Not Even A Princess

by Black Hailstorm

Rating: teen
Tags: Trixie, Sunset Shimmer, Violence, Death, Princess Luna, Drama, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Other, Thriller
Length: 13544

"Princess Luna has returned at last!" Is what the headlines said the day of her coronation, now after Moons have passed the Princess of the Night knows. She was no Princess. Not yet.

Cheese Sandwhich | Speaker Extraordinare
"We lost our beloved Princess Celestia, but in return, Harmony has given back our Lost Princess. Not just to Equestria but the whole wide world! Welcome back our once lost Princess. If Princess Celestia were here, she would be the one introducing you to the world instead of me, so in lieu of her, let me be the first of many to say: Welcome home Princess Luna! We've missed you!"

This was what the reborn alicorn heard. Luna was back but at the same time she wasn't. And even though the title was there she knew the truth.

She wasn't a Princess. Not even close.

Death tag is inserted due to discussions or implications/ mentions of death in the story.

Tags may change as the story progresses.

An entry in the Lateverse

Published 2021-09-08 18:10:02 UTC
Last updated 2021-09-27 19:58:32 UTC

Chapter 1

Ch 1: Trapped

Look at it this way, it's not as bad as Horseshoe Antics makes it seem.

Sole surviving ruler to the throne of Equestria, the Princess of the Night huffed in annoyance. Her ghostly company's attempt to placate her did nothing but outline how much it did irritate her.

In a lot of ways, she regretted asking the staff to bring her the daily morning paper today.

Script brand of the company, bold and blocky words of Horshoe Antics were large and made to be noticed, flashy and gaudy, yet it all worked to draw attention almost instantly. Worst of all was the photo. With a glow of her horn and a flip of the page, the Princess turned her head away from the offending newspaper.

Her ghostly companion sighed.

The Princess merely turned her thoughts elsewhere.

Filmtography was the most exquisite detail that had been added to the news in the last millenia. Her old life recalled a time where messengers were the only way to relay information. Now, today, there were images that moved when the eye looked at them! Even if this wasn't entirely new to her, as the past had shown her many similarities before with Celestia, the fact it was a modern development in the lands she had once ruled which hadn't even discovered electricity yet back in those days, was something to be amazed by. Who would have thought such a complex illusion could have been put on paper by any mage of this realm in this time frame? Star Swirl and his apprentice, Clover the Clever, had been leaps ahead of their peers but not even they had made or developed the concept of this.

If it hadn't been an image about her perhaps she might have enjoyed it better. If it had been an image favoring her in a brighter light, she wouldn’t even still be dwelling on this. But it was an image that depicted her shrieking at a journalist in fury, a journalist who had asked her more than one question when she’d only permitted him the opportunity of asking solely one, and one alone! And the questions itself he had asked had been VERY inappropriate given where she was.

Worst of all there is nothing I may do to reflect myself in a better light the Alicorn lamented. All she could do at this point was let her contemporaries and peers do all the talking for her. Even now, she had no clue what was happening outside. There was no point in asking either because if she did, Sunset or Trixie or Starlight or Blueblood would simply tell her to ‘not worry, they have things under control.’

“Feh!” She huffed.

How could she not worry? More than a single Moon had passed since her coronation, since the big announcement to the world, on air, across every news platform in this nation and the others. Princess Luna was back!

Yet, here you and I sit. Back and unable to interact with anyone save the ones our peers will allow us.

She couldn’t help but scowl. Memories of a time long lost bubbled to the surface. Back then she’d been younger, her body had been roughly about this young if not slightly older, but she had been inexperienced. Unfamiliar with the rules and laws of the land after they had all just defeated Discord and had to return to a nation at complete disarray with its former ruler either dead, lost to the chaos forever, or betrayed somewhere during it. She recalled how she and Celestia had had to study quickly and pick up things without books, and only one teacher who taught them how to prepare themselves when they returned to Equestria as its heroes and would be requested to meet many of the royalty. It reminded her of how he blatantly inserted himself and them by extension into things, by directly shoving them into the situation than explain anything.

Remembering how Star Swirl went about their crash course into early Equestrian nobility in the upfront style of his brought a mournful scowl to her lips that made her hate how all of this was being handled even more. She appreciated the decency of getting an explanation, it was the lack of inclusion that infuriated her more.

A pressure in her head and a sensation down her spine made the Alicorn twitch and sigh.

"You are right, I shall try to relax." Her tense wings finally relaxed. But that didn't mean she couldn't be angry about it.

It was a clear image of her back, the photo going from black and white to gaining color as the picture came to life and began to move the longer she stared at it. There She was. Princess Luna, even if she wasn't the same Luna they knew from legend. A wide berth had been kept between her and the rest of the patrons, all of whom she noticed in the picture snuck glances with their eyes as she spoke. She sat at a table, an umbrella up to provide her shade, where unlike the rest they sat under curtained awnings. Done with her treat and chiding the members of her personal guard to do the same. The thestral, unicorn, and earth pony mares all holding small smiles in response to whatever niceties she had been giving them on their second meeting after her aloof welcome to their assignment as her guards. She turned to the sound of a voice calling out to her, and it was a shame these moving pictures did not record sound for her scowl would have made more sense even as her horn glowed and she rose to point at the journalist, visible anger in her sapphire eyes. A young mare holding back her fury from the clear way her feathers ruffled and puffed out along with her barred teeth and vengeful scowl.

But if the image wasn't enough, then it was the headline that sealed the point.

Hidden Princess Returns Again! Rage Unleashed Towards Harmless Journalist!

A whisper in her ear told Ayla not to think about the barb behind that headline. To ignore it and instead focus on the upcoming lesson ahead. It would be poor form and even more pathetic to display such a behavior to our most favored instructor as of yet.

So she took a deep breath, doing the same thing her niece, Cadence had suggested. She took a deep breath in and let out a breath slowly.

By the time he'd entered, she was feeling a bit better.

"Good day to you Princess" the stallion trotted in, offering a small smile hidden almost entirely by his moustache.

The sleeveless button up was adjusted as the light brown stallion produced a comb from his side pocket, held in a pale green aura. Quickly he combed his hair back as he moved towards the wall collapsed white board, producing a marker from the saddlebags that floated behind him, and with a wordless smile behind his cream colored moustache, the teacher tugged on the board, pulled it out and then turned to give the noble his full attention. Warm pale green eyes wrinkling just a tad.

In a lot of ways seeing a stallion in his young fifties was a heartwarming sight to Her eyes. Back at the height of their reign, most only made it to the young age of thirty or maybe forty if they were lucky and took care of themselves properly. The oldest she could recall was a messenger, 41, a messenger pony whom Luna recalled knowing and was friendly with, Destined Distance having been one of the best Earth Pony royal messengers to have ever served.

She offered him a small smile back. It was fake and didn't quite reach her eyes and doing that alone She almost felt bad doing that to him. He didn't deserve that, Rate Change was one of the few lecterns whose company she actually enjoyed. Out of many He was the few of a collection in her tutelage staff that she truly enjoyed talking to and learning from. He never asked her about her old life during breaks where she'd be allowed time from study to stretch or leave the studying hall to move around within the golden confines of the castle for half an hour before being needed to come back. Never tried too hard to be her friend when she had never asked for it in the first place. Never seemed to sneak in the suggestion of being remembered and offered something better once she was on the throne again, this specific suggestion being the one to infuriate her the most out of them all. And out of Baron Starlight's personal suggestions, he was the one of the few that had passed her trials with flying colors. Most that had failed her tests had been kicked out of returning when all was done for the day, with a few exceptions where her peers would circumvent her authority, undermining not just her image to the commoners involved, but undermining her authority as a Princess entirely by doing so instead of approaching her and TALKING.

Then they had the gall to pull her into a private meeting and lecture her about needing to stop treating individuals like they were beneath her. Funny how that worked out when they were doing the exact thing they lectured her not to do.

