Into The Night

by Cardinal Dan Productions

Rating: mature
Tags: Romance, Slice of Life
Length: 11796

Princess Luna introduces Twilight to the joys of having a birthday party with the friends she loves, but is Twilight's happiness all the princess of the night is after?

Twilight Sparkle has never been a pony to celebrate her own birthday. When Princess Luna finds out, she plots to throw her the biggest birthday bash Equestria has ever seen, along with a few extra surprises…

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-11-10 04:39:58 UTC

Chapter 1: The Chilly Night

***Part One: The Stars***

The night is still, and blankets of clouds roll across the countryside. Twilight Sparkle sits contently on her haunches as she watches over the over night sky. The highest balcony of her castle gave Twilight such an advantage. She could see all of Ponyville from her new, favourite spot. Yes, it gave her a very special advantage, along with one hell of a view.

She sips happily on her warm coffee to fight back against the chilling winds. The warm liquid runs down her throat and into her chest, soothing her body along the way. Putting her mug down, Twilight stands and approaches the railing. The crisp winds pull and push her in every direction all at once. Twilight chuckles to herself.

*Rarity would have a stroke if she saw my mane right now...* She thinks to herself.

At the thought of her friend, Twilight's chest sinks. Here she was, standing at the pinnacle of a beautiful, chilly fall evening, and she doesn't  have a single pony to share it with. All of her friends were busy with something. Even Spike was running around with the Crusaders. Twilight takes a break from looking at the town below, and she shifts her gaze upward. There wasn't much to look at. Thick layers of clouds covered the entire sky. Only one light could be seen, just barely. Twilight knew what it was. It was the brightest thing in the night sky. Nothing could restrain its light or beauty.

*Come on...* Twilight begs silently. *Please, show yourself.*

The sky does not change. Twilight sighs as she returns to looking at Ponyville below. Even though the sky is dark, the town was bustling with activity. Twilight thinks about going down there. Maybe, she would visit Sugarcube Corner or the market. What was stopping her? She had the wings. Twilight only had to leap off of the balcony and glide her way to the ground below. Then, a strong gust of wind hits her directly in the face, causing her to stumble slightly.

*Yeah, maybe flying in these conditions isn't the best idea...*

Without her coffee, the cold was beginning to have a negative effect on her. Twilight returns to the spot where she was sitting. Using the magic from her horn, she picks the mug up and takes a swig of the dark liquid, but no warm and soothing feelings come. The coffee has grown as cold as the night itself. Twilight curses silently as she prepares to enter her castle. Just as her hoof was reaching for the door, a soft voice sighs from the balcony.

"It is a shame, is it not?"

Twilight quickly spins around, her eyes darting around in search of the speaker. Twilight gasps and nearly drops her mug. Standing at the edge of the balcony, with her wings stretched outward, was Princess Luna. Twilight approaches her slowly.

"Princess?" She asks.

Luna turns her head to face Twilight. A small smile cracks along her lips. Twilight watches as her starry mane flows gracefully in the billowing winds.

"Come, Twilight Sparkle," The princess says. "Will you join me?"

Twilight nods as she steps by the Luna's side. The princess takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. As Luna releases her breath, Twilight feels the winds increase. It was as though the entire night was breathing.

"What did you say?" Twilight asks as she looks up at her. "What is a shame'?"

Luna's smile disappears as a frown takes its place.

"This..." Luna says softly, gesturing to the cloudy sky. "My beautiful night is shrouded by the clouds. No pony can enjoy what they cannot see..."

Twilight could feel the princess' anger and sadness through the increasingly violent winds.

"That's not true!" Twilight blurts out.

Luna looks down at her and cocks her head. For an instant, the winds had ceased their raging. To Twilight's amazement, Luna actually believed her.

"How so, Twilight Sparkle?" She asks curiously.

Twilight raises her hoof and points to the town below. Luna's gaze follows her hoof until her eyes each the bustling market.

"Look, princess," Twilight says. "Every pony is enjoying your night. Even when it is cold and dark, every pony is enjoying the night."

Luna's smile returns as she looks over the ponies below. A good feeling pounds in Twilight's chest. It was the feeling she often got when she successfully reported a letter about friendship to Princess Celestia. It was the feeling she only got by helping another pony who needed it. The raging winds recede until there is only a gentle breeze blowing through Twilight's mane.

"Thank you, Twilight Sparkle." Luna says happily. "I needed your kind words."

Twilight freezes as the princess wraps a hoof around her neck and pulls Twilight into a warm embrace. Twilight almost drops the mug she was still holding. After a few moments, Twilight slowly raises her hoof and returns the princess' hug. Though the winds had died down, the chilly air causes Twilight to shiver. Luna notices and pulls away.

"Are you alright, Twilight Sparkle?" The princess asks.

Twilight nods her head as she takes a sip from her mug. After realizing the coffee is still cold, she gags and spits it out over the edge of the railing. Luna frowns and extends her wing. Twilight doesn't object as Luna guides her inside.

"Come, Twilight Sparkle, let us get you out of the cold. The last thing I want is thou becoming ill before your birthday."

Twilight sighs unhappily as she closes the door to the balcony.

"How did you know?" She asks.

"My sister has told me." Luna explains. "'Tis why I originally came to visit . I only wanted to give thou my best wishes on the day of thine birth."

Twilight shakes her head as she sets the mug down on a table.

"If Princess Celestia told you my birthday is tomorrow, then she also should have told you I don't celebrate my birthday."

Luna's eyes widen with surprise. Twilight rolls her eyes. She had seen that same reaction many a time from other ponies.

"Does thou... not celebrate thine birthday?" Luna asks, completely shocked.

Twilight nods as she sits in a chair opposite to Luna,

"It's just how I was brought up..." Twilight says. "My parents raised me to only celebrate achievements. Being forced out of a screaming mare's vagina is not an achievement worth celebrating..."

Luna couldn't believe her ears. In all of her many years of life, she had never heard such a strange way to look at the day of your birth.

"I'm not upset about it." Twilight continues. "I've always been able to occupy myself with my studies."

Luna shakes her head quickly.

"No, Twilight, this is  not acceptable." Luna says. "I cannot allow this mind set to continue."

Twilight is surprised when the princess grabs her cheeks and looks into her eyes. The look on Princess Luna's face was dead serious.

"Twilight Sparkle, thou hast done more for me than any pony in Equestria. It is time I return the favour. I vow to make tomorrow the best day of your life."

Luna releases Twilight's face, and she begins pacing the room, her mind hard at work.

"Thy friends shall be there, of course... The pink one, she is good with celebrations, yes? Oh, there is so much to do!"

"Princess..." Twilight mutters.

Luna begins making her way to the door leading out to the balcony, giggling to herself uncontrollably. Twilight follows her to the door.

"Good night, Twilight Sparkle!" Luna calls as she prepares to depart. "I shall return in the morning assist with the preparations."

"Princess!" Twilight yells.

Luna stops mid step. She turns back around to face Twilight.

"I don't want a birthday party." Twilight says flatly. "I appreciate you wanting to give me one, but there is nothing about my birthday that is worth celebrating."

Luna chuckles softly.

"Surely you jest, Twilight." The princess says. "How can thou say those words seriously? Twilight, everything about the day of thy birth is worth celebrating. If you do not wish to celebrate the act of your mother giving you your life, why then not celebrate all thou have done because she gave you life?"

Twilight cocks her head. She opens her mouth to protest, but the princess was on a roll.

"Who else would have stopped Nightmare Moon had you not been born, Twilight? What other pony would have had the strength to defeat Discord and Lord Tirek? Thou hast much to celebrate for, Twilight."

