Chapters Prologue Part Two: The Sun's Decision
The doors of Celestia's chambers creaked a little as it opened to rather dark room. Luna peaked her head in and and saw her sisters back facing her as she sat upon her floor bed dressed in her night gown. She stared through the large window that featured her moon in all its glory. Casting a soft and gentle glow upon the solar princess.
Luna trotted slowly in and gulped. Unsure of how to state her presence but a sudden close of the doors not by her own magic signified that Celestia knew of her presence.
Luna gave a sigh. "So you know I am here."
"Why wouldn't I Luna?" Celestia did not turn her gaze away from the outside. "I figured you'll come and check on me after the nurse was through. Well, at least I thought after you were done with your nightly duties. I am surprised to see you have returned so soon."
"Yes I-I know. But I could not stop worrying about you. You and your...health." Luna stammered a bit.
Celestia slowly, and carefully got up from her floor bed and without a soft groan, made it over to a small coffee table and plopped down on one of the cushions. She hovered over a small tea set and begun pouring some of the slightly cool liquid into her cup and beckoned her sister to join.
"Come, sit sister. Have some tea."
Luna noticed her tone and took note of the bags present under her sisters eyes. It had increased from when she first told her of her pregnancy and her personality had shifted from some pony always on duty to that of a lethargic and torpid self. She seemed even slower in her movements and her drowsiness seemed never ending.
Luna trotted over and sat down in front of her sister. Celestia hovered her cup of tea in front of her too which Luna took with her magic. They both sat still for a moment as Celestia sipped her cup. Luna however merely kept hovering it in front of her face as she stared down at the table in a posture all to familiar to the elder sister.
Celestia took note of this. "Luna, is there something wrong?" Celestia blinked rather tiredly.
Luna was taken aback for a moment, having snapped out of her trance. "N-no..just..." She sighed and sat down her cup of tea. She looked into the liquid and without picking her head up, spoke.
"Celestia...sister, It-it-" Luna could not keep the words from tangling up upon her tongue. She cursed underneath her breath from her inability to speak what she wanted to say.
"Luna what is it that you are trying to convey dear?"
Luna scrunched up her eyes bitterly. "The foal...I want to talk about...the foal."
Celestia sighed and placed down her tea and closed her eyes for a moment before looking at her sister again. "I suppose Nurse Redheart has discussed with you?"
"Yes. Like she has been doing."
"Nurse Redheart said that my blood pressure and heart rate levels have remained steady."
"But.." Luna intruded. "She has also stated that your physical health is greatly declining. Look at yourself Celestia, have you not looked in a mirror as of late? Your growing weaker and weaker and your magical abilities have fainted."
Celestia finished her cup and sat it down in front of herself. "Pregnancy does not come without it's troubles Luna. That much is for certain. Morning sickness, cramps, back pain, cravings that to is natural and apart of it. Me...growing a little weak at magic is no different."
The dark alicorn frowned. "A little? Celestia, You are beginning to struggle to raise the sun alone. A job you have been doing well for over a thousand years."
"Its a bit of a struggle but I reassure you Luna that it all will come to pass once the foal is born."
Luna looked with worried eyes to her sister. "Will you even survive til then?"
The remark caught Celestia by small surprise. "I have survived the first few months perfectly fine I am sure I can survive once the foal is born as well."
"Not if your health continues down this path Celestia! She has noted how not only is your magical energy being sapped but your physical strength as well. It takes you forever to get out of bed and walking alone is a hassle without you having to take breaks in between your strolls."
"I will be fine Luna. I-I'll... I'll hold on. I have held on this long I can continue."
Luna took a deep breath and straightened her stance. “Sister, whatever this foal is, it is clear that it is injurious to your health. It is true that complications arises from being pregnant as to be expected but this is of serious matter sister. We are not even sure if you are pregnant with one foal or another as you have also refused to have an ultrasound done. You won't even tell me who or what the father is!"
Celestia stood quiet, daring not to utter a word. Only the furrowing of her eyebrows and turned eyes to the gorund gave anything away of how she felt.
Luna took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "Celesita, your health and duty as princess is of the utmost importance."
"I am very much aware of that."
"And so I believe that it should be taken into consideration..." Luna looked into her elder sisters eyes. Celestia stared back with a mixture of anxiety and frustration.
"I believe it should be taken into consideration a termination."
She had finally said it and now she waited for the response. Luna continued to look down at the table, refusing to lift her head for any reason. She couldn't bear to look into her sister's eyes.
“It is my foal Luna..." Celestia spoke. "And your future niece or nephew. How could you-"
"Look at yourself Celestia! Just take a moment and look! If this continues you may not even live long enough to see your foal! And if you pass before delivery it would have all been for naught!"
"Do you know how long I have desired offspring? Something to call my own. For a thousand years I have tried Luna and finally, finally, I have managed but now you come to me wanting to get rid of it?”
Luna bit her tongue.
The conversation in which she was holding now reminded Luna too much of when Celestia first spilled the information of her pregnancy to the lunar princess.
When the solar princess begun to keep to herself, always felt sick, and gossips and rumors begun to spread, It would only be a matter of time before the moon princess herself would be aroused with curiosity. Celestia had given her with anxiety and reluctance the truth behind all of those noble sayings but would tell her nothing else.
The sun princess merely wanted at least some pony to know and who could she better trust then her very own sister? Still, she had begged Luna to keep from telling others and Luna had largely kept her word but even her vows and secretes come to a limit and seeing her sister double over in pain and tiredness was enough for her to break that vow and forcibly assign a nurse to her displeasure. Even if Celestia had tried her best to hide it.
“Celestia, you must think about your future. Our Future, Equestria's future. What would we do without you?”
“Equestria will fare just as well with one princess as it did with you gone. Equestria will be fine.”
The words stung at Luna.
“As I did not need you to raise the moon so you, if it shall be so, do not need me in time to raise the sun.”
“Do you not hear yourself? Even I can only do so much!"
Celestia turned her head away. "You have Twilight and Cadance. They too can serve as your help."
Your doing all of this to keep t-that thing alive?"
“That thing is my foal and your niece or nephew!” Celestia raised her voice. “It is just a foal! You are making it out as though it is some, some creature! Some monster!”
“It is killing my sister! How long will you be able to bear it until you cannot no longer!”
“It is a foal Luna! A living, breathing foal!”
“Indeed it is but it is also a leech! Preying upon the life and abilities of my dear sister! I have borne long with you sister! I have not bugged you with trivialities regarding your pregnancy and have kept my word on not disclosing it to the public, allowing others to speculate as they please but even I extend my reach so far!”
Celestia let loose a vicious growl from her throat. She restrained her temper but it was reaching the tipping point. The atmosphere bearing down on them both. “I will not sit here and tolerate this.”
“How long are you going to hide it? It won't be long before it is born. You don't even know how it will turn out. How it will look. Will it even survive. What if you die and and the foal does as well? Your suffering will be for naught. I have just regained my sister, I am not prepared to lose her!”
Celestia's back faced Luna as her horn glowed a rather dim gold color. The doors of her chambers opened behind the moon princess.
