The great castle of Canterlot was bursting with activity as everypony was preparing for The Grand Galloping Gala. The kitchen staff was nearly rushing back and forth, trying to finish the last of the refreshments. The musicians were practicing in their last rehearsal; all of them were confident that the nobility would be impressed. The Wonderbolts final prep time just wrapped up as ponies started to arrive. Everypony was dressed in their very best, dresses of many different colors adorned the mares. While the stallions wore fine tailored suits, many ponies had hats, bows, and ribbons. However, a great majority had at least one or more flowers on their fancy clothing. Princess Celestia in her own beautiful dress stood at the top of the stairs to personally welcome every guest.
Meanwhile, in another part of the castle, Princess Luna slowly raised the moon from the large balcony of the east tower. The night was warm, and she could faintly hear the music of the gala. She had wanted to attend the celebrations, but the small princess was still recovering. She had regained enough power to raise and lower the moon, but she still couldn't enter the dream realm. Her mane was still short and she had grown very little. A thousand years away from Equestria, she was still coming to terms with all the changes. Ponies spoke differently, acted differently around her, and The Elements of Harmony had new wielders.
She entered her new room walking by the many piles of books; they were mostly history books. Luna was trying to learn all she could about this new Equestria. Her sister had told her very little about how things were now, so it was very upsetting. Despite being busy, Celestia had spent a lot of time with Luna. They had played many different board games, some Luna knew, but others she did not recognize. Celestia had also read many of the new stories to Luna, the princess of the night was grateful. However, more then anything, Luna wanted to know what her sister had been doing since she was gone. But, Celestia had been withdrawn about that.
Perhaps, the memory of the long night a thousand years ago still pained her sister. When trying to remember that night, Luna could only recall bits and pieces. It had been like a fever dream, her body had felt burning hot, while unfocused images came to her mind. After Celestia had used the elements, everything had gone black, no matter how hard Luna tried, she could not remember anything from her time inside the moon. The princess stopped near the bed and started to breathe uneasily. It had happened in a flash, one moment she had felt the power of the elements, next she felt nothing.
Then suddenly, her awareness had awakened. Four bright lights touched her mind and released her, they told her that a thousand years had passed and guided her back to Equestria. However, something had felt different; the darkness inside her was still in control, but now the good within her was also awake. Her true-self had watched events unfold. Luna calmed down as she remember Twilight and her friends. They had never faltered in their quest for the elements, no matter what her dark side had tried. Twilight and her friends had prevailed; now she was back with her sister.
Luna climbed onto the bed and laid down, the pillows and covers were soft and warm. Luna stared at the ceiling, quietly studying the beautiful and intricate artwork. Just then, there was a soft knocking on the doors; Luna sat up wondering who it could be. It couldn't be Celestia, her sister was still at the gala. Moving off her bed, Luna made her way over to pair of doors and slowly opened one. A young stallion in a fine suit stood in the dimly lit hallway.
The suit he wore was black with lines of silver on the sleeves and collar. The buttons were gold and matched his eyes, his mane was silver and his coat was white. To the princess's surprise, he wore a sword on a gray belt, but even more surprising was that she recognized the sword. It was the Alicorn blade, one of the greatest artifacts in Equestria. Luna composed herself, not letting her shock show any further.
"Does thou need something?" asked the princess in her Canterlot voice.
The stallion was unfazed by her use of the voice, most ponies these days cringe at it. There was a long pause as the two stood there, both studying the other. Finally, the stallion bowed and spoke, "Princess, your sister told me you were up here and I wished to meet you. And maybe speak with you."
Again, Luna was taken aback by this mysterious stallion; very few ponies had paid her any mind since her return. Yet, this stallion was showing genuine interest.
"You wish to speak with us?" Luna asked. "First, tell us thy name."
The stallion rose and looked into Luna's eyes, "My name is Sunblade, princess, has your sister not mentioned me?"
Luna didn't recognize the name, nor did Celestia ever talk about him. Why should she? He was no different than any other unicorn and yet, anypony that could use the Alicorn blade must be special.
"No, our sister has not mentioned thee." Luna answered with a stern tone.
The expression on Sunblade's face was hard to read. Here and there Luna caught glimpses of sadness, anger, and disappointment.
"I see," he said with a hurt voice. "I will go, if you wish me to, princess."
Luna watched as Sunblade began to turn away; suddenly she thrust out a hoof and touched his shoulder. There was a spark, a small feeling that started a deep bond. From the look on the stallion's face, he had felt it too. They both stared at each other, both seeing something familiar in the other. Luna pulled back her hoof, a tiny blush on her cheeks.
"Sorry. We are still adjusting to this new world," the princess said a little uncertain, "We would love to speak with you."
Sunblade still looked troubled, but managed a small smile, "Thank you princess, let's go somewhere less gloomy."