Representative Sunset and Princess Twilight could complain about her firing teachers hired to help Her all she wanted, but Ayla knew herself. Her memories of a life under a younger Star Swirl were clear as if she had lived them herself. Was it unfair to compare teachers to one of the greatest teachers she, and the departed Celestia, had ever had? No. It was not. If Princess Twilight and her friends wanted to prove to her that she would be provided the best education to fully settle into her role as a true Princess of Equestria, then it was not a problem if she herself kicked out the ones who would slow down her progress earlier, instead of later. Cooped up here for hours studying, learning everything-- EVERYTHING-- all over again, she deserved only the best. Her sacrifice required nothing but the best and Rate Change deserved her best by extension. Even if she was in a mood after reading today's paper.

Knowing Rate Change however she expected he would try to fix that. Aside from being a skilled mathematician and historian, patient, and most importantly, adaptable, he had something that most her other tutors didn't have. A casual air about his teaching style that made the notion of being friendly with her tutors, more palatable than she would admit. Something most that had been selected for his position in had failed.

The thing that really sold him however, was that he didn’t treat her like how she looked. He treated her with respect an immortal deserved, and not like one of his foals even if her current body made her out to look like a young mare still grasping at the straws of adulthood.

She nodded at him to proceed.

A third figure appeared, but as Rate began writing on the board with a marker, underlining the topic he would begin covering, only one of them could clearly see their third visitor. Which was perfectly fine for her. The specter watched closely, but remained silent by Ayla's side.

"Well Princess Luna, good afternoon to you. I see you have grown a bit taller since last week, or am I to be mistaken?" his light voice echoed in the space of their stage room. Empty of all occupants save her, him, and their ghostly friend attached to her.

The ingenuine smile was replaced with a snicker of amusement. "We have, thank you for noticing."

"Alicorn aging is such a fascinating thing," he chuckled. "You've done quite well you know, learning a decade's worth material in these last five months. I hope all has been well since your morning lessons?"

"It has been, and I am, Rate Change," her smile thinning, "as well as one such as I may be given, grant the morning I hath received."

His eyes glanced at the paper on the large oak desk, then her. His smile became soft, losing a fraction of its energy, almost empathetic. "Well, let's dig into this then. I'm sure I can help you get your mind off things.

"We have a long lesson about globalization and the history of trade relations" he chuckled, "indulge me if you would please, something of a favorite topic of mine. I hope you've been revising those notes of yours you asked for?"

The Princess nodded. The teenage mare took a sip of water from the bottle using magic, then set it back on its place. Nearby at the far right of her desk. Putting it down, she eyed the plastic container that held her drink. An anomaly over a thousand years ago if her memories were anything to go by. Still so much she had to get used to, and of all the things it was this simple everyday trinket that she could not help but stare at wonder in the design. Glass would have been the only thing to serve it in or tin back in her old life’s time, here they used manufactured plastic like some of the other realms had learned to develop.

The strange similarities across realms was truly something fascinating to behold.

"Ahem."

She had the sense to smile sheepishly. Sapphire eyes looking at his pale green. A small patient smile sat under the pale white strawberry pink moustache that Rate donned. His brow rose in question as if to say: 'Do I have your attention Miss?'

"Sincerest apologies Professor Rate Change, surely, thou may continue" she shifted under the large cushion of her seat. "Our attention shain't waver again."

He hmphed, with none of the pompousness she had seen some uppers of Canterlot display towards their lessers in the open streets. Tone teasing, Rate said: "If you insist Princess, I'll try my best not to bore you." It got another amused smile.

"Now then, where did we leave off last? Do you remember?" He asked absentmindedly opening a textbook displaying the Equestrian bit and it's sign; a horseshoe print with the insignia of a sun underneath it.

"I believe our last meeting was about to go further into the topic of globalization. How Equestria formed a connection with other nations after the fall of Emperor Gladiolus?" Saying the name brought back fractured memories of him, but those memories were pushed down. Not important her ghostly half stated, a faint low breathy hiss in her mind, as they were no longer relevant to her of now.

"Ah yes", Rate Change continued oblivious to the conversation behind him. The marker moved swiftly etching a design. Within a few minutes a map of central Equestria was drawn on the board before Rate Change trotted over to the side and with his magic extended the board out into two. Drawing on the second one as he went, making dotted lines and arrows, picking up new markers he had laid out and using them to further his design to circle spots or locations, minimizing the detail to vague circles and spots and lines and arrows, but with her lessons in Geography paying off in the last couple Moons, and her memories of the past, the Princess had enough information to understand quite well what she was seeing.

“Naval routes between Equestria and the Far East?” She asked.

The circles must be trading centers the third member of their party stated.

“Correct! These are the naval routes Equestria used to travel across the Celestial Ocean. This was before airships, and just a few decades after the Lost Princess and the Battle at Everfree Castle.” Rate Change explained in a matter-of-fact voice. One familiar to someone else she knew. “Port Pewter is right here” he trotted over to a circle and wrote down Baltimare as a label on an island not far from a gulf that stretched out into the Celestial Ocean. “It was and still is used as a major transportation port in trading with nations over on the East, like Minos, Llamanka, Ramat, and Regalia.”

“Back in those days Regalia had been conquering steadily upwards until it met resistance from Minos and Rahgdaal, followed by the civil war sparked by Princess Celestia's pupil, Capella Star.” An arrow went from where Regalia, now Fancy, was labeled and circled, pointing in different directions. The arrows went up to Minos, the eastern dragon nation Rahgdaal, the warthog nation island, Schwe, and went through Romania, towards Lupis. “It had progressed by gathering territory in its own lands, fully uniting the nation into its empire, then smuggling resources from its neighbors. When the Emperor was defeated, Princess Celestia seized the opportunity quickly by offering the nation’s new leader support provided a new trade deal was made. It opened paths for Equestria again over the ocean, but these were fleeting deals. Especially without you”, the marker pointed and wagged in her direction with a teasing smile, one that actually did more to quell her minor annoyance at the title, more so than her ghostly companion was. “Things escalated after you vanished,” his tone was factual. “After your disappearance was confirmed the whole nation collapsed within days. There was chaos. A full on civil war for power. Equestria’s economy took quite a hit after it had lost one of its rulers. It became isolated for several decades. Things became strained between it and many nations, and only really began to repair after Regalia collapsed once the Emperor and his most trusted allies were defeated. But there were still roadblocks ahead that even Celestia did not see.”

It was almost amusing to hear from the mouth of a historian, that for all her past life’s old feelings of doubt and anger about feeling unvalued, the moment she stopped being a factor in governing, everything quickly fell apart. It made sense of course in hindsight. It was only fair that when she wasn’t there to temper Celestia’s ideas with their own, things would be difficult for her to manage. Unlike her former sister, she'd never planned on what to if there was a chance Equestria stopped becoming a Diarchy. Yet at the same time, the satisfaction that hearing about her sister’s struggles might have brought her once, did not bring her any now. It merely brought her a sense of pity, and it must have shown in her reaction as Rate Change paused in what he was about to say and frowned.

“Do you need a moment?” He asked carefully.

She sighed, knowing that these feelings were to be expected but not liking that it had to be so in the first place. History was by far her favorite subject aside from magic. That was one thing that hadn’t changed. It has always been a fascinating topic of hers. Understanding different cultures, just like understanding different realms was their way once, before the Great Fall of Elysium and the rest of the High Realms. That was something she knew she would never forget. Yet hearing about Celestia’s past specifically, her struggles mostly, it always made her feel sympathy for the mare she would have once called a sister but now was more just some lost friend- an old acquaintance she remembered with fond and bitter memories alike that had once held a strong bond, now frail.

A weight landed over her withers and the gentle hum of a light voice made her ears twitch as wings covered her side. Ayla breathed in deeply and sighed. Glad for the embrace of her ghostly bound counterpart.

