Author's Note

this is as far into the production of a story idea i had called the Legend of the Sun moon and stars, the story was scrapped.

Secrets

1,002 years ago

~☽~

The Castle Cried out this night from the tension of the Furious storm Raging outside, The bricks shift from the constant Barrage of the Rain and the wind that Reap through the slumbering halls. The wooden panels beneath a cloaked pony's hooves cry out in agony with every step the pony made, as she made her way down the dark and slightly damp corridors.

Logically she knew that the wet floors were due to the stormwater that seeped through the cracks of the castle, to dampen these floors. It is most likely water, however, the keyword was 'Logically' and her logic had been her problem for the past few weeks. In her mind, her own Delusions warred with her own perception of Reality, and she did what she always did in the past couple of weeks, she gave in to her own fears and slipped down the rabbit hole...

It should be around one to two hours past midnight, this meant the castle halls were deserted, all the ponies had retreated into the chambers of their own rooms, whether here in the castle, the barracks, or the homes of the Nobles, and commoners that surrounded castle Everfree, but to her the castle was all but abandoned.

She was almost certain that she was being watched, though she had no clue who or what lurked in the shadows.

She was currently in the castles main halls making her way towards the southern tower. She crept silently, passing the castle's private dining room, with her goal being her private studies.

'BOOM'

The Flash of lightning lit up the castle, as it struck the light poured through the hall's stained glass windows, causing the mare to jump in fear before Stumbling back into the opposite wall and falling on to her side.

In the commotion, the mare failed to notice the black tome that fell from under her cloak and hit the ground with a loud thud as it slightly bounced. The sound of the book echoed throughout the halls, though the sound was lost to the mare as it was drowned out by the ear deafening roar of thunder.

The tome, to the disgust of anypony who would look upon it, it was bound by black leather and was badly damaged with large gashes ripped out from the book's cover.

The book was also badly stained with dried blood, if noticed, this would have brought at least some twisted comfort to the mare, due to the fact that she knew for sure that this book was indeed stained.

By the third flash from the storm, the mare was Curled up in a desperate attempt to shrink in size as if to hide from... Something, though she herself did not know what. She took advantage of the lightning as the light faded once more.

Looking around she first peered into the Dining room from the doorway. And waited for the next strike...

As the rolling thunder finally surpassed, the halls grew unnaturally silent. As the moment ticked slowly by, she could feel her back hooves go numb as the chilly air crept through her cloak, cutting deep into her bones.

'BOOM'

Striking once more the flash of the white light filled the dining room, edging the shadows of the room's furniture into her sight. Spooked, the mare jumped into a trot down the hall towards her destination, as she did she felt the chill from earlier seep deeper into her body. Her heart was racing, and before she even noticed, she was in a full gallop.

What should have been a short walk, seemed to turn into a long gallop for the mare, as if the halls stretched and expanded just to taunt her, but soon enough she had made it. She flinched preparing for the soon to come pain as she smashed head first into a closed door ahead of her.

The door burst open in a rain of wood Splinters dumping the offending pony onto the maroon carpeted floor, in front of a large oak desk.

It only took the mare a few moments to snap out of her daze and scramble to her hooves, She faced the door giving it a hard buck, the damaged door slammed shut, causing the tower to creak under the impact. She slid into a fighting stance as she stared at the door for what felt to her like an eternity, her glaring eyes challenged the door to open by a will other than her own.

She waited a few moments before releasing the breath she did not realize she was holding into a sigh of relief. She slumped onto the floor, using the damaged door as a headrest.

"I finally made it", she spoke up for the first time since she exited her personal chambers, the Relief was palpable in her tone", With any luck, this can be done and no one will ever know of their existence".

She jerked her head back allowing the cloak to finally fall off, lighting her horn with a light blue Aura she lifted the cloak off the floor and hung it up on the coat rack next to her. Getting up the mare moved towards the desk while using her magic to pull two books and a quill from the pockets under the cloak, before unceremoniously dropping them on to the desk in front of her. For a moment she just stared at the books, her eyes lit with horror.

"No", she whispered to her self, "ONE IS MISSING!" she cried out, using her magic to throw everything but the two books off the table, using her magic the mare turned to her cloak and ripped it to shreds in an attempt to find the missing book, but to no avail. She paced around the room throwing book after book off her studies' private bookshelf and throwing open any closed wooden cabinet under the window in a desperate attempt to locate where the book would have gone.

The castle tower shifted and creaked once more in the winds of the storm, the wooden roofing of the Mare's studies creaking as the castle walls shift in the powerful wind, and by doing so freezing the panicking mare in her place.

' I don't have time to find it, I'll have to search for it later.' she sighed in defeat be for opening the two remaining books, her magic swirled around her before taking the form of two Quills and beginning to write upon the first page of both books

~ I have done something that I shall soon regret, for I had made many choices out of envy of my older sister, I shall not go into Details of my mistakes for it is best left forgotten, however, I shall take every step needed to prevent anypony else from make the same mistakes. This warning is for anypony who finds any one of these books, these journals hold secrets best left forgotten. If this unnatural obsession over these books did not stop me, I would see them burned to prevent anyone from making the same mistakes that I have. I must hide them before I fall to Cthobre's madness. Do not look for any other book, my research must be left incomplete and the passage must stay sealed!

Using her magic to dry the ink, she slammed the books shut allowing the magic Quills to dispell. She looked up to the darkness of the stormy night sky outside the window, she stretched out her midnight blue wings and with a flash of light blue magic the Mare and one of the books were gone

Present Day

~✶~

The sun had set on what could be counted as the most beautiful summer day in ponyville, and as it passed the horizon, all that remained of it was the bright twilight glow of the purplish-red tinted clouds that cover the far horizon.

The coming clouds, however, did not dampen one lavender Unicorn Mare's mood, who had become determined to Stargaze this night with her five friends and her Number One Assistant, ' to Tartarus to any cloud that would dare block out this night's sky', the mare Thought to herself upon seeing the clouds, while climbing up the grassy hill just outside ponyville.

