There Will Always Be Light

Prologue.

There are some things you never forget. I can’t remember many things in my life, but even after more than one thousand years, I can remember every moment of this story like it's still fresh in my brain. When you live as long as I have, sometimes things get lonely. Nopony else around you lives as long as you do, so befriending them always leads to disappointment. However, sometimes the urge for companionship is just too strong to resist, and you let somepony slip through the cracks. Everypony’s actions have consequences, especially those of a princess. Unfortunately, I had to learn that lesson the hard way, through experience. I have made many mistakes in my years, but by far the worst was being selfish. I was a good pony, but I was only ever out for myself. I never truly appreciated what I had because I was too busy complaining about what I didn’t. My descent into madness was long and painful, and the exact dates are hard to nail down. But I do know one thing; it all started after a fight with my sister.

Part I

"One Shining Star In An Ocean Of Blackness."

I was angry… I was SO ANGRY, and I didn’t know what to do. So I flew away, I flew far away all because I was scared. I didn’t want to hurt her, not the way she hurt me. She didn’t mean to. I was the one who got angry. I was the one who lashed out, and I’m so sorry now!

***

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I thought about all the vicious things I’d said. I felt abandoned and unloved. I let jealousy take me over, and I said things I didn’t mean. “Oh sister, please forgive me…” I begged silently as my knees gave out from under me, and I fell to the cold wet dirt. I rolled myself over onto my back and looked at the night sky. At least I have something beautiful to look at, I thought to myself, my body crumpled in a pathetic heap. I dragged myself to my hooves and knocked the dirt from my mane. I looked around, not quite sure where to go; only then did it dawn on me that I had NO idea where I was.

I glided over the great forest that I had found myself in, looking for something that I recognised. I strained my eyes to see what was around me, but the more I flew the more it felt like I was going in circles. Eventually I managed to find my way to a large rock face that I could sit on.

I sighed and watched the moon move slowly across the sky. I wasn’t sure what to do, so I waited. After a few hours, I decided it was time to start flying again, but just as I was getting ready to continue searching for a way home, the darkness suddenly exploded into blinding light.

I whipped my head around to see a small house being engulfed in flames. My heart stopped, and my body froze, but I knew I had to do something. I opened my wings and sprung into action. My muscles were on fire, but I had to push through it. The wind whistled past my ears as I dove off the cliff. When I neared the ground I pulled back my wings to slow down, but instead I spiraled out of control and ended up crashing head first into the ground.

I peeled myself off the cracked earth and looked around to see the flaming house close by. I was a bit confused at what a house like that was doing all the way out here, but that didn’t matter. I needed to make sure that nopony inside was hurt. I dashed to the building, and suddenly I heard a scream. It sounded like a foal. I took a deep breath and threw my body through the flaming door. The heat engulfed me, and I could feel my fur being singed, but I had to save whomever made that cry.

I followed the screams up a rickety set of stairs into a small room. The fire was covering everything, and the thick smoke coated my lungs. But nothing could stop me; I was going to save that foal if it was the last thing I was going to do. I made one last charge into the inferno and ended up in front of a cradle in the corner of the room. I looked inside of it to see a lone foal screaming, covered in soot. In a flash I scooped it up and smashed myself through the window. As soon as I had flown a safe distance away from the burning wreck I promptly fell out of the sky.

The last thing I remember from that night was watching the house come crashing to the ground framed by the light of the full moon.

I was awoken some time later by a loud giggling. I opened my eyes, suddenly, only to come muzzle to muzzle with a small dark blue foal. “Oh! Why hello there young one!” I said warmly. The foal ignored me and promptly started playing with my hair. “Halt! Thou shalt not touch the royal mane!” I said, dawning my best “Royal Canterlot Voice." The foal ignored my command and proceeded to bite my horn. “NO! Stop that!” I cried out, unsure of what to do. In a panic, I jumped to my hooves with the tiny pony still clinging to my horn. I sighed. This is going to be a long day. “Little one, remove thine teeth from our horn at once, or we may have to implement force!” The foal began to flutter its tiny wings and giggle. I Frowned and grabbed ahold of the child, gently pulling its body away from my head. I managed to get the little thing off of my horn and on to the ground. However just as I had started to relax the foal felt the need to voice its concerns.

“WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!” it whailed, distraught at no longer being able to gnaw on me.

