Leaving the Rainbow to Fadeby BronyxyChapters1 An Unexpected Visitor2 Breakdown3 Road to Recovery4 Sun and Moon5 A Private Function1 An Unexpected Visitor“Twilight Sparkle, we have come to seek thy advice!” announced the midnight blue alicorn bursting in to the Golden Oak library as the oak door ricocheted dangerously off the wall behind her. Spike stared open mouthed, not only at the breach of decorum within the closely guarded sanctuary of the library, but also at an unannounced visit from royalty, especially the reclusive Princess Luna, to Ponyville library. Spike, caught in the centre of the floor like a rabbit in the headlights did the only sensible thing he could think of and bowed deeply, desperately hoping her gaze would pass over or around him; he didn’t care which. “Wherefore art thou, Twilight?” she persisted, her dark silhouette outlined dramatically in the light spilling in from the doorway. “Dragon!” she ordered. “Who, me?” replied Spike, before adding hastily, “Your Majesty …” “Well, obviously; there are no other dragons present! Seek out thine mistress immediately and inform her of my intent for audience.” She posed imperiously, surveying the inside of the hollowed out tree that served as the provincial town’s public library, while the baby dragon scampered off to find Twilight before Luna turned into Nightmare Moon again, praying under his breath that she hadn’t gone out and left him alone with the Princess of the Night. He pressed his head up to the window and saw Luna’s chariot outside with two fearsome looking Bat Ponies shackled to the front. One of them sensed movement from the window and turned a golden slitted-pupil eye to stare towards Spike’s shrinking face. The baby dragon didn’t so much see the Bat Pony’s stare, moreover he felt it as all the spines on his back raised as a defensive reflex action, but this was a fight he would not seriously be ready to consider for at least another twenty years. “Twilight! Twilight!” he called in increasing desperation, “Please tell me you’re here!” “Hey, Spike” came a soothing voice from down in the kitchen, “What’s all the commotion?” “We got a visitor!” “Oh! That’s nice …” “A really important visitor!” “Oh … ?” “And she wants to talk to you right now!” “Who … ?” “Princess Luna! … Don’t you listen?” “Oh, OK” said Twilight, far too curious to be scared, “Go make us some tea please, Spike.” Spike scurried away as fast as he could while Twilight rummaged through her mind trying to think of what kind of book Luna could possibly want from Ponyville, given the extensive library at her disposal up in Canterlot, but looked forward to putting her knowledge to the test. Astronomy; that had to be it, she reasoned. Luna remained posed heroically as she had since she had entered the library, boresighting Ponyville’s librarian as she ascended the last few steps up from the kitchen and stared at her aloofly. “Good morning Princess” greeted Twilight warmly, trotting happily over to meet her guest as if nothing was out of the ordinary, “I have tea coming. How may I help you today?” Luna tilted her head slightly to one side, “It has been some time since thou tookest away our dark powers, Twilight Sparkle.” “And that was a good thing, right?” “Yes, but that is not the purpose of our visit. Thou art known to our Sister better these days than are we, and it is our duty to report that she is disconsolate and incapable of performing her Royal Duties. Wouldst thou be prepared to visit her and determine what ails her?” Twilight cast her mind back to the rather brief meeting she had with Celestia and Rainbow Dash a few days previously when she seemed distinctly out of sorts. Since then, there hadn’t been any night time, and the concept of ‘a few days ago’ was now of itself a little vague. Something had happened during the visit that had struck her as odd at the time, and it seemed that her sixth sense had been right after all. “OK, Princess” she resolved, “When do we go?” “Now?” Just at that moment the clattering of fine china on a tray rattled its way up the stairs and a baby dragon stood looking imploringly up to his mistress. “Tea?” he asked. Twilight took one look at the disapproving glower from her guest and turned to him, “No tea, thank you Spike.” He looked crestfallen. “Twilight Sparkle, our chariot awaits without” urged Luna. “Without what?” asked Spike, just loud enough for his mistress to hear. “No, silly” corrected Twilight, turning to her number one assistant, “She means ‘outside’; it’s just her way of talking.” “Why didn’t she just say so …” mumbled Spike incoherently as he returned to the kitchen with his tray of untouched refreshments. Luna showed herself out through the opened doorway with Twilight in tow, leading them to her chariot. Spike summoned the courage to look out the window once more, just so as he could see his mistress safely away, but when he raised his head tentatively above the window sill, he found the same golden eye staring unswervingly straight back at him, and swiftly ducked back down once again. Had that guy really been staring at the window the whole time waiting for him to look back out again? That was too scary … Although the sight of Princess Luna’s chariot was most unusual, there were few souls brave enough to even risk a peep given the fearsome reputation of Nightmare Moon and her potential to extract revenge for the most minor of misdemeanours. Spike, for one, certainly wasn’t going to risk another look, just in case his card was marked. Twilight looked at Luna’s personal chariot, taking in its sinister colour and swept back lines, so completely different from the one that had carried her from Canterlot to Ponyville in the first place. But whilst it was certainly eye-catching, it was the two Bat Ponies that commanded even the most casual glance. They appeared larger than the average ponies and looked threatening with their grey/purple coats, unusual bat like wings and piercing golden eyes with unusual reptilian vertically slit pupils. Twilight recoiled briefly, but caught up again when Luna looked back over her shoulder giving her a look that said ‘Well, where have you got to?’ Conversation with Luna on the journey was stilted and amounted to little more than well-rehearsed pleasantries from days long since gone by. For her part, Twilight asked a stream of questions about Star Swirl the Bearded to the point of obsession that Luna soon found irritating. Both were keen for the journey to end a heaved a collective sigh when the nation’s capital came into sight beneath them, descending gently to align with their touchdown point beside the Royal castle. “We shall escort thee to our Sister’s chambers from where she has not set hoof these last three days, and wait without such that we may be ready to assist in any way” instructed Luna as they dismounted and made their way into the castle. The passageways were dark following the brightness of the day and their hoofsteps echoed, alerting the guards ahead. All saluted smartly when they saw the Princess, who in the absence of her sister was the de facto ruler of Equestria, even though she still had not recovered her powers sufficiently to control the sun or the moon and also lacked the diplomacy to conduct affairs of State; she was in effect a figurehead. Finally they stood outside Celestia’s chambers, in front of the doors bearing her sun cutie mark. The guards on duty parted, one to either side, rigidly to attention with their polearms shouldered. Just before Twilight opened the door, Luna reached forward and held her foreleg in the first gesture of true support since she had arrived at the library that morning. The Princess was too insecure to say what needed to be said, but condensed all the meaning into one pleading look that took Twilight by surprise. “Thank you” whispered Twilight earnestly, looking her in the eye and then opened the door to go in. 2 BreakdownIt was dark inside as Twilight tiptoed uncertainly into the opulent apartment, a few errant shafts of light bouncing chaotically off an architectural feature or some random glittery artefact. Although the themes were white and gold, the ambience exuded an air of melancholy bordering on the oppressive. She navigated her way around the different rooms, finding random items of clothing laying scattered about the floor, cracking open doors and peering around to see what lay behind, dreading what she may find. “Princess?” she called softly, striking a self-conscious balance between announcing her presence and feeling she was intruding, “Princess?” A trail of casually discarded bottles laying on their sides across the carpet showed her she was finally on the right path, and shortly found herself at Celestia’s bedchamber. She knocked gently on the door. There was no answer, so she nudged it open and peered round cautiously. The sight that greeted her was shocking. Her mentor, the Princess of the Sun and omnipotent ruler of Equestria was sprawled across a rumpled bed, mane