When Two Are One

Chapters

The Mare Off The Moon
Dream Not of What You Are
Everything the Light Touches Isn't Yours
Find Hope in Fear
Find Fear in Life
The Nightmare Never Ends
Wake Into The Nightmare
Struggle Against The Tide
Drown In Your Lies
Take The Plunge
Tomorrow Always Comes
Last Ride of the Day
The End of the Beginning
Whisper To Be Heard
Swallow Your Pride (With Your Hate)
Sweet Surrender

The Mare Off The Moon

The Princess of the Night stood out on her balcony, high above the city of Canterlot. The chill of the nighttime air nipped at her coat, and the gentle light of the moon outlined her shape in the dark. Were anypony to peer through the blackness and see her lone, silhouetted form, they might wonder just what she was doing up in her tall tower. Most of her life was shrouded in mystery. Only Luna herself knew the truth.

The moon sat high in the sky, its light shining down clearly in the cloudless night. Now devoid of the markings of the mare it once held, its silver, shining surface appeared near perfect to anypony humbly gazing from Equestrian soil.

But its creator was conflicted as she took in its pewter light. For, as the moon's shepherd, she knew it better than anyone. While she loved the moon dearly and basked in its glowing radiance, she also knew how lonely it was to stand upon its desolate surface. Luna had walked upon the moon far longer than any sane pony should, and its lifeless horizon was burned into her memory. A reminder of her betrayal, unrelenting and inescapable.

It is beautiful out tonight, said a voice only she could hear. And on that they could agree.

"It is beautiful indeed," she replied. "Despite our best efforts."

A low chuckle was her only answer.

For all the trouble it had caused her, she did love her night. She loved her bright, silver moon, even though its brilliance was merely a reflection of the sun's. She loved her sea of sparkling stars, even though they were so far away they were nothing more than twinkles. She had fought for them, suffered for them, and spent a millennium trapped with them. She might regret her actions, but she was still true to her cause. The night was hers, even if she didn't deserve it.

But you could be worthy of it. You have the potential.

"I don't remember asking for your thoughts."

Nor did I ask for yours, and yet here we are.

"Cease your drivel. Your voice grates against my ears."

Laughter filled her mind, echoing with haughtiness and pride.

I may never tire of your foalishness, Luna.

She scowled. "And I have long since tired of yours. No good comes from your thoughts."

Yet I remain. Surely if I were such a burden you'd have removed me by now. After all, weren't the Elements supposed to have cleansed you of evil?

Luna said nothing. She had remembered too late the danger in engaging with this beast.

You cannot remove me. I am you as you are me. We are trapped with each other.

"I am not trapped. I simply haven't figured out how to rid myself of you yet. That day will come and I will be free to move on."

The laughter was deafening now. She winced as it reverberated inside her skull.

You are nothing without me. Without my strength nopony would respect you.

"And you think ponies would respect you?" Luna shot back. "They know full well your villainous ways. It was your terrible deeds that inspired the new bearers of the Elements to heroism."

Without me you would be weak and spineless. Nopony would respect us. It was I who struck fear into the hearts of ponies. It was I who showed them what we were capable of. It is because of me that anyone knows of us at all. Had you not unleashed the Nightmare, you would still be locked away in your room feeling sorry for yourself.

A chilly breeze overtook Luna's senses, distracting her. The faint whisper of wind and serene scene of Canterlot below her came into focus, giving her pause. The world seemed so peaceful, contentedly going about its business. Ponies slept comfortably in their beds, saving their strength for the coming day. All they had ever needed from the night was peace and quiet, nothing more.

“Perhaps Equestria would be better off if I stayed there.”

You foolish little wretch! Don't you dare start your ridiculous whining! You are the Alicorn of the Night, who controls the moon and the very stars overhead! You deserve their respect!

“I don't deserve anything! I'm lucky to be alive and still roam free. I don't know what drives my sister to forgive me, but I won't waste her efforts on more mistakes!”

And yet that's exactly what you do! Even the Element-bearers you idolize seek power. Have you not seen how they chase perfection? Everyday they strive to better themselves in any way they can. They falsely attribute their strength to friendship, foolish as they are, but they crave greatness all the same. A pony is nothing without power.

"What good is power if we squander it? What awful acts would you have me do with your strength, you despicable creature!"

Despicable you say? Is that a touch of spite I hear? A hint of anger? A dash of hatred?

“It is not. Anger and hatred have led me astray once, I will not let them do it again.”

