fondly at the blushing mare. “In her case though, it was more often than not books.”

Twilight couldn’t help but watch the beautiful bond between the two of them. Hunter has to be the great joy that Cadance felt from Celestia five years ago. I’ve only ever seen that adoration on the face of a mother “I was backing up to find a spot to use my magic to become a human. Admittedly, I wasn’t paying attention when I should have been. I think in this case, Hunter, no one should be placed at fault. It’s only fair.”

After a moment of thought, Hunter nodded in agreement. “Okay, Twilight Sparkle. Um, should I call you Princess?”

Twilight quickly shook her head, “Oh, no! If you did that then I would have to call you Prince and that would just mess us all up, wouldn’t it?” She smiled as Hunter seemed to consider before he nodded his head. “Instead you may call me Twilight. All my friends do.”

Neither Twilight nor Celestia would have been able to be angry with the colt as a beaming smile filled his entire face. His eyes shone as he hugged Twilight around her neck. “You’re my friend too, Twilight!”

Celestia swallowed down the happy squee that strained to escape. She placed a hand on Hunter’s shoulder. “Sweetheart, could you go play in your room for a little while? Twilight and I need to discuss some things.”

Hunter hesitated a moment before he nodded and picked up his hot wheels from the floor. “I’ll see you soon, Twilight! Don’t talk boring stuff too long, Mommy. I wanna show Twilight my room!” With that, he scampered out of the kitchen and up the stairs as fast as his socked feet could go.

“Don’t run in the house, young man!”

“Sorry, Mommy!” Hunter’s little voice called out before a door loudly shut, causing Twight to wince.

“Sorry about him. He’s a wonderful little boy er, that is what humans call colts, but he is a very outgoing one as well. Now, let me take a look at your fetlock.” Celestia gently moved the ice pack away and clicked her tongue. “Well, I think you managed to sprain it, but I can’t say for certain. Is there enough magic for you to transform to look similar to me?”

“Similar? What’s wrong with my normal human form?” it suddenly hit Twilight. Celestia did not look at all like Principal Celestia did. “Oh...oh my, how many different forms of humans are there?”

“I don’t think I care to consider it,” Celestia stated after a few moments of thought. “This house is built close to the largest ley line I was able to find…” She trailed off as she watched Twilight’s horn light up. A moment later there was a naked caucasian woman with long dark blue hair with streaks of purple and pink. Celestia glanced away as Twilight covered her bare breasts with one of her arms.

“W-well, that seemed to work fairly well though my ma… er, hair remains the same. Will that cause much of a problem?” Twilight looked up from investigating her new form to see Celestia looking away, her cheeks flushed. Twilight internally wanted to cry out with joy She still feels for me! Her own cheeks became flushed as she glanced over again. And seems to still find me attractive, double win!

“N-no it should be fine… I um, I-I’ll go get you some clothes to put on. Just s-stay here? It won’t take me more than a few moments.” Celestia got to her feet and soon vanished up the same stairs that Hunter had raced up.

Celestia sat on her bed and took a few deep breaths. “Celestia, you need to relax...Get ahold of yourself. You are a grown mare! Stop acting like a school filly.” She shook her head and grabbed a pair of jeans and a shirt she hoped would fit Twilight. She hurried back downstairs, hoping that her blush had died down. “Here you go. I think these should fit you, Twilight.”

Twilight eagerly took the clothes from Celestia. “Thanks, so um... “ She paused a moment as she got dressed, taking care to not further injure her ankle “I uh… when I came in I saw shoes of an adult and of a foal, er a child. Does that mean Hunter’s father isn’t around?” Twilight didn’t honestly want to know the answer to her query. She was already growing fond of the boy, but even she knew about the birds and the bees.

“No. You don’t have to worry about Hunter’s father, Twilight.” Celestia said after a moment quietly. “I promise I will explain everything. But first, Hunter is not my biological child. I adopted him very shortly after he was born. Will that suffice for now?”

“I-I didn’t mean to pry Pr-Celestia. I just...after so long of searching, of wanting to bring you home. I was worried…” She trailed off as Celestia’s hand took hold of her chin and gently raised it so Twilight was forced to look into her eyes. The younger woman’s eyes were wet as a single tear trailed down her cheek.

“Twilight…” Celestia wiped away the single tear. “Before I was taken away… I knew what you wanted to say to me. And I hope you understood how much I wanted to return the sentiment.” Celestia smiled as Twilight simply nodded. “That feeling has neither lessened nor departed. And as you have never given up in the search of me, am I correct in assuming your feelings for myself have neither lessened nor departed?” Twilight shook her head, nuzzling into Celestia’s palm which she lightly held against her cheek.

“Then with your permission, I’d like to do something I have been waiting ten years to do. More than ten if I am, to be honest with myself.” Celestia smiled as Twilight stopped nuzzling into her palm and simply looked deep into Celestia’s eyes. Taking the silence as permission, Celestia brought her lips to Twilight’s. She lightly brushed against them as her eyes fluttered close. After a moment she started to pull back before Twilight reciprocated the kiss, pressing more fiercely against Celestia’s, desperate to continue their first kiss. After a few more moments both women pulled back, their lips tingling.

