Nighty-night, my little Twili.🌙

by coffee mugs

Rating: everyone
Tags: Twilight Velvet, Princess Celestia, Twilight Sparkle, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Sad, Nightmare Moon, Drama
Length: 10133

The tale is the same, Nightmare Moon is banished, but instead she has a filly named Twilight Sparkle. Tia and her new adoptive parents raise her, but NMM is forced to watch her daughter grow up unaware of her origin, and maybe even denied contact?

It's been so long since Luna had been banished, but by her banishment, she lost something. A foal. Nightmare Moon had to almost watch her daughter grow alongside strangers and her sister. She is back for the throne and something...else? The tears of the moon should be shed no longer.

Cover art source: https://www.deviantart.com/lulubellct/art/Stardust-335929363 ( final change, haha. )

Disclaimer: Yes, I decided to change some things, but they're only minor. I got unhappy with it all quick, so I do apologize. The story itself isn't affected. Also, the cover-art changes are because some turning out too small? Hope nobody minds.

Published 2019-07-19 07:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2019-11-12 23:45:25 UTC

Night's Prologue.

" Twilight, come back to me. "

The sun's burning embrace seemed to slowly shift away. The moon's light brightened quietly, and Nightmare Moon could feel the moon finally show itself to the land of Equestria. Her eyes widened as she gazed down, a bitterness rising in her once again. Once again, the darkness and her prison showed silence and stillness. Not anything, not a peep. Only her thoughts to drive her mad. It was routine. Nothing told her otherwise.

Her mind always wandered back to the foal she left behind, a small purple unicorn, she utterly despised the knowing fact that she not only had some other mare's last name, but she called some strange pony 'mother.' Of course, as Nightmare Moon knew, the foal would never see her as a mother now. The foal hadn't even been born before her banishment, time passes differently on the moon, the days on the moon felt much longer than that of in Equestria. As soon as Celestia knew Nightmare Moon had a foal, it was taken from her immediately.

It had been so long since she had seen her daughter, that she named 'Twilight.' She had gotten the news that Celestia respectfully kept the name, but now she had the name 'Twilight Sparkle.' She was left with another older mare that went by 'Twilight Velvet' oddly, and some colt she had never heard of. She fit right into the family, it was disgustingly easy to hide her, not to mention Celestia was practically raising the daughter that belonged to Nightmare.

The envious mare felt her blood boil at the thought of her daughter in the hooves of a stranger, growing up alongside them all thinking them as family. She'd prefer Twilight to be aware that Nightmare Moon was her mother, but no, she was a stranger. She was taught to fear her. To fear her. The tale of The Mare in the Moon. The mare who takes your candy on Nightmare Night.

She couldn't handle it. Not only now did she want the approval and adoring love of her subjects, but she also wanted it from her daughter. Though her mind ringed with thoughts of her daughter's wide eyes staring her down, with no remorse, f e a r . Once again, her sister had drained her of the love she wanted so badly, the love she wanted to return. But alas, the thought of her daughter never looking to her as a mother sent a dozen daggers piercing into her heart. She almost wanted to cry, and she hadn't in so long, each day the only thing that brought her tears was the loss of her beloved foal.

The throne would belong to Nightmare Moon, she would be a queen, and her foal would take place as a princess. Princess of the Night, and finally Nightmare Moon would be titled Queen of the Night. Yes, that made her tears vanish eventually, the thought of her daughter alongside her, getting all the praise that Nightmare Moon wished upon herself. Since she had been drained of that praise, she would upmost guarantee it on her daughter. But one thought struck her as soon as her joy peaked, what if Twilight was on CELESTIA'S side?

Her fool of a sister had practically raised Twilight at this point, why would she choose a stranger over her mentor and secondary mother? She had to be logical, she would prefer it anyhow, in the deepest depths of her heart... she was glad that Twilight would never have to deal with the mess that was Nightmare Moon. She knew she couldn't raise the child on the moon, she knew it would be too painful and hard for the mother to handle. As much as she wanted to cradle the filly, and teach her everything the mare knew, it would be barely plausible for a sane foal to come out of this. So, despite her envy and outer anger, she accepted it.

That...that... doesn't mean it didn't hurt. That doesn't mean her heart didn't ache immensely, the only thing that drove her was the thought of the throne being reclaimed and Twilight being there, calling Nightmare 'mom.' Undoubtedly, she knew Twilight Velvet would always now ring as Twilight Sparkle's mom, and that scarred her heart. She wished she could find the good in herself, the hope that one day she could look and forgive herself, she still aimed for the throne... but something else made her regret her decision. Her little... Twilight.

In some world, she had the foal earlier, and finally, she would be content. As all the love she needed was in her hooves, she didn't feel alone as a little foal woke her up each night, and would talk to her as she did her duties. In a world where... a smile wasn't forced, and being in the shadows of the night wasn't so painful, as somepony appreciated who she was. Every night educating her little gift on each star, pulling her into the warmth of her coat, as she lifted the moon. Yes, it would be perfect. It was a world where all of Equestria belonged to her sister, but one single special foal belonged to the Princess of The Night. She could've lived with that.

It was a fantasy to never come true, she wasn't destined for the love of a child, or the love of a sister. Once again, Celestia won that love. She could've dealt with just one single pony loving her and knowing her for she was. But no! Celestia turned her head away and focused on anything BUT her little sister when Luna was fully willing to spend days with Tia at the time. Not only that, she was overshadowed and forgotten, alone in the night, alone with nobody to talk to. Celestia just had to take Twilight. She felt her legs weaken, her head slowly lowered.

She wasn't stable all alone, all alone. She needed solitude to think, but sometimes she needed the loving embrace of someone who could look at her as something more than that of what she thought herself. The pain originated from being overshadowed, but it only increased when she sat in rooms alone, nobody looking her way for days at a time. She could recall each night, 'Luna, you're so selfish for wanting love, your sister deserves it.

She does more than you.' That was her ultimate pain, her brain feeding her these words, and barely being able to dismiss it herself. She knew at the time her sister didn't mean it, but eventually, the princess became blinded and felt as even her sister didn't appreciate her. That her sister hadn't LOVED her. Now that was painful.