“My verdict is final Luna. The foal is here to stay. At least I ask that you respect my decision but if you do not then that is your choice. As for me...” the solar princess sighed. “I have made up my mind.” she stated strongly.
“Is that how it is? Your prepared to sacrifice everything?”
Celestia did not face her sister. “Leave...now.”
Luna merely narrowed her eyes at her sister before finally turning to leave out the same doors that she came through.
The sun princess, for over a thousand years had a single wish: To be a mother and she was not about to forfeit it under any circumstances.
For over a thousand years, she had accepted the fact that perhaps, it was something that was not meant to be. Perhaps it was for the best. Seeing as how she was to be a mother not to her own but instead, to her precious subjects who needed her the most. Still, she felt a weight in her chest anytime she watched or saw her subjects grow from colts and fillies to mares and stallions that had begotten a family. Watching as miniature versions of themselves playfully laughed and giggled their ways through life.
As always, Celestia had put up a mask but she was not immune to the onset of emotions that all sapient beings was endowed with. A twinge of jealousy would set in and there were times where she secretly imagined the family she gazed upon to be of her own. Despite her many lovers, griffons, ibexes, ponies, and even kirin, none was she able to endow on them the gift of life.
She felt almost broken in her inability to conceive. She felt as though a part of her, special to any mare had been stripped from her. As much as she tried to accept it, it pulled at her heart in the worse way possible. Still the closest thing she had to having any foal of her own was that of her faithful student. She felt almost guilty taking Twilight away from her parents during her late elementary years to live with in Canterlot to continue her studies under her wing.
Even though her family, and even Twilight herself with unconstrained excitement, was elated at the offer, Celestia knew it was mostly to fill the empty hole in her chest. Still, even though she could easily have just forced Twilight to continue her studies under her, it was real love that beckoned to ask. Even if she knew Twilight would more than say yes. Still every time break came and the weekend rolled where her faithful student had to leave, she once again felt tempted to shed at least a tear. But always composed she waved her off with a smile.
She had adopted before no doubt with Sunset Shimmer being one before running off into another dimension but despite that, with the others she was content. Taking them in when she could as her own as both a student and foal.
But now she no longer had to wait for that prayer to be answered. She was filled with worry, a combination of anxiety and yet utmost happiness when she realized that she was with foal. She couldn't help but break down in tears of happiness when she realized the stiff stomach, increasing weight and abnormal cravings for cake in the middle of the night.
The thought of termination was something far removed from the sun princess's mind and she had hoped it would be far removed from the thought of her sister's.
As she laid down upon her floor bed she covered her face in her bare hooves. The pillows she laid on top of becoming wet with the tears of the solar princess's dilemma. She could not help but break out in silent hiccups.
As the doors shut behind the lunar princess, tears begun to stream her face. A physical manifestation of her anger, sadness and frustration. Luna could not contain herself. As she walked a nightly guard who was monitoring halls couldn't help but notice his princess and smiled.
“Good evening princess.”
Luna did not respond.
“Princess?” th guard asked asked again as she sped walked passed him. He looked on with wide eyes wondering what had eaten at the princess before calling out.
“Princess, what is the matter?”
“Nothing is the matter!”
Luna continued along to her chambers. Ignoring the presence of her bewildered soldiers and guards. She didn't know what to do but move on from here. As she the night princess fled into the seclusion of her room it was clear that her duties as princess of the night would not be completed today.
All she needed as of right now was time to process her sisters decision and solace under her night's moon.
She too would cry herself to sleep.
Celestia let out a groaned as she shifted through the countless papers before her. Her body, mostly her legs, ached from not only the added weight she has gained but the fact that she had sat down for so long. Forced to stifle through a bunch of plain white documents and the bitter atmosphere of the rectangular table that she herself sat at the front of as always.
Multiple eyes watched her attentively as she shuffled through the list with fine lines present under her orbs from due stress and fatigue. Celestia glanced over at the ticking clock with parts of the papers obstructing her field of vision directly in front of her. Ruling has hard work and til' this day Celestia wonders exactly how she was able to keep hold of power this long without becoming either a tyrannical tyrant or a lazy individual from the amount of work she was forced to deal with.
Thankfully most of the political matters of work was largely taken off of her hooves as the various cities and towns across Equestria had their own small little government system to work and fix problems without having to run to the sun princess every time a problem was bought to attention. These mayors often had a political body surrounding them such as the senators so that even then the issue of politics and power did not solely rest on the shoulders of one.
Unfortunately there were times where the body could not come to a settled agreement with each other and then it was to be taken over to the princess herself who is then forced to hear their cries and reach a final verdict on what should be done alone. This was one of those many incidents. An undecided bill or legislative action was often held off, unless absolutely urgent of course, til' the conference meeting came around which was held every new year at Canterlot Castle.
It was there that many if not all, of the city and town leaders came with a few from their bodies to discuss with the princess face to face on what should be done about important matters. Often, it also came with the impossibility on holding a peaceful and stress free conversation.
Celestia redirected her eyes back over to the papers and gave a deep held sigh as the other ponies of the table held conversations with one another quietly. Only raising their voices slightly at times when at a disagreement or trying desperately to persuade the other to see their view and perspective of the issue at hoof.
She had largely managed to get through the barrage of demands and various other documents that the various ponies gathered had thrown at her. Whether it be the trivial complaints of the wealthy or the more important issues such as public warming, vaccines, and funding on that of research. Most of the senators, mayors and delegates had been dealt with but two opposing forces still needed to be solved lest the room explode with stale tension.
She shuffled through the innumerable number of sheets she paused on one document in particular asking for a more important request to the issues at hand. She pulled the paper out of the stack and sat the large amount of papers out onto the table. She pushed her eyes forward to scan it attentively and looked at the light purple earth pony mare who eyed her anxiously.
Celestia cleared her throat and sat the papers down on the table.
"Ms. Violet, I have seen your request concerning the education of students kindergarten through twelfth. Your concern seems to be placed in improving the school systems and the facilities they have correct?"
The earth pony smiled and nodded her head as a light brown earth pony stallion stared on with furrowed eyes. "Yes your majesty. You see, various programs and classes are being cut from schools and class curriculum's for the sake of saving funding."
"And those will be?"
"Arts like drawing and painting, gymnastics and even basic home living. I am mostly concerned for the students present in grades nine through twelve as that is the time that they are starting to explore who they are and gain their cutie marks. At least, basic home living skills should be taught like knowing how to hem a skirt or pants or knowing how to file and complete bills and such. All things that are important to basic living."
"Your majesty there is a very good reason as to why we have canceled funding from those programs. There is little resources for those programs to be kept and serve to only burden our schools with them. As for basic living and the arts those classes are not as important to their learning and development as the sciences, maths and language arts. Those are things that they themselves can learn at home."
"Indeed, while they may not be as important as the sciences, maths and language arts, they still carry a high enough value that we shouldn't just disregard them. It is important that students be able to not only be able to due what is required of them but also expand on their skills and techniques. As for basic living, not everything should be upheld on the parents. especially when most of them lack the time to be able to teach their foals basic things like learning how to sew. Not even most of them know of such."
"We do not have the funding for such things and because of funding we also do not have the resources!"
