Luna's Secret World Redux

Luna’s Secret World

Chapter 4

Acceptance, Planning, and Action

By: Azurekaryu

August 18, 1008 PN

For the first time in a while, Twilight’s eyes opened in a peaceful manner, slowly adjusting to the light that shone through the entrance of the cave that was situated twenty feet from herself. As her eyes adjusted quickly to the light, she felt a very warm object sticking to her left side and something wrapped around her, keeping her warm where the magic cloth she fell asleep wearing could not.

She looked left to observe the source of warmth and noticed the navy blue, sparkling mane covering the face of the pony clearly emitting warmth. She realized the object wrapped around her body on top of the blanket was the wing of the mare lying next to her, and that the owner of the wing was Luna, who had allowed Twilight to cry herself to sleep pressed up against Luna. Twilight blushed, realizing that she both broke down in front of the Princess and they both fell asleep pressed up together. While it wasn’t a big deal, the unicorn was not used to such close contact with other ponies.

Twilight also discovered a predicament, she was trapped underneath Luna’s wing with no safe way of removing herself without waking the sleeping mare next to her. Twilight tried to wiggle her way out but the wing wasn’t just draped over her, it had a little bit of a grip on her side pulling her close to the mare. Twilight still had a blush on her face, but even if somebody was awake to see it her fur would hide it fairly well.

It was understandable that the Princess did not move after Twi had fallen asleep. She was comforting the mare after all, and may have thought staying with her was the best option. Also, it is absolutely freezing outside so the extra warmth from the body adjacent to her must have been nice. To be honest, Twilight was glad that the mare had stayed by her side. She felt calmed with such a powerful and beautiful mare right next to her, in the same situation as she was in but able to control herself.

Twilight watched intently as the cloaked mare rose and fell softly as she slept. Luna had her head in her hooves and the hood of the dark blue cloak covering most of her head. Twilight tentatively pulled the hood back to observe the alicorn’s face.

The mare in front of her really was beautiful. Twilight was mere inches away from the alicorn’s face and had a very nice sight at the excellence she exuded. Her face was what many would define as perfection down to the detail, and her mane was a feature that could only be mirrored by her sister, but Celestia radiated regality and power while the younger alicorn showed a true beauty and serenity, very fitting for the domains that each of them controlled. Celestia also had a much larger figure, making her fairly intimidating and difficult to feel comfortable around. Luna was smaller and while this didn’t mean anything about her power, it made her more enjoyable to be around and easier to talk too, even though she often had a colder expression than Celestia did in public.

Luna had always been nice to her when they talked in private, she gave the impression that Twilight was one of the few ponies that the princess could have some relatability to, given Twilight’s fascination with the night and stars, as well as Twi’s interest in learning about Luna’s history, and learning the arts and magic of the older ages.

That was how they first really connected, when Luna agreed to teach Twilight the art of wielding a spellsword and gauntlet, very ancient weapons that no longer had a use in the military or existed in current Equestrian culture. It was a long process of learning and training, but through that Twilight became good friends with Luna. Unfortunately, shortly after she had mastered the weapons and received her own, Luna had duties to tend to mostly concerning international relations with the Griffons. They had been quite aggressive and unkind, as well as stubborn when regarding the Equestrian kingdom.

Twilight also did not keep up with the practice, and has not touched the weapons gifted to her in well over a year.

I wonder if I’m still any good at using these, was a thought she had, and as she was thinking about it, the mare she had been staring at for the past few minutes slowly arose from her slumber. The mare’s eyes fluttered halfway open and she turned her head immediately to face Twilight, sensing her warmth. Twilight was already only a few inches from the opposite mare’s face, but when she turned her head the tips of their noses had close to no space between them. Twilight blushed much harder than she was before, able now to feel Luna’s soft breaths, and Luna finally realized the situation and jumped up and away from Twilight, yelling “Wuaaah!” as she went up. Twilight stood up reflexively, looking at the princess now a few feet from herself.

The princess had a blush on her face, discoloring her cheeks. She quickly initiated a conversation,”I’m sorry Twilight, I did not mean to come so close to you.”

“No no! It’s totally alright Princess! I’m at fault for falling asleep in such a position!”

“Twilight my dear, there is no need for such apologies, I was the one who intruded on your personal space!”

Twilight did not respond and instead both mares looked to the ground and away from each other. A silence held only for a handful of seconds before Luna started again, the blush now fading from her face. “How do you feel, Twilight?” The mood of the two mares in the cave dropped to a serious atmosphere.