Princess Luna turns back around and faces the edge of the balcony.

"I shall return tomorrow." She promises again.

With that being said, the princess melts into a cloud of dark, blue mist and is blown away into the night sky. Twilight stands at the door, unable to move.

*Is... she right?* Twilight asks herself. *Is my birthday really worth celebrating?*

Twilight's face light up as a break in the clouds above reveals the moon. The silver light shines down on her and the ponies below. Twilight smiles at the glistening moon.

"Good night, princess..." She mutters.

Then, giving a deep yawn, Twilight turns around and heads inside.

***Part 2: The Clip Board***

Twilight groans as she is jolted awake. Normally, Twilight found grace in waking up. The morning sun would creep into her room until she would be forced to accept the rise of the dawn. This time was different, however. The sound of rustling paper makes Twilight's ears twitch. The purple mare shifts her wings as she sits up. Twilight's heart skips a beat as she realizes she is not alone.

"P-Princess?" Twilight asks.

Luna was pacing the room. In the cloud of her magic, she had a clip board and a pen. The look on her face was a look of concentration and determination. At the sound of Twilight's voice, her face breaks into a silly grin.

"Ah, good morning, Twilight Sparkle. I did not mean to wake you..."

Twilight rubs her hooves against her eyes.

*Wait... Princess Luna is in my room... Princess Luna is in my room!*

Twilight looks out of the window to her right. There was no sunlight creeping through the window. The dawn had yet to arrive.

"What... time is it?"

Luna pauses her pacing to ponder the question. Twilight didn't exactly need her to respond. The bags under Luna's eyes gave her an answer.

"It is four o'clock in the morning..." The princess says with a sigh is exhaustion.

A tired smile forms on her lips as she sits down in a chair on the opposite side of the room.

"I told you... I would plan you the best day of your life..." Luna says with a huge yawn, holding up the clip board for Twilight to see.

The print was extremely small, and the list was long. Twilight squints her eyes, but her vision is limited in her drowsy state. However, she could make out words like 'balloons' and...

"Does that say... Diamond Dancers? Isn't that a..."

Luna turns the clip around and peers at the list. Her eyes widen and her cheeks flush bright red. The princess chuckles nervously as she corrects the error.

"Uh... heh... That... shouldn't be there... Don't worry, Twilight. I will be sure to cancel the strippers."

"The 'what'?!"

Twilight wasn't sure if she had heard Luna correctly. She looks at the princess with disbelief in her eyes as she slowly walks closer. Luna's smiling face is the last thing she sees before a dark blue cloud covering her eyes.

"Thou shall awaken again when the sun rises..."

Then, Twilight is out like a light.

***To Be Continued***

Chapter 2: Breakfast With The Bear

***Part 1: Awakening***

Twilight's eyes slowly open as a huge yawn exits her lips. She shivers in her sheets. It felt colder than it had the night before. As her gaze hits the window to her right, a smile creeps along her lips. The morning sun was rising and filling the room with light and warmth. It was a good start, but Twilight needed more.

"Spike..." Twilight groans as she slides out of bed. "Spiiiiiiiiike..."

A second later, the door opens and a the little dragon is rushing to her side.

"Good morning, Twilight." He says sleepily. "What, did you need something?"

"Breakfast..." Twilight says as her stomach growls hungrily. "Warm breakfast... Do we have the ingredients for pancakes?"

Spike shakes his head.

*Oh, shoot! Where's Pinkie Pie when you need her?*

"That shouldn't be a problem, though." Spike says.

Twilight cocks her head.

"What do you mean, Spike?"

"Your friends are all waiting for you at Sugarcube Corner." Spike explains. "I was just waiting for you to wake up."

Using her horn, Twilight picks up a comb and begins brushing it through her mane.

"Sugarcube Corner? We've never had breakfast there before... What's the occasion?"

Spike chuckles as he makes his way towards the door.

"You're kidding, right? What pony forgets their own birthday?"

Twilight freezes mid-brush. Her heart was pounding so hard, the noise echoed in her brain. Spike instantly sees he tripped a wire.

"Ah... I probably should have given you this instead..." He says, holding up a letter.

Twilight snatches the letter from his claws. On the front of the envelope was the lunar seal. She tears the letter open and empties its cargo. A single note falls out. It read:

     *Twilight Sparkle,

I do apologize for the rude awakening earlier this morning. I was interrogating your dragon, trying to find some of your interest to incorporate into your birthday celebration. Anyway, you should be happy to know that I have canceled the Diamond Dancers, even though your friend Rainbow Dash seemed a little disappointed. If you are reading this letter, it means you have aged nineteen years since the date of your birth! This is your first of many formal invitations to locations around Ponyville where your birth and life will be celebrated.

     Your favorite princess of the night, Luna*

Twilight reads the letter again twice over.

"I wasn't dreaming when that happened?" Twilight mutters.

Spike shrugs as he exits the room. He had done his duty. Mission accomplished! Twilight, on the other hoof, was still trying to wrap her mind around what the letter had told her.

*The first of many?* She thinks to herself. *What does Princess Luna have planned?*

Quickly throwing a coat over her back, Twilight dashes through the corridors and out of the castle. She looks up at the bright, grey sky. It was still as cloudy as it was the night before. Looking ahead, Twilight could see a large number of ponies walking about already. A few close enough to make eye contact stop and wave to her.

"Happy birthday, Princess Twilight!" The mail mare says cheerfully as she trots on by.

*By Celestia's name... Did Luna tell every single pony in this town my birthday is today?*

Twilight wasn't sure of whether to be impressed or agitated. She didn't want more attention than she could handle.

*This is going to be my coronation all over again...*

Giving a frustrated 'sigh', Twilight begins the short walk to Sugarcube Corner. Leaves crunches and crackled under her hooves as she kicked the little things around. Within no time at all, her target destination was in sight. When Twilight is only a block away from the corner, a shrill, female voice calls her name from above.

"Twiiiiilllliiiight!" Rainbow Dash calls as she dive-bombs the princess.

Twilight has to suck to avoid the crashing pegasus. Only, she doesn't crash. Rainbow Dash lands on all four hooves with a loud 'thud', sending leaves flying in every direction.

"Good morning to you, birthday girl!" Rainbow greets with an obvious 'wink'. "How goes it?"

"Good, I suppose..." Twilight says as she huddled in her coat. "It is a little chilly today. Is Cloudsdale pushing winter early this year?"

Rainbow Dash frowns as she looks up at the grey sky.

"Na... It's just a mandatory cold front. Command has all cloud combat teams grounded until we are given the green light to kick that overcast outta here."

Twilight was an expert on many subjects and fields, but weather was not one of them. She decides to trust Rainbow Dash's forecast and accept the cold.

"Besides, I love the cold!" Rainbow exclaimes. "It makes everything look so much cooler."

Rainbow Dash begins to snicker at her own unintended pun. The snicker quickly turns into a roar of laughter. Twilight can't help but laugh along with her. The pegasus was right, after all. Taking a good look around, Twilight understood what Rainbow Dash was talking about. The carpet of leaves on the ground did give Ponyville a very rustic appeal. Every pony was dressed in their nice, fluffy coats and boots, and there was...

"Uh, Twilight?" Rainbow Dash says, waving her hoof in front of Twilight's eyes. "Hey, Twi, breakfast is this way."

Twilight shakes her head as her mind is snapped back into reality. Her gaze follows Rainbow Dash's hoof to Sugarcube Corner.

"Oh, right... I'm sorry..." Twilight says, her cheeks flushing red.

"Hey, no problem, Twi. I'm digging this season, too." Rainbow chuckles as she follows after Twilight.

