The Unknown Daughter's Reunion:Part 2

The doors of the lift opened, her highness walking out onto the medical deck. Since Steady Pulse was occupied with, miraculous work, the empress took to checking on the princesses personally.
Sure, she could ask one of the nurses for updates, but she wanted first-hoof updates on their conditions.

Walking into the recovery room, she noticed that Luna's bed was empty. 'Must be away walking, strengthening her legs' she thought.
Coming to the slumbering sun princess's bedside, she looked her over, observing the occasional ear flick and wing twitch.

'An improvement, I'd estimate? More conventional physical reactions, for sleeping' she thought to herself

And so she sat there, keeping the princess company for a while.

Elsewhere, princess Luna strolled the deck, alone. She needed to clear her mind after what she had watched.
Following the performance the empress provided her, she woke up that morning and searched the pad for what Evening Mist had let slip.

What she saw had shaken her. Indeed, it was personal, very personal. Portraying both her, and the empress, at their very worst they had ever been. Horrifyingly accurately as well. And she's only seen the first couple parts of what was there...

'To believe that all of her ponies have seen that...' she thought to herself, somewhat aghast. 'Where sister and I'd done everything we could to put it behind us and bury those times... The empress embraced it, even encouraged it's viewing in schooling...'

"She's....a more mature and humbling mare than I'd given her credit for."

Doctor Steady Pulse, Morning Mist, the nurses.... They all saw that, and still looked to her with respect. Both of them!

'I'd have never thought such a thing possible? That ponies would be able to look at me after that...'

Even walking down the halls, she'd cross paths with a pony. They'd bow, or smile and greet her happily, knowing full well her worst mistakes and deepest regrets... She'd greet them back, embarrassed.

They knew. And now she knew that they knew!

She was somewhere between deeply embarrassed, and completely humiliated. She wanted to be furious! Her darkest times portrayed for absolutely everypony to see...her sister too.

But, this Was history. And, the empress's story as well..
She just couldn't be angry about it. Instead, settling for just deeply embarrassed.

Caught somewhere between wishing she'd not watched it, and wanting to see where it further went, she walked the halls.

Leaving the princess to her slumbers, the empress had gone to the dining hall. She had ponies to thank for their efforts, even if they hadn't come to fruition.
She also had some good news for them. That their research likely being useful in the future.

"Thank you for coming everypony. I owe you much for the efforts you have taken, and offer hope that it not in vain." The empress began

Having all of their attention, she continued

"Her highness, princess Luna is on the mend, albeit very slowly. Another as well."

Responding to the looks of confusion. she elaborated.

"As you are aware, my mother was the only one of the princesses to come through the usurping. Though not completely unscathed."

"In the efforts to make the other princesses presentable for their upcoming recognition and remembrance... The sun princess Celestia, has..."
"Upon reuniting her...head, with her body... She has begun, breathing. Her heart beats once again, as well as many other things as one would expect from a living pony."

Breaking for that to sink in for a moment, she went on

"Though we do not understand how this has transpired, we are amazed and grateful none the less; both mother and I. Her form not being ravaged by the passage of time having a connection I am sure. As, when they all were found, they were perfectly preserved as if no time had passed, without any preservation spell craft that we could detect."

"She's alive?!" Rolled Scroll blurted out, finally getting passed the shock

"As for now, she slumbers soundly, but yes. As far as we can measure, she's alive, physically." pausing "We dare not make presumptions further."

"And, the other princesses??" another pony interjected.

"Doctor Steady Pulse is performing the same surgery she performed on the sun princess, as we speak. We hope..for similar results. Holding our breaths."

After answering many questions about the princesses and what had transpired,

"What I am envisioning in the future, best case scenario, is; That the princesses will be returned to their rightful places, and in turn, relations with Equestria will be opened. Thus, your services will be in need."

Pausing for a breath, she concluded

"Your mission being reinstated, despite the debacle that has fallen now, my part in it included..."

"Why are we heading back home so slowly your highness? We could have been back in a little over a week?" Another asked

Sighing her highness explained "That is my doing, I am afraid. To be blunt, I am at a loss as how to break the news to the ponies of the empire; the tragic events that have transpired in this mission. I, needed the time. Unfortunately, the extra time had yielded little results. Additionally, the event with the sun princess has interrupted any progress I might have had otherwise. Though I am far far from regretting it, elated in fact."

After more back at forth discussion, they all proceeded with dinner. The spirits of her envoy ponies lifted considerably.

As the empress went to bed that night, she hoped with all her heart for that best case scenario.

Waking up at her usual time, Steady Pulse prepared for her next unusual day, with her usual routine. Anticipation filling her, she nervously left her cabin, headed for medical.

Walking in, she literally held her breath. Eyes fixed on the bed's display panel.
It was glowing, indicating that it detected something, and was responding in turn.