She was only spoken to when somepony needed something from her, never just because. It hurt. She missed the air, she missed her head, the moon's surface was cold, and she remembered as a foal her sister used to tuck her in every night. Not anymore.

Never again. She just wanted Twilight and her sister back. But it was far too late for that. It's been almost a thousand years and her daughter was growing. She knew somewhere, THEY were together, forgetting the mother that had given life to Twilight.

Twilight sat in her studies. The filly was silently reading through her books, observing each page with interest and curiosity as she slowly read the words. She finished with the current page and moved onto the next. She quietly kept excitedly flipping through pages, wanting to practically absorb all the knowledge being displayed to her. Then, the door to her studies creaked open, as Twilight’s mentor and secondary mother, Princess Celestia, trotted in.

The slight interruption received a bright smile from Twilight. “Princess Celestia, hello!” She excitedly said. She hurried to her haunches, her eyes widened quietly. She seemed quite joyful to see her mentor. How amazing! The mare before her was an amazing and righteous pony. The princess herself was HER mentor, she knew her parents and older brother were so proud.

"Good evening, Twilight. How have your skills been improving? What’s the most recent thing you’ve learned?" The princess pressed on, which made the little foal jump excitedly at being able to share her knowledge finally!

"Oh, uh, I’d say pretty well. I learned about the old stories of the Ursa Minor and Ursa Major! Pretty scary stuff…" She started mentally organizing all of her notes. She almost was entirely fixed on all the notes she had been taking yesterday and today. She was growing at a rapid rate, and she made sure her knowledge was always ahead of her age.

"Ah, I see you’re recounting on Equestria's old legends stories. Though, it can be difficult to tell what is the truth and what is not.” She spoke the last sentence in a tone of wisdom. Her wings fluttered open to show elegance for the slightest moment, before they closed quietly, looking down on her student in a prideful way.

"I know, I know… But they’re all so interesting!" She loved these stories, whether they were myths or not. She drowned in all the words shown to her. If they were fact, then they were just as equal to myth. All the stories of Equestria were so very interesting, learning about the history of everpony to ever make their name present in the history books. She even enjoyed other species' history.

"Well, don’t let me stop you. I’ll just be here a moment to gather some extra books." She spoke as she used her magic to start piling up books. Twilight nodded and kept reading. She was a bright young one, and always took mental notes of everything, no wonder she was Princess Celestia’s pupil.

Page after page after page, she kept reading. Celestia had finished a while ago and was just watching Twilight’s progress at this point. Twilight turned a page and saw a rather interesting story; ‘The Mare in The Moon.’ Such an intriguing title. Just as before, she carefully observed the page. She let out a small gasp at its' contents.

Her eyes instantly filled with wonder when she found out it was a story about Celestia. She now even more carefully observed the page. "Oh, oh, Celestia! This one’s about you!" She hopped in her seat. She seemed as giddy as ever at the situation, was this a TRUE story?

"Hm? And which one would that be?" She questioned with a soft smile, turning slightly, obviously interested in whatever story it might be. She approached, her eyes laid upon the story, and automatically pain struck her... The story of her sister, nobody knew it was Luna, but Celestia did. The tale only reminded her of the sacrifice she had to come clean with.

"‘The Mare in The Moon!" Celestia’s gaze immediately faltered just the slightest bit. This story was rather… uncomforting for her, but she had mostly gotten over the tale by now. For the most part, it was a myth to some, but to Celestia, it was the truth that made her heart pound with the utmost regret.

Besides, what harm could it do to let her read about it? She certainly wanted her student to have a wide range of knowledge, and she wouldn't deprive Twilight of the story. "So, what was the battle like, was it exhausting?" Twilight asked. Celestia became quite unsure of what to do, Twilight had taken it as a fact, but most ponies did believe it was a true story. She wouldn't lie to Twilight.

"Oh, well... yes, quite exhausting, aha…" She was a bit taken aback. She could feel her heart's pounding increase and beat against her chest. Celestia took the slightest step back, not enjoying the whole matter, it was uncomfortable to remember that painful day.

She had expected her to keep reading, and not to press questions. "Did you get hurt? Like, badly?" More questions came from the giddy and over-eager Twilight, who wanted every ounce of information thrown at her. Celestia didn't want any part in it, she adored teaching her student, but this was a touchy subject for her. It brought so many regretful memories.

"Of course. Every battle has its price." She slowly remarked, yes it was true, she had gotten rather hurt from the battle. She proved to be stronger than Nightmare, but Luna had held her side of the fight rather well. It did quite hurt.

"Well, I hope it wasn’t too bad… So, why were you two fighting?" She pressed on. Her head tilted curiously, her eyes boring into Celestia's, she became even more uncomfortable.

"A few reasons… But the main reason was that she wasn’t a good pony… She wanted eternal night for all of Equestria, rather than equilibrium between night and day." She hated every reason that started the battle, she felt she was one to blame for her sister's outrage, in the end, it hurt badly. Celestia wanted the love to be equal, she would not mind having any, she only wished for her sister to smile brightly.

"That sounds… messed up. I bet if you came to an agreement--" Celestia interrupted quickly, her ears flattening, and in a soft tone she put down Twilight's statement. Celestia had tried her hardest to do so, she never wished to banish her one and only sister.

"She would not listen to reason, Twilight. I tried so hard to help her, to compromise, but she wouldn’t listen…" The discussion was getting out of hoof, and she couldn't do it any longer, she missed Luna too much. "Twilight… maybe you should read to find the answers, hm?" She didn’t want any more questions that she had already asked herself over the years, especially ones like that last one, she didn't mind Twilight's curiosity, she just couldn't handle the memories she locked away seemingly returning.

"Oh, alright…" The filly seemed quite disappointed but listened to her mentor. Celestia huffed. She gave an appreciative smile to Twilight to comfort the growing filly, Twilight returned the smile, as Twilight jumped into Celestia's embrace. "Thank you for being the best mentor ever." Celestia smiled softly.