“Nay”, her reply was firm. “Let us continue.” She smiled down at him, and this time it was genuine. “I do appreciate your concern though Sir Change. The ones before you only feared my reaction and what I might do, rather than show genuine concern for my well being.”

Rate Change merely offered a humble smile in response. “Your welcome Majesty. When you are ready, please let me know. And don’t hesitate to tell me off if I’m broaching anything you’d rather not discuss- I can skip over certain history lessons and get right to the more important stuff if needed. Just let me know.” He reassured her.

She smiled just a bit more. “Thank you, please,” she nodded. “Continue.”

An hour and a half went by and after a call for break and the following order of a snack of fruit salad for both her and her instructor, in spite of his protests, the lesson would continue.

Rate Change dabbed at his mouth with a tissue and finished off his water before trotting over to the board, setting up to begin clearing it. “Don’t fall asleep on me now Princess” his smile mischievous.

She snorted in amusement, the snort itself tired, and the yawn following it was forced away. With a hoof gesturing onwards, she said in between fighting away her own second yawn, “Fret not Sir Change. Ye have yet to bore us into slumber, please, continue.”

“As you wish, Princess.” Was the theatrical reply. “Rahgdaal as we were saying earlier, is very different from Dragonia located in the southeast across Equestria's desert fields, that connect to the Badlands. These two dragon territories function have a fundamental difference in that unlike Dragonia which has one powerful leading figure and several lowers, Rahgdaal is divided into states. Each...ruled…”

She blinked sluggishly, once, and then the world went dark for several seconds before a cold feeling touched her forehead. With a start, the princess sat up straighter, snapping from her daze.

Luckily Rate Change hadn’t noticed.

“...Now the interesting thing to note is that Equestria had to work really hard to connect to the other nations after it formed its tenuous deal with Princess Pristine. But often times a lot of these routes that we had here” He explained, highlighting with red circles on each nation on the impromptu map he had created. Then drawing green ‘X’s on routes from Equestria to certain road bound trading paths. “A lot of these paths were shut down to us specifically. Can you guess why Princess?”

Ayla hesitated for a moment, thinking. “I am afraid I do not--”

“Well that’s just a shame” Rate Change’s stated, sounding almost disappointed. “Think about it, I’ll wait.” His small smile looked hopeful.

A minute went by, and that hopeful smile became almost nervous. Almost agitated.

And she tried, but… “I am afraid I--”

With clear surprise the professor responded unkindly. “Really now? Well” he huffed, “I’m afraid you have a long way to go then princess. This is simple common sense really if you just think about it.” He said with almost an irritated laugh. Mocking her. “Really think about it. I’ll give you a few more minutes.”

Why was he acting like this? Rate Change did have an edge of bluntness to him, but he had never been so rude before.

Jaw tightening, she replied with some evenness, “I do not know.”

And he laughed. Right to her face, chuckling really at her in a manner that could have shamed the proudest of professionals in an instant. Hot embarrassment in the form of a faint pinkish red blush formed on her cheeks and suddenly she was reminded of just how low she had fallen from her old life to this. A Princess being laughed at by a scholar, all because she couldn’t answer a simple question. In the old days the very act was unthinkable, she would have had him expelled from her premises and then given a firm warning and reduction of pay, possibly even punished him with some time in confinement.

These days, all of that is illegal.

“Princess Luna, surely you have some idea of what I’m talking about? It’s common sense, any creature your age taught Advanced history in their Categorical years should know this. Especially you, you’ve lived it! Think!"

She rose.

"Simple common sense? Truly?" She laughed, loud, melodious and joyful but hiding the venom building up inside. "Enlighten us,” she stated with a tinge of heat. “Enlighten us, noble laeran, to what haze blinds us to thine clarity?"

"Why I'm glad you asked." The teacher grinned, and she could sense the satisfaction as he moved. "Equestria struggled to maintain its relationship with nations like Minos because of the competitive nature between the various Equestrian Houses. That and the highly toxic views of those times that some of the merchants and nobles held towards non-equine. Princess Celestia struggled quite a bit to rein in her peers after your fall Majesty. The Throne's power in the early years of Nightmare Moon's banishment followed by your disappearance was a lot for the nation to digest in one day. A lot of historians forget that you, were despite not being the most social of Early Equestria’s nobility, you were the most observed; one of the most acknowledged by your peers specifically. The war efforts you led really gave you credit among them, so the domino effect of your absence, especially in wrestling opinions of the bickering Houses like Meissa, Rose, and Light, made any chance of good long standing relationships an impossibility. Had you been present, perhaps it would have been easier to rein things in."

An ear flicked. Something nagged at her mind, like a feeling something wasn't right about what she was hearing. Anger made her dismiss it. She had to address this.

"Rate Change”, she said his name quietly after several seconds of silence. Eyes widening slightly. “You clearly jest. Surely, you mean not to imply that the failure of those early trade agreements are somehow, my fault?"

There was a pause. A pause that lasted a few seconds too long. Rate Change didn't look surprised, didn't flinch back, or didn't even seem to hold an ounce of realization at how what he had just said had sounded to her. How insulting it was. You didn’t talk that way to royalty, period. In fact he played it off, looking thoughtful when she somehow could tell that he knew the answer to her question.

"Indirectly? Yes."

The audacity of this era's generation was baffling.

After hearing that, all Ayla could do was make her approach. Taking her last step forward as he stood his ground, her next words were like a hiss. “How dare you.”She whispered. Stalking closer. “How DARE YOU!" and the shadows in the room suddenly grew darker at her bellow. "You DARE blame ME for that which I could not even begin to intervene in!”

For his response, Rate Change snorted in amusement. With clear disdain he replied, "You could have, if you’d never disappeared in the first place.”

Anger was smothered out with surprise then rekindled into a bonfire. Her lips struggled to form words, finally she managed.

“What?”

Where was all this coming from? Why was he acting like this? He’d never spoken to her like this before.

"I do not fear you Luna. I have learned the tales and legends like everyone else, some in more detail, and in every legend it is always the same about what happens to you. Every mind thinks the same. You just vanish, disappear. Celestia wrote your name in history as a tragic hero. Especially in the moment where your Sister most needed you when the attack from the Nightmare struck the castle."

A familiar sense of pressure in the back of her mind pushed, like something she was forgetting was trying to make itself known in that moment but it passed.

"To the victors of war go all the spoils." Rate Change said with a pleased kind of smile.

“There’s theories, you know? Lots of them." He went on. "And all of them have been revived since you returned. New ones forming every day.” Rate Change took a step forward, then circled around her as he continued. A grim glare watching him as he moved. “Some say you were the first to face the Nightmare, but like your sister, you barely managed the battle. That you were trapped in some magical prison, without the Elements to support you, you were easily defeated and put into a deep sleep that weakened you.”

“Others”, he went on. “Say you sensed what was coming and ran away. Fled into the night and were captured and locked away by the She-Demon alicorn that attacked the Everfree Castle with an army of only a thousand. She overpowered you and used you as a bargaining chip that failed against your 'sister'" he said, spitting that word out in disgust.

“And the most popular of them all.” Rate Change grinned. “I’m sure you’ve heard it murmured under the breaths of the nobles. You saw it in the papers that stirred up a commotion right before you began this whole charade. That You struck a deal with the She-Demon, and she betrayed you in the end. Take out your sister and let you take the throne and you’d have everything you wanted. The throne, the power, the recognition!”

Grimacing, Ayla flapped with her wings and moved three body lengths away from the peculiar professor. Something was wrong here, and at this thought she felt an odd itch at her horn that vanished just as swiftly.

Not even bothering to hide the venom she asked “What point are you trying to make?”

“That nothing’s changed Luna.” Rate Change’s left eye twitched, and with a sudden alertness he froze and his ears rose to look around. Pausing only for a moment as if to listen. Then before Luna could speak, just as light filling the room flickered with a static buzz. “That you waste your time slaving in this study hall they made in your honor, only given the freedom to explore a city that you’ve already explored ten times in a single month.