Both mares arrive at Sugarcube Corner. Rainbow beats Twilight to the door and extends her hoof, stopping Twilight from entering.

"Hold on, Twi," Rainbow says. "Before you go in, I just want to apologize on Fluttershy's behalf. Her heart is in the right place, but..."

"But 'what'?" Twilight asks.

Rainbow Dash sighs as she opens the door. Twilight shrieks as a barrage of birds flies at her, and she dives for the floor as the swarm shoots over her head. When the dust settles, Rainbow Dash helps the frightened mare to her hooves.

"She may have invited a few extra friends..." Rainbow says, still giggling.

***Breakfast Bash***

When Twilight first arrived at the Sugarcube Corner with Rainbow Dash, she had no idea of what was waiting for her inside. All of her friends were there, sitting around tables filled to the brim with feasts of breakfast foods that gave off a welcoming aroma. Just to prove how hungry she was, Twilight's stomach growls violently as the smell of delicious food enters her nose.

"I'll bet Princess Celestia heard that tummy yelling!" Applejack says with a hearty chuckle.

Twilight blushes as she approaches one of the tables. She watches her step to avoid crushing several squirrels that were chasing each other under her hooves.

"Why? Do you think my stomach growling can be heard all the way in Canterlot?" Twilight jokes as she sits down.

Her eyes sweep over the table, taking in every option before her. Eggs, toast, pastries, bisects, waffles, yogurt and granola, fruits, and of course, pancakes. As Twilight begins reaching for the pancakes, Applejack clears her throat.

"Uh... Actually, I'm sure she heard it, because she is standing right behind ya'."

*What?*

Twilight's head spins around, and she finds herself face to face with her mentor.

"Happy birthday, Twilight." Celestia says with a happy grin.

*Oh, Celestia!*

"Oh, Celestia!" Twilight yells as she leaps out of her chair.

Twilight throws her hooves around the white mare. Celestia groans a little from the pony's weight, but she doesn't object.

"Yes, I've missed you too, Twilight..." Celestia mutters. "It has been a while since you have visited."

"I should say the same thing to you, princess." Twilight says with a smirk.

Blushing, Celestia pulls away. Twilight notices the embarrassment in her eyes, but the warm smile on her lips was unchanging.

"I have been quite busy in Canterlot with... royal business... I'm sure you understand that enough, now. Don't you, Princess Twilight?" Celestia asks with a playful chuckle.

Royal business, saving the world, making friends... Isn't it all the same?" Twilight responds, embracing Celestia again.

Celestia sighs contently as she wraps her own hooves around the purple filly.

"Oh, Twilight... You have grown so much. I am happy to be here with you to celebrate your birthday."

Twilight's eyes begin to water. This actually felt... special. She looks around the bakery. All of her friends were eating and chatting amongst themselves, along with the Cakes. Celestia had her eyes set on a table littered with pastries and desserts. Pound and Pumpkin were sitting on the counter, fighting over a bag of flour. Then, In a funny instant, the bag of flour splits and spills all over Pound.

"Oh dear, Pound..." Mrs. Cake says as she picks the little foal up. "Let's get you cleaned up."

Twilight watches as Mrs. Cake carries the laughing Pound up the stairs where Twilight assumed she would give him a bath. Twilight turns her attention back to the tables of food. She was famished. Twilight finds a seat in between Fluttershy and Fluttershy's pet bear, and she begins stacking her plate full of food. Bite after bite, Twilight began to satisfy her raging, morning hunger. She washes the eggs and pancakes down with a glass of the sweetest Apple juice she had ever tasted.

*Mmmmmm... If this is what ponies get to do on their birthdays, I'm going to have to have a long talk with my parents... What else have I been missing out on?* Twilight thinks to herself as she contently savors the banquet on her plate.

As she swallows a pair of grapes from the fruit bowl, her eyes drift hungrily to a small moon cake.

*I'll bet that moon cake is  good. I wonder if Fluttershy will split it with me. Maybe, the bear will?*

As Twilight is reaching for the moon cake, her mind begins to click.

*Wait... Luna? Where is Princess Luna?*

Only by finding the moon cake had Twilight realized that the princess who orchestrated the event was missing.

"Princess Celestia," Twilight calls. "Where is Luna?"

Celestia's gaze falls as she finishes chewing on the pastry in her mouth and swallows.

"I'm afraid my sister could not attend, Twilight." Celestia says glumly.

Twilight's heart stops. She couldn't beileve her ears.

"What?! Why? She's the one who planned this, isn't she?"

"That is why she could not be here, Twilight." Celestia explains. "I've never seen her work so hard for anything before. She spent all night and all morning preparing this day for you. It has worn her out, and she needed to rest."

Twilight looks down at the table. Suddenly, she wasn't so hungry anymore.

"Take heart, Twilight. Look at what she has done for you, and this is only the beginning of your birthday. She has worked so hard to make this your... 'best bucking day ever'." Celestia quotes. "You mean a lot to my sister for her to do something like this."

Twilight's heart pounds a little faster at those last few words.

*Do I really mean this much to a princess like Luna?* Twilight thinks to herself.

A smile forces its way along her lips. Seeing Twilight smile, Celestia's cheery grin returns. With that, she returns to her pastry. Twilight's gaze returns to the moon cake. She had a sneaking suspicion it might have been a gift from Luna as well.

"Thank you..." She whispers to the cake.

Then, she takes a knife, and cuts the delicious dessert in two.

***To Be Continued***

Chapter 3: Lunar Eclipse

***Part 1: Twilight Takes The Cake***

Twilight Sparkle lets out a loud, low-toned burp as she rubs her hoof against her stomach. She couldn't help smiling as she gazes around the bakery. Her friends were sprawled out, as well. It was clear every pony had their fair share of the Cake's banquet. Even Princess Celestia was relying on the wall for support as she tries to make her way to the door.

"Are you alright, princess?" Twilight asks her.

The white mare chuckles as she opens the door.

"Oh, Twilight... I am more than alright. That was the best morning meal I have had in many years. I think I need a long nap, now, but that will have to wait. I have business in Canterlot to return to. I will be back in time for the main event tonight, Twilight. Oh, and be sure to give the Cakes my personal regards!"

With that being said, Princess Celestia walks out of Sugarcube Corner and into Ponyville. Twilight watches as she crosses the street to a carriage and a pair of pegasus guards waiting for her. As soon as she is on board, the guard's take flight, and the princess is on her way back to Canterlot.

"Happy birthday, Twilight." A sweet voice says behind her.

Twilight spins around to face Mrs. Cake. The earth pony is offering her a napkin.

"Oh... Thank you..." Twilight says as she accepts the napkin. "Sorry, I'm still new to this whole 'birthday' thing..."

Twilight looks around at the food scraps and her full friends. It all felt so... good. That was the word. Nothing to special. It simply felt 'good', satisfying. She was with the ponies she loved, having a good time. All but one, anyway...

"Oh, you think nothing of it, Twilight." Mrs. Cake says with a light chuckle. "This is your special day. It only comes around once a year, after all."

Twilight's mind flashes through the foalhoods her her friends. She pictures them growing up through the years, sharing their birthdays with their families.

*How nice that must have been...*

Then, her thoughts take a darker turn. Images of Nightmare Moon being defeated by Celestia were burned into her mind from the time Zecora gave her that special potion. She could see Luna on the moon, nothing around as far as the eye could see. Nothing but... grey dust shifting under her hooves. She thinks about all of the lonely birthdays Luna spent on the moon... On the moon, she had no friends, no parties, and no delicious food. The more Twilight thought about it, the angrier she became. She wasn't just angry at the war between the Celestia and Luna, she was angry at her parents.

