The Manifest Dream

~ PROLOGUE ~

Celestia cared not for the risks. She knew them already.

She stood upon an ethereal plain, the very same she'd taken her beloved student to in order to reach higher powers. And she was relying on this mysterious realm once again, to accomplish a much different task. Princess Celestia wore a look of intent worry, an expression that could only be described as ominous, as if she knew her actions might bring about dire consequences. But she cared not for the risks, despite her worries she had already made up her mind. Through the power of magic, she would build a brighter future for herself, and another.

She was not selfish. She wasn't unkind. She was simply, demotivated. She needed a morale boost, after all she accomplished it was only fair wasn't it? She could see no other option, at least, that's what she convinced herself of. This was the only option she had left.

Hesitantly, Princess Celestia unveiled something. It was a familiar item, one of immense power and absolute love. Upon closer inspection it was revealed to be the crystal heart itself, borrowed from Princess Cadence. Whether Princess Cadence had given her permission to use such an item, was uncertain. Princess Celestia remained focused as she let the heart float in place a few feet away from her, patiently.

Soon enough, she exhaled, then taking in a breath of preparation. "Well, I-I guess it is time I got started."

Blurred vision came from an unknown individual. She slowly opened her eyes, a natural reaction she somehow knew how to do. The bright light which came into view only confused her more, as slowly her vision started to clear. The first sight of her world, the first thing she truly saw, was a large white creature. She looked upon this creature, and her immediate reaction was, acceptance? She knew not why she accepted the creature, she knew not what it was or who. But she felt comfort in its presence, in its caring and worried eyes, in its obvious love for her.

The white creature spoke worriedly, earnestly as she leaned forward momentarily. "H-Hello there. I'm Princess Celestia."

The individual rose, as it was revealed that much like the one she looked upon, she to was a pony. She trembled as she rose, in similarity to a fawn who'd just been born. She struggled, wheezing as she came to her hooves. She was completely dry, and much like Princess Celestia her mane was ethereal, consisting of varied bright colors. She looked upon Celestia with a fearful look, and made her way towards her, struggling to reach her. It was a programmed action, like most children, she sought protection from the very first figure she saw and the one that didn't intend to harm her. Trot by trot, she continued to attempt reaching Celestia, unsure of why she was even doing so.

Princess Celestia smiled, spreading her hooves as her eyes filled with tears and she looked upon the smaller figure who approached her. "Yes, come here, come to me. I will hold you, and protect you. I will teach you about the world. I will guide you forever, my darling."

The thoughts ran through the filly's mind. Somehow she made sense of Celestia's words, and her intelligence naturally came. She struggled to reach Princess Celestia, but she knew she had to. This white creature, it was her protector, her teacher, her mentor, her mother.

And upon reaching her, Princess Celestia wrapped her hooves tightly around the smaller pony. Tears coursed down her face as she kept the filly close in her embrace, and ran a hoof through her ethereal mane. "I've waited so long for you. I'm so happy you're finally here."

The newly born filly couldn't make sense of those words however. Her eyes grew wide with concern. Who or what, exactly was she?

~ 5 MONTHS LATER ~

"Mother? Uh, do I look alright?" Her voice was high pitched, not unexpected from a child her size. Her accent possessed a hint of royalty, also not unexpected seeing as she'd been in Canterlot from the moment she was born. She wore a white dress with gold trim along the edges and small decorative blue diamonds laced along the center. She looked up at Princess Celestia with worry, unsure of what to think.

Princess Celestia smiled earnestly as she tugged at the filly's dress. "Yes my darling. You look wonderful, no matter what you wear. Are you that nervous spending time with Auntie Luna? I promise she is kind." Princess Celestia looked upon the filly in amusement.

The filly lowered her head with a look of obvious doubt. "I feel like Auntie Luna doesn't really like me."

Princess Celestia raised a brow at the filly. "And why wouldn't she like you darling? That doesn't make sense."

The filly looked up at Princess Celestia, and spoke with certainty. "Because you made me mother."

Princess Celestia suddenly looked angry, her brows furrowed as she glared at the filly! "What's that supposed to mean Serenity!? You are my daughter, I made you because I wanted you. There is nothing wrong with my actions! I wanted to have a child, so I had you!"

The filly, revealed as Serenity, flinched as she lowered her head. "I know mother. But I studied love, and an associated feeling of love is jealousy. What happens if Auntie Luna feels that due to creating me, it meant that she herself is no longer loved?"

Princess Celestia's eyes widened again before she lowered her frame, and forcibly made the filly look into her eyes. "You're thinking too much into it. There is absolutely no reason Princess Luna would be that insecure. Should she be upset over such things, she'd talk to me."

Serenity looked away from Princess Celestia again.

And Princess Celestia wasn't pleased, to say the least. "You don't seem convinced. Did you want to stay home?"

Serenity shook her head. "N-No, I can go mother. I need to learn more about the aspects of love from Princess Cadence."

Princess Celestia smiled again, before planting a kiss on the filly's forehead. "That's my daughter. Responsible as always." She rose, "You have done remarkably well to learn so much in such a short amount of time. Now hurry along, Auntie Luna is waiting for you outside."

Serenity made her way down the steps of the throne carefully, trotting hurriedly towards the door before looking back. "Bye Mother!"

Princess Celestia's expression sunk worriedly as she hesitantly raised a hoof. "Bye for now darling, I will see you next week."

Serenity nodded plainly, before making her way out the door. Two guards immediately began to escort her.

Princess Celestia, after watching the filly depart, placed a hoof over her heart with concern. "So that's what it feels like...."

Another one of the guards made his way inside. "Princess, might I ask you a question?"

Princess Celestia looked upon him earnestly. "Of course my dear subject, you can ask me anything."

The guard continued with a bow, before raising his head. "When might you consider officially announcing Lady Serenity as your daughter? It is only a matter of time before she becomes public knowledge without your consent. Might there be something you're waiting for?"

Princess Celestia smiled softly. "Yes, that day will come very soon. I only need her to acquaint herself with Princess Cadence first."

The guard hesitated. "And if I may Princess, might I ask another question?"

Princess Celestia smiled and nodded silently.

The guard continued. "W-With Lady Serenity's appearance might we be expecting a King soon?"

Princess Celestia flushed red before shaking her head as she chuckled. "N-No! There will be no King, Serenity is....special."