I panicked. “Oh no! Little one, please stop! we didn’t mean to make you cry!” I carefully lifted the foal up and rocked him back and forth in a desperate attempt to calm him down. “OH no oh no oh no!” I muttered to myself. what do I do? I don’t know anything about children! “OH NO OH NO OH N—” I paused and looked at the foal in front of me. Wait! What am I doing!? I pondered. Pull yourself together! You are LUNA, Princess Of The Night! What are you doing freaking out about one disobedient foal? “Chid!” I shouted confidently. “We command thee to stop your incessant whining forthwith!” The foal stopped crying for a moment and stared at me, intrigued. I stared back intently, hoping that my stern words had gotten across. A few seconds passed, and suddenly the foal started to giggle again. I was shocked. What did I do? I thought perplexed.

“You talk funny!” said the foal, smiling wide.

“What!?” I shouted out of embarrassment. “TIS A LIE!” At this the foal started laughing even harder. “Uh… Uh…” I stammered trying to think of what to say. “We think it time for us to go.”

It was much easier to find my way back to the castle once it was daytime. I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to explain the baby to Celestia. She probably won’t even notice. She’s so absorbed in that project of hers, I thought. Either way, I shouldn’t take any chances. I'll go through the window and hide it in my room.

***

It was night once again as I approached the castle. I flew high above the Everfree Forest and to the window of my tower bedroom. I looked around nervously, trying to make sure I was alone. Thank goodness I left the window open when I flew out last night. After we had that fight… I shook my head in an attempt to erase the battle from my mind. Unfortunately, no matter how hard I tried, our poisonous words stuck to my brain like tar.

. I flew into my room and lightly took the foal off my back. I frowned and looked him in the face again. I was never very fond of babies, but I have to admit he was pretty cute, especially when sleeping. He looked healthy enough. However his jet black mane was messy, and his face was covered in ash. I sighed. I should give him a bath in the morning… wait, how do you do that? I guess I’ll have to figure that out as I go along, I thought as I began to levitate the little pegasus.

I trotted over to my cabinet and grabbed a blanket with my mouth. I hope this will make for a decent bed, at least until I can find him his family, If they're alive. I laid the blanket down on my floor and nestled the sleeping bundle of pegasus into it. “There!” I said, flopping down onto my own bed. I yawned as I wrapped my favorite blanket around me. I turned and again looked at the child that lay at the foot of my bed. I watched as his small body gently rose and fell, safe in his fluffy fortress. My eyes began to grow heavy, and for the first time in days I smiled a genuine smile.

***

The next morning I woke up with a start to a loud pounding on my door. “Hey, Luna? are you in there?” It was Celestia’s voice.

“What?!” I screamed as I rolled out of my bed and crashed to the floor. I rubbed the back of my head as I disentangled myself from my blanket. There it came again, knock knock knock. I looked over to where I had left the foal, hoping that he had not woken up yet. To my dismay, all that I saw was an empty blanket. Oh no! Where could he be!? I panicked.

“Uh… Coming,” I said trying to play it cool. I guess I could just tell her the truth, I considered as I slowly made my way to the door. It’s not like she’s going to get mad, right? I stopped in front of the door and cracked it open. my heart started to race as I peered out, locking eyes with Celestia. “Oh, uh, hello there sister!” I said, smiling awkwardly.

‘Hello Luna,” she replied. “ I came to check on you. You know, to see if you were alright.” Just then a loud crash came from inside my room followed by a joyous giggle. “What was that!?" asked Celestia twisting her head to see what was going on.

“Nothing! Nope nothing at all!” I blurted out, “Everything is A OK! Thanks for coming by, but I reaaally should catch up on my sleep, and—”

Celestia interrupted me, “Wait, Luna. I have something important I need to tell you.” Great! I thought. Everything is really going my way this morning!

“Oh, well if it’s important, then fire away!” I droned through gritted teeth.

“I’m sorry I hurt you, okay. I love you, Luna, and I want to let you know that you mean everything to me.” Celestia looked at me lovingly, her eyes filled with regret. "And I know I don’t really show it in the way I should, but don’t feel like just because I’m not around it doesn’t mean I don’t love you more than anypony in all Equestria. alright?” She looked at me seemingly frozen in place. I looked back, but just as I was about to respond I felt a slight tugging at my leg. Oh no! not now! I thought as I felt a tiny body cling to my back leg like a bear trap.

“Oh, uh, thanks Tia! But I’ve got to go!” I stammered, slamming the door in her face.

“Oh. Bye. See you later; I guess…”

Why did I do that?! I thought frustrated. Why can’t I do anything right!? I groaned as I glanced back at the furry ball of flesh clinging to my leg. His eyes were wide, and a great big smile lay across his little face. I was angry, but the moment I met eyes with that tiny pony, my heart softened, and my face lit up with joy. There was no way I could have been mad at a face like that.