and tail draped lifelessly around her and a bottle of red wine on its side atop a pillow from where it had spilled, leaving a damp trail like blood all over the white sheets. Yet, something else assaulted her senses. She felt a wave of nausea as she realised that in her drunken stupor, Celestia had not always managed to get to the bathroom when she had needed over the last few days, and everything would need to be deep cleaned if not replaced. Twilight felt a tear of pity run down her muzzle on seeing the shocking and sudden decline of the one pony she had always looked up to above any other. “Oh, Princess” she whispered to herself sadly, “What has happened to you?” She picked her way carefully through the field of debris that littered every square inch of the floor and reached down to confirm she was still breathing. She knew Celestia was immortal, but that didn’t stop her checking anyway, and the reward of finding her still alive gave her something positive to build on; it was a start. Next, Twilight set about clearing a safe space around the unconscious alicorn, so she knew whichever way she rolled over, she would come to no harm. Then, she leaned over to check her breathing again and gave her a tender kiss before proceeding to tidy up the mess on the floor. Finally satisfied that Celestia was as safe as she could make her, she climbed carefully up onto the bed and snuggled down next to her, stroking her tenderly and weeping sadly as she whispered the ways she promised to pay back the love she had always seen her Princess show others. They lay together for hours; it was not possible to tell the passage of time as the sun was transfixed in space. Twilight had fallen asleep holding Celestia in a gentle cuddle and suddenly found the Princess starting to twitch under her embrace, so pulled back not wishing to crowd her. The white alicorn rolled her neck so that her muzzle hung over the bed just as a series of heaving coughs convulsed through her body, followed shortly afterwards by a sorrowful groan. “It’s alright, Princess” whispered Twilight as she leaned forward, ignoring the fresh acrid stench that rose up to assault her nostrils, “It’s OK, I’m with you now.” “Rainbow …?” she answered blearily, vaguely aware that she wasn’t alone. “No. It’s me, Twilight.” “Rainbow, I love you …” Twilight took in the surprise revelation and gave her lovelorn Princess another gentle hug to reassure her, then settled down with her once more as the excess alcohol worked its way through her system. When Celestia stirred again a few hours later, she started to reach out with her magic to find another full bottle to drown her sorrows, but Twilight had been ahead of her and hidden them in a different room, sealing the door magically behind her. There was nothing for it, but Celestia was just going to have to go cold turkey until she could return to her true self. It wasn’t going to be fun, but she was ready to help out as much as she could; it was the least she felt she could do for somepony who had always shown her such personal compassion. Celestia was becoming more agitated and reaching out with increasingly strong magic to find more alcohol, but her self-appointed keeper would have none of it, and realised that she had to take a firm line to ensure her patient’s recovery. “Twilight” acknowledged Celestia through the swirling fog in her mind. “Yes, Princess?” “Get me wine or anything else I can drink. We’ve run out.” “No, Princess. It’s not good for you.” “What? Are you challenging me? How dare you intrude and presume to tell me what’s good for me?” “Princess …” began Twilight in a calm and level tone. “I can crush you like a bug! Now get me something to drink!” “Fine, but nothing alcoholic” she replied calmly. “You do not understand!” raged Celestia, an angry contorted look across her face showing Twilight that she wasn’t in control of herself. “Then tell me” she replied, mustering all of her courage to face up to the demon that currently inhabited the white mare’s body. “Get me a drink first!” Celestia demanded. “Water is all you’re going to get.” The Sun Princess rose up to her full height and stared menacingly down at her prized student, her savage glare piercing straight through Twilight’s eyes. She stood firmly like a demon from Tartarus waiting to unleash retribution for such impertinence, then her legs shook and she collapsed onto the floor with a groan. Twilight trembled with a mixture of delayed shock and pity, but made her way over to comfort the grieving alicorn. She now knew it was something to do with Rainbow Dash, but had no idea of where she could have gotten any idea of a romantic liaison from; Rainbow had never, as far as she was aware, even been alone with her. There was clearly something she had to get to the bottom of before Celestia could recover and resume her role as the ruler of Equestria. Twilight levitated a glass of water and summoned it over to where she sat with her mentor, tipping some between her lips. “Drink up, Princess” she coaxed softly, “And tell me all about it.” 3 Road to RecoveryCelestia was in no mood yet to play nicely and swiped the glass across the room where it sprayed its contents in an arc through the air until it hit the wall, breaking on impact. Twilight flinched inwardly, but allowed no signs of her displeasure to creep across her face. Celestia growled and curled up beside the bed, oblivious to the damp texture she was settling into and gave a few more involuntary coughs before her head lolled and she started snoring loudly. Twilight took in the pitiful image and wept. She had felt she would always look up to Celestia as her icon; a glowing example of perfection and infallibility, yet for the first time, she could see her as a broken individual, somepony wrestling with issues of such personal magnitude that she was failing not just herself, but everypony else too. Perhaps being the omniscient immortal ruler of Equestria did not imply infallibility after all, but the curse of being condemned to face every wretched emotion in a never ending cycle? The thought made Twilight desperately sad and she lay down next to Celestia to comfort her, irrespective of the unpleasant dampness prevailing around her as she settled down; all that mattered was to comfort this poor sad pony whom she loved so much. Twilight held no comprehension of the passing of time, other than for her increasing realisation that she was hungry, but this was being kept in constant check by the acrid smell surrounding her, holding back any desire she had to eat. The mess in which she lay had now hardened and felt uncomfortable on her fur, but still she hugged her beloved Princess. Eventually, a few kicks and a head twitch announced that Celestia was waking once more. She braced herself for more abuse which she hoped would not come, but was fully prepared to tackle head-on when it did. The white mare groaned self-piteously, “Rainbow …” “It’s alright Princess, I’m here” comforted Twilight, stroking her mane gently with a forehoof. “Where is my Rainbow?” asked Celestia, more coherently than she had sounded in days. Twilight summoned another glass of water and lovingly wiped away the bitter residue from her mentor’s mouth so that she may have a nicer taste when the first drops of fresh water reached her tongue. To her surprise, Celestia accepted the offer and took a few sips before her head became too heavy and sank to the floor again. “Leave me to die, Twilight …” she implored. The faithful student thought about all the witty rejoinders she could make about how impossible that was given her immortality, but wisely thought better of it. “I’m not leaving you, Celestia” she reassured. Had she just called her by her real name? Was it because she had suddenly seen her as vulnerable and exposed instead of her infallible idol? Whether intentional or not, the more she analysed what she had said, the more she realised that it would mark an irreversible shift in their relationship. “No, but I will only lose you, just like I lost my Rainbow” she sobbed and began to cry; not for the first time, Twilight surmised, moving in closer to hold her with all the tenderness a mare shows her new born foal. “Oh Twilight, You will never be able to understand” sniffled the white mare, hiding under her lifeless mane, refusing to even lift her head. “Just talk to me when you’re ready” said her former student softly, “I’m here for you.” “Thank you, Twilight” she replied gratefully. “It’s still daylight” Celestia commented suddenly, lifting her head up. “Yes” replied Twilight, startled into a response, “It’s been like this for some time now, but Equestria has come to no harm. If there had been a problem, I’m sure Princess Luna could have handled it.” “No, she can’t. She has not raised the moon since her return and has never been able to control the sun. I must do my duty …” “I’m sure Princess Luna will be happy to see you, but maybe …” Twilight made exaggerated eye movements up and down