An Empire Lost in Time

Luna woke to find the sun already in the sky, her moon long since set. The rays of light peeked through her window. She looked around confused. ~Celestia must have set my moon, but how did I get here? I don’t remember falling asleep, let alone coming back to my room.~ She slid out from under the covers and walked to the window. Seeing the height of the sun still quite low, she went to her bathroom to freshen up. As she walked out of her bathroom, she heard a knock at the door.

“Princess Luna, are you awake?” she heard Twilight say from outside the door.

“Yes, come in,” Luna replied.

Twilight opened the door. “Good morning, Princess. It's almost time to leave; have you packed yet?”

“No, I haven’t. I just woke up.”

“Just woke up? But I thought you had issues sleeping at night.”

Luna blinked. “You know, I normally do. I don’t even recall falling asleep. Last I remember was visiting the garden to see Lumi, and then I woke up here.”

“But I thought you were going to dreamwalk; that's what you told me in the--”

Luna shook her head. “I told you that for the benefit of the nobles overhearing,” she replied. “I went to see Lumi.” Luna looked around for her scale. She found it on her night stand with a note.

Twilight sighed. “I figured, but what’s that?”

“This is his promise; as for the note, I’m not sure yet. Let me read it,” she said, opening the note.

My dearest Luna,

You fell asleep in my hooves last night, so I carried you to your room. In case I do not get to see you before the send-off to give you my proper goodbye, know that I love you and that I will see you soon. With or without my father’s approval.

Forever yours,

Lumi

Luna blushed, looking to her purple friend. “He just wrote me a sweet goodbye in case I can’t see him before the send-off.”

“Well, I’m not sure that will be the case. I thought I saw him in the garden when I passed.” Twilight winked. “In any case, the send-off is in an hour. I just came to see if you were ready.” Twilight smiled.

“Thank you, I'll be sure to be there.” With that, Luna watched Twilight leave. She turned and brought out her saddle bags. As she gathered her things, she looked around the room. “I don’t believe I'm missing anything.” Nodding, she walked out of the room.

***

Luna walked into the garden, carrying her saddle bags. Under her wing, she held Luminous’ scale and the note he wrote her. She headed straight for the moon flowers. Turning the corner, she saw him resting in the grass. “Good morning.”

“And to you, my dear. Did you sleep well?” he asked, getting up to greet her.

She nuzzled him. “Yes I did--so well, in fact, my sister had to set my moon. I haven’t slept that well at night for as long as I can remember. I also received your letter; turns out we did get the chance to meet.”

“That is good to hear. Once you have gone, I’ll speak to my grandmother.”

She frowned. “I was hoping you would have some small talk before you got serious...” She sighed. “But good, I hope it will work.”

“Forgive me, but I thought you should know,.” he replied.

She put a hoof on his shoulder. “I understand, though I do have a question.” She eyed him mischievously.
“Oh, and what would that be?”

“Oh, just a couple of things. First, where is my feather? And second, what did you mean by proper goodbye?” she grinned.

“Close to my heart, but I don’t see my scale on you,” he replied. “As for the proper goodbye, I don’t know. What did you want?”

Luna blushed. “It’s under my wing until I get home to put it on a chain.” She paused and looked away, her face hot. “I...I imagined a kiss at least.” She put a hoof behind her head.

“Than you shall have one! Anything else, my lady?” he asked, eyeing her with a large grin.

“I couldn’t think of anything else--” she blushed “--at least nothing you could do that would be better than that.”

“Well, I could think of a few, but my brother’s ideas are a bit more above and beyond.” He blushed.

Luna’s ears perked then folded back. She pushed him gently with a hoof. “We aren’t even married! That would be a bit much.”

He looked up at the sky. “We could be married one day, unlike my brother, who sired twelve noble houses without being married.”

She folded her ears back, scowling. “I don’t think I want to know that story. But would you really marry me one day?”

“Would I? I don’t know.” He looked down at her, smiling. “There is that whole Nightmare thing.”

She scowled at him. “The Nightmare and I have an understanding, though it would make for an interesting conversation if you met her when we weren’t mad. You didn’t answer me, though. Would you marry me?”