***

I made my way through the castle, stealthily using every hidden passage and secret entrance I could. I really should get a bathtub in my room, I thought as I levitated my new friend to my chest, hiding him from view. I galloped down the stairs that lead to the royal bathing chambers and heaved a sigh of relief as I opened the massive bejeweled doors.

I then trotted to the tub and turned on one of its golden faucets, allowing warm water to flow into the huge basins. Next I grabbed my mischievous pegasus and lowered him into the shallow end of the warm water. He was surprisingly calm. He just looked up at me trustingly, a little smile across his round face.

. I smelled myself, realizing it was probably a good idea if I took a bath too, I took off my crown and climbed the little stairway that lead up to the bath. I lowered myself in, feeling the warmth flow across my body; it was quite relaxing. I then sat down in front of the patient foal and used my magic to grab a scrub brush and soap. With surprisingly little effort I was able to clean the pegasus and even have a little fun.

“WEE!” said the foal full of glee as I spun him around me. See Luna! Taking care of foals isn’t THAT hard; you were worried for nothing! I thought as I held the sopping wet pegasus above my head.

After I had gotten us both sufficiently clean, I made my way back to my room and set the tiny colt onto my bed.—He was a colt. I checked.—I looked at him now that he was clean and smiled at the sight of his cute little freckles. It was a shame that they had been covered up by soot for so long.

I thought about the fire and about the child's family. Maybe they are still alive. I hoped knowing full well that it was a fantasy.

“So,” I broke the silence. “do you have a name little guy?”

“Uh..." he paused for a few moments. "Starry Night! Or at least that’s what Daddy used to call me!” Daddy, I thought, and a burst of depression shivered through my body.

“Oh wow! that’s a great name, but I think I’ll just call you Starry okay?” He smiled and nodded. I’ll find them! I tried to convince myself. I will! and they will be alive!

The next few months were troublesome. I tried my best to search for his parents, but it was proving to be quite difficult. I started by looking for the house that I had found him in, or what was left of it. I thought there might be some sort of clue to be found, an address, a note, something. Maybe there was an answer to be found in the ash and rubble of that building, but it didn’t matter because the house was gone. It was odd; it was almost as if it just disappeared from existence.

I decided that the best thing to do next was to get in contact with the missing ponies department and see if any foals who matched Starry Night’s appearance had gone missing recently. I was surprised to find out how many foals went missing each year, but I was even more surprised to find out that not a single one matching Starry’s age and description had been reported anywhere in Equestria.

I didn’t know what to do. Between my duties as Princess and trying to take care of and hide a baby, I had enough stress to make a normal pony snap.

***

I trotted into my room one night, exhausted after a long day of dodging my sister and looking through missing pony reports. I yawned as I moved over to my bed and flopped on my back.

I thought about all the things I had to do and about the crushing weight of stress that clouded my mind. My heart sank. I wanted to help Starry get home, but no matter what I tried I just felt useless. I thought about giving him up to the adoption agencies, but I’ve seen how some of those places treat orphans around here, and I just can’t risk it. I don’t know; maybe I was being paranoid. I wasn’t really the most trusting pony during those days. I felt alone. It was like I had to do everything by myself.

I lay on my bed frozen with fear and stress. My heart was racing out of my chest, and my mane had turned into a matted mess due to lack of care. But, just when I thought I would have a mental breakdown, I saw a pair of hooves come up from under the bed.

“Hello?” slurred Starry poking his head above the side of the bed.

“Hello little one,” I replied, struggling to put on a smile. Starry looked at me confused.

“What’s wrong woona?” asked the living furball, his eyes wide with compassion.

“Nothing,” I lied.

***

The next morning I decided that I needed some rest and that the things I had planned for the day could wait. I tried sleeping in, but for some reason I couldn't get myself to fall back asleep.

I pulled myself out of bed, yawned, and made my way to the bathroom. I looked in the mirror only now realizing HOW messy my mane really was. I levitated a brush to my head and began to battle with my sparkling blue locks. soon after, I began to hear a rustling from my room.

“Starry? Are you awake already?” I peered out the bathroom door, and my jaw dropped when I didn’t see Starry Night. Instead I found myself staring down the captain of the royal guard. He looked at me with one eyebrow raised. “Oh, Hello there!” I said, sticking my face slightly out the open door.