While weather in Equestria is mostly predictable due to the local weather teams, working both day and even some nights to ensure the balance of clear weather for the ponies of their communities, and the rain needed to keep their beautiful lands lush and green. It is this predictability that allows ponies to predict the weather, and able to find out when and where a storm is scheduled to start and end.

There is one town that is the exception to this rule, the ever-growing town of ponyville. This is because of the wild and feared Everfree forest where the clouds form by themselves, creating storms that nobody could ever predict, in the town of ponyville the weather teams most of the time do the opposite to any other city, where weather teams would work hard to create storms, in ponyville weather teams work hard to keep storms at bay.

The seven friends made there way just north of the town, to the Green rolling hills where their picnic may begin. In her purple Aura, Twilight Sparkle held a candle and a book Titled 'A guide to Astral phenomenons', while sitting on her back her Number one assistant held their picnic basket of food and wearing his very own cape, that was originally intended to be their picnic blanket. They continued towards their normal stargazing location, with the rest of their friends followed behind, deep into their own discussions, as they rounded the top of the hill.

"So Twilight, darling you haven't said anything about your plans for next week's summer sun celebration, how do you feel about joining us in Canterlot?" Rarity asked attempting to draw her fellow unicorn into their conversation, in turn, Twilight shook her head and offered a pacifying smile.

"While it would be great to visit home once more and enjoy the summer sun festival, I am afraid that Mondays are my advanced magic lessons with The Princess, regardless of holidays or not."

"Whoa what?!" rainbow dash Cried out, flying up into twilights face and grabbing at her muzzle with her hooves, "you know we always hang out after the Summer Sun celebration, it's our Friendiversary, how can you just miss out on that!" Twilight gave her a glare of annoyance before pulling her face free from the blue pegasus.

"I'm sorry Dash, my studies come first," she said while using her magic to unravel the picnic blanket from the baby dragon and setting it down, much to his dismay, "besides, my attendance record to my weekly classes is the only reason the Princess allows me to stay in ponyville".

"I doubt that she would care if you miss one day for your friends", dash retorted before plopping down onto the Picnic Blanket.

"Rainbow, one does not skip out on one of the Rulers of Equestria!", Rarity Scoffed, shooting a Glare towards the Rash Pegasus. Only to be cut off by Applejack sitting between them.

"Now no fighting you two, ah reckon that that is why we are having a picnic today, Right Twi?" Applejack asked glancing towards the Lavender mare, as the mare in question placed the Candle and book that she had been levitating in her Aura in front of their picnic Blanket.

"That's what I was thinking Applejack," she said in response, while lighting the candle with a flicker of her magic and placing it behind the book, "I'll be leaving Spike in charge of the Library and be departing for the weekend tomorrow morning, we will be practicing magic all weekend".

"I for one can't wait for you to leave and come back, I'm going to throw the best Welcome home to ponyville surprise party, and you're all invited!" pinkie cheered while hopping down next to Applejack.

Fluttershy shook her head, "umm pinkie? I don't think its a surprise party if you tell the pony the party is for, I-I think, I mean you're the party expert, I guess..." Fluttershy trailed off before laying on her stomach next to Rainbow Dash, trying her best to shrink in size, then hiding under her mane upon noticing everyponies attention was on her.

The conversation died shortly after as they turned their attention to a murmuring Twilight, the lavender mare was glancing around, shifting her attention between the sky and the book at her hooves.

"Remind me again why you brought that?" Rainbow Dash asked breaking the lull over the conversation.

"Hmm? Oh Right, hehe..." Twilight looked back at her friends with a sheepish smile, "you see, tonight there is suppose to be a large comet called the 'Pegacorn Comet' passing by Equess. The comet comes roughly every thousand years, when it passes it is Visible in the sky for an entire week, during that time there are almost constant meteor showers, from what Luna told me the display should be visible not too long after Sunset".

Pinkies Eyes widened at the news, "oh my gosh, do you know what this calls for?"

"A party?" Twilight asked with a roll of her eyes, causing the rest of her friends to laugh.

As the laughter died down Twilight finally laid down, splaying her legs out across the blanket, as she turned her attention up to the stars. Soon the expected white streaks became more visible as the twilight sun broke for dusk.

She watched as the Streaks of lights flashed across the sky, however, 10 minutes into her relaxation the comet finally came into sight, bathing the night sky in a white hue. At the sight of the comet, her eyes began to feel heavy and a haze Quickly fell over her mind, numbing her senses. She did not fight it as her vision pulsed between clear and fuzzy, causing the stars to come in and out of focus as it did.

She could not help but giggle at the sensations of a chill and warmth that suddenly engulfed her body in a comforting mix. To her, it felt as if the world was spinning beneath her, and in her drunken state she could only stare up at the stars.

"...Twilight..." a familiar voice echoed, but she could not guess who as the voice was drowned out to the back of the mare's mind.

As she stared at the sky, to her the stars themselves appeared to have moved closer to her.

"Twilight?..."

funny its almost like I could just', she thought while raising her hoof into the air, as she did she imagined herself poking one of the stars, only to gasp when a shockwave engulfed the stars above sending them rippling through the void.

'SMACK'

"TWILIGHT, SNAP OUT OF IT!"

She cringed from the stinging pain across her muzzle, causing the fog over her mind to Dissipate. Her eyes shot open once more finding a purple dragon standing over her, looking very worried. Sitting up twilight raised her hoof to cover the source of the pain, as she scowled down at the baby dragon.

"Spike, did you just slap me?" she asked coldly causing the dragon to take a step back.

"Sorry twilight you were acting weird and weren't responding and i..."

Twilight sighed "it's alright spike", she said, glancing around expecting to find the rest of her friends. they were alone, upon noticing their absence she gave the dragon a confused look.