“I...wow.” Twilight stated feeling as if her IQ had been drained into the single digits.

Celestia smiled, feeling just as giddy as her love but better able to hide it. “Was that worth waiting ten years?”

“Uhhuh...Can we do it again?” Twilight asked, grinning.

Celestia laughed. “Why don’t we first go get your ankle looked at?” Celestia raised an eyebrow as Twilight winced, remembering rather painfully that her ankle was still throbbing.

“Er, that may be a good idea...Though your kiss did make it feel much better!” She grinned as Celestia rolled her eyes and helped Twilight stand up. “I am very thankful that I’ve been human enough times to gain at least some balance.” She laughed as Celestia wrapped her arm around her shoulders to support her. “Guess I’ll have to thank Sunset Shimmer for stealing my crown?”

Celestia simply hummed for a moment. “Maybe,” she finally stated quietly. “Did Sunset Shimmer help you find me?”

“Mmhmm her, Starlight, Luna, Cadance, Rarity, and I worked non-stop for almost a week once Spike was able to point out something all of us failed to realize. You see, Luna was able to sense your aura. And Cadance could hear your heart. So we kinda all knew about Hunter. Not about him, per se, but your joy of him. A-anyway.” Twilight blushed as Celestia raised an eyebrow to get Twilight back on track. She delicately coughed. “We reworked Rarity’s gem finding spell and were able to create a portal spell. that would place whoever used it within a mile of you. Luckily, you had a farm out in the middle of nowhere!”

“Well to be honest, and this is just a bit of a very long story. My being here was purposeful. I detected that this city’s largest ley line was right here. So.” Celestia shrugged. “I figured staying beside it gave me my best chance of being found. And I always hoped that it would be you who would be the one to find me.”

Twilight stared up into Celestia’s eyes until a little voice startled her back to reality.

“Are you and Twilight going to kiss again, Mommy?” Hunter asked, coming back into the kitchen a little backpack rested on his back.

Twilight began to stammer as she realized Celestia’s son had seen them kissing. She was quickly silenced by Celestia’s gentle lips upon hers again.

Celestia turned back to her little boy, who was grinning up at her. “Oh, yes. I would say that Twilight and I are going to be kissing a lot. Does that bother you?”

Hunter seemed to consider for a moment before shaking his head. “Nope! Because Twilight is your knight in shining armor! Right, Mommy?”

Celestia couldn’t help but laugh at how pale Twilight quickly became at the mention of her brother’s name being used in such a manner. “How about we call Twilight Mommy’s ‘Princess Charming.’ Okay?”

“But why…” He trailed off before facepalming. “I forgotted! Shining Armor is Twilight’s brother!” He poked his tongue out in apparent distaste. “I’m sorry, Twilight. Shining Armor is a good pony, but you’re much better!”

“Heh...right um...Hunter you’re coming with Celestia and me to see the doctor about my ankle?” Twilight said, quickly changing the subject away from her brother that she did not need his image in her mind the next time she kissed Celestia.

“Yep! I packed my backpack all up so I won’t be bored while we gotta wait and wait and wait!” Hunter raced to get his shoes on.

“You can borrow my shoes, Twilight. I wear my boots. I know they won’t correctly fit, but it’ll hopefully only be for a few hours at most.” Celestia paused for a moment “Twilight… thank you again for coming for me.”

Twilight sat on the bench to get the shoe on before she smiled up at Celestia. “I was always going to come for you. I’m your Princess Charming, remember?”

Celestia smiled before she nuzzled into Twilight’s sweet-smelling hair. “I love you, Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight stopped trying to lace up the sneaker and raised her head to look at Celestia. A beaming grin tugged at her lips “I love you, Celestia!” She wrapped her arms around Celestia as the older woman held her just as close. Their lips met again in a far more passionate kiss. She eventually pulled back. “In three days the portal will reopen. We’ll go home and I plan to never let you out of my sight again.”

Celestia pulled back to pull her boots on. “Promises, promises.” She grinned as she grabbed her keys. “For now, let's go get your leg checked out and make sure we’ll be able to go home in three days. All right?”

Twilight rubbed the back of her head “Er, yeah. That’s a really good idea. Oh uh, Sunset Shimmer promised if I didn’t send any message when the portal reopened she was going to come through and bring us home, ready or not.”

“That is a very good thing to know,” Celestia laughed, supporting Twilight as she helped her up into her truck. Hunter was soon buckled into his car seat, and they were on their way.

Author's Note

It's back! I've had this chapter partly finished for over a year! Ugh, damnable writer's block!

Chapter Six

Twilight bit back a yelp of pain as Celestia helped her out of the truck. It hurt more than getting into the truck. She wrapped her arms tight around Celestia’s neck as the older woman settled her gently into a wheelchair. She grabbed then got Hunter out of the truck and grabbed her purse.