*Why did they keep this from me for nineteen years?* Twilight thinks to herself as she lets out a heaving sigh. *What about Shining? He never got a birthday party either. I... I will have to give him one when it is time...*

Twilight makes a silent vow to give to her brother what her friends have given her. It only seemed right for her to do so. Twilight smiles up at Mrs. Cake and thanks her over and over again as she begins cleaning up the many plates and dishes.

"Oh, you shouldn't be thanking me, Twilight." Mrs, Cake says. "I only supplied the food. Princess Luna is the one who planned everything. She came to me last night, before we closed, and made the order. It was one of the largest orders for a group size such as yourselves we have ever received, but she paid us in full and demanded to have the order ready for this event. When she told us it was for your birthday, how could we refuse?"

Twilight's cheeks flush bright red.

"R-Really? She did that for me?"

Mrs. Cake nods as she begins backing through the door to the kitchen, a tray full of dirty plates ballened perfectly on her back. Just before she dissapears into the kitchen, Mrs. Cake looks directly at Twilight and smiles.

"You must be one lucky mare to have a friend like Princess Luna."

With that being said, Mrs. Cake returns to her duties, leaving Twilight alone at the table.

*Yeah... I suppose I am...*

Twilight pushes the chair back and slides out of it. She takes a look around to gather an inventory assessment of her friends. Applejack and Pinkie Pie were both down and out. Rarity was still upright, sipping on a tea cup. Fluttershy was passed out with the bear in the corner of the eatery, and Rainbow Dash was nowhere to be seen. Rarity glances over just in time to see Twilight push the chair back under the table.

"Oh, darling!" Rarity chimes. "Are you preparing to leave?"

Twilight nods as she looks around for her coat.

"You'll need this, then." Rarity says, holding up a letter.

*Oh, that's right. I completly forgot!*

"Is that from-"

"Your dear friend, Princess Luna?" Rarity finishes for her with a giggle. "Yes, it is. You go on ahead. I'll stay here and get every pony moving once they are able to walk again..."

Twilight nods with approval as she steps outside into the cold. Instantly, the warmth and good smells dissapear. They are replaced by crisp air and the smell of... well, the outdoors. Twilight, with the letter in the cloud of her magic, rests her flank on the ground. In one swift tear, she rips the envelope open and takes the note out. The paper, like the envelope is stamped with the lunar seal. It reads:

     *My dear friend, Twilight

I'll bet you enjoyed your first birthday breakfast with your friends and the Cakes. I am sorry I could not be there with you. I would have loved to see the look on your face when you entered the bakery! Did you enjoy the moon cake I left you? That was a special request of mine for the Cakes to prepare. Anyway, if you are reading this letter, that means you have just finished eating, and you are ready for your next birthday mission. Come directly to the Ponyville Brewers. I will be waiting...*

     Yours always, Princess Luna

Twilight double checks the location.

*The brewery?* She thinks to herself.

Mildly intrigued, Twilight stashes the letter in her saddle bag with the other as she begins her journey across Ponyville to the Ponyville Brewery.

***Part 2: The Call To Drink***

To tell you the truth, Twilight had never been to the Ponyville Brewery before. That was because she had never been old enough to drink alcohol until now. The structure was located on the opposite side of Ponyville, directly across from her castle.

*I shouldn't be complaining...* Twilight thinks to herself as she trudges through the leaves. *Maybe this walk will burn of a little of the moon cake...*

Chuckling to herself, Twilight continues forward. In just a few short minutes, Twilight manages to reach the brewery. The building looks ancient. Old, stained bricks made up most of the structure, and three large silos stood tall over the back. A pony was waiting for her as she nears the main entrance.

"Well, top of the muffin to ya', Princess Twilight!" He says with a hearty laugh. "And a mighty happy birthday to ya' as well."

"Good... 'muffin' to you, too." Twilight says, forcing a smile. "That is an interesting way to greet some pony. I've never heard it before."

The pony raises an eyebrow.

"What, the muffin thing? Oh, that is something I actually picked up from one of my new employees. The mare makes terrible beer, but I just can't send her and those beautiful eyes away. Right now, she's acting as an administrative intern. She greets me every morning with a cheerful 'Top of the muffin!'" The pony laughs as he recalls the happy memories.

Twilight can't help smiling. It was nice to see other ponies having just as good of a day as she was.

"Anyway," The pony says as he wipes his hoof across his eyes. "You can call me Froth. I'll bet a birthday mare such as yourself is here to see that crazy princess in my office."

*A crazy princess? That must be Luna. I'm getting close!*

Twilight nods as she follows Froth into the brewery office building. The offices looked nothing like the actual brewery. For one thing, the building didn't look like it was centuries old. Inside, everything was... cleaner than she expected.

"Ah, Princess Twilight, this is the lovely intern I told you about." Froth says as he waves his hoof to a grey mare down the hall.

Twilight instantly notices the basket of muffins in her jaw's grip and the muffin cutie mark, but it was the eyes that really stuck out. They seemed to be looking in two different directions at once, never straight forward.

"Good morning- I mean... muffin." Twilight calls to the mare.

The grey mare turns her head with the biggest grin on her face, despite the basket handle in her mouth.

"What did I tell ya'? She's the sweetest filly in the brewery." Froth says as he continues leading Twilight through the offices.

After a few moments of walking, they stop in front of the board room.

"Thank you for the tour, Mr. Froth." Twilight says with a sweet smile.

"Oh, the pleasure is all mine, princess. You girls behave in there, now. I'll be down the hall if you need me."

Twilight's cheeks flush bright red.

*W-What did he mean by that?*

On that vague bomb shell, Froth gives her a slight now before trotting down the hall.

"Hey, save me one of those muffins!" He calls as he chases after the grey mare.

Twilight chuckles as she turns her attention back to the board room. As soon as she opens the door, Twilight is met with a pair of dark blue wings.

"Oh, Twilight Sparkle!" Luna yells as she embraces the terrified mare. "It is good to see you . You finished your breakfast at Sugarcube Corner quicker than expected. I have only just finished preparing our next activity."

Twilight gasps as she breaks free from Luna's grasp. Her eyes then shift along the table. At least a dozen tall glasses stood on the table, each one contained a different color liquid.

"What... is this?" Twilight asks.

Luna clears her throat as she prepares her speech.

"Twilight Sparkle, at the age of nineteen, you are now old enough to drink alcohol in Equestria. Now, I doubt you will do so on a regular basis, but it will be socially expected of you to drink small amounts on special occasions such as weddings, award ceremonies, and of course, birthdays. I have accumulated fifteen different wines, ales, champagnes, and beers for you to taste. It is only fair for you to decide now before you make a bad choice at a wedding or award ceremony."

Twilight looks all of the tall glasses over. She had never pictured herself drinking alcohol, like, ever. Princess Luna, on the other hoof, was already picking up an orange-colored drink.

"This ale is a personal favorite of mine. It is traditionally used for parties and social gatherings. Would you like to give a try?"

Not wanting to be rude, Twilight accepts the offer. Taking the glass in the grasp of her magic, Twilight lifts it to her lips. The orange drink passes through her lips and down her throat, burning the entire way down. For a brief moment, Twilight feels like a fire-breathing dragon. Her mouth burned, but there were no flames. After the burning sensation recedes, Twilight can actually begin to register the taste of the drink.

"Wow..." Twilight coughs in a raspy voice.

"I suppose I should have warned you it is a little strong..." Luna chuckles mischievously. "Here, try this one."

The moon princess takes the orange ale and gives Twilight a darker, brown beer in return.