"They all went home about an hour ago, I-I was trying to get your attention but you were just laying there, I was worried",

Sighing she looked back towards ponyville "I guess I was a bit tired from the walkout here... or something" she said while rubbing her muzzle with her hoof, "I suppose we should head back then", with a Flash of her Aura the Picnic blanket folded on its self and teleported into spikes hands, before the baby dragon was lifted onto the unicorn's back. "Comfortable?" she asked, with a nod twilight lit her horn and in a flash of light they were gone from the hillside

The door to the golden oak library swung open, making way for a sleepy dragon and his caretaker. Upon his entrance spike tossed their picnic supplies to the floor next to the door before mumbling something about taking care of it in the morning, then lifelessly waddled up the stairs to their shared living quarters.

All of this, however, was almost completely lost to the mare who just gave him a nod of acknowledgment as he left, she then started to pace in circles around the library, her mind was on something other than a sleepy dragon, ever since she was snapped out of her daydream, she had been thinking of the hallucination, trying to make sense of it.

'it does not make any sense, one moment I was watching the stars and then the next...' her eyes widened, "THE COMET!" she exclaimed in excitement, making her way towards her bookshelves. 'Perhapse there is some magic effect the comet has on unicorns', she thought while going through the Astronomy section, searching for anything useful about the Pegacorn Comet, however, she only found what she had already known, from what metals make up the comet, to how often it passes the planet, all of which was as common knowledge as Equess being the Center of the universe. She made her way through Psychology and even magic theory and astronomy in an attempt to find any mention of the pegacorn Comet. Thankfully she finally gave up before even considering going through the pseudoscience of astrology.

Pulling herself from her studies, she decided to make her way up to the bedroom. Once she opened the door and entered, she could not help but silently giggle at the sight of the snoring baby dragon whos green fire lit up the room with every breath he took from his snoring as he slept

Making her way to her bed she used her magic to pull back the covers and Floped into it like dead weight, she just stared at the leafy roof to the bedroom in the silence of the dark night, which was only interrupted by the dim green light and small puffs of flame that occasionally lit up the room.

Like a phantom watching over her, she could still remember the sensations she felt laying under the Comet, like an alcoholic going through withdrawal, the sensations danced over her mind, begging for her to find a way to feel it once more. Almost subconsciously her eyes drifted towards the window and the night sky beyond it, still bright from the comet's light as it made its way across the sky.

'I'm not going to sleep tonight am I?' she groaned to her self, glancing back to her number one assistant, who was still snoring. her gaze then slowly drifted over to her writing desk by the balcony door.

she let out a Sigh, she fell on to her hooves once more, before making her way to the writing desk, she picked up a Quill and pulled out a fresh page of parchment and started writing a new letter...

Dear Princess Celestia

Dear Princess Luna

Due to the time of which this letter arrives and along the lines of the letter subject, I am writing to you in concerns to the Pegacorn comet.

I have noticed a phenomenon while stargazing that I believe to be related to the comet, and I had been trying to figure out the cause of it, I had tried to find any references through any book that may have mention of the Pegacorn Comet, subjects such as Astronomy, Psychology, and Magic theory

I was wondering if you know of any book in the Canterlot Archives or even better if you know anything about the Comets effect upon the mind such as hallucinations, fatigue, dizziness... etcetera.

I myself cannot seem to stop thinking of the Phenomenon, so I find my self writing to you for help.

If you know anything on the matter I'll be in Canterlot tomorrow, Spike is currently sleeping and I do not wish to worry him with a letter tonight.

Your friend, Twilight Sparkle

Reading over the parchment for the third time, she nodded in approval before rolling it up in her magic and levitated it over to Spike, she always felt a little guilty taking advantage of Spikes snoring in such ways, however, when it comes to late night letters she did not want the baby dragon to see, she must admit to herself his snoring comes in handy.

On the next Puff of flame from the sleeping dragon, the letter burst into smoke as it was consumed by green flames before spiraling out the crack of the Balcony Door.

~ ~ ~
~

Golden oak library in ponyville

~✶~

The Sun, to most its a symbol for new beginnings, it marks the beginning of a new day, it is warmth, and brightness.

To Twilight?

It is the most unholy part of the morning sky.

The blasphemous rays struck the lavender unicorn's face. Letting out a moan of Defiance she clamped her eyes shut, using her hooves she pulled the pillow out from under her head and wrapped it over her eyes, letting out a sigh she started to nod off once more.

Then the ungodly ringing started, jumping slightly she let out a loud grunt before grabbing her pillow once more, whacking the Infernal machine on the nightstand with the makeshift weapon, the alarm clock soared across the room before smashing against her personal bookcase.

Dropping the pillow, Twilight rolled over and cracked open her eyes, "I, HATE, MORNINGS...", she groggily huffed to herself. rolling out of bed she failed to notice the sheets still wrapped around her until it was too late.

With a loud thump, she found herself chin first on the hard wooden floor, "Oof". glaring back at the sheets she groaned once more before kicking her back hooves to free herself.

once she was freed she let out a yawn and stood up, she stood on the tips of her hooves and stretched her legs, which made a satisfying pop sound and the most wonderful feeling anypony could ever feel, if she was honest with herself it was the only thing worth getting up in the morning for.

yawning once more she made her way into the bathroom and brushed her teeth, and took a sip of water to rid herself of the odd taste that dared to take refuge in her mouth as she slept.

after swallowing the water and dared to look at herself in the mirror. If she was Rarity, then the mare looking back at her would have been a lethal sight, if asked she wouldn't be able to decide if it was because of the messy hair, the matted fur, or the bags under her eyes. Cupping her hooves under the sink she turned on the water with her magic then splashed herself in the face to wake her self up

“SWEET CELESTIA!”, she yelped as the freshly drawn water trailed down her chest, making its way down her front legs, the coldness alone causing her goosebumps and uncontrollable shivering. with newfound energy, it did not take her long to attack her mane and coat with a swarm of magically levitated brushes

Exiting her bathroom, she made her way to the balcony doors, opening them she stepped outside. being the Personal student to Princess Celestia meant you tend to pick up on many of her habits, the most satisfying of which was her morning tea time. so, therefore, she was not surprised to see her tea-set on her balcony waiting to be used, however, what did surprise her was the checklist in front of her tea set.

picking it up she read it over.

