We Are Each Other

Luna entered the breakfast room and she saw Celestia already at the table. “Good morning to you, sister. How fare you this day?”

Celestia smiled at her sister and responded while Luna sat and piled food on her plate. “Sunny Day is happy, and therefore I am happy. I no longer dislike the changeling, and I do find her easier to tolerate.”

Luna was surprised by the admittance but tried not show it. “I’m happy that you are finding happiness in your life. Does this mean love is not far off?” The change in her sister’s expression let her know she had crossed a line. “Pardon, sister. I speak only for myself. Do forgive me.”

Celestia sighed. “You did dance on a nerve, sister. I fear I’ve forgotten what love is. Even with your example and seeing Twilight blossom. I…I need time.”

Luna nodded and focused on her food. Time is a luxury alicorns had. Few others could enjoy that luxury, but she knew in this she could push no further. A change of topic was needed. “You are aware that the fifth anniversary of the invasion is at the end of the week?”

Celestia gave her sister a polite eye roll, “Of course I’m aware of that, sister.”

“Good,” continued Luna. “You will attend the memorial service at Platinum Plaza then.”

“I will not,” responded Celestia. “I’ll give my annual address from the audience balcony as I’ve done every year.”

“No,” said Luna. “You will attend the memorial service. Crescent Moon has given the full itinerary to Wisteria. There will be no annual address. You need to be with the ponies at a time like this.”

“Are you running my schedule now?” asked an irate Celestia.

Luna was unphased by her sister’s ire, “Yes, when I need to, I shall. Enough banter, and I’ll cut to the chase. A certain pony we both respect came to me with a plan for the anniversary. She told me she was going to coordinate it with the pony in charge of such affairs, and just wanted to give me a heads up, as they say today. The next day the pony in charge came to me with the plan fleshed out and requested that you attend. I hope you understand why she didn’t come directly to you.”

Celestia didn’t have to think long about that. “Royal Ribbon is in charge of the Canterlot Invasion Veterans Association, and it isn’t the first time she has gone to you instead of me. Who is this other ‘mysterious’ pony?” Luna responded with an eye roll. “Twilight?”

Luna smirked, “Good guess, sister, but no. One of her friends. I believe Twilight briefed all of them on what is happening with a certain changeling.”

“The element of generosity does love to put her nose where it may be bitten off.” Celestia pushed away her plate, “Fine, I’ll go, but I don’t see why I need to be there. I can provide the moral support my ponies need from the balcony, instead of on the ground.”

“Because, dear sister, this isn’t for your ponies. It’s for you.” Luna stood up from the table. “I bid you a good day and I go to let my little colt and my not so little Tavi tuck me into bed.”

Celestia had to admit that motherhood agreed very nicely with her sister. It reminded her a lot of her own daughter. While the estrangement between them had ended, she did miss Sunset dearly. She too got up from the table. There was some time for Sunny Day to enjoy a bit of Wayfair time before court, and she was going to make the most of it.

~ ~ ~

Celestia was sat at her desk deep in thought when Wayfair walked into the room, naked as she had been for the last few weeks. She carried her outfit with her, and she ever so slowly dressed herself in the very skimpy maid outfit knowing full well that Celestia enjoyed every moment of it. “How may your maid serve you today, your highness?” asked Wayfair.

Celestia looked at the maid and then her room. “The usual today, my good maid. I do have a lot of paperwork here, and I may not be as observant as I normally am. The onus is on you if you should be naughty and hope to escape my wrath.”

“Such a thought never occurred to me, your highness!” Wayfair looked at the mess in the room. A third of the books were on the floor. ‘Twilight must have been over last night.’ She started with the bed and it was even messier than usual, and the sheets stuck together. She pulled it all off for laundry to discover a well-used dildo under a pillow. Now she was upset that Celestia would do such a thing without her. She shoved the dildo off the far side of the bed to the floor and gathered the linen for the service to pick up.

Wayfair returned from the pantry with fresh linens and remade the bed. She kept in mind to keep her ass facing Celestia with that thin bit of cloth run through the valley. With just the right amount of jiggle she could feel her teats fall out of the tiny teddy that was holding them. Wayfair would then have to stop her work and use a hoof to adjust the teddy to contain its treasure. With the bed made tight enough to bounce a bit on, she turned her attention to the books.