"Mr. Smarty Pants." Celestia spoke. "Since funding for the schools in Manehatten seems to be scarce, then why is something not being down about it?"
"Well your majesty we did try to curve the lack of money by-"
"Investing in casinos." Ms. Violet gritted through her teeth.
"So instead of funding schools you've been funding..casinos?" Celestia raised an eyebrow.
The stallion cleared his throat. "No, well, you see your majesty, there was a push by the public and one Canterlot's wealthy business stallions to build various casino's in the Manehatten metropolis area. At first we were apprehended but it was insisted that we allow the building of the gambling arena in exchange that majority of the earnings go towards education."
"And has that been so?"
The stallion looked down at his side and rubbed her front leg. "Um...well no your majesty. We have not seen much coming in from the casinos."
"So they did not keep their word? Why did you go to them instead of bringing your request straight to Canterlot's high council which would include me?"
"I did your majesty, matter of fact we both did. But each time we did our request was either ignored or looked over for what the council deemed as more important matters such as public health or funding for public awareness. It would seem as though that are constant notes and letters of funding for schools after sending out thousands of dollars of funding for them already is apparently making it seem as though we are asking for too much."
"Which is why we are here today. The foals, in place of doing actually meaningful courses, are being tested constantly. So the classes that are left are instead focused on preparing for tests instead of actually teaching the foals for life."
"I see..."
"But also take in consideration that due to the lack of resources that we have, the board seems more focused on devoting whatever funds they are receiving to the more wealthier districts and communities instead of focusing on the poorer communities that need it like new textbooks."
Celestia furrowed her eyes at the statement and looked at the head of the board of education. "Is this true Mr. Smarty Pants?"
"Y-yes your majesty-" the pony stammered. "-but this is because the wealthier districts are the ones who are showing more investment in their education." He slid over a paper towards that depicted a triple line graph showing the statistics of student pony performance in the more wealthy, middle and poor districts.
"As you can see princess, the board and I have decided that it would seem more reasonable to focus our attention of our limited funding on those who actually care about their education instead of those who don't."
Celestia peered at the graph and swallowed her impatience and agitation with the entire situation. She shuffled in her seat and groaned from the aches that have developed from her sitting for so long. She felt a kick in her abdomen and which opened her tired eyes a little but also caused her to ruffled her wings a bit from surprise. Celestia merely stared at the papers while Violet and Smarty pants held their breath waiting to speak.
"Tell me Mr. Smarty Pants, does it make sense for a well pony to go see a doctor? Or a pony who knows how to fly to be given flying lessons?"
The two earth ponies looked at each other with confusion and then back at the sun princess.
Smarty Pants spoke. "I am...not understanding where you are getting at Princess."
Princess Celestia hovered over a pen from her cup on the table and grabbed a blank piece of paper and begun to write.
"Mr. Smarty Pants, it is of waste in my eyes to focus your 'strict' funding on schools that do not need improving then on those who does. It seems backwards in thinking. Perhaps the reason the students are not performing well is not only because of lack of resources from funding but also due to the fact that by providing little to no funding for them you have left them behind in whatever resources you and your board can give them as well as overwhelmed teachers who must work with what they have. Assuming with large classes?" Celestia raised an eyebrow.
"Well, y-yes but princess if you-"
"It is done. Decreased funding should be given to the wealthier districts and instead increased funding should be given to the poorer districts in order for them to catch up to their already advanced peers."
"And where shall this money come from?" Ms. Violet questioned.
"I shall hold the casino owner to their words. At least ten percent of all profits shall be withdrawn from casino earnings and out towards educational learning. This will allow schools that are left behind to hire the staff they need and implement even new programs as well as keep old ones such as gymnastics and the arts. This, I am sure will also help to decrease the class size of said overstuffed classes to a much more manageable size."
Once finished writing, Celestia gave the paper over to Mr. Smarty Pants.
"Surely this will solve the issue. I hope to hear back from you Mr. Smarty Pants on how well my decree goes. If it does not then I may reconsider cutting funding for the poorer districts but until then I hope you will fulfill my words."
There was almost a strap hint to Celestia's tone as the stallion gritted his teeth. Groaning under his breath from his sovereigns creed.
"Yes your majesty." he growled.
Ms. Violet on the other hoof gave a winning chuckle.
Before long, the door of the conference room slowly opened as a grey stallion coated in golden armor peered through before fully showing himself. The room simply turned their heads and stared as he gave a bow out of formality and respect.
"I am sorry to be of rudeness your majesty but it is time for your appointed checkup."
Celestia gave a sigh and raised a wing. "I think that we have spent enough time here on these matters. Surely everything if not most of political manners have been settled correct? Then I assume that we are finished. Court is dismissed."
Celestia stood up from her seat and as per custom, the other ponies bowed as she walked off. Signifying to them that it was now their time to leave. As they cleared out and was escorted back to the train Celestia couldn't help but think of the ancient days where simply stomping a hoof was enough to seal a deal. She sighed.
Everything was easier in the old days.
A kick in her stomach signified an agreement.
Chapter II: Nurse's Office
Celestia stepped off of the gilded carriage and onto the ground beneath as she stood in front of a large hospital that was present on the streets of Canterlot. Her long white dress brushing against the ground.
The guards opened the doors and guided the princess in. Her guards walking on both sides of her. Being sure to keep any press or curious or wanting pony from approaching the fatigued princess whose energy was slightly renewed from finally leaving the god forsaken annual conference. Passersby merely looked on or gave a bow to the princess as she walked through.
She stopped at the front desk where a white pony with a pink mane smiled at her.
"Oh my, Princess Celestia." she gave a bow. "It is an honor to have you here."
The princess smiled. "Please, there is no need to be so formal Nurse Redheart. I am here for-"
"Your checkup ." A voice intervened.
Celestia and Nurse Redheart turned their heads to see a white, above average tall unicorn look at them both. Her bright red mane sparkled in the lights and her half lidded eyes that wore a red eye shadow gave the middle aged pony an almost sultry look. It was none other than the strict Nurse Goodwell. Celestia's personal assigned royal nurse.
"You my dear, are five minutes late."
Celestia gave a frown. "I am-"
The unicorn merely pointed at the clock that stood above the the front desk. Celestia looked at the time that showed five minutes passed five. The princess gave a sigh. "Fine you got me. But I am here now."
"Yes, yes you are which is why we should get a move on. Come, there is quite a bit to be done."
Nurse Goodwell led the way as she took Celestia and her two guards through the halls. Keeping her head held high in a rather uppity but regal manner like some of the wealthy unicorns did who strolled through Canterlot's streets everyday. It did not take long for both of them to arrive at the room prepared specifically for her.
Nurse Goodwell turned the knob of the door with her magic and opened the door. Celestia was almost blinded from the brightness of the room as the marble floor below reflected the gleaming lights of the ceiling above. The floor was spotless, clear of any deformity and all of the equipment like needles, a quick first aid kit, a blood pressure tester and even tissue was placed in all their proper positions. The examining bed that Celestia was to lay on had the sheets tightened and fitted accordingly so that no crease or wrinkle could be seen.
