The Journal of the Reunited Two Sistersby AutoPonyChaptersOne Night in CanterlotHitting the BooksOpportunity KnocksBreaking BarriersTaking the PlungeConfronting the PastReflectionsOne Night in Canterlot"Tia!" The piercing howl that is my sister's voice roused me from my slumber with all the elegance of talons on a chalkboard. I love my sister – and always will despite events in the past – but heaven's above, she makes it hard sometimes. "Luna, the Canterlot Voice has been in disuse for well over five hundred years now, tone it down please," I called back, trying my best to restrain my irritation. "Our apologies, art thou currently awake?" came her reply from across the hall. I couldn't help but scoff at her vapid question, begrudgingly pulling myself out of bed. A glance at my bedside table showed the alarm clock with not quite a half hour before going off. I suppose, I've been getting more sleep since Luna's return so I shouldn't be too discouraged by such unwelcome alarms. A glance towards the window confirmed my time piece's accuracy, the moon beginning its slow descent towards the horizon, with the faintest glow of my sun making its presence known just beyond. "You are talking to me right now, aren't you?" I suggested. Curious as to what had possessed her to call out for me, I fumbled with the door in my groggy fog, before shuffling out into the hall. Directly across from my own personal chamber's, Luna's door had been left ajar, leaving the contents it held visible for the world to see. As my eyes adjusted to the sudden assault from the light of candles from the castle walls, as well as Luna's room, they beheld an unwelcome sight. Framed by the doorway, my little sister's bed was graced by the presence of a large, dark form, rivaling my own stature in size as it lay sprawled backward upon the neatly tucked sheets. Its wings lent an air of an even more imposing figure, spread wide and showing off the striking black plumage they possessed. As my heart raced, so too did my hooves, galloping into the room at light speed as the being raised its head to greet me. "Sister, we must talk about what thee hast requested of us," came Luna's voice. Quickly I slammed the door, isolating the room from the rest of the castle. "Luna, have you lost your mind? Why did you leave your door wide open?" I shouted, angered by her lack of awareness. Luna merely laid her head back, unfazed by my outburst as she stared up at the ceiling. "Once again, apologies, sister," came her monotone reply. "The significance of mine current state was forgotten." I couldn't help but sigh as I raised a hoof to my head, displeased with the surge of adrenaline already pumping through my system so early in the day. Unbeknownst to the whole of Equestria, Luna and I were in a tricky situation. Yes, after many, many years of her abscence, I was overjoyed to have my little sister back. But with her arrival came the complications that her previous actions had created. Mainly, her form. After a brief respite upon the use of the Elements of Harmony by my prized pupil and her new friends, Luna's diminutive form I had not seen in millennia had reverted back to that of the sinister Nightmare Moon. While free of the darkness that had hardened her heart so long ago, such an appearance was not likely to be well-received. Instead, Luna and I had devised up a spell that would contain her form, and revert her back to the periwinkle blue alicorn seen by the masses upon her reintroduction to Equestria. No, it was not the best solution, but it was all we could do for the time being aside from keeping her isolated. What little spare time afforded was spent searching for a more permanent solution to the issue. At least we were doing something together again. "I'm not trying to be mean, Luna. I'm sorry for raising my voice with you," I apologized, regretting my reaction. "You just need to be careful, I don't want to start a panic in Canterlot." "Understandable. But we do not believe thou realizes how much energy is required to keep our true form hidden from view. Fatigue clouds judgment this late into the night," she groaned, flopping over to her stomach as I strode around the bed to face her. Despite having seen them for the past month, her striking predatory eyes still unnerved me just a bit as they followed my movements to a seated position in front of her. "I did not think the spell would be that difficult to maintain, Luna," I replied, lowering my voice as reality set it. Perhaps I had overestimated her magic prowess. To be fair, I had not considered that her magic had been in disuse for so long; spells that I found easy could possess a different challenge to my younger sibling. Though I always did have that bit of an edge over her when it came to magic even when we were young. Seldom do I bring that up, lest we get into a competition that ends in something vaporized. "Condensing one's whole form while simultaneously changing specific attributes is far more difficult than merely hiding a bit of excess weight around the midriff during ceremonies, dearest sister," she replied coldly. "Excuse me?" I asked, my voice rising in time with an eyebrow. I wasn't quite sure where she was headed with such a comment. "Thine ears did not deceive. We hath noted the difference between thine form in public and thine form as it currently presents itself," she said, her eyes cast downward. "My dialogue and habits may be aged, but my keen sight is not dulled in the slightest." "Clearly that time away didn't dull your attitude, either," I shot back. My response was quickly met with a smirk from Luna just wide enough to bare a few of her unsettling sharp teeth. "Nay, my wit remains intact. We know it would otherwise be missed," she replied playfully before her face regained the serious intensity it had when I arrived. "But perhaps the facade we are presenting to the masses is not necessary. Why not explain the situation as it currently stands, and allow us to do away with this trickery?" "I just don't think it's going to go over well, Luna. If it were just the size and color, maybe. But your eyes and your teeth, and those wings..." I trailed off, feeling a tad guilty as I pointed out her features. "Could it be the peasants have a more open mind than you expect? Why not at least allow us to try?" Luna once again suggested. "Right, because this year's Summer Sun celebration went so well with your appearance, I'm sure everypony has put that out of their mind already," I retorted. "And they are our subjects, not peasants." "Perhaps we did not handle our return to Equestria well," she responded, seemingly unaware of her massive understatement. "Yeah, I would say your performance was rather traumatizing," I agreed with a sigh. "But, you've made your bed, now you have to lie in it." Luna's eyes darted across the bed she was laying upon, confused. "But I did not make my bed after rising from slumber. Is that not what the peasants are for?" she asked. "Sister, stop calling them peasants, it's unkind in this day and age," I replied, shaking my head. "Peons?" "No." "Commoners?" "Assistants, how about that?" I suggested. Luna nodded her head slowly, but still looked unsure. "However, we still fail to see the connection between the state of our bed linens and the current situation regarding the acceptance of mine appearance," she finally uttered. "Sorry, it's a phrase. I meant what happened is happened, and we must deal with the fallout accordingly," I explained. "That makes much more sense, it would have been wise to say such in the first place," Luna replied. "Well, you will get the hang of the more modern dialect sooner or later, it will just take some time." A knock at the door roused both of us from the conversation, our attention shifting to the unseen visitor. "My apologies your highnesses," came a male voice from the other side. " I have a form which had been misplaced during the night that requires Princess Luna's signature." "Thou hast our permission to enter," Luna replied with nonchalance. As the door began to swing open with a groan, my distracted mind realized too late that we were not ready for visitors. Our aide stood in the doorway, silent as his eyes widened at the sight of me alongside what had been considered one of the most nefarious beings in history. "Oh, horseapples," I muttered under my breath, hanging my head in frustration. "Greetings," Luna said, breaking the silent stalemate. "Our apologies for the, erm... inconvenience of tracking us down." She offered a grin, complete with her fangs clearly visible. That was all it took for our assistant's temporary paralysis to be broken. A high-pitched, girlish scream erupted from him as he turned and galloped down the hall at lightning speed. "Hm, it seems appearances are everything in this modern era as you describe," Luna mused. With a tired huff, her whole form began to glow light blue, condensing in upon itself until the little sister I was more accustomed to was upon her bed. "I tried telling you, Luna," I said, feeling some remorse for her dashed hopes. "We will get this figured out. I'm just glad to have you back, even with the... current complications." "Thank you, Tia," she replied softly, a warm grin gracing her face. "But what do we do about our assistant?" "I guess we will have to go after him and convince him the stress of the job is making him hallucinate, and he needs a few days off, perhaps therapy," I suggested. Luna's face quickly twisted into surprise. "That is quite specific for a suggestion thought up upon the spot." "You don't rule for a thousand years alone without making somepony question their sanity." Every other day I feel like I have to question mine. Hitting the Books"It would appear the forbidden section is in dire need of organization, dear sister." "When you consider the only ponies with the magic to access this area is me – and now you – is it really surprising it is a mess?" I replied. Luna continued scanning the shelves that lined the room – my own secret stash of writings that were not to ever see light of day again. It was a private collection few knew existed, and one that I had requested in the early stages of Canterlot Castle's design stages. Of course, I had not mentioned my intentions for it, but the room was an addendum to my own personal chambers, with a small staircase the only access point. In fact, my magic was the only one that could activate the hidden door. However, I never got around to any sort of organization – my life was much too busy to tend to a mass of books that were to not exist other than in my possession, whether it be due to forbidden magic practices or rituals, or even sensitive subject matter. Instead, these writings were jammed rather haphazardly into the shelves in any space they could fit. Even so, the table and chairs in the center of the room still held piles of dusty, unorganized tomes, artifacts of a bygone era. "We must say, it was our expectation to find at least some sort of order. We do not recall the archives in the former castle being in such disrepair," she mused, picking up an open book lying on the table. As the blue aura of her magic tipped the book to free it from the layers of dust upon its pages, the binding gave out, discarding the pages into a pile that immediately dissolved into a fine powder. "Tis our most sincere hope that book did not contain valuable knowledge that is now lost to time," Luna muttered, her bright teal eyes widened in horror as they stared at the remnants of the manuscript. Gently, I seized the cover of the book from my sister's magical grasp, levitating it over to me at eye level while I made out the faded text upon the front cover. The Disastrous First Century of Princess Celestia's Monarchy "Nope, just heresy," I responded calmly, tossing the remains into the fireplace and igniting it with a quick spell. "That is a relief," Luna sighed. "Since we are in a secluded area, do you mind if we 'stretch our wings,' so to speak?" I nodded my confirmation, as Luna's petite form once again gave off a familiar glow, quickly returning to a size matching my own until the light faded, and a black alicorn stood in the library with me. "Heavens above, we cannot begin to describe how much more comfortable this form is than the facade we are forced to endure," she said, extending a hind leg out behind herself in an exaggerated motion. While the first week was admittedly difficult facing Luna in this form, it had gotten much easier as time passed. Even so, I would be almost as thrilled as my sister when we finally found a solution. However, with almost a month of searching behind us, the source material with which to direct our attention was becoming more obscure. Hence our turn to the documents and writings otherwise hidden from prying eyes due to their possible dangerous nature. It was a collection that fortunately had not seen much growth in recent years. There had to be something somewhere that could help Luna regain her form before this nightmare began. Sorry about the pun. "Your student, Twilight Sparkle. You say she is a voracious reader, why not have her aid us in this quest for answers?" Luna suggested, skimming her eyes along the nearest bookcase. "After all, she did save us from continuing our cycle of maniacal self-destruction, surely she can be trusted." "While I applaud your thinking, I really don't believe dark magic and necromancy are subjects a blossoming mind should be absorbing," I replied, cringing at the mere thought of my pupil discovering this trove of corruption material. "Yet you consider us to be trustworthy? A pony that escaped from exile after a prior attempt at usurping power, only to pursue that abhorrent goal again?" Her response did not surprise me in the slightest, as I continued to peruse the shelf in front of me for something to catch my eye. Written history would make ponies think otherwise, but Luna had historically been the more logic-oriented of the two of us. No matter the situation, my little sister would more often than not look beyond the emotions stirred up and give a complete, objective opinion, even if it was to the detriment of herself or her goals. Odd, I know. One would just expect her to be the bratty sister, being the younger sibling. Though she had that covered from time to time. "That's how I know I can trust you, sis. Despite everything we've gone through, you remain objective in thought." "I merely lay out the scenario before us in black and white, Tia. Nothing more," she replied nonchalantly, pulling a few dusty leatherbound books off a higher shelf. "Well, you're certainly making progress with your speech. I believe that's the first time you've used 'I' to refer to yourself," I chirped back, pleasantly surprised. "Indeed, but it is still a long journey before we find ourselves completely fluent in modern dialogue. Still, my point stands, it is our hope you are not misplacing your trust in me." "Oh, I'm not concerned. You've already been bested twice," I said in a teasing tone. In an instant, Luna whirled around to face me. "That is hardly appropriate, dear sister," she said, her stare icy cold. I briefly considered my light jab to be out of order, until she turned up her nose, closing her eyes. "It is said the third attempt is often imbued with a mysterious blessing that results in success," she quickly shot back. "You mean 'third time's a charm'? That is just an overused saying, Luna. It has no basis in fact." "Yet, my second attempt was successful in besting you, was it not?" I could not believe what I was hearing at this point. We're we really going to argue about this? "You're kidding, right? Sister, you 'bested' me as I overslept due to a malfunctioning alarm clock. I would hardly consider that a victory." Luna quickly shook her head in defiance. "The details matter not, it is the results that are counted." "Okay, then the second time around, you were defeated by six fillies. That's rather embarrassing." At once, Luna snapped to attention, her eyes wide with astonishment. "Only because they possessed the Elements of Harmony, dear sister!" "Ah, but the details do not matter, only the end result," I replied, a smirk upon my face. Luna remained silent for a time, mulling over my retort as she searched for a way out of this. "We will purge this conversation from our memory if thou likewise does the same," Luna mumbled, finally giving up. "I thought you might see things my way," I said with a slight chuckle. Likewise, Luna lightened up, offering a small burst of laughter. "Regardless of how it occurred, I feel most fortunate to have been defeated," she replied. "Otherwise, we would not be in this position to make amends with our sibling. But do tell, dost thou have an idea of what we are looking for amongst this collection? Certainly, it is understood the final goal is that of a transformation or reversion spell, but that is quite vague." "Not exactly," I said, trailing off with a bit of uncertainty as I glanced around. "What little knowledge I have of such spells has been gained through time and experience, and our 'normal' library did not gain us anything new. If we're going to stumble upon something that offers a more permanent fix, it's likely going to come from some sort of forbidden magic or ritual. I have some limited experience with dark magic, but not enough to help us right now." My sister did a double take as she herself began flipping through a leatherbound book. "Thou hast practiced dark magic? The one thing thou so vehemently opposed back in the time we both ruled?" I felt my face grow warm, embarrassed by my own opinions long ago being repeated back to me. "Yes, I know I was very much against such practices, and I have not dabbled in them at all in several years. I still believe such corruptive power to be dangerous," I admitted, clarifying my stance to my now skeptical sibling, whose gaze beheld a solemn and judgmental wariness. "But with you gone, the Elements no longer worked, and there were still adversaries who wished to spread harm and mischief across the land. I did what I had to in order to thwart such threats." "So that was why thou abandoned the Elements in the old castle," Luna mused, relaxing just a bit. "But why build a new Castle when the old one was suitable?" I blinked, waiting for Luna to break into laughter or smile, something to prove she was joking. Yet she remained straight-faced and quiet, waiting for my answer. "Did you not notice the gaping hole in the roof? Or the damaged pillars? Of course, it has deteriorated further as the years have gone by but there was no repairing the grave structural damage you caused," I said, not mincing words. "To be fair, it was both of us that caused damage, sister," Luna replied. "Regardless, it was time to move our residence, at that point in time, the Everfree Forest was becoming quite feral. But as for the Elements of Harmony, I had considered bringing them with me, had they not turned into paperweights. I could sense no magic within them, I assumed it had all been expelled by my sole use. Clearly, as Twilight Sparkle and her friends demonstrated, that was not the case." As I finished the impromptu history lesson, Luna's teal eyes lit up with inspiration, barely waiting for me to finish before speaking up. "Of course sister, the Elements of Harmony!" she shouted with excitement. "The magic within them has reverted me once, surely they are able to do it again!" "Luna, have you lost your mind? Why would you subject yourself to another rainbow blast?" I asked, my voice involuntarily raising as I spoke. "Besides that absurd idea if it were to even be considered, who is to say the outcome would be the same? It never has been in the past." Both of us fell silent, Luna looking rather uneasy with my harsh criticism I had served her. But it didn't take long before she turned her back to me, focusing on the shelf behind her as one by one, she pulled out and glanced at the aged collection. "Luna, I didn't mean to be that blunt, I just don't think it's a good idea," I apologized. But my sister remained steadfast in her search, as if she had not heard me. Cautiously, I shuffled over to her side, in an attempt to get her to notice, with no luck. "Sister, I'm sorry." "Yes, your apology was heard the first time. We were not offended, merely inspired with another idea," she replied, her voice monotonous as her focus remained on her search. "Care to elaborate? I won't be so rude." "Perhaps within these shelves is contained an instruction manual for the Elements." "Okay, I have to say, that might be even dumber than your original idea." *Thunk!* Pain lanced through my head as something struck me, my vision momentarily clouding over as I recoiled back by pure instinct. As the stars I was seeing cleared up, my focus turned to the floor, finding a large book that was not there a moment ago, my likely assailant. "Apologies, sister. In my current vapid state of mind, my magic must have failed fully handling that book," Luna said quietly. As I looked up to her, she was trying very hard not to smile, keeping her face buried into her current book as much as possible. I admit, I probably deserved that. Three hours had passed by, and the search through my private collection had bore no fruit. In that span of time, almost a quarter of the reading material I possessed had been exhausted, and I felt rather pessimistic about our chances finding something in the remaining books, even if it was well over a majority. "Tia, have we considered changeling magic?" Luna spoke up as I tossed my last book into the 'no' pile. "I'm not really sure what you're getting at," I replied, scanning the shelves for something, anything to catch my eye. "Yes, changelings can change their form as their special sort of magic ability, but that's basically what you're doing now." "It was merely an idea to toss out, we found a book with limited knowledge on the creatures," Luna commented, keeping her voice low. Evidently, my frustration was getting the best of me, and my sister looked quite taken aback and intimidated by my last comment. "I thought it perhaps possible to imbue an item with the magic of a changeling, thereby only needing a spark of my magic to allow a transformation to occur." "No, I understand, I didn't mean to snap at you. This is just more frustrating than I was expecting. It's a rather good idea, if one could find a changeling." "By the sounds of it, the creatures are not near as common as they once were." I shook my head somewhat forlornly. "No, their raids upon pony settlements were intolerable, and over the years their numbers were slowly squashed out. I personally am unable to recall the last report of changelings." "'Squashing them out' is an... interesting term to use," Luna noted, her face betraying the disgust she felt over such a phrase. "I don't mean that in the literal sense, Luna. The mess that would cause would be a headache to clean up. Trust me." "Right," Luna said, still rather unsettled. "However, we may be better suited to approaching this problem from another angle, as this path seems to be a dead end." "I'm listening," I said, signaling for her to continue. "Considering we have once been reverted to our normal form, the solution to the problem could be within the cause itself. Something had to have triggered the transformation back into this form I had been in previously." As she spoke, my sister rose off the floor back to her hooves, levitating the rather large mass of manuscripts we had rejected back onto the shelves one by one. I likewise joined her attempts to tidy up as I mulled over her suggestion. It was an intriguing idea, though it was hard to contemplate how exactly to narrow down the culprits. Luna had been in her younger form for about a week; clearly, the trigger had to be somewhere in that time frame. But that is where the simplicity ended. Or, perhaps the same trigger could be placed both in that week, as well as before her banishment... "Sister, how have you been feeling since your return to – er, normal life?" I asked, tiptoeing around the subject matter a bit. At once, Luna's head snapped to me, surprised by my inquiry. "It has been somewhat difficult, but I feel progress has been made. While the concern is appreciated, is there a particular reason you have suddenly asked?" "Well, have you been feeling... do you have doubts? In everything going somewhat back to normal? Not necessarily back to the way it was, of course, I just mean—" "Of course we have our doubts," Luna bluntly interjected. "After having failed once in controlling our emotions and allowing jealousy to cloud judgment, would it not be expected to have some concerns regarding our capabilities? Would it not be more concerning to have no reservations in returning to such an esteemed and demanding position?" As she spoke, Luna's voice grew increasingly louder, in tune with her imposing black wings unfurling themselves until they were spread out wide on either side above her, overshadowing her form like a specter slowly creeping in from the dark abyss. "So... you aren't quite comfortable and confident in yourself, I gather?" I quietly chimed in, my eyes motioning back and forth between my sister's face and her wings that all too well announced her agitation and excitement. She quickly took note of my shifting gaze, turning her head to see what was the matter before blushing profusely. Quickly she folded in her appendages. "We— I suppose I have my doubts regarding my self-control due to my past actions, yes," she admitted in a hushed tone, hanging her head a bit. "Luna, there's nothing to be ashamed of, to have some worries about adjustment back to life after what you have been through is normal -though I suppose the circumstances are a bit unique." "That doesn't really help, Tia," Luna replied, likely due to my last comment. I shook my head, trying to free my mind of the sudden lapse in thought. "Sorry. But I have to wonder, maybe you have done this to yourself, Luna. Not on purpose of course, but your emotions changed you once before, maybe that is the catalyst for the current issue." "If your hypothesis is correct, what hope do we have to revert back to our normal form?" "I have to note that kind of an attitude isn't going to help," I lightly chastised. "It's perfectly understandable to feel what you've been feeling, but you can't dwell on it, sis. This is a case where it may truly be mind over matter." "How do we even go about this? How am I to just let go of my personal anxieties that are not unfounded?" "Luna, with all due respect, please shut up and listen," I ordered, feeling my patience slip little by little. My sister only stared at me, dumbfounded by my sudden change in tone, allowing me to speak unimpeded. "I don't think you realize that there was a time before your banishment you had no issues with your attitude and self-esteem. Before our rule." Luna took a set upon her haunches, silent and at full attention. She only gave a slight nod, ushering me to continue. "Now, yes, you have had a rough go of it since then. But I am just as much at fault for what happened as you are, sister." "Halt with that talk, Tia, I will not le—" "Let me finish, sister. I will hear your comments and questions afterward," I interrupted. Luna backed down, once again holding her tongue and nodding in silence, even if she looked a bit frustrated as she dropped her eyes to the floor in front of her. "As I was saying, it was both our fault. You harbored jealousy within that eventually festered long enough compel you to act. However, I had always been a shoulder upon which you could lean, and I was not there for you. I did not push you to speak to me, even if I noted your change in behavior the preceding months. I let our royal duties – which indeed, are very important – become more important than our sisterly bond. I let the stress of our work prevent me from being there for you. So yes, I understand your guilt, because I feel much guilt over what transpired as well. We need to make time for each other again, Luna. Like we are doing right now." As I finished with my monologue, Luna's gaze returned to me, looking as if she were on the verge of tears. But not of sadness. "Come here," I goaded, leaning back and spreading both my forehooves and wings. I barely had time to brace myself before Luna tackled me, squeezing tightly around my midriff as I returned the favor. "We can do this, Luna. You can do this," I encouraged her, feeling my own emotions swell up. "It's just going to take some time and some effort." "Thank you, sister," I heard her mumble, finally loosening her grip on me a bit. "I assure you, I will not disappoint." "Nor will I, dearest sister. Moments like these are much too precious to be missed." While I had not paid much mind in the moment, as we both parted I realized why Luna had not chosen to hug me around my neck. I blinked a few times, being sure my eyes did not deceive me before I spoke up. "Well, I would say my hypothesis was correct, little sister," I said, unable to keep myself from a slight giggle. Indeed, while her visage remained the same, she was no longer of a size that mirrored mine. Luna quickly took note as well as she took in her surroundings from a vantage point at least a foot shorter than minutes before. She stomped a hoof as her confusion gave way to disgust. "Of all the things to change, why must our height be the first?!" she shouted in frustration, which only coaxed my laughter further. "Luna, it wasn't a problem to you until now," I reminded her. "Besides that, you are the younger sibling." "Only by a few years, Tia," she quickly tossed back. "Yes, I know. But on a positive note, your spell should be easier to cast, with less of you to shrink down." "Excuse our lack of excitement over the positive spin thou has placed upon this development," she grumbled. With a flash, her jet black coat shifted back to periwinkle blue, while her stature finished its reversion to the smaller size the world recognized as Princess Luna. I found myself somewhat dumbstruck by the sudden change. "Did you just do that on your own or..." "Indeed, I assume the hours spent down here are coming to a close, no?" As much as I did not want to admit it, Luna was right. It had been a nice change of pace to spend time with her, but this was by far the longest I had stepped away from my royal duties during the day. While it was likely closing in on sunset, there were still a few matters I would need to tend to before ending the day properly. "I suppose we might as well head back upstairs, there is nothing down here that can help us anyways. Hopefully, you won't feel the effects of waking up earlier than normal during the overnight hours," I said. "No need to worry about us, we will manage," she replied. I headed back up the narrow staircase that would meet up to my personal study, with my sister tailing close behind. The stale air that had settled in my secret chambers gradually lightened as our climb grew nearer to the top, and to the door leading outward. But just as I reached it, a strong odor hit my nostrils. It was familiar, yet I found myself unable to quite place the identity. "Luna, do you smell that?" I asked, turning my head back towards her. Even in the dimly lit space, I saw her quickly cringe and back up a few steps, glaring at me. "Why must you ruin the mood with juvenile humor?" she barked. "I'm not talking about that," I replied, rolling my eyes. "Come on." As I reached the door, my magic thrust it open. The smell was even stronger now as we entered my room proper, and I recognized the smell almost at the same time I spotted the source seeping through the doorway that led to the hall. Smoke. "Sweet merciful me, what is going on?!" I shouted. Frantically I rushed to the door without a second thought, pulling it open as my every instinct told me to just flee. What greeted my sight was nothing short of a circus, as multiple guards were tending to not just the carpeting set alight with flames, but numerous tapestries which adorned the walls. Others were galloping back and forth, seemingly in mindless panic. At last, a few moments of staring by me and my sister was enough to draw the attention of one stallion, who quickly stood and saluted. "Your Highnesses, apologies for the mess," he said, devoid of emotion. "I'll ask again, what in Equestria is going on here?" "One of the castle's servants had a minor accident as he was lighting the candles in the hall to prepare for the night. He bumped into a candelabra and lit some drapes afire," he replied with an almost absurdly calm voice. "That led to this scene... how?" Luna interrupted, in a state of awe. "Well – I... I don't know, actually. I just arrived here," the guard stuttered, embarrassed by his own words. "Do you need help with this?" I sighed. I could not help staring in amazement myself as a pair of unicorns tried to remove a tapestry from the wall with their hooves, rather than their magic. "No your majesty, there is no need to worry," he said, before turning around and barking orders to a few guards still standing around. I reluctantly turned to my sister, who likewise glanced at me, befuddled. "Why don't we get some fresh air for the time being?" I suggested, quickly turning away from the scene and heading down the hall. Luna joined me without hesitation, though she managed one last glance back for good measure. "It seems some issues have not changed from years past. Adequately skilled personnel are still difficult to attain, yes?" she asked. "Now you understand why it is so good to have you back," I said, shaking my head. Opportunity KnocksWhile the night sky does not receive the level of recognition and praise that my sister's sun garners, it is safe to say I have a much better appreciation for the subtle adorations it does gather. No longer am I bothered by the notions of popularity, for the night allows a calm upon the earth that the bright sun and business of the day can not provide. Indeed, it is my night that allows Equestria to rest and prepare for a new day. However, I must admit, presiding over the kingdom at night remains quite a dull affair. It is a truth that is unavoidable, even now as it was once long ago. What few disputes that are brought to my attention in the period between dusk and dawn are often simple in nature and take little more than a fleeting moment to resolve. Otherwise, my nights are often composed of mindless drivel such as paperwork, from permits to reports of various government entities. Yet with a new outlook upon my life and my duties, I am able to find a silver lining in what years past I would consider a wasted night. There was no greater appreciation for the free time available than the weeks following the return from my lengthy exile. It was no secret that my linguistics - and to a lesser degree, my etiquette - were vastly outdated by the standards of the present day. On numerous occasions I found myself repeating what I had just stated in a heavily revised manner, due to confusion on behalf of the other individual. Thus, what time I had to myself was spent reading whatever was at hoof written in a more modern style. Other nights had been spent just enjoying the quiet, enjoying being... here. Home. Such an extended time in isolation makes one appreciate the company of others, even if the other party is not the most comfortable on the other end. But I held no grudge against those who were perhaps leery of being within my presence. Certainly, not only had my reputation preceded my appearance, my first "appearance" only reinforced those preconceptions. So though my form had changed, ponies still found some difficulty placing trust in me. Of course, had anyone other than my sister known the struggle within in regards to my form... the road that lay ahead would have been even more trying. But it is quite likely the same quiet time that I found myself grateful for was the culprit for the seeds of self-doubt that soon sprouted. The train of thoughts that rushed through my head became less positive as the reality of the uphill battle I face soon became apparent. It was not long after my magic was required to hide the form that had for so long been relegated to stories of legend and terror. So, such distractions eventually led me to practice a skill I had developed and mastered during my banishment – lucid dreaming. Lucid dreaming was perhaps the only thing that allowed me to retain some semblance of sanity during those dark times. In fact, these fantasy creations during slumber had begun to transgress beyond sleep, into a state more akin to deep meditation. It took nary a blink of an eye for me to switch between reality and this queer realm, and I quite honestly thought nothing suspicious of the ability. Not until this particular night, when fate decided to make this... much more interesting. With only half of the night chewed away, I had managed to clean up all outstanding paperwork that had accumulated during the day that Tia did not complete. All of it was quite straightforward in nature, but nonetheless tedious to peruse and complete. How I long for the days when our diarchy was much more simple, and did not have such trifle matters to deal with on a daily - or in my case, nightly - basis. With outstanding duties completed and nothing in the meantime to do, I slipped away into my personal oasis. My surroundings melted away, their colors muting and darkening, while the warm glow of the candles dotting the room multiplied endlessly and scattered until I found myself awash in my night sky, surrounded by constellations. Yet it was not a serene feeling of peace that greeted me. In stark contrast to the visual display, a wave of fear enveloped me, interspersed with deep regret, sadness. To say the least, it was overwhelming, catching me by surprise enough that my breath was taken away. However, these feelings were not emanating from within my own being. Instead, I could sense these unwelcome emotions were seeping in from another direction, a sensation much like a cool burst of air sneaking past a drafty window. My instincts quickly spurred me to trace this invisible trail, as I floated amongst the stars and nebulae of my personal universe. My attention was focused solely on this mystery, trying to make sense of it as I searched for the origin. It did not take long, as the sensations became stronger as I traveled, until reaching ground zero – out here, in the void of space, was a door. "What in Equestria?!" I couldn't help but shout out. Clearly, my lucid dream had taken off down its own path, for this scenario was making less and less sense. I tepid worked my way around the mysterious door, able to see both sides, as it seemingly led nowhere. Yet the coloration was familiar, as were its markings. One solid piece, this door was mainly an off-white hue, but adorned with wavy stripes of pastel green, blue, and pink in various areas. But at eye level was a bold orange sun, a mirror image of my own sister's cutie mark. "Tia?" I mumbled quietly in confusion. I raised a hoof up to the door, carefully touching it as I readied myself to jump back if need be. Instead, the silence remained a constant, even as the door slowly opened inward. Only a dark void greeted my eyes, though the sense of strife only magnified as it swept outward toward me. I am not hesitant to admit, my own concern and uneasiness began to build. But as with any dream, there is often an underlying issue that spurns the sequence of events. To turn back would likely only delay this dream to a further date. In addition, this manifestation of the mind could not physically harm me; as alarming and confusing as it may be, there was no reason to stop investigating. Without another thought, I stepped through the door frame. In an instant, the darkness lifted, the environment warping back to the familiar appearance of the castle's interior. But rather than the throne room, I found myself within Celestia's forbidden archives once again, though it had nearly quadrupled in size compared to the reality I had seen firsthand but a few days ago. From floor to cavernous ceiling stood towering shelves, packed to the gills with countless texts. Only adding to the foreboding backdrop was the lack of light, provided by a few mere candles scattered about the room. But the sound of voices off to my right interrupted my sightseeing. Quickly, I spread my wings, afforded just enough room in the main aisle way to take flight and reach higher ground for a vantage point. As I climbed higher, I began to fully realize how cavernous this library truly was, and the inky darkness began to close around me. By the time I had reached the top of a bookshelf, it was difficult to even see my own hoof in front of me. However, the view down to the floor remained clear enough to make out, which was what I desired anyway. My ears flicked back and forth as I tried to sense where these voices were emanating from. It seemed to only be two, though what they were saying, I could not discern. Guided by my sense of hearing, I leapt from bookcase to bookcase, trying to be as quiet as possible. This was unlike any dream I had ever experienced, and I was not willing to take chances; perhaps this was not a dream at all? "...please, you must understand..." I head a familiar voice bleat. At once I recognized the voice - my sister. Another quick leap allowed me to look down upon the floor and finally spot her, as well as the other party involved in this conversation. "Oh, I understand. You're afraid of my potential, just like your previous student," growled a young voice. The lavender unicorn that spoke had cornered my elder sister in the corner formed by the wall and an adjacent shelf. "After all, I've already done something you could never do - save your sister." As the aggressor I now recognized as Twilight Sparkle spoke, her form shifted slightly, growing taller. In unison, Celestia's form condensed, shrinking bit by bit as she cowered. "I am grateful for