“Hello, Princess,” said the guard eyeballing me with his cold blue eyes. “I’m sorry that I came in unannounced, but Princess Celestia sent me to get you. She said you’ve been distant… She’s worried about you, Luna.” He looked at me frowning “We’re all worried about you.”

“Tell Celestia I’m fine.”

“Alright, I'll tell her nothing's wrong, but I have to ask” he looked at me, his face contorted in a worried stare. “Is it true?”

I sighed and looked at him. “No, it's not.”

He nodded slowly. “Alright. Well if there is anything I can do for you—"

"No," I cut him off.

"Okay then," he said as he turned to leave. "One more thing, if it's not too much to ask...” He raised an eyebrow and glared at me. "Who is Starry?”

“Nopony, I just misspoke myself. I’m sorry.” I looked at him my eyes wide, begging him to believe me. He looked back at me, and his strong face melted into an understanding frown.

“Alright,” he said and trotted away.

I stood in my bathroom doorway for a minute, my jaw hanging open. A small rustling noise from inside the bedroom brought me back to reality. I looked around for where the sound was coming, and leaped back when I saw a little head peek out from under the bed.

“Who was that Woona?” asked the foal shaking slightly.

“Calm down little one,” I said, lifting Starry off the ground. “He was just one of the royal guards, that’s all.” I smiled and wiped the tears out of his eyes.

“What’s a royal guard?" He asked perplexed.

“Oh uh... how do I explain this?” I mumbled. “Well, you see I’m kind of an important person, and the royal guard's job is to make sure that important ponies like me stay safe.”

“Are they good guys?” he asked innocently.

I smiled and said,“Yes, Starry, they are really good guys! They’re strong, and nice, and are the only thing between me and the ponies who might want to get me.” Starry Looked at me, his eyes filled with wonder.

“One day I’m going to grow up to be a big strong stallion, and I’m gonna be able to protect you.” he smiled an enchanting smile. “just like you protected me!”

“Oh Starry,” I said my eyes welling up with tears. “I’m sure you will.” I hugged him tightly to my chest feeling the warmth of his tiny body and for the first time I thought maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if we never find his parents..

***

A few weeks passed, and I was sitting on my bed preparing to go to a royal meeting when Starry trotted up and looked at at me. "What?" I asked confused at Starry's pouting face.

"Do you have to go Woona?"

"I'm sorry Starry, but I do. I'm only going to be gone for a little while."

"But it's sooooo boring when you're at those dumb meeting thingys," he whined.

"Those "thingys" are extremely important, Starry. I wish I could be here for you too, but it's my job."

"But there's nothing to doooo!"

I sighed and rubbed my chin, trying to think of something for Starry to play with. Just then I was struck with an idea. "I think I might have just the thing for you," I said as I strolled over to my closet and pulled open their grand doors. I stuck my head in and lugged out a huge dusty chest with a rusty lock. "You see, this box was given to me a long, long, loooooong time ago back when I was your age." I blew the dust off the beat up trunk and unhinged the latch. "And when I was a little filly I put all my toys and things in here." I opened it with care as not to break its old hinges and peered inside. I smiled. "They're still here." I reached in with my mouth and tenderly pulled out five hoof made toy soldiers. "These are for you," I said as I gently lay the worn dolls down in front of Starry.

He cocked his head to the side and stared at the dolls. "What are they?"

"They're soldiers. They fight for what's right and protect us, just like the guards. They were mine, but I haven't even touched them in a long time. So I thought maybe it was time to pass them on to somepony who will love them as much as I did… In other words, They're yours now." Starry's face exploded with joy and he threw himself on me.

"Thank you so much, Woona!" I didn’t hug back at first. I was too busy being shocked, but eventually I found my hooves wrapped around his body.

"Anything for you little one."

***

Years came, and years went. I searched and I searched, but no matter how hard I looked it seemed as if Starry Night's family didn't even exist. I invested so much time into finding Starry's parents that everything became a blur for a while. Starry played with his toys, and I did my job. Due to my constant avoidance of my sister our relationship was becoming more and more strained as time marched on. I spoke to her very little back then; the only times that we seemed to have conversations longer than a few sentences was when we were shouting at each other. It was getting so bad that even the ponies of Equestria started to notice. Bit by bit I could feel the uncertainty crawl across the kingdom, and I hated it. I had few ponies to talk to at the time, and as the days creeped by, I became more and more depressed. All the little things that used to make me happy just didn't do it for me anymore. But it wasn't all bad. There was always at least one reason to wake up in the morning, One shining star in a ocean of blackness.