"Thank you for being the best student in all of Equestria."

Author's Note

a prologue, yippeee!! lol, if you enjoy this that's pretty hecking cool. uh, we'll see how much i can write. sksks. :twilightsmile:

Happy Birthday.

Even the moon had to rest, painfully and rightfully so. Once again she slept among the cold surface of the moon she called 'home.' What a cold home, in tight sorrowfully uncomfortable armor. Her hair flowed, feeling the coldness sweep up against her coat. She was dreaming, her only escape away from the vast loneliness she's come to accept.

Yes, in her dreams, once again as she faced with her ever-growing pain seeped down into her soul. Scars always resurfaced whenever her mind dared to give her the luxury yet pain that was a dream. As always, it ringed the same, but yet as painful as she remembered each day.

"Mommy, do you love me?" She looked upon a young foal gawking up at her, a purple little foal she recalled, but the image was blurry and undefined, she didn't know the exact appearance of the foal to date, so her mind barely could officially fill in the images, but it felt just as real. Her jaw opened to speak, but it was almost as her throat denied her the ability to form words.

Yes! Of course, I love you, you're my little Twili.

Luna's pain didn't manage to make through to her expressions, in the dream, she couldn't speak. Like she was being denied the ability to reach out and hug her daughter, to make amends. She was not Nightmare Moon, no, she was herself. The pony she denied herself to be. She tried so hard to move, but yet her legs failed her. Despite the blur, her daughter's face contorted into sorrow, almost rage.

"Of course you don't! You only care about yourself, and my love isn't enough, is it? You need everypony to adore you! Wasn't I enough, mommy?" That sentence rang over and over in the dream, and she could almost feel it hit her like this could be reality. She had barely known her daughter's personality, let alone voice, but her paranoia still hit her.

"Please, I do! I really do. I l--" Her throat got caught off as soon as she demanded to mutter the word 'love', and she could feel her heart pounding, and chains being held onto her. She wasn't allowed to leave the prison, she had to leave her daughter in despair. It's okay.

She whispered that to herself as she found herself tied to the moon, watching the blurry-faced foal make off with strangers who looked upon her as Nightmare Moon believed she never could. It's okay, it's okay. That kept repeating in her mind. It's not about you, it's about her. It never was about you.

She has all she could ever want. It's time to say goodbye.

Sometimes, it's better to let go, because without you there is a smile on their face. If they could find it within them to live without you, better for you to not exist with them at all. Her legs went weak, and her eyes opened from the nightmare or eye-opening dream that resonated with her. She might as well be the Princess of crying, what a title. I guess she thought things could've gone differently. Small regrets, to the bigger ones.

She wouldn't mind the embrace, but she wasn't meant for it. She had a few expectations, but now. Day after day, the moon arose, and she saw the clouds pass by on Equestria. She marked each day. Every day, the stillness was eerie. She blinked. She had pieces of parchment and a quill, that had entertained her over the many years. She had an idea, to feed to her growing emptiness.

Happy Tenth Birthday my little Twilight, how is school? I'm sure you're excelling in all your classes.

I'm sure Cele is being as pressuring about it, as usual, she was always stuck up like that. Enough about her, are you doing okay? I'm sure you have the best friends ever. What's it like? To be down there? I wish you could answer.

I would say not to miss me, but ... you don't even know I exist. So, I'll say this, I'll try not to miss you. I have so many things to say, what do you like? Do you like music? You're in the double digits, that's nothing to laugh at! Aha, mommy loves you, dear. I wish I could be there for your Birthday. Do good in school.

- Princess LunaNightmare Moon Your mother.

She barely knew what to call herself to her daughter, it wasn't like Twilight would be reading these letters. They were a way to indirectly show how much she missed her daughter. She sighed softly, she put the parchment somewhere alongside herself, watching Equestria carefully. She'd sigh.

Twilight was ten now, it's been ten years, it already felt like a thousand years.

She counted the days once again, watching and sleeping each night and day, marking the days slowly. Routine, always looking forward to the day her daughter aged up. One, two, three days. Those days shifted into months, into years, until a pile of parchment stacked alongside her, the older ones gathering moon dust. It was so long.

Nightmare Moon huffed, her eyes raised as the sun shined on Equestria, and the moon subsided. She grabbed the parchment, once again blinking at the realization.

Happy Fifteenth Birthday Twilight,

I'm sure you are going through a lot of tough times. It happens within teenage years, just look up at the moon. We are so many miles apart, but I promise when you look up, I'll be here. I'll be here. Even if I can't see it.

Just hold on! So, do you have a special somepony...? If I were there, I'd make sure he'd never break your heart, I'd be ready with a bat if he ever hurt you. But, if you aren't ready yet, I understand. I never really was either. Haha. Teenage love interests are very odd.

A couple more years and you'll be done with school, well, it's only an option. I know you are probably Celestia's pupil, you' probably get private lessons from her. Well, graduating is fun, right? I wish I were there, to wish you a Happy Birthday because I sort of helped that Birthday happen, odd I know. Haha, messing with you. Thou is a good daughter, I know you would be. Happy Birthday.

I love you. Even if you may never know how much.

She hadn't realized it, but there were wet spots on the parchment, from tears she hadn't even realized she was crying. Her heart had ached, with pride but again sorrow. She had missed her daughter's innocent years and was destined to never laid her eyes on her daughter ever since she was a baby. Now she was almost a full-grown mare.

Tears swelled down her cheeks, and she felt her legs tremble quietly. She was almost a full-grown mare. Her daughter was almost a full-grown mare, only five years until she was twenty. Less until she was eighteen, she pondered everything. She wanted to know her daughter more than anypony else.

And she might never manage that, she'd give up one of her hooves just to spend one day to wish her daughter a Happy Birthday. If the skies got rough, who would be there to put a wing around her and give her the hard truth? Luna knew that they would pander to her, and put her through the world through blinded joy, but the world wasn't perfect. Her daughter wouldn't be her's.