“Very true.” He topped his chin. “Let me think, well…”

Luna frowned. “You wouldn’t?” She almost cried.

He laughed a bit, then leaned in and kissed her.

Luna flinched but enjoyed the kiss. “While it made me feel better, I don’t think was the answer.”

He smiled. “You’ll just have to wait and find out then, silly mare.”

“I guess I will.” She leaned in to kiss him again. “I’m going to miss you when I leave.”

“I know, you could always walk in my dreams, but maybe let me know when you are.”

Luna rolled her eyes. “Right, like I'm gonna let you get away with kissing a dream version of me,” she smiled, half-joking.

“For the love of Sovereign, would you two get a room!” Poppy’s voice called out from a bit away.

Luna’s ears folded back. Blushing, she looked at Luminous. “I guess that's our cue to wrap this up.”

He looked to his guard. “Unless you want her making jokes the rest of our lives.” He laughed. “But you are right. We better wrap this up.”

“Well, what did you have in mind?”
He turned around and picked a flower, then placed it in her mane. He caressed her cheek before he kissed her gently. “Was that good enough for you?”

Luna was dizzy for a moment. She braced herself on his shoulder and nodded.

He laughed. “Easy now. We don’t need a repeat of last night.” he said, looking down at her. “Shall we be on our way? It’s not like I can’t walk with you. After all, you are our guest.”

Luna smiled. “That I am. I would be delighted to have you walk with me.”

***

Luna and Luminous approached the platform where the Equestrian sky carriage waited. In front of it stood Twilight and Rarity, while to one side the emperor waited with a few guards. Luna moved to join her friends as Luminous joined his father.
“A shame you must leave so soon; there were so many things we could have discussed.” The emperor looked at Twilight.

If Twilight was bothered by it, she didn’t make any indication. Luna simply shook her head. “Yes, I would have like to stay longer. I have enjoyed my visit here, but alas, I have many things to catch up on in my kingdom.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself, princess; please do come back and visit us again.” He smiled, showing his fangs.

Luna noticed the subtle hint of hostility in his smile. “Thank you,” she said, climbing into the carriage. Waving, the carriage took off headed for Canterlot.

Luminous felt a pit in his stomach as he entered his grandmother’s study, where she sat by the hearth reading. “I was wondering when you would stop by,” Aurora said, not needing to turn to know who had entered.

He sighed and said, “I take it you know?” as he walked over to the hearth.

Aurora turned to him, a flat look on her face. “I’m old, not blind. I know a mare in love when I see one.”

He sat on the chair next to her. “Then you know what I’m here to ask?” he replied.

“Indeed I do, but my answer depends on what you want me to do.”

“I need your support to talk to Father; he will not listen to me, which I’m sure you well know, but maybe both of us...” He sighed, trailing off.

“My son, there is only so much power I hold. While I can be there to support you, I cannot tell him to listen. What your father is going to say will most certainly test you; my question to you is, are you prepared?”

“As much as I’m going to be.” He looked at the fire. “What would Grandfather have done?”

“Your grandfather was a very different siren from your father; he was kinder and more open to unity. I’m not sure he would have done anything different than you.”

“What do you mean by that?” he asked.

She looked at him. “I know how you feel: if your father disagrees, you will stand with her, won’t you?”

“Aye, I will.” He paused. “Do you think I’m doing the right thing?”

She put a hoof on his shoulder. “You’re following your heart. My daughter would be proud to have you as her son. Your father is stubborn. While I hate to lose you, I understand; I wouldn’t want you to be apart from her. When I lost your grandfather, I was never the same.”

“Do you think Father will kill me?” he asked, worried.

She looked downcast. “I cannot say for sure. I know he loves you. I don’t think he would go that far.”

“What do you think of Luna?” he asked.

She smiled. “She is a lovely, smart mare. I can see her passion for you, and it also seems she has brought back your heart,” she said, pointing to the now-radiant diamond.

He looked in shock. “How long have you known?”

She laughed. “I'm no fool; I can tell when a siren can’t sing. Not to mention I did see you get it back as I passed by the garden last night.”