Saturdays To-Do List

Make a To-Do List of things to do when waking up tomorrow morning, ✔

Place in front of Tea set to not forget about what needs to be done, ✔

Verify that Today is Saturday and that you're in a hurry to catch the Canter-mount Express

Twilight blinked staring down at it as if it was incomprehensible gibberish, then it dawned on her, "IM GOING TO BE TARDY", she cried out before charging back inside with checklist foaling in-toe, galloping to the bathroom, Twilight's magic spread into the room before her toothbrush and shampoos joined her checklist. She running around the room in circles. she finally decided that her closet was her next stop, with a flash of her horn her suitcase on the top shelf and the levitated items vanished and reappeared on her bed, with the levitated items place neatly inside.

Pack toothbrush and extra shampoo, ✔

making her way over to the bookshelf she pulled out a journal before running over to her writing desk, levitating out 5 pieces of parchment and at least 20 quills. they too were teleported into the suitcase

Pack your homework/research journal and extra quills and parchment, ✔

Zipping up the suitcase, she lit her horn once more.

This time she was going to doing something she had never done before, as all of her friends could tell you she loved the teleportation spell, however, while it is an easy spell the mathematics that goes into the spell runes making up the simple spell are more complicated.

The spell runes of the Teleport spell takes the space around you or an object and a targeted location and temporarily stitches them together, then the object just needs to Peirce the fabric of space to drop into the receiving end.

The amount of magic needed depends on the weight of the item, plus Radius of the area the object is in, times the Distance Traveled Squared. If the distance is out of sight you would need to imagine the space you want to end up in, which requires a rune that heavily drains on the spellcasters magic. in this case, the product of our equation is Cubed instead of squared. Smiling she could not help but think about a special crystal she made last Monday to hold an amount of magic to power a teleportation runic Circle she had edged into the front door in her Canterlot tower, when connecting her teleportation spell to that space it should take half as much magic from the caster, as the two spells will meet halfway.

'let's hope this works' she thought while casting the spell, and in a flash of light, the suitcase was gone. she stared at the bed for a few moments after it vanished half expecting it to reappear due to the strings holding the rift together collapsing because of a lack of magic, causing the suitcase to be slingshot back into the room as the rift rebuilt on its self. she, however, sighed in relief when it did not reappear.

"ok, two more things on the checklist', she said turning around to read them off

wakeup the Grumpy Dragon and head down to the train,

remind sed Grumpy dragon on the way to the train of his chores around the library,

looking up to the baby dragon in his basket, she frowned to see he was still asleep, "Spike its time to wake up!" she called, receiving nothing in response, she ripped the blanket off of him, "SPIKE! WE ARE GOING TO BE LATE!" she yelled finally startling the baby dragon awake.

his eyes snapped open he jerked his body up into a sitting position, "GAAAAH!" he yelled, before slowly turning his head towards twilight.

As he did, she swore she heard the sound of screechy hinges, coming from the now staring baby dragon, his eyes were bloodshot and he had even worse bags under his eyes then she did not too long ago, which made his face slightly unreadable.

"REALLY TWILIGHT!? COULD YOU NOT LET ME SLEEP IN FOR ONE CELESTIA DAMNED DAY?" he Boomed, instinctually causing twilight to jump back onto her back hooves, so she may use her front to protect herself from any potential projectiles. getting over the surprise loudness of the baby dragon's outburst, she lowered back down onto all four legs while giving him a look of disapproval

"Spike!, you know not to yell in a library, now~ UMPF!"

She was interrupted by a rogue pillow from spikes basket, "seriously? do you not hear yourself during your morning freakouts?! I bet even rainbow dash on the other side of Ponyville knows that 'you're going to be tardy' "

"I am not that loud in the mornings!" Spike just raised an eyebrow at that.

"seriously? no one in town even sets their alarm clocks in the morning anymore", he stated as if it was a fact, "I bet you are the only one who even buys them these days", he accused pointing a claw at the smashed alarm clock laying on the floor. twilight just shook off the argument.

"what is up with you this morning?" she asked, "honestly I almost never see you this grumpy". spike just grumbled while walking out of the room. twilight followed as he made his way into the kitchen, "what was that?"

"Pinkie pie decided it was a good idea to visit us earlier this morning, to give you a goodbye gift", he responded rolling his eyes, while starting a batch of coffee, for breakfast Twilight simply grabbed and bit into an apple.

"so", twilight swallowed, "what was so important about the gift, that It could not wait until morning".

once finished, he took a sip of the dark liquid, "a surprise letter, she wanted me to sneak it into your suitcase, seriously that mare can get on your nerves".

"ugh, what did she do now?"

shaking his head spike could not help but chuckle thinking of pinkies antics. "she arrived knocking on the balcony door at Eleven-fifty, I told her to come back in the morning and use the front door, I went back to bed only to be awakened again at midnight."

15 minutes Later...

"Well Spike I better get going," Twilight said after breakfast levitating a sponge to spike, as he washed his own dishes, "remember you are not allowed to go to Rarity's house until you finish cleaning up the living quarters and putting away the returned library books." twilight said walking towards the kitchen door

"ye ye yeah..." spike said brushing off her reminder.

"oh," she exclaimed while stopping in the doorway, "and please don't forget~"

"Twilight!" spike shouted interrupting the lavender unicorn, "you're going to be late." her eyes widened slightly at those words

"right gotta go sorry," she said quickly walking out of the library's front door, soon followed by a slam

Raising of the sun in Canterlot Castle

~✹~

The light of the rising sun struck down upon an Alabaster mare as she sat at her balcony table, the table that hosted many of her tea breaks. Celestia could not help but gaze down at the small town on the horizon. Her weekend morning tea had always been on her Schedule, but her normal weekly schedule ends here. Staring down at the town of ponyville, she could almost see the smoke from the train 'the Canter-mount Express' as it carried her most faithful student ever closer, for three whole days of Study.