Letting the air out of her lungs before she passed out, she walked up to it. Her practiced eyes blind to all but what she was looking to see.

it was there!

Falling to a sitting posture, she put her forelegs on the bed rail. Looking skyward with tears in her eyes:

"Thank you, stars in the skies. Thank you!"

The empress's comm beeping, she walked over to it, answering the call. On the screen appeared Pulse, looking calm, but with a warm smile on her face.

"Hello Pulse" the empress greeted her

Pulse said nothing, and just gave a slow knowing nod to the empress, her eyes a little misty.

Beginning to tear up, the empress replied "I will be right down, Pulse. Thank you."

With that, she closed the channel and headed down to medical at a calm pace, a smile upon her muzzle.

Walking in together, they observed the alicorn of love for a long while. Like the princess before her, breathing in and out, slowly and modestly.

The empress turned to the doctor, and sitting down, pulled her into a gentle hug.
For the longest time they stayed like that, not saying a word. Simply showing how happy they both were.

Finally letting each other go, Pulse spoke first;

"I'll transfer her to the room with the princess and her sister, then get back to work."

"So soon?" the empress asked, surprised.

Nodding, the doctor continued "Absolutely, I've got the whole day ahead of me, and I'm not drained a bit." she smiled

"Wonderful, Pulse. Would you like me to oversee the transfer?" she asked

"Hmm, please do. Strangely, I can't wait to get started." she admitted

"Consider it done, whom to report this to?" the empress asked

"Tender Heart, she'll update the records. You handle procuring and moving the bed, as well as the princess. They'll monitor her, and I expect it'll be a day or so before they begin to need sustenance and care. I'll be back doing my rounds by then"

Nodding, the doctor and empress went on their ways.

Entering the recovery room, the empress happily greeted the princess before walking over to the far end of the room. Not noticing the slightly unsettled look on the Lunar princess's face, she began moving chairs out of the way, before another bed appeared out of thin air.

Luna stepped out of her bed and walked over to the empress, a confused but hopeful expression painted on her muzzle.

Moon just smiled a warm smile to her mother, and then nodded.

Luna, her emotions overwhelming her, walked up to the empress and embraced her in a hug, Moon returning the warm gesture.

Letting go of her mother, Moon tapped her ear piece and said "please begin transport, Flash"

"right away, your highness!" Flash Frame's reply came.

Looking back to the bed, Luna and Moon watched the princess of love appear upon the bed, breathing softly.

Approaching the bed, they both watched her quietly. Marveling at such a sight as was before them both.

From behind them, they heard a soft groan.
Turning their heads, they saw the sun princess's foreleg pull back, and after a moment, relax again.

Looking back to each other, they both smiled.

The next day, her highness was stepping off of the lift, onto the medical deck, as cheerful as could be. Steady Pulse's labors had saved lives in ways she never thought anypony could have imagined. Understandably, she was taking the whole day off. Heading to the princess's recovery room to add another bed, she caught sight of Luna, standing in the hallway.

As she approached, Luna placed herself in her path.
Coming to a stop, the empress greeted her
"Good morning your highness, I bring with me, the news of needing another bed for convalescence." she smiled

Luna smiling and nodding, her mood turning serious a moment later
"While that's wonderful to hear, your highness, we must talk before you proceed further."

Taken aback, the empress asked "What is it, your highness? Whats is wrong?"

"Wrong? No, nothing's wrong, I just need to prepare you. Do you promise me not to move from that spot until I've finished?"

starting to become worried, she replied "O-of course." nodding her head

"Great. It's sister. She's awakened." Holding her hoof up to silence the empress, she continued.

"I have calmed her down since she woke up, but she was very out of sorts at first. It seems that, to her, what befell her, happened only a few hours ago. The passage of time was interrupted, in her, thankfully. But that means that the last thing she saw, heard, and experienced... was horrible."

"Please, go on" the empress pressed

with a heaving sigh, Luna continued

"She was.... brought out before everypony, stripped of her crown, regalia, rule, and magic. Everything. Before her subjects, as naked as she ever was. Not even told of my fate, or the others."
taking a deep breath
"Nopony stood with her at the end empress... They just looked down, not bearing to look upon her. Give her any strength, empathy, or even sympathy. Just nothing. She was alone, while surrounded by ponies."
Luna finished looking down, forlorn.

"That is..." The empress lost for words

Luna nodded

"I had to bring you to date on how she's feeling at the moment."
"Brokenhearted, alone, and in a strange place. About to meet a very strange pony again, in her eyes anyway" Luna gave a tiny smile

"I cannot imagine what...she must be going through" the empress shook her head

"Just, let me go in first, and prepare her. Stay here and I'll call for you. I've already explained to her how you've helped us, rescued us. But I didn't tell who the empress was."
With a sad chuckle Luna added "In another situation, I'd be relishing a reveal like this."