That always rang in her mind. She tried to imagine what her daughter looked like, she looked too much like Luna's mother, and much too like the colt who fathered her. She tried not to think of him. He had left her alone when she had become dependent on his love in a way, which was heartbreaking when she had needed him the most, he left for another mare.

You can't change the past.

The nights into days once again. It was routine for the dozenth time, time felt so slow, but so very quick at the same time. Her only thought was Twilight, and she knew that this was the price. The price of envy. She wanted the throne, but over the years the desperate need to escape her thousand-year prison was desperate to see Twilight. It'd be different if she left nothing behind, but she left somepony who would never know her name.

Somepony who would never call her 'mommy.' When the stars shined down, she kept track and counted precisely. Her heart pounded, and her legs weakened, it had been twenty years since...

Happy Birthday Twilight,

you're a full-grown mare now. You're twenty years old. I know you're somewhere out there, I wish I could tell you that I love you. If you're in love, be careful. Marry the right one, I might never be able to walk you down the altar, as I know your dad would never, but I would've proudly been the dad and mom you needed.

I hope that you look up at the moon because I always look down and hope that you're looking back.

I wish I could've been there. I know there's now no chance I would ever be the mom you wanted. I know you graduated a while ago, I'm so proud of you. What are you up to now? Still personal lessons from your mentor?

I know you might never hear, but I love you. For the twentieth time, over the twenty years, I love you.

Talking to herself, but in a way to her daughter. So she'll say it again, out loud, where she hoped she could hear, which is impossible but she still said it, "I love you."

Author's Note

this is a transition chapter, so i apologize for the shortness! yeah, uh, we'll get to the juicy stuff next chapter.:raritywink:

Young and dumb.

Twilight chuckled gleefully as she blew the candles, her family, including Spike and Celestia seemed to cheer. The purple mare's smile brightened, she was twenty now. That was a big number for her, and almost overwhelming. "... Mom, thank you! This has been a great day." She nuzzled Twilight Velvet.

"You remind me of your mom," Nightlight said with a small smile, unknowingly drawing connections to Luna, and not Twilight Velvet. Twilight tilted her head with a laugh. "She always loved books." Nightlight seemed to have a weak smile as it faltered slightly, Twilight Velvet gave the slightest frown to him and elbowed him slightly.

"Well, mom has always been more of the adventurous type," Twilight said with a goofy smile, seemingly her eyes scattered over the cake. She wanted to retreat to her room, she loved her family, but a part of her desperately wished to be in solitude. "Great party! Great books... I should... go read them right now." She didn't like the crowd, even if it was small, even family friends she barely knew were there, she just wanted the comfort of her room.

"Yes, just like her mom," Nightlight whispered with a sad sigh, recalling Luna always retreating to her room to get away from the crowds, he hoped Twilight would turn out more like Twilight Velvet, outgoing and adventurous, but he saw so much of Luna in Twilight, it was uncanny. Twilight Velvet's ears flattened.

"Are we ready to tell her?" Twilight Velvet huffed sorrowfully, she had promised Nightlight to tell her every Birthday, but couldn't bring herself. "No... she isn't ready, she's much too young." Perhaps she was paranoid that Twilight would never view her as a mom ever again. They were of the few ponies in Equestria to know Nightmare Moon's true identity, it was a secret they had to keep. "Luna shouldn't have any connection to her, have you seen her intentions?"

"Luna loves Twilight just as much as I do. She never got to say goodbye." Nightlight reassured toward his wife. His eyes grew with panic, he was so very sorrowful about the whole situation, he had missed Luna. They were good friends as foals, he simply was one of her only friends, too bad he couldn't stand her tears and her dependence on him.

'No, don't go! Please, thou is all I have, Celestia won't listen.'

Those words ringed in his head, the night he left her behind, she was in tears and was on her bed and it seemed her pain had reached its' peak. He had given up on her, and his love for her dwindled. He was a bad young colt, he regretted each decision he blindly made in his youth, he pledged his 'love' for Luna just so she wouldn't fall apart. But in the meantime, he was raising a little boy named 'Shining Armor' with his beloved Twilight Velvet.

'Oh, hey! I like your cutiemark, it's a moon. I raise the moon you know, so we're almost twinning with the moon cutiemarks!'

He sat in his chair, recalling the first day he had met Luna, he was never in love. His heart belonged to Twilight Velvet, but still, he lied and prolonged the situation until he could no more. He still cared for her as a friend, but in the end, he left her in shambles, a mess. It was only then, did he hear she had become 'Nightmare Moon' as she called herself, and had vowed to plague Equestria in eternal darkness.

He was a fool. He had left Luna, but he thought it was the best choice. Apparently not, because a foal was at his doorstep, his figure seemed to show through Twilight, but he saw the Luna in her, but she mostly took the appearance of grandparents on each side. She had bright eyes, and it was obvious who she belonged to, and Celestia had warned them of the situation. Twilight Velvet hadn't left him, she had accepted the child as her own.

And eventually, it became like Luna never existed, she wasn't Twilight's mom. Celestia was more of a mother between the two royal sisters. Though she would always catch Twilight looking up at the moon, it had stopped recently, but she always asked if the 'Mare in the Moon' was watching over her, even if in books she was described as evil and unjust. He would always answer with a small and rather truthful 'yes.' He was truly a fool, he loved Twilight, but he never should've given Luna the idea that he truly loved her.

She was undoubtedly desperate, which was intimidating for the young colt at the time, his friend wanted something more of him, just because he gave a smile to her never meant he loved her. She was a fun pony, but it was her fault to be in her sister's shadow, she kept in the solitude and barely presented herself in paranoia. And when others shunned her she didn't see it as just snobby ponies, she saw it as hate. She always said ' just one pony, that would be enough. I'd share the solitude and shadows with them.'

His guilt had vanished, and he just saw it as a past unwanted fling, but he always thought that maybe if he stayed, all her emotions had not been neglected, then maybe she wouldn't have become that. She wasn't unloveable, but she certainly in his eyes, didn't have the gracefulness of her sister. There was nothing wrong with that, but she was always truly the second born, and she couldn't help that. Though, she could've done more than trying to hog the world to herself. Celestia knew what she was doing.