Since Twilight had moved to ponyville their Lessons had changed, and while they are seen as Student and teacher by the public, perhaps even Twilight believes that as well, In truth, their adventures together into Advanced magic had evolved from Student and teacher to fellow peers working together to expand their knowledge of magic.

Though she had noticed it, she had always feared to share the knowledge to anypony that Twilight had met her own understanding of magic. The truth was if Twilight and her own Reserves of magic were the same, then in magic talent, they would be at the very least evenly matched. of course, this is to an extent, there are many more schools of magic far too dangerous for anypony to learn, magic that is now considered both forbidden and even forgotten to all but her and her sister, it is one of many perks of being an Immortal Goddess who lived through such trying times, when those ancient magics ran rampant through the ancient lands of Equestria.

she had thought of cutting Twilight loose from her mentorship and allowing her to go forth and become one of the best mages out there. however, whenever she got close to doing so, it weighed on her heart as if she was abandoning a cute puppy that she loved onto the roadside. The very thought that if she did indeed break such bond with her student made her fear that she would never see her again, and It was always enough to keep her mouth shut.

So while she sat there watching the small Plooms of the smoke of the Canter-mount Express as it brought her student ever closer to Canterlot for there weekly 'lessons', the princess of the sun was at a loss of what to teach her faithful student that weekend. For the last 2 years, she had been scraping the bottom of the barrel of her knowledge for something she could teach her.

Using her magic Celestia brought her tea up for one of many sips, before placing it back down. With a Sigh of satisfaction, her gaze turned from the train up to the morning sky, her gaze fell upon the Comet as its light flickered across the morning Sky, like a sleepy star about to go to sleep for the day. At the sight of the comet, she could feel the warmth of the sun as it radiated within her, the Heat caressing her Fur and mane as if the Sun itself was giving her a caring hug. The sky seemed to Brighten in her eyes, as her mane and tail turned from its ethereal form to a dancing golden flame

"Perhaps I could take advantage of the comet for a lesson," she mused to herself. Sighing she turned away from the Comet, allowing the sensations to slip away, before turning her attention back to the plumes of smoke that marked her student's current location.

"Indeed, Dear sister, I believe that would be a topic she would be most interested in", came a new, yet well-known voice. Celestia slightly turned her head to shoot a Glance back to the balcony doors, to see her sister, as she manifested out from the shadows cast by the castle walls, within her magical grasp a scroll floated as she made her way over to sit on the other side of the tea table.

"Praytell Lulu, how would you know that?" Celestia asked, furrowing her Brows in slight confusion before her attention fell upon the scroll in her sister's magic, or rather the scroll's broken wax seal, bearing Twilight's cutie mark.

Smirking Slightly Luna tilted her muzzle up in pride, and allowed a grin to spread across her face as she levitated the letter over to her. "Twilight Decided to write to me about my Night sky, tis step one to taking thy student for mine self".

Taking the letter in her own Magic, Celestia could not help but roll her eyes at the mischievous glint in her sister's eyes, "you know sister, perhaps that is not a bad idea."

Luna's eyes widened in surprise as she snapped her muzzle back down to stare at Celestia, "Truly, you would hand over your student that easily?"

Celestia could not help but chuckle, "believe it or not, dear sister, you would be doing me a favor, I truly am out of ideas of what to teach her."

Luna just looked at her with a deadpan stare, "if that was the case why is she still your student, from what I hear a student in her mid-twenties still under your Mentorship is something never happened before? I had always assumed that she was just a slow learner."

At that moment Celestia could not help but find the stonework of the Balcony Fascinating, not that it was any different from the rest of the castle, only that that the sudden Fascination felt much more comfortable than meeting her sisters Judging eyes. she was already regretting saying anything, but she knew she had to say something to defend her self. "I... I-I well, umm..." she stammered in a failed response.

Luna sighed, "Tis not a problem if you enjoy her company. If thy wish to court her then do so already".

"What!" Celestia Jerked up in response, Blushing Slightly at the thought, "Its nothing like that, it's just to her, i am her teacher, she is my 'faithful student'. but to me, she is my friend", Celestia said, before allowing her gaze to drop to the scroll in her magic, "it's funny how similar ponies treat their rulers compared to gods, Saddle Arabia, Prance, even the Neightherlands, its the same treatment. prince, princess, king, or queen, to our subjects we are priceless objects upon a pedestal in an art gallery, always watching the piece of perfection, and treading carefully to make sure they don't knock it over otherwise they will pay the price. after a thousand years, a life full of that can be quite lonely, especially when you look outside and see one of the friendliest kingdoms to ever exist. she treats me the same way though she goes further than most ponies, did you know she preys to me such as the ponies did 900 years ago? well the only difference is I don't think she actually knows what it means to be an alicorn such as they."

Luna could not help but shudder, most likely at the memories of the constant Prayers made in her name from those days. "yes, I could see why that annoys you."

"she is my friend, I just don't think she sees me the same way," she said allowing her ears folded back, as she turned her gaze to her hooves as her true thoughts caught in her throat as if speaking them would make them come true.

unfortunately for her, Luna Picked up on what she was saying, "you fear that if you allow her to graduate she will move on with her life, leaving you in her past", a tear Escaped the Alabaster mare's face as she nodded, it was the only thing she could do to admit her fears. Letting out a sigh Luna Draped her wing over her sister.

"Sister, I feel that your fears are ungrounded, however, I feel this conversation should be put off for later, and I would indeed be happy to teach dear twilight in your stead, but it would need to wait," she said nuzzling her sister's neck in an attempt to calm the Solar goddess

Letting out a sigh Celestia turned her attention back to her teacup, the steam that was once coming from the brown liquid moments ago in stand absent, picking it up in her magic she took another sip, and to her dismay the comforting warmth in the back of her throat that she loved so much was nowhere to be found. letting out a grunt in frustration she place the cup back down, "then why have you come, sister, I know you do not fancy tea".