Celestia’s body. “Oh. Oh, I see” concurred the dirty and smelly Princess. “Here, let me help you to the bathroom, Celestia” offered the faithful student, taking control as her mentor gradually became aware of how much she had let things slide over the last few days. “Perhaps a sip of water first, please?” Twilight giggled happily; these were the first signs of the Princess she knew returning to her. They made their way carefully out of the bedroom together, Celestia eyeing the damage and cringing at what she must have done in the throes of her drunken grief. As they passed one of the remaining full length mirrors that hadn’t been broken, she recoiled at the image that looked back at her, covered in all manner of the most dreadful looking and foul smelling stains. Then she looked more closely at Twilight, her faithful student who had uncomplainingly been staying by her and saw she looked little better. “Come on” she prompted, “You too.” “What?” asked Twilight, recoiling slightly, “With you?” “Why ever not? I generally request maid service, but I don’t think either of us should be seen in this state. Come on, I won’t tell if you don’t” she added matter of factly. It was a perfectly sensible request, but Twilight still hesitated before following the white mare into the walk-in shower. The cleansing water washed away the external traces of Celestia’s desperate heartache, but Twilight knew it would take a lot longer before the psychological damage would begin to heal. As the warm water played over them, she rubbed the last stubborn marks off Celestia’s back and then closed her eyes in delight as she felt the white hooves of her mentor rub her down too. When they emerged, it was as two new clean ponies. Celestia had some more water and an apple as she tried to straighten herself out and once she was ready, Twilight went to the door and opened it to see Luna still waiting anxiously for news. “What hast happened? Hast thou established what ails our sister so?” “Please come in, Princess Luna” replied Twilight, ushering her in to see her sister in one of the reception rooms in Celestia’s chambers; one that did not betray any hint of what had happened during her breakdown. “Sister! Oh our Sister! It is with a happy heart that we receive thee again!” “Thank you Luna. I’m sorry I have failed you and in time will offer my reasons, but for now I believe we are a little off track with our timekeeping.” “Yes, Sister. Some four days to be precise.” “Very well, let us lay the sun to rest. I should also be delighted if you would raise the moon please Sister.” Luna stepped back; the realisation of what she had done when last trusted with that duty weighing heavily on her as she considered the temptation of what her sister was offering her once more. “Luna, you are welcome to resume your rightful responsibilities when you choose, but what this recent episode has taught me is that it is dangerous for only one of us to have the power over day and night. Please, I should be honoured.” As the two sisters walked out into the corridor towards the Royal balcony, Celestia turned to see her faithful student left behind on her own, unsure whether to stay or accompany them any further. “I should be delighted if you could join us too” she stated. Twilight skipped at the request and happily followed the two sisters. She may not have been a Princess, but at that moment she felt like one. 4 Sun and MoonThe two sisters stood at the front of the spacious Royal balcony, Celestia guiding Luna in the ways of managing the sun. Although on one level it was a celestial body just like the moon, it was nonetheless an extension of Celestia and had a personality to be understood before anypony other than its rightful handler could hope to achieve the desired results. Once the sun had been safely laid to rest, Celestia stood back, projecting her sister onto centre stage and giving tacit permission for her to raise the moon by herself for the first time in over a thousand years. Luna was nervous and drew her agitated pacing to a reluctant close as images of her past as Nightmare Moon played before her eyes. She looked up to her sister imploringly as if seeking final approval and then took up a stance that had been so commonplace in centuries gone by, yet had grown to become synonymous with the very rise of evil itself. Celestia lit her horn and fired a stream of magic over the horizon to where they both knew the moon was waiting, although her effort was in fact nothing more than show, a token to bridge the gulf in her sister’s self-confidence. Encouraged, Luna lit her horn too, directing her blue magic along the path described by her sister’s yellow aura and started to tease the moon from its repose. The moon stirred in surprise at the unaccustomed feel of an all but forgotten touch and peeked inquisitively over the horizon to reacquaint itself with an old friend, making sure to be on its best behaviour as it rose happily to take its place in the night sky. The aloof and stand-offish Princess of the Night was so obviously happy with her achievement that she was dancing on the tips of her hooves and Twilight watched the joyous spectacle with glee, clapping her hooves together excitedly. Luna was finally back in her element, summoning constellations and creating exotic patterns in the night sky, rediscovering a confidence that she had not known in a long time. Celestia meanwhile, continued to wear a look that transcended her sadness and Twilight found it dangerous to speculate as to how the Sun Princess truly felt on the inside. She turned away, leaving Luna to exercise free rein over the night sky, flashes of inspiration shooting forth to create the most beautiful night time display seen over Equestria in hundreds of years. “Celestia” whispered Twilight as the majestic white mare drew close, “Would you like some company?” “Yes, Twilight” replied the Sun Princess, “If you would be prepared to permit me the indulgence. Even though you may not understand, I feel I owe you an explanation.” With that, she whisked past, further words caught unspoken in her throat; Twilight noticing a silvery glistening around the proud mare’s eyes. She led them back towards her private chambers, leaving word for the serving staff to attend them there and walked, distractedly along the corridors, three of her steps to every four of Twilight’s. The guards sprang dutifully to attention and parted to make way for their Princess who issued little more than a cursory acknowledgment before swishing regally in through the doors, only then to unwind a little as she kicked off her hoofguards and felt the soft thrill of the sumptuous pile beneath her hooves. A smell of fresh carpet and fading disinfectant permeated the apartments, thankfully replacing the stale and putrid stench of earlier. Celestia nudged her bedroom door open and observed casually how pristine it now appeared as she strode through and opened the floor to ceiling windows onto her private balcony. “Here” she announced nonchalantly to nopony in particular, “Here is where we shall have dinner this evening.” Twilight, having slowed when she entered the apartments now caught up hesitantly and peered around the door frame, taking in the breathtaking view afforded from the fabulous vantage point of her personal balcony. She inched forward to the carved stone balustrade and raised one forehoof tentatively as she feasted on the full majesty of the panorama spread out for her; the clusters of lights from scattered distant hamlets as darkness confiscated the last tattered remnants of their day. Whilst the view looking down was spectacular, she raised her head slowly and gasped in awe to see a skyscape more fabulous in its twinkling beauty than any bejewelled creation that even her elegant fashionista friend Rarity could imagine. Twilight’s eyes grew wide as she tried to take it all in and looked spellbound to Celestia to share the intensity of the moment, but instead of returning her gaze, the white mare just stared unseeingly to a point somewhere beyond the unparalleled vista, out towards something that meant more, so much more to her; something forever unattainable. Celestia’s flat response shook Twilight as she suddenly became aware of the sound of pinafored staff behind them laying a table for dinner; sounds of which she had been completely oblivious even only a few seconds earlier. Suddenly, a vestige of reality threatened to burst the magic of the moment and she took the few steps bridging the gap between her and the Sun Princess, nuzzling in close and feeling the warmth that had comforted her so many times before. Somehow, she knew that tonight she wasn’t the one who would need support; it was clear even to her that the beloved pony by her side needed somepony, and deep within her realised it was only her who could help mend whatever was broken. She felt a ripple of nervousness run through her body, not knowing where this may end, but equally determined to see it through; be that for duty, for friendship or for love? She could no longer tell the difference as the meaning between the concepts blurred together and all that mattered was the kind and giving Celestia. Twilight leaned in more closely, closing her eyes and allowing a smile to cross her face as she surrendered herself sublimely to her destiny. “I’m here for you, Celestia” she whispered. Overhead, a shooting star flashed brightly. 