With a nod from Moon, the princess went back inside to speak with her sister.

After countless minutes, she heard princess Luna call for her. Standing up, and taking a deep breath, she walked through the door.

"Sister, I present to you; Her Royal highness, New Moon of the Starlight Empire." Luna introduced

Walking in with a subdue'd posture, she bowed before her aunt. Looking up, tears were spilling from her eyes.

"It-it is wonderful to see you again your highness.....I" choking up "never thought I would be able to see you again."

"Never thought I would be able to tell you... that, I I-m sorry. Sorry for all of it. For what happened... For...not being there when you needed somepony to stand with.."
"I tried, tried to be there sooner. I wanted to! I just, did not get there in time to stop it....."

The empress loosing all of her composure, while Celestia was flabbergasted at what was happening before her eyes.

Looking between her sister and the nightmare many times, she finally asked "How?"

"It is a long story sister, but fortunately, somepony has documented it rather well." Luna answered

At the empress's questioning look, Luna elaborated

"Oh, I watched it. It was quite good, though embarrassingly personal..."

At Celestia's questioning look, she continued.

"A performance, sister. Well acted and disturbingly accurate. All of her ponies, and I do mean All, have seen it. The empress has kept nothing from them, no matter how... unpleasant it made her look."

The empress nodded a somber nod. "Indeed, they needed to know who the mare they trust used to be. I, could not lie to them in silence and secrets. ...I have trot that path before, it was a lonely one."

With the silence that fell upon them, Celestia asked the next question on her mind

"So this, is a ship? Where are we sailing to?"

"A ship of the stars. We are sailing back home.. Well, my home. A world known as; Earth. As of right now, we are steadily cruising at low speed. I, needed the time to consider the events that have transpired, and how to best break news of the events without disheartening my ponies. They were most excited about my reuniting with my..." She trailed off, embarrassingly

Luna, her sister looking to her, replied

"I'll explain that too, though I still don't know how to feel about it"

Moon, taking advantage of the distraction, and then faltering

"Speaking of, I have somepony that should be here."

Celestia watched the nightmare get up, move a bunch of furniture, the tap something on her ear. Speaking to nopony, and a moment later a bed appearing... then, Twilight Sparkle appeared on the bed, asleep.
She tried to get up, but her legs just wouldn't cooperate. She tried a teleport, but she barely got a spark from her horn, before remembering why.

"Ah, I neglected to explain, as I thought it would be rude. However it should be said. When, hopefully, you are able, to teleport; please refrain from doing so while onboard a ship of the stars. It can prove most catastrophic for yourself, as well as ponies around you. Even I do not dare attempt it."
"Though it may feel as if we are moored at the edge of perfectly calm lake, we are at this moment; traveling hundreds of thousands of times faster than the fastest pegasi.
Attempting to relocate ourselves with magic would quite possibly result in us floating outside of the ship, with nothing to breath, left far behind, instantly. By the time somepony realized what happened, it could already be too late for the unfortunate caster. So, I beg you, do not teleport under any circumstances. As I have already lost you once, I..."

"excuse me, I should not have..."

heaving a sigh of exhaustion "I am all rear-legs right now... Out of sorts? fumble-y?" She corrected at their confused looks

"If you'll excuse me, I shall take a break. Get myself back in order, and give you both time to catch up with each other. The nurses will see to the princess in a short time." Nodding to them both, she left through the door.

'That could have went with much more grace than it had...' she thought to herself. Shaking her head, she walked towards the lift.

Getting back to her chambers, Moon ran a bath to relax and get the tension out of her wings. They had begun to ache with tension after she got so worked up in front of her aunt.

Laying there in the warm water, her mind replayed the events 'Ooh...she watched the saga. ...and she said it was good?' thinking back on her mother

"Hmm, I suppose that is better than being upset?"

Letting her mind wander to less personal pastures 'She viewed it via the tiny pad that she had? No no no, this will not do. Tomorrow, I will bring them a more proper means of viewing. If they are going to see my ponies works... Hopefully, they will enjoy them better than on a pads small viewing area.'

Finishing with her bath, and drying off, she headed into her bedroom. Laying down, she thought

'The results of this mission are changing multiple times a day. Perhaps I should tell my ponies that it was a disaster, however, I am satisfied with the results none the less?'

And with an assured smile, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

The following day, Moon arose with a more cheerful demeanor than she had been in for the last couple weeks.

Though she felt it, she didn't chance fate by admitting it aloud. The mission was turning around.

Meeting with the crew of the bridge in the conference room, she gave them an update on how the princesses were fairing. They in turn, kept her appraised of the ships status and operation.
The ship had met all expectations and more. No matter the pitfalls they had encountered, the ship operations were not one of them. Steady Wing was going to received nothing but good news when they got back. Which was in a little over five days at present speed.