How much longer will you be forced to roam Canterlot? Made a prisoner in this castle. Not allowed to make visits to the newer states, to show the world you have a will of your own?"

Turning away as he pressed forward Luna was caught off guard by the presence of Rate Change in that direction. In her face he shoved the headline of today's paper of a different article. "Princess Luna fails to make a trip around Equestria yet again. Has yet to meet the civil leaders or the remaining nobility in other cities. What is our estrange Princess doing?"

She shoved past him, but he followed her shouting the cursed lines after her: "why hasn't the rest of Equestria's public been graced with the presence of their Lost Princess? What do the nobles of Canterlot think? What is Princess Twilight doing with our Lost Princess? Is Canterlot really that great?"

And when she rounded on him to yell at him to shut up, he wasn't there. Ayla paused. Then when the itch on her horn returned she followed it to find Rate Change standing at the door.

"They won’t let you leave the castle grounds without supervision despite you already knowing everything about Canterlot, Luna." He said with cautious steps forward. "They assigned you guards without even informing you till the last minute." He reminded her. "They don’t trust you. And how could they, after what you were before? They are being careful- but how long does their anxiety hurt your image? How long before the damage done becomes irreparable?”

"Even now, the rest of the world is watching and waiting. Overcast brought with him technological innovation that has vastly improved the world's radio technology and communication in the last several Cycles. They are listening to the waves, waiting for you, while you rot in here like some pet to be admired, never freed."

Jaw set, the false Princess’ eyes narrowed. Rate Change was one of the few she actually considered close enough to even reward the title of ‘friend’ loosely. Her studies aside, she felt they had grown close. But even if she considered him a friend, the thing before her now was clearly not him.

“Leave.”

And the Rate Change she thought she knew so well, laughed. A maniacal cackle that reminded her so much of her. “You know it's true! You know it is!

“They keep you LOCKED IN HERE Luna! THINK! IS IT WORTH IT!?!" He appeared before her with a angry scream, his coat darkening, teeth sharpening.

She shoved him away with her magic and then his voice calmed on an almost desperate edge as he looked around. The lights flickered and then the room seemed to vibrate before stillness. "They don’t tell you anything about what is going on." He continued, looking like himself again. "Don't deny it." He said softly. "I can see into your mind, I know that is how you feel! All they ask of you is to sit here and learn, and learn but you will never STOP learning! They want your trust but give you none of theirs! You know this! You know they are deceiving you! Let me help you! ”

She did. She did know that Princess Twilight, Princess Sunset and Trixie were intentionally blocking her from getting into the affairs of things. If she had truly been put back, they would be carrying out her will, not keeping her out of the loop. She knew that Spike assigned the guards to give her company, when he was aware of why she would need it aside from security. She knew this and that the others were intentionally keeping her out of the loop. That the excuse was the culture shock would be too much for her. A thousand years was a lot to catch up to.

And deep down she knew she couldn't blame them entirely. As she'd been learning, Celestia had really been true to Loyalty. She had covered up everything about the relation between her and the Nightmare, built an entirely fabricated persona to save her image for her return. Had spread lies, suffocated truths, and even kept the remnants of the Void Guard alive by including Thestrals into Equestria society. Her former sister may have betrayed her faith, but Aelia had redeemed herself in her eyes by allowing Princess Luna to keep her dignity in tact.

Yet still, whatever information she had left her students and most trusted allies to work with on her return, was clearly sorely lacking. It seemed even after a thousand years apart, not even Celestia had changed completely about keeping details to herself, even with those she valued.

She couldn't blame Twilight and the others for thinking that all of this, this new modern world with all this new technology and innovation would be too much for some medieval Alicorn princess; one who had lived in a time period where the only males with equal rights at the height of their rule, had either been outside of Equestria or had been of noble or prestigious origin.

She couldn't blame them for thinking she would be sensitive to all these new things. That she would be stubborn in the old ways. Water bottles certainly didn't exist a thousand years ago, and glass cups were a growing commodity back in her day. While getting used to common males carrying positions was rubbing off on her, it was an easy adjustment compared to everything else.

She could blame them however for treating her like she was fragile. They could teach her while also familiarizing herself more with the modern government in the process.

Rate Change seemed to pick up on this since she had lapsed into silence and her fire of denial had simmered. Thinking he might have a chance, the thing spoke. "As of now you haven't interacted with the local branches of government in Moons. They know the same about you as they did before your Return. Legends."

Ayla grimaced. This was true. Yet just a few months ago, they made her a Princess. And for What? To show that she was back but not doing anything? What was a Princess, who had no duty? How did that make her look? What was royalty without a cause but just a gem encrusted crown claiming to be something more than what it really was.

Ayla knew. Luna’s life carried centuries of experience, experience that would aid her in this one to make better decisions. But she didn’t like being told that her time, precious moments, were being wasted. Didn’t appreciate the heavy handed reminder.

Most of all she hated how it had taken her this long to figure out that she was talking to an Oneimeri Demon. It was an eye opener really. In the past she would have known at a glance, but she'd hardly noticed at all till just now.

“Leave.” Her command was a warning.

“Luna” and now his tone was gentle, cautious. His eyes jerked left to right, searching for something in the air. As if expecting something else might attack him at any moment. The sight made Ayla's blood boil, watching this vile fraud masquarade as one of her ponies to deceive her. The thing that masqueraded as Rate Change had a pleading look in its eyes. “Luna, I can help you.”

Her horn glowed. In that moment Ayla became Luna again. Her tinted indigo feathers shifted to black, her coat returned to dark blue and the black splotches she no longer had returned, her horn twisted, losing the slight curve it held and became straight again. Long and just as slender. The lights buzzed and flickered.

And when the light flooded the room again, Luna towered over the demon where it had stood just a few horseshoes taller before.

“Your brothers and sisters helped me once.” the false-Princess stated coldly. Her eyes displaying her fury. The blue glow of her magic growing brighter as Luna returned to the alicorn she was now.

"And you almost won!" Rate Change challenged.

"Almost." Ayla emphasized the word with disgust. "Almost is not good enough. The Elements did not destroy me when they could have or cast me back to the plane of the Lunars when they could have for a reason. I will not play with their decision."

"Luna", the demon pleaded, taking steps back and away. In that moment Rate Change's mask fell away. His fur losing its bright orange hue, his hair falling out, his eyes becoming bloodshot green. "We can win this time! Celestia is no more and she left behind the inexperienced to guide you! The greedy, the prideful! We can capitalize--"

"No." Her word echoed in the study hall and the shadows twisted, shook and moved away from her where they had once been slowly creeping closer.

"You're being a fool!" It spoke in a gargling hoarse snarl. "My brothers and I are wiser than the others! We can--"

"You could have left. But you chose to stay. You invaded my home, violated the sanctity of my mind, and now I am afraid I cannot allow you to leave."

Mucus green tears wept from the creature's eyes. It's fanged maw moved but no words came out.

"I believe" Ayla stated with finality, "I have no longer any need of your service."

The demon once disguised as her favored tutored, screamed bloody murder. Its body combusting into living green fire, it grew threw times her size, eyes burning a glowing sickly mucus green white as he rushed towards her at a maddening gallop with a howl.

Ayla didn't even hesitate.

The world fractured like glass when her spear pierced the creature's body. Pieces of the ceiling dropping out and flecks of the building crumbling away into the air. Then it fractured a second time as the moon made itself known over the hole above. The fourth time it shattered, the shadows surrounding the edges of the room twisted into screaming green creatures of fire, and they lunged for her.

Ayla let out a snarl as her mark, a glowing full moon glowed at her flanks, and as it did she called on spears of moonlight that pierced each demon that dare get near her.

With a final shout, her slightly curved horn glowed brighter, and the creature's impaled on her moonlight Spears, were torn asunder as the world fractured again into a thousand tiny pieces around her. Then with one final grunt, just as shadowy tendrils rose from every dark corner of the room away from the light towards her, she called on a ray of moonlight. It bathed the whole room in its brilliance. Destroying everything.