It was times like this she was glad her given from was a unicorn. Wayfair used her magic to arrange the books based on their Starswirl decimal system to make shelving easier. When an opportunity arrived she did swap two books. The 609 and 906 as a simple clerical error. After all it would be easy to confuse ‘Technologies used to Record History’ with ‘Historical Perspective of Technologies’.

That job done; Wayfair looked around. She saw the dirty tea service on the balcony and went to collect that. In the little side kitchen, she cleaned up the service and returned it to the side table where it belonged. She then turned her attention to Celestia. “Your maid has completed her cleaning. Do you have any other task for her, your highness?”

Celestia transformed to Sunny Day. “I’m most disappointed, Wayfair.” With a wing she flipped a switch on the wall next to her desk. A tile in the centre of the room rotated to reveal a large eye bolt in the floor. Sunny Day took a two link chain from her desk and walked around Wayfair and back behind the bed. She tossed the dildo to its centre. “If you had mouth cleaned that I might,” Sunny Day paused as she walked past the shelves and with her wing tipped two books out onto the floor. “Have been more lenient for you dishonouring my books.” She clipped one end of the chain to Wayfair’s collar and forced her head to the floor to clip the other end to the bolt. “You have been a very naughty maid.”

Wayfair tried hard to keep the smile out of her voice, “I’m sorry Mistress!”

“Not yet,” said the stern voice of Sunny Day. She moved around her sub to the desk and took a cricket bat out of the drawer. “You soon will be.” Sunny Day held the bat in a wing and swung for the boundary line.

Chrysalis in her Wayfair disguise was happy to get any attention at all from Celestia in her Sunny Day disguise. Being naughty didn’t always guarantee a response, but today she had all of her Mistress’s attention. The friendship and more recently, the love, they developed over the time with these two disguises only emphasized her love for her Mistress, even if it wasn’t reciprocated. Endorphins flooded her mind with each stroke of the bat.

Celestia as Sunny Day wailed away at her sub’s ass with the bat. The smell of her arousal and moans of ecstasy drove her onward. It wasn’t until the moan changed to a yelp of pain that she stopped. Chrysalis would never use her safe word. She looked down on the mare and could see green blood where she had broken a welt. Sunny Day retreated back to her desk and resumed her true form.

Celestia cast a quick healing spell to stop the bleeding and teleported the short two link chain back to her desk. Wayfair remained with her head on the floor blubbering. The alicorn turned back to the paperwork on her desk to take her mind of the mare behind her. She didn’t get far before Celestia heard the mare stand.

“I’m sorry Mistress,” Wayfair was able to get out between sobs. She turned to face Celestia but kept her head down.

“I know,” said Celestia. “I know.” She turned to look at Wayfair. Once again, she went too far. After all the training to ensure that Wayfair would be a good sub, none of the training seemed to teach her to be a good dom. “Do you know what tomorrow is?”

Wayfair was taken by surprise by the question. Tomorrow was Thursday, but there is no way Celestia meant that to be the answer. She thought hard about what tomorrow would be. The closest she could come to would be in a few days. It would be the anniversary of when Celestia came at her request to the old hive in the north. “I’m sorry Mistress, I’m unsure what tomorrow means.”

“It will be the fifth anniversary of your invasion of Canterlot,” said Celestia in a calm voice. She watched the mare cringe under what she must have thought was an accusation. “I’m attending an event at Platinum Plaza. You will accompany, but not in this form.”

All kinds of scenarios ran through Chrysalis’s mind. Had she done something wrong? She didn’t think so. Would this be her end, when Celestia finally turned her over to the ponies she harmed? Would Celestia make an example of her to those who think they can defy the sovereignty of Equestria? Nothing good could come from this, and now she feared for the changelings she abandoned almost two years ago.

Celestia watched the gamut of emotions run across the mare’s face. She tried to bolster her own resolve. “Wayfair is known to accompany Sunny Day. She cannot accompany me to an event. While I enjoy your current form and build, you will have to become another pony to be with me.”

Wayfair dared to look up at Celestia. She remembered when Celestia put her through her paces to take on this form. It was a huge breakthrough to be seen with her, even if Celestia herself was in disguise. When Celestia said she would never be seen in public with Chrysalis. “I will take on any form you command me to, Mistress.”