"Have you made any progress in making sense out of what we've encountered on Equus, your highness?" Comets Trail asked

"Hmm, somewhat. The more I think about it, the more I feel I will not sugar coat it. The results being increasingly positive, and I hope it stays as such, outweighing the negatives. If fact, my ponies will be meeting with all of Equestria's royalty eventually. I hope. Essentially having the whole body of royalty in need of their help and friendship."
"I expect they will be elated, despite all of our plans having had gone sideways."

"That brings to mind another question, your highness. What of ..Equestria? and it's governance? They went from four princesses, to one bad one, then nothing.." ensign Forest Path asked

"A very good question. One I am going to have to answer soon if I have any hopes of bringing the princesses back to their rightful places. As for the moment, I have not even considered it yet. It is going to be a long process, that much I am certain." Moon replied

"Yeah, that place must be falling into mess thanks to the last rule's actions. That kind of a ruler just, poof-gone and everypony having to scramble to cover the missing piece.... despite how broken it was." Captain Solar Wind thought aloud, then quickly covering "Um, no offence your highness. I don't blame you for Equestria's current situation, one-bit."

"I know captain. Though their current situation was brought forth ahead of schedule due to my actions. I will have to live with the ramifications of them, and work to stabilize Equestria as a result." Shaking her head

"I really do not want to take time away from my ponies to do it, but I see little alternative. I will have to think on it, and consult the princess's. As far as I'm concerned, the nation still belongs to them." she finished

With some nodding and a few more details being covered, the meeting came to an end.

Taking the lift, the empress made a detour from going directly to medical.
Entering the materials bay, and sitting in front of one of the replicators, she scrolled through numerous options before choosing on a mobile display projector.
Following that, she searched for a suitable listening ear set, and made four of them. Followed by another pad to work as a control device.
Placing them all on her back and holding them steady with her wings, she made for the lift again.

Getting out of the lift, she walked down the corridor towards their room.
'Mother is not waiting for me in the corridor, that cannot be a bad thing' she mused

Walking in, she saw the nurses and mother helping Celestia get used to walking again, her legs still terribly weak.

"Good afternoon your highness's" she greeted them

Luna was quick to return the greeting, the other princess was either still uneasy, or too busy forcing her legs to move properly. Though, when Moon spoke, the nurses flailed slightly as Celestia's concentration wavered.

Nodding, the empress moved over to the far wall and began setting up the projector.
Once she was done, the princess was back in her bed and was sipping greedily on her nutritional beverage.

Finally, Luna asked the dark alicorn what she was up to.

"This is a display projection unit. It can display anything a simple pad can, but much greater in size, and clearer as well." Moon began
"Since you will be viewing my ponies works, as you mentioned, this will be truer to their intentions than a humble pad can possibly convey. Included, are these..." She said, levitating one of the listening sets.
"They are similar to the ones you have seen us all wearing, however are made for enjoyment purposes, not communication. As they make sound for both ears, so performances can be better conveyed as were you actually there at the time. Would you like to try one out, your highness?" She asked, having placed one on her own head like a second crown.

"Let me see this device" Luna asked

Moon floating it over to Luna who sat down and gripped it with her hooves. Turning it this way and that, she nodded and placed it atop her own head.

"Now, to turn it on, simply tap either side with a hoof. It can be deactivated the same way." She coached Luna as she illustrated.

Luna let out a giggle when the cute activation chime announced its presence

"I have already set it to connect to the viewer, and this pad. With this pad, anything viewed, will be shown on the screen, and heard though these listening sets. The pad performs more as a director of what will be shown and heard, rather than the source of it like the other pad. Though it works exactly the same. Give it a try? Oh, first I will tap the projector to activate it as well."
Moon went over to tap the projector after floating the special pad to Luna

"This one seems exactly the same as the other one, what makes it so special?" She asked

"It is exactly the same as the pad you have been using, merely an extra one. What makes it special, is what I have tasked it to do with these devices. Your other pad has not been tasked with these." She finished, pointing to her head and the screen.

Luna, not knowing anything else to bring up on the screen, brought up the performance the empress had done. Luna didn't want to bring up the saga quite yet. Worried her sister might still be going through a little too much at the moment to dive right into older and darker times.

The performance beginning, Moon turned around to watch herself.

"This feels somewhat narcissistic, me watching myself in front of royalty" She laughed

The other two princess's let out a giggle, and simultaneously, the alicorn of love gave out a groan as she flexed a leg.

"Everypony is a critic, they say." She followed up

The performance coming to an end, Luna swallowed before saying "Yes, that's much more enjoyable. Is there another?"