What should have made any pony proud made Celestia cringe at just how obsessive the place seem to be. Nurse Goodwell wasn't called clean freak for nothing...at least when it came to her profession as her twin sister, Rubyheart commonly spoke on how her room was an utter mess.
"Are you going to just stand there or are you going to come in?"
Celestia gave a sigh and walked into the room. The guards aimed to follow but they were both stopped by the nurse herself.
"This is a most private affair between two mares, however, you are more than allowed to stand outside of the door."
The two guards raised an eyebrow and looked at each other before the door was slammed shut in front of their faces. They both recoiled back in surprise and shock before finally standing apart on both sides of the door.
"Anyway princess shall we get started?"
Celestia, as per ritual, got up on the examining bed and removed her regalia and dress. Laying them down neatly beside her.
Nurse Goodwell went and grabbed the blood pressure monitor and wrapped it around the alicorn's front leg.
"Now your majesty, you know better than to concern yourself with such stressful tasks in your state. Do not think that I do not know about your little conference meeting." Princess Luna said that she herself will take on the major political duties while you focus on getting rest. Especially when you are so far along in your pregnancy. The baby is due any time now and you know that. Look at you! You look on the verge of death!"
"I am aware of that." Celestia said with her head down low.
"Dealing with those stressful and agitating ponies is doing more harm than good. Especially Mr. Smarty Pants himself. There is a reason he has earned that name and rightfully so. He is irritating to the highest degree."
And so can you be but I assume that is what makes you so charming.
Celestia smiled at the thought.
The unicorn cut her off. "Nuh uh, last time you were twenty minutes late! Princess Luna put me in charge of monitoring your health and monitoring your health I will do! When I heard that you were in the middle of a conference I couldn't help but shake my head. Did you not remember anything your sister told you?"
"I do but there are times where such things are best left to me to handle. Especially knowing my sisters short temper. I can only imagine her ending it as quickly as it begins. Knowing Luna she probably wouldn't even give them a chance to speak. I can only imagine her blowing them away with her royal Canterlot voice." Celestia chuckled as Nurse Red Heart took the opportunity to check Celestia's heartbeat.
The unicorn gave a small smile and took off the blood pressure wrap. "I wonder how your sister may think of such a thing. She will be less then pleased you know."
Celestia gave another small laugh as she envisioned her sisters small, filly like pout.
"Your blood pressure is fine as well as your heartbeat. Now, time for the most important part." The nurse pushed to Celestia's side a small screen and grabbed hold of a tube that she opened. She squeezed it and took the clear liquid that came out and smeared it onto Celestia's swollen belly as the princess laid slightly turned on her side.
The princess shivered slightly at the cool feeling it gave off as it opened her pores. Her nurse, with a small smile, grabbed hold of the transducer and rubbed it against the princesses abdomen as she watched the black and white blurry screen depict something remotely like a small filly.
The nurse stared at it as a gentle silence filled the air. She analyzed the picture before her seeing the hooves and four legs of the filly or colt that was soon to be born into the world, curled up about itself and its umbilical cord. However, no matter how many times she had done it before, she couldn't help but be taken aback at what the foal was. Though the princess, with great reluctance had explained to her the situation on their first meeting, she couldn't help that she was curious of the the foal's appendages that were hands and its rounded hair that was coated in a fine layer of hair.
Princess Celestia looked at the screen with motherly eyes as her heart beat with anticipation to see the foal for herself but also in anxiety on what may come ahead of it being born. However, she relished the moment, seeing how much the once small being that was once no bigger than a large pod had grown to be even bigger than that of two newborn pony foals. Even if it was now becoming a strain to carry it.
The nurse stood quiet as she turned to gaze on at Celestia. Her once fine lines under her eyes had darkened since the last time she had met with her and she noticed how the regal monarch had kept her head down low most of the day. As if keeping it up was draining her too much of her energy. Goodwell's facial expression changed to one of pity as she gazed at the mare who entrusted the care of her foal to her. Despite the fact that said foal was literally sapping her energy away like a hungry leech that was never satisfied. As she monitored the health of the monarch, she watched as Celestia's energy fell after each passing month from the once bubbly and calmed ruler to one who was now strictly tied to her chambers.
"It has developed much larger than I had expected." the nurse said with a sigh. "How is your movement? Such a large foal probably does quite a toil on your body."
"Y-yes. For the last two months, it has became quite a bit difficult to move around. Since I've reached the peak of my pregnancy, it has weighed me down. I drag quite a bit...well, so much so that my servants have gotten to the point of merely bringing almost all of my needs to me. Still, I try to do my duty as royalty."
"I've checked back on your previous urine and blood samples and they are well. Also, I checked your X-rays and your organs are pushed much tightly together than a normal mares body. Thankfully, because you are larger than the average mare your body is better able to cope with the stress of the pregnancy but it is paramount that from this month on until it is time that you stay as close to the castle and the staff as possible and keep away from those god forsaken politicians!"
The princess, though heavily tired and fatigued, couldn't help but give a smile at her nurse's rather playful rage. "Of course."
Goodwell breathed a sigh of relief before moving on to put the ultrasound equipment back where it belonged. Celestia, using her magic, grabbed hold of a sheet of tissue and wiped the jelly like liquid off of her abdomen before dumping it into the trash.
"As much as I myself am a Canterlot pony I cannot help but get sucked into it's constant gossip."
"What do you mean?"
"All of Equestria itself is obsessing over your pregnancy as is but Canterlot and all of its wealthy noblemen even more so. You know how many times I have heard friends of Fancy Pants mention your foal?"
"It is to be expected that something like this is going to cause even silent ones to speak."
"You don;t say..."
"But I am not one to play politics with my foal. Let alone for them to be politics them-self."
Immediatley after the quote Celestia winced and let out a groan as a shock of pain shot up the middle of her stomach.
"Princess?"
"I-it kicked..."
The nurse stood quiet as she watched her beloved ruler try to make herself comfortable after the sudden shock of pain. She ruffled her wings and gave a quickened breath as she tried to take deep breaths.
"Celestia, how long have you been having these rush of pains?"
"Recently, along with the aches."
"I see...I will speak to Nurse Red Heart on giving you some pain killers."
"T-thank you. That will be nice."
The doors of the hospital opened as Celestia made her way onto the ready carriage. She moved sluggishly but still tried her best to maintain her regal pose and demeanor in front of both her guards and her nurse who stood by the door. Watching to see her princess off.
"Thank you Nurse Goodwell for everything that you have done. Truly it is of pleasure."
The white unicorn waved a hoof. "Oh please Celestia, I am merely doing my job, nothing more. Now remember what I said. It is important that you do not strain yourself. Your body is already under undue stress as it is from your ab-well, special pregnancy."
"Yes, I be sure of it. I doubt my sister would very much allow me to do much. She'll have me down lock and key."
"As she should." Her nurse smiled. "Your sister...if you do not mind, how has you and princess Luna been getting along after your...well, last predicament." Goodwell felt almost stupid for asking such a personal thing in public.
"It is going well." Celestia sighed. "She has...greatly calmed down. She respects my decision but she worries greatly about me that much is for certain."
"I see...well then princess I must go back to my duties. I do not wish to keep you waiting. Go back to the castle and get some rest. You deserve after today."