5 A Private FunctionThe table had been prepared exquisitely; crisp linen bearing the seal of Equestria topped with silver tableware, fine cut crystal glasses, delicately folded napkins and menus for both place settings. Lights from a pair of three candle candelabra danced provocatively from the highly polished silver and reflected from every delicate facet of the crystal glasses, creating a living tableau across the table. A serving pony stood discretely to one side while Twilight took in the splendid scene and Celestia motioned her guest to review the menu. Twilight suddenly appreciated how long it had been since she had last eaten and allowed her eyes to float hungrily down the list of culinary delights available for her choosing, as Celestia stood impassively. “Oooh, carrot crepes sound nice to start and a daffodil sandwich entrée; oh and a berry pie would be very nice for dessert, thank you” she ordered. “Make mine the same” concurred Celestia, “And a bottle of Chardonneigh.” The serving pony scribbled furiously, then bowed respectfully and exited to load the orders onto the kitchen, leaving a white pony and a lilac pony alone on the balcony. They just stood together in the warm evening air, the wind barely even causing the candles to flicker. Another shooting star arced across the sky, and this time Twilight saw it. “I have heard you can make a wish on a falling star” she prompted softly. “It is better to have loved and lost ...” recited Celestia sadly. “Want to tell me?” asked Twilight gently, drawing close to the lovelorn mare. “I meddled with time and I paid the price.” Celestia sighed before continuing: “A great danger faced Equestria; an evil creature that I didn’t have the courage to kill, but instead kept incarcerated in the hope that it would die, but it didn’t; it just grew stronger until my only option was to go back in time and do what I should have done in the beginning, but had always been too weak to do. I had to enlist the help of another pony with extraordinary powers to help me …“ “Rainbow Dash?” enquired Twilight, putting two and two together. “Yes, Rainbow Dash. She taught me to perform a Sonic Rainboom, an essential ingredient in the spell and she and I developed feelings for each other, deep feelings. Then, I went back to do what had to be done …” her voice faltered as the pain hit her in a savage wave of raw emotion. “But when you came back” prompted Twilight gently, “History had changed and she wasn’t the mare you had left behind?” Celestia nodded, draping her forelegs onto the balustrade and resting her head on them, covering her eyes so Twilight didn’t see the tears spill. As Celestia dared to allow her guard to drop, Twilight watched her trying to cling to the last remains of her pride, but as her white body quivered pitifully with each round of fresh sobs, Twilight felt her heart break too. She had always looked up to Celestia, the ruler of Equestria who had admitted her personally into her School for Gifted Unicorns, presided over her education, her welfare and ultimately trusted her to retrieve the Elements of Harmony and confront Nightmare Moon. For all her strengths, this same pony who had always appeared so omnipotent was now choosing to show herself at her most vulnerable. Twilight had escaped the torture of personal heartbreak, but had seen it manifested in others and from her observations recognised it must be deeply unpleasant; indeed it had brought down the most respected pony in Equestria. She reached out and held the desperate Princess, not knowing how much good she could do, but unable to deny her in her despair. “It’s alright, Celestia” she cooed softly, holding the trembling body beside her, “I’m here.” They stayed locked together under the glittering panoply of the night sky. At one stage there was a gentle chink as one of the plates being served clipped the cutlery at one of the place settings and Twilight simply waved the waiter away, not even bothering to look up or turn around. Celestia stirred eventually and tried to rub the tell-tale tear streaks away from her muzzle, but failed. She raised her head, even the darkness unable to hide how bloodshot her eyes had become. “Come Twilight, I have indulged myself enough” she said turning to look at the table set for two. The candles had burned out long since and everything was cold. “Perhaps the wine isn’t yet spoiled?” she mused. “Oh, nah – ah!” chastised Twilight, “We’re not going down that path again, not unless you eat something first.” Celestia took the slightest of nibbles from the corner of her daffodil sandwich and looked at Twilight defiantly as if to say, “Well there you are – I’ve eaten; now I’m allowed to finish the wine. You said so.” “No, Celestia” pleaded Twilight, “I wouldn’t be a good friend if I let you.” Celestia stopped for a moment and looked at Twilight, as if sizing her up for the first time and then smiled. “You are a good friend Twilight, but I would still like the wine please.” “No Celestia. It isn’t the answer.” “You don’t know what I’ve lost!” “Perhaps not, but I know what more you can lose, so no.” With that, Twilight levitated the tempting looking bottle and lobbed it as far as she could over the balcony. Celestia looked shocked, but Twilight remained resolute. “I know you can levitate another bottle from somewhere, but I’m not going to let you” asserted Twilight, “And I intend to stay with you to make sure you don’t destroy yourself.” “Oh alright!” replied Celestia grumpily, “But I snore.” “I know” giggled Twilight softly, “I heard you earlier.” “So, it seems I have no secrets from you then?” “Oh, I’m sure you have plenty” suggested Twilight, “But I don’t want to hear them right now.” Twilight helped guide her friend past the sad remains of their dinner on the perfectly set table and into her bedroom where she nudged her gently up onto the bed and then went back to shut the large ceiling to floor doors, principally to stop any illicit contraband being levitated through them by a mischievous yellow aura. “Twilight” confided Celestia, “You have never loved, have you?” “No, Celestia” she replied, standing closer to hear better, “I guess I’ve just been too busy with my studies to get involved with anypony.” “It’s a marvellous thing. It gives your whole day a purpose to see a smile on the face of your special somepony; to have somepony who understands you to talk with you about everything and nothing at all; somepony from whom you don’t have to hide your true self. Can you imagine?” “Well, yes. From what you’ve said, I can understand that perfectly well. Is that what love is about?” Celestia chuckled softly, Twilight’s soft innocence was so uncomplicated. “Who can you possibly feel like that about, Twilight?” she asked absent-mindedly. “You” replied Twilight. Celestia sat bolt upright. What had she just said? “Well” reasoned Twilight, “You make me feel special when I see you smile at me, I love talking with you about anything, I don’t put on any act when I’m with you and … I’m always here for you.” Celestia analysed what she had said and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Twilight had been honest as Applejack and loyal as Rainbow Dash, Oh that dear Rainbow Dash … She sank back down and began to cry again. Twilight couldn’t reach to give a reassuring cuddle from where she was, so climbed up onto the bed alongside Celestia and placed a foreleg tenderly around her, and if she was surprised to feel Celestia reach out to hug her in return, she didn’t show it. Many hours later, Celestia’s nose twitched as a warm shaft of sunlight played across her face. She casually opened one eye and noticed sunlight coming through the join of the drapes, but she hadn’t raised the sun! She was going to jump out of bed and get to the bottom of what was going on, but then she saw the form of the lilac unicorn next to her in bed, smiling contentedly and cast her mind back to the night before; a few more minutes probably wouldn’t hurt now, Luna had clearly got everything under control. She snuggled back down to feel the warmth of Twilight Sparkle next to her and felt the first happy smile cross her face since she had returned. It was time to move on. The Rainbow Dash in this timeline would never be hers, but Twilight had been there for her all along; it had just taken this seismic jolt for her to appreciate it. There was nopony better suited to her in all of Equestria and she was happy to make the best go of it, but only if Twilight wanted of course. She couldn’t wait for her to wake so she could ask that one question that would make it official: “Twilight, will you be my marefriend?”