"There are numerous to see. Or do you mean of mine?" Moon asked

"Your's. I still need to know you more. This would be a good way to see more of my.." She trailed off

Nodding, Moon walked over to her "May I?" she asked motioning to the pad

Nodding, Luna hoofed it to her. Moon tapping a few times, hoofed it back to her.
"This is more uplifting and modern than the last."
Moon appeared on the screen again, a simple standing performance without any set dressings
The words 'A New Beginning' appearing

Luna heard sounds she had never heard before, and looked to the empress questioningly

"It was 'synth' music, I believe it was referred to as. Where some of the instruments used, are not ones that are used in conventional orchestras"

As the empress on stage began to sing, it was in words completely foreign to anything she'd ever heard before. Luckily for her, Equish translation appeared on the screen, under the native writing, which she also had never seen before.

"What is this strange tongue? I've not heard anything of it's like?" Luna asked

"A language not spoken in a very long time. It had died out long ago. A shame, as it can be so very beautiful in it's own way... However, I have many recordings still. Kept in my personal library, a memorial to era's passed."

Meanwhile, Celestia watched the screen quietly, not able to hear much of any of it, still not having put a listing set on.

"For some time I kept it all from my ponies, for many reasons. Though despite my efforts, they managed to hear some of it; a story that I will tell you some time. However, after the leak of some, I volunteered a select few to share with my ponies. This is one of them."

After the presentation ended, Luna critiqued; "An interesting composition, I thought the message was good."

Nodding her appreciation, Moon looked to Celestia and asked

"Your highness, had you any questions for me that I could answer for you?"

"Yes actually, several." Celestia answered

"Please" Moon urged her to continue

"What have you been doing since your banishment?"

Wincing at the use of the word 'banishment', she humored her question

"Raising ponies as my own, guiding them as best I could... Much as I recalled you and moth... your sister did long ago. Though there was a period of preparation before then."
"My hoof was light, and my patience surprisingly bountiful. From which has born wonder fruits."
"I would recommend viewing of the saga to get the fine details of how events transpired. That is, ff you are up to seeing a portrayal of, the less pleasant times, first. The story is quite encompassing, where you might learn of a few things you did not have the heart to speak of with your sister."

Turning to Luna's glaring muzzle, she sheepishly apologized.

"I apologize for being so forward, perhaps it might be too soon? Though, my experience by fire has taught me; When will the time ever be right, to speak of such things? Likely never, however that would be a loss to both ponies, not to understand each other more." She finished

"Then, my next question is; What are you going to do with us?" Celestia asked, motioning to the other princesses.

Taken aback, the empress stammered

"What do you mean 'do with you?'"

"Well, here we are, powerless, dethroned, heading to your empire. We're... at your mercy" Celestia finished slightly bitterly

After a moment, the empress walked up Celestia, and bowed respectfully, to her surprise.
Looking back up to the alabaster alicorn, she spoke

"Though you may not believe it now, or even yet be able to comprehend it; You and, your sister Are the closest thing that I will ever have to family, outside of my ponies."
"I missed you terribly, and yearned to see you both again. Now, my greatest wish has come true, and I am grateful to see you both on the mend. When you are strong again and ready, I will return you all to Equestria. To take your rule back from that which stole it. You have my aide in its entirety, and that of my ponies as well."
"I, wish to see you happy again. If that is on a throne, or tilling a simple field, I will do everything in my ability to see it done, your highness."

Mulling it over, Celestia looked down and nodded quietly.

"Your next question?" Moon gently prompted

Shaking her head, Celestia answered "I can't think of anything more right now."

"Very well. If you do need more answers, I am at your service." Moon concluded before turning to a now calm Lunar princess.

"And you princess Luna?"

"Where are we going once we reach your empire?" Luna asked

"Down to the surface of the planet Earth. There you will have the added liberty of going outside and experiencing the sunshine, grass, and more. Providing the doctors are confident, you will be staying in my castle as honored guests, visiting royal dignitaries, and more. You will be as unfettered or not, as you will. I task and burden you with only your own recovery, and nothing more."
"Util we reach home in a few days time, if you would like to experience the next best thing to being outside, my ponies have built an arboretum aboard this ship. although it pales to running out in the open; the grass, trees, and flowers are real."

"Oh, when your legs are strong enough, we can assemble in the observation room. From there, we will be able to see my new home when we approach it. 'Tis quite a sight if I say so, myself" She finished to Celestia with a smile

Sensing the conversation reaching a lull, she excused herself

"I will return tomorrow, meanwhile I shall leave these with you all, should you feel adventurous to try them." Levitating the listening ear sets to a nearby table.

Bowing to the princess, the empress left.

"What do you think sister?" Luna asked

Thinking on if for a few moments, Celestia replied "I'm still not sure, Lulu. I'm being cautiously optimistic. I'm just not accustomed being the pony in need of help.."