"Thank you. I'll be sure to add a bonus to your check as well." Celestia winked. "Just be sure not to tell anyone alright? I'll let your boss know by letter."
"I'll be sure princess."
"Guards, let us leave."
With a nod, the two stallions took off back to the palace as Celestia's nurse gave a smiling wave before going back into the hospital
The door of Celestia's chambers opened as the princess herself slowly, but steadily, made her way in. Being sure to close the door behind her gently.
The tired princess, flopped down onto her plumped and thick bed mat that laid on the floor and laid her head down upon her pillow. Tired eyes looked in the mirror that showed the princess just how bad she looked. Groaning, she used her magic to drape the cover that sat neatly folded next to it over the glass as she desired not to see her rather pitiful state.
The day had been a long one at first with the conference meeting and the two hour visit to the nurses office, but in taking the Nurse Goodwell's advice, her body not giving her much of a choice to anyway, stayed confined to her chambers for most of the day. Having her servants and maids attend to her every need.
However, the confinement for the princess felt much more like jail cell than anything as the overworked monarch was use to always having something to do. Still, her weakened state prevented her from doing much other than pace back and forth her room like a mad pony and go to sleep sporadically through out the day as the poor princess was easily worn out from some of the simplest tasks.
Despite her rather sad condition and profound boredom, that did not stop the princess from alleviating her idleness by playing board and card games with her servants and maids and even going so far as to color in coloring books and doing whole word searches worth of books until she had completed them all.
Still, she couldn't help but wonder if all has been handled well in terms of political duty but considering how there haven't been any rumored complaints about her sister handling things she relaxed herself against her long pillow and hovered the sun covered blanket on top of her. She watched outside her window the full, beautiful moon as it radiated through the panes. Casting a calming light upon the solar princess.
Though the sun was a giver of life, a strong statement, the moon carried itself as its more gentle twin. A time to rest and retire from the burdens of the day and enjoy the stillness and quiet tunes of lullabies and life as it passes by. Honestly, it was the night that made Celestia feel more at home.
A knock was heard at her chamber door that quickly awoke the half-sleep princess.
"Come in." She spoke softly. Not bothering to ask who it was. She'll know when she sees them.
The sun princess watched as her door opened to let in a black colored alicorn with a cutie mark in the shape of a moon.
"Luna...sister. What brings you here?"
"I have come to check on you. To see that you are doing well." Luna gazed up and and down her sister and took note of her heavily bagged and darkened eyes. Her face changed to one of seriousness but she wished not to put upon her sister an atmosphere that was intense. Celestia did not raise her head to look at her sister.
"I appreciate the company. Do sit, do you want me to call one of the servants to bring you something dear sister?"
Luna shook her head. "No. I desire naught."
Celestia gave a chuckle. "How have running the solar court been going for you? I have heard no trouble so that is good."
"It was rather simple today. I have had not much of an issue regarding such matters but I did have to rub a rather disrespectful pony a certain way."
"Luna please."
"What? That stallion. He dared come to one of the royal sisters in his insolance? He had raised the price of a allergy drug three times it was worth! And he dare try to come to me in complaint and defense when others are in boycott?"
"Don't tell me you used the royal Canterlot-"
"I used the royal Canterlot voice."
Celestia groaned. "With the white eyes?"
"With the white eyes."
"Luna dear..."
"How else am I'm to get to a pony who is refusing to listen? I tried to be patient but he was determined to over talk me and have his way. Hmpf, how rude."
The sun princess could only laugh.
Luna relaxed herself and looked down at her sister with worried eyes as she gazed down upon the pale form of her only family member. She noticed the fine lines under her eyes and her rather fatigued state. She took note on how she didn't move much and how when she moved it was with a sluggish pace. Luna could not shake her worry and the more she gazed upon her sister the more anxiety grew inside.
Luna finally spoke after her sisters laughter died down. "Sister..."
"Yes?"
"I came to not only check on you but to also ask for your...forgiveness."
Celestia picked her head up with slightly alert eyes.
"I-I was worried. When you first told me you were pregnant, I was taken aback in surprise. When you told me what you were pregnant by, I was even more...bewildered. I understood your excitement but also your fear equally in not knowing what this foal may bring. But as I watched you constantly growing weaker from the pregnancy and seeing you like this..." Luna tried her best to hold back the tears.
"How could I watch my only sister, only family, be eaten away by that...that thing?"
Celestia gathered up what little strength she had, and sat up. Using her wing to flick away her sisters falling tears as she placed a hoof under her sisters chin.
"Luna, as much as I was upset, I understood your pain as well. We both were confused. I know not of how my foal will turn out and you know not if it or me will survive through all of this. But I had made my decision and you knew and respected that. Despite how painful it was."
"I know that. I look at you and feel bad in telling you to get rid of it because you have always yearned and tried for a foal. But then at the same time I will look at you again and wished that you had."
"Luna-"
"Look at you Celestia! Your...fading . I don't want to lose my sister! "I have noticed that, for the past few weeks, you have been struggling to raise the sun. Getting weaker and weaker every passing month. How will Equestria do without its princess? How will I do without my sister?"
Celestia watched as more tears streamed down her beloved sisters face. The entire situation pulled at her heart strings. Here it was, the princess of the night, the sword of Equestria who had no qualms of ridding herself of emotion when necessary, pouring her inner most heart out to the one she trusted and loved most. The one who had banished her for so long.
"Luna...Luna."
The soft and gentle tone slowly undid the closed eyes of the lunar princess as Celestia embraced her sister in a warm embrace. Warmer than anything the sun itself could give.
"Luna you are my sister and you will always be that. Are love is deeper than any friendship or romantic love. Look at yourself. Even after my decision, your anger, you did all of this to ensure that I am offered the best comfort. Assigning me select servants, maids and even guards. You made sure that I was given a nurse that would make me feel comfortable and will do only as I wish. I know how much it pains you to see me go through this but yet you pushed it aside to ensure that my safety and health is above all. What more could I ask for? The only thing I can do now is continue on strong. I'll push through this and you'll see. I'll deliver a healthy foal. I promise."
"But what if I lose you."
"At least you'll still have a piece of me behind. To remember me by. Equestria will still have you. I am in my last month. I've bore this long I might as well go til' the end."
Luna let loose a sigh. "Then do so. I will hold you to your word. Even if it kills me."
Celestia let loose a chuckle and gave a kiss to Luna's forehead. "I know you will."
"Do you even know how the foal will turn out?"
Celestia smiled and shook her head. "Actually...I do."
Celestia hovered in front of Princess Luna black and white photos of the foal that she carried to which Luna took in her own magic.
"What...are these?"
"Those pictures, are of your soon to be nephew or niece."
Luna analysed the pictures with a furrowed look. Her eyebrows scrunching together as she peered at the photographs trying to make out each part that was present.
"Those are...hands? It has the body of a filly or colt no doubt...will, more like a horse but it's upper half is of oddity."
"That is it's torso, its head and arms. His father looks just like that. Don't you remember Luna? I told you all about it."