What a shame. For a moment I thought you might be mustering up some courage. Taking your life into your own hooves instead of moping on the sidelines. The voice laughed. Surely you've realized by now how foolish you are. You talk so proudly about becoming a better pony, yet you've left yourself with no path to follow. You will never get far if all you have are fear and self-pity.

“Then I'll find something new. Anger lead me to jealousy, and jealousy led me to betray Celestia and ruin everything. They have no place in my life, and neither do you. It was your foul advice that doomed everyone who ever trusted me. Now, I have to find a way to redeem myself.

Redemption is what you seek? You want to be forgiven? To move on? Then why do you keep yourself trapped in the past, endlessly agonizing over every detail? No, no. What you seek is pride. You want to be proud of yourself, to be the pony others expect of you.

I am your pride, Luna. I am everything you lack and long for. So long as you keep me hidden we will never amount to anything. You will doom yourself to failure.

Embrace your strength. Let me help you.

Luna could take no more. She came in from the balcony and lay down on her bed, quickly willing herself to the land of dreams. It was her only solace from the terrible voice.

Dream Not of What You Are

A cold wind whipped between the trees of the Everfree, whistling sinisterly as it blew through the night. It carried with it the howls of timberwolves, which seemed to come from all directions at once. The forest was nearly pitch black, the leafy canopy obscuring what little light might come from the moon and stars. It was a dire scene for the stallion trapped inside.

His heart raced as he galloped along the uneven paths, and he prayed he didn't trip on any of the many gnarled roots hiding in the darkness. If he fell here, he might not get back up again. There was a constant rustling behind him, and he swore it grew louder every second. His legs were tired, but he had no choice but to keep running. His only hope was to reach Ponyville before his pursuers. Or so he believed.

Luna watched the stallion from the darkness, her brow furrowed. The Everfree was a dangerous place at the best of times, but at night it was far worse. It was a frequent setting for the nightmares of foals, but it wasn't uncommon for it to appear in those of adults as well. This poor stallion was far from the first she had found in such a state, and he wouldn't be the last. But that didn't mean he wasn't important. No subject of hers would be left to suffer a dream like this if she had anything to say about it.

Her horn lit atop her head, and the dream changed around her. The sinister trees and roots of the Everfree Forest sank into the ground, and cozy cream-colored houses with thatched roofs emerged in their place. The sun rose high into the sky, and the town of Ponyville came to life beneath it.

The stallion's desperate gallop slowed to lively trot, and a smile overtook his face. Luna silently followed him as he navigated the busy streets, leading himself to what was certainly his personal home. He walked inside where his wife and foal were waiting for him.

"Daddy!" called his daughter, as she rushed forward to hug him.

"Thank goodness, you're alright!" cried his wife, as she joined in the embrace.

"I can hardly believe it myself," he said, smiling warmly. "Somepony must have been watching out for me tonight."

Luna felt a warmth in her chest on hearing his words. The stallion couldn't see her, and he had no idea that she actually had been watching over him, but that was fine with Luna. Gratitude in any form was a blessing, even if she couldn't receive it face to face. She had delivered another happy ending to her subjects, surely that was reward enough. It was certainly more than she deserved.

A few moments later, the stallion vanished. The house began to fade away into nothing, and the town disappeared soon after. Luna found herself in the space between dreams, which manifested as seemingly endless lines of doorways. The one in front of her was dim and lifeless, as were most of the doors she could see. Those that weren't didn't stay bright for long. The dreams they led to were dying, as the ponies of Equestria awoke to her sister's dawn. There was no reason for her to stay here.

As Luna opened her eyes, she was met with silence. Her favorite time of day had ended, and her least favorite had begun. She tried to savor the quiet of the morning, but she couldn't for long. Without anything to distract her, it didn't take long for the memories to come back. All too easily, the words spoken last night found their way back into her thoughts. They seeped into her mind, gently but firmly bogging her mood down. Their weight was a familiar pressure, a constant presence since her return from the moon.

The sun continued to rise outside her window. Celestia had certainly made breakfast by now, it would be rude not to attend. With reluctance, she pulled herself from the bed and onto her hooves.

Luna walked through the castle halls as she made her way to the royal dining room. Around her, the daily buzz of activity slowly manifested. Guards took up their posts, secretaries and nobles rushed to their appointments, and servants began their daily tasks. The Princess of the Night silently passed through it all, hardly drawing a glance from the inhabitants of the castle she supposedly helped rule. She made her way to the dining room and slipped through the door.

