A Star and Moon Tale

Chapters

1 - From on High
2 - A New Sun Rises
3 - Control is Not Everything
4 - It's not an Attack When It's Wanted
5 - Moonrise

1 - From on High

Luna gazed down across Equestria. It was a large and, overall, prosperous nation. It was powerful, wealthy, vibrant...

And it wasn't hers. No, the nation she once knew had long since passed away to the sands of time, evolving without her until it reached a new place. It wasn't a bad place, surely. Her sister had guided it with gentle hooves and a mother's love. Luna quirked a smile. Her sister had done well, but... Was that nation truly Luna's? How could it be?

Her vision swept over the vast landscape, down towards a small collection of lights. Ponyville. She had been called there more often than most anywhere else. One might think that was troubling. One might think that a sign of distress, but she didn't think so. Its new ruler, Twilight Sparkle, had become a beacon of growth and friendship. Her growth inspired and continued to inspire those around her to grow.

With growth came pain.

But... perhaps that was a pain worth enduring. What is a life if one cannot face the fear of growth?

Luna glanced back at her room. It was untouched. A thousand years and still it was exactly as she remembered. She was a sheltered and closed flower, sheltered and afraid.

She was spared the pain that would come with blossoming. She was also spared the joy that would follow.

Luna drove down a hoof, thunder arcing through the sky in sympathy as it struck the tile beneath her.

A soft clopping came from the door before her sister's snout peeked in. She looked frazzled and tired, but she had come swiftly. She loved her sister. Luna smiled even as she began to feel embarrassed. "It's alright."

Celestia stepped in gently, the door swinging shut behind her under the warm glow of her magic. "You should know better than to fib, dearest sister. What troubles you?" She lowered to her haunches. "I would hear it, no matter how small or embarassing you feel it is. I failed you once, not again."

Luna felt her shame growing. Celestia had grown. She had endured so many pains, but emerged larger for each one. Luna stepped towards her larger sister. "I think it's time I spread my wings."

Celestia raised a brow. "A moonlit flight can be quite relaxing, but I feel there's more to it."

Luna hesitated a moment. She felt naked before the discerning eyes of her sibling. "I wish to consult the newest princess, Twilight Sparkle. She has... learned things I too wish to learn."

Celestia brightened a little. Her two favorite mares teaching one another? "That sounds like a fantastic idea. Do mind, she does tend to be awake during the daylight hours. I would approach closer to then, so she can focus on you."

Luna recoiled a little. Was she being released so easily? "I may be gone... a short while, or for an extended period, depending on how things go. I trust you can take care of things without undue pressure?"

Celestia reached out a hoof and gently brushed cross Luna's cheek to run through her flowing mane. "Dearest sister, go. You do what you must, and know that you will be welcomed back eagerly when you feel ready." She leaned in and pressed nose to nose. "I love you."

Luna took a slow breath, tension flowing from her body. She was loved, at least by one pony. She couldn't doubt the deep famial bond she shared with Celestia. But... There was more to life, wasn't there? She rose to her hooves fully. "I will return. Be well, dearest sister mine."

She threw herself free of the balcony, and caught the air with majestic wings.

Celestia watched her sister soar off into the distance, nodding faintly to herself. "I hope you find what you're looking for."

She grabbed a brush that was laying about and started running it through her frazzled mane. She would be getting a touch less sleep. For Luna, it was worth it.

Twilight slept in a room of her castle. Where else would she sleep? It was a comfortable room. It had a plentiful collection of books, neatly arranged on shelves. Those were her favorite books, though one shelf was reserved for books she just happened to be studying intently at that moment.

That shelf was empty.

She had read all the books she owned. She had to get more books.

Of course, she wasn't worried about that right that moment, since she was quite asleep.

At least, she was until something tapped at her window. She started awake and sat up in time to see that window glow with Luna's magic and swing open.

Her mouth hung open as Luna flew inside. Was Princess Luna visiting her? Right then?! She wasn't at all ready to receive either of the Royal Sisters.

Twilight half-fell out of bed. "Spike!" Her horn began to glow brightly as she threw things to where they should be, manically trying to clean up even as Luna descended from the elevated window towards her.

"Twilight Sparkle," spoke Luna in a firm and authoritative voice. She had learned to not boom in the official Royal Canterlot Voice, but she still could speak with that firm authority when she wished to. "I have come for you."

Twilight froze before she slowly turned to face Luna. "Me?"

Luna landed before the startled alicorn. "I require... your expertise."

Twilight gave a series of rapid blinks. "What in? I mean! Welcome. Please, make yourself comfortable." She gave a little nervous laugh as she swept a hoof about.

Luna shook her head. "We are fine. Twilight Sparkle, we... wish you..." She frowned. Why was it so hard? She had to grow. She had to learn! "Accept me as your student."

"W-what?" Twilight blinked once more, eyes wide and owlish.

The door suddenly opened, revealing a sleepy Spike. "What-- Oh, hey Luna. Anything wrong?"

Luna nodded towards Spike. "All is well, Spike. I simply needed to petition Twilight Sparkle."

"Oh, alright." He didn't look like he entirely understood what that meant. "Should I get some tea?"

Twilight nodded quickly. "Tea! Yes... That would be lovely. Thank you, Spike." She smiled at him a bit manically until he had slipped out of the room, then her gaze snapped back to Luna. "What do you need to learn, Princess Luna?"

Luna held up a hoof. "As your student, you may refer to me as Luna directly, or... any other title you deem worthy of me. Princess of Friendship, I would learn the joys of familiarity from you. You, who I already consider a... friend. Let us deepen our bonds and... if you are willing, educate me in how to forge these bonds with others." She lowered her head to almost the ground. "I approach you with humility. Ignore my ranks and titles, for they mean nothing between us."

Twilight finally rose to her hooves. Her duty was becoming clear. She puffed out her chest and stood at attention. "Luna."

"Yes?"

Twilight thrust a hoof at the larger alicorn. "Do you accept my authority over you?"