“Just let me do the talking alright Twilight?” Celestia whispered into her ear before she wheeled her into the small rural ER.

Twilight nodded eagerly. The last thing she wanted to do was stumble over an incorrect word and blow her cover. It’s not broken, Sunset Shimmer says they execute equines who break their legs.

The receptionist glanced up a bit bored. “Let me guess a farming accident?”

“No,” Celestia stated cooly in a manner Twilight had seen only a few times in the past. In each instance, it had led to grown stallions almost having an accident. As a foal Twilight had thought it hilarious. As a grown mare it was terriffying

It seemed that even as a human that tone had an effect as the receptionist shivered “Right, of course, my apologies Ms?”

“Summers, Dawn Summers and this is my little sister Twilight Summers.” Celestia frowned as the receptionist mumbled about hippies. “She tripped over one of my son’s Hotwheels. We just aren’t sure if it’s sprained or if she managed to break it.”

“Of course. I just need an address and some vitals.”

Twilight Sparkle wasn’t certain what she thought about this version of the earth but she’d never say no to learning so was quite entertained with Celestia’s smartphone while they waited to get the results of her x-ray. Insane, in Ponyville we’d have had the result ages ago. However she gave them props for their pain relief.

Since she’d been given the shot in her I.V. she’d been in a happy relaxed place watching videos on something called youtube. She glanced up as there was a knock on the door and a woman in a white coat came in.

“Twilight Summers?”

“Er, yes? I mean that's me?” Twilight winced even she could tell how off she sounded. Hopefully she blames the pain relief.

“I have the results of your X-ray and you did in fact break your ankle.” The doctor’s eyes widened as the young woman’s eyes rolled back and she passed out.

A few minutes later Twilight returned to consciousness to hear Celestia and the Doctor talking in soft voices.

“Is she alright? I’ve never had a patient faint upon learning they had broken a bone. Should I order some more tests?”

“Oh no! She's fine, She just was surprised, and what with the morphine she was given…”

“Oh yes, that does make some sense. Ah! Ms. Summers welcome back. Sorry to startle you like that. I take it that this is your first broken bone?” The doctor smiled gently at Twilight who was sitting back up.

“I, yes… first and only I hope. S-so what happens now?” Twilight looked down at her hands her cheeks bright red. Celestia must think I’m the scardiest pony ever

“Well, luckily it’s a very simple break so what we’ll do is cast it and give you some crutches. What color cast would you like?” The Doctor was already washing her hands as she spoke.

“Uh, purple is fine. Er, how long before I get the cast off?” Twilight glanced up not too worried after all Dash had only been in a cast for about three days with her broken wing. Plently of time to get back to where the portal will open.

“Oh, six weeks I’d say. Just remember not to put any weight on it.” The doctor walked out as Twilight’s eyes grew huge.

“S-six weeks? Did she say six WEEKS? Oh, nononono Sunset Shimmer is going to throw a fit…” Before Twilight could really begin to panic she felt Celestia’s arms wrap around her.

“Remember what Cadance taught you. Deep arm to chest… deep breathe… release while pushing out your arm.” Celestia whispered into the panicking woman’s ear and smiled as she did just that. “Better?”

“Better, I just… six weeks?” Twilight squeaked out as Celestia laughed.

“Oh, Twilight I would have insisted on about that much time anyways. You must remember, Hunter and I have a life here. There are things I need to do before either of us is ready to leave permanently.” She held a hand out to stop Twilight from commenting. “Do not misunderstand me Twilight Sparkle. I will be going home with you. In fact, I planned to at least visit once the portal reopens.”

“Visit?” Twilight frowned not understanding what she meant.

“Am I to understand that most of Equestria believe me dead and Luna as the only ruler?” Celestia asked gently and smiled as Twilight nodded. “And that is what I mean Twilight, it will take time for ponies to accept me back again. I think I’d prefer to be reintroduced slowly. Hunter and I can stay in your Palace in Ponyville.”

“Oh, I get it. You’d prefer to spend time with Luna and Cadance and figure out what Equestria is like now before throwing yourself back into it. Er so speak?” Twilight smiled as Celestia beamed down at her. She opened her mouth but before she was able to speak a nurse came in.

“Let's get your ankle cast up Ms. Summers then you can get out of here and get the little one to bed.” She glanced over to where Hunter was asleep curled up in a chair.

Celestia smiled “that would be very appreciated. It’s been a long day for all of us.”

she's not kidding. Twilight watched with rapt attention as her cast was applied and luckily the pain relief was still working otherwise she was certain she’d have screamed. Within a half hour, she was back in the passenger seat of the truck her eyelids heavy. She felt Celestia’s lips on her cheek and smiled.

“You sleep Twilight, you are safe with me. I promise.”

Twilight happily sighed and allowed her eyelids to slide closed I’m always safe with you Tia…