“I’m sorry I broke down like that in front of you prin- Luna.” Was Twilight’s response. Twilight had not thought about their situation since she had woken up, but now the gears in her head were turning.

“Do not be sorry. It is perfectly understandable. I may not show it, but this is a very horrible situation for me as well.”

Twilight had not thought about this from Luna’s perspective, she was much more important than herself after all. It must be hard on Celestia too, not only did she lose the only other ruler Equestria had to help her out, but her beloved sister as well, and not for the first time. Beyond that, since Twi was here with Luna, now Celestia had lost her student and one of her very few friends.

“This is bad, I must say. I am not going to hide anything from you, Twilight. We are going to be stuck together for a very long time, and it is best that you are able to fully trust me, and for me to fully be able to trust you.”

Twilight was humbled, but a few questions sprung up in her head. “Of course Luna, you can always count on me no matter what. We’re friends, and I know that I can trust you.” Twilight trotted up to Luna and put a hoof on her shoulder as further clarification of their bond.

Luna nodded in response, waiting for Twilight to continue.”What do you mean by we are going to be stuck together for a very long time exactly?”

Luna took this as the opportunity to start explaining in detail their current predicament.”Twilight, you are aware of how the mythical ‘Star-bridges’ work, correct?

Twi nodded, “Yes of course, every few years a starbridge will form which allows extremely long ranged teleportations. If I recall correctly, Celestia forced a starbridge to form as she expelled… you, to the moon.” Twilight was reluctant to bring it up, but ultimately decided it would be good to show she understood how they worked.

Luna winced at the reminder, the memory still painful more than a thousand years later.”That is correct Twilight. What you saw me performing in the forest was a spell to stabilize and use a particular starbridge that I had discovered decades before my banishment.”

Twilight was astonished that the mare in front of her was capable of such an incredible feat.“I thought that was impossible without the use of external forces like the elements of harmony!”

“That is where the legends stray from truth. Yes, it is extremely difficult and the amount of magic required to complete the spell is absurd, but there are a few individuals, like myself and my sister, that are capable.” Luna explained to Twilight.

“Thats amazing, but how did I get sucked in with you? And why were you coming here anyways? Speaking of that. Where are we?” Twilight's inquisitive nature shone through, curious but still concerned.

Luna was a little overwhelmed by the questions, but started from the first to work her way down the list. “The only thing that I can think is that you had a hoof inside the area of the massive arcane circle that I had carved. That teleportation spell sucks everything within the area of the circle to its destination. The fact that you had enough magic to successfully provide the extra power needed is absolutely astonishing, there is no doubt that you really do represent the element of magic.” Twilight blushed once more at the comment, but Luna continued.”As for why I was coming here in the first place, it has been over a thousand years since my last visit, and the creatures that live here are interesting to observe. I was also rather stressed, coming home after months of dealing with the rude, stubborn Griffons, and decided I could use a vacation. I told my sister I was going to take a week off and disappear for that time, so she knows that I am gone. It has not been a week yet, so they will not be looking for me, but you have suddenly disappeared and not shown up for five days.”

Luna paused and Twilight acknowledged the new information. “I’m worried about my friends Luna, and Celestia too. They must be worried sick.”

Luna nodded, “Yes, I’m sure they are and once Celestia is aware that I am missing as well, I fear her reaction.” Luna said solemnly

“What do you mean Luna?”

“My sister already has so much stress to deal with, ruling the country mostly on her own, and now that she has lost one of her only friends, she must be in a state of great despair, and I bet she is wishing that I did not go on vacation. I worry when she finds that she has lost her sister as well she will start to mentally fracture, and they will waste resources searching for us for months.”

Luna made a lot of very good points and it made Twilight worry more about the effect her absence would have, but a question popped up in her mind. “You said your sister was expecting you to be gone a week right?” Twilight paused and waited for a confirmation

“That is correct.” Luna responded.

“Then that must mean you planned on getting back to Equestria two days from now, which would mean the bridge is still operational right? Couldn’t we just use the spell again with our combined power to teleport back?”

“Your analyzation skills are incredible, but while the star bridge is still available for use, have you checked your reserve of magic recently?”

She had not. Quickly closing her eyes she focused and looked inside herself to find that her pool of magic was significantly lower than she thought, around thirty percent of her magical reserve was filled. “Oh.. but if the spell is this draining how did you get back all the times you came here?”

“Twilight, you are most likely the most magically powerful pony alive other than me, my sister, even surpassing Cadence, but you do not possess the alicorn magic that the three of us have. We replenish our magic at an incredible rate, for example right now I am at the levels of magic I would normally be at.”