Luna trembled a little. The idea of another pony having such authority over her. Her! Luna was royalty. Only Celestia should even dare to dream of such things. Luna clenched her teeth. She had to... "Yes... You are my mistress, Princess Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight raised a hoof to her chest. "You will address me as Twilight. You are learning friendship, and that's a start. Friends don't let titles get in the way. You are my Luna, and I am your Twilight."

Luna felt warmth rush to her dark cheeks. She was... Twilight's Luna, not just Luna. She was, in some small way, owned. She felt shamed. She felt... appreciated. She was wanted and... Tumultuous sensations ran through her, but she was fairly certain of one thing. She wanted to be Twilight's Luna. "As you say, Twilight." A giddy shiver ran through her. Twilight was hers in kind. She... owned a little part of Twilight, as a pet owned its master. It was so confusing, but so...

"As my student, you will--" Her words were cut off by a sudden smooch, right on her lips. Her eyes went wide as she realized she was being kissed hotly and passionately by the student she had just accepted. It wasn't just any student. It was Luna. She was being lip-locked by Luna, co-ruler of Equestria.

Twilight shoved her back. "Luna!"

"Y-yes?" She had fouled it up! She was going to be sent away, and she would have nopony to blame but herself.

Twilight was blushing intensely. She hadn't been attacked in such an amorous fashion before. That had been no friendly kiss. "As your... teacher, it falls on me to discipline you. If you want to get more friends, you can not attack them like that, and that was, let there be no confusion, an attack. Even if you meant it as affection. Pushing unwanted affection on somepony else is an assault." She raised a hoof to point at her student. "You are a very desirable princess, you should know. Would you like some random pony rushing up to you and giving you a kiss like that?"

Luna's cheeks burned with shame. "I... wouldn't mind, if that random pony was you." Had she admitted that? She sank with intensifying mortification.

Twilight joined. The room seemed warmer for all the hot blood rushing through either's face. "We should begin with... chaste friendship first. You're skipping ahead to romantic interests, and that's an advanced topic!" She turned back towards her bed. "Sit!" She pointed at the bed. "Your punishment begins now."

Luna slowly stepped up onto the bed. She had erred. A punishment? That seemed almost tame compared to simply being rejected. Her new mistress hadn't turned her away. She was still wanted, she just needed... discipline. Yes. She had disciplined many students in her time. It was needed. "I am ready to be punished." Her ears splayed. "I deserve it."

Twilight's wings beat down, carrying her up over Luna. "Good. Now, Luna, you're not to intiate affection with anypony you aren't absolutely sure wants to have that affection. Do you understand me?" Luna nodded gently. Twilight's horn glowed, forming a large paddle of force that she gently thwapped Luna on the flank with. "Do you understand me? Speak what you've learned."

Being swatted with the paddle certainly did not hurt. It, perhaps, stung faintly. Despite its tame nature, Luna felt herself growing all the warmer. She was being treated as a foal. The worst part was that she felt she might just like it. As the paddle swatted tamely at her flank, her tail raised a little. "I will not assault other ponies, with affection or otherwise."

"Good." Twilight nodded. "Now that that's--"

"I require additional discipline."

Twilight started. What? "What?"

Luna lowered her front a little. "Imprint this lesson on my psyche forever. I would feel your firm, but caring, admonishment further. Please, continue."

Twilight's magical paddle drooped a bit with her confusion. "I..." Well, if her student was that eager to have their lesson enforced. Perhaps that was what was best? She raised the magic swatting tool and focused on it. It grew larger and even crackled with a sizzle of energy.

The door opened. Spike stepped in to see Luna with her rump raised and Twilight hovering over her, wielding a magic paddle that sizzled with power. "Um... Is this a bad time?" He raised a brow. "I'm gonna just put this... down here." He slowly placed the tea set where they could get to it, whenever they were... done doing whatever they were doing. "G'night."

"Good night, Spike," muttered Twilight, feeling whole new levels of shame she hadn't even known were possible.

Author's Note

And so begins a new tale! Luna and Twilight are coming together.

What lessons will Luna learn? How about Twilight?

What amazing typos will they forge together?

Like it, hate it, tell me. Thoughts are good.

2 - A New Sun Rises

Luna sleepily roused from her new bed. Twilight's castle was majestic, as castles tended to be, but that bed was not her bed, not yet. She was still growing used to it.

To say nothing of the infernal hour she was forced to rouse.

Spike was there, grinning at her. "Twilight says you have to--"

Luna laid a wing over him and gently pushed him away. "Come back in a few hours..."

Spike's grin turned into a bit of a frown. "You're Twilight's student, you have to do what she says."

"It's true," came a new voice as another mare poked her head in. "She's a tough mistress, but fair."

Luna found sleepiness suddenly fleeing. Who was that? She sat up and looked at the unicorn looking back at her. "Have we had the pleasure?"

The unicorn pointed at herself. "I'm Starlight Glimmer, also a student of Twilight's. Welcome. That makes us, hm, study sisters I suppose."

Luna felt a new warmth building as she stepped down from the bed. "It is a pleasure to meet you, fellow servant of the mistress." She glanced away and back. "Have you learned well from her?"

Starlight gave a nervous little laugh. "I... try." She sagged a little. "It can be tough sometimes. I keep... I want to have control of the situation, but friendship is sometimes about... you know... letting go. Having trust..." She flashed a smile at Luna. "Why don't we make Twilight proud?"

Make Twilight proud? Starlight had Luna's attention. "How?"

Spike was departing. "Be down for breakfast in ten minutes."

Starlight gave Spike a little wave and looked back at Luna before offering a hoof to her. "Let's be friends. If we're both, you know, learning... This may work out great. We'll make mistakes, but you know I'm learning, and I know you're learning, so we can cut each other a little slack along the way, right?"

Luna considered that. That would, indeed, please Twilight. And Twilight's pleasure was her own. She would grow. "I agree with this proposal." She reached out and touched her hoof to Starlight's. "How do we begin?"

Starlight blinked as if started. "O-oh, well, let's start with introductions. Hello, I am Starlight Glimmer, but you can all me Starlight."