He rubbed the back of his head. “Right.” He laughed a bit. “I think I will tell Mother goodbye just in case.”

She smiled sadly. “That would be good. I am going to miss you.”

He hugged his grandmother. “I’m going to miss you, too, but I have to do this. As you and I both know Father will not stop until he get what he wants.” He sighed.

She squeezed him tight. “I love you, my son. Please always remember that.”

“I will,” he said, standing and walked away.

***

The room Luminous entered was covered from floor to ceiling in crystal. In the center of the room was a large floating statue shaped like a siren. “Mother, I wish to speak with you,” he said aloud.

The statue’s eyes flashed, and he heard her respond in his mind, “Hello, darling. What brings you here? I have not seen you for a few weeks.”

He forced a smile. “I’ve been busy as of late, and I’m in love.”

“Oh? Who is the lucky siren?”

He laughed a bit. “Well, she's not a siren.”

He felt her warmth in his mind as she spoke. “Then who is the lucky mare?”

“Do you recall Princess Luna?” he asked.

“Indeed I do. She was the dark blue alicorn mare you had a thing for before the accident, right?”

He looked more than a little shocked. ~Has she known the whole time?~ he thought before responding. “Aye. Thing is, I’m about to do something really foalish.” He sighed.

“What could that be, my son?”

He looked down. “I’m more than likely going to commit high treason, which is why I’m here to say my goodbye.” He wished he could hug his mother one last time.

“You’re going to tell your father, aren't you?” She filled his mind with warmth. “I understand, my son; I can tell you love that mare.”

He nodded, “Aye, that I am. I really love Luna, and I am hoping to stop the war. I’m unsure what he is going to do.” He sighed. “I’m sorry, Mother, but I have to go.”

She almost seemed to cry in his mind. “May my light and love be with you.”

He gave her a smile as he left the room. “I’ll see you soon.”

Primarch sat at his desk; like normal, he refused to take on a pony form. His tail was curled under him as he went through battle plans and strategies. Around him was a mildly lit room, with a bookcase to his left and a fireplace to his right. At his back was a large window that overlooked the city. From there he could see the stretch of water that had gone from being called the North Luna Ocean to the North Luna Strait. What once was an empty patch of water he now had control over. The little stretch of water that was left had become the border between his city and his future prize.

The doors opened, and Primarch watched as Luminous entered, his eyes fixed upon him. Never had his son been so bold as to come here without reason. Primarch turned back to his work; he needed to gain control psychologically, and he knew the best way to do so was to make his son wait till he had finished his work to start the conversation. “Father, we need to talk!” Luminous said with as much authority as he could no doubt summon. His son’s eyes were fixed on the scroll he was writing, and his resolve didn’t seem to waiver.

After five minutes, he acknowledged his son. “What about? There are a great many things we could talk about.”

He saw Luminous took a deep breath. “Father, you’re not going to like it, but it is very important to me, so I wish for you to hear me out.”

“I’m already aware that your brother has been messing around with the nobles again. If that is what you have come to discuss, I’m not interested. You are the crown prince, so I honestly don’t care what he does,” he replied. As far as Primarch cared, Soul could father as many bastards as he wanted, as they would no doubt have their uses in the future. Once he had gained the power needed to free Nightsong and claimed his prize, he would need more lords to govern over the new territories.

Luminous looked at him in disgust. “I am not here to discuss my lecherous brother.” He paused, thinking. “I’m here to discuss my future with in this empire.”

Primarch gave his son his full attention, suddenly interested in what he had to say. “Well then, speak.”

“Father, I care for this empire, as it is my home, so please, if you care about Mother, please hear me out.”

His eyes darkened. “Speak now, since you have brought your mother into this.”

Luminous looked determined; Primarch could see his son had been thinking about how to approach him for a long time. “Father, I want you to forget the war. I am in love with the Lunar Diarch of Equestria, Princess Luna. There are better ways to free Mother than stealing their power. We could enlist their help instead.”