Celestia reached into her desk and pulled out three paint colour samples. “I’d like your body to be this fire brick colour, and your mane and tail to be this fire orange with streaks of amber. Your cutie mark will have three wavy lines above each other in gold and your name will be Solar Flare. Everything about your current form and build will remain unchanged.”

Chrysalis studied the colours and her body was enveloped in a green glow. “Have I pleased you, Mistress?”

Celestia studied the pony in front of her. “Please make your eyes the blue of my sky.” She watched the green glow come over the other pony’s face and when Solar Flare opened her eyes all about her was perfect. “You have pleased me. Thank you.”

Solar Flare smiled brightly, “It is my pleasure to serve. When do we depart?”

“My chariot will pick us up at nine thirty in the morning. You will join me and Luna for breakfast. Wear that gown Rarity made for you. I’ll be wearing my full combat regalia.” Celestia looked away, “I’m sorry.”

One more confusing item to a very confusing day. “Pardon me, Mistress, but what could you possibly be sorry for?”

Celestia’s voice was subdued. “I’ve still not given you the love you desire.”

Chrysalis thought just how much she desired that love. Knowing she would maybe never receive it. “I love you Mistress, and I have grown to value your friendship over these years. That means more to me than words can say.”

Celestia nodded. She was happy that the changeling could accept what she could give. “This is your form now. As for Wayfair, I’m not sure as to her status. I will see you at breakfast tomorrow. Rest, but you have freedom of movement. Your personal guard will escort you to where you wish to go.”

Solar Flare bowed low and walked out of the room. Neither guard on either side of Celestia’s door said anything. When she reached her room Shieldwall gave her a questioning look. “Greetings, Shieldwall, I’m whatever pony Celestia desires me to be. For now, and the foreseeable future I am Solar Flare.” Shieldwall bowed and opened her door. “You are my personal guard?” continued Solar Flare.

“Bulwark or I, madam,” the guard responded, keeping up the appearances. “How may I serve you?”

“I wish to go shopping in about an hour. Maybe you’ll find something you’d like to purchase for yourself, or for Victory Gate.” Solar Flare winked at the stallion and entered her room. She let the door close behind her.

~ ~ ~

Luna entered the dining room after raising the moon. “Good eve to you, sister. I’m pleased to see you have a new companion about the palace.”

Celestia shook her head ruefully as her sister sat down. “The rumour mill surpasses all of my expectations. I’ve only known Solar Flare a day, and already all the newspapers are full of who she might be, where she’s from, what does she do…”

Luna filled her plate from the selections. “I think the paparazzi can always be counted upon in times of need,” the lunar alicorn smiled, showing no signs of foal induced sleeplessness. “If you seek my approval, you know you have it.”

Celestia nodded. “I’ll be going to the service tomorrow with Solar Flare. She will be at breakfast tomorrow.”

Luna looked up from her plate, “Tia?” The question remained unasked as she could see the answer written on Celestia’s face. “Whatever may come, you have my full support.” With her sister’s nod, they both returned to their meal.

~ ~ ~

Chrysalis rolled out of bed before the sun. She was going to be seen in public with Celestia. After two years when she first submitted to the solar monarch, it was finally coming together. She giggled and wondered how many thought that this was part of her plan for world domination. There was only one thing she wanted to conquer, and it was the mare that had already conquered her.

Putting on the gown was easy since Celestia let her keep the shape of Wayfair. Chrysalis had no fashion sense other than what she had gleaned from the fashion channel and noted in the mirror how the dress looked against a different coloured pelt. That wasn’t for her to worry about since her Mistress ordered her to wear it.

As she exited the room, she passed Bulwark who fell in behind her. “Must you follow me everywhere?”

“Welcome to your new life as a Princess Consort, ma’am,” answered Bulwark. “We can give you some privacy in a shop or restaurant once we ensure it is safe. Also, if you have no plans to leave the castle grounds you can request that we don’t follow you.”

Solar Flare nodded. Her new life. She was officially a Princess Consort! ‘I do hope that is the case. It has been a hard two years.’ She entered the dining room to find she was the first in. There were three settings at the table, and one had her new cutie mark for a placemat. She took her seat and waited.