"do I need a reason to speak with my beloved sister?" she asked in mock offense, Withdrawing her wing back to her side, and giving her older sister an accusing stare.

Celestia smirked and rolled her eyes, "oh please Lulu, you would normally Expel anypony out of the castle who disturbs you before noon, and yet you are up to experience my sunrise during my morning tea time" she said taking another sip of her tea, letting the now lukewarm tea touch her lips, pausing her sip halfway she glared down at the offending cup before angerly throwing it from the balcony, before stamping her hoof in frustration. glancing back at the Midnight blue alicorn by her side, her sister looked back at her with concern and worry on her face at her antics.

"Truly sister? I know you to treat criminals with more mercy than you do with cold tea."

"probably because they don't stall me from drinking it while it's still hot" she retorted under her breath

"Regardless, I have come to talk to you about that letter, I assure you that it is important," Luna said, motioning her head over to the scroll still in Celestia's magical grasp.

rolling it open, Celestia's eyes scanned the Content of the parchment, eyes wide she did not seem to notice her jaw had slowly dropped open as she read, "But how would she be affected, she is only a Unicorn?"

"That is what I'm here to discuss with you, Tia I am Concerned with the implications of her being affected by the Comet's Presents"

Celestia shook her head, "well, in all honesty, I had always known twilight to be more in tune to magic than any other pony I've ever met, perhaps she had become sensitive enough to feel the power of the Comet"

Luna could not help but slam her head down onto the tea table, "TIA!" she screeched "please take this seriously, you know as well as I do only three entities in this universe could sense the divine power placed within that comet, two of which are right here on this balcony, and the third is trapped away with little hope to be freed!" sighing she looked back up at her older sister, "do you honestly believe that? she is a mortal, she, not even a pegacorn let alone an alicorn."

Once the sun was high enough in the sky, Celestia stood and stretched the kinks out of her shoulders before making her way to the balcony door, with luna's gaze firmly locked on her, "have you noticed her cutie mark yet? it's a six-pointed star surrounded by five smaller stars, do you know what else I find interesting about it? her special talent is magic." she said stopping at the door, " regardless if she is mortal or not, the more I think about it, it does make sense for her to have some connection to the divine power of the cosmos," she said before making her way into her room

"no... Tia wait!" Luna called, chasing after her sister's retreating form as they made their way into the castle halls. they made their way down the stairs and out of the Private wing of the castle, and into the public halls. as they walked passed guards they stiffened into a Salute while castle guests and servants alike scrambled out of their way to prostrate themselves before their rulers on either side of them. while Celestia acknowledged them with a slight nod of the head, Luna was too distracted to even notice their Presence, "are you saying that there is a possibility for her to have the power to control the stars?" she asked, begging her to say no with the tone of her question.

Celestia stopped before the main hall leading to the throne room, looking up in thought "well, I would say the only way to find out is to test her, perhaps we should try and reforge~"

"nononononono no, NO!" Luna shouted cutting off her sister before she could finish giving voice to her thoughts, and moving herself in front of the alabaster mare, "there is no way I am allowing anypony to touch her stars, you may not know this Tia, but the Scepter of the stars is not safe, creating it was a mistake."

"your right lulu, I do not know what you went through to gain control of the stars, nor do I know what led you to become Nightmare moon, all I know is we lost our younger sister," Celestia said allowing her head to droop to look pleadingly towards her, "but twilight might be the key to freeing her, we can finally have our family back."

Luna just stared at her for a moment before making her way past her, "Fine, send her to her death on some test" she relented coldly, "but you cannot stop me from doing all I can in controlling the amount of damage this will cause, now I'm going back to sleep"

"thank you, Lulu, that's all I asked for," she said, continuing towards the throne room, "please have faith in her, after all, she had already brought you back to me." to her dismay, she could not hear her sister's half-spoken rebuttal.

~ ~ ~
~

The Arrival of Lady Twilight Sparkle

~✶~

"Canterlot City, Last stop! thank you all for riding the Canter-Mount express, please exit to your left and have a nice day!" the Train Conductor called out, escorting the group of ponies out of the train

when Twilight finally stepped out of the crowd and off the platform onto the cobblestone road, she could not help but let out a deep breath, "I'm home", she whispered to herself as she watched the locals walk the streets of the capital, the very city she grew up in.

Living in Ponyville has always been interesting and fun due to the unique culture of the town, a culture that leads to stuff such as a stampede of bunnies, Disasters, or town-sized musical numbers about Smiling.

The nights are always better in Ponyville due to the lack of city lights which had always gotten in the way of her stargazing, also the lack of noise that came from the nightlife Culture that comes hand in hand in large cities do make it easier to read in the park before bed, however, despite all of that, Canterlot had always been and always will be home, after all her family had lived here in the Family manner for generations.

Even if she discounted her obligations to the Armor Noble house, this city had stayed her home because of the many memories the lavender unicorn had of living here, from going to donut joes with her big and little brother, the book forts she had constructed to holdfast and vanquish the evil cadence and lay waste to her Magazine empire, playing Ogres and Oubliettes with shiny and his nerdy friends Poindexter and 8-bit, monster hunting through the castle maze and royal Gardens with her big brother, but most importantly this place was home because of The Princess, her mentor who had taught her everything she knew today from magic, the Sciences, history, and due to heritage noble etiquette, something in which to her confusion the princess always enthusiastically insisted that she should learn only from her and use all the time.

in truth, Canterlot will always be home because this is where Princess Celestia lives, and if she was honest to herself Celestia was always like a second mother to her.