"I am Princess Luna, but Luna will suffice." Luna nodded. Yes, that was a sign of familiarity. She could try to push ahead as she had the day before, but the soft stinging on her back end was a gentle reminder that such was undesirable. She wanted to please Twilight and become a better pony, so she had to grow. "I am a co-princess of Equestria, what are you?"

Starlight shrank a little, ears going down. "I, well, phew... what a question... I'm no princess, I'll admit that." She put a hoof behind her head. "I'm a student, really. I don't have a profession besides that, right now. You make me feel... small."

Luna frowned. She was failing at having friends. She had to fix it. "Don't be so hard on yourself, Starlight. Surely there is a thing you excel at?"

Starlight seemed to rebound with the encouragement. "Oh, yes. Magic!" She practically squeaked the word. "I love practicing magic. Twilight says I'm a natural."

Luna raised a brow at that. "From one such as Twilight, that is high praise indeed."

That made Starlight glow, clearly pleased. "Thanks. I can even keep up with her in a duel." She clopped her forehooves together excitedly. "And what fun those are! Say, maybe we could have a friendly match?"

Luna rose up to her full stance. "I would enjoy that, friend."

Starlight smiled brightly and turned for the exit. "Let's not keep Twilight waiting any longer."

Downstairs, Twilight was seated with Spike. When the sound of hoofsteps were heard, she perked an ear and turned to see the two descending together. That was a good sign, perhaps. "Welcome. Have a seat. Have you been introduced, Starlight?"

Starlight put a hoof to her chest as she walked on the other three. "I have met Luna, and we're going to have a duel, for fun. After breakfast, if you don't have a lesson planned for either of us."

Twilight glanced to the left, where a large scroll appeared. "As it turns, I do have a few in mind, but..." She looked back to her two smiling students. "A joint activity may be just what the doctor ordered. Starlight, as my senior student, I expect you to lend a helping hoof to Luna, but... Even if she is your junior, you should never turn a blind eye to advice. Help comes from the most unlikely of directions at times. Who knows, Luna may have a lesson for you."

She focused on Luna. "As for you, top marks! Not even one full day and you already have a new friend? I'm duly impressed." Another paper appeared that had a grid with Luna and Starlight's face as the header for two of the columns. Starlight already had a few bright golden stars. With a twinkle of magic, Twilight slapped down an equally bright silver star beneath Luna's smiling face, her first star. "One star for you."

Luna felt light as a cloud. She had received praise and official recognition for growth. She was on the right path! But... there was another part of friendship there. She could see Starlight mildly displeased. She would not fail. "Starlight deserves come of this praise. It was her idea that we forge this bond, even if it is an idea I agreed with eagerly."

Twilight's vision slid down to Starlight. "Is that so? Very proactive of you, Starlight. I'm glad to see you're taking your position so seriously already." She added a check-mark under the last star on that grid under Starlight's face, then the paper vanished. "Now, if my two eager pupils will have a seat and we can have a pleasant breakfast together?"

Luna decided to not take a chair. Sitting beside the table put her at a more even stance with the others, and the food was served. Spike seemed to be their waiter, and she made it a point to try to be polite. "Your waitstaff is exceptionally proficient," she said to Twilight, expecting to get a smile.

She did not. Not from Twilight, or Spike. Both were looking quite displeased. Where had she erred?

Twilight pointed at Spike with a hoof. "Spike is a dear friend, not a waitstaff. He's serving us as a favor, not because he has to."

Luna's ears wilted. She had botched that one up. "I apologize, Spike. I meant no harm in my words."

Spike couldn't stay angry at the awkward alicorn. He had experience with those. "Aw, it's alright."

Twilight put a hoof before Spike. "Not so fast. We give praise where it's deserved, but discipline must also be served."

Starlight blinked softly. "Discipline?" She hadn't seen this side of things before.

Luna had. Her ears span all the way back against her head as she dipped it. "I deserve to be duly admonished for my error. Will you be administering it, mistress, or does that honor go to the one that was wronged?" She peeked at Spike.

Spike went red. He remembered what he had walked into. Was this going to be like that? "Uh, It's not... really necessa--"

"No, Spike." Twilight shook her head. "Luna has entrusted me to look after her and see to her education. This includes administering proper punishments when she errs. Now, you know, Luna, that this does not mean I'm not your teacher, or that I don't care for you, as a teacher. It hurts me to have to do this." She lifted on her powerful wings.

Starlight was looking back and forth between the two alicorns, baffled. "You never punished me like this. Is... I don't understand."

Luna felt another chance. She didn't want to make Starlight jealous of her deepening connection with their shared instructor. "That is because you are a far better student of friendship. She has had far less need to discipline you. You should be proud."

Starlight clopped the ground as she rose angrily. "That's not true! I've messed up! I've messed up huge! Why, just... Just last week, I mind controlled all her friends!" She put a hoof to her chest. "I demand to be punished as well." She only seemed to realize what she had asked for after saying it. Did she want to be punished? Well, she already had a hoof in it. She wasn't gonna back down!

Spike glanced between the two before he threw up his claws. "Have fun. I'm cleaning up and heading out. See you later."

Twilight barely heard Spike, looking between her two students that were both ready to be punished for their crimes. "We... should retire to a better place for this."

With a bright flash of magic, all three skilled magic users vanished.

They were in one of the rooms that were not used often. It was made to be a guest room. It was soft and had a comfortable bed, and Twilight pointed at it. "Both of you, sit down. You will not speak unless I ask you a question directly or order you to." She gave a firm nod as the two of them climbed up and laid down, watching her intently.

"Starlight Glimmer, you are guilty of mind control, with magic. I don't think you understand just how wrong it is to steal the agency from a pony."

"I'm sorry!"

The swatter appeared and gently swat Starlight across the snout. It didn't hurt, but it was humiliating. "I told you not to speak. Now is the time for listening, Starlight. Now, as I was saying, I don't think you understand exactly why what you did was wrong, besides making me angry."

Starlight said nothing.

Twilight looked to Luna. "Tell me why what she did was wrong."

Luna blinked at that. "I was not present for the occasion, but the direct control of the mind's of others is a clear violation of their basic rights, as ponies."