He didn't want Luna back in his life, bitterly he didn't even want her in Twilight's life, he didn't want Luna to influence her daughter wrongly. Though, deep inside he knew that Luna wouldn't even make a move, would she? Would she treat Twilight as a stranger? He didn't know, but Twilight Velvet and himself agreed that she would have no part in Twilight's life. She already had so much to worry about, she was Celestia's personal student after all.

"Do you think she'll find out on her own? She is a bright mare." Twilight Velvet quietly asked, which snapped him out of his little train of thought, he rubbed the back of his head quietly. "...I hope not, I want to be her only mom Nightlight, it might also make her feel like she isn't apart of the family." She said in a weak voice.

"I'm still her father." Nightlight turned slightly, his head lowered sorrowfully. Twilight Velvet opened her jaw to speak, but nothing came out. "... She can't know, how would she react anyway? That her whole life was a lie? When it wasn't... we're her parents. Celestia is her mentor, biologically her aunt, but in the end her mentor. Blood makes no difference." Nightlight reassured to himself, and gradually put a hoof on Twilight Velvet's forearm.

"Luna was a good mare, but I don't know if she should be around Twilight when she comes back... well... she'll be Nightmare Moon. Out to seek revenge." The colt paused at his wife's words, Luna would be returning in a few years? A month? A week? He didn't know. He knew it was recent. When Celestia had sent them all to live in a more future timeline twenty years ago, it was for safety reasons. So the Celestia now had just recently come in contact with them once again, and she was aware of them being sent to the future, in the future they were safe.

But there was something odd, it was almost on purpose Celestia sent them to the future. They were told so they'd be 'safe', but was Celestia trying to play a game and make sure Twilight came in contact with Luna? Twilight certainly couldn't live a thousand years, so it was natural for Celestia to might've sent her near the deadline of Luna's return, no! He wanted to protect his daughter from the mess that was Nightmare Moon.

"Celestia." He turned to Celestia who remained in the home since she was still attending Twilight's Birthday party. She looked up from her book with a slightly puzzled expression. Before she could reply Nightlight found it in him to ask, "Did you send us to this point in the future so Twilight could meet Luna?" He asked with a slight bitterness in his tone.

"Well, if you must know. Yes, I did. I'm sorry, but I believe my sister should know her daughter, even Luna is aware of her existence in the future. I have sent a single letter, even if my sister finds herself angry with me, I will not deny her updates on her daughter's location. I feel so bad for ripping Twilight from Luna." Nightlight's jaw hung loose, and anger arose in his eyes, but he quietly suppressed it. "I do apologize, but I seek the best for my student. She is destined for great things at this point, you will be proud." Celestia said with the softest smile.

"So when is Nightmare Moon returning?--" Twilight Velvet piped up, but Celestia halted Twilight Velvet's words with a quick enough answer.

"Two weeks, precisely." Their jaws were unhinged, as they were not prepared. "I'm scared to do so, but I am sending...Twilight away..." She gulped that down, as pain arose in Celestia's chest at her next mission to send Twilight to Ponyville. That made Nightlight's heart pound against his chest, his teenage fling had truly come to haunt him, he rose to his hooves. "Twilight will be ready then."

"Ready for what?" A purple mare said quietly, which made everypony go silent.

Author's Note

alright, this has the alt universe tag for a reason. man i do not ship nightlight x luna, i dunno who does, but i find it strange, but i thought it might fit with this story to show why this family specifically was picken! haha, hope you all like.

Burning the Evidence.

They were obviously hiding something.

Her heart pounded a million times a second as the room went quiet. Nopony said anything besides a few coughs and mumbles here and there, Twilight automatically felt as if something was being hidden from her. She choked on her words, she couldn't comprehend the situation. "What's...going on?" She curiously huffed out.

Everypony's jaws unhinged, but they oddly couldn't manage words. She stared in disbelief, anger boiled within her since she felt so very lied to, she knew something was being hidden from her. The purple mare quietly approached Celestia. "Twilight." Twilight Velvet squeaked out, which made her attention bolt to her mother.

"Mom?" Twilight whispered out in a curious manner, which made her voice go weak. She looked dedicatedly to her mother, she wouldn't usually hide things, and it wasn't a delicate secret by the look in everypony's eyes. "I--" Nightlight stepped forward.

There was an eerie science in the room, nopony dared to break it. Nightlight felt Celestia gaining the courage to finally admit something along the lines. "Long ago..." Celestia began which caught her student's attention widely, Twilight's mouth went agape as Celestia's horn glowed and a book gradually appeared.

It wasn't like any other book she had ever seen. She had sworn she ready every single book that Celestia had to offer, but no, before Twilight was worn and ancient book that most likely had tales of the olden days. Though it had a charm, yet even if it proved to be slightly torn, it almost seemed well taken care of. Her eyes tore from the book when her mentor finally found her pipes to speak.

"Long ago... " She whispered once again, but it had more of a lasting effect than the last time she spoke it. "There was a moon who had bitterness toward those who had more light than her, the moon was her only friend. Saddened by the loneliness of the moon, the sun tried to brighten her day, but the night overpowered the sun. Jealous of the beauties the sun gets to see and all the ponies who adore the sun. She grew even more bitter, she had accepted many children as her own for equal love and protection ever since the creature who reigned chaos destroyed the beautiful lands." Twilight was listening closely.

Celestia continued, "Soon enough, the sun would forbid this uprise, and soon enough the moon fell back into despair. She soon enough found prosper in the love of a star, but the star burned out and found a new form with another star, but in the ends of the love a new sparkle formed. She was taken away from the moon, and the moon declared the night to be infinity, but the sun took action, and put the moon in chains and kept balance." Twilight seemed to be connecting some dots already in her mind, she opened her jaw to speak, but nothing came out. All she could muster was a confused expression.