Luna and Celestia walked in together. Luna was the first to speak as she sat down, “You must be Solar Flare. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”

Celestia said nothing as she rounded the table to affectionately nuzzle Solar Flare before she took her seat. It was all Solar Flare could do to hope the brick red fur hid her blush, but it wasn’t to be.

Luna smiled, “Sister, was the red tinge in the young mare’s ears your idea?”

“Indeed, Luna,” responded Celestia warmly, “Or it was after I nuzzled her.

The rest of the breakfast went smoothly for Solar Flare. The only real difference between the food here and the cafeteria was she didn’t have to wait in a line. “I’m unsure why you inspect the cafeteria, Luna. This food is as good as theirs.”

“And that is why I inspect,” stated Luna. “Tia, your petitioners have been transferred to me. Please try to enjoy your day and mingle with those at the service.”

Celestia smiled, “If any are brave enough to approach me, I will be happy to converse with them.” She looked over at Solar Flare, “Please accompany me to my room.”

Solar Flare stood with Celestia and followed her from the room. She turned to look at Luna who remained at the table. The alicorn was looking back and winked at her. The blush returned with force as she quickly followed after her Mistress.

After Solar Flare closed the door, Celestia removed her normal regalia and summoned her combat regalia. As she watched the princess dress, she could sense the powerful magics imbued in the armour. Celestia looked intimidating and dangerous. Solar Flare wondered what it would be like to be spanked while Celestia wore that.

Celestia turned and looked at Solar Flare, who fidgeted in place. “This armour predates much of history. I last wore it during the Second Griffon War.”

“I imagine my invasion would have been short lived if you wore it to the wedding,” commented Solar Flare in a low voice.

Celestia rolled her eyes, “Not exactly wedding attire. Plus, it’s too powerful for me to use in the city. Works fine in the field though where collateral damage would be limited to the enemy.” Celestia moved to the exit, “Now you can see what my ponies think of your invasion.” She knew that Chrysalis was following in her disguise. In truth, Celestia was also interested in what her ponies thought of the invasion now that five years had passed.

~ ~ ~

The carriage ride to Platinum Plaza was a quiet one. It was not a place Celestia visited very often, if at all. There was an array of seating pads forming a semi-circle in front of a stage. Behind the stage was a statue of three life sized ponies. One from each tribe. Celestia knew the plaque on the base of the statue by heart. ‘In Defence of Our Nation’ There were no names because too many had died in this plaza to list all the names on one statue. The museum dedicated to the invasion was located at Clover’s Gate. Another place Celestia only visited once at the dedication. The carriage stopped behind the crowd and Celestia stepped out followed by Solar Flare.

She knew she would draw many eyes to herself. Celestia always did. Now the eyes looked on in awe as to how she was dressed. She knew a few would look on in anger that she wasn’t dressed this way when the invasion happened. Few remembered there was a wedding that day, and none would understand what would have happened to them if she were wearing this armour.

Celestia saw her seating pad was front centre and there were two pads at that spot. The organizers assumed she wouldn’t be alone. She wasn’t surprised that Rarity was there, but mildly surprised that all six of the Element Bearers were there seated in the front right. She had two choices to her seat. Left and across or right and across. No point in avoiding Twilight at this event, so she started off the right.

Solar Flare stood just behind Celestia and looked over the crowd. She knew these ponies were here because of what she had done. She doubted any of them could understand why she did it. It was all she knew to do. What she was trained for because, out of the strong came forth sweetness. She hesitated for a moment when Celestia started moving. There were so many emotions running through the crowd. Love for the lost wasn’t overly sweet, and the anger and grief even less. A fear she didn’t know she had materialized as she looked over the crowd. Solar Flare quickly caught up with Celestia hoping for some protection from those that would truly end her.

As Celestia rounded the corner she saw Fluttershy and Applejack. The first had a slight smile, while the latter had a frown. Neither of them spoke. Next was Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle. The pegasus wore a knowing smirk on her lips while her student stared open jawed. Celestia couldn’t blame her as she was witnessing thousands of years of history in front of her. After that couple was Rarity and Pinkie Pie. The pink pony was the first to speak, or at least she tried to.