that Twilight, but that does not mean you are ready for further study. I do not want to make the same mistake tw—" "Please, you have no room to lecture me," Twilight interrupted, continuing to change bit by bit. By now, her horn had begun to lengthen, just as my sister's began to recede into her forehead. It was as if Twilight was siphoning off Celestia's physical attributes as she continued on. "You aren't any better than Luna was - you are governed by your emotions. You couldn't do anything to stop her the first time, and did even less the second time. You had to rely on me. But somehow, I'm the one not ready for more advanced magic? I'm not ready to claim the power that is rightfully mine?" "Twilight, stop," Celestia mumbled, her voice higher-pitched than normal. By now, both Twilight's growth and Celestia's reversion had come to an end, with Twilight Sparkle looking like a recolor of what my sister would normally be. She had ascended to alicorn status, her wings folded neatly upon either side of her body, while her mane and become long and flowing, dotted with stars as it billowed in a nonexistent wind, belying the enormous reserves of magic she had stored within her. Meanwhile, Celestia's appearance was one I remember, but had not seen in eons. She retained her wings and horn, but her mane no longer flowed with a pastel rainbow. Instead, it hung limply like the average pony, and colored a pale pink. Her whole form had shrunk, regressed back to the age of a filly. I had no idea what was happening, but it did not matter – this scene sickened me. "Silence thy tongue and back away from our sister!" I shouted, jumping off my lofty perch downward. My wings eased the drop as I neared the floor, touching down in between the two. "Luna?" came the young voice of my sister. I nodded silently as I turned my full attention to Twilight. "Thou has some nerve speaking to my sister with such disrespect. Even moreso, whatever spell thou has cast to empower thyself whilst draining Celestia cannot be anything other than some sort of dark magic. Yet thou think'st thyself the better?" "This doesn't concern you," Twilight replied, taking a step towards me. "Get out of the way." "Thou will not lay a hoof upon my sister!" I shouted, taking a step forward. Much to my surprise, my voice was amplified, more than twice the power of my Royal voice as it was unleashed upon my foe. Twilight Sparkle braced herself from the shockwave. But with a cry of despair, a blinding light enveloped her form, before dissipating just as quickly, taking her with it. "What was that?" I mumbled, not quite sure what I had just witnessed. I felt something wrap itself around my forelegs and looked down. Sure enough, the filly version of my sister had grabbed ahold of me, hugging as tightly as possible, her eyes squeezed shut. Gingerly, my magic pried her off, my desire to make sense of everything too overwhelming to delay the ensuing barrage of questions I had. "Tia, is that really you?" I asked, setting her down as I myself settled down, sprawled upon the floor. Celestia nodded her head, gratitude pouring out from her beaming smile. "Yes. But are you really Luna?" she asked, suddenly looking as confused as I felt. "How did you get here?" "I am Luna, but what exactly is 'here'?" I replied with my own inquiry. Celestia merely tilted her head, her brow furrowing as she considered my question. "No, you can't be you, this doesn't make any sense," she whined. "None of this makes s—" Abruptly, my sister disappeared, followed quickly thereafter by my surroundings. I found myself falling through a black abyss, the sensation of speed increasing rapidly before I snapped back to reality. My eyes quickly darted around as I tried to catch my breath, before realizing I was where I began – in the throne room of the castle, in the middle of the night. Everything that had just transpired was indeed a dream. Yet somehow, my control had been wrested away, without my knowledge. While I took a deep breath, my heart was still racing with the apparent hypnic jerk I had just experienced, though my mind had calmed considerably. But I noted my personal guard staring at me, wide-eyed and frozen in place. It was then I took note my vantage point was higher than it should be. As I looked down to take stock of myself, my fears were realized - at some point, my spell had failed me, as black fur and hooves greeted my sight. Out of the corner of my eye, I also sighted my ethereal mane, complete with stars, billowing rapidly in time with my excitement and agitation. "Are you the only one to lay eyes upon me?" I asked bluntly, turning my attention to the dumbfounded pony. He offered no reply nor movement for confirmation, still frozen in place. My magic took hold of my form once again, my eyesight vanishing in a blinding flash as I reverted back to the visage of my more accepted self. "I will ask again, are you the only one to have seen me tonight?" I repeated, rising off the throne. Finally, the guard snapped out of his trance as he nodded slowly. "Very good," I replied, somewhat relieved. I provided no warning as I concentrated on my inner reserves, charging up a spell before unleashing it upon my servant. The blue aura took hold of his head as it seeped inward, his eyes glazing over momentarily before my magic dissipated from existence, leaving no trace as the stallion before me lost the fear he once held, trading it in for confusion as his awareness returned. I vehemently despise using such spells as memory wipes; their use feels sinister and immoral. Nevertheless, I suppose it was a better alternative to questioning the psychological well-being of an individual, insisting they were imagining my visage as being that of Nightmare Moon. Furthermore, such a simple solution would have limited use; it would become clear with more and more individuals affected that the same sights they claimed to witness could not be a coincidence. Fortunately, this had only been the third time I had slipped up. "Is something troubling you?" I asked quietly, the guard pony slowly taking in his surroundings. After a moment he finally turned his attention to me, looking quite lost. "I... yes, I am fine, your Highness," he answered, albeit slowly. "I must apologize, I am not used to being up at these hours." "No need for apologies, it is understandable," I said, playing it off with a wave of my hoof. "Please, feel free to take a moment to fetch something for yourself, perhaps take a short stroll to revitalize the stagnant mind." "Yes your Highness, thank you," he said, taking advantage of my offer. With a nod and a final glance at me, he shuffled off, looking rather unbalanced as he headed out of the room, disappearing from sight. His hoofsteps faded away at a slow and steady pace as well, before I finally relaxed, a crisis averted. But my mind was not at complete ease, for I still found myself unable to piece together what exactly had happened during my attempt at lucid dreaming. It was not new to have my creation meander away from my original intentions, but on this occasion, it had galloped off in a completely different direction. But the most bothersome item in the whole dream was my sister's reaction during the whole ordeal. Yes, she looked and sounded upset, and quite afraid. Yet there was something else - an expectation of what was to occur. This was most obvious in her reaction to my appearance and vanquishing of her deranged pupil. But even before I had jumped in, she seemed to... just accept her fate. I began to openly wonder if it was possible I had somehow transcended my own dream realm and stumbled upon hers; certainly, I had never heard of such a thing, but that night was just too bizarre to brush away. Perhaps in time I would have "come to my senses" and dismissed the ordeal as a wild dream, had fate not stirred the cauldron one final time. For whatever reason, I pulled myself from my thoughts and looked up in time to see my sister's colorful mane pass by in the hall. It was only due to the guard leaving the doors to the main hall slightly ajar, and the gap only offered a split second glimpse, but nonetheless, the timing was uncanny. "Tia!" I called out, trotting down the steps to the floor and out the door. Sure enough, my sister had only gotten a few paces away as I burst out into the hall. I saw her jump just a bit, clearly startled by my sudden appearance. "Luna, you scared me," she gasped, her eyes as big as saucers as she turned around to face me. "Is everything all right?" "I was about to ask you the same question. What are you doing up and about this late into the night?" "Oh, I just woke up and felt a bit thirsty. I'm headed for the kitchen right now," she replied. Right away I knew she was lying, and not just because of the obvious fact the castle has staff that could fetch her something upon request. A thousand years apart has not diminished my ability to read my sister like a book, and the slight flick of her left ear as she responded to my inquiry was a nervous tic I remember well. "Sister, please do not lie to me," I replied calmly. Celestia's ears dropped as she blushed slightly, realizing I had not fallen for her excuse. "It's nothing Luna, really," she protested. "I'm just having an issue clearing my mind for sleep. It happens from time to time." That was all I needed to be convinced our paths had crossed in another realm. While my mind still told me it was impossible, my heart told me to go forward. "Nightmares have been afflicting you for a time, haven't they?" I suggested, much to the surprise of Celestia. "But tonight, tonight's dream was different, wasn't it?" "I— yes, but how—" Celestia struggled to put words together as her reaction confirmed my beliefs – somehow I had tapped into an ability, to sense the turmoil affecting the unconscious mind during slumber. "I do not know, Tia. But this certainly requires further discussion to try to understand the forces at work," I replied. Celestia sighed, nodding her head. "So much for getting back to sleep tonight. Come, let's go back to my room for privacy." "So what I was feeling emotionally in my dream, you could sense that in yours?" I nodded my head. "Yes, I have done this exercise many times, but this experience is unique. How often have you had this nightmare?" Celestia fidgeted upon her bed, reluctant to open up about her woes. "I don't know, a couple of weeks maybe? It's not every night, sister." "Considering I have passed the time through more than a few dull nights by lucid dream, why have we not crossed paths sooner?" I wondered aloud. "So you at least admit to sleeping when you are supposed to be completing your duties?" Celestia replied sternly, asking her own questions. "No, as I said earlier, it is more of a meditation. I do not necessarily fall asleep," I protested. "But you have in the past?" "Would it be possible to focus on the more pressing issues at hoof?" I quickly suggested. At once, Celestia broke into a light chuckle. "Luna, relax," she said quietly, easing up on her tone. "I'm just teasing you, I know what nights are like around here." "Really? How so?" "Well, for a short time after what happened between us, I tried to stay up past the raising of the moon in case there were still ponies used to having their disputes settled at that time," she explained. "Let's just say I garnered a better understanding for your frustrations." "It would have been more desirable had you gained that understanding before our banishment," I mused, mostly joking. "Remember, you never told me how you felt, so I couldn't help you. Let's learn from our mistakes," she instructed. "Indeed we shall. After such a comment, I feel it is only fair you share with me what troubles your mind to the point of manifesting such a nightmare. Talking about it can only be constructive in dealing with your issues, correct?" I said, leaning in with a sly smile. Celestia was less amused by my ploy. "You set me up with that comment, didn't you?" "It is a possibility, I suppose," I teased playfully. But with the jokes aside, I quickly regained a more serious demeanor. "I want to help you, Tia. You are helping me deal with the situation I have found myself in upon our return. While I may not know how or why I was able to sense your distress, I wish to take advantage of the circumstances and repay the favor. Please." Celestia remained silently hesitant for a short time, her reluctance to face her inner unrest and personal thoughts at odds with the desire to be rid of the troubling nighttime scenarios. But with a sigh, she finally nodded, closing her eyes. "What do you want to know, sister?" "Well," I started, pausing as I pondered where to begin. "I suppose the most curious piece of your dream is that of Twilight Sparkle. I cannot help but remember your opposition to her helping us sort out the mess that is your private collection, and her words somewhat reflected those same concerns of which you shared. You do not actually fear she will become more powerful, do you?" "Of course not," my sister quickly replied, shaking her head. "She is a truly gifted student, one of the best I have ever had attend my private school. If I was afraid of such a thing, I wouldn't have taken her under my wing personally." "But you fear she will develop a thirst for power?" As if on cue, Celestia's eyes dropped away from me to the floor. "A little bit, I suppose. Yes," she admitted quietly. "It is a fine line on how to pace lessons. Too cautious and the pupil grows bored, too quickly and you can overwhelm them. Even then, it's hard to be sure that their desire for learning is sincere curiosity, and not something more... devious." "While I cannot speak too much as I have yet to personally meet her, I would say Twilight seems to be receptive to your lessons for the right reasons. Not to mention the Elements chose her and her friends. We don't understand the full potential of the magic they contain, but certainly the Tree of Harmony chose wisely," I said, reflecting back on the memory of acquiring the Elements. "But Twilight said something else in your dream, a mistake regarding another student." "I have to question myself because I've already failed once in judging the integrity of a personal pupil. I could not bear to see another student I care about turn into somepony so selfish as to only desire power for themselves." "As I did," I finished. Celestia's shoulders slumped as she nodded forlornly. "Yes, I suppose so. I just feel like I can't trust myself anymore. How can I with you, Sunset Shimmer—" This 'Sunset Shimmer,' that is the student whom you had before Twilight?" "It's been a few years now, but yes. I thought she was ready for advanced magic, but instead she turned against everything I stand for. She only saw the power she could wield for herself rather than what she could do to make the world a better place." "And where is she now?" "Gone," she replied abruptly, the bluntness of her short response catching me by surprise. "And by 'gone,' you mean—" "No, I did not do anything to her, Luna. The situation never became that serious. But she found the room where I keep most of Starswirl's magical items and research left behind when he disappeared, including that mirror we always wondered about." "The one that supposedly contains a portal to another world," I said, not hiding my skepticism. Starswirl the Bearded was a wonderful mentor, but I must admit, his later years before his sudden disappearance, he became rather... eccentric. Some of his claims I never believed, including that silly mirror. "It does act as a portal to another world, Luna. Starswirl's writings were true," Celestia argued. "It only opens at certain times, and I caught Sunset Shimmer jumping through it the night in question." "You did not follow her?" "Do you think that's a good idea? Going through to another dimension that we know nothing about, or what lies beyond in wait? I hope she is alright, and may return someday – but to follow her on a whim, that was out of the question." "Apologies, sister, I did not mean to question your morality in this scenario," I responded, recognizing I had touched a sensitive subject, and in more ways than one. Both of us were left mystified upon Starswirl the Bearded's abrupt disappearance, not long before my rebellion. Not only had we lost a trusted mentor, but we had also lost a dear friend. Still today, neither of us have any inkling on what happened. I shook my head free of any further questions, having gotten too far removed from the reason for this discussion. "I understand you feel some guilt over your misplaced trust, but what is the alternative, sister? To trust nopony? That has not ever been your nature, and I pray it never comes to such a point." "So you're saying I should just keep taking chances?" Her tone was uncharacteristically negative as her eyes almost dared me to refute her. "Sister, was it not you just a few days ago that instructed us not to be so pessimistic when somepony is offering help?" I replied. My sister's answer was quick and wordless, her face turning bright red with embarrassment as she bit her tongue. "What I am saying is it is impossible to truly know what lies within the heart of a pony. While it is you who decides the pony you see with the potential to benefit from your personal teachings, it is still up to that pony what he or she does with that knowledge, be it benevolent or something decidedly less so. You can only do so much, and this school you have developed – while I admit I do not know the specifics – sounds like an admirable undertaking. You want to share what you know to better their lives, and in turn, help these individuals better the lives of their families and friends. Through it, you have gotten me back, haven't you? If it weren't for your trust in Twilight Sparkle, she would have never made the friends she did, and in turn, come to possess the Elements of Harmony that freed me. You showed her the path, and she chose the path you had hoped." My words hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity, my sister remaining silent. Though it was clear my monologue had gotten her attention, as her eyes were locked onto me, almost uncomfortably so. "Luna, I want you to answer one thing for me," she finally mumbled, taking me by surprise. "I- Yes. I will do my best, what is it?" "How in Equestria did you come to that whole conclusion from what I described to you in such short notice?" "Tis a gift, I suppose. Looking past the emotions to understand the logic that has created the problem in the first place. I sincerely hope you are asking such a question because you found my advice helpful?" For the first time that night, my sister's fatigue seemed to melt away, as her smile finally showed itself. "While it's hard to say whether the nightmare will return, I have to say talking about this with you feels like a weight has been lifted from me. Thank you, Luna." "You are quite welcome. As I said, you have helped me adapt back into Equestrian life, it pleases me to be able to return the kindness. You are just being too hard on yourself, judging by not only your dream, but your reactions as we have gone into further discussion. I understand that you care, but you cannot control what others do even as you lay the path ahead of them. Unless you use mind control, which I assume is taboo in the present day." Celestia blinked. "Luna, mind control spells have always been taboo." "Oh. My mistake." My sister did not reply, her eyes narrowing with suspicion as I stood beside her bed. After a few moments, I could take the pressure no longer, my silent stoicism broken with a short giggle. "Tia, I merely jest. I have never dabbled in such vile practices." To my surprise, Celestia let out a deep sigh of relief, before finally letting out a small chuckle herself. "I should have known you were joking. Clearly, this lack of sleep is catching up with me," she replied, glancing at the clock on her bedside table. Already the time was nearing half past two in the morning. In about four hours' time, it would be my turn to pass on the ruling duties to Celestia and allow myself to rest. "I sincerely hope I have helped ease your mind enough to get some rest during the remaining hours of the night," I said, rising to my hooves in preparation to leave. With impeccable timing, Celestia let out a great yawn, nodding her head. "I've gotten less sleep and been fine for a day's work, don't worry about me. Again, thank you sister. Good night." "Good night," I said as I stepped out into the hall, closing the door behind me. With a renewed energy, I bounded back towards the throne room to finish off the night. ===== "Good evening, Luna." I looked up from my bran muffin and tea breakfast in time to see Celestia strut into the dining room, looking surprisingly vibrant despite it nearing the end of the day. "Yes, Tia, good evening. You are looking quite well," I commented. My sister took a seat next to me, her face graced with a warm smile and an eagerness I had not seen in a few days. "I feel quite well, I feel... free," she announced, spreading her wings wide to emphasize her point. "I guess what we discussed last night was weighing on me even more than I realized." "I must say, while I am glad I was able to settle your troubled mind, I did not expect such a drastic shift in your mood. But it is a pleasant surprise, nonetheless. Do not hesitate in the future to open up to me with your troubles, sister." Celestia gleefully nodded, before pausing. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that. Today was oddly calm, so I had some time to think." "You did not hurt yourself?" I asked, as my sister's smile twisted into a look of absolute confusion. "I— Er, what do you mean, sister?" "You said you had some time to think today, I know that can be a taxing undertaking for somepony not used to using thought process," I replied, doing my best to keep a straight face. Celestia did not bother, as she let out a long chuckle. "I should have known where you were going with that comment," she said, sticking her tongue out at me playfully. "But joking aside, do you think you could figure out how you got into my dream and replicate the process?" Before I answered her, I mulled the question over, trying to understand where her train of thought was headed. Were there other troubling dreams she had been having lately? "I would assume it is possible sister. It may take some time to fully make sense of the underlying powers or mechanisms, but I would imagine it can be done again. Why do you ask?" "Well, I know you have been finding presiding over Equestria at night to still be rather uneventful and boring, but I wonder if this is not an opportunity for you to shine in your own way. After all, I surely am not the only pony to be haunted by the same nightmare more than once." "You propose I try to help others with their troublesome dreams?" I asked. My sister merely nodded her head, as my mind quickly took off with the implications of this proposal. "Would that not be a gross invasion of privacy, sister? To walk amongst the innermost thoughts, fears, and desires of our subjects as they slumber?" "I'm not asking you to spy on them, Luna. You said yourself, you could sense my feelings which led you into my nightmare. Just hone in on that, the negativity. Besides that, this is something that does not need to be shared, but confidential assistance, between you and the pony you're helping, kind of like a doctor." Quickly I scoffed upon hearing her comparison. "Sister, with all due respect, do not dare compare me to those butchers. How can leeches and blood-letting even be considered helpful? You forget the last time I let one of those hacks help us, we—" "Luna, that age of medicine died out centuries ago," Celestia quickly chimed in, eager to cut my tirade short. "You were right, the practices back then did nothing." "Ha!" I shouted, jumping up onto the dining room table. "I knew it, and yet everypony said I was the crazy one!" "Luna, I think you're missing the point of this," my sister said with a sigh. "Perhaps we can get back to the topic at hand?" "Only after I hear you say I was right again," I replied, leaning in toward her with a smirk. "Just one more time, but slower." "I hate when you get like this." "Say it!" I shouted, pointing a hoof at her accusingly. Celestia rooted her eyes, her horn lighting up with magic as I felt myself being picked up and placed back in the chair I had been in moments ago. "You were right, Luna. But enough of that," she said with a grin. "I just wanted to give you something to think about, I'll leave the decision up to you. Have a good night, Luna." "Good night, Tia, I will consider it tonight, and perhaps see if I can once again enter your dreams. Once I get everything else completed of course." I rose from my seat again as Celestia came closer to me, sharing a hug before retiring to her quarters. As I began my shift in earnest, I found myself rather excited by the prospect of being... well, more useful. Of course, it would be months of trial and error before this art was mastered, but as it is often said, the rest is history. Breaking Barriers"Where should we go this evening?" "Ah Ah. I chose yesterday, you get the honors today." I stood there awkwardly as I tried to make up my mind, as my little sister leaned forward upon the tabletop in front of her. "How about the gardens? It is a lovely evening," I suggested. A quick nod and grin was confirmation from Luna as she scooted out of her seat and onto her hooves. "Lead the way," she said, beckoning me forward with an out-spread foreleg. This had rapidly become one of my favorite parts of any day. Sometimes we would do it in the morning - other occasions, like tonight, took place with my setting sun providing the backdrop. It did not matter; for at least one hour, everything else faded away, and it was just us. Siblings. Spending what little time that existed between shift changes was not enough time to really have a good conversation, to unwind and let our thoughts flow freely. So, rather than just a short pause between our respective turns presiding over the kingdom, at least once each day we allowed ourselves a break to spend time together. It worked better than I had hoped, for I feared even in the lull of the morning or evening, tasks would quickly pile up. Of course, had I really stopped and thought about it, I had been taking care of Equestria during the days and left the throne absent during the night for many years. It had hardly ever been an issue. I had offered to spend every evening with my sister after a day's work, but Luna had insisted that we alternate, to make it fair. She was concerned that I would be more fatigued due to the hectic schedule I often dealt with during my duties. But to the contrary, I found our time spent together to be rejuvenating. Of course, the fresh air certainly helped. Even with the windows wide open, the air inside the castle was always stagnant. "So, you certainly seem full of energy this evening. I assume today went well?" Luna inquired. "It was oddly calm today, yes," I replied, thinking back over the events. Truth be told, today had been overwhelmingly dull by my standards. Though with the end of the month near, paperwork and reports would be filling my days all too soon. "I would expect much of the same for you this evening. I left nothing outstanding that needs your attention right away." "My word, that is unlike you to finish everything up," Luna teased. "I suppose if nothing else, I can continue trying my hoof at dream exploration." "How is that going? I've been meaning to ask, but it's slipped my mind for whatever reason." "Slow, unfortunately," Luna lamented, as the two of us reached the outdoors. In unison, we took a deep breath, relishing the fragrance of an Equestrian summer evening. "I should have expected as much, but I still find myself rather discouraged by the lack of success thus far." "I know it's easy to get discouraged, but I'm sure once you did... whatever you did – again, you'll get it down pat," I said, trying to raise her spirits. "It is just so frustrating because I can sense the portals, or doors – I suppose it matters little how we refer to them – and if I focus on one in particular, I can make the entrance appear. But the ability to open it and pass through has eluded me thus far. It is quite maddening when all it should take is a simple push." Minding the stairs that led to the gravel path we would be following, I stared at my sister, blinking a few times. At any moment I expected her to break into a smile, for it sounded to me like she had made great progress. Yet her expression remained rather dour, even as she noted me fixed on her. "Is there an issue?" she asked warily. "Luna, you don't think being able to sense more than one path into others' dreams is progress? It's only been a few weeks, that sounds quite the accomplishment to me!" "You believe I am setting my expectations too high, I assume?" "Too high for such a short period of time, yes," I quickly clarified. "You need to keep in mind that, as far as I know, you are the only one to have done such a feat that you accomplished. So it most certainly is a complex task." "Nevertheless, I have no inclinations of giving up, Tia," Luna replied, her pessimism dying away as she offered a smile. "But while we are on the subject, have you had any reoccurrence of your nightmare since the night in question?" I shook my head. "Nope, I've been completely nightmare free, thanks to you. I can't remember the last time I've slept so well." "You have been having other nightmares previous to this particular incident?" "No, it's just... well, we don't face the same situations as years ago where our concerns were more grave, such as the specter of war looming between various groups, but there are still items from time to time that have kept me up at night. That's all." "I see you have not changed much in all these years, taking your duties with you to bed," Luna said, an odd mix of light-hearted poking and sympathy carried in her voice. "But have you not had advisors or somepony you can confide in to ease your mind through the years?" Internally, I found myself cringing at her question, finding this topic to be getting less and less uplifting. Apparently, I had a reaction physically, as Luna was quick to backtrack. "I do not mean to pry, sister. I am merely attempting to make constructive conversation," she spouted. Both of us stopped next to an expansive flowerbed, coincidentally filled with my sister's favorite – lavender. I stared down, watching as a slight wind began a waving rhythmic dance amongst the plants, easing back and forth in a carefree manner. "I suppose it was not by chance this patch of lavender exists in the garden nearest your window?" Luna commented, her gaze rising to the castle. "No, it was planned. It was the first thing planted here in Canterlot, I made sure of it," I replied, still fixed upon the sea of purple before me. I do not know how long I stood there in silence, just staring. My mind flashed back to many a sleepless night, some just days after our confrontation, others many years afterward. Not all were caused by the same thought running through the mind – many were as I described, difficult decisions that my royal title forced me to make. But they often led to the same place, and led me to this spot. In the early years of our rule, Luna had been – as I have mentioned before – the voice of logic and reason when we faced a problem. I was more often than not the voice of emotion, yearning for fairness, of justice, of harmony. Perhaps those two viewpoints sound like oil and water, yet the two of us made it work, time and time again. Certainly, we had our heated moments, but sooner or later cooler heads would prevail, and a compromise composed of both our viewpoints would form. The years after Luna's exile were difficult to adjust as a result. I didn't have the balance I had been so used to, nor did I have my confidant. It was an on and off battle for a long, long time. I had lost a part of myself. "Sister, if you are not ready to talk, I understand," Luna said quietly, breaking me from my trance. I turned to her, finding her teal eyes swimming with concern as she studied me. I took a deep breath and nodded my head. "Another time, Luna, thank you." "I sense there is quite a bit of turmoil that has built up within over these years. All I ask is you promise me you will release it to us at some point, when you feel it is most appropriate. Learn from my mistake, do not bottle it up." "I promise, sister. Stop fretting over me," I replied, offering her a smile as consolation for my hesitance. In turn, she perked up a bit, though I could still tell she was worried about me. Both of us moved onward from the flower patch, down the path that led towards various decorative statues and shrubs. "I must say I never expected to see such lush greenery around the castle, Tia. I never took you for a pony with a green hoof," Luna teased. "You know my earth pony skills are sorely lacking," I chuckled, much to my sister's delight. "No, this was a cumulative effort from many ponies over the years. It started out with just the patch of lavender that I had planted and has grown from there. As Canterlot has grown, the garden has expanded in the same way, balancing nature with architecture." "That was something we never had to worry about in our former residence," Luna mused with a slight smirk. "No, the Everfree Forest made sure of that. Its ferocity was helpful in defense from would-be raiders in those early days, but it did lack manners." "That it did, sister," Luna giggled. Abruptly, her laughter fit ceased as her eyes fell upon something unexpected just ahead of us. "That cannot be what I think it is." "What?" I asked, confused by her sudden shift in mood. As she trotted forward at a brisk pace, I followed her gaze to one of the more curious statues to adorn the garden. "Ah, that." I reached Luna's side as she stood before the subdued grey statue. Standing roughly the same height as me, the subject was that of a draconequis, caught in the last moments of a hard fight but inevitable defeat. Its face was twisted in a combination of anger and horror, both a fearsome display and an ominous warning. Though not many ponies would pick up upon the latter. "Is this actually—" "Yes, it is genuine, Luna," I interrupted. "You don't approve?" "Why in Equestria would you put Discord on display?" she demanded, her voice betraying more than a hint of disapproval. "Well, he didn't object to the idea," I joked, much to Luna's surprise. Her attention was drawn to me at once as I tried my best to stifle a laugh. She did not seem as amused. "You are aware of the serious consequences were he to return to normal and run rampant upon the world, yes?" she asked sternly. "Of course I am, Luna. What better way to keep an eye on him than have him on display for everypony to see?" I suggested. "Perhaps seal his petrified form away in a cell. Or destroy the statue and scatter the remains to the four corners of Equestria?" "You know as well as I do locking him away would do nothing – our magic cannot contain him if the Elements' magic were to give up," I replied. "And while your other suggestion could solve the currently nonexistent issue permanently, that sounds rather harsh, don't you think?" Luna could not contain herself as she scoffed at my rebuttal. "Do you not remember the insanity he brought upon the land? The endless chaos for – and I quote, 'a little fun'?" "Yes, and I also recall that while his antics were out of control, he never brought harm to anypony. I understand what you're saying sister, I am not ignoring your concerns. But there is a fine line between justice and cruelty, is there not?" While not overly thrilled with my reasoning, Luna took a deep breath and nodded. "I must admit, you do have a fair point. But I still fear what would happen were he to return, Tia." "But what makes you think he will?" I asked, rather absent-minded at the moment. Luna cleared her throat, flaring out her expansive periwinkle wings for display as her teal eyes locked onto me expectantly. "Oh, right," I replied flatly, mentally facehoofing at my own vapidness. "You even predicted that I would return, did you not? I spied a copy of the book Twilight Sparkle had perused in the library shortly before the events transpired." I shook my head forlornly. "No, I don't know who wrote that," I said, biting my lip as the story flooded back into my memory. Twilight had brought the legend back into the forefront of my mind with her letter the day I made the decision to further her studies. The book she had found was in fact very old, at least a few centuries. Yet it was still many, many years after the events had taken place. After that day so long ago, one could understand I was reluctant to discuss what had happened. As a result, the ensuing generations began to forget as their parents did not pass on the history, or the tale was skewed with embellishments to enhance the story. Certainly, the basic story remained the same, albeit making my sister the villain and exonerating me of blame. As well as adding on the thousand year prophecy. "Tia?" Again I had zoned out; as I snapped back to reality I found Luna looking up at me. Just the sight of her – my little sis – began to crumble the dam within me. I could not hold back any longer as I became aware I was slightly trembling. "I don't know who wrote that Luna," I repeated quietly, my voice matching the unsteadiness of the rest of me. "Because I thought—" I couldn't bring myself to finish my sentence, and as I choked back the first sob, the cascading torrent within me finally smashed through what was left of my resolve. I dropped to the dusty ground in a heap as the tears began to flow freely, my head hung low as I shut my eyes tightly. "Sister, do not hold back any longer. You need to let this out. Set it all free," I heard Luna goad, almost pleading with me. I became aware of a tingling sensation, suffused through the air before piercing my entire form. Just a quick glance of the floor told me Luna had teleported us to somewhere private, as the familiar rug in the center of my room lay underneath me. "I thought you were gone forever, Luna," I managed to slip out between gasps. "I'm sorry, it's just so selfish of me." "Tia, no," Luna pleaded, as I sensed her move to my side and lay down. In an instant, her wing was draped over me in comfort. "That's not selfish, why would you think that?" "I did it to you, I sent you away," I argued, tears making a mess of my face as they saturated my fur. "I could have done something else –# I should have tried something else, seeing what the Elements of Harmony have done to the opposition in the past. Then all I could think about was me, how much I missed you, how much I needed you. All about me." "Stop it," Luna scolded. Her hoof slipped underneath my chin, directing my head to turn towards her. Through my blurred vision, I could see she was upset with what I had to say. "Is it not true? How can I think all of that when I was the reason you were gone?" "I didn't give you a choice, Celestia. I understand what you are trying to say, but you did what was best for Equestria as a whole. You were not thinking of yourself in that moment, you were thinking of the ponies you swore to protect," Luna explained, her own voice beginning to waver. "I recall you trying to reason with me, but I certainly was not of sound mind at that point. I had already made up my mind, I was going to... I was set on being rid of you." I could not argue with her on that aspect. Even today I can vividly recall that look in her eyes - even before she changed. There was no warmth contained within them, no love. Just cold determination. Determined to overcome the obstacles that lay before her, to reach a goal beyond I don't believe she knew or understood. I was nothing but a barrier that needed to be destroyed. Yet, in that moment I was torn. The mindless ambition, the absolute insanity that lay within her desire for eternal night could not be allowed. Just as the sun cannot hold its place in the sky permanently, neither could the moon. Not without grave consequences that would affect all life in the world. "Celestia, whatever you are thinking, talk to me. I do not care whether you think you may offend me or hurt my feelings, you need to let it go," Luna pleaded, herself in tears now as I focused my eyes upon her. "Please." "I didn't want to hurt you, sis. I was so scared of what you might do, but I didn't want to harm you," I blubbered. "But it was like you were somepony else - possessed by somepony else. The malice in your eyes, the anger that you expelled - you did not have the same reservations. I couldn't stop you by myself, because I wasn't willing to risk what may happen if I were to match your strength." Luna looked nauseated by what I had to say, but she nonetheless nodded her head, urging me onward as she wiped her eyes with her other wing. Of course, this train of thought had lost its brakes, and it wasn't going to be stopped until it ran out of steam even if I wanted. "The Elements of Harmony were the only thing I could think of using. I just remember praying to the mystical energy within them, to anything - anyone - that would listen, to just stop you without hurting you. And then..." "Then I was gone," Luna finished for me. I could only nod as a fresh stream of tears flooded my eyes. I didn't need to see anything, for my mind was replaying in vivid detail the events as I described them, burned into my head for eternity. "I regretted it right away. I don't know what else I could have done, but I wish I had never done that. I saw what happened, I saw your fate decided as the Elements worked their magic. I watched the moon change, watched the shadow grow over it. I just -" "You have never discussed this with anypony, have you?" Luna asked. "No, I didn't