Twilight was honored to be recognized that highly by the Princess that controlled the night. “Then you would be able to get back right?”

Honestly, Luna was hoping that Twi wouldn’t ask that question, it brought her back to the tough decision she had made before she fell asleep. “Yes, that is exactly what it means, but you would not be able to come with me. I am not going to leave you here Twilight, I would not be able to live with myself should I do something so horrible.”

Twilight’s mood immediately dropped, now she knew that she was going to hold Luna back from potentially controlling a bad situation down on Equestria. “Luna you can’t do that, I don’t matter. I am not important, but you are a Princess, a ruler of equestria. Your sister needs you to be with her, to help her and relieve some stress. If what you are saying is true, If you stay here with me Celestia could end up falling apart and what would happen to Equestria then? The smart and best thing for you to do for yourself, Equestria, and your sister is to go back to them.” Twilight felt very bad that Luna was planning on staying here on this unknown planet with her just because she wasn’t strong enough.

Luna acknowledged Twilight’s points, but she had already decided and wanted to make that clear. “Twilight, It may be the right thing to do as a ruler, but I cannot and will not leave you here on this planet. I do not mean to offend you, but you would not survive here alone for more than a day. I need to be here with you to teach you about this place.” Luna paused, staring at Twilight. Luna was getting more passionate about this conversation, she was determined to let Twilight know she was going to stay “And you lie to yourself when you say you are not important. You are the centerpiece for the elements of harmony. You are the most powerful unicorn alive. Not only that, but you are the one who Celestia considers to be her only friend. Not even the other elements are under that category. You are important to me, the only pony that understands me even a little bit. You came to me to learn about the past and the magic’s that are now forgotten or forbidden. You are the greatest friend I have ever had, even if we haven’t seen each other for so long.” At the end of her speech Luna had stood up and was looking down at Twilight with a light smile on her lips. The entire time Luna had been running through a scenario in her head where she did leave Twilight, and the simulation forced moisture to her eyes. Luna blinked it away and looked down at the lavender mare in front of her. Luna rarely ever got so emotional around other people, or even by herself.

This is odd, I am normally not like this. Luna thought to herself.

Does she really mean all of this? Where the thoughts of her counterpart. Twilight was opposite of Luna, she often became emotional and cried in front of others, and as such a tear rolled down her cheek, thinking of the consequences that would affect Equestria and Luna’s kind words. “Thank you Luna, really. I know what would happen to me but I’m much more worried about what could happen to my friends and the rest of our country if you stay up here with me.”

“Do not worry Twilight, my decision is made and I am not leaving. Whatever happens down there my sister will be strong enough to hold it together. We will not be gone forever, and will make it back to them so do not fret, you will be able to see your friends and family again.”

Twilight was not going to be able to push the worry out of her head, but Luna was certainly helping. The unicorn took a step forward, already close to the alicorn and wrapped her hooves around the neck of the other mare, the blanket covering Twilight slightly restricting her movement. Luna returned the hug and the two sat down near each other. Twilight continued the conversation. “How long will it be until we are able to go back?”

Luna knew the answer down to the dot. “Well, the bridge will be active for another four days, but luckily this is one of the shortest cycles for the stars to align. It should be, if I remember correctly, seven years and nine weeks before we have another chance.”

Twilight’s jaw dropped a little bit. “That's the shortest cycle!?!?”

“Yes, one of them. As I said, we are going to be here for a while.”

Twilight picked up her jaw from the ground and shook her head. “Well at least I’m here with such a wonderful pony that knows a lot about this place. It certainly will be an adventure.” Twilight smiled, trying her best to stop thinking about the negatives and more about the positives.

Luna had another odd experience that was unnatural for herself, a light blush appeared on her cheeks, unnoticeable unless somepony was looking for it however. “Thank you, and yes I do know quite a lot about this place. I believe you were asking where we were earlier. To answer your question, the ponies that live on this land, yes, ponies, call this planet Vineral, and the continent we are situated on Iarna.” Luna got up and walked to the entrance of the cave, standing on the edge and looking out at the snow covered pine forest. Twilight followed and stood next to her, wrapping the Aether blanket tighter around herself with her magic.

Twilight recognized the word Iarna, thinking she had heard it before. “I recognize the word Iarna, does it mean something in particular?”

“Ah yes, I’m glad you asked. The ponies that live here speak the language myself and my sister created when our race was being born, known as now as the Ancient Magi language. Iarna is the word for winter, and I’m sure you can tell why this place has it’s name.” Luna chuckled softly, followed by Twilight’s own laugh.