"Again, this is a causal social drink. It is not as strong as the ale, but the taste is not as sharp either."

Twilight lifts the glass to her lips and swallows some of the beer. Luna had told the truth. The liquid smoothly slides down her throat, but it didn't taste as good.

"It all depends on your preference." Luna explains.

*Whoa... When did... When was there... there two of you...?*

Twilight was already feeling nauseous.

"Are you ready for another, Twilight?"

*I'm ready for you, hot stuff...*

The purple mare lazily nods her head as Luna offers her another drink. This time, when she tries to hold the glass in the cloud of her magic, Twilight drops the glass.

"Ah!" Luna yelps as she evades the broken glass. "Oh, dear... Twilight, are you alright?"

"Meeee? *Hic!*" Twilight slurs. "I'm *Hic!* fine... You're the one *Hic!* whose glowing..."

Then, Twilight wraps a hoof around Luna's neck and pulls her into an deep kiss.

***To Be Continued***

Chapter 4: The Brightest Star

***Part 1: The Hour After***

Twilight groans as she rolls on her side. It burned. It all burned. Every part of her body felt like little rocks crumbling as fire was being expelled from her mouth, nose, and eyes. As her mind began to piece itself back together, Twilight decides to start with the basics.

*I... M-My name... is... Twilight Sparkle... Where am I?*

Twilight shifts in the sheets of her bed as she tries to sit upright.

"Oh, you're awake! Good, princess." A soft, female voice says.

"L-Luna?" Twilight groans.

It was not Luna. Twilight frowns as her vision clears and a nurse comes into view. Twilight becomes more aware of her surroundings. She feel the sheets. It was not her bed, like she originally thought. It was a public hospital bed. The mattress was as hard as a rock, and the sheets felt like plastic. She looks to her right and to her left. She was in one of many hospital beds, but the rest were empty. The entire medical ward was empty save the nurse and herself.

"I am not Princess Luna." The nurse says. "She left just a few minutes ago. I believe it was something about preparing Hayseed Diner for some big event. Anyway, the princess brought you in here after you passed out."

"Ohhhh..." Twilight groans as she turns her attention back to the nurse. "What... What happened?"

The nurse glances over the notes on her clip board.

"It wasn't exactly a riddle to solve, sweetie." The nurse chuckles. "We ran some simple tests and found small, concentrated amounts of alcohol in your bloodstream. You passed out when your blood/alcohol levels reached high amounts in your reticular activating system. Alcohol levels quickly reached equilibrium throughout your brain. Pretty soon, you most control of your ability to function properly, and your memory recording functions were scrambled."

Twilight heard the nurse speaking science words, but she was still to far gone to understand a single one of them.

"W-What?"

The nurse chuckles as she puts the clip board away.

"You got hammered, sweetie." She says. "The amount of alcohol in your body wasn't a terribly large amount, but you have such a low tolerance of the stuff, that it screwed you over after the first sip."

Twilight nods slowly. She understood, that time.

"How... long was I asleep?" Twilight asks.

"You were out cold for about an hour. Technically, you are free to go, but I must advise you rest for a little while longer. Your basic motor functions may still be recovering from the sudden alcohol intake."

Twilight tries to roll of the bed and stand, but she only proves the nurse right. Twilight finds it extremely difficult to move her legs, and she falls back into the bed with a frustrating growl.

"Oh, don't you fret, Princess Twilight." The nurse says. "Your friends are in the lobby. They have been waiting to see you for some time, now. Since you are awake, I can now send them in."

With that being said, the nurse trots out of the ward and into the hallway. Twilight  watches as her mane before the pony is out of sight. Alone again, Twilight rolls onto her side.

*What was I thinking, drinking alcohol?* She asks herself. *What would my parents think if they knew what happened here?*

Twilight frowns as the thought of her parents enters her mind.

*What, the loving mother and father who didn't think their children's birth is worth celebrating? Yeah, right... They wouldn't care about this either... Shining drinks all the time. I've seen him at the local bar in Canterlot with his guard buddies. I'm sure Cadence lets him have fun often...*

Twilight's mind begins to wander as it pieces itself back together.

*Shining has beer all the time! How is it that when I have, like, a sip of some rare ale, I'm waking up in the hospital? I don't get it. I... I'm going to borrow this hospital's books on the brain. I need to know exactly what that stuff did to me.*

The door swings open, and five familiar faces appear. Twilight smiles as her friends approach her. The dull appearance of the room brightened at the sight of her colorful companions.

"Boy, Twilight, you sure do look like a right mess." Applejack states honestly. "How are ya' feelin', sugarcube?"

A small smile cracks along Twilight's lips as the orange mare hugs her tightly.

"I... I feel fine." Twilight says. "Just a few more minutes, and I'll be out of here."

"Oh, good thing too, darling." Rarity says sweetly. "Your big birthday bash begins in a few hours. It would be a shame if the birthday mare didn't look absolutely perfect."

Rainbow Dash, who was hovering above the bed, chuckles softly.

"I still can't believe Twi had her first drink, and I wasn't there to see it..." She say. "I mean, I knew Princess Luna had something crazy planned, but I didn't know she would take it that far."

Twilight eyes her friends as they nod collectivlly. She quickly shakes her head.

"No... No, you have the wrong idea. I'm not upset with Luna. She... She is just trying to make this my best day ever..."

"By poisoning ya'?" Applejack counters.

Twilight smacks her hoof against her head.

"No, she didn't 'poison' me. The nurse said I just have a very low tolerance of alcohol. I can drink a lot like most ponies can. If anything, I should be thanking Luna. Now, I know something knew about my body that I never knew before."

Pinkie Pie looks at Applejack and shrugs.

"She has a point." Pinkie giggles.

Twilight smiles as her pink friend sides with her.

*I wonder what her tolerance is...* She chuckles to herself.

"So, where is the next letter?" Twilight asks.

Twilight's questioned is answered by confused looks.

"None of us have a letter..." Fluttershy mutters. "We thought you might know."

Twilight had no idea of what to do. The nurse had mentioned the Hayseed Diner, but that even was hours away. What was she supposed to do?

"I'm afraid there is no letter from my sister, this time." A soothing voice says from the door.

Every pony's head spins towards the door to find Princess Celestia. The white mare folds her wings as she approaches the bed.

"What do you mean, princess?" Twilight asks.

Celestia just looks at her and smiles.

"Twilight, you and I have a private date to the spa."

***Part 2: Princess, My Princess***

When the warm water of the jacuzzi hits Twilight's wings, she lets out a low moan. She was no longer in Ponyville. She wasn't even in Equestria. Twilight enters a realm of bliss and good feelings as the warm water engulfs her. Celestia lets out a similar moan as she slides into the water with Twilight.

"Ahhhhhhh..." Celestia says, a huge grin forming on her face. "This is what it really feels like..."

Twilight cocks her head as she eyes the princess. Celestia's mane was already soaked. It looked as though t was dissolving in the water.

"What do you mean?" Twilight asks.

Celestia's eyes crack open as she chuckles.

"Being a princess, Twilight... This is what it should always feel like, warm waters melting your troubles away... No troublesome laws... No defense proposals... No war with the Changelings..."

*Wait, what?*

Twilight raises her hoof to ask her about that last statement, but Celestia was already moving on.

"Twilight, I am glad my sister was able to talk you into this. It has broken my heart over the years to watch you grow and age without a single birthday celebration. You... have grown into a fine mare, Twilight."

Twilight's cheeks flush bright red.

"T-Thank you, princess..." Twilight stutters.

Celestia doesn't stop there.