Twilight nodded. "That is true, however... That's just a logical reason. Starlight, I am going to seal away your will. You will know what you're doing and remember it all, but saying no will simply not be an option."

Starlight paled. A complete lack of control? That... sounded terrifying. She didn't want that! She...

A bright flash erupted from Twilight's horn, and Starlight's bold and sharp eyes glazed over as she sank in place. "How may I serve you?" she said in a monotone. She could see and hear everything, but she was a prisoner in her own mind. She screamed silently. That was truly a punishment.

Twilight smiled. "Good, now, Luna." Luna started. "Don't be afraid. Your crime was smaller, and so your punishment will be as well." Luna relaxed in place. "Besides, you trust me, don't you?" Luna said nothing. "Good filly, you can answer."

"I trust you, Twilight."

Author's Note

I don't normally DO the S&M 'thing', but I'm trying to do it 'right'? How am I doing? Please, opinions, give them! Anonymous -1 or +1s don't tell me that much (You can hit that +1 button though, I don't mind that!).

Starlight was going to edit this for me, but she's currently indisposed, so beware typos.

Speaking of which, Starlight. She is not much of a sub. She got into this because she got jealous. She did not suddenly 'become' submissive. The fact that she isn't a sub is part of what makes her punishment so fiendishly horrible.

Maybe she'll learn something from it?

Posted the same day this was posted. Warning, cussing and some dirtiness. Also funny, but that may just be me.

3 - Control is Not Everything

Twilight waved a hoof slowly in front of the charmed Starlight, who simply followed its motions placidly. "I know you're in there, Starlight. Now, we're actually going to do something nice."

Luna perked an ear curiously, but kept her snout shut.

"I want you to see that, while forced, it's very hard to truly enjoy anything." She looked back to Luna. "As for you, servant, kiss her." She pointed at Starlight's snout.

Luna blinked rapidly, but didn't move immediately to comply.

Twilight hiked a brow. "Go on..." Luna still looked unsure. Twilight snorted. "Speak."

Luna nodded. "Very well. I... Starlight seems like a lovely mare, but I do not wish to have this between us. While I would delight in further exploration of our friendship, I don't want it this way."

Twilight nodded even as it came to her. She was going in a bad direction. "Very well. Starlight?"

"Yes, Twilight?" asked Starlight in her monotone.

"Let the Starlight inside speak."

"Stop this right now!" suddenly shouted Starlight. Her face was still placid. She could only control her throat, mouth, and lips. "Twilight!"

Twilight reached up and pat Starlight's cheek. "Let's take a different tact. Starlight?"

"Does it involve letting me free?"

Twilight inclined her head towards Luna. "Do you like her?"

Starlight hesitated. "We just met..."

"If I wanted you to take part in a... very intensive friendship lesson, you would say?"

Starlight managed to force her ears back. "Let me go, Twilight. I don't like this. I don't like it at all. Let. Me. Go."

That was fairly blunt. Twilight had to concede her case. Starlight would not... be handled that way, not if she wanted to keep Starlight as a friend. Her horn twinkled as she released the spell on Starlight.

Starlight suddenly pounced on Twilight, bearing her to the ground. "You need to check your priorities, teacher! That was entirely uncalled for." She sat down on Twilight, huffing and puffing. "Never do that again, never! I said I'm sorry. I won't do it again." She clenched her teeth hard. "You... didn't have to rub it in my face."

Luna looked between Starlight and the Twilight she had pinned to the ground. With a glowing horn, she hefted Starlight up, just for Starlight to shatter the grasp with a flash and growl at Luna like a cornered animal. "You want to test me? Fine. I owe you a duel. Right now, let's go."

Luna and Starlight vanished, leaving Twilight behind.

Twilight sat up, heart heavy as it sank in how she had bungled the whole thing up.

A knocking made her jump in place. "Who is it?"

The door opened and Spike peeked in. "Hey... um, you have a moment?"

Twilight sank, wings drooping. "Yeah, sure... Go on, tell me how terrible of a teacher I am."

Spike slipped in and closed the door behind himself. "Aw, don't say that. You're a great teacher!"

Twilight frowned at him. "Pfft, yeah... right. I violated Starlight and the teacher-student bond. She may never trust me again!" She put a hoof on either of Spike's shoulders. "I'm a terrible teacher."

Spike reached up and put a claw on one of her hooves, holding her. "Hey, look, you were just getting, um, carried away. I... kind of think Luna liked it. She's taking being your student super seriously, even the weird parts. Every student is different." He nodded quickly. "Starlight's a lot like you. And you do your best when you help her like Celestia helped you."

Twilight blinked. "What?"

"Think about it." He rolled a claw. "A hooves-off approach, pointing her in the right direction and helping her keep on the right path. Push too hard and she resents it. If you say you're sorry, I bet she'll forgive you. Heck, she's done worse."

Twilight shook her head. "Two wrongs don't make a right. Gah, how could I forget something so basic." She pressed a hoof against her own face before a little forced laugh escaped her. "I just made exactly the same mistake she made. Some teacher..."

Spike shrugged. "She'll get over it if you're really sorry, don't string yourself up about it. About Luna..."

Twilight paled. Was she really acting that way towards Luna? "I'm going to be thrown in jail for a thousand moons..."

Spike waved it off. "Nah. You aren't watching her as much as you really oughta be. I mean, what do I know, I guess, but I think she really likes it."

"But why?" Twilight scowled with deepening thought. With a flash, she conjured a chalkboard and began drawing over it, trying to figure out how their relationship worked and what purpose it served.

Suddenly, she had it. With a huge grin, she pointed at it. "There it is!"

Spike saw a lot of doodles and lines and things. "I don't get it."

Twilight reared up and tapped the top of her diagram. "Luna has spent most of her adult life being the top of the command structure. She wants to fit in better in the modern world, where ponies have a more even distribution of such authority. She wants to step down from where she is, but instead of just going to where everypony else is..." She lowered a hoof a bit. "She wants to experience it from the other end." The hoof sank rapidly. "She wants to learn from a position of complete subservience. It's very aggressive, but it just might work to teach her what it's like to not be in charge."