“Good morning, sister!” Celestia was a welcome sight for Luna's sore eyes. She was seated before a feast of waffles and fruit, a comforting smile on her face. “How was your night?”

Luna threw on a smile of her own as she closed the door behind her.

“It was lovely. As lovely as every night since my return.” Her reply earned her a lingering gaze from Celestia. She held fast to her grin, hoping she looked convincing enough.

“That's wonderful to hear.” At last, Celestia turned her attention back towards the feast. “Come, let us eat.”

Luna sat down at the table, noting with joy that there was pineapple among the fare. The prickly but satisfying fruit had become a favorite of hers since her return. She levitated it to her plate and set to work on it with a knife.

“How fare the dreams of our subjects?”

“They fare well.” Her smile grew at the mention of her favorite subject. The only thing she had left. “Especially with me to guard over them.”

“Find anything interesting in them?”

Luna raised an eyebrow. “I hope you understand, sister, but I don't like to share the private thoughts and dreams of our subjects without good reason.”

Celestia's mouth curled into a pout, and her wide eyes silently tugged at Luna's heartstrings. For a moment Luna debated telling her, but she had sworn long ago to keep her subject's dreams confidential. She couldn't violate that trust, not even for her sister.

When it was clear she wasn't going to budge, Celestia sighed. “Well, it was worth a try.”

Luna's frown slowly grew into an incredulous smile, before she and Celestia broke into laughter. Her older sister always knew just how to brighten her mood, she had always had a talent for talking with ponies. It was a skill Luna often envied.

Eventually their laughter died down, and Celestia turned to her again.

“Luna, there is something I wished to discuss with you,” she said, her eyes locking onto Luna's. “You remember Twilight Sparkle, yes? From Ponyville?”

“Indeed,” she replied. “She was very smart and kind. Our first Nightmare Night celebration would not have been the same without her.” That last sentence could not be understated. Twilight Sparkle had single hoofedly saved Luna's first interaction with the Equestrian public. She was the closest thing Luna could think of to a friend. “I can tell much of your wisdom has rubbed off on her.”

“Oh, you flatterer.” Celestia's blush was even sweeter than the pineapple. “Well, after how that night went, I thought the two of you should meet more often.”

A quick bolt of fear ran through Luna's heart. She hoped it hadn't shown on her face, but she knew that wasn't likely. Celestia was just as good at reading ponies as she as at talking to them.

“She has sent me quite a few letters since Nightmare Night, asking how you're doing.”

Luna swallowed. “Has she, now?”

“She's very interested in you.” Celestia regarded her slyly. “Whatever you two did on Nightmare Night seems to have stuck with her.”

“Well, I was the only one to recognize her Starswirl the Bearded costume,” Luna admitted. “And she did help me learn to interact with modern ponies. We were quite close on that night.”

Celestia nodded. “She's been studying friendship quite intently ever since she saved you. It's no surprise to me that she was able to help you fit in.”

“Yes...” Luna struggled to maintain her smile. “She was quite knowledgeable.”

“It seems to me you both get along well.” Celestia smiled at her. “I bet the two of you could be good friends.”

“Well... Um...” Luna could feel her heart beating loudly in her chest.

Celestia's expression grew worried. “Do you disagree?”

“No! I just...”

Luna's mind and heart tried to tear her in half while she stared into her sister's concerned eyes. She wasn't at all eager to meet with Twilight again, she could only imagine how embarrassing that would be. And yet, the thought of telling her sister no felt much worse. She had already caused Celestia so much grief in her life, she couldn't bear to hurt her more.

“I guess I could meet with her again...”

Celestia's smile returned. “Trust me, Luna, I'm certain the two of you will get along famously.”

After breakfast, Luna returned to her room. She looked out her window to see Canterlot bathed in the morning sunlight. Tiny specks swarmed the streets, ready to take on their busy days. Luna wondered what that must feel like.

The modern world of Equestria was designed for one princess, not two. Anything her sister could not do was delegated to her plethora of subordinates, and Luna couldn't just fire them and take their jobs. She wouldn't know how to do any of their work, anyway. There was no place for her in this castle.

Luna sat at her desk, sparing a glance at the framed picture that sat upon it. It was of herself and Celestia, taken after her return. She was smiling in it, a genuine smile. Being saved by Twilight and forgiven by Celestia had felt like a dream come true. She had thought nothing could ever go wrong again.