Everything except her.

Author's Note

No idea how long this will be. But its been two years since I've written anything on here and some free time I managed to make this over the last week or so with edits here and there.

This won't be a long story, it's an idea I wanted to play with and see written out. Keep an eye out for updates and leave a comment if you have any thoughts.

Chapter 2

Ch 2: Exchanges

The princess asked the Moon a simple question.

And for the first time in her life since the Return, it’s metaphysical reply was warm where it had always been silent.

Inky black tendrils recoiled from the light as it struck them, motes of darkness chipping off them. The screams of the damned were a distant sound to her ears. Their sounds merely made her scowl, and when she did, her form shifted- flickered, like a mirage she was once more the Lost Princess, before the mirage vanished and she was herself once more.

“To think once upon a time, We may ave already smite thee.”

“You’re making a mistake Luna!” One of the tortuous spirits called out to her from the shadows. “They will never trust you like they trusted Her! Even in Her true Death, they still hold her of higher esteem than you. What can you hope to do to earn the faith of those that know NOTHING but legends from a now dead Queen? Do you really think those legends will hold against the reality they are faced with? To some, perhaps. But to the world that is watching?”

“You cannot be so blind. Surely, our eldest brother did not muddle your mind in the time you were banished. Or perhaps maybe we may have underestimated the wisdom you once carried in your old life.”

Ayla ignored that. Luna would have made a snide comeback to such a statement barbed with the bluntest of insults. She however, just smiled thinly. They knew what she was thinking, it barely needed saying.

As the shadows coalesced and the anguished cries faded, a shadow behind her spoke. “You think we are lying?” And it laughed. Many joined it, becoming a dimly lit room of laughing voices that surrounded an island of light.

Another voice cried out from the shadows hovering just around the edges of her little glowing island of untainted light. Glowing eyes narrowed as the disembodied voice spoke. “We may be trapped in this realm, but we have learned to read the minds of mortals as you once did Luna. You know as well as I that only the very skilled can hide the truth. We HEAR the truest of feelings and thoughts that your peers share with each other in their slumbers but never in YOUR presence or even in the presence of your CAPTORS. You would be wise to take up our offers of kindness, especially given how long it will take for you to return to your full power. If you knew the things they said about you. The things they fear, that they doubt. Even the concerns of Celestia’s pupils border towards the negative.”

And almost like a hiss at her ear, “Even your nephew fears of what you could become again. Take our deal, we are better than our deceased Elder and his flock of sycophants. WE will treat you better. An equal, not one to be underestimated.”

Ayla took in a deep, calming breath. And then closed her eyes, shutting anything else her tormentors might say out.

Looking up towards the white orb above her, she asked it a question. What has happened beyond these dreams? Is the city safe? Art we under hostile invasion?

The large orb however, said nothing. Merely peaking through the cracks above the ceiling, a silent observer.

It made her scowl.

Of course she thought bitterly. Discord taking over for both of them, coupled with her own state and the fact Celestia had severed her connection back then would just make it pure luck if she had been able to glean anything at all in this realm.

Deciding instead to ask for a different kind of help that would be beneficial. Ayla's horn glowed once more. Her horn grew brighter and light flooded the room, rays of moonlight bursting through the ceiling, bathing the study room in brighter light. As soon as rays of light began to strike, instantly tendrils of darkness, tinted with a mucus yellow glow, reached out for her, some snaking around where her arrows of light struck. Whenever they crossed into the island of light Ayla was central to however, they fractured, and dissipated in seconds. Fractures that existed along the whole building began to grow in bright white veins, and reality itself became wobbly. The unnatural shadows that lingered wriggled like worms and their shrieks of fury were a distant sound to her ears while being locked in the center of the room.

With a final grunt, Ayla dug deep into herself, and gave the Real Moon her magic in offering for what she wanted to be done.

For a moment, less than even a second, everything went black. The Oneimeiri, given a brief reprieve, immediately shrieked and surged. Different voices of different octaves howling out the name Luna as they coalesced, encircled and moved towards her. Then everything was bathed in a flash of white light. Like a camera going off. The room shook, the shadows and the demons that lived in them screamed in its white radiance, their hulking various forms becoming visible. And in that instant everything was destroyed. Everything crumbled away, washed out like a wave sweeping away insects.

The darkness, the room, the demons broke into pieces and scattered like dust. All were destroyed.

Everything, except her. Till the ache in her horn was too great, and then Ayla too gave in to unconsciousness.

The first thing that came to her mind was the feeling of softness. Like she was laying on a cloud. As her mind awoke and her body registered what she lay under, the voice that called her became less faint and distant, clearing.

“..ty! Princess! Princess are you alright?!”

With a start, Ayla awoke. Images of a white light, and her encounters with one or two figures in the dark floated through her mind. It was the only thing she needed to recall what she had just escaped from, yet as she opened her eyes, she found everything to be a blur. Squinting through the haze over her eyes she blinked several times, then once more before the fuzz over her vision cleared as she ran a wing tip over both eyes. Yawning in a very un-princessly manner, Princess Luna looked to her visitors and…

“Princess, are you alright?” the earth pony guard asked with a degree of insistence. Yet Ayla did not reply immediately. She silently looked past the ginger earth pony that was nearest to her bed, then to the thestral, the unicorn, and several other hesitant guards peering through her wide opened doors. From the looks of it, it seemed they’d all been about ready to crowd into her room.

For a brief moment Ayla was slightly annoyed. She pushed that down though, it was clear there had been some concern for her, besides it had been well placed So, she sniffed. “Quite”, her voice low still somewhat tired but her overall tone more relieved. “Sergeant Vigil Task, a good forenoon to you and all those outside my chambers.” As she said this, the princess shifted, slowly rising out of her large bed.

There was a beat of silence as Vigil Task glanced back at the thestral and unicorn, while the remaining guard looked behind them.

“Princess, are you sure you’re okay?” The thestral asked. “When Vigil came for you, she’d been told no one had seen you all day. We’ve been searching the whole castle for you, this was the last place we looked, and you were unresponsive the whole time. We’ve been here for ten minutes trying to wake you. If it weren’t for Arrow here” she nodded towards the bespectacled unicorn next to her, “we would’ve gone to call a doctor immediately. But she said all your vitals were fine. So....Are you alright?”

Ayla almost said no. Something felt off. For a moment she thought she was still--

You’re fine now. That familiar voice gently said to her ears alone.

When she looked next to Gale who’d been speaking, there the owner of that voice was. Bliss smiled back at her.

Peculiar how much of a comfort her phantom bound companion had become but in that moment she was the thing that assured the Princess everything was alright now.

At that moment, Ayla knew she was awake. Ignoring the odd pulse in her horn, an ache she assumed came from the translation of her efforts in the Dream World, she sighed. “Yes, yes I think I am now.” She smiled faintly. “Let me get ready, if I recall there was some place Prince BlueBlood desired we be today.”

With another glance from her guard, the three nodded at the Royal Guard behind them.

Dismissed and filing out of the room, Vigil Task paused at the door and said to Princess Luna: “Glad you’re alright Princess. We’ll be waiting downstairs in the entrance hall for you. Let us know when you’re ready to go.”

With a nod, Ayla waited for the doors to close before she sat and allowed herself to finally relax. “For a moment”, she said after some seconds of silence, “I had been quite worried.”

Bliss chuckled. The Fey’s laughter smoothed over her nerves, like a cooling breeze but at the same time it brought back that faint pulse in her horn. Something that made her brows furrow as she tried to figure out what this faint pulsing was from. Sensitivity to magic was just a normal for unicorns, but having her senses heightened as an alicorn...Was it possible--

“About what?” Bliss’ voice successfully broke everything she had been thinking. “What happened?”