Spike slowly tilted his head. "I guess that makes sense. I suppose that means she trusts you."

Twilight blinked.

Spike shrugged a little. "Well, if she didn't, she wouldn't give you that kind of power over her, right? She's trusting you."

"She's trusting me," Twilight practically whispered to herself as things began to click into place. "I have to make sure I don't betray that trust." She hopped to her hooves. "It's time I started being a good teacher! To both of them!"

Spike lifted a lone finger. "Not in the same way, right?"

"Right." Twilight nodded. "Luna's curriculum can't match Starlight's. I was silly to even think that would start to work, even if there are some similarities. They both need to learn how to surrender control, but not the same way."

Spike flashed a bright smile. Things seemed to be calming down a bit. "Great! Maybe you should start with a less, um, strange start? You know, take Luna out to do something normal?"

Twilight bobbed her head. "Excellent idea! I need to start planning." She trotted off, tail swaying with every step. Her confidence had been restored. She would be the teacher they needed.

Luna threw her head to the side, sending Starlight sailing. The unicorn was in a rigid bubble that absorbed the impact in a massive cloud of dust. Starlight emerged from the cloud, borne aloft by her own magic as she fired a lethal bolt of magic at her larger foe.

Luna swat it aside with a wing as she spun around and lashed out with her hooves. She caught Starlight in the chest with a dull thud.

Starlight fell to the ground, gasping for a moment before she blinked away a few feet. "Not bad..."

"I could say the same," spoke Luna. "Do you carry resentment towards me?"

Starlight perked an ear. "For sparring?"

Luna blinked. "What? No. For... earlier."

Starlight shook her head. "You... stood up for me. Even when I couldn't do a thing." She quirked a little smile. "Thanks."

Luna nodded slowly. "You did not deserve to be treated in such a fashion. I hope you do not begrudge Twilight too severely."

Starlight clopped the ground angrily. "Why shouldn't I?!"

Luna pointed at Starlight. "At her worst, she has sunk to your own level. She will recover her bearings."

Starlight flinched as if struck as powerfully as that princess' hind legs. "I guess..."

Luna approached her potential new friend. "I swear I will protect you, should you feel threatened in this way, in the future."

Starlight beamed at that, relaxing a little. The promise of Luna was a serious affair. "Thank you... I..." She took a slow breath. "I'll try to let it go, if she never tries that again." She shuddered. "I owe the girls another round of apologies. That really was terrible."

Luna lifted a hoof. "Then Twilight did succeed, in part. You are now fully aware of just how undesirable that is."

Starlight scowled at Luna a moment before sagging. "Yeah..."

Luna sat beside Starlight. She offered a wing, and soon had the smaller unicorn wrapped gently in it. "I will protect you, but I feel confident she did not... intend this. She cares for you."

"Yeah..." sighed out Starlight. She knew Twilight cared. Twilight was just completely wrong in this case. She flashed a grin. "I get to call her out on a friendship lesson for a change."

Luna nodded. "That's the spirit. As my senior pupil, I will look to you for assistance as well. I trust you are remaining as Twilight's pupil?"

Starlight snorted. "She owes me one... but yeah, fine. I suppose I'll let this one go." She rose to her hooves. "Come on. I bet she's drawing diagrams and freaking out with us both gone." She let out a little chuckle. "Bet she's completely losing it."

As they walked back towards the friendship castle, Luna glanced to the side and down at her new friend. "You enjoy studying magic."

Was that even a question. "Yeah?"

"I am in possession of some... interesting spells, the likes of which have not been seen in Equestria for countless moons."

Starlight almost tripped as the news struck her full on. She was speaking to Luna, co-princess of Equestria. Of course she had magic! "W-what kind of spells?"

Luna smiled. "As our friendship deepens, I will reveal. This is not meant to coerce you. These spells are only to be revealed to trusted ponies. You will earn that trust, or I would be irresponsible in giving them out."

Starlight frowned a little with thought. She wanted that magic! Forbidden little nuggets of arcane lore? How could she say no? Besides, it wasn't as if Luna had been awful to be around, so far.

As fledgling friends, they entered the castle.

Twilight appeared with a pop in front of them. "Hello!" She was wearing a big fake grin. "I'm so glad to see you." She pointed at Starlight. "I'm sorry!"

Starlight cocked a brow. "Easy to say."

Twilight let out an almost delirious giggle. "Oh, well, yes. I mean to make amends. But first..." She turned to Luna. "I need to be absolutely certain. Do you wish to continue? I'll... understand if not, but I'm ready to proceed and I won't mess up again."

Luna put a hoof to her chest. "You did no wrong by me. Your misdeeds are entirely between yourself and Starlight. I am ready to proceed."

Twilight smiled. Her theory seemed to be proving true, but... She couldn't do that again. She didn't want to hurt any ponies by getting carried away. "Starlight?"

"Yes?"

Twilight nodded at her slighted student. "I have a favor to ask. You understand control, both having it, and not wanting your control taken away. You understand this, so..." She rolled a hoof slowly. "I want you to speak up if I go too far. I mean!" She squeaked. "Not between us. You... Your lessons will be different, I swear. This is about Luna." She pointed at Luna.

Luna quirked an ear between the two. "As I protect you, you will protect me, though I feel I will be in safe hooves." She dipped her head. "Instruct me, Twilight." What she had seen... Why couldn't she have been the one to be so strictly handled. She tingled a little bit at the thought of it. No command Twilight would have given would have been so horrible. She would have gladly kissed Starlight, had Luna's been the will that had been shackled, and Starlight free to enjoy the kiss with a cocky grin.

Author's Note

And it bubbles over and makes a mess on everything.

Feelings are had.

Typos are made.

Lessons are learned?

4 - It's not an Attack When It's Wanted

Twilight strode under the sun. A somewhat frazzled Luna followed behind.

"I am still not used to this schedule," admitted Luna as she went. "Please bear with me."

Twilight slowed a moment, looking over her shoulder at the larger alicorn behind her. She considered it a moment before she nodded. "Would a less... bright location help?"

Luna perked her ears. "Something quieter and a little darker, yes. My apologies for speaking out of turn."