dare. Nopony could understand what I had to do, and as word got out across the land, I was hailed as— they celebrated me. How does one even begin to try to argue against something like that? How do you refute a claim everypony is so dead set upon, sister?" I asked, almost demanding an answer from her. "I... I do not know," she replied, the slightest hint of fear in her voice at my reaction. "I refused to talk about it, Luna. I vehemently opposed any sort of celebrations, mentions of it in my presence. Because I could not stand to hear it, hear you being remembered like that. I just hoped one day – somehow – you would come back. But the Elements— they just seemed to die, they lost all energy and magic within them. Weeks turned into months, months into years..." "You never forgot about me?" Luna's question caused me to drop all thoughts from my head, clear of all the turmoil that had been festering for so long. I couldn't even begin to form an answer for an inquiry like that. In that instant, I rolled onto my side, grabbed her lithe form and just squeezed her tight. "Eeep!" Luna squealed in surprise. "Luna, I would never forget you. I cannot even begin to fathom what you went through, nor do I want to undermine your plight. But this whole time, all these years - I just wanted to go back. All I wanted to was to undo what I did, before that night, go back and fix everything. This wait was just... it never really got easier. Only distractions from the thoughts kept the pain away." Both of us just lay there in dead silence, just holding each other. Only the occasional sniffle or deep breath from one of us broke the overwhelming quiet. What was there to really say? I'd waited so long to have her back, I had tried to steel myself away from all these sorrows and regrets. I suppose in a way, I had forgotten how much it all hurt because it had become normal. I was used to it. With my little sis back, experiencing this high I did not know would ever come, I came to recognize how deep the abyss within me had burrowed. Yet, how does one even begin to describe something like I experienced to somepony? How do you explain a wait that long to somepony, who can never understand or feel that long of a wait? For most, ten years feels like an eternity. That length of time, with my seemingly-endless age and experience, was naught but an afternoon. But in this moment – being together again, sharing the pain, draining the sorrows that I had accumulated – time seemed to no longer flow. I have not the slightest idea how long my little sister and I just held each other. It was only the nagging sensation of my celestial body eager to rest for the night that broke up our embrace. "I suppose it is time to switch our places for the night, Luna," I said quietly. With reluctance, I pulled myself away from her, taking note of the damp fur upon my chest, and upon Luna's face. She did not seem enthused about the abrupt end either, but nonetheless nodded with a serene smile. Pushing open the doors to the balcony with my magic, I slowly rose to my hooves and plodded out into the evening air once again. A gentle nudge to the setting sun allowed it to gracefully slide below the horizon, as my sister came to stand beside me. A blue aura graced her horn as she focused upon an unseen object, before the moon gradually rose up over the landscape. The reprieve from our emotions for those few moments allowed both of us to regain some semblance of composure. But reliving the past and talking about it left me feeling extremely fatigued, mentally and emotionally. "I suppose, I should head down and begin my watch over the night. Unless you would prefer me to stay," Luna said, cautious in her approach as she eyed me warily. "I think I'm ready for some sleep. Thank you, Luna," I replied quietly, leaning over to nuzzle her. "I feel exhausted, but I feel as if I've had a burden lifted from me." "That is good to hear. I know you're afraid of undermining what I went through, but you do not need to fear such a thing. I know you went through a lot as well, and by the sounds of it, you need to get it out for closure as well. If you desire, we can continue discussion in the morning." I nodded as both of us stepped back into my room proper, Luna continuing onward toward the door as I paused before my bed. "I wish you pleasant dreams, sister. Get some rest," she said with a calm smile, before heading out into the hall, closing the door behind her. I didn't need to be told twice. Without bothering to pull back the covers, I flopped onto my bed, and before long, sleep carried me away. Flight is something I do not get to experience often, though much of that is due to my own fault. Believe it or not, even as a diarch of Equestria, I am a bit self-conscious. While many would probably consider the sight graceful, I just tend to feel a bit awkward while flying, mainly due to my sheer size. Though I must admit, my expansive wings lend themselves to effortless, gliding flights. To a lesser extent, my duties chew up much of my free time, though there are still occasions for relaxation that I dare not miss. The clearing skies after a thunderstorm on a summer evening is one of those opportunities. It is a treat to all the senses; an ordinary occasion to most, yet simply divine when one really lets his or herself free of logical thought. The air cooled drastically by the cleansing rains, the scent of ozone in the atmosphere combined with the fragrance of foliage awakening, eager to quench its thirst, even the sun peeking beyond the passing gloomy storm clouds are a blessing few truly appreciate. For me, to experience this moment from the air, to watch my sun's rays brighten the landscape and reflect off the raindrops collected upon the earth, it is heaven. So I found myself on this afternoon, gliding lazily among the scattering clouds as I indulged my senses. While long gone from the area, I could still hear the distinct growl of thunder off in the distance, a warning to not venture too far just yet, lest I desired to become a living lightning rod. Even though my sister and I are extremely resistant to death – if death even is an option for us – we still feel pain. I cannot imagine being struck by lightning is pleasant, and I do not enjoy the prospect of tempting fate. Luna and I did that enough in our youth when we realized our gift, playing some profoundly stupid games that offered equivalently stupid prizes. But those are tales for another day. "I must admit, I did not expect something so simple to be your heart's desire." I nearly jumped out of my hide as Luna made her presence known to me. I turned my head to the left to see her smirking with mild amusement, even as I tried to get my heart rate under control. However, laying my eyes upon her gave me yet another jolt to my circulatory system. Luna looked like a harmonious merger between her normal self and Nightmare Moon. Her coat had darkened from periwinkle to an elegant navy blue, while her mane had become ethereal like my own. Yet while it had darkened considerably, it was illuminated untold numbers of twinkling pinpricks of light, an homage to the night sky she controlled. "Luna, you—" "I apologize, I could not help myself since you did not hear me, but you're dreaming Tia – a good dream – and yet here I am!" she shouted, oblivious to my staring. "That's— I'm happy for you Luna, but what's with..." My mind reeling from so much at once, I could only motion with my hoof in the air, tracing from her head to her tail. Perplexed by my stuttering, Luna's brow furrowed, before looking down at her hooves to take stock of herself. No sooner had she done so, a gasp escaped from her, accompanied by her eyes widening in surprise. "By the gods, what happened?!" she exclaimed. "You didn't do this? Or notice anything different?" Luna shook her head in exasperation. "No, I didn't feel anything out of the ordinary. I certainly did not expect anything amiss; I'm not particularly habitual in looking upon myself. But I assume by the look you've given me that's not all that has changed. We must find a mirror." No sooner had she spoke, a body-sized mirror appeared before both of us, duplicating and spreading outward and around. It took less than a second before we were completely encircled in mid-air. "That's... er, convenient," I said. This dream had been full of surprises. "I think I'm beginning to understand how to work within dreams," she mused, partially entranced by her reflections as she posed. With every second that passed, her enthusiasm grew along with her grin. "Sister, you were not wrong to be taken aback by my appearance. I look positively stunning!" I couldn't help myself as I rolled my eyes in response, even as I found myself involuntarily smiling. "Well, don't be so humble on my account, sis," I teased. That managed to get a snort from Luna, as I noted both of us were no longer in the air. At some point, we had drifted down to the ground, a flat plain devoid of any features as far as the eye could see. "I recall somepony else being quite enthralled by her sparkling, wavy mane long ago," she said, turning to me. She clutched her mane close to her with a forehoof as she batted her eyes, swooning back and forth "'Isn't it just so pretty, little sister?'" she said in a mocking, high pitched tone. "'Have you ever seen such a sight as this in your entire life? I look so regal, so dreamy!'" "I do not sound like that!" I protested. Luna could only laugh as she dropped the charade. "But you do not refute those were your words?" she replied with a smirk. "I also recall some choice words out of you. Do you remember your response?" Luna's brow furrowed as she searched her mind for the file in question. It's didn't take long before she began giggling to herself. "If I'm not mistaken, I referred to your mane as 'the aftermath of a late-night binge of crayons and glitter barfed up upon a canvas,'" she finally spoke, breaking out into a hearty, proper laugh. It was infectious, as I joined her fit of laughter. Abruptly, my sister stopped, a light bulb going off in her head. "Tia, what if this -what if this is why my size did not go quite back to normal? Maybe this is what I am shifting toward?" she said with excitement. "I... don't know," I replied, somewhat caught off-guard by her suggestion. "I suppose it's possible. But this could also be some sort of form you take exclusively in dreams. Have you noticed any other changes recently?" My reply had put a damper on her enthusiasm, bringing her back to the ground, so to speak. "Perhaps you are right. Aside from my reduction in size you are aware of, the only other change I have noted is my eyes reverting back to their normal appearance," she said flatly. I silently kicked myself for dashing Luna's hopes. There had been flashes here and there of the Luna I once knew, full of emotion and giddiness. But tonight had been a true, genuine callback to more carefree days. I stepped closer to her, beckoning my little sister to join me with open wings. Luna's mood picked up again, as she obliged my request for a hug and a tender nuzzle. "Only time will tell, little sis. I just don't want you to fly too high, too soon," I explained to her. She nodded in understanding. "Yes, I understand. But at least I seem to have a better grasp upon this new ability," she replied, her voice picking up a bit more cheer. Without another word, she glanced around the circle of mirrors, as one by one they dropped away into the ground, as the earth itself fell away, thrusting us back into the air. Even so, gravity did not seize either of us, as we continued to stand there. "How? What did you have to do?" "I... it is difficult to explain," Luna replied, her muzzle scrunched up as she wracked her brain for the right words. "It is almost as if it is an extension of me. Like I am using muscles within my body that I never knew existed. I was quite concerned with how your dreams may be fairing after tonight's discussion, I was absolutely set upon entering your dream. It was sudden – just an epiphany all at once." "That is wonderful, sister. I'm happy to hear I was – albeit inadvertently – able to help," I said. "But I fell asleep quite soon after you left my room, and this dream has indeed been a pleasant one." "It is a good sign for your emotional well-being, I would imagine. You did seem to be feeling better before I left, allowing yourself to spill all of that pent up sorrow. Though I see you are still quite reluctant to enjoy yourself in flight, aside from fantasy." "Yes, you don't need to remind me," I replied sharply, feeling a bit awkward discussing it. "I find it most surprising you have not gotten past that self-doubt," she said. "As I said long ago, you are the only one that sees something less than true grace in your looks while flying. Personally, I am in awe seeing you fly." "Luna, stop, you aren't helping," I said, blushing profusely. "Indeed, you have all the grace of a goose with an injured wing." "Well thank y— Hey!" With a mischievous bout of laughter, Luna tucked in her hooves and straightened her wings, diving away from me at breakneck speed "Get back here, Luna!" I demanded, (mostly) playing along. As I prepared to pursue my sister, a pair of blue forelegs around my neck startled me as I let out a yelp. "Oh, this is too much fun," Luna gushed, her mane sweeping over me as she circled around to face me. "But you know I merely jest, Tia. I would love nothing more than to enjoy a lazy flight with you one of these evenings. Perhaps we can get you feeling more comfortable one day." "Thank you, Lulu. Here I am supposed to be helping you adjust back to life, and you keep finding ways to help me." "Ah, there is a name I have not heard in ages," she said, amused. But her smile soon faded as her ears perked up. "I must apologize, but I hear my attending guard trying to get my attention." "You can hear what's going on out there?" I asked. "Indeed. As I have mentioned, it is an odd state of consciousness; not quite asleep, but not awake, either. I would love nothing more than to spend the rest of the night within your dream, but I am needed. Good night, sister." "Good night, sister." With one last wide grin, Luna disappeared in a flash of blinding light, leaving me once again in my own little haven. Perhaps even more so than before, as the ominous dark clouds of the storm that had passed over were now completely absent. Yet the after effects I so enjoyed were still just as prevalent, allowing me to enjoy myself without worry. Though I suppose, now knowing it was a dream would have freed me anyways. But now, I relished the opportunity to see what was beyond the horizon. Both in my dream, and the waking world. Taking the PlungeTonight is the night. My mind repeated that phrase over and over from the time I had retired to my bed for the morning, until meeting with Celestia for our daily time together. My slumber had been restless at best, which would only serve to increase the difficulty of the path forward during the overnight hours. It had been a fortnight since I had triumphantly entered my sister's dream on my own accord. It was that same night of accomplishment I realized the victory I savored was a mere stepping stone to a goal further ahead – watching over the dreams of all Equestrians. As a result, the ensuing evenings were spent not only toying with my sister's dreams – with her expressed permission, mind you – but gaining a better understanding of dreams from a psychological perspective. I suppose psychology has always been an intriguing subject to me – I recall analyzing those who appeared before me with requests for sanctuary in a fledging empire, or requests for diplomacy. On more than one occasion I was able to snuff out a would-be rabble-rouser before he or she could begin their nefarious plight. It would be safe to assume the cold calculations catered to the same skill set that I was renowned for in the battles my sister and I waged to bring harmony to the land; while Celestia wielded a raw magic capability surpassing that of virtually all creatures, I was blessed with a keen eye, a gift for stealth and subterfuge in the darkness behind the lines. Such terms of battle required a strong will and patience, close attention to detail to know when the time was right to strike. Yet I suppose as I consider such musings, it is quite likely the traits of which I wax were perhaps detrimental to the trust of those who would desire to seek an audience with me once my sister and I began our rule. Such an emotionless, judging aura is a stark contrast to the warm and inviting sense one experiences when in the presence of my dear sister. While I have strayed from the experience I desire to share, I have perhaps stumbled upon an epiphany that bears further consideration and a change in demeanor to help garner trust and acceptance in the future. But I digress, it is time to return to the topic at large. As usual, the beginning of each shift was dealing with leftover reports and requests from the day, followed by a trickle of ponies desiring an audience with me to plead their side of a squabble or proposal. But it would quickly lead to a lull that granted me time to either develop a better understanding of dreams and their cause, or hone my newfound abilities within the confines of my sister's whimsical fantasies. While I had initially struggled to access Celestia's dreams as well as manifest doors to other's dream realms, it quickly became second nature for me to navigate and manipulate these creations of the mind. It was as if I had been doing such tasks my whole life, which only began to make me question if I had this ability all along. But with such prodigious finesse and raw talent on display, it came down to preparation. As I mentioned earlier, I have always had a knack for analyzing others, and no book would help me further that ability to any noteworthy extent. I was as prepared as one could be for such a task as I was going to undertake for the first time. The previous night, I must admit I had gotten cold hooves. I had been set upon beginning this new chapter of my duties, but my nerves got the best of me, and I decided to wait until the ensuing evening. Tonight there was no excuse – these feelings of apprehension would continue until I took the plunge. I had not discussed this feeling of uncertainty with my sister in our discussions we had between shifts. That does not mean Tia was not privy to my hidden doubts; she repeatedly prodded and pried the previous couple days, without success. I did not want to trouble her mind with my own personal insecurities, is what I told myself. Yet it was this same night I deemed the night to begin my foray into the dream realm of Equestria, a harsh truth dawned upon me. I was making the same mistake once again. As in the past, I was burying my inner turmoil, desiring to hide it from the light of day, ignoring its existence. Nay, it was not for fear of troubling my sister's mind, it was much more selfish than that. I did not want to seem weak or show vulnerability. This particular evening, Tia and I had taken to the skies over Equestria – her decision, taking my advice to overcome the self-consciousness that plagued her mind whilst flying. It was not long before Celestia began her pursuit of my ails. "I know I sound like a broken record, Luna, but how are you doing? I can't help but feel like there's been something on your mind." For once, I fought the stern, cold voice inside that commanded me to brush her fears aside. "I know, sister. I must admit to you I have been bothered as of late by my thoughts," I said, shifting my gaze from the land below to my elder sister. Despite her question, Celestia looked quite surprised I had finally caved to her inquiry, her eyes widened. "I— yes, go on, Lulu," she managed to belt out. She banked towards me with a dip of her right wing, virtually eliminating the gap between us. "Tia, I feel I am finally ready to try presiding over the dream realm," I started slowly. Celestia had calmed down from her slight shock, nodding as she listened intently, her cue for me to continue. "I am... I must confess I have some reservations with proceeding." "You're nervous about it," she replied bluntly. I solemnly nodded my head, my face growing warm with embarrassment. Celestia's muzzle broke out into a smile as she reached over and placed a hoof upon my side. "Sister, that is nothing to be ashamed of," she reassured me. But her quick response only stirred the feelings of uncertainty, the cauldron within beginning to froth over. "But it is, Tia! This is not some mere exercise to show off my new-found abilities, I desire to aid those that find themselves afflicted by an overactive mind like you were," I replied, steadfast in my opinion. "How can I be of help to others who face uncertainties if I myself am troubled by the notion of proceeding with this task?" Despite my sudden outburst, Celestia stayed right beside me, though she had retracted her hoof. "Luna, I am not trying to trivialize your concerns," she said softly. "But it is normal to feel nervous about something new. Everypony feels that way when confronted with a foreign scenario. But what concerns you the most about... um, what do you call this ability? Dreamwalking? Dreamweaving, perhaps?" "I suppose either term is acceptable," I replied, mulling over the suggestions. "I have to say I do find myself partial to the latter term." "Right. What concerns you most about dreamweaving?" "Well, I... I would have to say I find myself troubled by the idea of just appearing in somepony else's dream when they are having a nightmare, and making the problem worse," I answered back. The response made Celestia cock her head in curiosity. "Why would you think that, Luna?" My sister looked somewhat saddened as she asked for clarification. "I don't... I guess I do not have a specific reason to fear such a thing," I said. Deep down, I had a reason in mind, but I did not wish to speak it aloud. Not that it mattered, as Tia already had an idea and saw through my charade. "You're worried about your reputation preceding you," she said. Frustrated, I could only nod. "Tell me, how have you fared in your duties at night? Has there been any issues when anypony has requested an audience?" "Well, no," I admitted. "But he or she already knows what to expect. This is something completely different. My mere appearance could be a fright, my name is etched into the tales of horror." "No, Nightmare Moon's name is written in such texts. You are not Nightmare Moon. Once, yes, but not now, dear sister. But may I ask you something else?" "Of course," I said, my head conflicted with the reassurances of my sister and the self-doubt that lingered. "Why do you think I suggested this proposition to you after you were able to help me with my dream?" "Because you believe I can do the same for others," I quickly answered. Celestia gave a half-smile but lightly shook her head after a moment. "First off, I know you can do this. There is not a doubt in my mind you are more than capable," she gushed. "Yes, it is true that you will help others as you did for me, but that is only part of it." "Erm, perhaps a more productive use of my time?" That answer elicited a light laugh from Celestia. "No. In a way, you have a point, but still not what I had in mind. Sister, I was overjoyed to hear you receptive to my idea because I see a way for you to shine in your own unique way. I see an opportunity to help others in a way I have never been able. I have to admit, I find myself just a bit jealous." "You jest," I shot back. But Tia merely chuckled. "No, Luna. I have been able to ease the physical hardships of many ponies who we watch over, and of course, I will continue to do so. But you have an opportunity before you to quell the inner turmoil of others, problems that are not as apparent – even to those who are afflicted with these problems. They are no less serious, as you have seen firsthand within my nightmares." I had to admit, her reasoning opened my eyes to what she saw in me. I had assumed coming back to rule beside her was a relief, to ease her burden of watching over the land of Equestria. But quite the opposite – she wanted me to find new opportunities to make an impact upon our ponies, to be, in my own way, her equal – and beloved just as she. "You have a good heart, Luna. Let it guide you, and you have nothing to worry about." "Thank you, sister," I replied quietly. I must admit, discussing my woes even for this brief moment had indeed lifted a weight off of me. Not completely, but the anxiety I still felt was much more manageable, and the night ahead seemed less intimidating at a glance. But my sister sensed it was time to lower her celestial body just as I felt the yearning plea the moon sent out to me. In unison, our horns flared with the glow of magic, the sun setting in time with the moon slowly gracing the sky. "I suppose, it is about time we head back to Canterlot. There were a few items I was unable to get through before the end of the day, they should not take you long," Celestia said. Both of banked at a wide angle, heading towards the beacons of light nearby that dotted the castle's windows. I couldn't help myself but smile as I looked over the landscape below us. "Celestia, did you know as we were conversing, our aimless flight took us low over Ponyville, among other minor settlements?" I asked. Tia quickly took stock of the sights below us, as well as those that lurked behind us. "I - no, I didn't," she replied, somewhat taken aback by the realization. Nevertheless, I could see in her eyes the delight that came along with her shock. Gliding in towards the balcony that graced my sister's personal quarters, the two of us lightly touched down, marking the end of our nightly discussion. "Lulu, thank you for opening up to me tonight," Celestia said, reaching over with a hoof and gently pulling me into her chest fluff. "I've been a little worried, but I didn't want to push you too hard." "I know you have been concerned, I apologize for my stubbornness," I replied, raising my gaze up and nuzzling her. "I assure you, I meant no ill by keeping this from you. I am still trying to change and open up more, it's just difficult." "I know it is. It will come with time," she replied, letting me go. "I love you, have a good night, little sister. If you have any issues, you know where to find me. "Love you too, big sister," I said. "I feel much more confident now, thank you for the encouragement." With that, Tia began preparing for a good night's rest, while I headed across the hall to adorn my regalia, ready to face tonight's royal duties with a little more energy in my step. "Do we have anypony waiting for us to grant them an audience?" The guard posted at the door across the room shook his head after entering through the large oak doors. "No your Highness," he replied. "It seems another quiet night is in order." "Very well. Resume your post outside, do let us know if there is an item to be brought to our attention," I instructed. A quick salute and the guard disappeared from view, the doors slowly groaning closed behind him. I took a deep breath as a pang of anxiety ran through me. It was time to begin watching over the dream realm - and possibly entering somepony else's dream for the first time. No more excuses, no more preparation was going to aid me in this new quest. No more delays. 'I know you are more than capable of doing this.' Tia's encouragements from earlier pulsed through my head as I tried to clear it of nagging thoughts. 'You have a good heart, let it guide you...' Another deep breath and exhale to calm myself, before I took the plunge. Despite my eyes being closed, I could feel the world around me as I knew it shift, the air becoming lighter and less oppressive. I waited a few moments before taking stock of my surroundings. As anticipated, the castle's throne room had vanished, replaced with a mirror image of my serene night sky. But in this case, each pinprick of light was not a star, but a doorway to somepony's dreams. I looked down at my hooves, finding I had changed as well, shifting back into the taller, more regal version of myself that first came about when I had intervened in Tia's dream the second time. All was quiet upon my arrival, left to drift aimlessly and relax for the time being. Part of me was relieved that I had no sense of trouble or worry to greet me, even though that was what my tasks within this realm were meant to resolve. But my mind wandered with that wave of relief. Would I sense a citizen's nightmare and ensuing disturbed emotions? I had a direct tie with my sister, could that have played a part in identifying her needs? What if I did not have that same ability with others whom I did not know? Worry began to creep into me as I began to question myself and my theories. But rather than let them carry me away to a pit of self-doubt, again I took a deep breath to free my mind. The anxiety did not pass this time. Nay, it had instead multiplied in that brief moment of clarity. It is important to note the difficulty to differentiate between one's own emotions and that of somepony having a nightmare in this plane of consciousness. It is imperative I have my wits about me before entering this realm, and am of sound and relaxed mind. But this rapid spike of nervousness was so palpable, it clearly was not emanating from my own thoughts. I closed my eyes once again, focusing on the sensation to let it guide me. However, rather than feeling myself pulled along toward the emotions, I felt a rush of air whip past me, the sound of a strong wind blustering all around before abruptly falling quiet again. Much to my surprise, when I opened my eyes again, a line of doors had been placed before me, stretching away in both directions as far as my vision could make out. Most importantly, a single door was placed squarely in front of me, the fear emanating from this specific one. Lavender in color overall, it was striped with deep purple and magenta offset to one side. At eye level, a magenta starburst was emblazoned, surrounded by five smaller white twinkling stars. It took me a moment for my memory to recall where I had seen that mark before. The one who had saved me from myself – Celestia's young prodigy, Twilight Sparkle. At once, I was torn with the scenario set before me. On one end, I would love nothing more than to repay my debt to the pony that freed me from self-destruction and reunited me with my elder sister. However, this would also be the first time I had spoken to her since... since I had become myself, free of the anger and jealousy. The last thing I wished to do was to strike fear into her when I was hoping to offer comfort. Yet the same could be said for anypony, and she had at least witnessed my change. Without another thought, my magic eased open the door, allowing me access to not just a dream, but perhaps my future. Darkness was my initial greeting upon stepping through the portal; it was either my eyes adjusting to this new realm or the realm adjusting to fit within it another conscious entity. But I could hear sounds right away; the shuffling of paper and parchment mixed with a healthy helping of frantic scrawlings of a quill tip informed me this bad dream was something quite unexpected. After a few moments, my surroundings came into view. By the looks of it, I was inside of a massive hollowed-out tree, the walls further chiseled out into rows of shelving. Each one was filled to the brim with books and texts, albeit crammed into any spot they could fit in haphazard fashion. Even worse, the floor was dotted with islands of perilously stacked books of varying heights, making my movements somewhat disjointed as I did my best to navigate the maze, eager to find the source of this madness as well as the frenzied sounds that continued. It took what felt like minutes before I came to a clearing, finally finding the pony to which this dream belonged. Twilight Sparkle looked like a mess, her mane frayed and disheveled as she leaned over the table in the center of the room. Her eyes darted frantically as her magic danced in time, jumping from textbook to textbook, back to a scroll which was tended to by a quill equally as energetic as it scribbled away. As I observed in secret, a scroll suddenly popped into existence in front of the mare, enveloped in a haze of golden energy before falling to the table. Twilight seized it at once, unraveling it and studying the contents for a time before letting out a groan of exasperation. Once again, she returned to her frenetic studies, faster than ever. It really didn't take much thought to understand she was feeling pressured and overwhelmed. My sister had given me a brief explanation of Twilight Sparkle and her new direction of study in Ponyville, where I had first found her. Where she had first encountered me and recognized me as Nightmare Moon. My mind ran through the malevolence I displayed toward her in an effort to thwart her from putting an end to my plans for Equestria. Fortunately, she had made friends and came to realize the significance, and their link to the fabled Elements of Harmony. Yet one sobering thought still sticks with me that I find myself unable to extinguish. With everything I had tried, I could have quite easily killed her or her friends. Perhaps it could be argued I was not of sound mind at that point, that it was not truly I, Princess Luna, that did these deeds. But such arguments lead to a slippery slope of thought; at what point is the line drawn to delineate sound and unsound mind? When can one be held accountable for his or her actions when exceptions begin to be made? I am forced to live with what I have done; while others may already be willing to forgive, I do not have the same sentiments toward myself. Ponies can make a change for the better, but they may also regress all progress. That specific thought scares me to this day. But I was here now; it was senseless to turn tail when somepony was standing before me feeling troubled. I stepped forward into the clearing, unsure of how exactly to get Twilight's attention without startling her. Almost stomping upon the floor as I approached from the other side of the table seemed to have no effect, as she continued her rapid pace of work. Clearing my throat likewise failed to garner even a glance upward, as another scroll suddenly appeared before the mare. She quickly seized it, as did I. The tug of my magic against hers finally brought Twilight to take notice of her surroundings. A look of confusion upon her face rapidly twisted into shock. "Greetings, Twilight Sparkle," I said calmly. "Gah!" she shouted, jumping back a few feet as her eyes widened. "Do not fear, I mean you no harm," I quickly clarified. It seemed to do little to quell her startled mind. "Who are you? How did you get in here?!" she shouted. It was only then in occurred to me this was her first view of my dream form. Nonetheless, I found myself rather surprised she did not have any sort of inkling of my identity based on my markings, or the simple fact I was one of only a few existing alicorns. "I am not here in the sense that you believe, Twilight. You are dreaming," I explained, trying to calm her a bit before revealing who I was. Needless to say, my brief explanation was met with some skepticism. "Right, I'm dreaming and you aren't actually real. Just a figment of my imagination?" she asked, in almost a demanding tone. "I don't have time for this, I'm already behind and I have so much to do, so if you'll excuse me-" "What is it that you are so preoccupied by?" I asked. "Friendship studies! Magic studies! Reports to be read, to be made, sent to Celestia—" "You feel overwhelmed by what my sister asks of you," I clarified for her. Twilight's preoccupation with her issues came to a crashing halt as my words finally made her take a closer look at me. "Sister? Wait... you— you're Princess Luna!" she shouted. In an instant, she dropped down to the floor in front of me, bowing profusely. "I'm sorry, I meant no disrespect! I'm just so busy with all of th—" "Arise, Twilight Sparkle," I interrupted, shaking my head. "There is no need for apologies, I understand you are stressed." "But how did you know? And – well you look different from when I last saw you. I mean after you reformed, not that I hold that against you, I just..." Twilight trailed off with a string of unintelligible, rambling mumbles as the worries within her mind multiplied. I was forced to look around as the light that shone in through the partially obscured windows began to dim, as did the lit candles scattered throughout the room. Evidently, her concerns and uncertainties were beginning to further warp her dream. "Twilight Sparkle, you must calm yourself," I said, my horn glowing as I pushed back against the gathering darkness. Much to my surprise, it fought back with a vengeance, swirling around both of us, like a predator waiting to strike. With what little experience I have manipulating dreams, this was a new sensation, and it disturbed me. But the young unicorn ignored me as she continued her ramblings, pacing nerously as her voice raised in time with her stressed mind. "TWILIGHT SPARKLE, CALM THYSELF!" I roared, letting loose the full power of my Canterlot Voice. At once, the shock of its fury froze the dream, while Twilight shot back to attention, albeit trembling with fear. As I had feared, my presence had made the situation worse. Somehow, I had to bring her back to me, and quickly. I focused upon my form, changing it as I reverted back to the form Twilight would more readily recognize as me. She still looked fearful, but stopped her shaking. "What's going on? I don't understand..." she mumbled. "I know, Twilight Sparkle. My appearance tonight is not helping matters," I replied, softening my voice as I slowly approached her, shuffling around the table between us. "Please, just listen to me for a moment, I can explain if you give me a chance. Let me start off by thanking you for returning me to my sister." Twilight remained quiet for a time, her eyes wandering past me to the shadowy storm stopped in its place around the two of us. By this time, her home had been consumed, as well as all of its contents sans the table. I stopped myself as I waited for some sort of a response. I feared any further motions would only restart the nightmare that had spiraled out of control. All I could do was silently plead that she would be willing to accept my proposal. "What is going on here?" she finally asked. "As I said before, you are dreaming. More specifically, you were having a nightmare." "I... how? Are you part of my dream right now?" she asked. "I am in your dream, but I am not a manifestation of your mind, no," I replied. "But the 'how' and 'why' are not important, Twilight Sparkle." "Er, just Twilight, please," the mare replied quickly. "So, I guess getting past all those other questions, why— what are you here for then?" I couldn't help but grin as the growing storm around us receded, bringing back Twilight's home as we both knew it, sans the clutter from earlier. "I am here to ease your mind. Consider it a token of my gratitude for helping me in my moment of weakness. As I mentioned before, you seem to be quite overwhelmed at the moment. Your studies in friendship and magic, I assume that was what you were studying upon my arrival tonight?" "Yeah, it's been a little... overwhelming," she admitted sheepishly. "Not that I don't think that I can do it, or that Princess Celestia would have me do this if it weren't important!" With the sharp addition at the end of her response, the shadows eased back inward toward us. I fought back against its advance once again with my magic. "You do not need to apologize, I am here on my own accord. This is between us," I assured her. A few more steps forward and I was standing directly in front of her, noting she seemed a bit more at ease by this point in time. "I–I'm just worried about keeping up," she finally admitted to me. "I've already been trying so hard to excel in my studies as Princess Celestia's student in magic, and now she has given me this new assignment. I'm afraid of failing her." "I can certainly understand the feeling," I said, debating within myself whether to share my own concerns with my own task at hoof. It didn't take much thought for me to relent. "Twilight, I am experiencing the same scenario right now, believe it or not." "You are part of Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns? But, you already have a head start on everypony else, and you're an alicorn..." I could not help but laugh at her question. "No, that is not what I mean. I imply that I too am going through new adjustments. Not just to presiding over Equestria at night, but new roles and duties as well. It can be overwhelming, but I also know my sister would not leave me to my own devices. The same can be said for your situation." Once again, the darkness and doubt that encircled retracted, this time significantly as, for the first time since my arrival, she seemed to relax. "If I know my sister – and I am certain I do – she sees a lot of potential within you, Twilight. She will never give you more tasks than you can handle, and if you ever begin to feel as such, do not be hesitant to talk to her," I said, finally resting a hoof upon her withers. With that notion, the shadows vanished completely, the sun beaming through the windows on every side of the library to light up the interior. Part of me began to wonder if my own insecurities had inadvertently afflicted Twilight Sparkle's dream, but it is impossible to say for certain. But it was certain I had succeeded in my goal, for without warning, the young unicorn threw her forelegs around me. Taken aback at first, I nonetheless relaxed and smiled, putting a hoof around her as well. "I still don't know for sure whether you're real or not, I've never heard of anypony able to enter dreams," she said. "But thank