He raised himself to his full height and moved to tower over his son. “I had never thought that you would be swayed by a mare simply raising her tail and waving her flank in front of you. I had hoped you would have a bit more self-control then your brother does.” Primarch placed both his hooves on his son’s shoulders, “This is the only way to ensure the future of the empire. Your mother will be freed, and all will fear us as they once did.”

Luminous backed away from him. “No, Father, that is not the only way. I have spoken with her, and she believes there are better ways to free Mother; there is love and friendship. If it is the future of the empire you're worried about, know that it will be ensured by our offspring, I love Luna, and I will marry her. I want her to have my foals and for them to grow up in both the empire and Equestria as we become one nation.”

Primarch looked his son dead in the eyes. “You are still young and foalish; you have not yet learned the lessons I have.” He paused; maybe he would end this foolishness if he offered him that mare. He thought before continuing “If you want that mare so bad, than do your duty, and she will be your prize, as it would no doubt make it easier to ensure the loyalty of our new lands.”

Luminous looked angered by his comment. “Luna is no prize! I will not take her as a victory in war; I will stand with her in our new empire as we work together to make this land a better place. You can not sway me with that. I want to end this peacefully. The lessons you think I need to learn can be learned without shedding blood. I seek to rule with respect, not fear.”

Primarch stood there for sometime eyeing his son; he was both angry and impressed. Even if his son was being lead astray by the honeyed words of this alicorn, he seemed to have thought it through. He knew his next words could end this debate. “I’ll make this simple: follow my plan, and I’ll allow her to live, or I’ll make you watch as end her life.”

Luminous seemed even angrier than before, it was almost as if he was fuming. Primarch could see his son fighting with himself. “NO! I will not stand idly by and take Luna as a prize while you destroy her kingdom, her family, and her home, so I give you a choice! Trust in love and light and work out a way to free Mother peacefully, as she would no doubt want you to do, or lose a son. If you will not listen, then I will go and protect the love of my life and fight against you in the upcoming war.”

“Is that so? Tell me, then, what happens when this ‘love and light’ brings enemies to our doors, when they speak openly of spineless sirens. When our armies no longer cause them to fear, will they stay their hooves when they take your foals--will they allow Luna to remain unharmed?”

Luminous could not hold it in any longer. “There won’t be enemies that are like that. You sound like a tyrant! Why must you make everypony below you out to be weaker? The empire Luna and I could build could double the strength, honor and power of this one. She is not a weak mare by any means. I will not have you disrespect her like that. So what if we are faced with war in our future? At least I will stand by her knowing that our love will make us strong. Not too long ago, you thought the same; has Mother's accident caused you to lose sight of the love she spread throughout the kingdom? Have you become so blind to the kindness she used to even make half these ponies loyal to you?”

Primarch fought the urge to strike his son. “If I had used all the means at my hooves, then she would have not needed to offer her life to save our empire. So tell me, then: would you not use all your power to ensure that Luna doesn’t share that fate?”

“Had you listened to her, and had I trusted my gut and met with Luna, Mother would not have had the accident. She would be safe, and we could have prospered in the empire we built together. You are a fool if you think defending Mother with violence is the only answer. To answer your question, aye, I probably would have. In the past, Luna has helped me to see that there are far better ways of growing in power and strength than violence. I had hoped you would have seen that.” Luminous turned away from him. “Mother would be ashamed of you right now. In fact, I am ashamed to call you my father. You are just a stubborn old fool.”

Primarch’s anger boiled over. “I hereby banish you! Let us see how long this notion lasts once you have to live with it. Let us see what this princess will do once you are no longer of any use.”

“Again, Father, you’re just a stubborn old fool; you’re too blind to see that Luna is not like you. She won’t be rid of me when I am no longer to her liking. That will never happen because she loves me. Unlike you. That's fine--banish me--but when we stand on the battlefield winning, I will prove my point.” Primarch watched as his son left his study. He contemplated calling the guards to capture him but decided against it. ~Let's see just how right you are, son.~

He rushed toward his room; he needed to pack quickly. His father no doubt had called for him to be placed in the dungeon. He pushed open the door to his room and found his guards sitting by an open window. Each of then had a set of full saddlebags strapped to their backs. “What are you four doing? This is my punishment, not yours; you needn’t come with me,” he said.