Luna glanced up as she tried to dig in her brain the memory. She remembered Celestia telling her all about her strange meeting with the foal's father and his physiology as well as the world he lived in himself. But the way her sister had described the creature
"Do you know the sex of the foal?"
Celestia shook her head. "I decided to know at birth."
"Oh, well then have you chose a name?"
Celestia glanced up at the ceiling. "Actually...I have not. I was so occupied with everything else I haven't actually dwell on a name. I don't know to tell the truth. Perhaps I will know once he or she comes into the world."
Luna placed down the images on the floor in front of her. "How was your doctor's visit?"
"Everything went well. Nurse Goodwell stated that even though my blood pressure and heart rate is higher than normal, as to be expected, it has at least remained constant these passed months."
"That is good to hear. Anything else the nurse said? Any...special requirements that should be done?"
The sun princess rolled her eyes with a smile. "She said that from now on out, I should not be moving around so much and that I should not be fooling around with those 'god forsaken politicians'."
"She knows about your dealing with the annual conference didn't she?"
"Of course she did. She knows I typically do it. She sent me a letter that practically told me rather sternly that I should not attend. Knowing how you told her you will take on my major duties. Of course she probably knew that while I would read it, I would have continued on with joining the conference anyway. Naturally, she told me off when I came to see her."
"As she should! I told you that I would handle it!"
Her sister gave a chuckle. "Oh Luna. I understand that you are more than capable of handling it but I-I-"
Luna gave her a frown. "I what?"
"You have a rather...short temper."
The ruler of the moon puffed up her reddened cheeks as she bit her lip. "Well you know, just because I am a little new to this whole..." Luna swung her hoof as if trying to grab the words that had escaped her thought. "...modern politics does not mean I could not have handled it."
"Dealing with a bunch of heavily opinionated ponies arguing back and forth with each other who more often than not refuses to reach at least a compromise. Having to deal with that for two to nearly four hours? Luna, you would have blown the roof off of the castle."
"I will not!"
"Luna, dear, you just stated how you scared half to death a stallion."
"He was being rude!"
"And so are the ones at the conference. But at least you didn't have to deal with him for hours straight."
Luna's face fell and with that, her sister gave a sigh. "I tell you what, I'll give in. The next annual conference we have I'll let you take care of it alright?"
"You would have given birth by then..."
"That doesn't mean you can't have a chance at it. I'll schedule it for a night-" Celestia's eyes widened as an idea hit her noggin.
"What?"
"How about every other year you take the duties of the Annual Canterlot Conference Meeting? I take it one year and you the next. Mine will be in day court and yours night. Sounds fair enough?"
"That...would not be bad sister."
"I knew it wouldn't. I am so use to doing all the work myself since your return that I get a little...worried when others take over. Even if it's my own sister to be honest. I know there are some things your still trying to catch up on."
Celestia shuffled on her fluffy floor bed as she tried to make herself comfortable. Sitting up was a bit of a hassle on the solar ruler as the weight of her near ending pregnancy dragged her mid section down by several degrees. She felt much more comfortable laying down but for sake of properly conversing with Luna, she stood up. Shifting her body every while to make her situation more bearable.
Luna took a deep breath. "Anyway, is there anything else of importance I should know?"
"No, not really."
The moon princess gave her sister a raised eyebrow as Celestia raised her back hoof to try and scratch an itching spot.
"Are you sure?"
Celestia's eyes glanced up. "I would think so."
"Celestia!"
"Oh fine." Celestia gave a sigh. "Nurse Goodwell said that the foal is much bigger than an average mare's foal. Which would explain the heavy toil it is putting on my body."
"I can tell by your belly size."
"But she said I had an advantage as my body is bigger than the average mare anyway. With me being stronger as an alicorn and all, I am able to bear the pregnancy a lot more than average mare would in y situation."
"The fact that you have made it this far is more than enough evidence of that. But, what about your powers? Did she give an explanation on that?"
"That..." Celestia looked down at the ground. "She said that it is typical for powers of unicorns to wane during their pregnancy as it takes both a physical and magical toll on the body."
"But as an alicorn you should be able to withstand the magical toll the foal is having on you. A foal's power is only so strong. I mean, it is not even born yet and here it is, draining the energy of a millennia old alicorn. It is not even fully pony."
"That's what were both are trying to understand, me and Ms. Goodwell. We won't really know until the foal is born as to where exactly all that power is going too. But I doubt it is not for any reason...at least I hope."
"You have told me quite a bit in regards to it's father and his world but I must ask. Perhaps his father has magical properties?"
"No. He does not. The world he dwells in has magic but it is greatly limited. When I go there, my all powerful magic as some would have it can barely do any major harm. I am limited mostly to teleportation spells and picking up objects."
"So we know that the foal most certainly know it has little to do with it's father."
Her sister gave a small chuckle. "Apparently so."
"You know, you haven't really told me anything about it's father's world. Perhaps you can some other time?"
"Of course. But I can only tell you what he had told me. Between doing my job here and wanting to see him...well, it was quite difficult."
"I suppose it would be. I was surprised you managed to keep it up for so long."
"Even I am still surprised at that fact."
"Also sister, I wanted to address your worry. There is no need for such. The foal, no matter how it may be or look there is not a thing that any one of our subjects can say. He will be of royalty and privilege."
"I know that Luna. It is not so much that I am worried on how the public may react once word goes out but how the foal may do in it's life here. Equestria may preach love and tolerance but that does not mean it doesn't have it's few. I'm just-"
"-scared."
"Yes."
"That is a reasonable fear but Celestia, wind has caught word of your pregnancy. It would only be a matter of time before the foal is born. After that Celestia it is not in best interest to keep them locked away. You will not be able to attend to the foal twenty-four seven and care for it's needs. You will need your servants to do that and trust me, lest they are blind, they will see the foal. You can't guard him or her, like a princess my sister."
"I know Luna. I just don't think I am ready to deal with all the politics and issues that come with it. At least not yet."
The lunar princess rested a hoof on the sun princess's shoulder. "As long as I am here, I'll be sure to keep them or whoever in their place."
Celestia smiled. "Oh Luna."
Luna took a breath and looked up at the clock that was set now at twelve. "It is late. I should not bother you any longer as it is important you get your rest. Besides, my duties as princess of the night is calling."
"You make it seem as though your about to save the world from evil sister."
"Hmpf. Perhaps I am. I will be sure to follow what Ms. Goodwell have said. It is only a matter of time before the foal is born. All your needs will be attended to accordingly and I will handle the political affairs. If I see you doing things your not suppose to I will personally myself lock you up in the room."
A bead of sweat dripped down Celestia's temple as she gave a nervous smile. "You don't say..."
Luna gave her a tender smile. "Goodnight sister."
Celestia smiled in return. "Goodnight as well."
She watched on as her chamber door behind Luna closed. Celestia took a sigh and gazed over at her desk. She stared for a bit, wondering weather or not she wanted to move. She made up her mind soon after and got up from her bed and walked over to her desk.
Celestia grabbed hold of a small calendar and taking a pen, crossed out a day under the first month.
Only one week to go.
The moon held high in the night sky above and the feeling of solemnity and calmness that usually came with the night was broken as the solar princess now panted heavily in desperation.