1 An Unexpected Visitor“Twilight Sparkle, we have come to seek thy advice!” announced the midnight blue alicorn bursting in to the Golden Oak library as the oak door ricocheted dangerously off the wall behind her. Spike stared open mouthed, not only at the breach of decorum within the closely guarded sanctuary of the library, but also at an unannounced visit from royalty, especially the reclusive Princess Luna, to Ponyville library. Spike, caught in the centre of the floor like a rabbit in the headlights did the only sensible thing he could think of and bowed deeply, desperately hoping her gaze would pass over or around him; he didn’t care which. “Wherefore art thou, Twilight?” she persisted, her dark silhouette outlined dramatically in the light spilling in from the doorway. “Dragon!” she ordered. “Who, me?” replied Spike, before adding hastily, “Your Majesty …” “Well, obviously; there are no other dragons present! Seek out thine mistress immediately and inform her of my intent for audience.” She posed imperiously, surveying the inside of the hollowed out tree that served as the provincial town’s public library, while the baby dragon scampered off to find Twilight before Luna turned into Nightmare Moon again, praying under his breath that she hadn’t gone out and left him alone with the Princess of the Night. He pressed his head up to the window and saw Luna’s chariot outside with two fearsome looking Bat Ponies shackled to the front. One of them sensed movement from the window and turned a golden slitted-pupil eye to stare towards Spike’s shrinking face. The baby dragon didn’t so much see the Bat Pony’s stare, moreover he felt it as all the spines on his back raised as a defensive reflex action, but this was a fight he would not seriously be ready to consider for at least another twenty years. “Twilight! Twilight!” he called in increasing desperation, “Please tell me you’re here!” “Hey, Spike” came a soothing voice from down in the kitchen, “What’s all the commotion?” “We got a visitor!” “Oh! That’s nice …” “A really important visitor!” “Oh … ?” “And she wants to talk to you right now!” “Who … ?” “Princess Luna! … Don’t you listen?” “Oh, OK” said Twilight, far too curious to be scared, “Go make us some tea please, Spike.” Spike scurried away as fast as he could while Twilight rummaged through her mind trying to think of what kind of book Luna could possibly want from Ponyville, given the extensive library at her disposal up in Canterlot, but looked forward to putting her knowledge to the test. Astronomy; that had to be it, she reasoned. Luna remained posed heroically as she had since she had entered the library, boresighting Ponyville’s librarian as she ascended the last few steps up from the kitchen and stared at her aloofly. “Good morning Princess” greeted Twilight warmly, trotting happily over to meet her guest as if nothing was out of the ordinary, “I have tea coming. How may I help you today?” Luna tilted her head slightly to one side, “It has been some time since thou tookest away our dark powers, Twilight Sparkle.” “And that was a good thing, right?” “Yes, but that is not the purpose of our visit. Thou art known to our Sister better these days than are we, and it is our duty to report that she is disconsolate and incapable of performing her Royal Duties. Wouldst thou be prepared to visit her and determine what ails her?” Twilight cast her mind back to the rather brief meeting she had with Celestia and Rainbow Dash a few days previously when she seemed distinctly out of sorts. Since then, there hadn’t been any night time, and the concept of ‘a few days ago’ was now of itself a little vague. Something had happened during the visit that had struck her as odd at the time, and it seemed that her sixth sense had been right after all. “OK, Princess” she resolved, “When do we go?” “Now?” Just at that moment the clattering of fine china on a tray rattled its way up the stairs and a baby dragon stood looking imploringly up to his mistress. “Tea?” he asked. Twilight took one look at the disapproving glower from her guest and turned to him, “No tea, thank you Spike.” He looked crestfallen. “Twilight Sparkle, our chariot awaits without” urged Luna. “Without what?” asked Spike, just loud enough for his mistress to hear. “No, silly” corrected Twilight, turning to her number one assistant, “She means ‘outside’; it’s just her way of talking.” “Why didn’t she just say so …” mumbled Spike incoherently as he returned to the kitchen with his tray of untouched refreshments. Luna showed herself out through the opened doorway with Twilight in tow, leading them to her chariot. Spike summoned the courage to look out the window once more, just so as he could see his mistress safely away, but when he raised his head tentatively above the window sill, he found the same golden eye staring unswervingly straight back at him, and swiftly ducked back down once again. Had that guy really been staring at the window the whole time waiting for him to look back out again? That was too scary … Although the sight of Princess Luna’s chariot was most unusual, there were few souls brave enough to even risk a peep given the fearsome reputation of Nightmare Moon and her potential to extract revenge for the most minor of misdemeanours. Spike, for one, certainly wasn’t going to risk another look, just in case his card was marked. Twilight looked at Luna’s personal chariot, taking in its sinister colour and swept back lines, so completely different from the one that had carried her from Canterlot to Ponyville in the first place. But whilst it was certainly eye-catching, it was the two Bat Ponies that commanded even the most casual glance. They appeared larger than the average ponies and looked threatening with their grey/purple coats, unusual bat like wings and piercing golden eyes with unusual reptilian vertically slit pupils. Twilight recoiled briefly, but caught up again when Luna looked back over her shoulder giving her a look that said ‘Well, where have you got to?’ Conversation with Luna on the journey was stilted and amounted to little more than well-rehearsed pleasantries from days long since gone by. For her part, Twilight asked a stream of questions about Star Swirl the Bearded to the point of obsession that Luna soon found irritating. Both were keen for the journey to end a heaved a collective sigh when the nation’s capital came into sight beneath them, descending gently to align with their touchdown point beside the Royal castle. “We shall escort thee to our Sister’s chambers from where she has not set hoof these last three days, and wait without such that we may be ready to assist in any way” instructed Luna as they dismounted and made their way into the castle. The passageways were dark following the brightness of the day and their hoofsteps echoed, alerting the guards ahead. All saluted smartly when they saw the Princess, who in the absence of her sister was the de facto ruler of Equestria, even though she still had not recovered her powers sufficiently to control the sun or the moon and also lacked the diplomacy to conduct affairs of State; she was in effect a figurehead. Finally they stood outside Celestia’s chambers, in front of the doors bearing her sun cutie mark. The guards on duty parted, one to either side, rigidly to attention with their polearms shouldered. Just before Twilight opened the door, Luna reached forward and held her foreleg in the first gesture of true support since she had arrived at the library that morning. The Princess was too insecure to say what needed to be said, but condensed all the meaning into one pleading look that took Twilight by surprise. “Thank you” whispered Twilight earnestly, looking her in the eye and then opened the door to go in.