"... The Mare in the Moon." Her voice was weak, but it had a silky texture to it, she gulped quietly. What did this have to do with her? She needed answers, even if she silently desired to find them on her own. Celestia stared down at her, but a gradual nod brought even more questions to her. "... What--"

"Celestia is trying to say that... the tale is true. So, we just wanted you to know the story is very very true. Happy Birthday, sweetheart! Maybe you should go for a walk." Nightlight interrupted, Celestia was usually very patient with the both of them, but as kind, as Twilight Velvet and Nightlight were, they seemed to be putting their desires ahead of Luna's and Twilights. Celestia stared under hooded eyes.

"Pardon me, Nightlight? I think she's ready." Celestia looked down, she clearly wasn't pleased with his actions, but she wouldn't outright try to be rude or anything of the sort. She just decided to take matters upon herself, she huffed as she lowered her head. "Twilight." Celestia put her hoof under Twilight's chin, with a soft look she smiled at her student, the princess wanted her to know so bad that Celestia was her aunt, her family. But... not yet, there would be years for that. She would never throw the weight onto her student.

"... I accept any test you have for me, Celestia." Celestia's eyes widened a bit, but eventually, she put on a brave face for Twilight. She would never directly tell Twilight, it was for her to discover. But she would not keep her here and cooped up with parents who denied her the destiny she was meant for.

Celestia's horn glowed momentarily before a few pictures were handed to Twilight, the purple mare couldn't comprehend it, she turned to ask the white alicorn what in Equestria these pictures had to do with her assumed test, but the alicorn found herself gone. Celestia? Her heart pounded, not exactly looking at the pictures quite yet. She didn't feel quite safe right now, she wanted her mentor, she didn't know what was happening. For once in her life, she was quite unsure.

Celestia, come back.

Finally, she tore her eyes away from the wall, and she found herself staring wildly at the photos. She didn't understand. One of the photos... what? "Dad?" Her father seemed younger, much younger, and he wore a tux, it seemed like a much older version of a gala. He was with some mare, she was oddly pretty, but her father seemed so distressed. Her jaw opened as if she was trying to make words, but nothing came out.

"Ah, one of my...flings," Nightlight whispered as he stared at the photo, his ears flattening, his heart pounded viciously with guilt swarming into his soul. He scanned over the photos, no, no. What was happening? Really, her mind understood but didn't.

Twilight Velvet was so silent it was almost uncanny, her eyes were wide. Deep inside, behind her caring smile, there was a kind mare who let her past coltfriend now-husband cheat on her with the princess herself, as a young mare she was so flattered he chose her over the princess herself. The child though? She didn't accept the little purple mare at first, but the day she held Twilight. Well, to put it vaguely, the bundle of warmth was her little TwilI.

But the pictures reinstated the envy she had worked up over the years, especially the few photos where Nightlight seemed happy in the princess' presence, but unlike Nightlight, she wouldn't stop her daughter. She loved her daughter more than anything and knew that Twilight wouldn't replace her. Though, it didn't stop what came next.

From Twilight Velvet's perspective, there was only one loud yelp which made her eyes widen with sudden confusion, her ears perked as she watched her daughter stare in horror. It was obvious what was happening. Twilight had melted into the fantasy of the photos, the connection with her eyes to Luna's was obvious. Even the embarrassing teenage photo she had with her best friend, Nightlight, made Twilight's heart swell.

It felt so special. Like this was something more than what it seemed. Though, she didn't have enough time to understand the reason why the empty piece of her soul finally pieced together. She might've figured it out, she might have recalled everything.

But right now? ... She was focused on the shock of the fire's blaze igniting even brighter, as it burned the connection eternal, the photos and the love in the unknown mare's eyes had shriveled to ash, right before Twilight's eyes.

"NO! DAD!..dad... who was she? Who was she?!" Twilight knew this was serious, she knew that mare had something to do with her, that her emotions swung up and down, the pain in her voice creaked quietly as she processed what had just happened. Her own father snatched the photos right from her burning gaze, and the photos she had so deeply connected with had just turned to ash.

Nightlight had the faintest whisper, one only Twilight herself could her in the eerie nature and sorrowful atmosphere of the room, "Just a fling, sweetheart."

On the streets.

Quietly, Twilight's eyes shifted back and forth across the room. She couldn't bring her mind to truly understand the scenario, the purple pony usually was quite quick to bring her thoughts together, to think out rationally. Yet, there her father was, watching the photos she was given by her mentor set ablaze.

"Just...a fling?" Twilight whispered, she approached quietly, the fire warmed her coat. She exhaled quietly, as the last bit of the photo turned to ash. She repressed the anger boiling in her heart. But, it could just be a fling, she shouldn't make a big deal out of anything. Nightlight oddly didn't turn his gaze.

"She is nopony important." His low tone made Twilight for once feel uncomfortable in her father's presence, she felt herself freeze in time, trying to comprehend the situation. She had her theories, but none of them seemed to match up with what she was taught. "..." She opened her jaw to speak, but nothing but a peep came out.

She approached her father and finally managed to say, "... Do I have a sibling I don't know about?" She had hoped such a crucial family member hadn't been hidden, and by the mare in the photo, she seemingly is an alicorn. Which was odd, Celestia was the only alicorn. She chuckled quietly at one of the photos as her mind got sidetracked.

One of them, the mare was much younger, probably just in her mid-teens. It reminded her of the awkward years she had gone through, yes, the mare in the photo had the biggest and most appreciative smile she's come into contact seeing. The braces were clear but fit her. Unlike her starry mane in later photos, it was a light blue, and quite not-flowy. It reminded her of Celestia's prime.

"... No. I told you she was nobody important, okay, Twili?" Her father said in a stern voice, which she hadn't heard since she was a foal. "You are much too young to dig that far into my past anyhow." His ears flattened, Twilight Velvet watched agape, unaware of what to say.

"Too young? Dad, I'm a grown mare. If it didn't have to do with me, then Celestia wouldn't have told me about it!... I'm sorry I don't mean to shout. Please, just talk to me." She put a hoof quickly to her chest, the most pleading look formed in the unicorn's eyes like she was desperate for the answers that had been eating at her since she heard that something was being hidden from her. Though, her father's angry look filled her with regret.