"Such qualities are hard to find in a mare these days... You are smart, incredibly brave, strong, and quite beautiful..."

Twilight's face felt hotter than the water she was sitting in, now. Celestia chuckles as she sees Twilight's blushing cheeks.

"It is easy to see why my sister fancies you, Twilight.

Twilight's heart skips a beat.

"W-What, princess?" She asks, fear rising in her voice. "What do you mean?"

Celestia gives her that signature warm, motherly smile.

"She fancies you, Twilight. She came to me today telling me she was in love with the most wonderful mare in all of Equestria... She even told me of the kiss you two shared in the brewery."

*I... I didn't imagine that? That was... real?!*

"Princess, I... I'm so sorry... Luna was helping me try new drinks, and I got really drunk, and-"

"Twilight," Celestia says in a commanding voice. "Please, calm yourself. There is no need to apologize. I am not angry or upset in any way, shape, or form. In fact, it is quite the opposite. I am thrilled my sister has found love. Even more so, I am thrilled she has found love in you. There is no other pony in Equestria I would prefer her to be with."

Twilight's heart was still racing.

"She... loves me?"

Celestia nods as she slides deeper into the water.

"Yes, Twilight, more than you could imagine. After her first Nightmare Night in Ponyville, the night you helped her make friends, you stole her heart. She told me the story every time we would sit down to eat. She told me all about the 'purple filly wearing a beard'." Celestia quotes. "She is crazy for you, Twilight."

Twilight could hardly beileve her ears. Her chest was pounding so furiously, she could felt it vibrating in her head.

"I take it from your expression that you didn't know...?" Celestia asks softly.

Twilight shakes her head. She couldn't meet Celestia's gaze. Her eyes drift to the motionless water.

"No... I... I just thought she was doing this to... be nice, to be friendly... I had no idea she was doing all of this for me because she... loves me."

"How do you feel about her?" Celestia asks.

Twilight finally looks up at meets Celestia's gaze.

"I... I don't know... I like her... She is a great pony, but... I've never loved anypony before... Not like this..."

Celestia nods her head slowly.

"I understand, Twilight. Such feelings for another pony can be overwhelming. My sister has had many lovers in the past, but she has never slept with a mare. I believe you have changed something in her, Twilight."

Twilight cocks her head in confusion.

"What? How?"

Celestia closes her eyes and leans further back into the warm water. It was as if she was recalling old memories.

"In her youth, Luna was an... eager pony. She would sleep with any dashing stallion she fancied. It was mostly the palace staff she targeted, guards and servants. Most of the staff was eager to please her as well. She didn't care about who she went to bed with. She changed lovers as easily as the servants changed the dirty sheets on her bed. Now, something is different... You are the first mare she has ever fallen for. I believe she sees more in you, Twilight. She fancies you for your the friendship and companionship you can offer her, not just the pleasure."

The red was returning to Twilight's cheeks. She knew about sex. She had done her studying. Now, images of Princess Luna spreading her legs for her flashed in her mind like a motion picture. Celestia chuckles as she stands to exit the pool, almost as though she was reading Twilight's thoughts.

"Come, Twilight." She coaxes sweetly. "You will have plenty of time to think things over during our massage..."

***To Be Continued***

Chapter 5: Into The Night

***Part 1: The Faithful Student***

Twilight holds her breath for several seconds. When she feels her lungs are about to burst, she exhales slowly, letting out a long breath and sending a frosty cloud into the air. Twilight shifts her hooves nervously, cracking and scattering the carpet of leaves beneath her. The cracks and snaps make her ears twitch.

*It's alright, Twilight...* She thinks to herself. *You can do this... If you can put up with Discord at the gala, you can attend your own birthday party...*

She looks up at the red sky. The sun was setting in the west, lighting the sky on fire as it descends. From the east, the moon was rising. The red sky begins to fade into a soft, dark blue. Then, the stars appear. Like jewels and gems in the sky, the stars shine brightly.

"Hey, Twi, are you ready to go?" Rainbow Dash asks, giving her a gentle nudge.

Twilight glances at the pegasus as her mind returns to reality. She looks at Rainbow Dash, then at the rest of her closest friends. Tears begin to swell in her eyes. Twilight lunges forward and throws her hooves around Rainbow Dash. Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie quickly join the group hug. The dams in Twilight's eyes finally burst, and tears roll down her cheeks.

"You... are the best friends any mare could hope for..." Twilight says shakily. "Thank you..."

Rainbow Dash, beginning to get a little emotional herself, quickly pulls away to hide her tears.

"Twilight, you are the greatest thing to have happened to all of us." Rarity says softly. "Without you, who knows where we would be?"

The sun was now gone, and the moon shines brightly on its pedestal in the sky. There were no clouds to hide its beauty this time.

"I'm ready." Twilight says with confidence.

"To the Hayseed Diner it is, then." Applejack says with a wave of her hat.

Rarity giggles as she throws a scarf around Twilight's neck.

"Yes, darling," She chimes. "The celebration of your life awaits!"

The six friends travel together into the heart of Ponyville. They weren't alone in their quest. It seemed every other pony in the community had the same idea. This was going to be a big party. Twilight could feel it, literally. She could feel the low-humming base from three blocks away as they approached the diner. Bright spot lights were lighting up the sky.

"Whoa..." Rainbow gasps. "Princess Luna really went all out, didn't she?"

*Just for me...* Twilight's chest flutters happily. *She loves me... I can't wait to see her...*

"Let's get going." Twilight says excitedly.

The six mares approach the door. Two Royal Guards stood outside, greeting ponies as they walk inside. When they see Twilight approaching, both guards snap to attention, startling Twilight.

"Happy birthday, Princess Twilight." They both say in unison as she passes by them.

The moment, Twilight's hoof sets inside the diner, everything stops. I mean 'everything'. The music softens until it is silent, and ponies who were engaged I their own conversations turn their attention to the door. Twilight's hooves feel cold, and her face feels hot. Unsure of what to do, she waves her hoof.

"Uh... Hi..."

*'Hi'? Really? That's all you can say? Say something!*

"Uh..." Twilight groans as her words fail her.

Luckily, Rarity was by her side.

"I'll take care of this, darling." She whispers to Twilight.

Rarity clears her throat as she steps forward. Twilight felt a sense of relief as some of the attention left her.

"May I have every pony's attention, please?" Rarity asks sweetly. "Thank you. Now, I'm sure you all know exactly why we are here. To put what we all know into words, we are here to celebrate the life of a very special filly we all know and love. To put it simply, we are here because it-"

"IT'S TWILIGHT'S BIRTHDAY!" Pinkie Pie yells, cutting Rarity off.

The crowd of ponies erupts into a deafening roar, breaking the deathly silence.

"Sorry..." Pinkie Pie says, smiling sheepishly and avoiding Rarity's glare.

Now that the party had resumed, Twilight and her friends were free to advance further into the fray. The entire diner had been emptied of all tables and chairs, turning the eatery into a dance floor. The only places to sit remained at the bar in the back corner.

"Well, darling, now that we are here, what is our first move?" Rarity asks.

Twilight scans the crowd. There was so much going on at the same time, that she had no idea of where to begin. Twilight knew what she wanted. She wanted to see Princess Luna, but it was obvious the she wasn't at the diner.

"You girls go ahead." Twilight says. "Go have fun. I'll catch up with you later."

The ponies exchange strange looks, but none of the object.

"Sure thing, Twilight." Applejack says. "Come on, y'all. Let's show these party animals a good time."

Twilight watches as her friends melt into the crowd. Even Fluttershy was eager to reach the dance floor. Twilight feels a sense of relief when she realizes the bare is not present. At last, Twilight's wandering gaze reaches the bar in the back corner.