Twilight blinked at that. She hadn't told Luna to keep up... that. She thought that had gone especially poorly. That was a crossed signal. "You don't have to do that."

Luna canted her head to the left slightly. "Mistress, I am your student, and I should be faithful to your commands." She dipped her head. "Despite any... issues, I am ready to learn and accept you, fellow princess, as my superior. Until you release me and declare me ready, I am your student and subject."

Twilight considered that heavily a moment. There had to be lines drawn. Luna was drafting her a promise with no end. "Very well, however... Should you feel... too uncomfortable, like how Starlight felt when I had that spell on her, then you can and should speak out." She tapped her chin. "Yes, Starswirl."

"Starswirl?"

"That's a thing we don't say often." Twilight bobbed her head. "Say his name and I stop. No matter what, you have my promise, it stops."

Luna considered that a moment. She didn't predict she'd need it. She was made of tougher stuff than Starlight. She wouldn't be so easily scared. She was the mistress of the night, caretaker of dreams. She'd seen... things. "I will bear this in mind, should it be needed. Now, how do you wish to proceed?"

Twilight gestured to one of the buildings in town. "Come along. I know a nice, quiet, and peaceful place. Being a friend means caring for their comfort. You're my friend, so let's get you out of the sun for a moment." She led the way, the bounce returning to her trot. She felt safer knowing they had their relation a bit more ironed out, with a safety valve installed to avoid any more hurt feelings.

They entered the place to find it dimly lit indeed. Only the candles on the tables gave any light at all, and it wasn't much.

An energetic earth pony walked up to them. "Good morning!" He only seemed then to notice who his guests were. "P-princess...es..." Clearly he wasn't expecting either of them, and both of them? He was paling. "H-how can I... help you?"

Twilight reached out, putting a hoof on the shivering pony's shoulder. "Oh, come now. You know me. I've been here before. This isn't an inspection. Luna and I would like a seat, please."

"Of course!" he squeaked out before he spun around and tried to control himself. He walked stiffly to one of the tables. "Would you prefer a table or booth?"

Twilight glanced at Luna.

Luna gestured at the booths. "Some... privacy would be nice."

He diverted from his original path and led them to a booth. He quickly got two menus set out on either side of the table in the booth and bowed low. "Hang the slip on the edge of the table with anything you like, otherwise the waiters won't approach." He scurried away from the two without much delay.

Luna wriggled herself into the booth. It was a tiny bit cramped, but how many places were sized for herself or her even larger sister?

Twilight had less issue, being larger than most mares, but not grown past stallions. She smiled brightly. "This place is all about... peace. That's why the waiters don't even come over unless you put out a paper." Her horn glowed and she tugged a small rope. Cloth fell down across the front of the booth, completely isolating them from the rest of the eatery. "See?"

Luna warmed a little. It was... intimate. It was the first time she'd been alone with Twilight, truly alone, where not even Spike could appear without being summoned. "I like it, mistress." The darkness was also soothing the headache the morning sun had brought on. She was feeling so much better.

She gazed across the table at her mistress, lit as she was by the one lonely candle. Luna sighed faintly. Though she was sure Twilight knew nothing of it, she was a well-formed pony, for whom becoming royalty had only enhanced. She had good curves and a vibrant health. Inside that skull was a keen mind, perhaps at times too eager, but still, powerful. That horn, spired and long, held powerful magic that could compete with herself, and that was rare for an alicorn to find.

Twilight was lovely, and the gentle flicker of the flame only seemed to enhance it.

The studied alicorn seemed to notice none of it. She picked up a menu in her magic. "Would you like a snack? Maybe something to drink?"

That would invite a disturbance. Luna wanted what she already had. "I'm fine." Fine right there, without any waiters. She leaned in towards Twilight, head long neck going over the table. "Mistress?"

Twilight blinked at the name. "You... can call me Twilight, you know?"

"I can, but I prefer the reminder of our positions..." Why was Twilight shy about being her mistress. "Does it bother you, mistress?"

Twilight's ears danced a little as if she were trying to puzzle something out. "What does that mean, to you, mistress?"

"How do you mean?"

Twilight rolled a hoof a bit in place. "That word, mistress. When you think of it, what does it mean?"

Luna considered that question. "It means, in this case, a female that I am subservient to, but not due to employment or need, but out of deep respect." She licked her lips lightly. "And admiration."

Twilight quirked a bit of a smile at that, heat rushing to her cheeks. Did Luna really feel that highly of her? "How did I earn that?"

"Is it not obvious?" Luna sat up. "It was you that pierced our--my shield when first we came to Ponyville and showed us the wonder of... friendship. You threw aside our--my." She frowned. "I'm growing flustered. My apologies, mistress. You made us feel exposed and weak, but then you took us in your gentle hooves and you helped reshape us into something a touch stronger and better. We emerged, improved and better able to handle this strange world I find myself thrust into. Thank you."

That wasn't a lie. Twilight could remember Luna being crushed before she came around and became a better pony for the trip. Still, she had never put it in... quite the way Luna had put it. It sounded so...

So...

Like the brushing of a feather against her fur, Luna gently kissed Twilight's cheek. "Thank you."

Twilight lit up, blood rushing hotly to her cheeks. Her plans for the day suddenly fractured and exploded in her mind as new thoughts began to run wildly. Were the signs Luna was displaying what she thought they were? Did Luna have more feelings for her than just an eager student? Students don't smooch their teacher like that!

Luna could see Twilight was breathing heavily and starting to frazzle around the edges. Had she pushed too hard? "My apologies, mistress." She dipped her head. "I've been bad."

Twilight blinked, snapped out of the madly spinning wheels of her mind. "W-what? Oh. Yes, don't scare me like that!" She gently tapped the table.

"I should be punished," stated Luna with a nod. "Discipline me."

Twilight couldn't grasp it. She had just learned to not... do that. Though that was with Starlight. Luna was not Starlight. Luna was... her own mare. Twilight licked over her lips as she sat up straight. "Very well." Her magic grabbed Luna around the horn and a spell was laid over it, glowing dark purple. "No magic for you for an hour."