2 BreakdownIt was dark inside as Twilight tiptoed uncertainly into the opulent apartment, a few errant shafts of light bouncing chaotically off an architectural feature or some random glittery artefact. Although the themes were white and gold, the ambience exuded an air of melancholy bordering on the oppressive. She navigated her way around the different rooms, finding random items of clothing laying scattered about the floor, cracking open doors and peering around to see what lay behind, dreading what she may find. “Princess?” she called softly, striking a self-conscious balance between announcing her presence and feeling she was intruding, “Princess?” A trail of casually discarded bottles laying on their sides across the carpet showed her she was finally on the right path, and shortly found herself at Celestia’s bedchamber. She knocked gently on the door. There was no answer, so she nudged it open and peered round cautiously. The sight that greeted her was shocking. Her mentor, the Princess of the Sun and omnipotent ruler of Equestria was sprawled across a rumpled bed, mane and tail draped lifelessly around her and a bottle of red wine on its side atop a pillow from where it had spilled, leaving a damp trail like blood all over the white sheets. Yet, something else assaulted her senses. She felt a wave of nausea as she realised that in her drunken stupor, Celestia had not always managed to get to the bathroom when she had needed over the last few days, and everything would need to be deep cleaned if not replaced. Twilight felt a tear of pity run down her muzzle on seeing the shocking and sudden decline of the one pony she had always looked up to above any other. “Oh, Princess” she whispered to herself sadly, “What has happened to you?” She picked her way carefully through the field of debris that littered every square inch of the floor and reached down to confirm she was still breathing. She knew Celestia was immortal, but that didn’t stop her checking anyway, and the reward of finding her still alive gave her something positive to build on; it was a start. Next, Twilight set about clearing a safe space around the unconscious alicorn, so she knew whichever way she rolled over, she would come to no harm. Then, she leaned over to check her breathing again and gave her a tender kiss before proceeding to tidy up the mess on the floor. Finally satisfied that Celestia was as safe as she could make her, she climbed carefully up onto the bed and snuggled down next to her, stroking her tenderly and weeping sadly as she whispered the ways she promised to pay back the love she had always seen her Princess show others. They lay together for hours; it was not possible to tell the passage of time as the sun was transfixed in space. Twilight had fallen asleep holding Celestia in a gentle cuddle and suddenly found the Princess starting to twitch under her embrace, so pulled back not wishing to crowd her. The white alicorn rolled her neck so that her muzzle hung over the bed just as a series of heaving coughs convulsed through her body, followed shortly afterwards by a sorrowful groan. “It’s alright, Princess” whispered Twilight as she leaned forward, ignoring the fresh acrid stench that rose up to assault her nostrils, “It’s OK, I’m with you now.” “Rainbow …?” she answered blearily, vaguely aware that she wasn’t alone. “No. It’s me, Twilight.” “Rainbow, I love you …” Twilight took in the surprise revelation and gave her lovelorn Princess another gentle hug to reassure her, then settled down with her once more as the excess alcohol worked its way through her system. When Celestia stirred again a few hours later, she started to reach out with her magic to find another full bottle to drown her sorrows, but Twilight had been ahead of her and hidden them in a different room, sealing the door magically behind her. There was nothing for it, but Celestia was just going to have to go cold turkey until she could return to her true self. It wasn’t going to be fun, but she was ready to help out as much as she could; it was the least she felt she could do for somepony who had always shown her such personal compassion. Celestia was becoming more agitated and reaching out with increasingly strong magic to find more alcohol, but her self-appointed keeper would have none of it, and realised that she had to take a firm line to ensure her patient’s recovery. “Twilight” acknowledged Celestia through the swirling fog in her mind. “Yes, Princess?” “Get me wine or anything else I can drink. We’ve run out.” “No, Princess. It’s not good for you.” “What? Are you challenging me? How dare you intrude and presume to tell me what’s good for me?” “Princess …” began Twilight in a calm and level tone. “I can crush you like a bug! Now get me something to drink!” “Fine, but nothing alcoholic” she replied calmly. “You do not understand!” raged Celestia, an angry contorted look across her face showing Twilight that she wasn’t in control of herself. “Then tell me” she replied, mustering all of her courage to face up to the demon that currently inhabited the white mare’s body. “Get me a drink first!” Celestia demanded. “Water is all you’re going to get.” The Sun Princess rose up to her full height and stared menacingly down at her prized student, her savage glare piercing straight through Twilight’s eyes. She stood firmly like a demon from Tartarus waiting to unleash retribution for such impertinence, then her legs shook and she collapsed onto the floor with a groan. Twilight trembled with a mixture of delayed shock and pity, but made her way over to comfort the grieving alicorn. She now knew it was something to do with Rainbow Dash, but had no idea of where she could have gotten any idea of a romantic liaison from; Rainbow had never, as far as she was aware, even been alone with her. There was clearly something she had to get to the bottom of before Celestia could recover and resume her role as the ruler of Equestria. Twilight levitated a glass of water and summoned it over to where she sat with her mentor, tipping some between her lips. “Drink up, Princess” she coaxed softly, “And tell me all about it.”
3 Road to RecoveryCelestia was in no mood yet to play nicely and swiped the glass across the room where it sprayed its contents in an arc through the air until it hit the wall, breaking on impact. Twilight flinched inwardly, but allowed no signs of her displeasure to creep across her face. Celestia growled and curled up beside the bed, oblivious to the damp texture she was settling into and gave a few more involuntary coughs before her head lolled and she started snoring loudly. Twilight took in the pitiful image and wept. She had felt she would always look up to Celestia as her icon; a glowing example of perfection and infallibility, yet for the first time, she could see her as a broken individual, somepony wrestling with issues of such personal magnitude that she was failing not just herself, but everypony else too. Perhaps being the omniscient immortal ruler of Equestria did not imply infallibility after all, but the curse of being condemned to face every wretched emotion in a never ending cycle? The thought made Twilight desperately sad and she lay down next to Celestia to comfort her, irrespective of the unpleasant dampness prevailing around her as she settled down; all that mattered was to comfort this poor sad pony whom she loved so much. Twilight held no comprehension of the passing of time, other than for her increasing realisation that she was hungry, but this was being kept in constant check by the acrid smell surrounding her, holding back any desire she had to eat. The mess in which she lay had now hardened and felt uncomfortable on her fur, but still she hugged her beloved Princess. Eventually, a few kicks and a head twitch announced that Celestia was waking once more. She braced herself for more abuse which she hoped would not come, but was fully prepared to tackle head-on when it did. The white mare groaned self-piteously, “Rainbow …” “It’s alright Princess, I’m here” comforted Twilight, stroking her mane gently with a forehoof. “Where is my Rainbow?” asked Celestia, more coherently than she had sounded in days. Twilight summoned another glass of water and lovingly wiped away the bitter residue from her mentor’s mouth so that she may have a nicer taste when the first drops of fresh water reached her tongue. To her surprise, Celestia accepted the offer and took a few sips before her head became too heavy and sank to the floor again. “Leave me to die, Twilight …” she implored. The faithful student thought about all the witty rejoinders she could make about how impossible that was given her immortality, but wisely thought better of it. “I’m not leaving you, Celestia” she reassured. Had she just called her by her real name? Was it because she had suddenly seen her as vulnerable and exposed instead of her infallible idol? Whether intentional or not, the more she analysed what she had said, the more she realised that it would mark an irreversible shift in their relationship. “No, but I will only lose you, just like I lost my Rainbow” she sobbed and began to cry; not for the first time, Twilight surmised, moving in closer to hold her with all the tenderness a mare shows her new born foal. “Oh Twilight, You will never be able to understand” sniffled the white mare, hiding under her lifeless mane, refusing to even lift her head. “Just talk to me when you’re ready” said her former student softly, “I’m here for you.” “Thank you, Twilight” she replied gratefully. “It’s still daylight” Celestia commented suddenly, lifting her head up. “Yes” replied Twilight, startled into a response, “It’s been like this for some time now, but Equestria has come to no harm. If there had been a problem, I’m sure Princess Luna could have handled it.” “No, she can’t. She has not raised the moon since her return and has never been able to control the sun. I must do my duty …” “I’m sure Princess Luna will be happy to see you, but maybe …” Twilight made exaggerated eye movements up and down Celestia’s body. “Oh. Oh, I see” concurred the dirty and smelly