A Simple Request

Canterlot had changed much since the last time she had seen it, Celestia thought with a smile, as she and Luna exited the train and tried to mingle with the crowd. Even from the station, they could see the changes.

Some of which they didn't have to look far for. Around them, every creature native to Equus went here and there on whatever business they had. Few paid them much mind, and those that did didn't linger long before moving on.

And that was something that both sisters were happy with. To most creatures, they just seemed overly tall and majestic. But considering who lived in the castle, no one seemed to mind.

"You would think more would recognize us," Luna grumbled slightly as they left the station behind and entered Canterlot proper. Though much had changed, they could still see the city they had once called their own.

Celestia shook her head. "Princess Twilight may keep the Festival of the Two Sisters running year after year, but no one but her, Spike, Cadance, and Princess Flurry Heart, remember us as ever being real."

Luna rolled her eyes. It sounded oddly familiar to her. But even she could recognize that this was not the same as what had spawned Nightmare Night all those centuries ago. Something she still hadn't fully forgiven her sister for.

She watched the crowds. Here and there, mixed-race couples went about their daily lives, and no one said a thing about it. At one time, this might have shocked her to the core. Now, it only made her smile more.

"She really has done amazing things. I never would have thought any of this could have been possible, let alone even tried," Luna said, as she watched a pony and griffon family shop at the market.

Celestia's smile grew as she watched the family laugh at some joke the stall owner had told. "She has. Twilight has done far more for Equestria and the world than we ever did." Her smile softened as she looked up at the castle's towers, and the pink starburst symbol that hung from several banners. "I could not be more proud of her."

Luna rolled her eyes. "Don't tell her that. She'll have a heart attack and launch into an hours-long speech about how everything we did blows what she and her friends did out of the water."

Celestia giggled. "And I would remind little miss Sparkle that it is rood to argue with your elders. She may still see me as her teacher and mentor. But I am proud to have been left behind in what she has done."

Luna nodded. "So am I."

During all of this, the two sisters had come to the Gates of Canterlot Castle. A yak guard was waiting for them. To their surprise, the guard did not stop them and merely pointed them in the direction of the Throne Room.

Luna scoffed as soon as they were out of earshot. "I think we can find our own way around. We used to live here you know."

Celestia gently prodded her sister with a wing. "Luna. She was just doing her job. And it has been a long time since we walked these halls. Maybe Twilight changed things around."

Luna shook her head. "That would require rebuilding the castle again. I do not see Twilight as somepony who would do that."

Celestia hoped that was the case. While Twilight seemed to have outgrown her Twilighting episodes, as Spike called them, stranger things had happened. She hoped she was wrong of course.

It was hard enough knowing the newly rebuilt castle in the aftermath of the Battle of the Bell before they left for Silver Shoals. She didn't want to do that again.

Eventually, after several missed turns and having to be redirected by one guard or another, the pair came to the Throne Room doors. A griffon guard seemed to have been awaiting their arrival, for as soon as they came close enough, he pushed the doors open for them without a word, and silently closed them again behind them.

Walking down the aisle was a novel experience, both Celestia and Luna would agree. Along the walls, the many stain-glassed windows told many stories, some they knew, and some they did not.

The many adventures of Twilight and her friends still brought a tear of joy to Celestia's eyes even now, and while the Young Six's weren't as numerous, she was still proud of them. But two stood out the most for her and Luna.

The window commemorating High Princess Twilight Sparkle's ascension to the sole throne of Equestria was a day that still stood out for them, and the window showing Flurry Heart's ascension to the throne of the Crystal Empire was a day the empire still talked about.

Cadance and Shining Armor had never looked so proud of their daughter than they had that day. And even Twilight had outdone Pinkie Pie in having the biggest smile of those there for the celebration.

Some windows though, only a few ponies knew the significance of. One showed Twilight and her friends facing down a corrupted Sunset Shimmer at the Fall Formal, and another showed the girls all together now, facing down the Dazzlings at the Battle of the Bands.

All the windows though led to one point, the centerpiece of the whole room. At the far end of the room sat the High Throne of Equestria. On it sat Princess Twilight Sparkle in all her regal glory. Her expression remained neutral as Celestia and Luna came to the foot of the throne.

As one, the two sisters bowed. "To what do we owe the honor, Princess Twilight?" Celestia asked formally, her expression one of reverence.

"What would you have little old us do?" Luna asked, bowing just a little more.

Princess Twilight rose from her throne and walked down the steps to the same level as the sisters. Here, the height difference between them became obvious. Where once Celestia had been the tallest of the alicorns, now Twilight Sparkle stood even taller than her.

For a moment, nopony said anything as the three stood there. Finally, Twilight's mask broke, and she broke out into a fit of giggles. "Oh, would you two get up already! I won't have you, above anypony, bowing to me."

That broke the damn as Luna and Celestia both started to giggle as they stood up. Twilight was quick to pull them into a hug, one they were happy to return. They held it for several moments before breaking apart.

Celestia smiled up at her former student. "It is good to see you again Twilight."

"Indeed. I was becoming bored with Silver Shoals if I am, to be honest. It feels good to be back in Canterlot after so long," Luna added.

Twilight's smile slipt somewhat. "I just wish this was a social call. But I need your help," she sighed.

Now Celestia and Luna shared a concerned look. They did not like the tone Twilight was using. "Is there something wrong Twilight? Is it about Equestria?" Luna asked.

Twilight shook her head, her ethereal mane whipping around all three of them. "Not quite. Normally I'd ask Spike to handle this. But he's deep in his first Dragon Nap, and who knows when he'll wake up."

Celestia nodded. That had been an interesting letter between her and her favorite dragon, to say the least. She hoped he would be alright. "Then what is it? You know you can tell us Twilight," she said, placing a hoof on her fellow princess' shoulder.

Twilight nodded, sighed, and smiled sheepishly. "Celestia, Luna. Will you take over rulership of Equestria while I am away for a bit?"

Neither Celestia or Luna said anything for a moment, their mouths hanging open in shock. Finally, Luna replied for her sister as well in the only way she knew how.

WHAT?!

Author's Note

Oh, this is going to be a fun story. This is an idea I've had ever since Season 9's finale and based in large part on something I saw on Derpibooru.

So here I am. I regret nothing about what happens. Cover art was done by UltraTheHedgetoaster.