Nodding "Understandable. I'm having to come to terms with having somepony look at me as a mother figure. It's so strange. The thought I keep coming back to, is: 'If it were not for me, she would not be here'. That used to be a very bitter thing, now? It's not so bad."

"You'd actually??" Celestia asked incredulously

Signing, Luna elaborated "I can't deny what she's accomplished for and with her ponies. I'm.. impressed. Though I keep watchful for an iron hoof somewhere, I keep finding none. What I do find, is quite familiar." She finished, nodding at her sister.

Later that night, just before what would be considered dawn; The two princesses were awoken by a scream.

Jerking upright, and trying to ignite their horns in alarm, only sparks coming from them. The alicorn sisters looked around at their surroundings, seeing nothing out of place, except the alicorn of love sitting upright and breathing heavy.

"Cadance!" They both shouted.

Luna clumsily getting out of bed, and Celestia rolling onto the floor with a loud thud.

"Sister! Help me to her!" Celestia demanded

Luna, taking a detour from her path, tried her best to get her sister up. Only to both go down. She just didn't have the strength yet to leverage her larger sister to standing.
Finally getting up herself, Luna told her
"Just grab my tail. I'll drag you over there if I have to!"

A pain in the dock later, Luna hoisted her sister's front half onto Cadance's bedside.

The chaos between the two alicorns gave Cadance time to calm down a bit, though she was still very upset.

"Auntie! I, thought you were...." She cried

"Shhh, I know. Me too. I didn't know what had happened to any of you." Celestia soothed

"Auntie, are... are we.. dead?" Cadance asked, afraid of the answer

"No sweetie, we're alive as anypony." Celestia comforted her

"Though far too close to it, and for far too long..." Luna added

"Then, where are we? This..?" Cadance asked looking around the room they were in, it's strange appearance unnerving her

"We're safe. Some good ponies have come. Brought us here to see to our care."

"And by the most unlikely of allies, I'd say" Luna said

"Yes. I'd have never in my wildest dreams..." Celestia replied

"Who?" Cadance asked

"My... daughter, of a sort..." Luna finally volunteered

With both of the other two alicorns looking oddly at her, she was compelled to go on

With a sigh, she admitted "It is, what it is. Though I'd never intended anything of the sort.... Events conspired to give me a, ...a black-sheep foal that's made good in the end." She finished with an exasperated and defeated look

The shock wearing off, Celestia picked up the conversation

"The empress is, an alicorn. An alicorn that once called itself; Nightmare Moon. She, rescued us..."

"Huh? How? I don't understand."

"I barely do myself" came Luna's reply

From there, questions trickled out of the pink alicorn, and piece by piece, she leaned what her current situation was. At least, until the nurse came in to give them their morning checkup.
That interruption, prompted the doctor to stop in and give Cadance a once over, as well as establish her treatment regimen.

Later that afternoon, her royal highness stopped in for a visit, greeting the sisters, and noticing the wakened pink alicorn. Turning, she introduced herself;

"Welcome aboard the 'Homecoming'; our flagship, your highness. Built specially for this sojourn. Though events were supposed to have gone better than they had."
"I am Empress New Moon, of the StarLight Empire. Our empire, is a humble assembly of colonies on worlds spanning a considerable distance."
"I once went by the title of princess myself, however when the rule expanded to separate worlds, my ponies felt a more expansive title was more fitting."
"Our colonies, are largely autonomous, but favor the harmonious nature of a single rule governance. Thus, I am happy to give them any benefit my experiences may bestow."
"How are you feeling your highness? I hope the shock of being in such a strange place was not too extreme?"

After staring blankly for a few moments, she replied
"I-it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, your majesty. I was surprised at first, but my two aunts got me through."

"I am glad, and simply your highness will do. Though I accepted the title my ponies wanted for me, I have not let it go to my head" Moon replied with a smile

"That's good" Luna blurted out

"Yes, the last time somepony headed an empire, and required them to be addressed as 'your majesty', it went very poorly for all ponies involved." the empress followed up

"Sombra.." Cadance mentioned

"Yes, the King... A tragic fall of a stallion. Tell me, is the Crystal Empire still under his tyranny?"

"You don't know? He was defeated shortly after the empire's return." Cadance filled in

"The empire is freed then?" the empress asked

Cadance nodded, then lowered her head

"That, was where I ruled... such a lovely place." she said, sadness in her voice

"I am sorry your highness. I do not yet have any information on the empire's current status. Though I had seen it's return, I had not inquired further." Moon admitted

"That's okay, your highness"

"Though that will change in the future. The usurper that overthrew you having been dispatched, the empire and Equestria as a whole will need the leadership of you all."
"Once your strength has returned, and provided you are willing, I will help you back to your rightful places." the empress said with a nod.