Luna looked up at her bound horn. Her, without magic? The nerve! The gall! She loved it. Luna dipped her head, ears splayed out to the sides. "As you wish it, mistress. I will learn from my mistake." In theory, she could overpower such an enchantment. Twilight wasn't that powerful, nor was the spell that well laid down, but... she wouldn't. "I can't eat this way, mistress."

Twilight tilted her head. "Hungry now?"

"A little."

"Then we'll order something, and you'll eat it, without magic."

Luna blinked at that. "How?"

Twilight smiled a little. "You'll see." She levitated over a paper and quickly scribbled an order on it before placing it on the cloth that isolated them from the rest of the room.

About half a minute later, a pony walked past, and the paper vanished.

A small while later, the two sitting in companionable silence, the cloth was lifted just high enough to slip in a tray of hay fries covered in chili and cheese. It looked gooey and messy.

Luna paled a bit. She didn't mean...

Twilight gestured at the plate. "How much do you trust me?"

Luna dipped her head low. "Completely."

"Then eat."

Luna considered the plate a moment. There really wasn't any other way. She moved her snout. Cheese and chili sauce got all over her snout as she took a messy bite out of the dish. It was delicious, but she wasn't paying much mind to that. Her cheeks were on fire with the shame of having to eat like an uncultured barbarian, with a witness no less! She could feel Twilight's gaze on her like a drilling spire of utter humiliation.

After a few muzzlefuls of food, a new thought came to Luna. There was a lesson there. Twilight was trying to teach her, as a teacher should.

Luna sat back, face dripping with food. "Mistress?"

"Yes, student?"

Luna looked down at the plate and across to Twilight. "May... Can... A little help, please?"

Twilight smiled brightly. "That's what friends are for." Her magic picked up a fork and soon had a reasonable portion lifted to Luna's messy snout.

Luna's vision focused on that fork. She was being fed, like a foal. It was... demeaning, but also...

She opened her snout wide and accepted it.

"Even when you feel helpless and embarrassed, you should never feel bad for reaching out to a friend. You would help them if they were in trouble, it goes both ways," explained Twilight as she got another fork filled with goopy food. Even as she did that, she grabbed a napkin and cleaned Luna's snout. The feel of her magic running over her muzzle made Luna a little tingly. This was all so embarrassing, and yet perfect.

Slowly, the plate was cleaned. Not entirely by Luna. Twilight got her share of the messy plate. Luna wasn't sure if she realized it was... almost a kiss, since they had used the same fork.

Luna had been punished, and she was entirely alright with the outcome.

Author's Note

I waited all of yesterday for comments... It was so quiet...

Did I do something wrong?

Hopefully you'll like today's chapter. It's extra adorable! I like it, but do you? Please let me know.

5 - Moonrise

Luna prowled. It was an activity she had much experience with, and even enjoyed. She stalked through the hallways of Twilight's castle, exploring and surveying her temporary territory. She walked with deliberate care, minimizing the sound of her hooves striking that hard stone.

It must have worked, seeing as Spike made such a delightful squeal when she came up upon him.

She assured him all was well. He assured her he wasn't really scared. She didn't believe it, but didn't press the matter and left him with well wishes.

The moon was rising high. Celestia was doing her part... Both of their parts. Celestia had done it before. Seeing it made Luna feel... diminished. It was a reminder that she was not truly... required.

Of course, there was one matter only she could tend to.

She stepped gently towards her room, determined to get to it. Even if she was nominally 'off duty', she would not let that go. She was the only one. That pleased her. She had a vital part, and she would not fail it.

Just as she was reaching for her door, a bright flash heralded the arrival of a unicorn. Twilight? No, her other student. Luna was dissapointed, but did not begrudge Starlight. "Good evening."

Starlight nodded. "I was hoping you'd be here."

"Is there something you require?"

Starlight sat. "Twilight's been giving me... bit of a crash course, on you that is."

Twilight had been speaking of her? Luna felt warmth build. "Has she?"

"She has, nothing bad, I assure! She said you guard dreams and control the moon." She pointed at the large Luna. "I've been having..." She trailed off, looking embarrassed.

Luna knew that embarrassment, and the lesson just reminded to her. "As your friend, you can trust me. Please, ask. I will not make light of your troubles."

Starlight smiled a little. "I don't like not being in control of my life, and... nightmares. I can't control when they happen or even what I do in them. I hate it. Can you make them stop?"

Luna perked an ear. She didn't remember any night terror powerful enough to draw her direct attention, but she had a whole kingdom to monitor. Things could fall through the cracks. "Tell me of them, and how often do they occur?" She opened her door with her magic and gestured for Starlight to enter.

Together, they stepped inside and soon were sitting across from one another at a small table. Starlight rubbed behind her head with a hoof. "Say two or three times a week? I imagine I'm back at my old town, the one I sorta had brainwashed." She brought the rubbing hoof forward and rolled it. "They'd all be smiling, like they used to do. They'd say nice things, do nice things. I'd be so happy, knowing I helped make such a happy place, but... then..." She shuddered with the terror of it. "They'd turn on me. They'd start to scream and shout. My magic wouldn't work on them at all and they'd chase me from the town in an angry mob. I'd always get away, but, dream stuff, I'd see the town again, and the ponies would all be happy. I'd just not be there. That happy place I made was not for me. That's usually when I wake up."

Luna frowned softly in thought. "Have you considered the message of this?" That was not a nightmare severe enough to summon her. It was a lesson trying desperately to be heard.

Starlight leaned back. "If it is a message, I don't get it. I'm not trying to br--"

Luna raised a hoof. "You controlled the mind's of Twilight's friends."

Starlight turned a bright red. "That was different! That was mind control. Mind control and brainwashing are... different. You don't need magic to brainwash ponies."

Luna raised a brow. "Be that as it may. Starlight, as your friend, I must inform you that they have a common thread."

Starlight tilted her head just a little. "What's that?"

Luna pointed at Starlight. "You want to control those who would not wish to be controlled. You do not know how to be in a relationship without being the controlling party. When that is broken, you falter."