you." "It was my pleasure, Twilight," I replied. My internal clock told me this dream had gone on for much longer than anticipated, time seemingly passing by in an instant. But the moon could not be wrong – it was time to rest for the day. "While I glad I could dispel your bad dreams, I apologize for my abrupt departure." She nodded, releasing me from her clutches as she took a step back. Finally, this high-strung unicorn was at peace, allowing me to take my leave. I flashed her a serene smile and nodded my head as the dream faded away, as full consciousness returned to me. Sure enough, as my vision returned to the real world, the sun's rays were ever so slightly peaking up past the hills off in the distance, poking through the windows and into the throne room. Though I could not see it from where I was seated, my magic tenderly pushed the moon downward, until I sensed it had finally dipped below the horizon. However, two distinct sensations came to my attention as soon as I arose from my seat and trotted down to the floor. First, I felt exhausted, both in the mental sense as well as physical. I can only assume this fatigue is due to the experiences within Twilight's dream, as well as using an unfamiliar skillset dealing with her nightmare. With time, I am sure my powers with only strengthen, and such exertions will be less tiring. Time will tell. However, I also felt a physical sense of something... different. Almost as if something within me had shifted out of place, a foreign body invading my space. I had felt this before, when my eyes had shifted back to their normal – and less intimidating – form. But this felt much more drastic than that minor nagging feeling. Despite my fatigue, I trotted off with nary a nod of acknowledgment to the guards at the door as I exited the room. With an ever-increasing pace, I rushed to my personal quarters, almost slamming the door with how quick I was to close it behind me. I had to know what changed, the suspense was almost painful. Once I was certain my door was locked and nopony had trailed behind me in the hall, I released the shapeshifting spell from my body, trotting over to the other side of my room where I had a full body mirror. "By the stars..." Dream was becoming reality as I gasped at the reflection that stared back. My once sinister, hazy mane had flourished into the proper clear night sky I had seen first in Celestia's dream, complete with constellations shining brightly. The rich blues flowed into an outline of lavender, both colors flowing gracefully in a nonexistent breeze. While my coat of fine fur remained quite muted, it had lightened from the inky blackness that permeated it. Now, it had a noticeable tinge of blue to it, more obvious when hit with direct light. Still, my wings remained an odd blend, with the feathers of a normal pegasus and the leathery membrane of a dragon or bat. So too remained my fearsome sharp fangs, though it seemed they had shrunk somewhat as well. Step by step, I was making progress toward returning to my normal self. But this night was much more significant than mere looks or my first proper trek into the dream realm - which in and of itself was a new chapter in my life. After the events of this night, my confidence had returned. The self-doubt that had plagued me was rapidly receding into history as I looked at myself and actually feel I could return to a life of relative normalcy. Though I suppose it must be asked, at what point can the daily life of a princess that watches over the night itself be considered "normal?" Confronting the PastIt had been a few weeks since my sister had rushed into my room as I prepared for another new day. Between the news she had managed to calm the nightmare of one of our ponies for the first time and the new physical changes to her mane and coat, It was a lot to digest for so early in the morning. Nonetheless, I was ecstatic to hear of her progress, as well as see her so joyful. Curiously, she did not seem eager to divulge who she had helped. Not that it necessarily mattered. I found out later that same morning when I received a correspondence from my treasured student, Twilight Sparkle. It was less of an explanation and more of an inquiry, but it connected the dots for me when, out of the blue, Twilight admitted to me she felt a bit pressured with her new studies. While I thanked her for being honest and assured her there was no rush, I didn't ask what had suddenly gotten her to write to me. I had brought it up with Luna, who eventually admitted it was indeed my student whom she had helped, but was adamant in keeping quiet about her new abilities for the time being. I think she was still a bit nervous even after getting her first experience and success story completed. However, I did not know of a side effect that came with her dreamwalking abilities until this particular morning when she walked into the dining room. If one can call Luna's slow shuffling gait 'walking,' that is. The mere sight of her head barely held above the floor scared me. "Luna, are you alright?" I asked, quickly jumping out of my chair to lend her my assistance. My sister finally mustered up the strength to raise her head, acknowledging my presence. "I'm fine, sister," she mumbled, her eyes practically glazed over with fatigue. "I'm just... I'm very tired." "I see this," I replied, watching dumbfounded as she flopped down into a chair near where I had been seated. "What happened last night?" "Many, many nightmares over the course of the evening," she said, leaning onto the table as her hooves propped her head up. She repeatedly motioned with a bob of her head for me to sit back down. Somewhat satisfied that she was not injured, I slid back into my chair, but scooted nearer to her. "You never told me it was this much work, Lulu," I said quietly. She let out a loud yawn, shaking her head as she struggled with sleepiness. "I do not feel particularly boastful about fatigue resulting from handling nightmares," she replied, her tone lightly chastising and frustrated. But no sooner had she let loose, her ears drooped with remorse. "Apologies, sister, I know you are concerned, I am just—" "I know, I understand. And I don't mean to question your decisions, but perhaps you're dealing with too much at one time. I get that this is new for you, and such new spells or magic can be quite draining, but maybe you need to slow down until you can adjust and familiarize yourself." "How can such a thought even be considered, Tia?" Luna questioned, aghast by the thought. "How can I mindfully ignore somepony having a bad dream? How do I choose who to aid, and who must wait another night?" Her tired eyes were opened wide at this point as she impatiently awaited my answer to her rebuttal. I responded with the only thought that occurred to me. "Sister, ponies have dealt with nightmares for thousands of years on their own. I get it, they shouldn't have to now with your new-found abilities, but you can't run yourself to the edge of exhaustion." She cringed at what I had to say, but remained silent as she stared down at the table. "I'm glad you feel this strong sense of compassion and duty toward this new role, but you need to take it slowly until you can adjust to the strength required for accomplishing this task you've set for yourself." "That is easier said than done," Luna lamented. "You will get there, just keep it in mind. Don't worry yourself if you find yourself unable to reach everypony with nightmares. But please, don't overwork yourself." "Fine, I promise," she said. While my sister agreed to my plea in words, the reluctance in her voice was almost palpable. It did not sit well with me and left my mind far too uneasy to let it go. "Luna, stop," I said. She looked up at me again, her frustration quite obvious. "What?" she asked, with all the attitude of a rebellious adolescent. "I'm not trying to upset you, sister. You know that, right?" "I understand that, but I cannot just sit upon my hooves when there are duties to be done," she retorted. "And I understand your mentality, Luna, but I—" "No, you could not possibly understand, Tia," she interrupted, her voice full of hurt. "Saying so does not make it true." "I— Luna." I didn't know what to say at that point; how had this conversation spiraled out of control so quickly? My protests were in vain as I watched my little sister slide out of the chair and shuffle off in the direction of her bedroom. I took a few steps forward, intent on following her before stopping as she slid out the door. Following her would do no good at this point. As much as I wanted to continue this conversation, my attempts would, at best, end in stonewalled frustration and anger. More likely, it would result in a shouting match. I had not practiced my Canterlot Voice in many, many years; it was a battle I would surely lose. Instead, I was best served waiting, allowing Luna to get some much-needed rest. However, I remained well aware she would be quite stubborn even with a fresh outlook. Getting her to talk to me was going to take some effort. It didn't take me long to come up with an idea as I headed to the throne room. Along the way, my faithful assistant was waiting to greet me, the dark-haired unicorn bowing with a cheerful smile. "Princess Celestia, good morning," she said. "Ah, Raven Inkwell, a belated good morning to you, as well," I replied, putting my troubling thoughts away for a moment to exchange pleasantries. "I trust that you slept well and are ready for yet another full day?" "Indeed. Though if I may be so bold as to inquire about your sister..." "You saw her this morning?" I asked, surprised. Her smile had faded a bit as she joined my side. Over the years, I have become more open to my assistants, allowing them an insight into my personal life from time to time. Raven Inkwell had only been serving me for a few years now, but I trusted her perhaps more than anypony before with my private thoughts and allowed her to speak up with concerns. "Yes, I happened to encounter her as she left the throne room this morning," she noted, lowering her voice as we walked together. "I could not help but notice how fatigued and worn out she appeared. Is everything all right?" "Luna is pushing herself a bit too far, I'm afraid. I haven't gotten her to tell me what's wrong, but something has spurred her to work to the absolute threshold of her abilities," I explained, careful to leave out the details of my sister's newest endeavors into the dream realm. "I must ask, is there anything I can do to help? Perhaps stay just a bit later to aid her during the first few hours of the night?" "No, no, I cannot have you working yourself to exhaustion, either. That will help nopony," I replied. "But I do have a request this morning, as I think I know one way to get my sister to talk." "Of course, what do you need?" "A quill and a scroll. I have a personal letter to write and send out as soon as possible..." "Good evening, Celestia." As I sipped at my cup of freshly brewed tea, Luna made her presence known as she once again took a seat in the dining room. Unlike this morning, she looked vibrant and rested, ready to take on the day. Er, night. In fact, she seemed much more cheery than normal as I eyed her, flashing a smile her direction. "Indeed, good evening," I replied. "I take it you got some shut-eye judging by the energy you're practically radiating." "Yes, I allowed myself to sleep just a bit later than normal. I hope you don't mind, considering it forces us to forgo our normal discussions," she replied. The last bit came out with a touch of unease in her voice. "I understand, I'm just glad you don't look quite as ragged as you did this morning," I teased. I at least got her to chuckle. "Yes, last night was trying, I do hope you aren't continuing to worry." "I will always be concerned with your well-being, Luna. That's just what big sisters do." I took another sip from my cup, as Luna's cheery attitude took a sudden turn. "Isn't it a bit late for you to be having tea, sister?" she asked. "Normally it would be, yes. I'm surprised you remember my sensitivity to caffeine," I replied. The answer only further raised Luna's suspicions. "So, what is not normal?" "Hm?" "What is the occasion that allows you to be drinking tea in the evening, when both you and I know it affects your sleep?" "Oh, I am not presiding over the kingdom tomorrow. Taking the day off, so to speak." My explanation had an instant response from Luna, whose eyes had widened and jaw had dropped. "You are taking the day off," she said flatly, repeating my words as if to hammer home the reality within herself. "Yes, is there an issue with that?" "No, I am just— I had not expected to hear such a thing," she managed to belt out. Her teal eyes continued to study my face, looking for any sign of a ruse. She wouldn't find anything, as I was quite serious. Late this morning, I had directed Raven to make a note that tomorrow would be a break for everypony. Aside from the guards, of course. "Well, what do you plan to do with your free time?" Luna asked after a short pause. I only shrugged as I took another sip, savoring the flavors that danced across my palate. "I have not quite decided. Perhaps nothing, for the first time since – well maybe the first time." Still somewhat confounded by my announcement, Luna nonetheless nodded as she already began to rise from her seat. "Well, I do hope you enjoy yourself, I am glad to hear you are finally taking some personal time," she said. "And what is it you are planning tonight?" I asked. Again, another innocent question threw my little sister a curveball she hadn't expected, almost stumbling as she slipped out of her seat, preparing to leave. "What do you mean by 'planning?' I am off to begin my shift," she replied. "No, you're not." "I beg your pardon?" By the tone of Luna's voice, my comment had been on the verge of offensive to her. "You're not sitting on the throne tonight, because you have the night off," I stated, keeping calm and cool even as my sibling began to crack under one surprise after another. "Since when?! This was never brought to my attention!" she shot back, her voice beginning to rise. "Since this morning, when I told my assistant you would be taking some personal time as well." "What gives you the right to make such a decision?" Luna challenged. I couldn't help myself as I felt a smirk creep onto my face. "I'm the older sister." Luna stomped a hoof down and huffed in annoyance. "That is hardly an appropriate argument at our age, dearest sister," she growled, both her ears and shoulders slumping. "Yet judging by your response and look of utter defeat, I would say it still works." "What is it that you want?" "You don't think you deserve some time off?" "Not really," Luna snapped back. "Why?" I asked, surprised by that response. Only now did Luna take note of what she had blurted out thoughtlessly, shaking her head. "It's not that I don't believe I deserve some free time, it's that—" Luna eyed me cautiously as she hesitated, while I watched her vain attempts to come up with a worthy excuse. "I would rather keep up on honing my abilities," she finally managed. Done with tiptoeing around the problem at hoof, I quickly finished the rest of my tea, standing up to face my sister properly. The sudden quickness I displayed only further added to Luna's cautiousness as her whole body tensed up. "Luna, I want to talk," I said. "Is that not what we are doing now?" "Don't be obtuse, you know what I mean," I said. I strained to keep myself walking a fine line with my own attitude, giving her a serious warning while remaining curious and concerned for her. "I told you, I apologize for my attitude this morning, I was extremely tired," Luna whined. "Yes, I agree, I pushed myself too far, I will do my best to pace myself. Is that not enough? What else do we have to discuss?" My own suspicions began to rise with Luna's rapid backtracking and apology. Just as she had demonstrated weeks ago when I tried to hide my nightmares from her, the two of us could still read each other quite easily. She was hiding something, I was sure of it. It was best to take this somewhere private. Without warning her, I focused on the reserve of magic within me, the energy flowing outward from my horn and swirling around the two of us, as Luna rolled her eyes. "If you wanted to take this 'conversation' somewhere else, you could have just said so," she said as the dining room disappeared. In its place, my private archives faded into existence, the few candles I had scattered around the room magically igniting upon sensing my presence. A flash from my horn sent the fireplace alight, lending a cozy feel to the otherwise dark, dusty room. "Now then," I said, ignoring my sister's snippy comment, "since we are alone in private, I want you to relax. Completely." I saw the slightest hint of fear in Luna's eyes as my request reached her ears. She knew what I meant – I wanted her to dissipate the spell she used to mask her true self. "Why? Nothing has changed, you know how far my progress has come," she protested. Her plea fell on deaf ears as I raised an eyebrow. "Humor me, dear sister." Luna hung her head low, admitting defeat as she tried to avert my watchful gaze. Her form warped at an excruciatingly slow pace, the light blue fur she sported darkening as her mane shifted from plain hair to a hazy magical energy. She grew just a bit, but barely noticeable amongst the other changes. It was as I had expected - something had been bothering my sister enough to reverse much of the progress she had made. As Luna looked up to meet my eyes, her dragon-like, predatory eyes had returned as well. "So, there's nothing wrong at all? Everything is completely normal?" I asked, unable to mask the biting tone. "It's just a phase," she mumbled, hanging her head. "I was not aware a waxing gibbons had an effect on your physical form. Tell me, will this go away as your moon wanes? Are we going to go through this during every cycle of the moon?" Luna said nothing, only dropping her head again in shame at the sarcasm I spat out. The sight of her looking so utterly discouraged snapped me from my bout of anger that had momentarily overwhelmed me. Voicing my displeasure was going to do neither of us any good. I could be certain she did not mean for this step backward in progress, yet here I was, scolding her rather than delve further into the issue. I forced myself to take a deep breath, exhaling the current frustration I was feeling and beginning anew. "Lulu, look at me," I said, my tone much softer than moments before. Whether it be due to my more pleasant voice or the name I had used, Luna obliged my request, though her head remained low and submissive. Her nostrils flared as I could see her straining to keep her composure after the tongue lashing I had given her. "Come here, I didn't mean to snap at you." "No, it's fine," she mumbled, staying right where she was. Instead, I made the move, closing the distance between us and lowering my head to hers. "No, it's not fine. You aren't fine," I whispered to her, giving a comforting nuzzle. "Here I am, thinking I'm trying to help when I'm letting my own emotions get the best of me. But you need to talk to me sister, I'm here to lend an ear if something's bothering you, and you should know that." "I do, I just... I am just dealing with some minor niggling issues," she replied. Even as I calmed down and offered my sympathy, Luna was relentless in keeping to herself. Ever stubborn, I realized the only way to get her to open up was to use my secret weapon. I stood up straight and backed off, drawing my sister's attention as one of my wings unfurled. I pulled out a scroll I had tucked away, holding it with great care as it levitated up into my vision. "What is that?" I heard Luna inquire. The scroll dropped ever so slightly, allowing me to see her queer expression. "This is just an intriguing spell I came across earlier today while sorting through my collection down here. Unless I am misreading the archaic writings, it is a spell called 'mind meld,' a spell to gain insight into somepony else's thoughts." "You jest," Luna replied, her energy suddenly returning in full as she stood up straight. "No such spell exists. Even the greatest of minds in magic said it was an impossibility long ago." "That's not what this says," I replied, turning the parchment for her to get a quick view. Luna's eyes danced across it with ferocity, before I once again returned it's content back toward myself. "I think you understand why I found this." "That is an invasion of privacy," she protested, becoming rather angry. "To threaten such a thing, whether possible or not is-" "It's not right, I know," I said quietly. "But understand my point of view, Luna. I'm not trying to invade your privacy, to be antagonistic. But I want to help you. I can't help you if you won't talk to me, and that scares me. Look at how far you have come in the months since you have returned, and how far back you have fallen in a matter of days. I've learned from the past, to ask what's wrong rather than assume you will work through your own issues and come to me for guidance if need be. But have you learned?" "I have, but—" "Show me, Luna. Show me you have changed," I pleaded. "Right now, your silence speaks volumes, and what it tells me – I don't like what it tells me." The runes on the scroll began to glow as I focused on their power, shining brightly enough to penetrate through the other side, where Luna's eyes focused. "Luna, if you won't help yourself, then I will use this spell. Because I'm not letting you make the same mistake twice. I can't do what I had to do back then once again. My heart cannot handle your loss." "I'm trying to make up for lost time, I'm trying to make it all up to you!" Luna finally blurted out. I halted my magic, the golden runes slowly fading back into the normal black ink. "I'm listening, sister. What do you mean, 'making up for lost time?'" Luna took a deep breath, knowing she would no longer be able to run away from this conversation. "You've had to serve Equestria, all on your own, because of my selfishness. You have spent day in and day out living not for yourself, but for the betterment of your ponies." "Our ponies, sister. Not mine," I corrected. "But you don't have to make up for lost time. For Equestria's sake, Lulu, you were banished to the moon, you've atoned for what you have done. Well beyond anything I could have imagined, you spent millennia in exile." "Yet what happened when I was released, sister? What did that time of atonement accomplish?!" Luna shouted back, her voice cracking. "I came back with the same amount of anger and jealousy in my heart that existed before I had been banished! This... this blackness, this vile thing inside me, it only grew!" "But don't you see Luna, that's exactly what I'm trying to explain to you," I retorted, albeit with a calm, soothing voice. Luna said nothing, only staring back at me as she waited for me to say something. I could not tell whether it was to give me a chance to clarify, or because she had made her argument and only waiting for the next item to refute. "Luna, that time you spent— the time you spent banished to the moon. What was it like?" I asked. The question brought a recoil of surprise from my sister, whose eyes widened. But it didn't take long for her shame to return, looking away from me as she cleared her throat. "I'm not trying to hurt you, I—" "I know. I listened to what you went through after I was gone. I have remained silent about my experience," she murmured. "You can't keep it bottled up forever." With great effort, Luna managed to turn her head back to face me. Her eyes were practically swimming with tears as she cleared her throat again, slowly lowering herself to the rug in the center of the room, scooting closer to the fireplace as her focus turned to the warmth it provided. I joined her, remaining silent as I waited for her to speak. It was obvious that despite not bringing it up, this was something that had been eating at her for quite some time. Far longer than she let on; I can only assume her guilt left her reluctant to explain her struggles, for fear of gaining sympathy she felt was undeserved. So, we lay there on the floor, about a half wingspan between us; judging by her body language, she did not want me to console her, either. The fireplace was the only sound for quite some time, the logs cracking and popping as they lent their warmth and light to us. "I was not banished to the moon," Luna said, transfixed upon the licking flames in front of her. "I was imprisoned within it." "Within it?" "I do not know what exactly the Elements of Harmony did, but I could not feel— I did not feel my body. I could not move, I could not look around freely... in essence, the moon itself became my vessel. The only thing I could see was our planet, and the vast emptiness surrounding it." Luna took another deep breath as she raised a hoof to her face, brushing aside the tears that had gathered upon her cheek. "It was cold, it was silent – it was desolate. All I could do was stare down at Equestria from afar, alone with my thoughts. My sorrow, my regrets, the misery within me." "You felt regret for what you did right away?" I asked, surprised. Luna finally turned her attention to me again, her face lined with a deep-seated pain. "In some senses, yes," she replied. "Initially." She turned her focus back to the fire, though her expression remained sorrowful. "That endless silence gave me time to think; the mind has an odd way of rationalizing its convictions given time. With every evening, I could feel your magic guiding my moon over the horizon. The celestial body I was to be entrusted with, that now became my prison. It reignited my anger, stoked the fire. A sense of betrayal blossomed into a pit of hatred. It just kept growing, consuming me. I didn't just despise you, I despised everypony." My sister looked as if she was about to throw up, so disgusted her face became. It hurt me to hear such vile ideas and opinions that Luna once held, and I understood why she was so reluctant to share. I waited a moment, ensuring she had nothing else to add. With silence beginning to befall the room again, I took the opportunity to speak. "Luna, as you were explaining your experience to me, did you listen to yourself?" "What do you mean?" "The words, the emotions you shared, the pain that you go through just telling me all of this, you have essentially assured me I can trust you, and you've more than made up for the mistakes you made." Luna remained skeptical, her brow furrowed, but kept her silence. I could no longer bear the space between us as I unfurled a wing, wrapping it around my sister's form and dragging her across the floor until she lay next to me. "The regrets, the remorse you feel over what happened, just your body language – you've learned from your past. I don't want to punish you, I don't want you to 'make up for lost time.' There is only one thing that I want," I said. "What is it?" she asked, her interest piqued by a possible chance to redeem herself. "What we're doing right now. Talking, learning from each other. I want my little sis to be happy. I'm not asking you to ignore the past, but don't let it define you for eternity. You need to talk to me, let me know when something is bothering you. Like you mentioned, keeping your thoughts and emotions bottled up – the mind rationalizes everything, whether it makes actual sense or not." "But you're already sticking your neck out for me, helping me adjust, offering me new opportunities," she lamented, her voice lowering in time with her brooding." Why should I add to that burden?" "Luna, do you trust me?" "Of course, why would I not?" she said, her eyes locked squarely with mine. "Then trust that I can handle whatever baggage you may still have. Trust that your issues are not yours alone to rectify. At the very least, trust my judgment. Let me be your guide when you feel lost." Try as she might, Luna could not keep her composure any longer as her breath was caught in her throat, tears streaming down her face. "You're doing too much for me," she whispered. "It is my duty to watch over you, Luna. That's what big sisters do, and it was a duty I let lax once. I refuse to do such a thing again." She bowed her head toward me as I did the same, our noses and horns touching, laying in complete silence. What more needed to be said? Everything I told her was the truth; I know self-doubt will follow her for a time, I knew she would question her judgment in the weeks that followed her return. The stubborn mare she is, she was afraid to ask. She was afraid of herself, she was afraid she was not doing enough. Considering the situation in a broad sense, it was to be expected. But with the ordeal we had gone through, and the effect her low self-esteem had on her physical form, it was important she knew that I was there for her, for anything, at any time. As I leaned back to a more normal position, Luna had changed again, this time for the better. Her normal, vibrant and serene eyes had returned, and her coat had lightened to the royal blue we had first seen in the dream realm. In fact, she had become that form, in little more than a minute's time. Evidently, I had been staring, for Luna took note and looked down at herself. "I— I hadn't expected to progress back so quickly," she gasped. "That makes two of us. But I'm thankful you did," I gushed. "I can only assume you feel better?" She nodded, allowing herself a small grin even as she wiped the remaining tears from her eyes. "I do, I feel a weight lifted from my chest," she said. "I wasn't happy with you, but thank you for giving me the push I needed to talk. And not using that spell." "Well, I'm glad I got you to talk, because there was no mind-meld spell," I admitted. "This is my student's most recent friendship report; she's been studying some of our languages of the past, I asked her earlier today to show me how far she's come by writing her next correspondence in whatever writing she has been studying." "You tricked me?!" Luna exclaimed, recoiling back from my draped wing. Mentally, I face hoofed at my lapse in judgment. Why did I think admitting my bluff to Luna was a good idea? "Well, when you word it that way, it does sound bad, yes..." I trailed off, trying to think of a way out of this corner. But Luna stood up, staring down at me with cold eyes, slightly scowling. My heart rate climbed rapidly as I feared everything we had just worked out was about to be thrown aside into the fireplace. "I'm sorry Luna, I was just worried because you didn't seem yourself as of late. You didn't want to talk to me, I had to do something." Slowly, her scowl shifted, warping into the slightest hint of a smirk, despite her best efforts. She was playing me. "I will give you a head start, ten seconds before I throttle you for this ruse," she said. Her smirk was contagious, as I bit my lip, trying not to smile myself. "Well, that's generous of you," I teased. "One... two... three..." I scrambled up to my hooves and started up the stairs, laughing like a fool as she continued. I managed to get halfway up the case as she reached 'five.' "Sixseveneightnineten! Get back here, Tia!" I heard her shout, hooves rapidly pounding across the floorboards. "That's cheating, you said ten seconds!" I shouted back. "Then we're even in terms of ruses tonight!" Finally to the top of the stairs, I flung open the door with my magic, entering my private chambers for a split second before throwing open another door, this time leading to the hall. I couldn't stop myself from giggling as I reached full gallop, streaking down the halls of the castle. "I was always a faster runner than you, good luck!" I taunted playfully. "I suppose it is a blessing I am a more accomplished flyer," Luna's voice retorted. I turned my head to find her right on my heels, a devilish smile upon her face. But in the momentary distraction, my hoof caught the edge of a rug. In the blink of an eye, I went from full gallop to full tumble. A cacophony of thumps and groans followed as Luna was too close to avoid me, colliding with my clumsy form and tumbling as well. At some point, both of us slid to a stop with Luna atop me. "That... that was quite foolish of us," Luna mumbled. "Running in the halls might not have been smart, no," I groaned. Hoofsteps descended upon us at once, a pair of guards rushing toward us as Luna and I pulled ourselves off the floor. "Your Highnesses, are you... alright?" The odd pause in the guard's question caused me to snap my attention away from Luna and over to the stallions. Both of them had looks of shock upon their faces, eyes transfixed upon my sister. Luna was quick to take note of the attention laid upon her, and even as I tried to think of some excuse for her appearance, she remained calm and collected. "We are both fine, thank you for your concern," she said as I rose from the floor and nodded. "I can only assume you are taken aback by my appearance." "Er, yes. My apologies, your Highness, I just was not expecting... well, I was not expecting to find you looking so different." "No apologies needed. This is, in fact, my normal appearance; my magic reserves and prowess have finally returned after much delay. I suppose you will not be the last to be caught by surprise; I am sure I will be explaining to many more ponies in the near future." I had a feeling Luna had been prepping for when this day would come and already had an explanation in mind. Either that, or she is even better at thinking on her hooves than I could ever imagine. She glanced at me out of the corner of her eye, giving the slightest knowing smile. "You sure you are both fine? We both heard an awful commotion," the other guard finally spoke up. "Yes, I just tripped over the rug, clumsy me," I answered, returning the secretive grin my sister had just displayed. I took a few steps forward until I was beside her, my left wing grabbing a hold of her as she leaned against me. "In fact, I believe we are better than we have been in a long, long time." It was the truth, but neither of us could keep ourselves straight. Luna began to giggle incessantly, the contagious feeling washing over me as I joined in. The guards exchanged glances of confusion for a split second, before saluting and heading back to their posts. "I have to ask, was that spur of the moment, or did you have a cover story planned for your new look?" I asked, finally getting ahold of myself. "A bit of both. I think it is quite believable, no?" "I think so. I think the guards were more unsure of our behavior than they were your explanation." "Indeed. But Celestia, were you serious when you told me I have the night off, and you have tomorrow's day shift off?" Luna asked. "No ruse, Luna, I told the truth. I also was not lying when I admitted to having my tea, so I'll probably be up all night. To be honest, I expected you to be more stubborn in talking to me." "If you would like, I could be more difficult next time," she teased. "I think you have proven to both of us that being open with each other is the way forward. No more keeping to ourselves, it does nopony good." "I suppose you are right. I will do what I can; forgive me if there are growing pains." I leaned over and nuzzled my little sis. "And forgive me if I have to lie to get you to talk. But with a whole night free to ourselves, what do you want to do?" Luna locked eyes with me, and drew the widest smile I had ever seen from her. "Whatever we find to occupy ourselves with, my only stipulation is we do it together." ReflectionsWith my elder sister opening my eyes to the value of discussion rather than the privacy of my thoughts, I feel compelled to write down a rather short entry for further reflection. I must admit, change is quite difficult; the longer one stays stagnant in a particular habit or state of mind, the more trying it becomes to adjust oneself. Admittedly, I am already quite bull-headed at times; I feel I have made a surprising amount of progress in the few months I have returned, given the circumstances. Aside from the dramatic shift in linguistics, the increased interactions we have with our subjects has taken some time to fully adjust; I would be remiss to not mention I still find myself somewhat ill at ease with the more personable approach to our duties. Not many would know otherwise; evidently, my stoic silence is seen as more of an outdated way of life for those of royalty. Yet as I write down my thoughts, I cannot help but wonder if our former way of rule was not part of the reason for my rebellion and fall. That is not to say I am blameless, for it was I who made the choices which led to my exile. But it is a curious thought that, if I had been more open to discussion and comfortable, could I have garnered a better understanding of my place in the hearts and minds of our subjects? Did the mere isolation and divide between myself and our subjects cause me to become blind to my true duties, and instead believe a delusion I should be worshipped? Of course, that in and of itself was an underlying issue; even today, many ponies see my sister and me as divine beings. But perhaps that should be the enduring legacy of my tale – nopony is infallible. Celestia and I may have the blood of the revered and rare alicorn race, but underneath, we are merely normal ponies with extraordinary abilities. We are prone to mistakes the same as anypony else, as I – and, to a lesser extent, my sister – have displayed upon a grand scale. I must note that I personally hold no blame toward my sister, but despite my efforts, I am unable to dissuade her from believing she played a part all those years ago. My new duties have allowed myself to ease into the social spotlight, talking to ponies in their dreamscapes, quelling fears and dissipating nightmares. I was not surprised to see more than a few nightmares involving my former alter ego, Nightmare Moon. Such situations have been difficult to overcome; not necessarily for the pony whose dreams I have entered, but for me. It is a completely different perspective to be the monster rather than see it; now having come face to face with my past, I must admit, my shame only deepens. Yet this is why I have taken to putting down my thoughts within our shared journal - my reluctance to discuss such items can not be hidden when put between these covers, for we do go through and read each other's entries on a fairly regular basis. Sometimes, it is just easier to jot down emotions and inner musings than try to explain them – or even begin a conversation, for that matter. No, I am indeed grateful for the opportunities I have been given. Do I regret my past actions? Certainly, but they cannot be reversed. Fortunately, Celestia is not one to hold grudges or reservations – she never has, for she tries to find the good in everypony, even though in some cases, it may result in a fruitless endeavor. It goes without saying this journey she has undertaken bears fruit, for we both have somepony we dearly missed back in our lives – each other. It has taken quite some time for me to truly understand how much my sister means to me, and I cannot fathom where I would be without her. Still, this is a journey that continues, one I look forward with much optimism. I feel I have made great strides forward while enduring some bumps and ruts along the way. But that is life – no path is flawless or without some hiccup as we traverse. In some ways, it is those unexpected stops that cause one to realize how much we have, or how much we have to lose. I see now what I once had been blind to in a jealousy-fuelled tantrum. While I cannot make up for lost time, I find it appropriate I watch over and guard those whom I once endangered with my actions, alongside a sister whom I had once viewed as an adversary. It is only by the grace of my sister – and her student, of course – that I am well on my way to redeeming myself, in my own eyes. Tia, I know you will read this at some point, so I feel it appropriate I finish this entry off with a few final words. Thank you for never giving up on me, even when I felt your efforts were futile at best, and utterly foolish at worst. Thank you for pushing me to talk, even when I felt silence was a better alternative. Thank you for believing in me, even when I had lost faith in myself. And thank you for loving me, even when I was at my lowest point, and loathing you. Though, I must ask of you one thing – while I dearly enjoy the spontaneous hugs you give after what I can only assume are the result of moments spent perusing our shared journal, could you at least give some sort of explanation? I find myself concerned, especially when you do so teary-eyed. But do not stop being you, sis. I love you too. ~Luna Author's Note Before I say anything else, I want to mention one thing - I intend on running with this journal concept in the future, just as a separate story rather than chapters added on. Anyway, After going back and reading this story, I couldn't help but feel anything other than a short epilogue would tart up this short ditty. I would say out of everything I've written thus far, this is my favorite work, and the one in which I take the most pride. With how everything landed through these six chapters, I felt this was just naturally the ending. Writing what only began as a single chapter has been an absolute joy for me, trying to put myself within the minds of the two royal sisters whom I quite frankly adore. Trying to envision how each would write and share their sides of the coin, in their journey to mend their sisterly bond has been a refreshing change for me, and in some ways, actually came quite natural. I think I did a fairly decent job, aside from hacking up the first couple chapters with Luna's archaic dialect. But for now, this tale comes to a close, but rest assured, this project will continue on, as a sort of sequel.