Luna agreed, looking at the empty and dimly lit hallways. Sunblade's horn glowed with magic and the two were teleported outside of Canterlot. The road was free of other ponies as the princess and Sunblade began to walk; they could hear the waterfalls behind them. They passed trees and beautiful flowers that shined in the moonlight. The sky was clear, revealing a numberless amount of stars. Luna stretched out her wings letting the cool wind move through her every feather, she smiled and inhaled deeply. Pleasant memories filled her and she rose slightly off the ground. Sunblade stay silent and watched her, everything he had heard about Luna had to be a mistake. How could she have been Nightmare Moon?
Luna's hooves touched the ground again, and she turned her head to Sunblade, "Tell us, do you know our sister well?"
Sunblade looked to be in deep thought, but answered, "I am her personal ranger, princess, so yes I know her well."
Luna could sense that there was more to it than just that, "When thou spoke earlier, we got the impression that you were closer than that. Please tell us."
Sunblade looked unsure, as if he was struggling with a heavy burden, "Are you certain you want to hear this story, princess? It might reflect poorly on your sister."
"We have wanted to know what Celestia has done since we were banished." Luna said firmly.
"Very well, follow me." Sunblade answered in a serious tone.
They walked off the road and headed onto a large hill, the grass felt soft and wet under their hooves. With every step, Luna grew more and more anxious, finally she would get some real answers not just what Celestia wanted her to know. They reached the top of the hill and Sunblade stopped. He looked around in all directions, not seeing anypony.
"Sorry, princess," he said, looking back at Luna. "This story is not for common ears."
He sat down and gestured for Luna to sit in front of him; his gold eyes sparkled as the tale began.
A long time ago, there were two princesses. One could raise the sun, and she was loved by everypony in her kingdom. The other raised the moon, and was left out, misunderstood by all, including her sister, but she never stopped trying to make them see her. However, nothing worked, so the younger princess became angry and turned to darkness to fill her broken heart. Her sister tried to stop her, and their battle shattered their home and the harmony of the kingdom. The oldest princess then used a powerful source of magic to send her beloved little sister away, and in that moment she lost everything. The Elements of Harmony no longer worked for her and turned to stone; in tears she left with her ponies to make a new home. She masked her pain as her subjects praised her for defeating her sister; she made sure they never saw her cry. The princess had a vision of her sister's return, and she felt both joy and fear from what she saw, but she was not destined to heal her. Saddened, the princess focused on taking care of her subjects. They built a new castle and a city formed around it. But, no matter how much time passed or how things changed around her, the princess could not forget that terrible night. So, she looked for comfort amongst other ponies. Some became her friends, but others became something more. Sadly, these companions left the princess feeling hollow and empty; after all they were a temporary respite.
Luna had a look of utter and complete shock as she sat there listening. Her heart was racing, as her mind was trying to comprehend what she had just heard. It was natural for Celestia to seek out friends, but would she have really used some ponies for "that"? Luna could not believe it, not her sister, not Celestia. However, she could not deny the possibility, after all unhappiness could drive anypony to extremes.
"Princess Luna?" asked Sunblade, his voice sounded far away.
The princess shook her head, she had been so distracted it must have shown on her face. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a few deep breaths to calm down. She opened her eyes and saw the concerned look in Sunblade's golden eyes.
"We are alright," she answered. "Please continue."
"Are you sure?" asked Sunblade, clearly he was just as uncomfortable as the princess.
Luna nodded.
"Very well," said the white stallion.
Then one bright sunny day, the lonely princess met somepony new. He was a handsome pegasus named Brightwing. A Wonderbolt of amazing skill, Brightwing was unlike anypony the princess had ever seen before. His feathers were golden like a phoenix and his smile could light up any room. Unlike the countless others, the princess fell deeply in love with Brightwing, and he loved her. They did so much together, those were the most wonderful years for the princess. Then one day they decided to have a child together. Though the princess knew the dangers of bringing a child with alicorn blood into the world; more than anything she wanted to live with her love like a real family.
Princess Luna's eyes were now filled with amazement at hearing this shocking yet wonderful news. She had a niece or nephew somewhere out there. However, she was slightly troubled that her sister had kept something this important from her. She looked over Sunblade's shoulder and stared at Canterlot.
"Sister, just what have you been hiding behind thy false smile?" Luna thought to herself.
Sunblade had paused in his story to watch the princess of the night; it was clear from the look on her face that the story was bothering her. Again in his mind, he considered stopping, but he would only do so if Luna asked him to. The night air was starting to get cold as Luna sat in thought. Sunblade tried to guess what the princess was thinking, but her mind was vastly different from Celestia's. The white stallion stood up and shook himself, stretching both back legs one at a time.
"Do you want to go back to the castle, princess?" Sunblade asked.
The princess' eyes returned to Sunblade, and the white stallion saw a change in her. Her mane grew and moved on its own, her coat became darker but not black, and her size changed. The Luna that stood in front of Sunblade now was far more regal in her appearance. She was now a darker shade of purple and her mane was dark blue, stars filled her mane, which moved with an ethereal wind. She was taller than Sunblade now and filled with greater power; truly now she resembled the night in all its calm, silent beauty. This was the real Princess Luna. Sunblade, with his eyes full of wonder, bowed to her. He was the first pony to see her true self in a thousand years. This was an honor he could never imagine. Luna told him to rise.