Princess. “Here, let me help you to the bathroom, Celestia” offered the faithful student, taking control as her mentor gradually became aware of how much she had let things slide over the last few days. “Perhaps a sip of water first, please?” Twilight giggled happily; these were the first signs of the Princess she knew returning to her. They made their way carefully out of the bedroom together, Celestia eyeing the damage and cringing at what she must have done in the throes of her drunken grief. As they passed one of the remaining full length mirrors that hadn’t been broken, she recoiled at the image that looked back at her, covered in all manner of the most dreadful looking and foul smelling stains. Then she looked more closely at Twilight, her faithful student who had uncomplainingly been staying by her and saw she looked little better. “Come on” she prompted, “You too.” “What?” asked Twilight, recoiling slightly, “With you?” “Why ever not? I generally request maid service, but I don’t think either of us should be seen in this state. Come on, I won’t tell if you don’t” she added matter of factly. It was a perfectly sensible request, but Twilight still hesitated before following the white mare into the walk-in shower. The cleansing water washed away the external traces of Celestia’s desperate heartache, but Twilight knew it would take a lot longer before the psychological damage would begin to heal. As the warm water played over them, she rubbed the last stubborn marks off Celestia’s back and then closed her eyes in delight as she felt the white hooves of her mentor rub her down too. When they emerged, it was as two new clean ponies. Celestia had some more water and an apple as she tried to straighten herself out and once she was ready, Twilight went to the door and opened it to see Luna still waiting anxiously for news. “What hast happened? Hast thou established what ails our sister so?” “Please come in, Princess Luna” replied Twilight, ushering her in to see her sister in one of the reception rooms in Celestia’s chambers; one that did not betray any hint of what had happened during her breakdown. “Sister! Oh our Sister! It is with a happy heart that we receive thee again!” “Thank you Luna. I’m sorry I have failed you and in time will offer my reasons, but for now I believe we are a little off track with our timekeeping.” “Yes, Sister. Some four days to be precise.” “Very well, let us lay the sun to rest. I should also be delighted if you would raise the moon please Sister.” Luna stepped back; the realisation of what she had done when last trusted with that duty weighing heavily on her as she considered the temptation of what her sister was offering her once more. “Luna, you are welcome to resume your rightful responsibilities when you choose, but what this recent episode has taught me is that it is dangerous for only one of us to have the power over day and night. Please, I should be honoured.” As the two sisters walked out into the corridor towards the Royal balcony, Celestia turned to see her faithful student left behind on her own, unsure whether to stay or accompany them any further. “I should be delighted if you could join us too” she stated. Twilight skipped at the request and happily followed the two sisters. She may not have been a Princess, but at that moment she felt like one.
4 Sun and MoonThe two sisters stood at the front of the spacious Royal balcony, Celestia guiding Luna in the ways of managing the sun. Although on one level it was a celestial body just like the moon, it was nonetheless an extension of Celestia and had a personality to be understood before anypony other than its rightful handler could hope to achieve the desired results. Once the sun had been safely laid to rest, Celestia stood back, projecting her sister onto centre stage and giving tacit permission for her to raise the moon by herself for the first time in over a thousand years. Luna was nervous and drew her agitated pacing to a reluctant close as images of her past as Nightmare Moon played before her eyes. She looked up to her sister imploringly as if seeking final approval and then took up a stance that had been so commonplace in centuries gone by, yet had grown to become synonymous with the very rise of evil itself. Celestia lit her horn and fired a stream of magic over the horizon to where they both knew the moon was waiting, although her effort was in fact nothing more than show, a token to bridge the gulf in her sister’s self-confidence. Encouraged, Luna lit her horn too, directing her blue magic along the path described by her sister’s yellow aura and started to tease the moon from its repose. The moon stirred in surprise at the unaccustomed feel of an all but forgotten touch and peeked inquisitively over the horizon to reacquaint itself with an old friend, making sure to be on its best behaviour as it rose happily to take its place in the night sky. The aloof and stand-offish Princess of the Night was so obviously happy with her achievement that she was dancing on the tips of her hooves and Twilight watched the joyous spectacle with glee, clapping her hooves together excitedly. Luna was finally back in her element, summoning constellations and creating exotic patterns in the night sky, rediscovering a confidence that she had not known in a long time. Celestia meanwhile, continued to wear a look that transcended her sadness and Twilight found it dangerous to speculate as to how the Sun Princess truly felt on the inside. She turned away, leaving Luna to exercise free rein over the night sky, flashes of inspiration shooting forth to create the most beautiful night time display seen over Equestria in hundreds of years. “Celestia” whispered Twilight as the majestic white mare drew close, “Would you like some company?” “Yes, Twilight” replied the Sun Princess, “If you would be prepared to permit me the indulgence. Even though you may not understand, I feel I owe you an explanation.” With that, she whisked past, further words caught unspoken in her throat; Twilight noticing a silvery glistening around the proud mare’s eyes. She led them back towards her private chambers, leaving word for the serving staff to attend them there and walked, distractedly along the corridors, three of her steps to every four of Twilight’s. The guards sprang dutifully to attention and parted to make way for their Princess who issued little more than a cursory acknowledgment before swishing regally in through the doors, only then to unwind a little as she kicked off her hoofguards and felt the soft thrill of the sumptuous pile beneath her hooves. A smell of fresh carpet and fading disinfectant permeated the apartments, thankfully replacing the stale and putrid stench of earlier. Celestia nudged her bedroom door open and observed casually how pristine it now appeared as she strode through and opened the floor to ceiling windows onto her private balcony. “Here” she announced nonchalantly to nopony in particular, “Here is where we shall have dinner this evening.” Twilight, having slowed when she entered the apartments now caught up hesitantly and peered around the door frame, taking in the breathtaking view afforded from the fabulous vantage point of her personal balcony. She inched forward to the carved stone balustrade and raised one forehoof tentatively as she feasted on the full majesty of the panorama spread out for her; the clusters of lights from scattered distant hamlets as darkness confiscated the last tattered remnants of their day. Whilst the view looking down was spectacular, she raised her head slowly and gasped in awe to see a skyscape more fabulous in its twinkling beauty than any bejewelled creation that even her elegant fashionista friend Rarity could imagine. Twilight’s eyes grew wide as she tried to take it all in and looked spellbound to Celestia to share the intensity of the moment, but instead of returning her gaze, the white mare just stared unseeingly to a point somewhere beyond the unparalleled vista, out towards something that meant more, so much more to her; something forever unattainable. Celestia’s flat response shook Twilight as she suddenly became aware of the sound of pinafored staff behind them laying a table for dinner; sounds of which she had been completely oblivious even only a few seconds earlier. Suddenly, a vestige of reality threatened to burst the magic of the moment and she took the few steps bridging the gap between her and the Sun Princess, nuzzling in close and feeling the warmth that had comforted her so many times before. Somehow, she knew that tonight she wasn’t the one who would need support; it was clear even to her that the beloved pony by her side needed somepony, and deep within her realised it was only her who could help mend whatever was broken. She felt a ripple of nervousness run through her body, not knowing where this may end, but equally determined to see it through; be that for duty, for friendship or for love? She could no longer tell the difference as the meaning between the concepts blurred together and all that mattered was the kind and giving Celestia. Twilight leaned in more closely, closing her eyes and allowing a smile to cross her face as she surrendered herself sublimely to her destiny. “I’m here for you, Celestia” she whispered. Overhead, a shooting star flashed brightly.