One Night in Canterlot"Tia!" The piercing howl that is my sister's voice roused me from my slumber with all the elegance of talons on a chalkboard. I love my sister – and always will despite events in the past – but heaven's above, she makes it hard sometimes. "Luna, the Canterlot Voice has been in disuse for well over five hundred years now, tone it down please," I called back, trying my best to restrain my irritation. "Our apologies, art thou currently awake?" came her reply from across the hall. I couldn't help but scoff at her vapid question, begrudgingly pulling myself out of bed. A glance at my bedside table showed the alarm clock with not quite a half hour before going off. I suppose, I've been getting more sleep since Luna's return so I shouldn't be too discouraged by such unwelcome alarms. A glance towards the window confirmed my time piece's accuracy, the moon beginning its slow descent towards the horizon, with the faintest glow of my sun making its presence known just beyond. "You are talking to me right now, aren't you?" I suggested. Curious as to what had possessed her to call out for me, I fumbled with the door in my groggy fog, before shuffling out into the hall. Directly across from my own personal chamber's, Luna's door had been left ajar, leaving the contents it held visible for the world to see. As my eyes adjusted to the sudden assault from the light of candles from the castle walls, as well as Luna's room, they beheld an unwelcome sight. Framed by the doorway, my little sister's bed was graced by the presence of a large, dark form, rivaling my own stature in size as it lay sprawled backward upon the neatly tucked sheets. Its wings lent an air of an even more imposing figure, spread wide and showing off the striking black plumage they possessed. As my heart raced, so too did my hooves, galloping into the room at light speed as the being raised its head to greet me. "Sister, we must talk about what thee hast requested of us," came Luna's voice. Quickly I slammed the door, isolating the room from the rest of the castle. "Luna, have you lost your mind? Why did you leave your door wide open?" I shouted, angered by her lack of awareness. Luna merely laid her head back, unfazed by my outburst as she stared up at the ceiling. "Once again, apologies, sister," came her monotone reply. "The significance of mine current state was forgotten." I couldn't help but sigh as I raised a hoof to my head, displeased with the surge of adrenaline already pumping through my system so early in the day. Unbeknownst to the whole of Equestria, Luna and I were in a tricky situation. Yes, after many, many years of her abscence, I was overjoyed to have my little sister back. But with her arrival came the complications that her previous actions had created. Mainly, her form. After a brief respite upon the use of the Elements of Harmony by my prized pupil and her new friends, Luna's diminutive form I had not seen in millennia had reverted back to that of the sinister Nightmare Moon. While free of the darkness that had hardened her heart so long ago, such an appearance was not likely to be well-received. Instead, Luna and I had devised up a spell that would contain her form, and revert her back to the periwinkle blue alicorn seen by the masses upon her reintroduction to Equestria. No, it was not the best solution, but it was all we could do for the time being aside from keeping her isolated. What little spare time afforded was spent searching for a more permanent solution to the issue. At least we were doing something together again. "I'm not trying to be mean, Luna. I'm sorry for raising my voice with you," I apologized, regretting my reaction. "You just need to be careful, I don't want to start a panic in Canterlot." "Understandable. But we do not believe thou realizes how much energy is required to keep our true form hidden from view. Fatigue clouds judgment this late into the night," she groaned, flopping over to her stomach as I strode around the bed to face her. Despite having seen them for the past month, her striking predatory eyes still unnerved me just a bit as they followed my movements to a seated position in front of her. "I did not think the spell would be that difficult to maintain, Luna," I replied, lowering my voice as reality set it. Perhaps I had overestimated her magic prowess. To be fair, I had not considered that her magic had been in disuse for so long; spells that I found easy could possess a different challenge to my younger sibling. Though I always did have that bit of an edge over her when it came to magic even when we were young. Seldom do I bring that up, lest we get into a competition that ends in something vaporized. "Condensing one's whole form while simultaneously changing specific attributes is far more difficult than merely hiding a bit of excess weight around the midriff during ceremonies, dearest sister," she replied coldly. "Excuse me?" I asked, my voice rising in time with an eyebrow. I wasn't quite sure where she was headed with such a comment. "Thine ears did not deceive. We hath noted the difference between thine form in public and thine form as it currently presents itself," she said, her eyes cast downward. "My dialogue and habits may be aged, but my keen sight is not dulled in the slightest." "Clearly that time away didn't dull your attitude, either," I shot back. My response was quickly met with a smirk from Luna just wide enough to bare a few of her unsettling sharp teeth. "Nay, my wit remains intact. We know it would otherwise be missed," she replied playfully before her face regained the serious intensity it had when I arrived. "But perhaps the facade we are presenting to the masses is not necessary. Why not explain the situation as it currently stands, and allow us to do away with this trickery?" "I just don't think it's going to go over well, Luna. If it were just the size and color, maybe. But your eyes and your teeth, and those wings..." I trailed off, feeling a tad guilty as I pointed out her features. "Could it be the peasants have a more open mind than you expect? Why not at least allow us to try?" Luna once again suggested. "Right, because this year's Summer Sun celebration went so well with your appearance, I'm sure everypony has put that out of their mind already," I retorted. "And they are our subjects, not peasants." "Perhaps we did not handle our return to Equestria well," she responded, seemingly unaware of her massive understatement. "Yeah, I would say your performance was rather traumatizing," I agreed with a sigh. "But, you've made your bed, now you have to lie in it." Luna's eyes darted across the bed she was laying upon, confused. "But I did not make my bed after rising from slumber. Is that not what the peasants are for?" she asked. "Sister, stop calling them peasants, it's unkind in this day and age," I replied, shaking my head. "Peons?" "No." "Commoners?" "Assistants, how about that?" I suggested. Luna nodded her head slowly, but still looked unsure. "However, we still fail to see the connection between the state of our bed linens and the current situation regarding the acceptance of mine appearance," she finally uttered. "Sorry, it's a phrase. I meant what happened is happened, and we must deal with the fallout accordingly," I explained. "That makes much more sense, it would have been wise to say such in the first place," Luna replied. "Well, you will get the hang of the more modern dialect sooner or later, it will just take some time." A knock at the door roused both of us from the conversation, our attention shifting to the unseen visitor. "My apologies your highnesses," came a male voice from the other side. " I have a form which had been misplaced during the night that requires Princess Luna's signature." "Thou hast our permission to enter," Luna replied with nonchalance. As the door began to swing open with a groan, my distracted mind realized too late that we were not ready for visitors. Our aide stood in the doorway, silent as his eyes widened at the sight of me alongside what had been considered one of the most nefarious beings in history. "Oh, horseapples," I muttered under my breath, hanging my head in frustration. "Greetings," Luna said, breaking the silent stalemate. "Our apologies for the, erm... inconvenience of tracking us down." She offered a grin, complete with her fangs clearly visible. That was all it took for our assistant's temporary paralysis to be broken. A high-pitched, girlish scream erupted from him as he turned and galloped down the hall at lightning speed. "Hm, it seems appearances are everything in this modern era as you describe," Luna mused. With a tired huff, her whole form began to glow light blue, condensing in upon itself until the little sister I was more accustomed to was upon her bed. "I tried telling you, Luna," I said, feeling some remorse for her dashed hopes. "We will get this figured out. I'm just glad to have you back, even with the... current complications." "Thank you, Tia," she replied softly, a warm grin gracing her face. "But what do we do about our assistant?" "I guess we will have to go after him and convince him the stress of the job is making him hallucinate, and he needs a few days off, perhaps therapy," I suggested. Luna's face quickly twisted into surprise. "That is quite specific for a suggestion thought up upon the spot." "You don't rule for a thousand years alone without making somepony question their sanity." Every other day I feel like I have to question mine.
Hitting the Books"It would appear the forbidden section is in dire need of organization, dear sister." "When you consider the only ponies with the magic to access this area is me – and now you – is it really surprising it is a mess?" I replied. Luna continued scanning the shelves that lined the room – my own secret stash of writings that were not to ever see light of day again. It was a private collection few knew existed, and one that I had requested in the early stages of Canterlot Castle's design stages. Of course, I had not mentioned my intentions for it, but the room was an addendum to my own personal chambers, with a small staircase the only access point. In fact, my magic was the only one that could activate the hidden door. However, I never got around to any sort of organization – my life was much too busy to tend to a mass of books that were to not exist other than in my possession, whether it be due to forbidden magic practices or rituals, or even sensitive subject matter. Instead, these writings were jammed rather haphazardly into the shelves in any space they could fit. Even so, the table and chairs in the center of the room still held piles of dusty, unorganized tomes, artifacts of a bygone era. "We must say, it was our expectation to find at least some sort of order. We do not recall the archives in the former castle being in such disrepair," she mused, picking up an open book lying on the table. As the blue aura of her magic tipped the book to free it from the layers of dust upon its pages, the binding gave out, discarding the pages into a pile that immediately dissolved into a fine powder. "Tis our most sincere hope that book did not contain valuable knowledge that is now lost to time," Luna muttered, her bright teal eyes widened in horror as they stared at the remnants of the manuscript. Gently, I seized the cover of the book from my sister's magical grasp, levitating it over to me at eye level while I made out the faded text upon the front cover. The Disastrous First Century of Princess Celestia's Monarchy "Nope, just heresy," I responded calmly, tossing the remains into the fireplace and igniting it with a quick spell. "That is a relief," Luna sighed. "Since we are in a secluded area, do you mind if we 'stretch our wings,' so to speak?" I nodded my confirmation, as Luna's petite form once again gave off a familiar glow, quickly returning to a size matching my own until the light faded, and a black alicorn stood in the library with me. "Heavens above, we cannot begin to describe how much more comfortable this form is than the facade we are forced to endure," she said, extending a hind leg out behind herself in an exaggerated motion. While the first week was admittedly difficult facing Luna in this form, it had gotten much easier as time passed. Even so, I would be almost as thrilled as my sister when we finally found a solution. However, with almost a month of searching behind us, the source material with which to direct our attention was becoming more obscure. Hence our turn to the documents and writings otherwise hidden from prying eyes due to their possible dangerous nature. It was a collection that fortunately had not seen much growth in recent years. There had to be something somewhere that could help Luna regain her form before this nightmare began. Sorry about the pun. "Your student, Twilight Sparkle. You say she is a voracious reader, why not have her aid us in this quest for answers?" Luna suggested, skimming her eyes along the nearest bookcase. "After all, she did save us from continuing our cycle of maniacal self-destruction, surely she can be trusted." "While I applaud your thinking, I really don't believe dark magic and necromancy are subjects a blossoming mind should be absorbing," I replied, cringing at the mere thought of my pupil discovering this trove of corruption material. "Yet you consider us to be trustworthy? A pony that escaped from exile after a prior attempt at usurping power, only to pursue that abhorrent goal again?" Her response did not surprise me in the slightest, as I continued to peruse the shelf in front of me for something to catch my eye. Written history would make ponies think otherwise, but Luna had historically been the more logic-oriented of the two of us. No matter the situation, my little sister would more often than not look beyond the emotions stirred up and give a complete, objective opinion, even if it was to the detriment of herself or her goals. Odd, I know. One would just expect her to be the bratty sister, being the younger sibling. Though she had that covered from time to time. "That's how I know I can trust you, sis. Despite everything we've gone through, you remain objective in thought." "I merely lay out the scenario before us in black and white, Tia. Nothing more," she replied nonchalantly, pulling a few dusty leatherbound books off a higher shelf. "Well, you're certainly making progress with your speech. I believe that's the first time you've used 'I' to refer to yourself," I chirped back, pleasantly surprised. "Indeed, but it is still a long journey before we find ourselves completely fluent in modern dialogue. Still, my point stands, it is our hope you are not misplacing your trust in me." "Oh, I'm not concerned. You've already been bested twice," I said in a teasing tone. In an instant, Luna whirled around to face me. "That is hardly appropriate, dear sister," she said, her stare icy cold. I briefly considered my light jab to be out of order, until she turned up her nose, closing her eyes. "It is said the third attempt is often imbued with a mysterious blessing that results in success," she quickly shot back. "You mean 'third time's a charm'? That is just an overused saying, Luna. It has no basis in fact." "Yet, my second attempt was successful in besting you, was it not?" I could not believe what I was hearing at this point. We're we really going to argue about this? "You're kidding, right? Sister, you 'bested' me as I overslept due to a malfunctioning alarm clock. I would hardly consider that a victory." Luna quickly shook her head in defiance. "The details matter not, it is the results that are counted." "Okay, then the second time around, you were defeated by six fillies. That's rather embarrassing." At once, Luna snapped to attention, her eyes wide with astonishment. "Only because they possessed the Elements of Harmony, dear sister!" "Ah, but the details do not matter, only the end result," I replied, a smirk upon my face. Luna remained silent for a time, mulling over my retort as she searched for a way out of this. "We will purge this conversation from our memory if thou likewise does the same," Luna mumbled, finally giving up. "I thought you might see things my way," I said with a slight chuckle. Likewise, Luna lightened up, offering a small burst of laughter. "Regardless of how it occurred, I feel most fortunate to have been defeated," she replied. "Otherwise, we would not be in this position to make amends with our sibling. But do tell, dost thou have an idea of what we are looking for amongst this collection? Certainly, it is understood the final goal is that of a transformation or reversion spell, but that is quite vague." "Not exactly," I said, trailing off with a bit of uncertainty as I glanced around. "What little knowledge I have of such spells has been gained through time and experience, and our 'normal' library did not gain us anything new. If we're going to stumble upon something that offers a more permanent fix, it's likely going to come from some sort of forbidden magic or ritual. I have some limited experience with dark magic, but not enough to help us right now." My sister did a double take as she herself began flipping through a leatherbound book. "Thou hast practiced dark magic? The one thing thou so vehemently opposed back in the time we both ruled?" I felt my face grow warm, embarrassed by my own opinions long ago being repeated back to me. "Yes, I know I was very much against such practices, and I have not dabbled in them at all in several years. I still believe such corruptive power to be dangerous," I admitted, clarifying my stance to my now skeptical sibling, whose gaze beheld a solemn and judgmental wariness. "But with you gone, the Elements no longer worked, and there were still adversaries who wished to spread harm and mischief across the land. I did what I had to in order to thwart such threats." "So that was why thou abandoned the Elements in the old castle," Luna mused, relaxing just a bit. "But why build a new Castle when the old one was suitable?" I blinked, waiting for Luna to break into laughter or smile, something to prove she was joking. Yet she remained straight-faced and quiet, waiting for my answer. "Did you not notice the gaping hole in the roof? Or the damaged pillars? Of course, it has deteriorated further as the years have gone by but there was no repairing the grave structural damage you caused," I said, not mincing words. "To be fair, it was both of us that caused damage, sister," Luna replied. "Regardless, it was time to move our residence, at that point in time, the Everfree Forest was becoming quite feral. But as for the Elements of Harmony, I had considered bringing them with me, had they not turned into paperweights. I could sense no magic within them, I assumed it had all been expelled by my sole use. Clearly, as Twilight Sparkle and her friends demonstrated, that was not the case." As I finished the impromptu history lesson, Luna's teal eyes lit up with inspiration, barely waiting for me to finish before speaking up. "Of course sister, the Elements of Harmony!" she shouted with excitement. "The magic within them has reverted me once, surely they are able to do it again!" "Luna, have you lost your mind? Why would you subject yourself to another rainbow blast?" I asked, my voice involuntarily raising as I spoke. "Besides that absurd idea if it were to even be considered, who is to say the outcome would be the same? It never has been in the past." Both of us fell silent, Luna looking rather uneasy with my harsh criticism I had served her. But it didn't take long before she turned her back to me, focusing on the shelf behind her as one by one, she pulled out and glanced at the aged collection. "Luna, I didn't mean to be that blunt, I just don't think it's a good idea," I apologized. But my sister remained steadfast in her search, as if she had not heard me. Cautiously, I shuffled over to her side, in an attempt to get her to notice, with no luck. "Sister, I'm sorry." "Yes, your apology was heard the first time. We were not offended, merely inspired with another idea," she replied, her voice monotonous as her focus remained on her search. "Care to elaborate? I won't be so rude." "Perhaps within these shelves is contained an instruction manual for the Elements." "Okay, I have to say, that might be even dumber than your original idea." *Thunk!* Pain lanced through my head as something struck me, my vision momentarily clouding over as I recoiled back by pure instinct. As the stars I was seeing cleared up, my focus turned to the floor, finding a large book that was not there a moment ago, my likely assailant. "Apologies, sister. In my current vapid state of mind, my magic must have failed fully handling that book," Luna said quietly. As I looked up to her, she was trying very hard not to smile, keeping her face buried into her current book as much as possible. I admit, I probably deserved that. Three hours had passed by, and the search through my private collection had bore no fruit. In that span of time, almost a quarter of the reading material I possessed had been exhausted, and I felt rather pessimistic about our chances finding something in the remaining books, even if it was well over a majority. "Tia, have we considered changeling magic?" Luna spoke up as I tossed my last book into the 'no' pile. "I'm not really sure what you're getting at," I replied, scanning the shelves for something, anything to catch my eye. "Yes, changelings can change their form as their special sort of magic ability, but that's basically what you're doing now." "It was merely an idea to toss out, we found a book with limited knowledge on the creatures," Luna commented, keeping her voice low. Evidently, my frustration was getting the best of me, and my sister looked quite taken aback and intimidated by my last comment. "I thought it perhaps possible to imbue an item with the magic of a changeling, thereby only needing a spark of my magic to allow a transformation to occur." "No, I understand, I didn't mean to snap at you. This is just more frustrating than I was expecting. It's a rather good idea, if one could find a changeling." "By the sounds of it, the creatures are not near as common as they once were." I shook my head somewhat forlornly. "No, their raids upon pony settlements were intolerable, and over the years their numbers were slowly squashed out. I personally am unable to recall the last report of changelings." "'Squashing them out' is an... interesting term to use," Luna noted, her face betraying the disgust she felt over such a phrase. "I don't mean that in the literal sense, Luna. The mess that would cause would be a headache to clean up. Trust me." "Right," Luna said, still rather unsettled. "However, we may be better suited to approaching this problem from another angle, as this path seems to be a dead end." "I'm listening," I said, signaling for her to continue. "Considering we have once been reverted to our normal form, the solution to the problem could be within the cause itself. Something had to have triggered the transformation back into this form I had been in previously." As she spoke, my sister rose off the floor back to her hooves, levitating the rather large mass of manuscripts we had rejected back onto the shelves one by one. I likewise joined her attempts to tidy up as I mulled over her suggestion. It was an intriguing idea, though it was hard to contemplate how exactly to narrow down the culprits. Luna had been in her younger form for about a week; clearly, the trigger had to be somewhere in that time frame. But that is where the simplicity ended. Or, perhaps the same trigger could be placed both in that week, as well as before her banishment... "Sister, how have you been feeling since your return to – er, normal life?" I asked, tiptoeing around the subject matter a bit. At once, Luna's head snapped to me, surprised by my inquiry. "It has been somewhat difficult, but I feel progress has been made. While the concern is appreciated, is there a particular reason you have suddenly asked?" "Well, have you been feeling... do you have doubts? In everything going somewhat back to normal? Not necessarily back to the way it was, of course, I just mean—" "Of course we have our doubts," Luna bluntly interjected. "After having failed once in controlling our emotions and allowing jealousy to cloud judgment, would it not be expected to have some concerns regarding our capabilities? Would it not be more concerning to have no reservations in returning to such an esteemed and demanding position?" As she spoke, Luna's voice grew increasingly louder, in tune with her imposing black wings unfurling themselves until they were spread out wide on either side above her, overshadowing her form like a specter slowly creeping in from the dark abyss. "So... you aren't quite comfortable and confident in yourself, I gather?" I quietly chimed in, my eyes motioning back and forth between my sister's face and her wings that all too well announced her agitation and excitement. She quickly took note of my shifting gaze, turning her head to see what was the matter before blushing profusely. Quickly she folded in her appendages. "We— I suppose I have my doubts regarding my self-control due to my past actions, yes," she admitted in a hushed tone, hanging her head a bit. "Luna, there's nothing to be ashamed of, to have some worries about adjustment back to life after what you have been through is normal -though I suppose the circumstances are a bit unique." "That doesn't really help, Tia," Luna replied, likely due to my last comment. I shook my head, trying to free my mind of the sudden lapse in thought. "Sorry. But I have to wonder, maybe you have done this to yourself, Luna. Not on purpose of course, but your emotions changed you once before, maybe that is the catalyst for the current issue." "If your hypothesis is correct, what hope do we have to revert back to our normal form?" "I have to note that kind of an attitude isn't going to help," I lightly chastised. "It's perfectly understandable to feel what you've been feeling, but you can't dwell on it, sis. This is a case where it may truly be mind over matter." "How do we even go about this? How am I to just let go of my personal anxieties that are not unfounded?" "Luna, with all due respect, please shut up and listen," I ordered, feeling my patience slip little by little. My sister only stared at me, dumbfounded by my sudden change in tone, allowing me to speak unimpeded. "I don't think you realize that there was a time before your banishment you had no issues with your attitude and self-esteem. Before our rule." Luna took a set upon her haunches, silent and at full attention. She only gave a slight nod, ushering me to continue. "Now, yes, you have had a rough go of it since then. But I am just as much at fault for what happened as you are, sister." "Halt with that talk, Tia, I will not le—" "Let me finish, sister. I will hear your comments and questions afterward," I interrupted. Luna backed down, once again holding her tongue and nodding in silence, even if she looked a bit frustrated as she dropped her eyes to the floor in front of her. "As I was saying, it was both our fault. You harbored jealousy within that eventually festered long enough compel you to act. However, I had always been a shoulder upon which you could lean, and I was not there for you. I did not push you to speak to me, even if I noted your change in behavior the preceding months. I let our royal duties – which indeed, are very important – become more important than our sisterly bond. I let the stress of our work prevent me from being there for you. So yes, I understand your guilt, because I feel much guilt over what transpired as well. We need to make time for each other again, Luna. Like we are doing right now." As I finished with my monologue, Luna's gaze returned to me, looking as if she were on the verge of tears. But not of sadness. "Come here," I goaded, leaning back and spreading both my forehooves and wings. I barely had time to brace myself before Luna tackled me, squeezing tightly around my midriff as I returned the favor. "We can do this, Luna. You can do this," I encouraged her, feeling my own emotions swell up. "It's just going to take some time and some effort." "Thank you, sister," I heard her mumble, finally loosening her grip on me a bit. "I assure you, I will not disappoint." "Nor will I, dearest sister. Moments like these are much too precious to be missed." While I had not paid much mind in the moment, as we both parted I realized why Luna had not chosen to hug me around my neck. I blinked a few times, being sure my eyes did not deceive me before I spoke up. "Well, I would say my hypothesis was correct, little sister," I said, unable to keep myself from a slight giggle. Indeed, while her visage remained the same, she was no longer of a size that mirrored mine. Luna quickly took note as well as she took in her surroundings from a vantage point at least a foot shorter than minutes before. She stomped a hoof as her confusion gave way to disgust. "Of all the things to change, why must our height be the first?!" she shouted in frustration, which only coaxed my laughter further. "Luna, it wasn't a problem to you until now," I reminded her. "Besides that, you are the younger sibling." "Only by a few years, Tia," she quickly tossed back. "Yes, I know. But on a positive note, your spell should be easier to cast, with less of you to shrink down." "Excuse our lack of excitement over the positive spin thou has placed upon this development," she grumbled. With a flash, her jet black coat shifted back to periwinkle blue, while her stature finished its reversion to the smaller size the world recognized as Princess Luna. I found myself somewhat dumbstruck by the sudden change. "Did you just do that on your own or..." "Indeed, I assume the hours spent down here are coming to a close, no?" As much as I did not want to admit it, Luna was right. It had been a nice change of pace to spend time with her, but this was by far the longest I had stepped away from my royal duties during the day. While it was likely closing in on sunset, there were still a few matters I would need to tend to before ending the day properly. "I suppose we might as well head back upstairs, there is nothing down here that can help us anyways. Hopefully, you won't feel the effects of waking up earlier than normal during the overnight hours," I said. "No need to worry about us, we will manage," she replied. I headed back up the narrow staircase that would meet up to my personal study, with my sister tailing close behind. The stale air that had settled in my secret chambers gradually lightened as our climb grew nearer to the top, and to the door leading outward. But just as I reached it, a strong odor hit my nostrils. It was familiar, yet I found myself unable to quite place the identity. "Luna, do you smell that?" I asked, turning my head back towards her. Even in the dimly lit space, I saw her quickly cringe and back up a few steps, glaring at me. "Why must you ruin the mood with juvenile humor?" she barked. "I'm not talking about that," I replied, rolling my eyes. "Come on." As I reached the door, my magic thrust it open. The smell was even stronger now as we entered my room proper, and I recognized the smell almost at the same time I spotted the source seeping through the doorway that led to the hall. Smoke. "Sweet merciful me, what is going on?!" I shouted. Frantically I rushed to the door without a second thought, pulling it open as my every instinct told me to just flee. What greeted my sight was nothing short of a circus, as multiple guards were tending to not just the carpeting set alight with flames, but numerous tapestries which adorned the walls. Others were galloping back and forth, seemingly in mindless panic. At last, a few moments of staring by me and my sister was enough to draw the attention of one stallion, who quickly stood and saluted. "Your Highnesses, apologies for the mess," he said, devoid of emotion. "I'll ask again, what in Equestria is going on here?" "One of the castle's servants had a minor accident as he was lighting the candles in the hall to prepare for the night. He bumped into a candelabra and lit some drapes afire," he replied with an almost absurdly calm voice. "That led to this scene... how?" Luna interrupted, in a state of awe. "Well – I... I don't know, actually. I just arrived here," the guard stuttered, embarrassed by his own words. "Do you need help with this?" I sighed. I could not help staring in amazement myself as a pair of unicorns tried to remove a tapestry from the wall with their hooves, rather than their magic. "No your majesty, there is no need to worry," he said, before turning around and barking orders to a few guards still standing around. I reluctantly turned to my sister, who likewise glanced at me, befuddled. "Why don't we get some fresh air for the time being?" I suggested, quickly turning away from the scene and heading down the hall. Luna joined me without hesitation, though she managed one last glance back for good measure. "It seems some issues have not changed from years past. Adequately skilled personnel are still difficult to attain, yes?" she asked. "Now you understand why it is so good to have you back," I said, shaking my head.