Looking towards her former doppleganger, Ayla frowned. Even looking at the Fey now, it was still a bit odd to imagine that just a few months back they had once been so similar in appearance, minus differences. Yet for some reason, even as she looked at her, there was something about Bliss at the moment that Ayla couldn’t put her hoof on.

Perhaps it was just the jitters from her most recent encounter that was making her so suspicious. It had been a long time after all since she’d had to deal with them.

Speaking of. “The Oneimeiri. They approached me.”

Four eyes widened then narrowed at this proclamation as she gasped. “You didn’t--”

“Of course not!” came Ayla’s quick reply. Then sucking in the wind she let it out between her teeth in a hiss to cool down.

“Easy, I didn’t mean to imply anything. I just--”

“I know!” She sighed, slumping slightly. “I know. I was overconfident and cocky then, and underestimated Erigos and his acolytes. I will not underestimate the others. Do not worry, I made no deals. I would not subject you to being their leash handler yet again Bliss.” More quietly she said, “You do not deserve that. It would be foolish to go back and do it again after the Elements saw fit not to destroy both of us like they did Erigos. Besides...I never enjoyed the cruelty they brought out of me.”

The phantom smiled. “Thank you, Ayla.”

The princess snorted. “Yes, well, we must move. Nephew desires our presence. Let us make haste.”

“And here you are Princess. Just as the Prince reserved, I have received a telegram that he is on his way already and is bringing with him a gift. As soon as he gets here I’ll guide him towards this table.”

“Thank you Dhruv”, the Princess nodded to the griffon. “Your service is much appreciated. When my nephew arrives I will be certain to put a good word of thine service.”

Patting his crown of feathers down, Dhruv offered a bashful ‘thank you’ then excused himself from the table, the griffon nodding his head politely to all three of the guardsmares who silently nodded back as they took their positions in a triangular formation around the Night Princess’ table.

Within moments however the very familiar feeling of boredom washed over Princess Luna. With nothing to do Ayla found herself looking around the gardens for a distraction. She couldn’t talk to the guards with them on duty; wasn’t fitting for one of her status or one of theirs either way, and with where they were, outdoors with green walls on either side of the building that paved a path towards the back main entrance/exit and back entrance/exit, with no one in sight, she couldn’t exactly peek at what other patrons were eating or even start conversation. The few patrons she had seen entering the rather large eatery had all prostrated themselves upon her arrival.

As they should of course.

Then again, if she tried starting a conversation with commoners it would probably just be her answering questions, so there would be no point to that either.

Sighing, horn glowing a brilliant whitish blue, Ayla picked up the menu. An assortment of things were on the display for the ‘brunch’ menu. Or as she had initially called it: an early afternoon snack.

It is easier to just call it brunch, Bliss supplied.

Ayla’s lips went up in a very small smile. I am aware. Now, what do you think of these fillings?

The crackle of pops in her ears expressed Bliss’ hum as the entity’s head emerged from over Ayla’s shoulder.

The Rosette Delight looks good. Her eyes drifted to the order. Forty-two silver bits. The small picture for the small meal was a plate of salad with rose petals, red cherries, trickled with a Fancy sauce and topped with shredded Minosian cheese.

Ayla hummed. It was a good choice. She decided to save it for a default if she could not pick anything else. Looking through the menu, Ayla found a few options she did like, others that made her frown in confusion.

Jello Tart being her least favorite of the assortment.

“Guards.” She called without a glance back. Tone commanding.

“Yes Princess?” Vigil Task, the sergeant of the squad responded.

“What would you like from this menu?” As she said this, her corona wobbled and three other menus floated over to each guard as she turned enough to get a good look at where they were. Quiver Arrow took the one offered to her in her own field, the young noblesse hummed. Even as Vigil hesitated with a very obvious um.

“Um,” she said again. “Princess we really shouldn’t, we are on duty” her tail waved and with an obvious glance in Quiver’s direction that matched the tone, “isn’t that right Gale, Arrow?”

Before any could respond, Ayla huffed. “Enough. I am asking if you would like anything. So on our return I may offer you a treat.”

“O-Oh”, and she sounded very surprised. Not that this offended her. After Spike had assigned her these guards and after their first aloof encounter, she had done a full two night’s research on the Guard Support Service that Celestia had created a near century after the debacle at Canterlot during an assassination event. From what she had learned through Moondancer, and Starlight’s steady supply of historic books and scrolls the service was made for the Nobility to feel safer after multiple assassination attempts on both the Crown and various other allies.

Having read some of her guard’s own details, all of which Spike had so kindly provided, she knew well enough that Task had been in this the longest of the three. Five years or so if memory was right.

“Well?” Ayla asked when nopony had said a thing in the time she’d allowed her mind to wander.

“If they don’t like it, they should just say. Although the other two seemed pleased from the looks on their faces.” Bliss grinned, her fangs flashing as she prodded Ayla with a phantom’s touch that made her look in Gale and Arrow’s directions. The thestral licking her lips and the unicorn breaking her usual neutral expression for a small smile as she closed her menu.

“I uh, I’ll think on it Princess.” Vigil finally stated. Taking the small, thin menu offered in her hoof. “...Thank you.”

“And you?” Ayla responded to the other two.

“We’ve circled our Majesty.” Arrow stated as her field released the menu for Ayla’s to take over.

“I’m still surprised you brought a pen with you.” Gale whispered. “Where did you even keep it in your armor?”

“I always come prepared.” Was the cryptic reply as Arrow resumed her stoic position of silence.

Smiling lightly, Luna replaced the menus on the table and had a look down at the plants near the base of the green walls, just by the sidewalk below the dais. Flowers of all kinds, some even blossoming out of the wall were on display. The umbrella ceiling above her even had minor decorations of various plants. Some species she recognized, some, she had no doubt were new breeds or new cross-hybrids or imported plants.

It dawned on her again how different things were in this time. Something that made her small smile of content, awe and amusement at the various sights and even the delicious smells fade.

“We will adjust in time” the phantom appeared after she blinked in front of her. The hoof of her companion touching hers, leaving her with a warmth from the phantom frog. “It will take time, but we shall adjust. Together.”

Ayla smiled. Even though once again, there was that subtle ache in her horn.

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't reach her. Like a wall was between that blocked out all sound, trapped in this prison of glass unable to be heard, every time she tried to use magic, the combined magic of bother her and her alicorn companion, all it did was release a aching pressure in her horn before nothing but sparks flew out.

Furious, Bliss ignited into a mass of equine energy. Her eyes the only physical things that remained while everything else became metaphysical in nature. She circled her prison in fury. Moving on hooves that left cracks which minded themselves in her soundproof prison of invisible glass.

"Ayla!" She called out to her. Who sat there, blissfully unaware of the demons in costumes acting as her guard. Unaware of the creature that had attached itself to her, pretending to be her. "Ayla!" But her friend did not even hear her. She probably couldn't even see her. Had the Elements really weakened her this much that she couldn't even see the signs of a dream within a dream? They were subtle but they were there and she was ignoring them all! Then again, it had been over a millennia since she'd had the practice. During that time all they'd done was just survive. They'd lost all of those that had been sent to the Lunar Plains with them, and spent the remainder wrestling control back in a mental battle of wills.

The Elements had done even less to help. Stripping them both of all their strength and leaving them in this new form to heal after the cleansing. It was pathetic really when she thought about it. Even as a lesser fey she though, something like this should still have been within her realm of power of breaking.

"Ayla!"

It was pointless though. She didn't hear her, couldn't see her. Probably wasn't even aware of the lie at all. Like the average dreamer her mind had her wrapped up in the dream itself, not at all like a lucid dreamer who was aware and in control.

Concerned and powerless, with a grimace and sparks of energy flying off her form, the Fey tried again to ignite her horn. All it did though was sputter sparks. And leave a faint pulsing ache that did nothing more than frustrate her with a cry of anger.

"Damn you Malphas!"

Her horn ignited, but the result was the same.

A dull ache.

At this point it was just annoying. However it was not the first time Thauma Strain had been the cause of an aching horn. She ignored it, it was hardly something to worry about. Besides, company had arrived.