Vindex spoke next. “My lord, we have been with you for a long time; if you honestly think we are going to let you go to Equestria alone, you’re crazy, we are loyal to nopony but you.” They all stood and crossed a hoof over their hearts, bowing.

Luminous glanced at them one at a time and found no sign of doubt on their faces. “You know it will mean you cannot return here--and if we lose, then it’s our deaths?” he asked.

It was Sir Phoenix who spoke next. “We know and understand fully. Like Vindex said, we are loyal only to you. Where you go, we go.” He paused. “There isn’t much time; we need to leave.”

Luminous looked at them with respect. “But I need to pack first.”

“Oh, you mean this bag? We’ve already got that covered.” Poppy spoke up next.

He rolled his eyes. “Of course you did,” he replied, taking his true form--which floated a mere foot off the ground. Putting his saddle bags on, he jumped out the window and into the night sky.

Luna had returned home with a pleasant ride in the carriage. She had greeted her sister and reported the events in the empire. She was sure to leave out her discovery about the war and her recent change in status. Twilight and Rarity had returned home on the evening train, and she had eaten a delightful dinner with her sister. She walked into her room and took off her regalia. “Ah.. I think I will go take a bath. I missed my huge jetted tub.” She walked into her bathroom and started to fill the tub. Above the bath a mural of her moon made out of gems decorated the wall. It was surrounded with onyx and tiny diamonds. It looked like the night sky had somehow been moved to her bathroom. Pulling a towel from a rack on the wall, she set it on the edge. She then pulled oils and salts to fill the tub with a relaxing scent that would soothe her muscles. She stepped into the hot water and sighed as she relaxed into its steaming waters. Suddenly, she heard a loud knocking sound.

“Who could that be so late at night?” she said. “Maybe if I just ignore it, they will just go away, and I can stay in my bath.”

The sound came again, more urgently.

This time, she noticed it was not at her door. Standing, she dried herself with her towel and put it over her mane. She grabbed a sheer robe from the closet and walked out of the bathroom. The knock came again; she turned her head to look at the direction of the sound. Outside her balcony door was Luminous and his four guards. Surprised, she rushed over and opened the door.

“What are you doing here? When you said ‘soon,’ I didn’t think it would be in the same day!” His shivering form and chattering teeth told her he had flown all the way from his home.

“Father had me banished when I talked to him,” he replied, giving an apologetic smile.

“Come in; you need to get warmed up! Guards, you guys can go into the study and warm up by the fire. I want to speak to Luminous alone.” All of them zipped past her and crammed into the study to get the warmth they wanted. The door closed behind them.

Luminous, still shivering, said, “Hey, what about me?”

Luna smiled. “Lucky for you, I have a hot bath drawn. You can go warm up in there, and when you’re done we can talk.” She pointed to the cracked door by her bed.

“But I think we really ought to inform your sister first,” he replied.

Luna gave him a look that said it all. “Get your butt in the water,” she said, pushing him into the bathroom, all the way to the edge of the tub.

“But, but the war--it could start any minute!”

“What, with thick snow on the ground? Sure. You’re stalling. Get in the water before I get in myself and drag you in behind me.”

“But we can’t delay,” he said.

Luna gritted her teeth. “That’s it, you’re going in!” She shoved him in with a splash as she used her magic to remove his saddlebags. Taking off her towel, she placed it all on the counter behind her. She left her robe on and sat down next to him outside the tub.

He started to get out of the water. “No I really think we need to speak to your sister at once. She needs to ready the defence of your kingdom.”

She grabbed him in her magic and shoved him back down. She then removed her robe and got in behind him. She grabbed a sponge and soap and began to wash his back. “You’re not getting out of this! I know you’re worried about my kingdom’s defences, but I assure you, your father is not so stupid as to send an army in the middle of winter. So calm down and warm up.”

He turned to her. “But this is...” His face reddened as he realized she was in the tub with him.