Opportunity KnocksWhile the night sky does not receive the level of recognition and praise that my sister's sun garners, it is safe to say I have a much better appreciation for the subtle adorations it does gather. No longer am I bothered by the notions of popularity, for the night allows a calm upon the earth that the bright sun and business of the day can not provide. Indeed, it is my night that allows Equestria to rest and prepare for a new day. However, I must admit, presiding over the kingdom at night remains quite a dull affair. It is a truth that is unavoidable, even now as it was once long ago. What few disputes that are brought to my attention in the period between dusk and dawn are often simple in nature and take little more than a fleeting moment to resolve. Otherwise, my nights are often composed of mindless drivel such as paperwork, from permits to reports of various government entities. Yet with a new outlook upon my life and my duties, I am able to find a silver lining in what years past I would consider a wasted night. There was no greater appreciation for the free time available than the weeks following the return from my lengthy exile. It was no secret that my linguistics - and to a lesser degree, my etiquette - were vastly outdated by the standards of the present day. On numerous occasions I found myself repeating what I had just stated in a heavily revised manner, due to confusion on behalf of the other individual. Thus, what time I had to myself was spent reading whatever was at hoof written in a more modern style. Other nights had been spent just enjoying the quiet, enjoying being... here. Home. Such an extended time in isolation makes one appreciate the company of others, even if the other party is not the most comfortable on the other end. But I held no grudge against those who were perhaps leery of being within my presence. Certainly, not only had my reputation preceded my appearance, my first "appearance" only reinforced those preconceptions. So though my form had changed, ponies still found some difficulty placing trust in me. Of course, had anyone other than my sister known the struggle within in regards to my form... the road that lay ahead would have been even more trying. But it is quite likely the same quiet time that I found myself grateful for was the culprit for the seeds of self-doubt that soon sprouted. The train of thoughts that rushed through my head became less positive as the reality of the uphill battle I face soon became apparent. It was not long after my magic was required to hide the form that had for so long been relegated to stories of legend and terror. So, such distractions eventually led me to practice a skill I had developed and mastered during my banishment – lucid dreaming. Lucid dreaming was perhaps the only thing that allowed me to retain some semblance of sanity during those dark times. In fact, these fantasy creations during slumber had begun to transgress beyond sleep, into a state more akin to deep meditation. It took nary a blink of an eye for me to switch between reality and this queer realm, and I quite honestly thought nothing suspicious of the ability. Not until this particular night, when fate decided to make this... much more interesting. With only half of the night chewed away, I had managed to clean up all outstanding paperwork that had accumulated during the day that Tia did not complete. All of it was quite straightforward in nature, but nonetheless tedious to peruse and complete. How I long for the days when our diarchy was much more simple, and did not have such trifle matters to deal with on a daily - or in my case, nightly - basis. With outstanding duties completed and nothing in the meantime to do, I slipped away into my personal oasis. My surroundings melted away, their colors muting and darkening, while the warm glow of the candles dotting the room multiplied endlessly and scattered until I found myself awash in my night sky, surrounded by constellations. Yet it was not a serene feeling of peace that greeted me. In stark contrast to the visual display, a wave of fear enveloped me, interspersed with deep regret, sadness. To say the least, it was overwhelming, catching me by surprise enough that my breath was taken away. However, these feelings were not emanating from within my own being. Instead, I could sense these unwelcome emotions were seeping in from another direction, a sensation much like a cool burst of air sneaking past a drafty window. My instincts quickly spurred me to trace this invisible trail, as I floated amongst the stars and nebulae of my personal universe. My attention was focused solely on this mystery, trying to make sense of it as I searched for the origin. It did not take long, as the sensations became stronger as I traveled, until reaching ground zero – out here, in the void of space, was a door. "What in Equestria?!" I couldn't help but shout out. Clearly, my lucid dream had taken off down its own path, for this scenario was making less and less sense. I tepid worked my way around the mysterious door, able to see both sides, as it seemingly led nowhere. Yet the coloration was familiar, as were its markings. One solid piece, this door was mainly an off-white hue, but adorned with wavy stripes of pastel green, blue, and pink in various areas. But at eye level was a bold orange sun, a mirror image of my own sister's cutie mark. "Tia?" I mumbled quietly in confusion. I raised a hoof up to the door, carefully touching it as I readied myself to jump back if need be. Instead, the silence remained a constant, even as the door slowly opened inward. Only a dark void greeted my eyes, though the sense of strife only magnified as it swept outward toward me. I am not hesitant to admit, my own concern and uneasiness began to build. But as with any dream, there is often an underlying issue that spurns the sequence of events. To turn back would likely only delay this dream to a further date. In addition, this manifestation of the mind could not physically harm me; as alarming and confusing as it may be, there was no reason to stop investigating. Without another thought, I stepped through the door frame. In an instant, the darkness lifted, the environment warping back to the familiar appearance of the castle's interior. But rather than the throne room, I found myself within Celestia's forbidden archives once again, though it had nearly quadrupled in size compared to the reality I had seen firsthand but a few days ago. From floor to cavernous ceiling stood towering shelves, packed to the gills with countless texts. Only adding to the foreboding backdrop was the lack of light, provided by a few mere candles scattered about the room. But the sound of voices off to my right interrupted my sightseeing. Quickly, I spread my wings, afforded just enough room in the main aisle way to take flight and reach higher ground for a vantage point. As I climbed higher, I began to fully realize how cavernous this library truly was, and the inky darkness began to close around me. By the time I had reached the top of a bookshelf, it was difficult to even see my own hoof in front of me. However, the view down to the floor remained clear enough to make out, which was what I desired anyway. My ears flicked back and forth as I tried to sense where these voices were emanating from. It seemed to only be two, though what they were saying, I could not discern. Guided by my sense of hearing, I leapt from bookcase to bookcase, trying to be as quiet as possible. This was unlike any dream I had ever experienced, and I was not willing to take chances; perhaps this was not a dream at all? "...please, you must understand..." I head a familiar voice bleat. At once I recognized the voice - my sister. Another quick leap allowed me to look down upon the floor and finally spot her, as well as the other party involved in this conversation. "Oh, I understand. You're afraid of my potential, just like your previous student," growled a young voice. The lavender unicorn that spoke had cornered my elder sister in the corner formed by the wall and an adjacent shelf. "After all, I've already done something you could never do - save your sister." As the aggressor I now recognized as Twilight Sparkle spoke, her form shifted slightly, growing taller. In unison, Celestia's form condensed, shrinking bit by bit as she cowered. "I am grateful for that Twilight, but that does not mean you are ready for further study. I do not want to make the same mistake tw—" "Please, you have no room to lecture me," Twilight interrupted, continuing to change bit by bit. By now, her horn had begun to lengthen, just as my sister's began to recede into her forehead. It was as if Twilight was siphoning off Celestia's physical attributes as she continued on. "You aren't any better than Luna was - you are governed by your emotions. You couldn't do anything to stop her the first time, and did even less the second time. You had to rely on me. But somehow, I'm the one not ready for more advanced magic? I'm not ready to claim the power that is rightfully mine?" "Twilight, stop," Celestia mumbled, her voice higher-pitched than normal. By now, both Twilight's growth and Celestia's reversion had come to an end, with Twilight Sparkle looking like a recolor of what my sister would normally be. She had ascended to alicorn status, her wings folded neatly upon either side of her body, while her mane and become long and flowing, dotted with stars as it billowed in a nonexistent wind, belying the enormous reserves of magic she had stored within her. Meanwhile, Celestia's appearance was one I remember, but had not seen in eons. She retained her wings and horn, but her mane no longer flowed with a pastel rainbow. Instead, it hung limply like the average pony, and colored a pale pink. Her whole form had shrunk, regressed back to the age of a filly. I had no idea what was happening, but it did not matter – this scene sickened me. "Silence thy tongue and back away from our sister!" I shouted, jumping off my lofty perch downward. My wings eased the drop as I neared the floor, touching down in between the two. "Luna?" came the young voice of my sister. I nodded silently as I turned my full attention to Twilight. "Thou has some nerve speaking to my sister with such disrespect. Even moreso, whatever spell thou has cast to empower thyself whilst draining Celestia cannot be anything other than some sort of dark magic. Yet thou think'st thyself the better?" "This doesn't concern you," Twilight replied, taking a step towards me. "Get out of the way." "Thou will not lay a hoof upon my sister!" I shouted, taking a step forward. Much to my surprise, my voice was amplified, more than twice the power of my Royal voice as it was unleashed upon my foe. Twilight Sparkle braced herself from the shockwave. But with a cry of despair, a blinding light enveloped her form, before dissipating just as quickly, taking her with it. "What was that?" I mumbled, not quite sure what I had just witnessed. I felt something wrap itself around my forelegs and looked down. Sure enough, the filly version of my sister had grabbed ahold of me, hugging as tightly as possible, her eyes squeezed shut. Gingerly, my magic pried her off, my desire to make sense of everything too overwhelming to delay the ensuing barrage of questions I had. "Tia, is that really you?" I asked, setting her down as I myself settled down, sprawled upon the floor. Celestia nodded her head, gratitude pouring out from her beaming smile. "Yes. But are you really Luna?" she asked, suddenly looking as confused as I felt. "How did you get here?" "I am Luna, but what exactly is 'here'?" I replied with my own inquiry. Celestia merely tilted her head, her brow furrowing as she considered my question. "No, you can't be you, this doesn't make any sense," she whined. "None of this makes s—" Abruptly, my sister disappeared, followed quickly thereafter by my surroundings. I found myself falling through a black abyss, the sensation of speed increasing rapidly before I snapped back to reality. My eyes quickly darted around as I tried to catch my breath, before realizing I was where I began – in the throne room of the castle, in the middle of the night. Everything that had just transpired was indeed a dream. Yet somehow, my control had been wrested away, without my knowledge. While I took a deep breath, my heart was still racing with the apparent hypnic jerk I had just experienced, though my mind had calmed considerably. But I noted my personal guard staring at me, wide-eyed and frozen in place. It was then I took note my vantage point was higher than it should be. As I looked down to take stock of myself, my fears were realized - at some point, my spell had failed me, as black fur and hooves greeted my sight. Out of the corner of my eye, I also sighted my ethereal mane, complete with stars, billowing rapidly in time with my excitement and agitation. "Are you the only one to lay eyes upon me?" I asked bluntly, turning my attention to the dumbfounded pony. He offered no reply nor movement for confirmation, still frozen in place. My magic took hold of my form once again, my eyesight vanishing in a blinding flash as I reverted back to the visage of my more accepted self. "I will ask again, are you the only one to have seen me tonight?" I repeated, rising off the throne. Finally, the guard snapped out of his trance as he nodded slowly. "Very good," I replied, somewhat relieved. I provided no warning as I concentrated on my inner reserves, charging up a spell before unleashing it upon my servant. The blue aura took hold of his head as it seeped inward, his eyes glazing over momentarily before my magic dissipated from existence, leaving no trace as the stallion before me lost the fear he once held, trading it in for confusion as his awareness returned. I vehemently despise using such spells as memory wipes; their use feels sinister and immoral. Nevertheless, I suppose it was a better alternative to questioning the psychological well-being of an individual, insisting they were imagining my visage as being that of Nightmare Moon. Furthermore, such a simple solution would have limited use; it would become clear with more and more individuals affected that the same sights they claimed to witness could not be a coincidence. Fortunately, this had only been the third time I had slipped up. "Is something troubling you?" I asked quietly, the guard pony slowly taking in his surroundings. After a moment he finally turned his attention to me, looking quite lost. "I... yes, I am fine, your Highness," he answered, albeit slowly. "I must apologize, I am not used to being up at these hours." "No need for apologies, it is understandable," I said, playing it off with a wave of my hoof. "Please, feel free to take a moment to fetch something for yourself, perhaps take a short stroll to revitalize the stagnant mind." "Yes your Highness, thank you," he said, taking advantage of my offer. With a nod and a final glance at me, he shuffled off, looking rather unbalanced as he headed out of the room, disappearing from sight. His hoofsteps faded away at a slow and steady pace as well, before I finally relaxed, a crisis averted. But my mind was not at complete ease, for I still found myself unable to piece together what exactly had happened during my attempt at lucid dreaming. It was not new to have my creation meander away from my original intentions, but on this occasion, it had galloped off in a completely different direction. But the most bothersome item in the whole dream was my sister's reaction during the whole ordeal. Yes, she looked and sounded upset, and quite afraid. Yet there was something else - an expectation of what was to occur. This was most obvious in her reaction to my appearance and vanquishing of her deranged pupil. But even before I had jumped in, she seemed to... just accept her fate. I began to openly wonder if it was possible I had somehow transcended my own dream realm and stumbled upon hers; certainly, I had never heard of such a thing, but that night was just too bizarre to brush away. Perhaps in time I would have "come to my senses" and dismissed the ordeal as a wild dream, had fate not stirred the cauldron one final time. For whatever reason, I pulled myself from my thoughts and looked up in time to see my sister's colorful mane pass by in the hall. It was only due to the guard leaving the doors to the main hall slightly ajar, and the gap only offered a split second glimpse, but nonetheless, the timing was uncanny. "Tia!" I called out, trotting down the steps to the floor and out the door. Sure enough, my sister had only gotten a few paces away as I burst out into the hall. I saw her jump just a bit, clearly startled by my sudden appearance. "Luna, you scared me," she gasped, her eyes as big as saucers as she turned around to face me. "Is everything all right?" "I was about to ask you the same question. What are you doing up and about this late into the night?" "Oh, I just woke up and felt a bit thirsty. I'm headed for the kitchen right now," she replied. Right away I knew she was lying, and not just because of the obvious fact the castle has staff that could fetch her something upon request. A thousand years apart has not diminished my ability to read my sister like a book, and the slight flick of her left ear as she responded to my inquiry was a nervous tic I remember well. "Sister, please do not lie to me," I replied calmly. Celestia's ears dropped as she blushed slightly, realizing I had not fallen for her excuse. "It's nothing Luna, really," she protested. "I'm just having an issue clearing my mind for sleep. It happens from time to time." That was all I needed to be convinced our paths had crossed in another realm. While my mind still told me it was impossible, my heart told me to go forward. "Nightmares have been afflicting you for a time, haven't they?" I suggested, much to the surprise of Celestia. "But tonight, tonight's dream was different, wasn't it?" "I— yes, but how—" Celestia struggled to put words together as her reaction confirmed my beliefs – somehow I had tapped into an ability, to sense the turmoil affecting the unconscious mind during slumber. "I do not know, Tia. But this certainly requires further discussion to try to understand the forces at work," I replied. Celestia sighed, nodding her head. "So much for getting back to sleep tonight. Come, let's go back to my room for privacy." "So what I was feeling emotionally in my dream, you could sense that in yours?" I nodded my head. "Yes, I have done this exercise many times, but this experience is unique. How often have you had this nightmare?" Celestia fidgeted upon her bed, reluctant to open up about her woes. "I don't know, a couple of weeks maybe? It's not every night, sister." "Considering I have passed the time through more than a few dull nights by lucid dream, why have we not crossed paths sooner?" I wondered aloud. "So you at least admit to sleeping when you are supposed to be completing your duties?" Celestia replied sternly, asking her own questions. "No, as I said earlier, it is more of a meditation. I do not necessarily fall asleep," I protested. "But you have in the past?" "Would it be possible to focus on the more pressing issues at hoof?" I quickly suggested. At once, Celestia broke into a light chuckle. "Luna, relax," she said quietly, easing up on her tone. "I'm just teasing you, I know what nights are like around here." "Really? How so?" "Well, for a short time after what happened between us, I tried to stay up past the raising of the moon in case there were still ponies used to having their disputes settled at that time," she explained. "Let's just say I garnered a better understanding for your frustrations." "It would have been more desirable had you gained that understanding before our banishment," I mused, mostly joking. "Remember, you never told me how you felt, so I couldn't help you. Let's learn from our mistakes," she instructed. "Indeed we shall. After such a comment, I feel it is only fair you share with me what troubles your mind to the point of manifesting such a nightmare. Talking about it can only be constructive in dealing with your issues, correct?" I said, leaning in with a sly smile. Celestia was less amused by my ploy. "You set me up with that comment, didn't you?" "It is a possibility, I suppose," I teased playfully. But with the jokes aside, I quickly regained a more serious demeanor. "I want to help you, Tia. You are helping me deal with the situation I have found myself in upon our return. While I may not know how or why I was able to sense your distress, I wish to take advantage of the circumstances and repay the favor. Please." Celestia remained silently hesitant for a short time, her reluctance to face her inner unrest and personal thoughts at odds with the desire to be rid of the troubling nighttime scenarios. But with a sigh, she finally nodded, closing her eyes. "What do you want to know, sister?" "Well," I started, pausing as I pondered where to begin. "I suppose the most curious piece of your dream is that of Twilight Sparkle. I cannot help but remember your opposition to her helping us sort out the mess that is your private collection, and her words somewhat reflected those same concerns of which you shared. You do not actually fear she will become more powerful, do you?" "Of course not," my sister quickly replied, shaking her head. "She is a truly gifted student, one of the best I have ever had attend my private school. If I was afraid of such a thing, I wouldn't have taken her under my wing personally." "But you fear she will develop a thirst for power?" As if on cue, Celestia's eyes dropped away from me to the floor. "A little bit, I suppose. Yes," she admitted quietly. "It is a fine line on how to pace lessons. Too cautious and the pupil grows bored, too quickly and you can overwhelm them. Even then, it's hard to be sure that their desire for learning is sincere curiosity, and not something more... devious." "While I cannot speak too much as I have yet to personally meet her, I would say Twilight seems to be receptive to your lessons for the right reasons. Not to mention the Elements chose her and her friends. We don't understand the full potential of the magic they contain, but certainly the Tree of Harmony chose wisely," I said, reflecting back on the memory of acquiring the Elements. "But Twilight said something else in your dream, a mistake regarding another student." "I have to question myself because I've already failed once in judging the integrity of a personal pupil. I could not bear to see another student I care about turn into somepony so selfish as to only desire power for themselves." "As I did," I finished. Celestia's shoulders slumped as she nodded forlornly. "Yes, I suppose so. I just feel like I can't trust myself anymore. How can I with you, Sunset Shimmer—" This 'Sunset Shimmer,' that is the student whom you had before Twilight?" "It's been a few years now, but yes. I thought she was ready for advanced magic, but instead she turned against everything I stand for. She only saw the power she could wield for herself rather than what she could do to make the world a better place." "And where is she now?" "Gone," she replied abruptly, the bluntness of her short response catching me by surprise. "And by 'gone,' you mean—" "No, I did not do anything to her, Luna. The situation never became that serious. But she found the room where I keep most of Starswirl's magical items and research left behind when he disappeared, including that mirror we always wondered about." "The one that supposedly contains a portal to another world," I said, not hiding my skepticism. Starswirl the Bearded was a wonderful mentor, but I must admit, his later years before his sudden disappearance, he became rather... eccentric. Some of his claims I never believed, including that silly mirror. "It does act as a portal to another world, Luna. Starswirl's writings were true," Celestia argued. "It only opens at certain times, and I caught Sunset Shimmer jumping through it the night in question." "You did not follow her?" "Do you think that's a good idea? Going through to another dimension that we know nothing about, or what lies beyond in wait? I hope she is alright, and may return someday – but to follow her on a whim, that was out of the question." "Apologies, sister, I did not mean to question your morality in this scenario," I responded, recognizing I had touched a sensitive subject, and in more ways than one. Both of us were left mystified upon Starswirl the Bearded's abrupt disappearance, not long before my rebellion. Not only had we lost a trusted mentor, but we had also lost a dear friend. Still today, neither of us have any inkling on what happened. I shook my head free of any further questions, having gotten too far removed from the reason for this discussion. "I understand you feel some guilt over your misplaced trust, but what is the alternative, sister? To trust nopony? That has not ever been your nature, and I pray it never comes to such a point." "So you're saying I should just keep taking chances?" Her tone was uncharacteristically negative as her eyes almost dared me to refute her. "Sister, was it not you just a few days ago that instructed us not to be so pessimistic when somepony is offering help?" I replied. My sister's answer was quick and wordless, her face turning bright red with embarrassment as she bit her tongue. "What I am saying is it is impossible to truly know what lies within the heart of a pony. While it is you who decides the pony you see with the potential to benefit from your personal teachings, it is still up to that pony what he or she does with that knowledge, be it benevolent or something decidedly less so. You can only do so much, and this school you have developed – while I admit I do not know the specifics – sounds like an admirable undertaking. You want to share what you know to better their lives, and in turn, help these individuals better the lives of their families and friends. Through it, you have gotten me back, haven't you? If it weren't for your trust in Twilight Sparkle, she would have never made the friends she did, and in turn, come to possess the Elements of Harmony that freed me. You showed her the path, and she chose the path you had hoped." My words hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity, my sister remaining silent. Though it was clear my monologue had gotten her attention, as her eyes were locked onto me, almost uncomfortably so. "Luna, I want you to answer one thing for me," she finally mumbled, taking me by surprise. "I- Yes. I will do my best, what is it?" "How in Equestria did you come to that whole conclusion from what I described to you in such short notice?" "Tis a gift, I suppose. Looking past the emotions to understand the logic that has created the problem in the first place. I sincerely hope you are asking such a question because you found my advice helpful?" For the first time that night, my sister's fatigue seemed to melt away, as her smile finally showed itself. "While it's hard to say whether the nightmare will return, I have to say talking about this with you feels like a weight has been lifted from me. Thank you, Luna." "You are quite welcome. As I said, you have helped me adapt back into Equestrian life, it pleases me to be able to return the kindness. You are just being too hard on yourself, judging by not only your dream, but your reactions as we have gone into further discussion. I understand that you care, but you cannot control what others do even as you lay the path ahead of them. Unless you use mind control, which I assume is taboo in the present day." Celestia blinked. "Luna, mind control spells have always been taboo." "Oh. My mistake." My sister did not reply, her eyes narrowing with suspicion as I stood beside her bed. After a few moments, I could take the pressure no longer, my silent stoicism broken with a short giggle. "Tia, I merely jest. I have never dabbled in such vile practices." To my surprise, Celestia let out a deep sigh of relief, before finally letting out a small chuckle herself. "I should have known you were joking. Clearly, this lack of sleep is catching up with me," she replied, glancing at the clock on her bedside table. Already the time was nearing half past two in the morning. In about four hours' time, it would be my turn to pass on the ruling duties to Celestia and allow myself to rest. "I sincerely hope I have helped ease your mind enough to get some rest during the remaining hours of the night," I said, rising to my hooves in preparation to leave. With impeccable timing, Celestia let out a great yawn, nodding her head. "I've gotten less sleep and been fine for a day's work, don't worry about me. Again, thank you sister. Good night." "Good night," I said as I stepped out into the hall, closing the door behind me. With a renewed energy, I bounded back towards the throne room to finish off the night. ===== "Good evening, Luna." I looked up from my bran muffin and tea breakfast in time to see Celestia strut into the dining room, looking surprisingly vibrant despite it nearing the end of the day. "Yes, Tia, good evening. You are looking quite well," I commented. My sister took a seat next to me, her face graced with a warm smile and an eagerness I had not seen in a few days. "I feel quite well, I feel... free," she announced, spreading her wings wide to emphasize her point. "I guess what we discussed last night was weighing on me even more than I realized." "I must say, while I am glad I was able to settle your troubled mind, I did not expect such a drastic shift in your mood. But it is a pleasant surprise, nonetheless. Do not hesitate in the future to open up to me with your troubles, sister." Celestia gleefully nodded, before pausing. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that. Today was oddly calm, so I had some time to think." "You did not hurt yourself?" I asked, as my sister's smile twisted into a look of absolute confusion. "I— Er, what do you mean, sister?" "You said you had some time to think today, I know that can be a taxing undertaking for somepony not used to using thought process," I replied, doing my best to keep a straight face. Celestia did not bother, as she let out a long chuckle. "I should have known where you were going with that comment," she said, sticking her tongue out at me playfully. "But joking aside, do you think you could figure out how you got into my dream and replicate the process?" Before I answered her, I mulled the question over, trying to understand where her train of thought was headed. Were there other troubling dreams she had been having lately? "I would assume it is possible sister. It may take some time to fully make sense of the underlying powers or mechanisms, but I would imagine it can be done again. Why do you ask?" "Well, I know you have been finding presiding over Equestria at night to still be rather uneventful and boring, but I wonder if this is not an opportunity for you to shine in your own way. After all, I surely am not the only pony to be haunted by the same nightmare more than once." "You propose I try to help others with their troublesome dreams?" I asked. My sister merely nodded her head, as my mind quickly took off with the implications of this proposal. "Would that not be a gross invasion of privacy, sister? To walk amongst the innermost thoughts, fears, and desires of our subjects as they slumber?" "I'm not asking you to spy on them, Luna. You said yourself, you could sense my feelings which led you into my nightmare. Just hone in on that, the negativity. Besides that, this is something that does not need to be shared, but confidential assistance, between you and the pony you're helping, kind of like a doctor." Quickly I scoffed upon hearing her comparison. "Sister, with all due respect, do not dare compare me to those butchers. How can leeches and blood-letting even be considered helpful? You forget the last time I let one of those hacks help us, we—" "Luna, that age of medicine died out centuries ago," Celestia quickly chimed in, eager to cut my tirade short. "You were right, the practices back then did nothing." "Ha!" I shouted, jumping up onto the dining room table. "I knew it, and yet everypony said I was the crazy one!" "Luna, I think you're missing the point of this," my sister said with a sigh. "Perhaps we can get back to the topic at hand?" "Only after I hear you say I was right again," I replied, leaning in toward her with a smirk. "Just one more time, but slower." "I hate when you get like this." "Say it!" I shouted, pointing a hoof at her accusingly. Celestia rooted her eyes, her horn lighting up with magic as I felt myself being picked up and placed back in the chair I had been in moments ago. "You were right, Luna. But enough of that," she said with a grin. "I just wanted to give you something to think about, I'll leave the decision up to you. Have a good night, Luna." "Good night, Tia, I will consider it tonight, and perhaps see if I can once again enter your dreams. Once I get everything else completed of course." I rose from my seat again as Celestia came closer to me, sharing a hug before retiring to her quarters. As I began my shift in earnest, I found myself rather excited by the prospect of being... well, more useful. Of course, it would be months of trial and error before this art was mastered, but as it is often said, the rest is history.
Breaking Barriers"Where should we go this evening?" "Ah Ah. I chose yesterday, you get the honors today." I stood there awkwardly as I tried to make up my mind, as my little sister leaned forward upon the tabletop in front of her. "How about the gardens? It is a lovely evening," I suggested. A quick nod and grin was confirmation from Luna as she scooted out of her seat and onto her hooves. "Lead the way," she said, beckoning me forward with an out-spread foreleg. This had rapidly become one of my favorite parts of any day. Sometimes we would do it in the morning - other occasions, like tonight, took place with my setting sun providing the backdrop. It did not matter; for at least one hour, everything else faded away, and it was just us. Siblings. Spending what little time that existed between shift changes was not enough time to really have a good conversation, to unwind and let our thoughts flow freely. So, rather than just a short pause between our respective turns presiding over the kingdom, at least once each day we allowed ourselves a break to spend time together. It worked better than I had hoped, for I feared even in the lull of the morning or evening, tasks would quickly pile up. Of course, had I really stopped and thought about it, I had been taking care of Equestria during the days and left the throne absent during the night for many years. It had hardly ever been an issue. I had offered to spend every evening with my sister after a day's work, but Luna had insisted that we alternate, to make it fair. She was concerned that I would be more fatigued due to the hectic schedule I often dealt with during my duties. But to the contrary, I found our time spent together to be rejuvenating. Of course, the fresh air certainly helped. Even with the windows wide open, the air inside the castle was always stagnant. "So, you certainly seem full of energy this evening. I assume today went well?" Luna inquired. "It was oddly calm today, yes," I replied, thinking back over the events. Truth be told, today had been overwhelmingly dull by my standards. Though with the end of the month near, paperwork and reports would be filling my days all too soon. "I would expect much of the same for you this evening. I left nothing outstanding that needs your attention right away." "My word, that is unlike you to finish everything up," Luna teased. "I suppose if nothing else, I can continue trying my hoof at dream exploration." "How is that going? I've been meaning to ask, but it's slipped my mind for whatever reason." "Slow, unfortunately," Luna lamented, as the two of us reached the outdoors. In unison, we took a deep breath, relishing the fragrance of an Equestrian summer evening. "I should have expected as much, but I still find myself rather discouraged by the lack of success thus far." "I know it's easy to get discouraged, but I'm sure once you did... whatever you did – again, you'll get it down pat," I said, trying to raise her spirits. "It is just so frustrating because I can sense the portals, or doors – I suppose it matters little how we refer to them – and if I focus on one in particular, I can make the entrance appear. But the ability to open it and pass through has eluded me thus far. It is quite maddening when all it should take is a simple push." Minding the stairs that led to the gravel path we would be following, I stared at my sister, blinking a few times. At any moment I expected her to break into a smile, for it sounded to me like she had made great progress. Yet her expression remained rather dour, even as she noted me fixed on her. "Is there an issue?" she asked warily. "Luna, you don't think being able to sense more than one path into others' dreams is progress? It's only been a few weeks, that sounds quite the accomplishment to me!" "You believe I am setting my expectations too high, I assume?" "Too high for such a short period of time, yes," I quickly clarified. "You need to keep in mind that, as far as I know, you are the only one to have done such a feat that you accomplished. So it most certainly is a complex task." "Nevertheless, I have no inclinations of giving up, Tia," Luna replied, her pessimism dying away as she offered a smile. "But while we are on the subject, have you had any reoccurrence of your nightmare since the night in question?" I shook my head. "Nope, I've been completely nightmare free, thanks to you. I can't remember the last time I've slept so well." "You have been having other nightmares previous to this particular incident?" "No, it's just... well, we don't face the same situations as years ago where our concerns were more grave, such as the specter of war looming between various groups, but there are still items from time to time that have kept me up at night. That's all." "I see you have not changed much in all these years, taking your duties with you to bed," Luna said, an odd mix of light-hearted poking and sympathy carried in her voice. "But have you not had advisors or somepony you can confide in to ease your mind through the years?" Internally, I found myself cringing at her question, finding this topic to be getting less and less uplifting. Apparently, I had a reaction physically, as Luna was quick to backtrack. "I do not mean to pry, sister. I am merely attempting to make constructive conversation," she spouted. Both of us stopped next to an expansive flowerbed, coincidentally filled with my sister's favorite – lavender. I stared down, watching as a slight wind began a waving rhythmic dance amongst the plants, easing back and forth in a carefree manner. "I suppose it was not by chance this patch of lavender exists in the garden nearest your window?" Luna commented, her gaze rising to the castle. "No, it was planned. It was the first thing planted here in Canterlot, I made sure of it," I replied, still fixed upon the sea of purple before me. I do not know how long I stood there in silence, just staring. My mind flashed back to many a sleepless night, some just days after our confrontation, others many years afterward. Not all were caused by the same thought running through the mind – many were as I described, difficult decisions that my royal title forced me to make. But they often led to the same place, and led me to this spot. In the early years of our rule, Luna had been – as I have mentioned before – the voice of logic and reason when we faced a problem. I was more often than not the voice of emotion, yearning for fairness, of justice, of harmony. Perhaps those two viewpoints sound like oil and water, yet the two of us made it work, time and time again. Certainly, we had our heated moments, but sooner or later cooler heads would prevail, and a compromise composed of both our viewpoints would form. The years after Luna's exile were difficult to adjust as a result. I didn't have the balance I had been so used to, nor did I have my confidant. It was an on and off battle for a long, long time. I had lost a part of myself. "Sister, if you are not ready to talk, I understand," Luna said quietly, breaking me from my trance. I turned to her, finding her teal eyes swimming with concern as she studied me. I took a deep breath and nodded my head. "Another time, Luna, thank you." "I sense there is quite a bit of turmoil that has built up within over these years. All I ask is you promise me you will release it to us at some point, when you feel it is most appropriate. Learn from my mistake, do not bottle it up." "I promise, sister. Stop fretting over me," I replied, offering her a smile as consolation for my hesitance. In turn, she perked up a bit, though I could still tell she was worried about me. Both of us moved onward from the flower patch, down the path that led towards various decorative statues and shrubs. "I must say I never expected to see such lush greenery around the castle, Tia. I never took you for a pony with a green hoof," Luna teased. "You know my earth pony skills are sorely lacking," I chuckled, much to my sister's delight. "No, this was a cumulative effort from many ponies over the years. It started out with just the patch of lavender that I had planted and has grown from there. As Canterlot has grown, the garden has expanded in the same way, balancing nature with architecture." "That was something we never had to worry about in our former residence," Luna mused with a slight smirk. "No, the Everfree Forest made sure of that. Its ferocity was helpful in defense from would-be raiders in those early days, but it did lack manners." "That it did, sister," Luna giggled. Abruptly, her laughter fit ceased as her eyes fell upon something unexpected just ahead of us. "That cannot be what I think it is." "What?" I asked, confused by her sudden shift in mood. As she trotted forward at a brisk pace, I followed her gaze to one of the more curious statues to adorn the garden. "Ah, that." I reached Luna's side as she stood before the subdued grey statue. Standing roughly the same height as me, the subject was that of a draconequis, caught in the last moments of a hard fight but inevitable defeat. Its face was twisted in a combination of anger and horror, both a fearsome display and an ominous warning. Though not many ponies would pick up upon the latter. "Is this actually—" "Yes, it is genuine, Luna," I interrupted. "You don't approve?" "Why in Equestria would you put Discord on display?" she demanded, her voice betraying more than a hint of disapproval. "Well, he didn't object to the idea," I joked, much to Luna's surprise. Her attention was drawn to me at once as I tried my best to stifle a laugh. She did not seem as amused. "You are aware of the serious consequences were he to return to normal and run rampant upon the world, yes?" she asked sternly. "Of course I am, Luna. What better way to keep an eye on him than have him on display for everypony to see?" I suggested. "Perhaps seal his petrified form away in a cell. Or destroy the statue and scatter the remains to the four corners of Equestria?" "You know as well as I do locking him away would do nothing – our magic cannot contain him if the Elements' magic were to give up," I replied. "And while your other suggestion could solve the currently nonexistent issue permanently, that sounds rather harsh, don't you think?" Luna could not contain herself as she scoffed at my rebuttal. "Do you not remember the insanity he brought upon the land? The endless chaos for – and I quote, 'a little fun'?" "Yes, and I also recall that while his antics were out of control, he never brought harm to anypony. I understand what you're saying sister, I am not ignoring your concerns. But there is a fine line between justice and cruelty, is there not?" While not overly thrilled with my reasoning, Luna took a deep breath and nodded. "I must admit, you do have a fair point. But I still fear what would happen were he to return, Tia." "But what makes you think he will?" I asked, rather absent-minded at the moment. Luna cleared her throat, flaring out her expansive periwinkle wings for display as her teal eyes locked onto me expectantly. "Oh, right," I replied flatly, mentally facehoofing at my own vapidness. "You even predicted that I would return, did you not? I spied a copy of the book Twilight Sparkle had perused in the library shortly before the events transpired." I shook my head forlornly. "No, I don't know who wrote that," I said, biting my lip as the story flooded back into my memory. Twilight had brought the legend back into the forefront of my mind with her letter the day I made the decision to further her studies. The book she had found was in fact very old, at least a few centuries. Yet it was still many, many years after the events had taken place. After that day so long ago, one could understand I was reluctant to discuss what had happened. As a result, the ensuing generations began to forget as their parents did not pass on the history, or the tale was skewed with embellishments to enhance the story. Certainly, the basic story remained the same, albeit making my sister the villain and exonerating me of blame. As well as adding on the thousand year prophecy. "Tia?" Again I had zoned out; as I snapped back to reality I found Luna looking up at me. Just the sight of her – my little sis – began to crumble the dam within me. I could not hold back any longer as I became aware I was slightly trembling. "I don't know who wrote that Luna," I repeated quietly, my voice matching the unsteadiness of the rest of me. "Because I thought—" I couldn't bring myself to finish my sentence, and as I choked back the first sob, the cascading torrent within me finally smashed through what was left of my resolve. I dropped to the dusty ground in a heap as the tears began to flow freely, my head hung low as I shut my eyes tightly. "Sister, do not hold back any longer. You need to let this out. Set it all free," I heard Luna goad, almost pleading with me. I became aware of a tingling sensation, suffused through the air before piercing my entire form. Just a quick glance of the floor told me Luna had teleported us to somewhere private, as the familiar rug in the center of my room lay underneath me. "I thought you were gone forever, Luna," I managed to slip out between gasps. "I'm sorry, it's just so selfish of me." "Tia, no," Luna pleaded, as I sensed her move to my side and lay down. In an instant, her wing was draped over me in comfort. "That's not selfish, why would you think that?" "I did it to you, I sent you away," I argued, tears making a mess of my face as they saturated my fur. "I could have done something else –# I should have tried something else, seeing what the Elements of Harmony have done to the opposition in the past. Then all I could think about was me, how much I missed you, how much I needed you. All about me." "Stop it," Luna scolded. Her hoof slipped underneath my chin, directing my head to turn towards her. Through my blurred vision, I could see she was upset with what I had to say. "Is it not true? How can I think all of that when I was the reason you were gone?" "I didn't give you a choice, Celestia. I understand what you are trying to say, but you did what was best for Equestria as a whole. You were not thinking of yourself in that moment, you were thinking of the ponies you swore to protect," Luna explained, her own voice beginning to waver. "I recall you trying to reason with me, but I certainly was not of sound mind at that point. I had already made up my