“When do I plan…” said Pinkie Pie before Rarity quickly ran a hoof across her lips. It was as if they were zipped shut. Pinkie Pie’s smile turned into a slight frown, but her ears stayed up.

“Greetings, Princess,” said Rarity. “Who is this fine mare with you?”

“This is my companion, Solar Flare,” said Celestia.

“Companion?” blurted out Twilight, who then realized that all attention was now turned on her. “Of course, of course. Um, forgive me. Maybe we can speak after the ceremony?”

“I would like that, Twilight,” responded Celestia. “I best get seated so that I don’t hold things up.” Celestia moved past the Element Bearers and toward her seat. She saw three ponies on the raised stage. Royal Ribbon and another mare and stallion. Celestia took her seat and Solar Flare sat to her left.

As soon as she was seated, Royal Ribbon moved to the centre podium. “I welcome you all to this fifth anniversary of the Changeling War. Our guest speaker today is Brass Bell, a veteran of Clover’s Gate.” Royal Ribbon returned to her place on the stage.

Celestia searched her thoughts to remember that day. Brass Bell was one of the hundreds – thousands – of ponies she gave out the Equestrian Cross to. He was in the reserves which were never thought to be called upon to fight in a real battle. It seemed Royal Ribbon was taking this event seriously if she had picked him to speak.

“Greetings to you all,” lead off Brass Bell. “I know for many of you the wounds of that war are still fresh and bleeding, but I want to tell you that living a life of grief is not living at all! I know those that you loved would not want this from you. How do I know? I lost my wife in that war. She didn’t die in battle. She died as an incubator, and it was one of our own that released her from that Tartarus. I understand grief, but I also understand that living life is the greatest thing we can do in life.”

Chrysalis, in her disguise, could feel the waves of emotions around her as the stallion spoke. She was certain the words were directed at her for the loss of his wife. Nopony would ever understand why she did what she had to do. She lowered her gaze to the ground in front of her hooves, not even daring to glance at Celestia next to her.

“Today I want to speak to you of forgiveness,” continued Brass Bell. “Don’t misunderstand that forgiveness relieves the guilty of the consequences of their actions. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting what they have done. Forgiveness is to release the hate from your own heart. To make room for love to enter your life. It is too soon you may say. I say it is never too soon to heal.”

Years of self-training kept Celestia from fidgeting in her seat. It seemed she had underestimated Royal Ribbon. She had chosen this speaker to talk to just one pony, herself.

Brass Bell continued his speech, “Let’s go back to the Griffon War. It was just over nine hundred years ago. Many died on both sides in that war, but honestly, we only care about our losses. Not the enemy’s losses. Our Princess is here today to remember this fifth anniversary. She led our forces to victory in the Griffon War. When it was over, we offered forgiveness to the griffons. We restored normality with their kingdom.”

Celestia well remembered both wars, particularly the second one. She wore the armour she had on now to lead the Equestrian forces. She also remembered it as the First Griffon war, not the Griffon war. Something Brass Bell was going to remind her of in a moment.

“Just under two hundred years ago we had to rename the Griffon War to the First Griffon War, as the Second Griffin War occurred,” said Brass Bell. “Does that mean our forgiveness was worthless? No, it does not. Many died in the second war, yet again, Princess Celestia led us to victory. Again, we forgave the enemy and reopened relations with them. I said earlier that forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting. Even today we stay vigilant. Today we have the Element Bearers in attendance.” Brass Bell pointed them out to his left. “They have added one other item to the mix. The Magic of Friendship. Here in the audience are griffons. Griffons fought alongside me at Clover’s Gate. Griffons died in the defence of Equestria against the changelings. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing that if someone thought to start a Third Griffon war, that no griffons came? Forgiveness, vigilance, remembrance, and most of all friendship.” The stallion paused to let that thought sink in, but then he looked directly at Celestia and continued, “I would go back even further, to the Lunar Rebellion.”

Celestia froze on her seating pad and her eyes narrowed. How dare this stallion go there? Who did he think he was? The desire to crush him under her hooves raged through her being. A supreme act of will stayed the stallion’s execution.