Luna watched as his face changed to match the roses that were on the counter next to them. “Oh, you’re fine, it’s just a bath. Not like we don’t walk around without clothes on, anyway,” she said, scrubbing his head and neck next.

“I know that, just…” He paused. “Seems a bit much, don’t you think?”

“Well, if you’re all soapy, you have to stay in the bath to rinse off, right? So in other words, to get you to warm up, I had to start washing you. I had wonderful water, too: it had nice oils, and it was perfect for soaking.”

He turned to get up. “No, I really think we should talk with your sister at once.”

“Oh, no you don’t! Sit your butt back down,” she said, grabbing him in her magic. She leaned on his back. “Look, I know it’s urgent, but she is asleep; it can wait until morning. Please just relax,” she pleaded.

He sighed. “You’re not going to give up, are you?”

She wrapped her hooves around his back to prove the point. “If it bothers you, I will leave, but please stay and warm up. I don’t want you to get sick,” she said, releasing him from her magic.

“No, it’s fine! It’s nice having you here, however weird that sounds.” Turning, he put his hooves around her. “Plus, I’m sure it would look most odd if we both showed up in this state.”

She giggled. “Indeed it would.” she sighed. “I’m sorry about your father.” She looked down at her hooves.

“Don’t be.” He held her closer, no doubt enjoying the warmth. “Just let me hold you for a bit, and maybe you can tell me about this Nightmare Moon thing.”

She laughed. “Uh, that's an interesting story. Are you sure you want to know?”

“Wouldn’t ask if I wasn’t sure,” he replied.

“Ok, well, after we’re clean, I will tell you, my way,” Luna said, grinning.

“Oh? What way would that be?” he asked.

“Well, you know that I dream walk, right?” she asked.

“Aye, but what does that have to do with it?”

“I’m going to take you into a dreamscape and show you from my point of view. Come relive those dark nights with me before I became her.”

“Fine, but are you sure you simply can’t tell me with words?”

“It’s hard.” She moved away from him. “What happened in those days can’t really be explained with words. It’s better you see it.”

“Very well, but shouldn’t we get out of the tub first? I think I’m warmed up.” He smiled.

“Sure, but you need to clean the soap off you first. If you go to the middle, it’s deeper there. Just dunk under the water.”

“Did I smell horrible? You seemed to get that soap rather fast,” he joked.

“No!” She blushed. “I told you it was to keep you in the tub.” She moved to the center and dunked to rinse the soap off her body and hair.

He watched her as she did. His cheeks flushed red; he couldn’t believe he was here right now.

Luna came up and breathed. She then stood up using her magic to grab a new towel from the rack on the wall. “I suppose since you're staying, I should get you a mat to lay on.”

“That would be a good idea, unless you want me sleeping in your bed?” he replied. “Not that I would mind.”

Luna blushed, snapping her head around. “I wouldn’t mind, but that might make your guards think we are…” She turned her head back, blushing harder.

He dipped under the water and came back up. “Oh, trust me, Poppy has already thought that, and Vindex isn’t far behind her. In fact, I’m sure they are already making bets and coming up with things to tease us about.” He laughed.

Luna dropped one of the towels. She bent down to put her head in her hooves. “O Celestia… please tell me if you sleep in my bed that won’t happen…”

He went red. “No! I mean I would just lay next to you. I wouldn’t do that unless you consented.” He turned his head away, blushing beet red.

Luna visibly relaxed. “That's good to know, it's one thing to take a bath cause we don’t wear clothes but it's another to consent to that before marriage. I don’t mind you sleeping next to me.” She took a deep breath. “Well, I'm never going to get this out of my head. Might as well just move on to telling you about my past.” She tossed a towel at him and walked out of the bathroom.

“So where are my knights sleeping?!” he asked, chasing after her.

She stopped. “I’ll leave them to the study; it would be awkward if they saw us in the dreamscape.”

“That seems best. Just know Poppy’s going to pop in at some point,” he replied.

“I’ll make note of that.” She walked over to the door and opened it. “Guards, I do not wished to be disturbed. If my sister comes by, just tell her I’ll see her soon. I am going to go into the dreamscape.”