mind, I was going to... I was set on being rid of you." I could not argue with her on that aspect. Even today I can vividly recall that look in her eyes - even before she changed. There was no warmth contained within them, no love. Just cold determination. Determined to overcome the obstacles that lay before her, to reach a goal beyond I don't believe she knew or understood. I was nothing but a barrier that needed to be destroyed. Yet, in that moment I was torn. The mindless ambition, the absolute insanity that lay within her desire for eternal night could not be allowed. Just as the sun cannot hold its place in the sky permanently, neither could the moon. Not without grave consequences that would affect all life in the world. "Celestia, whatever you are thinking, talk to me. I do not care whether you think you may offend me or hurt my feelings, you need to let it go," Luna pleaded, herself in tears now as I focused my eyes upon her. "Please." "I didn't want to hurt you, sis. I was so scared of what you might do, but I didn't want to harm you," I blubbered. "But it was like you were somepony else - possessed by somepony else. The malice in your eyes, the anger that you expelled - you did not have the same reservations. I couldn't stop you by myself, because I wasn't willing to risk what may happen if I were to match your strength." Luna looked nauseated by what I had to say, but she nonetheless nodded her head, urging me onward as she wiped her eyes with her other wing. Of course, this train of thought had lost its brakes, and it wasn't going to be stopped until it ran out of steam even if I wanted. "The Elements of Harmony were the only thing I could think of using. I just remember praying to the mystical energy within them, to anything - anyone - that would listen, to just stop you without hurting you. And then..." "Then I was gone," Luna finished for me. I could only nod as a fresh stream of tears flooded my eyes. I didn't need to see anything, for my mind was replaying in vivid detail the events as I described them, burned into my head for eternity. "I regretted it right away. I don't know what else I could have done, but I wish I had never done that. I saw what happened, I saw your fate decided as the Elements worked their magic. I watched the moon change, watched the shadow grow over it. I just -" "You have never discussed this with anypony, have you?" Luna asked. "No, I didn't dare. Nopony could understand what I had to do, and as word got out across the land, I was hailed as— they celebrated me. How does one even begin to try to argue against something like that? How do you refute a claim everypony is so dead set upon, sister?" I asked, almost demanding an answer from her. "I... I do not know," she replied, the slightest hint of fear in her voice at my reaction. "I refused to talk about it, Luna. I vehemently opposed any sort of celebrations, mentions of it in my presence. Because I could not stand to hear it, hear you being remembered like that. I just hoped one day – somehow – you would come back. But the Elements— they just seemed to die, they lost all energy and magic within them. Weeks turned into months, months into years..." "You never forgot about me?" Luna's question caused me to drop all thoughts from my head, clear of all the turmoil that had been festering for so long. I couldn't even begin to form an answer for an inquiry like that. In that instant, I rolled onto my side, grabbed her lithe form and just squeezed her tight. "Eeep!" Luna squealed in surprise. "Luna, I would never forget you. I cannot even begin to fathom what you went through, nor do I want to undermine your plight. But this whole time, all these years - I just wanted to go back. All I wanted to was to undo what I did, before that night, go back and fix everything. This wait was just... it never really got easier. Only distractions from the thoughts kept the pain away." Both of us just lay there in dead silence, just holding each other. Only the occasional sniffle or deep breath from one of us broke the overwhelming quiet. What was there to really say? I'd waited so long to have her back, I had tried to steel myself away from all these sorrows and regrets. I suppose in a way, I had forgotten how much it all hurt because it had become normal. I was used to it. With my little sis back, experiencing this high I did not know would ever come, I came to recognize how deep the abyss within me had burrowed. Yet, how does one even begin to describe something like I experienced to somepony? How do you explain a wait that long to somepony, who can never understand or feel that long of a wait? For most, ten years feels like an eternity. That length of time, with my seemingly-endless age and experience, was naught but an afternoon. But in this moment – being together again, sharing the pain, draining the sorrows that I had accumulated – time seemed to no longer flow. I have not the slightest idea how long my little sister and I just held each other. It was only the nagging sensation of my celestial body eager to rest for the night that broke up our embrace. "I suppose it is time to switch our places for the night, Luna," I said quietly. With reluctance, I pulled myself away from her, taking note of the damp fur upon my chest, and upon Luna's face. She did not seem enthused about the abrupt end either, but nonetheless nodded with a serene smile. Pushing open the doors to the balcony with my magic, I slowly rose to my hooves and plodded out into the evening air once again. A gentle nudge to the setting sun allowed it to gracefully slide below the horizon, as my sister came to stand beside me. A blue aura graced her horn as she focused upon an unseen object, before the moon gradually rose up over the landscape. The reprieve from our emotions for those few moments allowed both of us to regain some semblance of composure. But reliving the past and talking about it left me feeling extremely fatigued, mentally and emotionally. "I suppose, I should head down and begin my watch over the night. Unless you would prefer me to stay," Luna said, cautious in her approach as she eyed me warily. "I think I'm ready for some sleep. Thank you, Luna," I replied quietly, leaning over to nuzzle her. "I feel exhausted, but I feel as if I've had a burden lifted from me." "That is good to hear. I know you're afraid of undermining what I went through, but you do not need to fear such a thing. I know you went through a lot as well, and by the sounds of it, you need to get it out for closure as well. If you desire, we can continue discussion in the morning." I nodded as both of us stepped back into my room proper, Luna continuing onward toward the door as I paused before my bed. "I wish you pleasant dreams, sister. Get some rest," she said with a calm smile, before heading out into the hall, closing the door behind her. I didn't need to be told twice. Without bothering to pull back the covers, I flopped onto my bed, and before long, sleep carried me away. Flight is something I do not get to experience often, though much of that is due to my own fault. Believe it or not, even as a diarch of Equestria, I am a bit self-conscious. While many would probably consider the sight graceful, I just tend to feel a bit awkward while flying, mainly due to my sheer size. Though I must admit, my expansive wings lend themselves to effortless, gliding flights. To a lesser extent, my duties chew up much of my free time, though there are still occasions for relaxation that I dare not miss. The clearing skies after a thunderstorm on a summer evening is one of those opportunities. It is a treat to all the senses; an ordinary occasion to most, yet simply divine when one really lets his or herself free of logical thought. The air cooled drastically by the cleansing rains, the scent of ozone in the atmosphere combined with the fragrance of foliage awakening, eager to quench its thirst, even the sun peeking beyond the passing gloomy storm clouds are a blessing few truly appreciate. For me, to experience this moment from the air, to watch my sun's rays brighten the landscape and reflect off the raindrops collected upon the earth, it is heaven. So I found myself on this afternoon, gliding lazily among the scattering clouds as I indulged my senses. While long gone from the area, I could still hear the distinct growl of thunder off in the distance, a warning to not venture too far just yet, lest I desired to become a living lightning rod. Even though my sister and I are extremely resistant to death – if death even is an option for us – we still feel pain. I cannot imagine being struck by lightning is pleasant, and I do not enjoy the prospect of tempting fate. Luna and I did that enough in our youth when we realized our gift, playing some profoundly stupid games that offered equivalently stupid prizes. But those are tales for another day. "I must admit, I did not expect something so simple to be your heart's desire." I nearly jumped out of my hide as Luna made her presence known to me. I turned my head to the left to see her smirking with mild amusement, even as I tried to get my heart rate under control. However, laying my eyes upon her gave me yet another jolt to my circulatory system. Luna looked like a harmonious merger between her normal self and Nightmare Moon. Her coat had darkened from periwinkle to an elegant navy blue, while her mane had become ethereal like my own. Yet while it had darkened considerably, it was illuminated untold numbers of twinkling pinpricks of light, an homage to the night sky she controlled. "Luna, you—" "I apologize, I could not help myself since you did not hear me, but you're dreaming Tia – a good dream – and yet here I am!" she shouted, oblivious to my staring. "That's— I'm happy for you Luna, but what's with..." My mind reeling from so much at once, I could only motion with my hoof in the air, tracing from her head to her tail. Perplexed by my stuttering, Luna's brow furrowed, before looking down at her hooves to take stock of herself. No sooner had she done so, a gasp escaped from her, accompanied by her eyes widening in surprise. "By the gods, what happened?!" she exclaimed. "You didn't do this? Or notice anything different?" Luna shook her head in exasperation. "No, I didn't feel anything out of the ordinary. I certainly did not expect anything amiss; I'm not particularly habitual in looking upon myself. But I assume by the look you've given me that's not all that has changed. We must find a mirror." No sooner had she spoke, a body-sized mirror appeared before both of us, duplicating and spreading outward and around. It took less than a second before we were completely encircled in mid-air. "That's... er, convenient," I said. This dream had been full of surprises. "I think I'm beginning to understand how to work within dreams," she mused, partially entranced by her reflections as she posed. With every second that passed, her enthusiasm grew along with her grin. "Sister, you were not wrong to be taken aback by my appearance. I look positively stunning!" I couldn't help myself as I rolled my eyes in response, even as I found myself involuntarily smiling. "Well, don't be so humble on my account, sis," I teased. That managed to get a snort from Luna, as I noted both of us were no longer in the air. At some point, we had drifted down to the ground, a flat plain devoid of any features as far as the eye could see. "I recall somepony else being quite enthralled by her sparkling, wavy mane long ago," she said, turning to me. She clutched her mane close to her with a forehoof as she batted her eyes, swooning back and forth "'Isn't it just so pretty, little sister?'" she said in a mocking, high pitched tone. "'Have you ever seen such a sight as this in your entire life? I look so regal, so dreamy!'" "I do not sound like that!" I protested. Luna could only laugh as she dropped the charade. "But you do not refute those were your words?" she replied with a smirk. "I also recall some choice words out of you. Do you remember your response?" Luna's brow furrowed as she searched her mind for the file in question. It's didn't take long before she began giggling to herself. "If I'm not mistaken, I referred to your mane as 'the aftermath of a late-night binge of crayons and glitter barfed up upon a canvas,'" she finally spoke, breaking out into a hearty, proper laugh. It was infectious, as I joined her fit of laughter. Abruptly, my sister stopped, a light bulb going off in her head. "Tia, what if this -what if this is why my size did not go quite back to normal? Maybe this is what I am shifting toward?" she said with excitement. "I... don't know," I replied, somewhat caught off-guard by her suggestion. "I suppose it's possible. But this could also be some sort of form you take exclusively in dreams. Have you noticed any other changes recently?" My reply had put a damper on her enthusiasm, bringing her back to the ground, so to speak. "Perhaps you are right. Aside from my reduction in size you are aware of, the only other change I have noted is my eyes reverting back to their normal appearance," she said flatly. I silently kicked myself for dashing Luna's hopes. There had been flashes here and there of the Luna I once knew, full of emotion and giddiness. But tonight had been a true, genuine callback to more carefree days. I stepped closer to her, beckoning my little sister to join me with open wings. Luna's mood picked up again, as she obliged my request for a hug and a tender nuzzle. "Only time will tell, little sis. I just don't want you to fly too high, too soon," I explained to her. She nodded in understanding. "Yes, I understand. But at least I seem to have a better grasp upon this new ability," she replied, her voice picking up a bit more cheer. Without another word, she glanced around the circle of mirrors, as one by one they dropped away into the ground, as the earth itself fell away, thrusting us back into the air. Even so, gravity did not seize either of us, as we continued to stand there. "How? What did you have to do?" "I... it is difficult to explain," Luna replied, her muzzle scrunched up as she wracked her brain for the right words. "It is almost as if it is an extension of me. Like I am using muscles within my body that I never knew existed. I was quite concerned with how your dreams may be fairing after tonight's discussion, I was absolutely set upon entering your dream. It was sudden – just an epiphany all at once." "That is wonderful, sister. I'm happy to hear I was – albeit inadvertently – able to help," I said. "But I fell asleep quite soon after you left my room, and this dream has indeed been a pleasant one." "It is a good sign for your emotional well-being, I would imagine. You did seem to be feeling better before I left, allowing yourself to spill all of that pent up sorrow. Though I see you are still quite reluctant to enjoy yourself in flight, aside from fantasy." "Yes, you don't need to remind me," I replied sharply, feeling a bit awkward discussing it. "I find it most surprising you have not gotten past that self-doubt," she said. "As I said long ago, you are the only one that sees something less than true grace in your looks while flying. Personally, I am in awe seeing you fly." "Luna, stop, you aren't helping," I said, blushing profusely. "Indeed, you have all the grace of a goose with an injured wing." "Well thank y— Hey!" With a mischievous bout of laughter, Luna tucked in her hooves and straightened her wings, diving away from me at breakneck speed "Get back here, Luna!" I demanded, (mostly) playing along. As I prepared to pursue my sister, a pair of blue forelegs around my neck startled me as I let out a yelp. "Oh, this is too much fun," Luna gushed, her mane sweeping over me as she circled around to face me. "But you know I merely jest, Tia. I would love nothing more than to enjoy a lazy flight with you one of these evenings. Perhaps we can get you feeling more comfortable one day." "Thank you, Lulu. Here I am supposed to be helping you adjust back to life, and you keep finding ways to help me." "Ah, there is a name I have not heard in ages," she said, amused. But her smile soon faded as her ears perked up. "I must apologize, but I hear my attending guard trying to get my attention." "You can hear what's going on out there?" I asked. "Indeed. As I have mentioned, it is an odd state of consciousness; not quite asleep, but not awake, either. I would love nothing more than to spend the rest of the night within your dream, but I am needed. Good night, sister." "Good night, sister." With one last wide grin, Luna disappeared in a flash of blinding light, leaving me once again in my own little haven. Perhaps even more so than before, as the ominous dark clouds of the storm that had passed over were now completely absent. Yet the after effects I so enjoyed were still just as prevalent, allowing me to enjoy myself without worry. Though I suppose, now knowing it was a dream would have freed me anyways. But now, I relished the opportunity to see what was beyond the horizon. Both in my dream, and the waking world.
Taking the PlungeTonight is the night. My mind repeated that phrase over and over from the time I had retired to my bed for the morning, until meeting with Celestia for our daily time together. My slumber had been restless at best, which would only serve to increase the difficulty of the path forward during the overnight hours. It had been a fortnight since I had triumphantly entered my sister's dream on my own accord. It was that same night of accomplishment I realized the victory I savored was a mere stepping stone to a goal further ahead – watching over the dreams of all Equestrians. As a result, the ensuing evenings were spent not only toying with my sister's dreams – with her expressed permission, mind you – but gaining a better understanding of dreams from a psychological perspective. I suppose psychology has always been an intriguing subject to me – I recall analyzing those who appeared before me with requests for sanctuary in a fledging empire, or requests for diplomacy. On more than one occasion I was able to snuff out a would-be rabble-rouser before he or she could begin their nefarious plight. It would be safe to assume the cold calculations catered to the same skill set that I was renowned for in the battles my sister and I waged to bring harmony to the land; while Celestia wielded a raw magic capability surpassing that of virtually all creatures, I was blessed with a keen eye, a gift for stealth and subterfuge in the darkness behind the lines. Such terms of battle required a strong will and patience, close attention to detail to know when the time was right to strike. Yet I suppose as I consider such musings, it is quite likely the traits of which I wax were perhaps detrimental to the trust of those who would desire to seek an audience with me once my sister and I began our rule. Such an emotionless, judging aura is a stark contrast to the warm and inviting sense one experiences when in the presence of my dear sister. While I have strayed from the experience I desire to share, I have perhaps stumbled upon an epiphany that bears further consideration and a change in demeanor to help garner trust and acceptance in the future. But I digress, it is time to return to the topic at large. As usual, the beginning of each shift was dealing with leftover reports and requests from the day, followed by a trickle of ponies desiring an audience with me to plead their side of a squabble or proposal. But it would quickly lead to a lull that granted me time to either develop a better understanding of dreams and their cause, or hone my newfound abilities within the confines of my sister's whimsical fantasies. While I had initially struggled to access Celestia's dreams as well as manifest doors to other's dream realms, it quickly became second nature for me to navigate and manipulate these creations of the mind. It was as if I had been doing such tasks my whole life, which only began to make me question if I had this ability all along. But with such prodigious finesse and raw talent on display, it came down to preparation. As I mentioned earlier, I have always had a knack for analyzing others, and no book would help me further that ability to any noteworthy extent. I was as prepared as one could be for such a task as I was going to undertake for the first time. The previous night, I must admit I had gotten cold hooves. I had been set upon beginning this new chapter of my duties, but my nerves got the best of me, and I decided to wait until the ensuing evening. Tonight there was no excuse – these feelings of apprehension would continue until I took the plunge. I had not discussed this feeling of uncertainty with my sister in our discussions we had between shifts. That does not mean Tia was not privy to my hidden doubts; she repeatedly prodded and pried the previous couple days, without success. I did not want to trouble her mind with my own personal insecurities, is what I told myself. Yet it was this same night I deemed the night to begin my foray into the dream realm of Equestria, a harsh truth dawned upon me. I was making the same mistake once again. As in the past, I was burying my inner turmoil, desiring to hide it from the light of day, ignoring its existence. Nay, it was not for fear of troubling my sister's mind, it was much more selfish than that. I did not want to seem weak or show vulnerability. This particular evening, Tia and I had taken to the skies over Equestria – her decision, taking my advice to overcome the self-consciousness that plagued her mind whilst flying. It was not long before Celestia began her pursuit of my ails. "I know I sound like a broken record, Luna, but how are you doing? I can't help but feel like there's been something on your mind." For once, I fought the stern, cold voice inside that commanded me to brush her fears aside. "I know, sister. I must admit to you I have been bothered as of late by my thoughts," I said, shifting my gaze from the land below to my elder sister. Despite her question, Celestia looked quite surprised I had finally caved to her inquiry, her eyes widened. "I— yes, go on, Lulu," she managed to belt out. She banked towards me with a dip of her right wing, virtually eliminating the gap between us. "Tia, I feel I am finally ready to try presiding over the dream realm," I started slowly. Celestia had calmed down from her slight shock, nodding as she listened intently, her cue for me to continue. "I am... I must confess I have some reservations with proceeding." "You're nervous about it," she replied bluntly. I solemnly nodded my head, my face growing warm with embarrassment. Celestia's muzzle broke out into a smile as she reached over and placed a hoof upon my side. "Sister, that is nothing to be ashamed of," she reassured me. But her quick response only stirred the feelings of uncertainty, the cauldron within beginning to froth over. "But it is, Tia! This is not some mere exercise to show off my new-found abilities, I desire to aid those that find themselves afflicted by an overactive mind like you were," I replied, steadfast in my opinion. "How can I be of help to others who face uncertainties if I myself am troubled by the notion of proceeding with this task?" Despite my sudden outburst, Celestia stayed right beside me, though she had retracted her hoof. "Luna, I am not trying to trivialize your concerns," she said softly. "But it is normal to feel nervous about something new. Everypony feels that way when confronted with a foreign scenario. But what concerns you the most about... um, what do you call this ability? Dreamwalking? Dreamweaving, perhaps?" "I suppose either term is acceptable," I replied, mulling over the suggestions. "I have to say I do find myself partial to the latter term." "Right. What concerns you most about dreamweaving?" "Well, I... I would have to say I find myself troubled by the idea of just appearing in somepony else's dream when they are having a nightmare, and making the problem worse," I answered back. The response made Celestia cock her head in curiosity. "Why would you think that, Luna?" My sister looked somewhat saddened as she asked for clarification. "I don't... I guess I do not have a specific reason to fear such a thing," I said. Deep down, I had a reason in mind, but I did not wish to speak it aloud. Not that it mattered, as Tia already had an idea and saw through my charade. "You're worried about your reputation preceding you," she said. Frustrated, I could only nod. "Tell me, how have you fared in your duties at night? Has there been any issues when anypony has requested an audience?" "Well, no," I admitted. "But he or she already knows what to expect. This is something completely different. My mere appearance could be a fright, my name is etched into the tales of horror." "No, Nightmare Moon's name is written in such texts. You are not Nightmare Moon. Once, yes, but not now, dear sister. But may I ask you something else?" "Of course," I said, my head conflicted with the reassurances of my sister and the self-doubt that lingered. "Why do you think I suggested this proposition to you after you were able to help me with my dream?" "Because you believe I can do the same for others," I quickly answered. Celestia gave a half-smile but lightly shook her head after a moment. "First off, I know you can do this. There is not a doubt in my mind you are more than capable," she gushed. "Yes, it is true that you will help others as you did for me, but that is only part of it." "Erm, perhaps a more productive use of my time?" That answer elicited a light laugh from Celestia. "No. In a way, you have a point, but still not what I had in mind. Sister, I was overjoyed to hear you receptive to my idea because I see a way for you to shine in your own unique way. I see an opportunity to help others in a way I have never been able. I have to admit, I find myself just a bit jealous." "You jest," I shot back. But Tia merely chuckled. "No, Luna. I have been able to ease the physical hardships of many ponies who we watch over, and of course, I will continue to do so. But you have an opportunity before you to quell the inner turmoil of others, problems that are not as apparent – even to those who are afflicted with these problems. They are no less serious, as you have seen firsthand within my nightmares." I had to admit, her reasoning opened my eyes to what she saw in me. I had assumed coming back to rule beside her was a relief, to ease her burden of watching over the land of Equestria. But quite the opposite – she wanted me to find new opportunities to make an impact upon our ponies, to be, in my own way, her equal – and beloved just as she. "You have a good heart, Luna. Let it guide you, and you have nothing to worry about." "Thank you, sister," I replied quietly. I must admit, discussing my woes even for this brief moment had indeed lifted a weight off of me. Not completely, but the anxiety I still felt was much more manageable, and the night ahead seemed less intimidating at a glance. But my sister sensed it was time to lower her celestial body just as I felt the yearning plea the moon sent out to me. In unison, our horns flared with the glow of magic, the sun setting in time with the moon slowly gracing the sky. "I suppose, it is about time we head back to Canterlot. There were a few items I was unable to get through before the end of the day, they should not take you long," Celestia said. Both of banked at a wide angle, heading towards the beacons of light nearby that dotted the castle's windows. I couldn't help myself but smile as I looked over the landscape below us. "Celestia, did you know as we were conversing, our aimless flight took us low over Ponyville, among other minor settlements?" I asked. Tia quickly took stock of the sights below us, as well as those that lurked behind us. "I - no, I didn't," she replied, somewhat taken aback by the realization. Nevertheless, I could see in her eyes the delight that came along with her shock. Gliding in towards the balcony that graced my sister's personal quarters, the two of us lightly touched down, marking the end of our nightly discussion. "Lulu, thank you for opening up to me tonight," Celestia said, reaching over with a hoof and gently pulling me into her chest fluff. "I've been a little worried, but I didn't want to push you too hard." "I know you have been concerned, I apologize for my stubbornness," I replied, raising my gaze up and nuzzling her. "I assure you, I meant no ill by keeping this from you. I am still trying to change and open up more, it's just difficult." "I know it is. It will come with time," she replied, letting me go. "I love you, have a good night, little sister. If you have any issues, you know where to find me. "Love you too, big sister," I said. "I feel much more confident now, thank you for the encouragement." With that, Tia began preparing for a good night's rest, while I headed across the hall to adorn my regalia, ready to face tonight's royal duties with a little more energy in my step. "Do we have anypony waiting for us to grant them an audience?" The guard posted at the door across the room shook his head after entering through the large oak doors. "No your Highness," he replied. "It seems another quiet night is in order." "Very well. Resume your post outside, do let us know if there is an item to be brought to our attention," I instructed. A quick salute and the guard disappeared from view, the doors slowly groaning closed behind him. I took a deep breath as a pang of anxiety ran through me. It was time to begin watching over the dream realm - and possibly entering somepony else's dream for the first time. No more excuses, no more preparation was going to aid me in this new quest. No more delays. 'I know you are more than capable of doing this.' Tia's encouragements from earlier pulsed through my head as I tried to clear it of nagging thoughts. 'You have a good heart, let it guide you...' Another deep breath and exhale to calm myself, before I took the plunge. Despite my eyes being closed, I could feel the world around me as I knew it shift, the air becoming lighter and less oppressive. I waited a few moments before taking stock of my surroundings. As anticipated, the castle's throne room had vanished, replaced with a mirror image of my serene night sky. But in this case, each pinprick of light was not a star, but a doorway to somepony's dreams. I looked down at my hooves, finding I had changed as well, shifting back into the taller, more regal version of myself that first came about when I had intervened in Tia's dream the second time. All was quiet upon my arrival, left to drift aimlessly and relax for the time being. Part of me was relieved that I had no sense of trouble or worry to greet me, even though that was what my tasks within this realm were meant to resolve. But my mind wandered with that wave of relief. Would I sense a citizen's nightmare and ensuing disturbed emotions? I had a direct tie with my sister, could that have played a part in identifying her needs? What if I did not have that same ability with others whom I did not know? Worry began to creep into me as I began to question myself and my theories. But rather than let them carry me away to a pit of self-doubt, again I took a deep breath to free my mind. The anxiety did not pass this time. Nay, it had instead multiplied in that brief moment of clarity. It is important to note the difficulty to differentiate between one's own emotions and that of somepony having a nightmare in this plane of consciousness. It is imperative I have my wits about me before entering this realm, and am of sound and relaxed mind. But this rapid spike of nervousness was so palpable, it clearly was not emanating from my own thoughts. I closed my eyes once again, focusing on the sensation to let it guide me. However, rather than feeling myself pulled along toward the emotions, I felt a rush of air whip past me, the sound of a strong wind blustering all around before abruptly falling quiet again. Much to my surprise, when I opened my eyes again, a line of doors had been placed before me, stretching away in both directions as far as my vision could make out. Most importantly, a single door was placed squarely in front of me, the fear emanating from this specific one. Lavender in color overall, it was striped with deep purple and magenta offset to one side. At eye level, a magenta starburst was emblazoned, surrounded by five smaller white twinkling stars. It took me a moment for my memory to recall where I had seen that mark before. The one who had saved me from myself – Celestia's young prodigy, Twilight Sparkle. At once, I was torn with the scenario set before me. On one end, I would love nothing more than to repay my debt to the pony that freed me from self-destruction and reunited me with my elder sister. However, this would also be the first time I had spoken to her since... since I had become myself, free of the anger and jealousy. The last thing I wished to do was to strike fear into her when I was hoping to offer comfort. Yet the same could be said for anypony, and she had at least witnessed my change. Without another thought, my magic eased open the door, allowing me access to not just a dream, but perhaps my future. Darkness was my initial greeting upon stepping through the portal; it was either my eyes adjusting to this new realm or the realm adjusting to fit within it another conscious entity. But I could hear sounds right away; the shuffling of paper and parchment mixed with a healthy helping of frantic scrawlings of a quill tip informed me this bad dream was something quite unexpected. After a few moments, my surroundings came into view. By the looks of it, I was inside of a massive hollowed-out tree, the walls further chiseled out into rows of shelving. Each one was filled to the brim with books and texts, albeit crammed into any spot they could fit in haphazard fashion. Even worse, the floor was dotted with islands of perilously stacked books of varying heights, making my movements somewhat disjointed as I did my best to navigate the maze, eager to find the source of this madness as well as the frenzied sounds that continued. It took what felt like minutes before I came to a clearing, finally finding the pony to which this dream belonged. Twilight Sparkle looked like a mess, her mane frayed and disheveled as she leaned over the table in the center of the room. Her eyes darted frantically as her magic danced in time, jumping from textbook to textbook, back to a scroll which was tended to by a quill equally as energetic as it scribbled away. As I observed in secret, a scroll suddenly popped into existence in front of the mare, enveloped in a haze of golden energy before falling to the table. Twilight seized it at once, unraveling it and studying the contents for a time before letting out a groan of exasperation. Once again, she returned to her frenetic studies, faster than ever. It really didn't take much thought to understand she was feeling pressured and overwhelmed. My sister had given me a brief explanation of Twilight Sparkle and her new direction of study in Ponyville, where I had first found her. Where she had first encountered me and recognized me as Nightmare Moon. My mind ran through the malevolence I displayed toward her in an effort to thwart her from putting an end to my plans for Equestria. Fortunately, she had made friends and came to realize the significance, and their link to the fabled Elements of Harmony. Yet one sobering thought still sticks with me that I find myself unable to extinguish. With everything I had tried, I could have quite easily killed her or her friends. Perhaps it could be argued I was not of sound mind at that point, that it was not truly I, Princess Luna, that did these deeds. But such arguments lead to a slippery slope of thought; at what point is the line drawn to delineate sound and unsound mind? When can one be held accountable for his or her actions when exceptions begin to be made? I am forced to live with what I have done; while others may already be willing to forgive, I do not have the same sentiments toward myself. Ponies can make a change for the better, but they may also regress all progress. That specific thought scares me to this day. But I was here now; it was senseless to turn tail when somepony was standing before me feeling troubled. I stepped forward into the clearing, unsure of how exactly to get Twilight's attention without startling her. Almost stomping upon the floor as I approached from the other side of the table seemed to have no effect, as she continued her rapid pace of work. Clearing my throat likewise failed to garner even a glance upward, as another scroll suddenly appeared before the mare. She quickly seized it, as did I. The tug of my magic against hers finally brought Twilight to take notice of her surroundings. A look of confusion upon her face rapidly twisted into shock. "Greetings, Twilight Sparkle," I said calmly. "Gah!" she shouted, jumping back a few feet as her eyes widened. "Do not fear, I mean you no harm," I quickly clarified. It seemed to do little to quell her startled mind. "Who are you? How did you get in here?!" she shouted. It was only then in occurred to me this was her first view of my dream form. Nonetheless, I found myself rather surprised she did not have any sort of inkling of my identity based on my markings, or the simple fact I was one of only a few existing alicorns. "I am not here in the sense that you believe, Twilight. You are dreaming," I explained, trying to calm her a bit before revealing who I was. Needless to say, my brief explanation was met with some skepticism. "Right, I'm dreaming and you aren't actually real. Just a figment of my imagination?" she asked, in almost a demanding tone. "I don't have time for this, I'm already behind and I have so much to do, so if you'll excuse me-" "What is it that you are so preoccupied by?" I asked. "Friendship studies! Magic studies! Reports to be read, to be made, sent to Celestia—" "You feel overwhelmed by what my sister asks of you," I clarified for her. Twilight's preoccupation with her issues came to a crashing halt as my words finally made her take a closer look at me. "Sister? Wait... you— you're Princess Luna!" she shouted. In an instant, she dropped down to the floor in front of me, bowing profusely. "I'm sorry, I meant no disrespect! I'm just so busy with all of th—" "Arise, Twilight Sparkle," I interrupted, shaking my head. "There is no need for apologies, I understand you are stressed." "But how did you know? And – well you look different from when I last saw you. I mean after you reformed, not that I hold that against you, I just..." Twilight trailed off with a string of unintelligible, rambling mumbles as the worries within her mind multiplied. I was forced to look around as the light that shone in through the partially obscured windows began to dim, as did the lit candles scattered throughout the room. Evidently, her concerns and uncertainties were beginning to further warp her dream. "Twilight Sparkle, you must calm yourself," I said, my horn glowing as I pushed back against the gathering darkness. Much to my surprise, it fought back with a vengeance, swirling around both of us, like a predator waiting to strike. With what little experience I have manipulating dreams, this was a new sensation, and it disturbed me. But the young unicorn ignored me as she continued her ramblings, pacing nerously as her voice raised in time with her stressed mind. "TWILIGHT SPARKLE, CALM THYSELF!" I roared, letting loose the full power of my Canterlot Voice. At once, the shock of its fury froze the dream, while Twilight shot back to attention, albeit trembling with fear. As I had feared, my presence had made the situation worse. Somehow, I had to bring her back to me, and quickly. I focused upon my form, changing it as I reverted back to the form Twilight would more readily recognize as me. She still looked fearful, but stopped her shaking. "What's going on? I don't understand..." she mumbled. "I know, Twilight Sparkle. My appearance tonight is not helping matters," I replied, softening my voice as I slowly approached her, shuffling around the table between us. "Please, just listen to me for a moment, I can explain if you give me a chance. Let me start off by thanking you for returning me to my sister." Twilight remained quiet for a time, her eyes wandering past me to the shadowy storm stopped in its place around the two of us. By this time, her home had been consumed, as well as all of its contents sans the table. I stopped myself as I waited for some sort of a response. I feared any further motions would only restart the nightmare that had spiraled out of control. All I could do was silently plead that she would be willing to accept my proposal. "What is going on here?" she finally asked. "As I said before, you are dreaming. More specifically, you were having a nightmare." "I... how? Are you part of my dream right now?" she asked. "I am in your dream, but I am not a manifestation of your mind, no," I replied. "But the 'how' and 'why' are not important, Twilight Sparkle." "Er, just Twilight, please," the mare replied quickly. "So, I guess getting past all those other questions, why— what are you here for then?" I couldn't help but grin as the growing storm around us receded, bringing back Twilight's home as we both knew it, sans the clutter from earlier. "I am here to ease your mind. Consider it a token of my gratitude for helping me in my moment of weakness. As I mentioned before, you seem to be quite overwhelmed at the moment. Your studies in friendship and magic, I assume that was what you were studying upon my arrival tonight?" "Yeah, it's been a little... overwhelming," she admitted sheepishly. "Not that I don't think that I can do it, or that Princess Celestia would have me do this if it weren't important!" With the sharp addition at the end of her response, the shadows eased back inward toward us. I fought back against its advance once again with my magic. "You do not need to apologize, I am here on my own accord. This is between us," I assured her. A few more steps forward and I was standing directly in front of her, noting she seemed a bit more at ease by this point in time. "I–I'm just worried about keeping up," she finally admitted to me. "I've already been trying so hard to excel in my studies as Princess Celestia's student in magic, and now she has given me this new assignment. I'm afraid of failing her." "I can certainly understand the feeling," I said, debating within myself whether to share my own concerns with my own task at hoof. It didn't take much thought for me to relent. "Twilight, I am experiencing the same scenario right now, believe it or not." "You are part of Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns? But, you already have a head start on everypony else, and you're an alicorn..." I could not help but laugh at her question. "No, that is not what I mean. I imply that I too am going through new adjustments. Not just to presiding over Equestria at night, but new roles and duties as well. It can be overwhelming, but I also know my sister would not leave me to my own devices. The same can be said for your situation." Once again, the darkness and doubt that encircled retracted, this time significantly as, for the first time since my arrival, she seemed to relax. "If I know my sister – and I am certain I do – she sees a lot of potential within you, Twilight. She will never give you more tasks than you can handle, and if you ever begin to feel as such, do not be hesitant to talk to her," I said, finally resting a hoof upon her withers. With that notion, the shadows vanished completely, the sun beaming through the windows on every side of the library to light up the interior. Part of me began to wonder if my own insecurities had inadvertently afflicted Twilight Sparkle's dream, but it is impossible to say for certain. But it was certain I had succeeded in my goal, for without warning, the young unicorn threw her forelegs around me. Taken aback at first, I nonetheless relaxed and smiled, putting a hoof around her as well. "I still don't know for sure whether you're real or not, I've never heard of anypony able to enter dreams," she said. "But thank you." "It was my pleasure, Twilight," I replied. My internal clock told me this dream had gone on for much longer than anticipated, time seemingly passing by in an instant. But the moon could not be wrong – it was time to rest for the day. "While I glad I could dispel your bad dreams, I apologize for my abrupt departure." She nodded, releasing me from her clutches as she took a step back. Finally, this high-strung unicorn was at peace, allowing me to take my leave. I flashed her a serene smile and nodded my head as the dream faded away, as full consciousness returned to me. Sure enough, as my vision returned to the real world, the sun's rays were ever so slightly peaking up past the hills off in the distance, poking through the windows and into the throne room. Though I could not see it from where I was seated, my magic tenderly pushed the moon downward, until I sensed it had finally dipped below the horizon. However, two distinct sensations came to my attention as soon as I arose from my seat and trotted down to the floor. First, I felt exhausted, both in the mental sense as well as physical. I can only assume this fatigue is due to the experiences within Twilight's dream, as well as using an unfamiliar skillset dealing with her nightmare. With time, I am sure my powers with only strengthen, and such exertions will be less tiring. Time will tell. However, I also felt a physical sense of something... different. Almost as if something within me had shifted out of place, a foreign body invading my space. I had felt this before, when my eyes had shifted back to their normal – and less intimidating – form. But this felt much more drastic than that minor nagging feeling. Despite my fatigue, I trotted off with nary a nod of acknowledgment to the guards at the door as I exited the room. With an ever-increasing pace, I rushed to my personal quarters, almost slamming the door with how quick I was to close it behind me. I had to know what changed, the suspense was almost painful. Once I was certain my door was locked and nopony had trailed behind me in the hall, I released the shapeshifting spell from my body, trotting over to the other side of my room where I had a full body mirror. "By the stars..." Dream was becoming reality as I gasped at the reflection that stared back. My once sinister, hazy mane had flourished into the proper clear night sky I had seen first in Celestia's dream, complete with constellations shining brightly. The rich blues flowed into an outline of lavender, both colors flowing gracefully in a nonexistent breeze. While my coat of fine fur remained quite muted, it had lightened from the inky blackness that permeated it. Now, it had a noticeable tinge of blue to it, more obvious when hit with direct light. Still, my wings remained an odd blend, with the feathers of a normal pegasus and the leathery membrane of a dragon or bat. So too remained my fearsome sharp fangs, though it seemed they had shrunk somewhat as well. Step by step, I was making progress toward returning to my normal self. But this night was much more significant than mere looks or my first proper trek into the dream realm - which in and of itself was a new chapter in my life. After the events of this night, my confidence had returned. The self-doubt that had plagued me was rapidly receding into history as I looked at myself and actually feel I could return to a life of relative normalcy. Though I suppose it must be asked, at what point can the daily life of a princess that watches over the night itself be considered "normal?"