*Well... I guess it is time for a drink...*

***Part 2: The Proclamation***

Twilight sips very slowly on a lite beer. With each drop of alcohol that passed through her lips, the thundering music grew a little softer. It was as though her ears were filling up with wax, blocking out the sound.

"Good evening, princess." A distant voice says. "Are we having a good time?"

Twilight looks up. Standing in front of her, on the other side of the bar, was the manager of the Ponyville Brewery.

"Froth?" Twilight asks. "What are you doing here?"

The stallion shrugs as he continues cleaning out a used mug.

"Me? I'm catering the birthday party of the Princess of Friendship. What about you?"

Twilight giggles as her cheeks blush bright red.

"I'm enjoying the birthday party of the Princess of Friendship." Twilight replies. "You wouldn't have happened to have seen Princess Luna around have you?"

To Twilight's disappointment, Froth shakes his head.

"I'm afraid not, princess. Though, after what happened at the brewery office, I'm sure she will show up to make sure you doing drink anything you shouldn't, but I can do that until she does get here. Are ya' feeling light-headed yet?"

Twilight has to take a moment to think his question over. After confirming that her head was not spinning in circles, she shakes her head."

"Not yet..." Twilight says. "This stuff isn't nearly as strong as the ale Princess Luna asked me to try.

"That's a Kraut Casket 88." Froth says. "It is nothing special, as far as drinks go, but it has a sweeter and more pleasurable taste than most beers do.

Twilight takes another sip.

"I like it." Twilight agrees.

Froth lets out a hearty chuckle as he slides a drink down the bar top to another pony at the far end.

"There may be hope for you yet, princess." He says with a warm smile. "Ah... It looks like your 'plus one' has arrived."

*What?* Twilight thinks to herself.

Two dark, blue wings drape over her as a pair of lips grazes against her left ear.

"Happy birthday, Twilight Sparkle..." A soft voice whispers.

"Luna?!" Twilight gasps as she spins around in her seat. "I just knew you would make it!"

Twilight happily throws her hooves around the princess and pulls her into a deep embrace.

"My, Twilight..." Luna chuckles. "Thou seems very excited to see me. Such a reaction was not expected after our last confrontation."

Twilight's smile melts, and her hooves grow cold.

*She means the kiss...*

Luna sets something on the floor behind her as she takes the seat next to Twilight's.

"Oh, princess..." Twilight stammers. "I... I am so sorry about that... It... I mean, I was drunk because of the alcohol, and-"

Twilight is silenced by Luna's hoof on her lips.

"Shhhhh..." Luna hushes her. "Do not blame your actions on alcohol, Twilight. Drinks have a strange way of making ponies do strange things. Drinks lower social and emotional barriers that keep us from doing and saying what we want to do and say. Thou kissed me because you were doing what your heart wanted."

Twilight slowly begins to relax as Luna's left wind drapes over her back.

"I suppose my sister has told thou of how I feel?" Luna whispers to her.

Twilight hesitates before nodding her head.

"Yes... She told me you... love me. Do you?"

Luna waves Froth down. She was signaling for him to give her a drink.

"It... is complicated..." Luna mutters.

Twilight's ears fold down. Any small feelings of hope began deteriorating. Luna notices the fearful look on Twilight's face.

"Oh no, Twilight," She says quickly. "Do not take what I said as a 'no'. I... I have very... strong feelings for you, but I must be careful of those feelings..."

"What do you mean, Luna?" Twilight asks.

Luna takes a long sip from the mug Froth delivered to her.

"Twilight, I have never felt so strongly for any pony before... Whenever I think about thou, I feel as though I am drinking heavily... I like these feelings, but I am not used to them... My heart feels heavy with yearning and dread. Twilight, the things thou does to me..."

Luna takes another swig from her ale as she leans toward's the shaking mare. Luna stops when her lips are a breath away from Twilight's.

"Thou makes me feel like a princess again..." She whispers in Twilight's ear.

Luna pulls away smiling, her eyes sparkling like stars in the night sky. Twilight can't help but smile back at her, but Luna's smile fades.

"There... is another issue, one that is far more troubling..."

"What is it, princess?"

Luna waves her hoof, gesturing towards the entire crowd of partying ponies.

"Them..." Luna mutters. "The public... My sister my support you and I, but what of the ponies of Equestria? What if they learn of their princesses engaging in scandalous activities with one another?"

Twilight could see Luna's point. It would cause quite a roar in the media. She could see the headlines.

*Princess Luna and Princess Twilight: Royal Affaire!*

"Thou has a cleaver look thine eye, Twilight." Luna says. "Does thou have a plan?"

The gears in Twilight's head were spinning rapidly. Even with the buzz on alcohol tingling in her hooves, she was determined to find a solution. After several minutes of silent planning, Twilight came to no solution. Every idea she came up with ended with public shame and tears. She looks up at Luna and shakes her head. Luna sighs as she takes another long sip from her drink.

"That is alright, Twilight." She says. "I already have a solution, but 'tis not one thou wil like."

Twilight cocks her head. Very intrigued, she sits forward in her seat.

"What is it, Luna?" Twilight asks.

Luna smiles sadly as she looks into Twilight's eyes.

"Tell me, Twilight Sparkle... Has thou ever been to the moon?"

***To Be Continued***

Chapter 6: The Moon

***Part 1: Dust***

Twilight did as Luna ordered, and she forced her eyes shut. She didn't dare open them. At first, the sounds of chattering ponies and clinking glasses was being drowned out by what sounded like an industrial turbine engine. She remembered Luna's soft wings wrapping around her body as the princess whispered into her ear.

"Don't let go, Twilight..." Luna had said to her.

Twilight listened, and she obeyed without question. She had her hooves wrapped around the princess like a foal on her first day of magic kindergarten.

Now, everything was quiet. The blinding light was receding, and the roaring noise was fading. When the noise was completely gone, it was replaced by the sound of nothing, complete and utter silence.

"Open your eyes, Twilight..." Luna's voice echoes.

After a moment of hesitation, Twilight obeys. Her eyes slowly begin to crack open, and Twilight lets out a sharp 'gasp'. She was standing on the edge of a massive crater. She looks in awe at the majestic sight before her.

"You... are impressed?" Luna asks, very much surprised at Twilight's initial reaction.

Twilight nods her head as she turns to face the princess.

"Yeah... I've seen the moon almost every night since I was little... I never imagined the view would be so... breathtaking..."

Twilight looks up into space. In the lunar sky, she could see Earth. She could even make out the natural geographical boarders of Equestria. A smile forms on Twilight's face. Just the night before, she had a beautiful view, through the crack in the clouds, of the moon. Now, she had a beautiful view of her balcony from the moon. Luna sighs as she kicks a small rock into the crater, stirring a cloud of dust as it travled down into the center.

"I suppose it is just me, but even the most spectacular beauties tend to lose their luster over a thousand years..."

The smile on Twilight's face melts. She turns back to face Luna only to see the tears forming in her eyes. She then eyes the crater again, then she looks back at the princess.

*A thousand years...*

Twilight shakes her head to rid her mind of the disturbingly lonely thoughts.

"Are you alright, Luna?" Twilight asks at last.

Luna looks as though she is a thousand miles away. She simply looks into the crater and kicks more rocks into the void.

"Nothing... Empty... Grey..." Luna chokes as tears begin rolling down her cheeks. "There was no warm castle, no hearth to hold a roaring flame. For a thousand years, I was alone. I had plenty of time to myself to plot my revenge... Thou knows how well that turned out..."