His eyes pierced into her rather sensitive soul, not anypony could bring her to a halt with one look. Her parents and Celestia seemed to take those few, she paused. "Do you not understand?! Use that bright mind of yours to bring to the conclusion it's NOT of your concern. I don't care if you're eighty-nine, you don't NEED to know. Now, sweetie, go read a book and your mom will make dinner." His tone shifted from obviously agitated to a stern calmness, Twilight's jaw quickly opened. Once again her throat refused to bring a word out.

"..." She stared. Never had her father looked at her like that, with such hate in his eyes? There seemed to be a hidden passion and sorrow behind it, like a stone wall being held up. But she could feel herself cowardly sit and shrink a bit at her father's piercing and unblinking gaze. Her heart was BEATING against her chest repeatedly. "Dad, I---... I just need a moment to be alone. A hug would be nice, though. I really am stressed out--" Her words were alarmed by his painful yet aggressive expression.

"You're JUST like her." His tone dripped with anger, her eyes widened quietly. Her? She reached a hoof out.

"...who...?" The faintest whisper somehow escaped the lips of Twilight. Nightlight's portrait was alit by the burning fire, he silently stared down, not a blink. The night that swept over the land now seemed to be even darker, the atmosphere so cold and unwelcoming, even though she sought her parents to bring her that warmth.

"You never appreciate what you HAVE! You have to cry, and you always need to close yourself away. Why don't you consider how I feel?" Nightlight said in a bitter tone. Twilight's mouth seemed to go agape once again, her ears flattened quietly, she tried to speak. A voice within her told her to apologize, to run, to never bring it up. But something told her that mare was of importance.

A box found itself by Nightlight, she curiously peered inside. The dust gathered over the years seemed to show vastly, the dust suddenly found itself in her nostrils, a low sneeze came from her. Yet, she looked down at the many papers and photos, she had never seen this in her home before? Her eyes widened quietly as she took the top paper, most likely the newest of the old. Her father stared bitterly, a force prevented him from snatching it away, it wouldn't tell her anything anyhow.

"...I... "

Her eyes roamed over it, a letter to her father.

'I should've told you what you meant to me.'
'I'm sorry I wasn't a good friend, can you please come to visit? I'll keep all my promises. I'll even get you that book you so wanted... Well, I already did, but you didn't invite me to your Birthday.

I heard that you got that little matching heart tattoo we got when we were younger. I hadn't even really had a clue as to what I was doing, haha! Really, in my sister's eyes, I shouldn't even have had a tattoo. Um, how's Twilight Velvet?

You got married last week, didn't you? Yes. I would've loved to see you. I know it was a teenage thing, but you were a great friend. It was us, against everyone.

Look, I know I promised to leave you alone, but I got a surprise for you. She'll love to see you, you can visit her anytime you want! Even if she's the reason...why you left. I can't do this alone, Nighty. Celestia doesn't know, I'm scared, I don't want to be in the shadows but I thought you'd be here with me.

As a friend. You wouldn't have to love me, you never had to, but can you love the foal? She wants to know where you are, she's so young.

We all make mistakes, and I know I did. It'd be amazing for you to visit, and we can go to the old hangout. You can meet her. You can't cut her out of your life.

I know you're scared, but I'll take care of her, you can just be there. I hope you come.

- Princess Luna.

Twilight's eyes went wide, she tilted her head. "Dad, you left a mare and her foal?" She whispered that quietly, she hadn't even fully processed the whole letter. She couldn't believe it, her father seemed brave, but maybe he truly was just a scared young colt. Though, the mare who calls herself 'Luna' seemed so scared.

"I didn't leave the foal." He huffed with a trace of bitterness in his tone, yet his voice cracked in the slightest. That was it, that was when it clicked. A thousand rocks and realizations got slung at her, and it made her freeze in time. His eyes met her's, no words were exchanged.

Yet quietly, she pulled a photo out from the box and stared at the photo of the one who calls herself Luna. A beautiful mare, who had a subtle smile. Her heart's pounding came to a cease, and yet as the realization hit, the more the tears swelled in her eyes. It couldn't be.

Softly, Twilight Velvet gradually placed a hoof on her daughter's shoulder. Twilight stood in time, yet suddenly her heart acted before her mind. She felt herself melt into Twilight Velvet, her cries echoed off the walls a bit. It caught the attention of her own elder brother and that of her dragon companion. They stared in utter confusion, yet acted upon instinct, automatically rushing to Twilight's side, hugging her, which only granted more tears.

"...You'll always be my mom." Twilight stared up at Twilight Velvet, the mare seemed in utter shock, but a soft smile played on her lips, which made Twilight's tears cease in the slightest. It was the only reaction she knew, all her life had been a lie, yet it hadn't. It had not affected her, she loved her mother and father all the same. Yet... "I want to meet her."

Yes, she wanted to know her biological mother, that's the only conclusion her mind to come to. Yet, she still couldn't believe it. She woke up today not expecting the actions and realizations her mind had now been burdened with. She was lost in her own little world, which only made the utter glare of her father unaware to her. That's why the sudden yelling made her almost jump in Twilight Velvet's hooves, "You are not going anywhere!"

"Dad, I'm a grown mare! For the last time." She snorted up more tears, her voice was weak, she seemed to be yelling yet her shock had not numbed in the slightest. Yet the photos and single letter brought a connection to this new mare, and nothing would stop her from what her heart craved. "...please...daddy..."

"Fine, you may see her." Well, that was sudden. Twilight finally met the gaze of her father, and she seemed satisfied and pleased. Everyone in the room was pleasantly shocked, even Twilight Velvet, she had never objected to the idea, she just was so afraid that she would lose her daughter. Now, she knew it wasn't true. Twilight gave a hug to her dad, and grabbed her saddlebags.

She had packed them quickly, so eager to get up and go. She carefully handled her brush in the bag, some small foods, and other trivial things. Yet, as she finally stepped out slowly into the light yet gentle rain, she gave a small wave to both of her parents. Though the gaze of her father made her heart stopped, she stood on the road, Spike had gradually followed her out. He wouldn't leave her.