Confronting the PastIt had been a few weeks since my sister had rushed into my room as I prepared for another new day. Between the news she had managed to calm the nightmare of one of our ponies for the first time and the new physical changes to her mane and coat, It was a lot to digest for so early in the morning. Nonetheless, I was ecstatic to hear of her progress, as well as see her so joyful. Curiously, she did not seem eager to divulge who she had helped. Not that it necessarily mattered. I found out later that same morning when I received a correspondence from my treasured student, Twilight Sparkle. It was less of an explanation and more of an inquiry, but it connected the dots for me when, out of the blue, Twilight admitted to me she felt a bit pressured with her new studies. While I thanked her for being honest and assured her there was no rush, I didn't ask what had suddenly gotten her to write to me. I had brought it up with Luna, who eventually admitted it was indeed my student whom she had helped, but was adamant in keeping quiet about her new abilities for the time being. I think she was still a bit nervous even after getting her first experience and success story completed. However, I did not know of a side effect that came with her dreamwalking abilities until this particular morning when she walked into the dining room. If one can call Luna's slow shuffling gait 'walking,' that is. The mere sight of her head barely held above the floor scared me. "Luna, are you alright?" I asked, quickly jumping out of my chair to lend her my assistance. My sister finally mustered up the strength to raise her head, acknowledging my presence. "I'm fine, sister," she mumbled, her eyes practically glazed over with fatigue. "I'm just... I'm very tired." "I see this," I replied, watching dumbfounded as she flopped down into a chair near where I had been seated. "What happened last night?" "Many, many nightmares over the course of the evening," she said, leaning onto the table as her hooves propped her head up. She repeatedly motioned with a bob of her head for me to sit back down. Somewhat satisfied that she was not injured, I slid back into my chair, but scooted nearer to her. "You never told me it was this much work, Lulu," I said quietly. She let out a loud yawn, shaking her head as she struggled with sleepiness. "I do not feel particularly boastful about fatigue resulting from handling nightmares," she replied, her tone lightly chastising and frustrated. But no sooner had she let loose, her ears drooped with remorse. "Apologies, sister, I know you are concerned, I am just—" "I know, I understand. And I don't mean to question your decisions, but perhaps you're dealing with too much at one time. I get that this is new for you, and such new spells or magic can be quite draining, but maybe you need to slow down until you can adjust and familiarize yourself." "How can such a thought even be considered, Tia?" Luna questioned, aghast by the thought. "How can I mindfully ignore somepony having a bad dream? How do I choose who to aid, and who must wait another night?" Her tired eyes were opened wide at this point as she impatiently awaited my answer to her rebuttal. I responded with the only thought that occurred to me. "Sister, ponies have dealt with nightmares for thousands of years on their own. I get it, they shouldn't have to now with your new-found abilities, but you can't run yourself to the edge of exhaustion." She cringed at what I had to say, but remained silent as she stared down at the table. "I'm glad you feel this strong sense of compassion and duty toward this new role, but you need to take it slowly until you can adjust to the strength required for accomplishing this task you've set for yourself." "That is easier said than done," Luna lamented. "You will get there, just keep it in mind. Don't worry yourself if you find yourself unable to reach everypony with nightmares. But please, don't overwork yourself." "Fine, I promise," she said. While my sister agreed to my plea in words, the reluctance in her voice was almost palpable. It did not sit well with me and left my mind far too uneasy to let it go. "Luna, stop," I said. She looked up at me again, her frustration quite obvious. "What?" she asked, with all the attitude of a rebellious adolescent. "I'm not trying to upset you, sister. You know that, right?" "I understand that, but I cannot just sit upon my hooves when there are duties to be done," she retorted. "And I understand your mentality, Luna, but I—" "No, you could not possibly understand, Tia," she interrupted, her voice full of hurt. "Saying so does not make it true." "I— Luna." I didn't know what to say at that point; how had this conversation spiraled out of control so quickly? My protests were in vain as I watched my little sister slide out of the chair and shuffle off in the direction of her bedroom. I took a few steps forward, intent on following her before stopping as she slid out the door. Following her would do no good at this point. As much as I wanted to continue this conversation, my attempts would, at best, end in stonewalled frustration and anger. More likely, it would result in a shouting match. I had not practiced my Canterlot Voice in many, many years; it was a battle I would surely lose. Instead, I was best served waiting, allowing Luna to get some much-needed rest. However, I remained well aware she would be quite stubborn even with a fresh outlook. Getting her to talk to me was going to take some effort. It didn't take me long to come up with an idea as I headed to the throne room. Along the way, my faithful assistant was waiting to greet me, the dark-haired unicorn bowing with a cheerful smile. "Princess Celestia, good morning," she said. "Ah, Raven Inkwell, a belated good morning to you, as well," I replied, putting my troubling thoughts away for a moment to exchange pleasantries. "I trust that you slept well and are ready for yet another full day?" "Indeed. Though if I may be so bold as to inquire about your sister..." "You saw her this morning?" I asked, surprised. Her smile had faded a bit as she joined my side. Over the years, I have become more open to my assistants, allowing them an insight into my personal life from time to time. Raven Inkwell had only been serving me for a few years now, but I trusted her perhaps more than anypony before with my private thoughts and allowed her to speak up with concerns. "Yes, I happened to encounter her as she left the throne room this morning," she noted, lowering her voice as we walked together. "I could not help but notice how fatigued and worn out she appeared. Is everything all right?" "Luna is pushing herself a bit too far, I'm afraid. I haven't gotten her to tell me what's wrong, but something has spurred her to work to the absolute threshold of her abilities," I explained, careful to leave out the details of my sister's newest endeavors into the dream realm. "I must ask, is there anything I can do to help? Perhaps stay just a bit later to aid her during the first few hours of the night?" "No, no, I cannot have you working yourself to exhaustion, either. That will help nopony," I replied. "But I do have a request this morning, as I think I know one way to get my sister to talk." "Of course, what do you need?" "A quill and a scroll. I have a personal letter to write and send out as soon as possible..." "Good evening, Celestia." As I sipped at my cup of freshly brewed tea, Luna made her presence known as she once again took a seat in the dining room. Unlike this morning, she looked vibrant and rested, ready to take on the day. Er, night. In fact, she seemed much more cheery than normal as I eyed her, flashing a smile her direction. "Indeed, good evening," I replied. "I take it you got some shut-eye judging by the energy you're practically radiating." "Yes, I allowed myself to sleep just a bit later than normal. I hope you don't mind, considering it forces us to forgo our normal discussions," she replied. The last bit came out with a touch of unease in her voice. "I understand, I'm just glad you don't look quite as ragged as you did this morning," I teased. I at least got her to chuckle. "Yes, last night was trying, I do hope you aren't continuing to worry." "I will always be concerned with your well-being, Luna. That's just what big sisters do." I took another sip from my cup, as Luna's cheery attitude took a sudden turn. "Isn't it a bit late for you to be having tea, sister?" she asked. "Normally it would be, yes. I'm surprised you remember my sensitivity to caffeine," I replied. The answer only further raised Luna's suspicions. "So, what is not normal?" "Hm?" "What is the occasion that allows you to be drinking tea in the evening, when both you and I know it affects your sleep?" "Oh, I am not presiding over the kingdom tomorrow. Taking the day off, so to speak." My explanation had an instant response from Luna, whose eyes had widened and jaw had dropped. "You are taking the day off," she said flatly, repeating my words as if to hammer home the reality within herself. "Yes, is there an issue with that?" "No, I am just— I had not expected to hear such a thing," she managed to belt out. Her teal eyes continued to study my face, looking for any sign of a ruse. She wouldn't find anything, as I was quite serious. Late this morning, I had directed Raven to make a note that tomorrow would be a break for everypony. Aside from the guards, of course. "Well, what do you plan to do with your free time?" Luna asked after a short pause. I only shrugged as I took another sip, savoring the flavors that danced across my palate. "I have not quite decided. Perhaps nothing, for the first time since – well maybe the first time." Still somewhat confounded by my announcement, Luna nonetheless nodded as she already began to rise from her seat. "Well, I do hope you enjoy yourself, I am glad to hear you are finally taking some personal time," she said. "And what is it you are planning tonight?" I asked. Again, another innocent question threw my little sister a curveball she hadn't expected, almost stumbling as she slipped out of her seat, preparing to leave. "What do you mean by 'planning?' I am off to begin my shift," she replied. "No, you're not." "I beg your pardon?" By the tone of Luna's voice, my comment had been on the verge of offensive to her. "You're not sitting on the throne tonight, because you have the night off," I stated, keeping calm and cool even as my sibling began to crack under one surprise after another. "Since when?! This was never brought to my attention!" she shot back, her voice beginning to rise. "Since this morning, when I told my assistant you would be taking some personal time as well." "What gives you the right to make such a decision?" Luna challenged. I couldn't help myself as I felt a smirk creep onto my face. "I'm the older sister." Luna stomped a hoof down and huffed in annoyance. "That is hardly an appropriate argument at our age, dearest sister," she growled, both her ears and shoulders slumping. "Yet judging by your response and look of utter defeat, I would say it still works." "What is it that you want?" "You don't think you deserve some time off?" "Not really," Luna snapped back. "Why?" I asked, surprised by that response. Only now did Luna take note of what she had blurted out thoughtlessly, shaking her head. "It's not that I don't believe I deserve some free time, it's that—" Luna eyed me cautiously as she hesitated, while I watched her vain attempts to come up with a worthy excuse. "I would rather keep up on honing my abilities," she finally managed. Done with tiptoeing around the problem at hoof, I quickly finished the rest of my tea, standing up to face my sister properly. The sudden quickness I displayed only further added to Luna's cautiousness as her whole body tensed up. "Luna, I want to talk," I said. "Is that not what we are doing now?" "Don't be obtuse, you know what I mean," I said. I strained to keep myself walking a fine line with my own attitude, giving her a serious warning while remaining curious and concerned for her. "I told you, I apologize for my attitude this morning, I was extremely tired," Luna whined. "Yes, I agree, I pushed myself too far, I will do my best to pace myself. Is that not enough? What else do we have to discuss?" My own suspicions began to rise with Luna's rapid backtracking and apology. Just as she had demonstrated weeks ago when I tried to hide my nightmares from her, the two of us could still read each other quite easily. She was hiding something, I was sure of it. It was best to take this somewhere private. Without warning her, I focused on the reserve of magic within me, the energy flowing outward from my horn and swirling around the two of us, as Luna rolled her eyes. "If you wanted to take this 'conversation' somewhere else, you could have just said so," she said as the dining room disappeared. In its place, my private archives faded into existence, the few candles I had scattered around the room magically igniting upon sensing my presence. A flash from my horn sent the fireplace alight, lending a cozy feel to the otherwise dark, dusty room. "Now then," I said, ignoring my sister's snippy comment, "since we are alone in private, I want you to relax. Completely." I saw the slightest hint of fear in Luna's eyes as my request reached her ears. She knew what I meant – I wanted her to dissipate the spell she used to mask her true self. "Why? Nothing has changed, you know how far my progress has come," she protested. Her plea fell on deaf ears as I raised an eyebrow. "Humor me, dear sister." Luna hung her head low, admitting defeat as she tried to avert my watchful gaze. Her form warped at an excruciatingly slow pace, the light blue fur she sported darkening as her mane shifted from plain hair to a hazy magical energy. She grew just a bit, but barely noticeable amongst the other changes. It was as I had expected - something had been bothering my sister enough to reverse much of the progress she had made. As Luna looked up to meet my eyes, her dragon-like, predatory eyes had returned as well. "So, there's nothing wrong at all? Everything is completely normal?" I asked, unable to mask the biting tone. "It's just a phase," she mumbled, hanging her head. "I was not aware a waxing gibbons had an effect on your physical form. Tell me, will this go away as your moon wanes? Are we going to go through this during every cycle of the moon?" Luna said nothing, only dropping her head again in shame at the sarcasm I spat out. The sight of her looking so utterly discouraged snapped me from my bout of anger that had momentarily overwhelmed me. Voicing my displeasure was going to do neither of us any good. I could be certain she did not mean for this step backward in progress, yet here I was, scolding her rather than delve further into the issue. I forced myself to take a deep breath, exhaling the current frustration I was feeling and beginning anew. "Lulu, look at me," I said, my tone much softer than moments before. Whether it be due to my more pleasant voice or the name I had used, Luna obliged my request, though her head remained low and submissive. Her nostrils flared as I could see her straining to keep her composure after the tongue lashing I had given her. "Come here, I didn't mean to snap at you." "No, it's fine," she mumbled, staying right where she was. Instead, I made the move, closing the distance between us and lowering my head to hers. "No, it's not fine. You aren't fine," I whispered to her, giving a comforting nuzzle. "Here I am, thinking I'm trying to help when I'm letting my own emotions get the best of me. But you need to talk to me sister, I'm here to lend an ear if something's bothering you, and you should know that." "I do, I just... I am just dealing with some minor niggling issues," she replied. Even as I calmed down and offered my sympathy, Luna was relentless in keeping to herself. Ever stubborn, I realized the only way to get her to open up was to use my secret weapon. I stood up straight and backed off, drawing my sister's attention as one of my wings unfurled. I pulled out a scroll I had tucked away, holding it with great care as it levitated up into my vision. "What is that?" I heard Luna inquire. The scroll dropped ever so slightly, allowing me to see her queer expression. "This is just an intriguing spell I came across earlier today while sorting through my collection down here. Unless I am misreading the archaic writings, it is a spell called 'mind meld,' a spell to gain insight into somepony else's thoughts." "You jest," Luna replied, her energy suddenly returning in full as she stood up straight. "No such spell exists. Even the greatest of minds in magic said it was an impossibility long ago." "That's not what this says," I replied, turning the parchment for her to get a quick view. Luna's eyes danced across it with ferocity, before I once again returned it's content back toward myself. "I think you understand why I found this." "That is an invasion of privacy," she protested, becoming rather angry. "To threaten such a thing, whether possible or not is-" "It's not right, I know," I said quietly. "But understand my point of view, Luna. I'm not trying to invade your privacy, to be antagonistic. But I want to help you. I can't help you if you won't talk to me, and that scares me. Look at how far you have come in the months since you have returned, and how far back you have fallen in a matter of days. I've learned from the past, to ask what's wrong rather than assume you will work through your own issues and come to me for guidance if need be. But have you learned?" "I have, but—" "Show me, Luna. Show me you have changed," I pleaded. "Right now, your silence speaks volumes, and what it tells me – I don't like what it tells me." The runes on the scroll began to glow as I focused on their power, shining brightly enough to penetrate through the other side, where Luna's eyes focused. "Luna, if you won't help yourself, then I will use this spell. Because I'm not letting you make the same mistake twice. I can't do what I had to do back then once again. My heart cannot handle your loss." "I'm trying to make up for lost time, I'm trying to make it all up to you!" Luna finally blurted out. I halted my magic, the golden runes slowly fading back into the normal black ink. "I'm listening, sister. What do you mean, 'making up for lost time?'" Luna took a deep breath, knowing she would no longer be able to run away from this conversation. "You've had to serve Equestria, all on your own, because of my selfishness. You have spent day in and day out living not for yourself, but for the betterment of your ponies." "Our ponies, sister. Not mine," I corrected. "But you don't have to make up for lost time. For Equestria's sake, Lulu, you were banished to the moon, you've atoned for what you have done. Well beyond anything I could have imagined, you spent millennia in exile." "Yet what happened when I was released, sister? What did that time of atonement accomplish?!" Luna shouted back, her voice cracking. "I came back with the same amount of anger and jealousy in my heart that existed before I had been banished! This... this blackness, this vile thing inside me, it only grew!" "But don't you see Luna, that's exactly what I'm trying to explain to you," I retorted, albeit with a calm, soothing voice. Luna said nothing, only staring back at me as she waited for me to say something. I could not tell whether it was to give me a chance to clarify, or because she had made her argument and only waiting for the next item to refute. "Luna, that time you spent— the time you spent banished to the moon. What was it like?" I asked. The question brought a recoil of surprise from my sister, whose eyes widened. But it didn't take long for her shame to return, looking away from me as she cleared her throat. "I'm not trying to hurt you, I—" "I know. I listened to what you went through after I was gone. I have remained silent about my experience," she murmured. "You can't keep it bottled up forever." With great effort, Luna managed to turn her head back to face me. Her eyes were practically swimming with tears as she cleared her throat again, slowly lowering herself to the rug in the center of the room, scooting closer to the fireplace as her focus turned to the warmth it provided. I joined her, remaining silent as I waited for her to speak. It was obvious that despite not bringing it up, this was something that had been eating at her for quite some time. Far longer than she let on; I can only assume her guilt left her reluctant to explain her struggles, for fear of gaining sympathy she felt was undeserved. So, we lay there on the floor, about a half wingspan between us; judging by her body language, she did not want me to console her, either. The fireplace was the only sound for quite some time, the logs cracking and popping as they lent their warmth and light to us. "I was not banished to the moon," Luna said, transfixed upon the licking flames in front of her. "I was imprisoned within it." "Within it?" "I do not know what exactly the Elements of Harmony did, but I could not feel— I did not feel my body. I could not move, I could not look around freely... in essence, the moon itself became my vessel. The only thing I could see was our planet, and the vast emptiness surrounding it." Luna took another deep breath as she raised a hoof to her face, brushing aside the tears that had gathered upon her cheek. "It was cold, it was silent – it was desolate. All I could do was stare down at Equestria from afar, alone with my thoughts. My sorrow, my regrets, the misery within me." "You felt regret for what you did right away?" I asked, surprised. Luna finally turned her attention to me again, her face lined with a deep-seated pain. "In some senses, yes," she replied. "Initially." She turned her focus back to the fire, though her expression remained sorrowful. "That endless silence gave me time to think; the mind has an odd way of rationalizing its convictions given time. With every evening, I could feel your magic guiding my moon over the horizon. The celestial body I was to be entrusted with, that now became my prison. It reignited my anger, stoked the fire. A sense of betrayal blossomed into a pit of hatred. It just kept growing, consuming me. I didn't just despise you, I despised everypony." My sister looked as if she was about to throw up, so disgusted her face became. It hurt me to hear such vile ideas and opinions that Luna once held, and I understood why she was so reluctant to share. I waited a moment, ensuring she had nothing else to add. With silence beginning to befall the room again, I took the opportunity to speak. "Luna, as you were explaining your experience to me, did you listen to yourself?" "What do you mean?" "The words, the emotions you shared, the pain that you go through just telling me all of this, you have essentially assured me I can trust you, and you've more than made up for the mistakes you made." Luna remained skeptical, her brow furrowed, but kept her silence. I could no longer bear the space between us as I unfurled a wing, wrapping it around my sister's form and dragging her across the floor until she lay next to me. "The regrets, the remorse you feel over what happened, just your body language – you've learned from your past. I don't want to punish you, I don't want you to 'make up for lost time.' There is only one thing that I want," I said. "What is it?" she asked, her interest piqued by a possible chance to redeem herself. "What we're doing right now. Talking, learning from each other. I want my little sis to be happy. I'm not asking you to ignore the past, but don't let it define you for eternity. You need to talk to me, let me know when something is bothering you. Like you mentioned, keeping your thoughts and emotions bottled up – the mind rationalizes everything, whether it makes actual sense or not." "But you're already sticking your neck out for me, helping me adjust, offering me new opportunities," she lamented, her voice lowering in time with her brooding." Why should I add to that burden?" "Luna, do you trust me?" "Of course, why would I not?" she said, her eyes locked squarely with mine. "Then trust that I can handle whatever baggage you may still have. Trust that your issues are not yours alone to rectify. At the very least, trust my judgment. Let me be your guide when you feel lost." Try as she might, Luna could not keep her composure any longer as her breath was caught in her throat, tears streaming down her face. "You're doing too much for me," she whispered. "It is my duty to watch over you, Luna. That's what big sisters do, and it was a duty I let lax once. I refuse to do such a thing again." She bowed her head toward me as I did the same, our noses and horns touching, laying in complete silence. What more needed to be said? Everything I told her was the truth; I know self-doubt will follow her for a time, I knew she would question her judgment in the weeks that followed her return. The stubborn mare she is, she was afraid to ask. She was afraid of herself, she was afraid she was not doing enough. Considering the situation in a broad sense, it was to be expected. But with the ordeal we had gone through, and the effect her low self-esteem had on her physical form, it was important she knew that I was there for her, for anything, at any time. As I leaned back to a more normal position, Luna had changed again, this time for the better. Her normal, vibrant and serene eyes had returned, and her coat had lightened to the royal blue we had first seen in the dream realm. In fact, she had become that form, in little more than a minute's time. Evidently, I had been staring, for Luna took note and looked down at herself. "I— I hadn't expected to progress back so quickly," she gasped. "That makes two of us. But I'm thankful you did," I gushed. "I can only assume you feel better?" She nodded, allowing herself a small grin even as she wiped the remaining tears from her eyes. "I do, I feel a weight lifted from my chest," she said. "I wasn't happy with you, but thank you for giving me the push I needed to talk. And not using that spell." "Well, I'm glad I got you to talk, because there was no mind-meld spell," I admitted. "This is my student's most recent friendship report; she's been studying some of our languages of the past, I asked her earlier today to show me how far she's come by writing her next correspondence in whatever writing she has been studying." "You tricked me?!" Luna exclaimed, recoiling back from my draped wing. Mentally, I face hoofed at my lapse in judgment. Why did I think admitting my bluff to Luna was a good idea? "Well, when you word it that way, it does sound bad, yes..." I trailed off, trying to think of a way out of this corner. But Luna stood up, staring down at me with cold eyes, slightly scowling. My heart rate climbed rapidly as I feared everything we had just worked out was about to be thrown aside into the fireplace. "I'm sorry Luna, I was just worried because you didn't seem yourself as of late. You didn't want to talk to me, I had to do something." Slowly, her scowl shifted, warping into the slightest hint of a smirk, despite her best efforts. She was playing me. "I will give you a head start, ten seconds before I throttle you for this ruse," she said. Her smirk was contagious, as I bit my lip, trying not to smile myself. "Well, that's generous of you," I teased. "One... two... three..." I scrambled up to my hooves and started up the stairs, laughing like a fool as she continued. I managed to get halfway up the case as she reached 'five.' "Sixseveneightnineten! Get back here, Tia!" I heard her shout, hooves rapidly pounding across the floorboards. "That's cheating, you said ten seconds!" I shouted back. "Then we're even in terms of ruses tonight!" Finally to the top of the stairs, I flung open the door with my magic, entering my private chambers for a split second before throwing open another door, this time leading to the hall. I couldn't stop myself from giggling as I reached full gallop, streaking down the halls of the castle. "I was always a faster runner than you, good luck!" I taunted playfully. "I suppose it is a blessing I am a more accomplished flyer," Luna's voice retorted. I turned my head to find her right on my heels, a devilish smile upon her face. But in the momentary distraction, my hoof caught the edge of a rug. In the blink of an eye, I went from full gallop to full tumble. A cacophony of thumps and groans followed as Luna was too close to avoid me, colliding with my clumsy form and tumbling as well. At some point, both of us slid to a stop with Luna atop me. "That... that was quite foolish of us," Luna mumbled. "Running in the halls might not have been smart, no," I groaned. Hoofsteps descended upon us at once, a pair of guards rushing toward us as Luna and I pulled ourselves off the floor. "Your Highnesses, are you... alright?" The odd pause in the guard's question caused me to snap my attention away from Luna and over to the stallions. Both of them had looks of shock upon their faces, eyes transfixed upon my sister. Luna was quick to take note of the attention laid upon her, and even as I tried to think of some excuse for her appearance, she remained calm and collected. "We are both fine, thank you for your concern," she said as I rose from the floor and nodded. "I can only assume you are taken aback by my appearance." "Er, yes. My apologies, your Highness, I just was not expecting... well, I was not expecting to find you looking so different." "No apologies needed. This is, in fact, my normal appearance; my magic reserves and prowess have finally returned after much delay. I suppose you will not be the last to be caught by surprise; I am sure I will be explaining to many more ponies in the near future." I had a feeling Luna had been prepping for when this day would come and already had an explanation in mind. Either that, or she is even better at thinking on her hooves than I could ever imagine. She glanced at me out of the corner of her eye, giving the slightest knowing smile. "You sure you are both fine? We both heard an awful commotion," the other guard finally spoke up. "Yes, I just tripped over the rug, clumsy me," I answered, returning the secretive grin my sister had just displayed. I took a few steps forward until I was beside her, my left wing grabbing a hold of her as she leaned against me. "In fact, I believe we are better than we have been in a long, long time." It was the truth, but neither of us could keep ourselves straight. Luna began to giggle incessantly, the contagious feeling washing over me as I joined in. The guards exchanged glances of confusion for a split second, before saluting and heading back to their posts. "I have to ask, was that spur of the moment, or did you have a cover story planned for your new look?" I asked, finally getting ahold of myself. "A bit of both. I think it is quite believable, no?" "I think so. I think the guards were more unsure of our behavior than they were your explanation." "Indeed. But Celestia, were you serious when you told me I have the night off, and you have tomorrow's day shift off?" Luna asked. "No ruse, Luna, I told the truth. I also was not lying when I admitted to having my tea, so I'll probably be up all night. To be honest, I expected you to be more stubborn in talking to me." "If you would like, I could be more difficult next time," she teased. "I think you have proven to both of us that being open with each other is the way forward. No more keeping to ourselves, it does nopony good." "I suppose you are right. I will do what I can; forgive me if there are growing pains." I leaned over and nuzzled my little sis. "And forgive me if I have to lie to get you to talk. But with a whole night free to ourselves, what do you want to do?" Luna locked eyes with me, and drew the widest smile I had ever seen from her. "Whatever we find to occupy ourselves with, my only stipulation is we do it together."
ReflectionsWith my elder sister opening my eyes to the value of discussion rather than the privacy of my thoughts, I feel compelled to write down a rather short entry for further reflection. I must admit, change is quite difficult; the longer one stays stagnant in a particular habit or state of mind, the more trying it becomes to adjust oneself. Admittedly, I am already quite bull-headed at times; I feel I have made a surprising amount of progress in the few months I have returned, given the circumstances. Aside from the dramatic shift in linguistics, the increased interactions we have with our subjects has taken some time to fully adjust; I would be remiss to not mention I still find myself somewhat ill at ease with the more personable approach to our duties. Not many would know otherwise; evidently, my stoic silence is seen as more of an outdated way of life for those of royalty. Yet as I write down my thoughts, I cannot help but wonder if our former way of rule was not part of the reason for my rebellion and fall. That is not to say I am blameless, for it was I who made the choices which led to my exile. But it is a curious thought that, if I had been more open to discussion and comfortable, could I have garnered a better understanding of my place in the hearts and minds of our subjects? Did the mere isolation and divide between myself and our subjects cause me to become blind to my true duties, and instead believe a delusion I should be worshipped? Of course, that in and of itself was an underlying issue; even today, many ponies see my sister and me as divine beings. But perhaps that should be the enduring legacy of my tale – nopony is infallible. Celestia and I may have the blood of the revered and rare alicorn race, but underneath, we are merely normal ponies with extraordinary abilities. We are prone to mistakes the same as anypony else, as I – and, to a lesser extent, my sister – have displayed upon a grand scale. I must note that I personally hold no blame toward my sister, but despite my efforts, I am unable to dissuade her from believing she played a part all those years ago. My new duties have allowed myself to ease into the social spotlight, talking to ponies in their dreamscapes, quelling fears and dissipating nightmares. I was not surprised to see more than a few nightmares involving my former alter ego, Nightmare Moon. Such situations have been difficult to overcome; not necessarily for the pony whose dreams I have entered, but for me. It is a completely different perspective to be the monster rather than see it; now having come face to face with my past, I must admit, my shame only deepens. Yet this is why I have taken to putting down my thoughts within our shared journal - my reluctance to discuss such items can not be hidden when put between these covers, for we do go through and read each other's entries on a fairly regular basis. Sometimes, it is just easier to jot down emotions and inner musings than try to explain them – or even begin a conversation, for that matter. No, I am indeed grateful for the opportunities I have been given. Do I regret my past actions? Certainly, but they cannot be reversed. Fortunately, Celestia is not one to hold grudges or reservations – she never has, for she tries to find the good in everypony, even though in some cases, it may result in a fruitless endeavor. It goes without saying this journey she has undertaken bears fruit, for we both have somepony we dearly missed back in our lives – each other. It has taken quite some time for me to truly understand how much my sister means to me, and I cannot fathom where I would be without her. Still, this is a journey that continues, one I look forward with much optimism. I feel I have made great strides forward while enduring some bumps and ruts along the way. But that is life – no path is flawless or without some hiccup as we traverse. In some ways, it is those unexpected stops that cause one to realize how much we have, or how much we have to lose. I see now what I once had been blind to in a jealousy-fuelled tantrum. While I cannot make up for lost time, I find it appropriate I watch over and guard those whom I once endangered with my actions, alongside a sister whom I had once viewed as an adversary. It is only by the grace of my sister – and her student, of course – that I am well on my way to redeeming myself, in my own eyes. Tia, I know you will read this at some point, so I feel it appropriate I finish this entry off with a few final words. Thank you for never giving up on me, even when I felt your efforts were futile at best, and utterly foolish at worst. Thank you for pushing me to talk, even when I felt silence was a better alternative. Thank you for believing in me, even when I had lost faith in myself. And thank you for loving me, even when I was at my lowest point, and loathing you. Though, I must ask of you one thing – while I dearly enjoy the spontaneous hugs you give after what I can only assume are the result of moments spent perusing our shared journal, could you at least give some sort of explanation? I find myself concerned, especially when you do so teary-eyed. But do not stop being you, sis. I love you too. ~Luna Author's Note Before I say anything else, I want to mention one thing - I intend on running with this journal concept in the future, just as a separate story rather than chapters added on. Anyway, After going back and reading this story, I couldn't help but feel anything other than a short epilogue would tart up this short ditty. I would say out of everything I've written thus far, this is my favorite work, and the one in which I take the most pride. With how everything landed through these six chapters, I felt this was just naturally the ending. Writing what only began as a single chapter has been an absolute joy for me, trying to put myself within the minds of the two royal sisters whom I quite frankly adore. Trying to envision how each would write and share their sides of the coin, in their journey to mend their sisterly bond has been a refreshing change for me, and in some ways, actually came quite natural. I think I did a fairly decent job, aside from hacking up the first couple chapters with Luna's archaic dialect. But for now, this tale comes to a close, but rest assured, this project will continue on, as a sort of sequel.
