A Glimmer of Hope: Reborn

...So Princess Celestia, it is my belief that these two “champions” may have more information about the Tree of Harmony’s dealings with the human world and the true fate of Nick. They apologize for the chaos they caused in Canterlot today and would be more than happy to cooperate with you as soon as you arrive.

Faithfully,
Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship

Celestia finished reading the letter aloud to her sister, whom was half heartedly listening. When Luna first heard it was from Twilight, she thought that the mare may have been trying to reach out to her again. But since the point she heard Nick’s name, she drowned out the rest of the letter. Luna had dealt with the wolf’s passing using a mix of isolation, depression and frustration. Now it was almost like they were toying with her, claiming “Nick was not dead.” He died in her hooves!

Seeing as her younger sister didn’t have anything to immediately say after she finished, Celestia decided to add her thoughts on the matter.

“At least we finally have a reason for the uproar earlier today,” she walked out to the balcony attached to the throne room, gazing out over the city. The sun was in the final stages of setting, and the light it cast on the buildings made it seem that much more spectacular. “More humans in Equestria, here to bring us groundbreaking news,” she chuckled. “Makes me wonder if there’s anything us ponies can do on our own.”

“I would like to think that Twilight would have learned a lesson from trusting humans…” Luna spat. Could she really blame Nick for what happened? For keeping such a heartbreaking secret from both of them, after she essentially opened up to him like she did no one else? She never asked him to save Equestria, to sacrifice himself. They could have found another way! Worst of all, she gave him the tools to go through with it.

“Luna,” Celestia whispered.

“And you just nailed it RIGHT. ON. THE. HEAD,” Luna continued, gritting her teeth towards the end of her sentence. “Why do we have to depend on outside help? Look at the whole Storm King debacle! Had the Elements not escaped unharmed, Equus would have been destroyed! The Magic of Friendship can only do so much for us! We need to find better ways to defend ourselves!”

“Nick’s death was hard on all of us - “

“Don’t give me that bullshit!” she glared at her sister. “You could NEVER know how hard losing him was! How much I tried to not think of how much of a hole he left in me,” she fought back the tears. She was upset with herself on how much she still cared. “You know what the worst part of this all is?? It’s all MY fault!! I allowed him to seduce me with his silver tongue, his calculated gestures! All so that way he could die knowing he’d fool not one but TWO princesses into falling in love with him!!”

Celestia let out a sigh. The first time her sister had mentioned how she really felt about all of this, she was sympathetic towards her. What she said earlier was true, she felt guilty for dooming Nick to his fate, seeking out a savior chosen by the Tree of Harmony and bringing him here. She also understood why it was so hard on her sister. Just like Twilight, Nick was her first true relationship, and in just a matter of months, he was taken away from them.

That was a year ago, and while she could understand that with today being the anniversary of such a tragic event that it would rip open the wound again, that was no excuse for Luna to act this way. They had both lived for centuries. They were no strangers to heartache and loss. Yes, Nick may have been more special than other love interests, but upon hearing this news, she’d think that Luna would be more optimistic, that there really was a way to bring him back.

“So if I understand you correctly sister,” she started in a calm tone, knowing that berating her would only lead to more resistance. “You wish for Nick to remain where he is? That even if this is now a chance to try and mend that hole he left in you, you’d deny it without another thought.”

“Don’t you try to twist my words -”

“I am not,” the princess of the sun interjected. “If that is not your response to Twilight’s letter, than say so. Don’t give me any more excuses. We both know that being immortal dramatically changes how our interactions end up with those who are not. Nick was no different, even being considered an ‘Element’, especially when I explained to you how fragile humans can be.”

“If he was so fragile, how come he was chosen to be our savior?? Why did you choose him to try and save us??”

“I didn’t choose him sister, the Tree of Harmony did. Just like it chose the Elements of Harmony and just like it chose us to be the rulers of Equestria. With how everything has transpired in all the years we’ve been alive, I have learned not to doubt it’s decisions, but maybe you have.”

Luna found herself conflicted at these truths. If there was anything she envied about her sister, it was her uncanniness to bring sound logic to any argument. Of course she believed that the Tree of Harmony knew what was best for Equestria, but she still had these unresolved emotions towards Nick.

“Sister, I… I…”

Celestia smiled softly, seeing that she had gotten through to her little sister and like all good older sisters, comforted her. Wrapping her wings and hooves around the navy blue mare, she stroked her back. “Shhh,” she cooed.

Luna nuzzled into her snow white coat and cried, allowing herself to become vulnerable, something she had not done in a long time. Even after Nick’s passing, she tried to remain strong, for Twilight. After the two went their separate ways, she bottled up all of these feelings, just like she had done over a thousand years ago. While she was thankful she had Tia to protect her during times like these, she despised having to depend on the older mare. Celestia was independent, and while not immune to moments such like this herself, she always seemed to handle them better than she did.

They stayed like that for a while, till Luna’s tears subsided to sniffling. Once she was sure her sister had rid herself of this sadness, Celestia spoke.

“It’s alright Luna. You have reason to feel the way you do, but there are better ways to allow these feelings to be expressed. Think of this as a chance for healing. A fresh start.” She looked outside, the moon risen a quarter of the way into the sky. “It has grown late, if you want I can assist you in your duties tonight.”

Sniffling and wiping her eyes, Luna shook her head. “I-I’m fine. I’ll be fine for tonight. I just… I really miss him Tia.”

“I know you do Lulu, I know.”

“Everything seems to be falling into place, just like you had intended, almighty Astris. Forgive my transgression in questioning your motives, but do you really intend on going through with your plans? Knowing the implications that could follow from it?”

“Yes my dear Clyde. These mortals are the most vital part to end all of this madness. However we cannot directly intervene, not yet that is. We must simply, nudge them in the right direction. Then when the dust settles, everything will be as it once was.”

“And what if the pawns at play don’t move according to what you want?”

“Well, the irreversible chain of events has already started with the introduction of our newest duo. Once we add the last one, then they’ll already be on the path we set. Whatever they choose from now on will have major impacts to our end game, so we can only hope they act accordingly. However, I am not the Goddess of Beginnings and Endings for no good reason. If I must, I will play my part, just like I expect you to.”

“Of course, my goddess. I’d lay down my life for this to come to fruition.”

The goddesses lips curled up into a grin. “I count on it.”