Blood Moon

After Lyra cast the proper spells on Luna to heal her, the two headed down to the throne room. Luna was as happy as could be and Lyra was a bit nervous, wondering how Cadence would react to Luna's sudden recovery. When Luna flew into the throne room carrying Lyra, Cadence was waiting for the next dignitary to arrive. When she saw this, her draw dropped.

Luna was flying around cheering, "Cadence, we have been healed! Lyra healed us entirely!"

While Cadence was initially happy, it would not take long for her to scowl at Lyra, "Lyra Heartstrings, what did you do? Why all of a sudden can my aunt fly and run around like normal when she could barely walk this morning?"

Lyra began to respond when Luna interrupted, "She found a book on muscle restoration spells. She found a spell for my legs and wings, learned them and cast them!"

Cadence got up in Lyra's face and asked, "Lyra, why would you do this? Do you not know the ramifications of this?"

Lyra replied, "Well no. Luna wanted to get healed so quickly that she asked me to do this. I was against doing it but she begged me to do it and it looks like it worked."

Luna added, "So I don't see why you are so upset."

Cadence put her hoof up to her face and sighed, "Look Luna, I know you're happy but since Lyra did this, she is going to have to remain with you for who knows how long."

Luna asked, "Why does she have to stay by my side? With me being healed I thought I would be fine."

Lyra added, "And I thought I would be able to return to Ponyville."

Cadence sighed, "Look, I don't know a ton about this sort of stuff but I do know that at least until you would have healed normally on your own, Lyra will have to stay by your side. It is her energy that has revived you and her energy that has healed you more quickly than normal."

While Lyra wasn't exactly sure about what would happen if she returned to Ponyville, Luna had a feeling of what was going on. She asked, "So what you are saying is that if Lyra was to leave my side that her energy would dissipate and I would regress?"

Cadence replied, "And then some. Her healing energy is in you, it is basically a part of you." She cast her gaze at Lyra and continued, "Lyra, this is important. Because of everything you have done, you must stay by Luna's side."

Lyra had a nervous look on her face as she realized that because of the fact that she used her energy to heal Luna, that she would have to stay in Canterlot with Luna for quite some time. She asked, "So how long will I need to stay by her side?"

Cadence replied, "I am not sure but I am thinking that it would be best if you stay with her for a year at least."

Luna asked, "Why a year at least?"

Cadence replied, "Because that is probably how long it would have taken you to heal completely on your own." She again cast her gaze at Lyra and continued, "Lyra, are you willing to do this for Luna? Are you willing to stay by her side so she won't regress back to how she was before you healed her?"

While Lyra was hoping that she could return to her normal life in Ponyville, she wanted to do what would be best for Luna. She replied, "Yes your Majesty. I will stay by Luna's side for as long as she needs me there, regardless of how long that may be."

Luna grabbed Lyra and cheered, "We thank thee Dear Lyra. Now we may go home and we can resume our royal duties. We are most happy that things can return to normal."

Cadence added, "Well somewhat. Things will never be like they were prior to the blood moon."

Luna sighed, "I know, I am just happy that I will be able to resume my normal duties again." She looked at Lyra and continued, "And with you by my side, I know I will not suffer through everything I did before."

Lyra asked, "So Cadence, does this mean that Luna and I will be able to return to Canterlot now?"

Luna added, "I hope so because I do want to get home before it it time to lower the sun and raise the moon."

Cadence sighed, "I would like it if you would stay for one more night but I can't stop you from leaving now. It is up to you."

Luna replied, "I think it would be best if we returned to Canterlot. Like I said, I just want to resume my normal routine."

Cadence nodded, "Ok." She then realized what them returning to Canterlot would mean and she became much more cheerful. She continued, "Now you make sure Shining Armor gets back up here as soon as you get back. I miss him so much!"

Lyra replied, "And I'm sure he misses you too."

As Luna and Lyra exited the castle and headed towards the train station. Luna asked, "Lyra, are you ready for your new role?"

Lyra replied, "You bet I am."

Luna nodded and couldn't help but smile as they waited for the train home to arrive. She had been away from her duties for way too long and she just wanted to resume her old life, well as much as she could given she would be in charge of everything now.