The next day, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna both sat in the shared Common Room that connected both of their towers. It was late afternoon, a time when Luna would normally be asleep and Celestia in Day Court.

But today was the exception to the norm. It had driven Kibitz up the wall when Celestia had cancled everything she had planned for the day, but one look said she was not changing her mind.

Today was for attending to something far more important.

Celestia had sent the news of Twilight's reappearance the night before to her Ponyville friends and the Crystal Empire before personally going to tell Night Light and Twilight Velvet.

Now all sat across from her and Luna in various states of shock as she finished explaining all she knew so far.

Rarity had fainted, Fluttershy was quietly sobbing, Spike was trying to revive Rarity while fighting back his own tears, Pinkie Pie looked lost about something, and Applejack was her usual stoic self, though those who knew her could tell she was no happier about it than the others.

Night Light meanwhile was busy holding his wife who was sobbing into his shoulder. None could blame her though.

Rainbow Dash meanwhile looked ready to explode. At who or what no one could tell. She growled in annoyance before taking off for the door. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go get Twilight back then! I'll knock down the front door myself! We can't just leave her down there."

Luna shot her a scathing glare. "I would suggest you not do that Rainbow Dash. For several reasons in fact."

"Like what?" Rainbow growled.

"You cannot breath underwater for one," Celestia replied. "None of us can. None get past the Vortex without someone from Seaquestria letting them in."

Luna nodded. "Mount Aris is littered with the bones of those who have tried. Queen Novo isn't one to be trifled with when it comes to defending her subjects."

"Even we do not try," Celestia continued. "We are friends yes, but we do not push things with her. She could easily go fin to hoof with us if need be. All the waters of Equus are at her command."

"And if need be, the Kraken of the deepest waters will rise at her call," Luna said. "It has happened before: The Kraken's Wake." She shuddered at some long ago memory. "It is a power her daughter will one day inherit."

Something in their tones must have finally gotten through to Rainbow because she slowly settled again on the floor, though her scowl remained.

"So now what are we supposed to?" Applejack asked.

Celestia and Lunar shared a look. "There is nothing we can do now. It is all up to Twilight. Even if she does return, she will not know us.," Celestia explained.

"And there is no spell that can restore her memory. Those that do exist will only work if there is something in the pony's mind to restore," Luna added.

"Then now what?" Spike asked.

Celestia sighed sadly. "Maybe. Maybe it is better Twilight stays with Novo and Skystar. They will take care of her and she'll be with those she knows. Friends, and maybe more," she said.

That kept everyone quiet for a time. Celestia was already dreading the conversation she would have with Princess Cadance and Shining Armor when they arrived later that afternoon.

Finally Pinkie Pie spoke up. "I just have one question. What's a seapony?"

Author's Note

Okay, originally this was meant to be the last part of chapter one, hence the shorter length. But I felt it took away from that chapter's ending.

So now here it is.