BlueBlood’s arrival found him accompanied by a gift as Dhruv took his leave. One held in a dark blue bag with royal gold trimmings. Curiosity flashed across her eyes and her dear nephew must have noticed it for he smiled as he approached. Placing the bag down at the end of his side of the table, before trotting forwards to his aunt.

Rising to meet her nephew, Ayla had expected the usual Blueblood display of affection. Since her coronation and every time they had met for one of these ‘brunches’, he would always come in for a hug. It was an unnecessary display of affection she had initially disliked, but recently- after being so busy these last couple weeks, she was glad for the chance to have his company again.

It is a nice change isn’t it? Told you you would like this. Better than being cooped up inside, only interacting with your tutors for days on end, hm?

Chagrin to admit it, Bliss was correct. This was certainly more favorable. And while the practice of withholding public affection as a noble seemed to have faded thanks to Celestia’s antics, she welcomed the very brief physical contact she had with him.

As they pulled away and returned to their seats, Blueblood beamed, eyeing his great-aunt with an appraising eye.

“What?” Ayla asked with a quirked brow. “Might there be something wrong with my appearance?”

Confusion flitting over his face briefly before realization. “Oh! Oh no, my apologies Aunty. I just...you’ve grown so beautifully since I last saw you is all. I’m a little surprised I suppose. You--"

"Do not look like the paintings of old?" Ayla prompted.

Blueblood visibly hesitated though it was gone as quick as it came. "Well, yes that too. I suppose it's only natural though."

"Oh?" Her curiosity piqued. Had Celestia told them the nature of Elysium's deaths?

"Of course, artists do often let whimsy get the better of them sometimes. I know some of the artists of your age were also quite the masculine stallions back then. Wouldn't surprise me if they changed the color of your coat to further enhance your natural beauty to add the otherworldly divines often associated to the Classical era of your time."

She snorted. That was far from right. While yes, the stallions of that time were often more likely to be painters, musicians, poets, and a few even singers, the imagery then was accurate. She had changed.

"Not that they need to know that now. Hardly matters I'd say." Bliss added.

"Aside from Princess Flurry Heart--”

“Princess Cadenza and Prince Shining Armor’s daughter, correct?”

“Yes,” he nodded, licking his lips. “She’s entering fillyhood herself, you see, hormones, you know all that. I actually passed by there during my trip to the Upper North, and well--” he chuckled again, unable to help himself. “Well you’re practically as tall as Twilight herself was when she left Canterlot for Ponyville. Not that she's grown any taller since Ascending. It’s just the last time we met you only a little bigger than Flurryheart was who’s only recently just turned eight and now here you are, already near the final stages of fillyhood, practically already a mare.” He chuckled at her frown, “I mean no insult dear Aunty. I know you are a mare's mare. I am just happy to see you are well. You’ve clearly been busy though. Returning so few of my letters” he pouted.

Rolling her eyes at the theatrics, she replied “Yes, well, you would be pleased to know studies go well.”

“Oh? Do tell.”

She smiled a little at the interest. It was unnecessary to go into detail, boring detail at that but she would tell him what she had learned in the time of his absence. A few letters exchanged couldn’t make up for months apart from loved ones. “I’ve already completed most of the first Categorical years, only a little left to go. Within three months by my calculations. It won’t be long before I completely finished the minotaur equivalent of high education--”

“High school.” Blueblood corrected.

“Yes, that,” Ayla waved off. “Although I would be lying to say I would appreciate it more if I would be allowed a more intensive combat training regime. The Advanced Magic combat is nice but it’s lacking.

“You know we can’t--”

“Yes”, she replied to shut him down. “Quite aware. Beyond mine own happenstance, what have you been up to dear nephew? I believe you mentioned last that you were busy outside of the capital correct."

“Correct, Aunty.” Blueblood replied with a nod. “I haven’t been in Canterlot since we last had brunch. I have been out conducting business. There was some sort of dispute Twilight needed checking in on with the Yaks, so I went with Lady Pie before attending to other matters myself.”

Both the Princess and phantom hummed thoughtfully. “What kind of business? Ask him.”

“I see, anything to report?”

Blueblood smiled, though it didn’t reach up to his lips like the one he had given her on his arrival. “You know I can’t tell you anything like that Princess. Not yet at least. Security purposes, you understand.”

She hummed in response. She did, but that did not mean she liked how he had brushed her off so offhandedly. Before she could express her utter disappointment or annoyance, and even more, the sense of betrayal she felt at hearing those words from her own distant blood- she nodded. A thin smile graced her lips, “Understood. So,” she said with an exhale, ignoring the critical eye that Bliss gave Blueblood from the corner of her vision, “what is it we are here to do? Your letter made it sound important and that we would not merely be ‘catching up’ as you youth call it.”

Chuckling at the odd way she said that, Blueblood’s smile became a bit more genuine at the change of topic. “This is important, Aunty. I finally was able to push Twilight and Sunset Shimmer enough to give you a guaranteed chance at attending courtly affairs. You know how much they have been dodging my attempts at pushing things. I’m simply glad the Minerva’s staff have been keeping you informed.”

“Mmm, yes. Your lover.” The Changeling.

Glancing up at her Blueblood smiled but said nothing. Deciding not to broach that topic again so soon, he continued. “Of course there are some conditions that they wanted met.” Blueblood stated with a devilish small smile, and then with a bell on the side of the table, he tapped it with his hoof.

Is he serious?

“He sounds serious.” Bliss supplied with a small smile. “I would take the opportunity, after all, you have been waiting for this for a long time now.”

Waiting for the approaching waiter to pass seemed like a better opportunity to speak openly.

“Yes, and what may I get our royal guests today?” The mare smiled.

“I’ll have the Peachie Slice and a cup of lemon tea. What of you Aunty?”

“The Rosette Delight, much obliged.”

The waiter nodded as she jotted down the orders on a slip of paper in her corona, then with a curtsy like bow- she quickly trotted off.

“Are you certain they are going to allow me to attend court?" Doubt clear in her narrowed eyes. "How many times Blueblood have they denied you this or said they would ‘consider it’, before never following through?”

Frowning a little at the light sense of heat in her words, the prince sighed. “I understand your annoyance Aunty but--”

“But?” Ayla replied with testy impatience.

Blueblood winced at the tone. “I had thought you would be...happy about this development.” He stated with no hint of mild surprise in his voice. “I mean, it’s all you have asked at the end of our letters. I would think you would be…” he shrugged, “pleased of this outcome. Not still upset!”

“He is right you know.” Her eyes flicked over to the image just behind Blueblood’s shoulder. “Listen to what he has to say before you get upset and storm off. Who knows, it may help you-- us, retrieve more of our former status.”

The brief feeling of her horn aching her returned but it faded just as soon as it had appeared, rendering itself to a barely perceptible pressure. “I...am pleased” she managed to force out, “that I am being allowed to attend a court that by all rites, is my own.”

The frown her nephew gave her didn’t alleviate the actual bitterness she still felt. He sighed. “Well, that is....better than nothing, I suppose. At least you will get to experience court today.”

“Today?”

“Yes, today. After brunch we are heading over there. That is why I brought you this Princess.”

Raising the bag he had brought for her to see, Blueblood rose and took out the wrapped fabric inside it. “It’s an enchanted cloak, one I had one of Twilight’s friends design just for you. Then on my trip through Ponyville on the way here I went over to Fillydelphia to visit a dragon well known for engraved enchanting. Here, see.” He showed off the silver metal buckle. Her mark emblazoned on it. A full moon, with spears of light poking out from behind its shadowy background and the sparkle of dots around it. “It’s not just for show, but it’s also for protection. I can’t quite show you here, but I had this designed specifically for you to ensure not just your appearance when you entered, but that you would also remain protected.”