She had awoken to a rather painful shot of pain that once it had died down, was replaced by uncomfortable contractions of her abdomen muscles. She took deep breaths as she struggled to sit up from her side.
"N-nurse..." she heaved. Trying her best to call for the one she needed most. Or at least the bat pony guards outside of her chambers.
Her bed was soaked with amniotic fluid from her breakage and had managed to make it's way through the sheets. The last thing the princess wanted was to change her mattresses but the thought quickly shook from her head as she struggled to signal for help.
"Nurse....!"
Celestia's contractions came harder and she groaned at the intensity of the pain.
D-Damn it...!
She cussed underneath her breath as she struggled now not to only call for assistance but to gather all the strength she had to get out of bed and towards her chamber doors. But in her weakened state and her body doing it's best to push out the foal, the most the sun ray princess could do was get a hoof on the ground with battered eyes.
Annoyed, angered, and frantic the princess could hardly move. As another contraction came, a shot of intense pain reeled up inside of her.
She screamed loud enough to awake her sleeping guards.
The guards eyes immediately shot awoke as the princess's screamed rattled their insides and echoed through out the halls. Their hearts pounding with a force of adrenaline from the sudden noise. Responding on instinct, the two bat ponies slammed open the princess's chamber doors as they opened their mouths simultaneously.
"Princess!"
Their eyes circled the room until they locked on the sun princess breathing heavily from beside her bed. Her sheets and blankets carrying a dark spot and draped messily off the side of her bed.
"Princess...!" they repeated as they both rushed over to the side of Luna's counterpart. Celestia stood with eyes darkened with fine lines and her pastel coated tail more erect than before.
"....go get..." she heaved. Her cheeks puffing up as she let a spill of air escape. "....Pastel Hearts."
"Yes Ma'am!"
The two armored stallions quickly made their way to the door but not before one of them turned around.
"Um princess, would it not be wise for one of us to stay here?"
"yes...I suppose so." She looked to the other guard. "Do you know...Pastel Hearts? She is located right next to me a hall down. Obtain...her."
The guard saluted. "Yes princess!"
As he shut the door behind him the other guard was left to look on with an akward look.
"Um..."
"Are you just going to stand there or do something?" Celestia asked.
"Oh no your princess I...what would you have me do?"
"Just...make me comfortable until she arrives. The...blankets on the bed...take those off and make a pile for me please."
"With further ado your majesty."
"It seems as though Princess Luna is now the one who never catches a break huh?"
The mare took a sip of her hot chocolate as she looked outside her assigned bedroom window. Watching as the night princess swooped pass on her gothic chariot.
"It is not as though night court is filled with many participants. After all ponies, with the exception of bat ponies, are mostly daytime creatures. Because of that, she probably has little do on her plate outside of making sure her subjects are safe. Day Court should be little problem for her Pastel." The white, dark grey maned unicorn took a sip from her cup. Her cutie mark was one of a crystal like diamond having small dust clouds around it.
"Still, as a princess of the night with duties to do, isn't taking on the day court stressful as well? She'll be up twenty-four hours a day Diamond Dust." Pastel, a white unicorn with a pink mane walked over towards the table that her friend was seated at.
"I'm sure her princess has found a way to manage. You have noticed that she is far out at night less often. She probably has changed her scehudle to suit the needs of the day. After all, that is when most of the work gets done at. After all, she does have little to do in night court besides a few bat pony squabbles."
"I suppose."
"I wanted to ask...when is Celestia exactly due?'
"She is due any day now. By the time that she had entered her second trimester, Princess Luna had assigned me as her personal monitor and midwife by Princess Celestia's own request. I couldn't help but honored Feather."
the tanned earth pony laid down her cup on the table next to the neatly stacked UNO cards. Her dark brown mane was tied back in a ponytail and her flank held the image of a feather lent brush as per her name's sake.
"I figured you did. After all, you'll be the one attending to the royal baby before and after it's born. That itself is a privilege."
"Everypony in Canterlot and through out has been talking about Princess Celestia's pregnancy. Canterlot in particular is making a big fuss out of it." Diamond stated with a flick of her mane.
"Of course they are. Their nobility most of 'em. You attend the right parties, talk about business, give to charities, and laugh at awful rich pony jokes. That's just the cake, the fact that one of the princess's is pregnant even after a thousand years of no history of such from either one of them is the icing on their cake. Of course their going to want to have answers to their questions on why the princess was so adamant on keeping her pregnancy secret..."
"Probably because she doesn't want nosy rich ponies in her business." Feather took a sip of her tea.
"And who the father is. Celestia has not been with any pony else. Some are wondering and gleefully guessing who the father is. Some are going so far as to say it is the foal of the Prance prince who came here last year. After all, Prance nobility is known for their, ahem, charms ."
"Oh please! As if the princess would care to grab hold of his flank!"
Diamond chuckled mischievously. "You never know~."
Feather gave a roll of the eyes.
"As much as I myself am curious it is not of importance to us if the princess herself desires not to discuss it. Besides, my duty is to care for the foal no differently than any other. After all I am handling a royal ba-" Pastel paused at a sudden thought.
"What's wrong Pastel? Tirek got your tongue?" Feather teased.
"No." The unicorn sighed. "I just now realized that since I'm the one whose going to be with the foal, I am the one who is going to be pressed for questions in public."
"Of course! Mare, you should have saw that coming!" Diamond smiled.
"No good thing goes unpunished. Have fun dealing with those rich ponies."
"Truly Feather you make it seem as though you have such a contempt for rich ponies."
"Cause most of them are snobby. I don't mind rich ponies. Some of them are really, really nice. Like Fancy Pants, but then you have those like Marie Paris who is famous for being famous and never reuses the same outfit. If I was poor, I'll raid her trash can everyday. Probably find a diamond toothbrush for all I know." she begun to mumble. Pondering the thought.
Pastel smiled. "Oh Feather..."
Before the three ponies could react, the doors of their chambers jolted open. Startling all three of the poor ponies causing Diamond to spill some of her hot chocolate and Feather to fall from her cushion on the floor. Pastel remain almost composed with the exception of her wide eyes and fur standing on edge.
The male bat pony stood panting slightly at the door. "Miss...Pastel Hearts, the princess needs you...right away."
"Well won't you look at that? The time has come." Feather smiled.
"Is Princess Celestia in labor already?" Pastel questioned.
"Yes. It would appear that way. She was Breathing heavily and her body seemed as though it was having visible cramps."
"Contractions...so she's started."
"Should I go get the kit then?" Diamond asked.
"Oh, yes! Feather go get some towels and a bowel. My kit Diamond should be under my bed." Pastel looked to the guard. "We'll follow you."
The three mares followed close behind the bat pony guard and to where Celestia's chambers were located at. The guard opened the door to reveal the solar princess laying down upon a pile of blankets stripped directly from her bed. Her head leaned over as she took deep and trying breaths while gritting her teeth. The guard that stood next to her seemed rather confused, unsure of how to handle the situation but stood composed as possible. Doing what he could to ease the sun princess's situation.
"P...Pastel."