"So..where is she?" Twilight said eagerly, hoping for the mare to not be a long journey away. Nightlight stared, his eyes lowered quietly. He saw only but Luna in his daughter, and it brought back a wave of utter anger in him, he didn't understand why. But, suddenly it all boiled up into his way of revenge.

"On the moon." Twilight's voice left her as the rain heavied all of a sudden. "Do not come back." SLAM. The slamming of the door made her physically jump back, what? Again, her shock resurfaced beyond her eagerness, as if on cue, a thunderstruck a tree nearby. She was physically shaking, it was instinct reaction to have tears swell. Her hair dripped as her head lowered.

"..." All she wanted was to see her mom. Her hair dripped, her heart swelled quietly, she just sat in the rain for many hours at a time. Hoping for the warm embrace of her mother to come to save her, yet nothing. The tears blended in with the rain, and for once, she felt at a loss.

Author's Note

oof. mean nightlight, what a grumpy mean dude he is. poor twili, well i hope you liked the chapter.

If it were that easy.

"Spike, oh spike," Twilight choked out, her eyes moistened, not really grasping what had just happened. The rain poured on top of her head like it was nothing, the purple dragon that had followed her out held out a claw in pity. She stared back, the tears dripping onto the wet ground.

She looked down in pain and uncertainty. She had no pony, except perhaps Celestia, to turn to. "C'mon, Twi," said Spike in a light whisper. She shivered. "... We need to go talk to Celestia," he said tilting his head a bit.

"--and tell her what?!" Spike jumped back, but he forgave her automatically for her sudden outrage, knowing how she felt right now. "... She won't ever forgive me for this." Spike's jaw unhinged not really understanding.

"She'll understand that you just got into a fight with your dad," he muttered a bit, scratching his head not really knowing what to say. "... It happens all the time, even if ... you never really got into an argument with him like that before."

Twilight stared at her reflecting in a puddle of water. "... She'll never understand that I ran out like that, she expects better of me, doesn't she? She'd expect me to remain calm with information, I--"

"Twilight, calm down! She'll UNDERSTAND, you're overthinking this." Spike stared in sudden concern, he noticed the doubtful tears running down her cheek. "I know you just wanted to know who your biological mom was ..."

Her ears pinned to her head, she just wanted to know, it wasn't like she'd suddenly ditch the life she's come to know and study. She choked on her own tears, but what Spike was saying was ... true.

".. You're..you're ... right!" Twilight stood proud, looking directly ahead. Spike took a step back at her raise of voice, but he eventually gave a toothy smile and reassured her with a pat on her forearm. "... I need to know, and if anyone knows, it's probably Celestia!"

She marched forward, ready to meet the pony that gave life to her. She trembled and stood to her limbs, and she began to run off, and soon enough she teleported with Spike.

Though behind her, she swore the door to her 'home' creaked open and a gaping Nightlight with watery eyes looked at her from the crack of the door.

"... twilight..."

Celestia was almost expecting Twilight's arrival, and it didn't shock her when the purple pony came bursting into the throne room, wet as ever.

"Twilight?" Celestia was expecting Twilight, but certainly not in this state. The white alicorn rushed over to her student, wiping tears from her pupil's eyes. Twilight gave a weak smile of appreciation in return.

"I need to know," was all the purple unicorn could manage in the pain of it all.

Celestia looked down, knowing what she had meant perfectly well. Her heart ached at the thought of Luna cradling the small unicorn at one point, and the pain of having to ... leave that little unicorn.

She stiffened. "Twilight, I'm afraid the truth is for you to find yourself," she said as her wings opened, one wing graciously brushing more of her student's tears away.

"...Why... why is no pony telling me anything? That mare in the photo, Celestia. Please, she's someone important, isn't she? Who? Why? Did she not want me?" Celestia gave a smile which almost made Twilight's heart crack.

"There's much more to it than you could ever imagine, but as of right now, I have a mission for you." Twilight loved tests and such, but right now it was the last of her concerns, all she wanted to know was who her mother was.

"A ... mission? I don't mean to be rude princess, but I--" Twilight weakly closed her eyes, Celestia put a hoof to her, silencing her in the slightest. Twilight's ears pinned down a bit. "... Okay, I understand."

"You have to check on a few things for me, here you are." Celestia with a bit of hesitation gave Twilight a parchment paper, a list of things she had to do in a place called 'Ponyville.' Twilight's muzzle crinkled in slight repulsion.

It was certainly not the time to run errands, let alone leave her home. "... Okay," she said in a low tone, feeling as if she had lost everything just by coming here. She trusted Celestia's judgement though, and wouldn't fight it.

Celestia nodded in approval. If Celestia was any pony else Twilight might've glared at the insensitive nature for her situation, but she had to realize that the princess had a reason for everything, and this wasn't just any simple mission, she was sure of it.

Soon enough, she was back at her house, packing for the trip.

"Twili, do you really have to go?" Shining held out a hoof in disapproval, but Twilight just gave a silent nod, she didn't wish to speak her thoughts right now. "... Dad really didn't mean it, you know. He loves you all the same."

She didn't reply, she just continued to pack her things, little went through her mind right now. She didn't want to think about her family right now, not even herself, she just needed to calm down.

If only they would give her space.

Twilight Velvet was giving goodbyes occasionally as she packed, and Twilight returned them, she didn't blame her mother for it. Her mother loved her as if she were her own, that's all that really mattered.

She wondered how her biological mother would react to her daughter being named after another mare. Would she not care, or would she fume in rage? What if she hadn't even wanted to see her?

It felt like she was going to go see her biological mother even if it were to only run errands in Ponyville, that heavyweight leaned on her already fragile heart, and if she could she'd hide under a blanket with music and a good book. She had to be stronger and better than that though.

Little did she know of course, that far off, a certain Nightmare's prison just got a bit lighter.

Author's Note

short, yes! but i decided to update this, well at least try, so here you are. i'm sorry it's late. i've been so busy, but here you go.