“Many died in that war, all around our world,” spoke Brass Bell. “The victor sits with us, and more importantly, the loser sits at the palace right now, watching over us. Princess Celestia forgave Princess Luna. What happened will never be forgotten by her. Yet she remains vigilant today, and her forgiveness of her own sister should resonate with us all. There is more than friendship, there is love. I don’t expect any of you to change overnight. Five years is such a short time. I can only ask that you open your hearts to the idea that there is room for forgiveness, and to replace the hate with love. I will always love my wife, but I understand she would remind me there is room in a heart to love abundantly and that my living means more to her than her own death. Thank you.”

Chrysalis trembled next to the raging inferno beside her. Such raw emotion showed her a fear she never really understood. All the other emotions around her faded to nothing.

The rage in Celestia drained away as quickly as it had come. The stallion knew how to play the audience and it seemed he knew how to play her too. His speech over, silence was all that was left among the ponies. A silence she didn’t want to break. Then, the disguised pony next to her began to clap her hooves. Celestia joined in and soon all the ones gathered for the event did likewise.

Chrysalis felt the rage fade along with her fear. Then she felt hope, which was far tastier than rage. She was moved by the stallion’s words. When he finished, she felt relief and started to clap her hooves as one did for a good performance. Celestia and others joined in and Chrysalis was pleased.

Royal Ribbon moved back to the podium, “Thank you for attending this service. A reminder that at sunset there will be a gathering beneath the spot where the sky trenches were located. The First Pegasus Brigade will have refreshments and food available. Many veterans will be there to share their experiences that day. Also, the Changeling War Museum by Clover’s Gate will be open until midnight. There you can find the list of names of those that died during the war. Please come and sign the guest book and you can leave tokens in memory of those lost. Thank you again for your attendance.” She along with the other two moved off the stage to mingle with the crowd. None of them approached Celestia. The Element Bearers in front of her did draw her attention.

Twilight Sparkle looked at Celestia and then at the pony next to her mentor. “You hurt me that day. You took my foal sitter and friend captive. You lied to my brother. You struck my friend and mentor, Celestia, down. What hurt me the most is without charm or spell you turned my friends against me.” Twilight was not doing a good job holding back her tears. “I just want to say that I forgive you for all that. I trust Celestia to be vigilant. I trust you to not throw everything away and repeat what you did.” Twilight quickly turned away and walked off. Three ponies followed with her.

“Solar Flare,” said Rarity, “The gown you’re wearing is beautiful, and I’m sure it was made by a pony of quality. Still, if you stop by my shop, I’m sure I could make something just as exquisite, and a colour more suited to you.” She turned her attention to Celestia, “Princess, so avant guard with the armour. Such a powerful presence, but then you, darling, are a power presence with nothing at all.” She then moved a hoof symbolically across Pinkie Pie’s lips.

“So, when’s the party?” exclaimed Pinkie Pie.

Celestia was taken back by the unexpected question, “Pinkie, I don’t think today is such a good day.”

“Of course not silly,” retorted Pinkie Pie. “Today is a day for quiet parties. To share and remember those lost over dinks and light food. I can do those parties, but that is not the party the two of you need.”

Celestia blinked. There was much she understood over her extremely long life, but Pinkie Pike continued to confuse her as much as it did Twilight. “Give me a month, Pinkie. I’ll let you know when and where.”

“On my calendar,” said Pinkie Pie. Rarity walked off with Pinkie Pie bouncing alongside her.

“What do you feel,” asked Celestia still facing straight ahead.

Chrysalis, as Solar Flare, spoke up, “There’s a mix of emotions in the air, so many it is hard to…to…” she turned to face Celestia, “I…I feel love.”

More importantly, she felt where that love was coming from.

“In public, you, Solar Flare, will be my companion. In private, Chrysalis will be my companion.” Celestia turned to face her former enemy and she smiled a true and genuine smile. “It’s good to let go of the hate. I can now give you what both of us want.” She stood and Solar Flare quickly stood with her. Celestia moved to the carriage with the pony beside her. Along the way she acknowledged the bows and greetings but didn’t stop. Once the carriage door was closed, she placed a wing over Solar Flare. “Thank you for sending me that letter.”

Chrysalis didn’t respond, she was still taking in the love freely given to her. A love she never thought she would receive.