"To do so will require much effort, including surveilling the populous to gauge their receptiveness for the return of their best rulers." Moon finished

"Though, I assume you were a good ruler. I might be being to presumptuous. Were you perhaps a hard headed blow hard?" Moon asked with a straight face, her head tilted

"Empress!" Celestia and Luna chastised.

Chuckling, Moon "I see my presumptions were correct. You did not 'stink'."

Surprisingly Cadance was the first to laugh. Seems the tension she was holding broke easily.

"N no, I.. did not 'stink'. I'm pretty sure" Cadance said between laughs

"Fantastic! That will help us."
"Oh, some time we can trade stories of romantic misfires. I know of a couple good ones. You are the princess of love are you not? You must have heard and seen some memorable ones." Moon grinned, elbowing the princess

Blushing "I know a few worth mentioning.."

"I can even tell you a few about your aunts. Ones they likely have not yet shared"

"Don't You Dare!" Came from the two alicorn sisters

Moon just shrugged, and gave a wink to the pink alicorn.

Turning to the two ruffled alicorns, the empress asked;

"On a less personal topic, how is the friendship princess? Any movements or groans?"

With reluctance, they acknowledged the empress's question

"...No, she's still sleeping soundly"

"Wait, you said the princess was 'dispatched' yes? So, she's gone?" Cadance interrupted

Sighing, moon answered "That is correct, I am afraid. My meeting with her was not of the best kind...."

"What happened?" Cadance asked

"She tried to me, what I assumed she had done with your magic. I, was shaken by what had transpired previously, and as such, tested her with great prejudice. She chose to end the test unexpectedly, and permanently." Moon closed her eyes
"Which of the two of us were the greater fool, I am unsure." Moon finished

"How horrible!" Cadance blurted out

Moon, nodding in shame "Yes"

"How could she do that? ...well, how could she do any of what she did?" Cadance went on

Realizing the chastising was not directed at her, Moon perked up a bit

"I have my suspicions, but will never know for sure." Moon surmised

Breaking from her thoughts, the empress broke off the topic of conversation
"Well, since you are all doing well, I shall leave you be for the day. I understand that meeting the 'big scary alicorn of darkness of old' can be somewhat taxing." She finished with a smile
"Good day, your highness's"

With a bow, the empress left them to their devices.

"That's your daughter?!" Cadance needled the lunar alicorn, a grin of her muzzle

Luna just rolled her eyes
'kids' she thought

That evening in the medical hospital room where the princesses were staying, dinner was served. The three alicorns nibbling from the forks they held by hoof, mild conversation passing back and forth.

Luna was telling Cadance a story about Morning Mist;
"then mist fumbled the scrubbing brush, dropping it into the water. As she was about to reach down, I asked 'did you do-"

When without warning, Twilight Sparkle bolted upright, her eyes wide
"Hoofball Practice! I'm Late!!" she yelled

All movement came to a screeching halt, even the chewing.

"When was the last time you played hoofball Twilight?" Celestia asked

"What?" asked Twilight

"You said you were late for hoofball practice.." Luna replied

Smacking her hoof just below her horn... Well, her nose mostly. Coordination somewhat off

"Ow! I can't believe I still wake up to that phobia. Wait, Celestia? Luna? Cadance?! Where are we?!!" She began, getting more alarmed.

Luna, holding her hoof to her chin;
"Well.. For one, we're safe. Two, aboard a ship. Three, in a hospital room being looked after, since we're still weakened from our ordeal. Four, rescued by my daughter. Five, on our way to her empire across the galaxy until we get our strength back. Six, ...did I mention we're traveling faster than light? So, do not even try to teleport at this speed, you'll be floating in the vacuum of space if you try.... Did I miss anything?" Luna asked her sister

"Hmm, oh, the princess that overthrew us, is 'dispatched'. So Equestria has no rule right now, they're on their own." Celestia added

As the wheels turned in Twilight's head at a breakneck speed, she shook her head
"Wait, did you say daughter??" Looking toward princess Luna

Holding up her hoof to the others, Luna answered
"Yes. You didn't know? You've met her before, sort of."

Cadance and Celestia grinned, knowing what Luna was doing. Looking to Twilight to watch her figure it out; was a show in of itself.

After a number of moments of Twilight thinking about it, Luna added

"Understandable that you are having trouble remembering. It was a long time ago.."

In response to the other princesses giggling, Twilight smacked the sides of her muzzle and groaned in frustration

"Argh, Who?"

"Here's a hint," Luna went on, to Twilight's continued groaning
"You and your friends of old defeated her.."

With yet another groan from the princess of friendship, Luna added more

"I'd have thought blasting her and I with the elements of harmony would have made more of an impression. Hmm, a pity"

"WHAT?!" Twilight was now completely lost

"Fine, fine. Nightmare Moon. She's all grown up now, and for the better." Luna spelled it out for her.

"what?"