Starlight hopped to her hooves. "Look who's talking there! You! You want to be controlled! How is that any better?"

Luna gestured to Starlight. "I do not impose my desires on those who do not wish it. It is... true, yes. Twilight does exert control over me, and I allow it. Therein lies the difference. We both agree to the social tie that binds us."

Starlight clopped a hoof down with an angry grunt. "I don't understand ponies! They act... so strangely. I don't get it. I want to understand! I do, I swear!" She approached Luna and reared up, her forehooves on Luna's chest. "Why don't ponies make sense?"

Luna's magic glowed around Starlight's hooves, gently lowering them to the ground even as she leaned in. "That is a lesson we both need, and what binds us together. Twilight understands this. We learn at her hooves."

Starlight huffed softly and things grew quiet between them a long moment. "So, why not me?"

Luna blinked. "Why not what?"

Starlight put a hoof to her own chest. "Why not me to be your mistress?" She half-lidded her eyes. "I have experience."

Luna felt heat rise in her cheeks. "I do not know you that well, my senior student. I am un--"

"I understand." Starlight sagged a bit. "I guess who would ever pick me over Twilight, I am perfect, Sparkle."

Luna clopped a hoof on the ground. "Twilight is my teacher. You are... better educated than I in this matter, but not close to her level. Twilight is far from perfect, but in this matter, she is above either of us. Now, I have told you what I may. If you like, I will visit you in your slumber and be sure the nightmare is not damaging."

Starlight's eyes widened faintly with a new idea coming to her clever mind. "Oh, yes. Please. I look forward to seeing you, junior student." She rose to her full height. "Until then, goodnight, and thank you."

Luna watched her depart before nodding to herself. She had handled that well, or so she decided. She settled on a rug spread out in the middle of the room and closed her eyes. It was time to send her consciousness into the ether between minds.

It was a productive night. She calmed several night terrors and gently guided some citizens that required her gentle hoof. She loved helping them. She loved the other ponies, even if they confused her at times. She frowned a little. That made her think of Starlight, also confused about her fellow pony. That was surely one thing that tied them.

With that reminder, she took off at a stately walk through the dream world. She had a pony to visit in particular.

She pressed her snout through the membrane that held Starlight's dream safely from the others, and slid free to a mound of cushions that caught her gently.

"Luna," spoke a familiar voice. Starlight was there, a cocky grin on her face. "I started to wonder if you would ever appear."

Luna blinked. "Are you lucid?"

"I am." Starlight nodded. "I only lose control of myself when a nightmare comes. Another reason to hate them, but let's put that aside for the moment..." She raised a hoof and brushed against Luna's flank. "You've been a very naughty student."

Luna jerked in place. Had she?! What had she done wrong? She opened her mouth to ask just that and Starlight's magic sealed around it, slowly forcing it closed even as it pet and scratched along her snout.

Starlight hovered up, snout to snout. She looked to Luna with a smoldering gaze. "You will not speak unless asked a question or told to. You remember that rule, do you not?"

Luna nodded faintly. When did Starlight become the one giving orders?

Starlight clopped her forehooves. "Excellent, now... I remind you, I am a caring mistress. You are not here to be abused. You... are a majestic creature, even if you are a dirty and misbehaving student." She licked over her snout. "We will have to discipline you, but I suspect you won't mind it terribly much."

Luna felt heat run through her. Starlight was playing her, and it was working. She still didn't quite understand it all, but part of her was lit right on fire by Starlight's commanding tones.

"Oh, what's this? Your sins grow, student." Her magic reached and swiped in a sudden stroke over Luna's petals. Luna squeaked in surprise even as the magic came back around, holding moisture aloft. "Look at this mess you're making."

Luna hadn't even realized she was doing that, and yet, there was the proof. "I..."

Starlight put a hoof to her snout. "The rule."

Luna remembered swiftly what that was. She also remembered... she was in a dream. She was Luna, master of dreams, princess of Equestria! Who was this unicorn to give her such orders? Why, if she had it in mind, she could--

Her thoughts came to a sudden and crashing halt as she felt attention between her hindlegs and a pleasure to go with it. She glanced back there and saw Starlight was gingerly dabbing her nethers with her tongue as if sampling her. What was she doing?

"Student, roll over onto your back and tell me what you feel. Speak of nothing else."

Luna slowly did roll over, even as she wondered why she was doing so. She could crush that smug unicorn with barely an effort. She could... Luna let out a soft moan as Starlight began to lick and nibble gently at her in earnest. That smart mouth did have a use, and Luna could find little fault in it when it was wielding a soft tongue instead of a sharp one.

"Tell me what you feel," spoke Starlight sternly. "Don't stop."

"I... feel a powerful tense shudder every time you... lick. When your teeth touch, I feel an involuntary moment of terror followed by a spike of delight." Luna closed her eyes. Describing the sexual encounter was something new. "I feel exposed."

"You are exposed." Starlight nuzzled into those damp petals. "Exposed, vulnerable... I could do terrible things... but would I?"

No. Luna felt certain the harder Starlight worked. Starlight was a good mistress. She would never hurt her. A sudden wave of tightness gripped Luna's body before her cry almost shattered the delicate dream world. She climaxed with almost frightful intensity, left weak and panting, and yet wanting more, so much more.

Starlight wasn't giving it. Reeling a moment from the shock her own dream had endured. "You are a powerful student, and yet, still mine." She set a hoof on Luna's lower belly. "If you're a good student, I have much more... creative rewards for you. And, should you prove naughty, my punishments will be most unkind. I will be listening to Twilight, and asking her. Don't think you can get away with disobeying one master without the other hearing and taking action, oh no..."

Luna felt the dream starting to dissolve. That shock was waking Starlight up. The dream would be over in a moment. She rolled up quickly, just in time to be ejected back into the dream world.

She had much to consider.

Author's Note

Starlight gets to be a dom without breaking friendship rules, this pleases her greatly. She just wanted to make ponies happy, now she has one that she can dom all over without hurting feelings or resorting to mental warfare or magic. How delightful!

She will gladly take care of Luna.

A new best friend. :heart:

How did you like it?