"To answer thy question," Luna said, her voice different from before, "No, we wish to hear the rest of thy story. We wish to know what happened to our sister's family."
Sunblade stood up from the cold wet grass; he used his magic to straighten up his suit.
"As you wish princess."
The beautiful princess worked very hard to hide her pregnancy from her subjects. She wanted it to be a grand surprise after she and Brightwing got married. However, like all plans, things went astray. One day a terrifying dragon appeared and attacked Canterlot. Its enormous wings shadowed the city and filled the ponies of Equestria with fear. Because of her condition, the princess was unable to help. As the city was about to burn, the Wonderbolts led by Brightwing attacked the beast. It was a valiant struggle and many brave pegasi fell heroically; Equestria would never see their like again for many years. The battle raged on for hours, until Brightwing and two other pegasi performed an unbelievable feat. Flying high into the air, they joined hooves and spun like a drill. Wind and lightning surrounded them as they plunged straight down at the great dragon; the princess watched from a tower, helpless to act. The three pegasi pierced the dragon like a spear; there was a huge BOOM of thunder and flash of light like a second sun. The princess watched as the dragon fell from the sky and crashed into an enormous lake. For a few moments, the lake turned red and boiled, but after, all was quiet.
Sunblade paused, and Luna saw shining tears running down the white stallion's face. The princess reached out with a wing and wiped away the glowing tears. She spoke gently and with caution.
"Sunblade," Luna's voice sounded torn between joy and uncertainty. "Are you our sister's child?"
The white stallion gave a small smile and nodded his head. The princess of the night and her nephew, the lost prince of the dawn, hugged as tears of happiness appeared on their smiling faces. They separated and it was Sunblade's turn to speak.
"I have wanted to meet you for so long, Aunt Luna." He said, "There is so much I wish to tell you."
Luna wiped her face and took a long look at Sunblade with new eyes. She could now see some of Celestia in him, but he definitely had more of his father in him. Those golden eyes were certainly from Brightwing; from his appearance, Luna judged him to be about 18 years old. However, that made no sense, he must have been born long before her return. There could be only one explanation, and it chilled her.
"Sunblade, did thou embrace thy Alicorn blood?" Luna asked.
The young looking unicorn's eyes suddenly looked a lot older, and his face appeared troubled. He moved a hoof through the grass, feeling its soft touch. He looked at his aunt with determination as a great wind circled them.
"Yes I did," he said with a firm tone. "And you should know why. It is part of this story."
Sunblade sat back down and continued his tale.
They never found the bodies of father and his two comrades. After they slayed the dragon, there was a great day of mourning for the three heroes. Mother was heartbroken again; however, this time it was worse. Though she still had a piece of him in me; mother knew that unlike with you, her beloved sister, she would never see my father, her one true love again. She never took another lover; my father Brightwing was the last. She still had responsibilities, so she returned to her work and focused only on that. Even after I was born, she had little time for anything. The ponies who raised me in her place kept my origin a secret. As far as the ponies of Equestria knew, the prince of the dawn had been stillborn. As the years passed, I could feel my connection with Celestia, but I was to afraid to ask her about it. Then one Hearth's Warming Eve, mother came to see me, and she told me the truth.
Sunblade was staring up at the sky as he spoke, the stars shined bright without the lights of the city. His voice was between sad and frustrated.
"To be honest, I was angry with her. She ignored me for so long; I felt a lot like you. However, after I had time to let everything sink in, I realized something. My mother is the loneliest pony in Equestria. You and she did not have a normal childhood and there are no other ponies like you. The weight of that is something I could have never imagined. It still took time, but I let go of my anger for her."
"And have thou forgiven her?" asked Luna.
Sunblade nodded, "Now that I have experienced agelessness, I think I know a little of how she must feel."
Luna's face turned hollow for a moment; she had always believed that she and Celestia would face that together, but now her sister had faced that alone. Now she understood why Celestia acted the way she did.
"What happened next?" Luna asked.
Sunblade looked at her, his eyes nearly glowing.
"When I turned into an adult, mother offered me a choice. I was at the point were my Alicorn blood was at its strongest, and, if I wanted, it could make me young forever. Or, I could reject it and live a normal pony's life; however, I never wanted to live a normal life. Even since I found the Alicorn blade, I knew what my destiny was. And I didn't want mother to be alone anymore."
Luna's heart felt lighter now that she knew some part of Celestia's life after her exile. She looked at Canterlot; the city lights were very beautiful on this peaceful night. She hadn't had a pleasant evening in so long. It felt good and odd. Perhaps that feeling would go away over time. With the story at its end, both Sunblade and Luna got up, and began walking back to Canterlot. Despite only meeting him tonight, Luna was proud of her nephew for all he had endured in her place. As they entered the front gate, Luna hoped her sister was having a wonderful evening just like her.