"Lady Twilight", a voice pierced her reverie, allowing her to notice a white stallion guard standing before her.

upon noticing that he had gotten her attention, he continued speaking after giving her a slight bow as accustomed to nobility, one of many formalities that she had forgotten since moving to Ponyville, "we are here as ordered by her royal highness of the sun, to escort you to the castle via chariot," he said, holding out his hoof. Grabbing hold, she allowed him to guide her to the chariot parked just behind him, a motion that felt awkward to her due to being in Ponyville for three years where no one knows nor care of her noble title, a title which she had intentionally kept a secret from the town and her friends, especially the Canterlot obsessed Rarity, and Applejack the honest and hardworking farmer.

once the Guards had latched themselves to the Chariot, they started towards the castle on the other end of the city. Twilight was finally able to relax for the rest of the ride, as long as she did not notice the faces of the gawking tourists, who were clearly wondering who she was to earn the privilege of riding through the city in such a way.

By the time they reach the castle, it was nearly noon.

Once they had reached the front gates, the guards led Twilight straight to the throne room. "thank you for the escort kind gentlecolts," she said giving them a soft nod who gave a slight bow of the head in response

"of course my lady," one of them said before they made their leave.

Turning around twilight took a deep breath to calm herself while staring up at the gold plated doors in front of her, 'ok its finally over', she thought, nodding to the door guards, who lit their horns in response, opening the doors to reveal the sun princess sitting upon the room's only throne.

Twilight could not help but smile as she made her way in, with every step she had to force down her temptation to pounce on the alabaster mare on the throne and drown her self in nuzzles, after all, she was not a foal anymore. Instead, she bowed before her and waited for her to order otherwise.

Unbeknownst to Twilight, her lack of affection had left a stabbing pain in the Diarch's heart something well hidden behind Celestia's court mask

"Rise, my faithful student, I hope you had a pleasant ride?"

"o-oh umm, o-of course your royal highness," she responded hesitantly while failing to hide the awkwardness left behind by her usual treatment here in Canterlot

The Princess smiled and let out a small chuckle in an attempt to break the formalities, "I see, so you're still uncomfortable with the formalities?" she asked, allowing the irony of this situation to enter her tone.

Taking the hint Twilight subconsciously lowered her head slightly into a submissive position, before answering, "yes Princess, I'm still trying to get over it."

Celestia Frowned before standing up to walk towards Twilight, who couldn't help but notice by her walk, that she was slightly annoyed. This cause the unicorn to tremble and lower herself slightly with each step.

Unknowingly causing the Diarch to become more annoyed.

By the Time Celestia Stopped in front of her, Twilight had slipped into a deep bow. With her hoof, Celestia pulled up Twilight's chin before wrapping her in her hooves and wings in a tight embrace, as if it was the last time they would ever see each other again.

"I'm glad you arrived in Canterlot so soon," Celestia said in a soft and melancholy tone.

"I u-Um well y-your welcome, um P-Princess," the now Flustered Twilight said in response. breaking the hug Celestia held her student at an arms-length way and smiled, making sure they made eye contact.

"Now", Celestia started, letting go of her student and stepping back, "I bet you have some bags to unpack for the weekend?"

"Yes, I had teleported them to my room before I left, I'm still learning how to teleport heavier objects long distances, without accidentally placing them in a wall or something"

"Well, I should leave you to it then, remember our lessons start before sunrise. I have something special planned," Celestia said then giving her student a Mischievous smile, "then I thought I would surprise you with a test."

"T-T-Test?" Twilight Stammered, stiffening up at the very words that left her own lips.

"Well... I suppose its more of a big research project with a test at the end, but no need to worry, I'll explain everything when we get to it, I do believe you will enjoy it." Twilight Practically Vibrated at the words research project, allowing a smile to spread across her face

"YES YES YES!" she cried out in excitement prancing up and wrapping her arms around the Solar Princess. "I GOTTA UNPACK, I'LL SEE YOU TOMORROW PRINCESS!" she practically shouted breaking the hug then pranced out of the throne room

30 minutes later...

"STUPID STUPID STUPID!" Twilight berated herself after throwing herself onto the bed, she could not stop remembering how she left the princess in the throne room, 'I lost control of myself restraint and threw myself onto the princess, then pranced out like a little filly who just got her cutie mark', she thought while groaning ,'why is it I always lose control of my self around her, my father would kill me if he ever saw that'.

sighing Twilight sat up before levitating the bags over from the front door, where she teleported them this morning. she dropped them on the bed with a thump. unzipping it she used her magic to levitate out her toothbrush, toothpaste, her quills, pages of parchment, and then her usual magic research journals that she had been writing since moving to Ponyville, journals that contained her very own Discoveries in the Arcane Arts. "The princess will want to look over this", she stared down at the worn book and smiled before placing it on the bed.

then she noticed it, a pink letter placed as a bookmark in the middle of the journal, she took the letter out and read the note written on the front

pinkie pie woke me at 4 AM to sneak this letter into your bags, I hope it's worth you dealing with me when you Inevitably wake me up in three hours

~Spike

rolling her eyes Twilight opened the letter and pulled out a picture, staring at it she could see that it was of the following night, she was laying on her back surrounded by spike and all of her friends, as they watched the meteor shower in amazement. 'who in Tartarus took this picture' she thought to herself before remembering it was given to spike by Pinkie Pie

Receiving the letter itself is actually quite expected, every week, when she went to Canterlot her friends give her a picture of an event that happened that week, it had become a tradition not long after moving to Ponyville, it was their way of saying regardless of where you go, we will always be with you, and it always made her tear up slightly knowing that she had such great friends, turning over the picture she read the message on the back.

We all feel sorry that you won't be able to make it to the summer solstice party happening before the summer sun celebration, and I wish you luck on your Research Project

~Pinkie Pie

shaking her head, Twilight opened the drawer to her nightstand and place the picture inside with the others from the following weeks. Letting out a sigh, she laid back on her bed and closed her eyes, "thank you, girls, for everything".