Enraptured by the item, Luna took it in her field as Blueblood’s subsided from it. The dark blue color did well to contrast with her now darker mauve coat. She rose from her seat, wings shuffling just a little and wondered how it would feel, so she wrapped it around herself, draping it over her withers, where it extended down to barely obscure her knees. “I had Rarity get the materials from a friend. The cloak will grow with you, I factored in the, excuse me to say Aunty, but that abnormality of your aging makes it quite difficult to figure out what clothes would be fitting for you in certain events. So, that one won’t be outgrowing you ever. And it should minimize any possible harm from magic or steel.”

She...she had no idea what to say. No one had even given her a gift at her Coronation party. Then again she hadn’t expected one, it was supposed to be a short event of congratulations and that’s what it was a short event. The brief celebration and drinking afterwards had been nice- even though the banter that followed was short and somewhat strained.

“I...Thank you, Blueblood...thank you.”

The sweet smile on his face, filled a warmth in her chest she hadn’t felt in a while.

Taking the gift back from her and folding it neatly into the bag, Blueblood returned to his seat. “Your welcome Aunty. After brunch, let us head over to the Keep Grounds, courtly sessions usually start in the afternoon and last an hour or a bit longer. I’m afraid I have other business to attend to so I won’t be there, it isn’t really my field you see anyway. Not anymore at least.”

Still staring at the bag, lips primed in a line, Ayla nodded. “Understood. I assume that means…”

“Yes, Trixie and Sunset, and perhaps Starlight may be there to accompany you. Although I’m not sure about Starlight. She never liked being involved in the sessions. Her duty as Archivist since Sunburst’s ‘early retirement’ keeps her busy also. So I suppose it’s a matter of waiting and seeing. Anyway,” His ears rose and he turned at the sound of their approaching waiter with trays of drink and food, “it looks like brunch is here.” He smiled. “Let’s dig in shall we.”

Again Ayla nodded. With a teasing note to her voice Bliss chuckled in her ears and with a glance in her direction, she said: “Better eat up, you’ll need the strength.”

Nodding slowly Ayla looked over at her nephew who merely flashed her with a smile as their trays were set and the food was piled down on the table. Her horn ached briefly once more, the ache seeming to be just a faint feeling that popped up every now and then but at this point she ignored it.

“Thank you Blueblood, truly.” She said with a pat of his hoof. A rare display of affection on her part. It made her nephew’s smile brighten.

“Your welcome Aunty. Anything, for you.”

Shrieking Gale didn’t know what to think as her pace picked up from a canter to a gallop.

In all her life as a member of the Dawn Guard, she’d never thought this would be something she’d experience. She’d been there as a freshie, when the Changelings of Chrysalis swarmed Canterlot castle after defeating the Impenetrable shield of Shining Armor, Equestria’s mightiest Shield. She’d watched the now ally of Equestria, strip away the might of Equestria’s Army by plucking wings and horns off unicorns as if they were clickable features of figurines. She had participated in hunting down one of the many demons that still lingered from Tirek’s escape. But she had never thought she would feel such panic after all those terrifying events, at the mere fact Princess Luna may be in danger.

It was almost like the announcement Overcast made, when Princess Celestia had died. The somber tone he had delicately broke the news through the papers. The wave of utter surprise and disbelief that had washed over the nation, over diplomats around the world, even during the funeral. The way everypony kept saying that Celestia would just spring back up in a few weeks. Like she always did whenever she was knocked down once, she always got back up again.

Only to find that after a few days, she didn’t in fact get back up again. She just sort of laid there. Like corpses were meant to. Motionless, lifeless, just sort of there. Reminders of those gone.

To have something like that happen again, to the Lost Princess that had brought her kind out of hiding into the service of her once goodwill-- especially after Equestria was healing with her back-- it was too much. Panic and determination set in.

Before she knew it she was running as fast as her hooves would carry her down the narrow halls.

It was a pain in the flanks for a flyer like her to have to demote herself to simple galloping when a single flap of her membranous wings could carry her clear over a gate, eight ponies tall, but after the siege of Canterlot she understood why this had been made a necessity even as she skidded along the ground and broke down the wider stairwell towards the exit.

She couldn’t believe this. Couldn’t even imagine what all of this meant, but the moment Vigil Task gave her the order to find any of the Royals within or around the perimeters, she had gone dashing out, leaving her fellow guardsmares behind along with the professor.

Already she had sounded the alarm, to find any of the others- that something was wrong and while there was no need to spread a panic she told Staff Sergeant Dig, that it was necessary every guard be on the lookout for any of the unicorn royals or any skilled mage, period. If anyone saw any of them, whatever they were doing had to be stopped and they were to immediately direct them towards the East Wing’s second floor Study Chamber where the Princess was. She hadn’t needed to tell Dig In why it was important, the mare simply got it from the urgency she had relayed the message with before taking off.

Whatever was happening right now could mean trouble, even if none of them understood it- the professor’s urgency and insistence to go and find one of the more powerful mages still echoed in her mind. The way Rate Change had snapped at Arrow and Vigil, barking out commands like a drill instructor- it almost made her wonder of the hold hornhead had served in his earlier youth for a period of time before devoting himself to teaching others.

Whatever had shaken Rate Change so visibly that he had become pale, it wasn’t something to pass off lightly as Luna’s internal clock being severely off. Something was wrong with Princess Luna and the fact they couldn’t wake her up was a clear sign of it. They needed to find Twilight or Starlight or at this point any of them. Already nearly half of half an hour had passed, and the longer they went on waiting to see if she would wake up at their attempts, the deeper trouble they could be dragging themselves into.

Spreading her wings as she leaped through an open window, with a twirl as gravity pulled her down and a single flap as she spread her wings and angled herself upwards, the thestral was off into the early morning sky as the sun rose over the cliff tops of Matterhorn Mountain.

As she took to the air a guard from one of the nearby flanking towers nearest to the east wing’s station called out to her.

Shrieking Gale’s cry was faithful to her name. “Direct Princess Twilight or any of the other magically skilled Princess Luna’s Study, immediately!” She banked left heading towards the Royal Library, straight towards a group of guards that were guarding the area up ahead and watching her.

“Is Count Glimmer here?” She asked before even landing.

One of them, both stallions, twins from their appearances, glanced at each other. “What’s wrong?”

Snapping, “Is she here or isn’t she?!”

The other one replied, “She is, what is the reason you need her for?”

“I’ve been sent with an urgent message to relay to her. She needs to come to the palace immediately with me to--”

The doors cut her off with a groan as a magical aura wrapped around them both and pulled the two opened with ease. From inside, as light poured in, came out a wide-eyed, slightly red-eyed looking Starlight Glimmer, the alicorn wing’s twitching and raising with signs of annoyance at the disturbance. “What is it?”

Gale paused, she was about to ask how she knew she was even here. The Canterlot Library was huge, several times larger than what the building qualified to hold. Another skill of Celestia’s knowledge in magic she supposed. Shaking off the stray thoughts, the soldier straightened and delivered her urgent message with a winged salute. “Princess Luna is in trouble, Countess. We don’t know what is wrong with her.”

Ear twitching, Starlight blinked, a few seconds passed with no visible reaction as if she was still processing the words that had just been said. Just as the three guards were looking at each other-- another pair behind Starlight who were guarding another door shooting glances at each other-- Starlight reacted with widened eyes and a gasp. “Oh shoot! Sorry, long night. Okay, where are they?”

Now somewhat hesitant on allowing Starlight to go when it clearly seemed she was exhausted, Gale meant to ask if the others were in there-- like Princess Sunset or Trixie or Sir Sigil Way, but talking that way to a member of nobility...she hesitated too long.

“Hey!” Starlight snapped, frowning. Her horn glowed. “Where is she? You said she was in trouble right, stop wasting time and tell me so I can go see.”

“R-Right, sorry Countess. She is on the West Wing’s second floor in the Study Chambers.”

Starlight nodded, breathing in deeply, she closed her eyes, focused. And with a pop. She was gone.