“Yeah I guess that does make sense. It is beautiful though, this forest. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Twilight admired the astonishing sight before her eyes. It was windy outside, probably because they were very high up on a mountain, but Twilight looked over and saw the sparkling blue mane flowing in the wind with the hood of the cloak down.

She’s so beautiful… was all Twilight could think.

She was caught staring by Luna’s cerulean eyes and quickly looked away blushing. She shook her head and the alicorn started to speak. “Yes it truly is a sight to behold. We have nothing like this in Equestria, but if you were to visit the Griffon kingdom, they do have a few beautiful places similar to this.”

“Really? I have never been there so I wouldn’t know.”

“Such a shame. Perhaps when we get back I’ll take you on a trip to see the land there. It really is a must.”

“I’d like that.”

The breeze quickly got to Twilight and she started shivering and shaking. Luna noticed and removed the cloak from herself and wrapped it around Twilight, magically securing it. “I’m sorry, I do believe that belongs to you.” Immediately, the lavender mare felt warmer, making it clear that luna had enhanced the cloak with magic. The aether blanket that had been wrapped around her disappeared as Luna saw there was no need to keep the spell powered anymore.

“Aren’t you cold now Luna?” Twilight asked, luna had just given up the cloak that was likely keeping her warm.

“One moment.” Luna shut her eyes and her horn lit up with a blue glow. It got brighter and brighter until Twilight was forced to look the other way. The light exploded in intensity for a microsecond before disappearing like it was never there. Twilight turned back to the mare to see that now Luna was wearing some armor covered by a cloak the same color as her own.

Luna was wearing a silver colored chestpiece and hoof guards, with a sword slightly larger than the one Twilight was wearing sheathed on her right side. Twilight guessed the sword was made of the same material as her own and made for conducting magic. Twilight looked but did not notice any gauntlets like the ones she wore. She couldn’t see her back legs however, as they were covered by the cloak she sported. The armor she wore was plated, and was probably very effective and enchanted with magic or had the ability to be.

“Wow, you look amazing!” Twilight quickly said in response to the incredible armor that the mare adorned.

“Thank you, I haven’t worn this in millenia. I keep it stored in a void space that I can put objects into and out of at my will. It is quite a useful spell, perhaps I will teach it to you once your magic recovers.”

“That would be amazing! Such a spell would have so many uses.”

“Yes it is pretty useful, but let us discuss plans for the future. We cannot stay here forever. We have no food and water, and that needs to be our first priority.”

Now that Luna had mentioned it, Twilight was pretty hungry. She had not eaten in days. “Yeah, but first, how long did I sleep when we got here?”

“Ah yes, when we got here we were in a clearing, you were out cold and I was near that state as well. I carried you up to the cave you woke up in and you were asleep for five days. This is the sixth day since we teleported.”

I was asleep for five days!?! She certainly was shocked, but it did make sense considering how much magic she had used up.

Luna started up the conversation again. “Nevermind that. I know of a few pony civilizations fairly close to here. If I remember this forest is known as Padurea Piens Albe, which roughly translates to Forest of White pines. It should take us a week or two to make it from here to the nearest civilization, less if those settlements have grown in the last thousand years. In their culture, I am probably just a legend now, similar to how Nightmare moon was a legend to you.” Twilight nodded listening intently to Luna talk. She was interested in the language and promised herself that she would learn it when she got the chance.

“Our best bet is to leave now, I will carry you down to the bottom of the mountain and we will follow the mountain range north, that should lead us out of here and whenever it gets dark I’ll take us both back up to a cave like the one we are standing in. Almost everything in the forest is edible, but tell me before you do eat anything just to make sure.”

Twilight listened as the mare beside her planned. Twilight wasn’t really given a chance to input anything, but she really didn’t mind. She trusted Luna, and had no information about this place. Luna looked at Twilight as if asking for confirmation from the unicorn. “That sounds good to me, you’re the expert here Luna, not me.”

“Your opinion is still valued, and you will learn a lot about this place quickly.”

“I think your plan is perfect. When do we leave?”

“Now.” Luna moved a little bit closer to the other mare and kneeled down, using her magic to help Twilight onto her back. “You ready?” Twilight wrapped her forelegs around Luna’s neck and clung to her tightly.

“Yes, whenever you are.”

“Alright, off we go!” Luna responded, excited to start this adventure. Twilight felt the same way, but before she could ponder further, Luna burst out of the cave and flew off into the cold air.