"Mmhmm. She has her own empire of colonies in the stars, and many centuries of successful rule without tyranny."

Twilight slumped back into her bed, her mind swimming with questions of how... everything
After a time, she turned her head toward Cadance and asked
"We're, on a ship... Going faster than light?..."

With Cadance's nod "Apparently. Though I haven't had the opportunity to see it yet. I just woke up last night."

"Oh, I should call on doctor Steady Pulse. She'll want to know you've awakened, and give you a checkup." Luna said, reaching for her pad

After a short conversation, Luna stated "She'll be right in"

Trotting in, Steady Pulse said hi to the princess she'd already met, then walked over to princess Twilight

"Good evening your highness, I'm doctor Steady Pulse. I'll be overseeing your recovery, grooming, and being a mild pain in your flank!" She laughed

"I can barely move my legs..." Twilight grumbled

"As expected. You haven't had much opportunity to move them, so fatigue and stiffness is normal. It's like you have been in a coma for some time, though an unusual one."

"How long was I out?" Twilight asked

"We're not exactly sure yet.. princess?" Pulse asked of Luna

"I am not positive myself. As I was in the dungeon the whole time, I couldn't keep track of the days. Though it felt like a very many years had passed. Into the decades, I'm sure."

"Decades?!" The all asked

Nodding, Luna went on "Yes. I could see the guards getting older as time went on. That kind of visual change happens over many years. Though it Felt like centuries to me, being in there.. It was less than that."
"Young recruits starting out; would either leave, or grow into experienced, confident, and surly members of the guard." Luna finished

Shaking her head "I can't even imagine... You're made of tougher stuff than I am your highness." the doctor added, turning back to the purple princess

"Like the other princesses, you'll need.. chambermaids? ..to help with your maintenance. Since we don't have those available, myself and another mare will fill the role for the time being."

At Twilight's grimace, the doctor continued

"It's not so bad. Ask the others. We've gotten better!" Pulse said with a smile
"As for right now, I'll switch this off.."

The doctor went over to the bodily maintenance system, and ended its duties

"Now that your up, you won't be needing this anymore"

"What is it?"

"It's used for ponies in coma's. Notice that you aren't hungry or thirsty? And don't have to 'go'? This takes care of those needs regularly. In a way, it sort of teleport's food, water, etc directly into your stomach and such."

"I was wondering about that? Isn't teleporting dangerous right now?" Cadance asked

"It sure is. Unlike teleporting, this works like teleporting, but with energy rather than magic. That way it doesn't have any troubles with our fast traveling."
"To put it another way, this puts food etc, from an exact distance from itself. Like tossing a ball, or pad, and such. Much less complex than the workings of a teleport spell."

"Energy? That's amazing! How does it do that?" Twilight asked, her curiosity kicking-in

"Oh, that I have no idea. I'm just a humble doctor, not an engineer" the doctor laughed

As the doctor went about her checkup on the princess, Twilight began looking closer at all the things in the room. Seeing them again for the first time.

Walking down the corridor, the empress was in good spirits. Her family was onboard, and on the mend, she met a new princess, and would hopefully meet another new face.

Entering the room, she said hello to her mother and aunt. Turning to greet the pink alicorn, she noticed the forth princess in the corner of her eye.

"Oh, Welcome your highness. Welcome aboard our flagship, on route to home. I assume the others have brought you up to speed on current events?" the empress asked Twilight

In response to her nodding sheepishly, the empress asked Twilight:

"What is the matter your highness? I know my appearance can be a little intimidating, but I mean you no ill..."

Slowly, Twilight built up the nerve to speak

"You.. don't remember me? We, um. Met before?" Twilight said, coaxing the empress's memory

"We met? When would we have.." She asked, searching her memory

"In the, um, castle of the two sisters... I, used the elements of harmony on you" Twilight said, shrinking in her bed

"The elements..." the empress not following

"When you came back from your banishment on the moon?" Twilight added

Thinking for a moment, the empress's eyes went wide. Coming closer to the shrinking Twilight Sparkle, she looked at her more closely

"That was You?? But... you're. My, have you grown! I recall you being a little unicorn..."

Twilight nodding in response, the empress went on

"Hah! You were that little unicorn that dared to charge a raging alicorn. And perform a feint to get to the elements! I remember now. Though I still cannot believe I did not recognize you!" The empress broke out into laughter
"My my, to think I would run into you again, after all of these centuries.." She finished

"You're not mad?" Twilight asked

"Ho, of course not! Were it not for you and the others, I would not be here today. Certainly not the pony I am today. I am quite grateful in fact." She said, coming over to give the freaked-out purple alicorn a hug.

Letting go, and stepping back from the stiff as a board princess, Moon told her

"I cannot wait to show you what I have been up to all these centuries! You are going to just love the ponies of the empire." the empress gushed, like she was meeting an old friend