The unicorn smiled and walked up to the princess. "Greetings princess, I have already sent Feather to obtain towels and a bowel. She is coming any second now I am sure. As for you fellow guard, you are dismissed for now. I will handle everything else."
The guard gave a salute.
Prologue Part One: The Moon's Dilemma
Silent hoofsteps could be heard echoing through the halls of Canterlot's royal abode. The moon stood high in the sky, casting beams of gentle and silver light through the large glass window panes that lined the hall to Celestia's bedchambers. Creating a natural spotlight for any pony who wished to walked through.
The night princess walked solemnly through the grand hall, her head cast down low in deep thought. Her eyebrows were furrowed and her face gave one off one of an angry expression. Her sister had always told her to lighten up her face as the nightly princess had a habit of looking rather serious all the time. Causing her subjects, both day and night, to regard her with heavy formality.
Naturally, the evening princess did not mean to look that way only that she just happened to be so. Luna had taken such advice in regards but she couldn't help but scrunch her face in that unintentional look when in deep thought as of now.
The night court was one of usual ease. Since her return twenty years ago, Luna had mostly made herself comfortable with the ways of modern day life. Though there was somethings that had largely scared her, like one of her maids vacuum cleaners that she wonderfully destroyed out of ignorance, Luna had mostly adapted to the radically new societal and cultural ways of her subjects and with the help of Celestia's pupil, managed to peacefully integrate herself into Equestrian society.
Night court was one of usual ease, lacking the heavy politicians and paper work that her sister seemed burden with during the day. Hardly any ponies made issue during the night that local authorities couldn't handle and since few politicians made it their business to stay up late at night to handle political and economic affairs, Luna was almost free of nearly any work. Surrounded by bat ponies and others whose work schedule was switched to an overnight one.
She spent her time visiting dreams, nightmares more specifically, to ensure the peaceful sleep and rest of her subjects during the gentle sounds of the her night but this time the princess had ended her nightly duty early. Having returned back to the castle only a mere two hours later after the beginning of her nightly shift.
She came to a stop and her ears and head perked up at the sound of her sisters chamber doors opening. Letting loose a beam of light to shine in the hall. She looked on as a white earth pony with a pink mane came out holding in her mouth a large white case containing medical equipment. Her cutie mark in the shape of a red cross surrounded by pink hearts.
Luna's entire body stiffened up as she looked towards the mare with eyes that spoke no games nor joy. The earth pony came to a halt as she noticed the black alicorn looking straight at her.
“Oh! Princess Luna!” the nurse muffled before sitting down the medical case. "I see that you have arrived...earlier than expected. I thought you wanted to wait til morning before I told you of any results?"
"I do know that is what we agreed on but I cannot be at rest without knowing my sister is okay. Seeing her like this, it has bothered me greatly."
The nurse gave a gentle nod of her head. "That is understandable. Is that why you have retired early from your civic duties?"
"Yes. It was hard for me to focus knowing my sisters state. I figured that the best way to find peace was to come back here and, well, know the results immediately. Also, do forgive me for assigning you so late. I figured that you both would receive much more privacy away from the bustle of castle staff. After all, my sister is always busy and did not finish her work until late."
The nurse shook her head. "No, no, it is alright. It is a sensitive matter so it is understandable that you want it as private as possible. Besides, you are hardly interrupting my sleep schedule. I'm use to staying up twenty-four hours straight if need be in some cases." the nurse gave a smile and Luna returned a small one in return.
"My sister...is she doing well?"
The nurse gave a sigh.
"Overall her health is...okay at best. Her health has dramatically decreased since I last saw her just two months ago. I did some work and her blood pressure and heart rate is still above the normal threshold of a pregnant mare but in good news, has been steady since the last few times I have checked up on her. So, while her blood pressure and heart rate is above normal it is well that it has remained stable."
Luna gave a sigh. "That is well then...anything else?"
“Yes. Her belly size has increased exponentially. Much so than any mare. Though she is in the final three months of her pregnancy her belly size is still much larger than typical. The only explanation I have for this is that she is pregnant with more than one foal. But even so it is still rather large of size."
“Can't you check by ultrasound? Did you not perform one throughout her appointments?"
The nurse shook her head. “Her majesty would not allow me. I asked if she would allow me to appoint her for an ultrasound but she gave me a rather strict no.”
Luna narrowed her eyes. “I see...”
“Like you, I am worried greatly about her health after what you told me about her condition. Have you noticed anything else off putting about your sister?”
“I have taken note on how she struggles a bit to raise the sun. She also seems to be growing rather sluggish in her movements.”
The nurse closed her eyes. “I believe the pregnancy has something to do with it. I have not seen something like this and I'm sure my peers can say the same. It is typical of a pregnant unicorn mare to have her magical abilities weaken slightly but never like this. I have asked her who the father might be but she has refused to say anything. Her health does not seem to be climbing but declining. If this continues, I do not think that her health or body can fare much longer."
Luna's face dropped and her breathing became more still at the response that Nurse Redheart had given her. She had only one sister, one other to call family by blood and she was not prepared to lose her. She lost her for over a millennia she will not lose her for good.
The nurse, seeing the moon princess's saddened expression and her eyes locked to the ground, placed a reassuring hoof onto the dark alicorn's shoulder.
“I believe it is important to talk to her, your sister dear."
"What is that you desire for me to say to her?"
"What you believe , your majesty, is important to say. Me and you have talked for the past couple of weeks now and I think it is time to put the option onto the table for her."
Luna stared straight into the eyes of Redheart. "Option...No, no, I cannot do that to her. She wants deeply this foal and-"
"Princess, we both desire the best from her but look at her. You are seeing for yourself that this pregnancy is wearing her away. As to no offense, Celestia is important not to just you and her subjects but all of Equestria's stability. She is our government just like you. If anything happens to her who knows how Equestria may fare?"
Luna pondered the words for a time as she gave a sigh and looked away from the nurse. Her eyes glancing towards the wall in subtle thought. It had been a little over twenty years since her return and though she was well accustomed to life anew she still held onto her insecurities. She had largely been tied to ruling the night court. Shall Celestia disappear or be removed by the throne by any chance by either sickness or even death, how well would she be able to rule over the vast land that was Equestria?
As much as she tried to shake the insecurities from her head she couldn't help but rile these rather important questions. It was staying in Celestia's shadow that that drove her to commit the atrocity of eternal night but now she seemed afraid to not be under Celestia's shadow. She knew that she cannot continue lean upon Celestia always to commit to ruling the nation.
Though, since Celestia's pregnancy, she had been doing well taking over some of her duties. Celestia still had largely did most of the duties. Handling paper work and political demands from bed and chambers but still, she knew only little credit could be held to her.
Luna took a deep breath. "I will...think about it. Give me time. I will see what I can do."
The mare gave a bow. "If you say so your majesty. Now if you do not mind I will be off. I must be ready for work tomorrow."
"Very well then. I thank you for all you have done."
"You are very much welcomed princess." The nurse grabbed her case and trotted off past the night princess. Luna looked on quietly, her silver armour aglow in the dim light of the moon.
She looked to Celestia's bed chamber door and stood still pondering weather or not she should continue in or refrain from doing so until some other time.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Regardless, she would have to get it over with sooner or later.