Later that Evening

~☽~

as the day turned to night and the lights of the castle slowly went out nopony seemed to notice the cloaked pony who slipped out of the castle gardens, and into the streets of Canterlot, taking flight luna soared past the noble districts and landed among Canterlot's poor District. weaving through the ally ways she came across a rundown storefront that would have stood out in any other part of the royal city.

though worn down, the sign outside the shop read 'The Drunken Huntsmen'. It was a tavern she had come to many times, and while a lot of times it was for the pleasure of a wine glass, today like most of her visits was for business.

entering luna could not help but notice the lack of customers within the tavern, as she walked her eyes scanned the room for any possible eavesdroppers, thankfully the few ponies in the bar were out of the way. letting out a sigh of relief she approached the bar counter and smiled when noticing the dark grey stallion behind the counter, currently cleaning the dust from that night's glasses.

"Thieves Can't, just the pony we wished to see," Luna said pulling back her hood slightly so he may see her face. turning around his eyes lit up.

"ah, if it isn't my favorite customer, to what do I owe the honor of your visit this night, princess", she could not help but scowl at that.

"doest thee not notice by thy cloak that we may not wish for thy subjects to know we were here?"

"well, I assumed by the cloak that you wanted ponies to notice you", he smiled "after all only a pony begging for ponies to notice them wears stuff like that to conceal themselves, if I may be honest you most likely did the opposite of what you intended by wearing it."

Luna frowned at that, "please spare us, our guards are trained to look for stealthy criminals in such wears and have caught many ponies in such~", she paused upon noticing that his smile deepened as he tried to hold back his amusement, "do tell what do you find so funny."

"Well, you are a Monarch, the creator of laws and the Judge and jury of those who break them, yet here the real criminals are, and not in your castle's dungeons. If I was indeed a criminal, and I'm not saying I am, I would think I would know the best way to commit a crime would be in the crowd where you may blend in."

Luna rolled her eyes, "please, we already know much of thy Business and the crimes thou commits, if it was not for your useful contacts in the criminal underworld you would already be in chains," at that Thieves Cant looked back at her in mock offense.

"I have no clue of what you're talking about, I am just a pony with many friends, each with unique and very employable talents for those who are interested,"

"right, your an upstanding citizen," she Deadpanned before grinning, "and because of that I think I would know better than you the Behaviors of criminals, after all, they come before me every day for trial".

"ah but that's the thing isn't it, a real criminal you can count on to get a job done never gets caught, most of the ponies that you sentence are simple amateurs that follow the stereotypes, that we all know and look out for, a mugger in a dark alleyway hungry for some poor stallions bits? too predictable, try pickpocketing saddlebags in a Touristrap where there is very little security, lots of ponies, no-pony is the wiser when your shoulder to shoulder with another."

Luna could not help but laugh, "in that case by your own definition, me knowing of your existence makes you an amateur Criminal."

"well, as I said I am no criminal, but in the Theoretical chance I was, then I would be in the exception to such rule, Ensure you always hold value to the criminals or deals you work for, for once the value runs out, so does their reason to keep you around."

placing down his glass he turned his full attention to the princess. "so 'master criminal', let us get to our main topic, why have you come, are you finding your self thirsty?", he smiled, "or are you looking for somepony to assist you in something."

"well, we... I suppose I could go for the usual" Luna responded pulling out the barstool to take a seat. shrugging slightly, he turned away to grab a glass.

"one Star Swirl on the rocks coming up!" he half-shouted, causing luna to grin at the mental image that always popped up at that name. If she was honest with herself, the name alone was the only reason it was her usual

"so... anything interesting happening at the castle lately," he asked while mixing the requested drink

luna summoned a sack and unceremoniously dropped it on the counter, as her face turned thoughtful, "well, My sister's student is going to be partaking in an assignment I really do not agree with", using his magic thieves cant opened the sack and peeked inside to find plenty of bits, noticing there are way more bits in there to cover at least 25 more drinks, his normal grin turn mischievous.

"yes, the famous noble heir to house armor, heard she was recently responsible for your return, its funny, the closer to Princess Celestia one gets the more famous you seem to get."

"yes, she had always had that effect on ponies," luna said, unintentionally letting a slight bitterness drip into her words.

"so why don't you tell me more about her Assignment, I am a bit curious on the reasons of why you do not agree with it, " he asked while placing the Alchiholic beverage on the counter.

"Humm... well the assignment is to discover a way to reforge a powerful Scepter, my problem with it is that the power the scepter holds can cause some consequences for both the one who uses it and even the world as a whole, even if only few could use the power, I know that I could cause trouble", luna mused out loud before taking a sip, "if only I knew where my old journals are after the thousand years, I would ensure that they never come together, but alas I lost track of those blasted torn up black leather-bound books long ago" she finished with a shake of her head before taking a large swig of her drink, "the last thing I would want is for anypony to get hurt."

"I suppose that does sound a bit troubling, I do wish you luck with your situation, who knows perhaps the books will turn up in due time, I can keep an ear open for you if you wish, you would be surprised what ponies say when drunk" thieves cant said chuckling slightly.

placing three more bits on the table, "well if they do turn up before twilight could find them, then that would be just perfect." she said "now, please enlighten me, if you do not approve of me using a cloak and, and going through alleyways to get around, then do tell how would you get around."

"I suppose if I wanted to get through a crowd, I could use makeup, or wigs to hide my true color, being here in the refined Canterlot also makes clothing an option, ponies around here like their dress up but if your a pony like me, or perhaps some of my friends then perhaps there is a more convenient way to get around," he said while light his horn, luna watched as the unicorn stallions body became blurred, and started morphing. moments later the spell cleared from him, but in his place stood a white earth pony mare. leaning over the table she stared at luna with half-lidded almost condescending eyes "truely the matron of dreams could be more creative in how she could move around, I would have thought that the Shepard of the night, you would have mastered Illusion spells."

luna rolled her eye letting out a light huff, "Shepard of the moon," she murmured to her self

"Sorry, I did not catch that" thieves cant admitted, raising his illusionary eyebrow

"We must head back to attend our nightly duties," she said while getting up, before making her way for the door.

"ah well, its been fun as always."

~ ~ ~
~