Twilight looks at the grey dust on the ground. She knew Luna was refering to their battle in the old Royal Palace.

"Down there, in Equestria, I had her... I had Nightmare Moon. She was always with me, in my heart. She was always there for me when I was alone. She always told me to be strong... When my sister banished me here, Nightmare Moon abandoned me. She left me alone to face the cold and darkness by myself."

Twilight is startled when Luna spins around and puts her hooves on her shoulders.

"I do not wish to be alone, Twilight Sparkle..." Luna sobs.

Then, the princess leans forward. With her hoof under Twilight's chin, Luna pulls her into a deep kiss. Twilight is surprised by the advance. The first time she kissed Luna, Twilight was clouded by alcohol. Twilight closes her eyes as the kiss deepens.

*...*

Twilight was unsure of what her next move should be. For several moments, she stands there and lets the emotionally distraught princess kiss her lips repeatedly.

*Do something, you bookworm!* Twilight yells at herself. *Don't just stand there! She needs you...*

After a hesitant moment, Twilight begins returning the kisses. They began as small 'pecks', but Luna welcomed them. As Twilight began to feel the princess' rhythm, she tries to match it.

*She loves you...* Twilight reminds herself. *Is this what ponies who love each other do?*

Memories of her foalhood flash in her mind. Twilight could see them, her parents. She could see them share quick kisses as they passed each other in the kitchen. She could see her brother and Cadence at last year's Hearths Warming Eve, holding each other and kissing passionately. Twilight then remembers her first Nightmare Night in Ponyville. She remembers the sparkle in Luna's eyes when she was finally accepted by the ponies of Ponyville. Twilight was the cause of that sparkle.

*She loves me...* Twilight thinks to herself. *She loves me, and I love her...*

Twilight is the one who breaks the kiss. She holds one hoof under Luna's chin and wipes her tears away with the other.

"You will never be alone again..." Twilight promises. "Not if I have anything to say about it..."

Luna's grin was stretching from ear to ear.

"Does thou mean it?" She asks.

Twilight nods. Her cheeks were bright red. She knew Luna could see. There was no color anywhere else on the moon.

"So, the kiss may continue...?" Luna asks softly, leaning in again.

Twilight watches as her lips press together. She was getting closer and closer. Twilight was ready. She angles her head up to meet Luna. The princess' lips make contact. Twilight lets out a muffled moan as Luna pulls her closer. Twilight's heart was beating out of her chest. Now that she wasn't paying attention to her inner thoughts, Twilight could;d really focus on what she was actually doing.

*I... I'm doing it! I'm kissing Princess Luna!*

Then, the tongue comes. Twilight feels it graze along her bottom lip. She was asking for entry. After a few moments of hesitation, Twilight parts her lips, and Luna's tongue slides into her mouth.

*...*

Twilight's mind was blank. No words or thoughts could be formed to describe the new feelings. Twilight feels the sloppy tongue slide against her own. Her wings stiffen. Luna, with her eyes cracked open, notices and breaks the messy kiss. The princess lets out a soft chuckle.

"My, Twilight Sparkle, are the feelings of arousal clouding your better judgment?"

"W-What do you mean, princess?" Twilight stammers.

Luna nods to Twilight's stiff wings.

"I suppose Rainbow Dash never taught you how a winged mare shows she is ready?"

Twilight freezes. The look on Luna's face was dead serious, yet there was a hint of excitement.

"R-Ready for what?" Twilight asks.

Luna steps forward and spreads her wings majestically. She approaches Twilight and leans forward until her lips are touching Twilight's left ear.

"Twilight, my little pony..." She says softly. "It means you are ready to... mate..."

***Part 2: To The Stars***

Twilight's wings harden even more at the sound of the word 'mate'. It was a word she had never expected to hear coming out of Princess Luna's mouth in that context.

"Has my sister ever told you of her past lovers, Twilight?" Luna asks as she circles around the frozen mare. "My sister, when she rarely chooses a mate, is slow. She is precise and... gentle with those she chooses to sleep with."

Now, Luna was stopped in front of Twilight, her flank facing the purple mare.. Twilight can only watch as the princess swishes her tail back and forth, revealing quickly glances of her marehood. The wet folds of her slit glistened.

"As in all things, I am the exact opposite of her." Luna says , turning her head to face Twilight with a sly grin on her lips.

"M-Mate?" Twilight gasps as she finally finds her voice. "With... me?"

"You're beginning to understand now, birthday mare..." Luna chuckles. "I have been wanting to mate with you for a very long time..."

Luna plants a quick kiss on her lips as she descends to the dusty ground. Twilight watches princess Luna's every move. The princess lays on her side, sending a cloud of dust into the air, and she motions for Twilight to join her. Not knowing what else to do, Twilight does as Luna requests.

"I... I don't know what to do..." Twilight admits as she allows the princess to spoon her.

Luna chuckles sweetly as she wraps her hooves around she shaking mare.

"Then, that makes two of us, Twilight. I... have never been with a mare before... It will be an effort to adjust to my mate not having a penis."

Twilight feels compelled to laugh at that last sentence, and she begins to relax a little.

*At least we will be learning together...*

She arcs her head back until her lips meet Luna's. The two princesses share a long. loving kiss. When the kiss breaks, a thick strand of saliva still connects their tongues and lips. Twilight runs her hoof across her jaw, cleaning the mess.

"Mmmmm..." Twilight moans happily. "Will we do this every year?"

Luna nods as her hoof slowly inches towards Twilight's unsuspecting marehood.

"We can do this whenever thou wishes." The princess mutters softly. "Thou needs only to ask..."

Then, her hoof reaches its target, and Twilight lets out a surprised scream.

"Aaaaahh! Luuuunaaaa!" Twilight yells as the princess' hoof rubs against her slit.

Luna kisses Twilight's neck softly as she continues to pleasure her marehood. The tip of her hoof was enough to make Twilight scream into the starry sky. This makes the princess wonder what she could really do if she put forth the effort.

"Does thou enjoy this?" She asks.

Twilight does not answer. She couldn't possibly answer. Instead, she lets out a series of high and low pitched moans. Her body squirms and shakes violently on the dusty ground as the corner of Luna's hoof slides further inside. Twilight sounded as though her throat was tearing itself apart as her screams of pleasure escalated.

"I'll take that as a 'yes'..." Luna chuckles as she continues her sexual advance. "Was I wrong when I told you this day would be the greatest day of your life?"

Twilight whimpers softly as the princess bites her neck.

*Auuuuauughua!*

"Luuuuunaaaaa..." Twilight manages to say as Luna drills her hoof into Twilight's soaked slit.

Then, with no warning, she stops. Twilight is pulled out of the state of bliss and pleasure as Luna retracts her hoof.

"I am sorry, my hoof was cramping. I am not as good at this a I would hope to be..." Luna says unhappily.

"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" Twilight demands. "THAT WAS THE GREATEST THING I HAVE EVER FELT IN MY LIFE!"

Then, Twilight mashes her lips against Luna's. The princess gladly accepts and returns the show of affection. After several hot moments of kissing, Luna is the one who breaks the kiss.

"I appriciate your kind words, Twilight, but this is your birthday. You deserve far better, and I know someone who can help..."

Twilight cocks her head as she looks into Luna's eyes.

"Twilight, dose thou still keep in touch with your friends at Canterlot High?"

Twilight nods slowly as she recovers from the recent attack on her marehood.

"Y-Yes... I write Sunset Shimmer, and I see them as often as I can. Why do you ask?"

Luna chuckles as she stands on her hooves.

"I bieleve it is time we paid the rulers of their world a... friendly visit."

***To Be Continued***