5 A Private FunctionThe table had been prepared exquisitely; crisp linen bearing the seal of Equestria topped with silver tableware, fine cut crystal glasses, delicately folded napkins and menus for both place settings. Lights from a pair of three candle candelabra danced provocatively from the highly polished silver and reflected from every delicate facet of the crystal glasses, creating a living tableau across the table. A serving pony stood discretely to one side while Twilight took in the splendid scene and Celestia motioned her guest to review the menu. Twilight suddenly appreciated how long it had been since she had last eaten and allowed her eyes to float hungrily down the list of culinary delights available for her choosing, as Celestia stood impassively. “Oooh, carrot crepes sound nice to start and a daffodil sandwich entrée; oh and a berry pie would be very nice for dessert, thank you” she ordered. “Make mine the same” concurred Celestia, “And a bottle of Chardonneigh.” The serving pony scribbled furiously, then bowed respectfully and exited to load the orders onto the kitchen, leaving a white pony and a lilac pony alone on the balcony. They just stood together in the warm evening air, the wind barely even causing the candles to flicker. Another shooting star arced across the sky, and this time Twilight saw it. “I have heard you can make a wish on a falling star” she prompted softly. “It is better to have loved and lost ...” recited Celestia sadly. “Want to tell me?” asked Twilight gently, drawing close to the lovelorn mare. “I meddled with time and I paid the price.” Celestia sighed before continuing: “A great danger faced Equestria; an evil creature that I didn’t have the courage to kill, but instead kept incarcerated in the hope that it would die, but it didn’t; it just grew stronger until my only option was to go back in time and do what I should have done in the beginning, but had always been too weak to do. I had to enlist the help of another pony with extraordinary powers to help me …“ “Rainbow Dash?” enquired Twilight, putting two and two together. “Yes, Rainbow Dash. She taught me to perform a Sonic Rainboom, an essential ingredient in the spell and she and I developed feelings for each other, deep feelings. Then, I went back to do what had to be done …” her voice faltered as the pain hit her in a savage wave of raw emotion. “But when you came back” prompted Twilight gently, “History had changed and she wasn’t the mare you had left behind?” Celestia nodded, draping her forelegs onto the balustrade and resting her head on them, covering her eyes so Twilight didn’t see the tears spill. As Celestia dared to allow her guard to drop, Twilight watched her trying to cling to the last remains of her pride, but as her white body quivered pitifully with each round of fresh sobs, Twilight felt her heart break too. She had always looked up to Celestia, the ruler of Equestria who had admitted her personally into her School for Gifted Unicorns, presided over her education, her welfare and ultimately trusted her to retrieve the Elements of Harmony and confront Nightmare Moon. For all her strengths, this same pony who had always appeared so omnipotent was now choosing to show herself at her most vulnerable. Twilight had escaped the torture of personal heartbreak, but had seen it manifested in others and from her observations recognised it must be deeply unpleasant; indeed it had brought down the most respected pony in Equestria. She reached out and held the desperate Princess, not knowing how much good she could do, but unable to deny her in her despair. “It’s alright, Celestia” she cooed softly, holding the trembling body beside her, “I’m here.” They stayed locked together under the glittering panoply of the night sky. At one stage there was a gentle chink as one of the plates being served clipped the cutlery at one of the place settings and Twilight simply waved the waiter away, not even bothering to look up or turn around. Celestia stirred eventually and tried to rub the tell-tale tear streaks away from her muzzle, but failed. She raised her head, even the darkness unable to hide how bloodshot her eyes had become. “Come Twilight, I have indulged myself enough” she said turning to look at the table set for two. The candles had burned out long since and everything was cold. “Perhaps the wine isn’t yet spoiled?” she mused. “Oh, nah – ah!” chastised Twilight, “We’re not going down that path again, not unless you eat something first.” Celestia took the slightest of nibbles from the corner of her daffodil sandwich and looked at Twilight defiantly as if to say, “Well there you are – I’ve eaten; now I’m allowed to finish the wine. You said so.” “No, Celestia” pleaded Twilight, “I wouldn’t be a good friend if I let you.” Celestia stopped for a moment and looked at Twilight, as if sizing her up for the first time and then smiled. “You are a good friend Twilight, but I would still like the wine please.” “No Celestia. It isn’t the answer.” “You don’t know what I’ve lost!” “Perhaps not, but I know what more you can lose, so no.” With that, Twilight levitated the tempting looking bottle and lobbed it as far as she could over the balcony. Celestia looked shocked, but Twilight remained resolute. “I know you can levitate another bottle from somewhere, but I’m not going to let you” asserted Twilight, “And I intend to stay with you to make sure you don’t destroy yourself.” “Oh alright!” replied Celestia grumpily, “But I snore.” “I know” giggled Twilight softly, “I heard you earlier.” “So, it seems I have no secrets from you then?” “Oh, I’m sure you have plenty” suggested Twilight, “But I don’t want to hear them right now.” Twilight helped guide her friend past the sad remains of their dinner on the perfectly set table and into her bedroom where she nudged her gently up onto the bed and then went back to shut the large ceiling to floor doors, principally to stop any illicit contraband being levitated through them by a mischievous yellow aura. “Twilight” confided Celestia, “You have never loved, have you?” “No, Celestia” she replied, standing closer to hear better, “I guess I’ve just been too busy with my studies to get involved with anypony.” “It’s a marvellous thing. It gives your whole day a purpose to see a smile on the face of your special somepony; to have somepony who understands you to talk with you about everything and nothing at all; somepony from whom you don’t have to hide your true self. Can you imagine?” “Well, yes. From what you’ve said, I can understand that perfectly well. Is that what love is about?” Celestia chuckled softly, Twilight’s soft innocence was so uncomplicated. “Who can you possibly feel like that about, Twilight?” she asked absent-mindedly. “You” replied Twilight. Celestia sat bolt upright. What had she just said? “Well” reasoned Twilight, “You make me feel special when I see you smile at me, I love talking with you about anything, I don’t put on any act when I’m with you and … I’m always here for you.” Celestia analysed what she had said and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Twilight had been honest as Applejack and loyal as Rainbow Dash, Oh that dear Rainbow Dash … She sank back down and began to cry again. Twilight couldn’t reach to give a reassuring cuddle from where she was, so climbed up onto the bed alongside Celestia and placed a foreleg tenderly around her, and if she was surprised to feel Celestia reach out to hug her in return, she didn’t show it. Many hours later, Celestia’s nose twitched as a warm shaft of sunlight played across her face. She casually opened one eye and noticed sunlight coming through the join of the drapes, but she hadn’t raised the sun! She was going to jump out of bed and get to the bottom of what was going on, but then she saw the form of the lilac unicorn next to her in bed, smiling contentedly and cast her mind back to the night before; a few more minutes probably wouldn’t hurt now, Luna had clearly got everything under control. She snuggled back down to feel the warmth of Twilight Sparkle next to her and felt the first happy smile cross her face since she had returned. It was time to move on. The Rainbow Dash in this timeline would never be hers, but Twilight had been there for her all along; it had just taken this seismic jolt for her to appreciate it. There was nopony better suited to her in all of Equestria and she was happy to make the best go of it, but only if Twilight wanted of course. She couldn’t wait for her to wake so she could ask that one question that would make it official: “Twilight, will you be my marefriend?”
