Her Tattered Soul

It is a bit rude to be talked about and not be addressed directly.

Let Us know if thou have anything of value to add and then We may let you speak.

"So, you are still bonded with the parasite?"

"Yes, unfortunately."

"So it's still a danger."

"We'll figure something out. For right now let us release thou."

Luna raises her head, which she had done before teleporting us all to Celestia's location. I recognize what Luna is doing now, it is magic! It feels cool, like a pony who was in hot weather coming into a cold building. Very refreshing, invigorating even. The breaking of the chains linking Celestia to the ground was satisfying.

Upon seeing the equine rise I realize that the other ponies are quite diminutive. We are more than twice their height, give or take a few inches.

This is normal, there is reason We and Our sister call them "our little ponies".

Rather adorable.

Quite.

"Thank you Luna, I had thought that I would have cramps after being on the ground so long."

"It wasn't nearly long enough to even start to make thou uncomfortable."

Celestia adopts a sad smile.

"That was supposed to be a joke, Lulu."

"Oh."

To be fair I did not understand it either.

Out of view, I can hear someone trying very hard to not laugh.

"Hahahah! Is that your nickname, Lulu?!"

Of course it would be the cyan eyesore.

"Of course it would be the cyan eyesore."

Is that really what motivates thou to action?

"It is a nice name and it should not be mocked."

The whelp cringes.

"Geeze didn't realize Celestia's sister would be mean like that!"

Now I am getting annoyed, they should be aware of which pony they are speaking to.

Nightmare, do not ruin this for me!

Celestia gets between us and her ponies.

"She's been on the moon for a millennium, and was- is currently having to share space with a malevolent spirit."

The lavender unicorn winces. Quickly approaching the princess she launches herself into a flurry of apologies. The poor dear looks close to tears when Celestia gently pats her on the head with a wing.

"You performed admirably my faithful student. You not only managed to make friends but also rallied them together to make this journey."

She speaks so softly to Twilight, voice full of affection and patience. I feel a deep sense of longing from hearing it.

"And Twilight, you brought my sister back to me."

Celestia looks towards us, my heart hitches. While her smile is small, it feels like the rays of sunshine breaking through the clouds. When did that happen?

She's raising the sun, like I do the moon.

That is remarkable. I feel like laughing at how matter of fact Luna's words felt.

"Let's go home Luna."

Celestia addresses Twilight.

"I would ask you come with, but I have a feeling I know what your answer may be."

We should leave them be for now.

Very well.

The castle has a bit of a haunting sort of beauty to it, does it not?

It used to be beautiful. Clearly it has fallen into disrepair in the time We have been away.

I'm sorry.

I can feel Luna draw a blank at my apology. Was it not the right thing to do?

Why art thou apologizing?

It is clear that something terrible has befallen both you and Celestia because of my actions. From what I could piece together I caused the both of us to be exiled. This in turn caused Celestia strife, and made you hate me.

Let Us get back home. Too much has happened today and We feel exhausted.

I cannot help but feel wounded at her lack of a response. I suppose I cannot wish for more, though. Or I should not wish for more, rather.

I feel tired.