She shook her head and opened the book she had left on the desk. Equestria in the Year 600 A.A. One thousand years was a long time to be away from a nation. There was always more history for her to catch up on.

Luna wished the day wasn't so long. Not out of malice; she had since come to terms with the balance of day and night. Luna wished the sun would set so the ponies of Equestria would dream. She could feel useful then.

Dreams were the only happiness she had left in life. The little windows she had into the souls of ponies gave her joy like nothing else. Her cutie mark depicted the Moon and the night sky, but if Luna had a special talent, it was dreams.

In dreams she could explore. She could see who ponies really were beyond their timid, angry exteriors. She could save them from their fears and give them happiness. She could pretend she was loved by more than just her sister. They had been the only comfort in her life a thousand years ago, and that hadn't changed since. In dreams Luna felt like she really was a princess.

Unlike the rest of her life.

Hello, Luna. How was your morning? Her melancholy mood was interrupted by the monster living in her head.

“It was going just fine, until you arrived.” Luna focused on her book, trying to ignore the voice.

You wound me. She could almost hear the eye roll. How was breakfast with dear sister?

“It was... wonderful. As always.”

Wonderful? You don't sound very sure.

Luna sighed, her face falling into her hooves. “Why must you harass me this way?”

I have only your best interests in mind, I assure you. How is our most cherished sibling?”

“Celestia is well,” she murmured. “No thanks to us.”

Speaking of which, what lie did you tell her today?

Luna lifted her head. “Lie!?”

You don't mean to say you told her the truth? the voice asked with mock surprise. About yourself? About me?

“No... I didn't.”

Then what did you tell her?

“That I am well, and that I cherish every night I have on Equestria.”

Ah, a half truth.

Luna scowled. “What is that supposed to mean?”

Come now, Luna, do you really think of yourself as 'well'?

As much as she wanted to, Luna couldn't deny that. A healthy pony didn't mope about in a tower while her alter ego hounded her.

“No, I suppose not.”

A confession! You know, they say admitting you have a problem is the first step to fixing it.

Luna couldn't stay seated anymore. She closed her book before getting up from her chair. “Youare the problem, and that hasn't been a secret for centuries!”

Now, now, the voice soothed. I know how we struggle with accepting responsibility, but you played a role in all this as well. It's up to the both of us to fix it.

Luna paused in her pacing to roll her eyes. “And, pray tell, how would you of all ponies fix my well being?”

By giving you a backbone for one. You sit in this castle day and night, lamenting how the world thinks of you and making yourself suffer. You'll never grow if you keep yourself trapped in isolation. We might as well have stayed on the moon.

“And just where would you have me go?”

Anywhere. You could always start with Canterlot. It is, quite literally, just outside our door.

Luna looked to her window, the busy city still clearly visible through it. “Simply stroll through Canterlot? Have you forgotten our status? We would attract all sorts of attention.”

Then wear a disguise if you must. You'll never be accepted by ponies until you learn to interact with them.

“Why would I ever take your advice if I wanted to be accepted by ponies? You are the farthest thing from what they desire! They made an entire holiday to ridicule you.”

Fine then. Stay here in your tower and hide from the world you wish you knew better. Dreams alone have gotten you this far, haven't they?

“They have indeed gotten me this far. And as soon as the sun sets, I can go back to them and forget that this conversation ever happened.”

Luna looked out her window again. Her sister's glowing star was still high in the sky. She closed the curtains and went back to her desk. Her horn cast a cool, blue glow on the book as she opened it again. Another day of reading was ahead of her. It couldn't be worse than the last hundred.

Night finally settled on the land. Luna should have been meditating, preparing to escort the ponies of Equestria through their dreams. Instead, she stood in front of her mirror, running her eyes up and down her royal blue coat. Dark colored fur was rare for ponies, they were usually bright and pastel.

She couldn't believe she was considering the voice's advice. Listening to it was a mistake, she knew that now better than ever. And yet she couldn't tear her eyes away from the mirror. She couldn't stop wondering what was really down in the city she loomed over.

With a flash of magic, her coat turned to a lighter, purple color. Then, her flowing, sparkling mane caught her eye. With a thought, she subdued the magic running through it, causing it to droop and return to its light, sky blue shade.

She opened her wings as she observed her new look, and realized another oversight. A spell hid her horn, making her appear as a pegasus instead of an Alicorn. That is, a very tall pegasus. A final spell bent the light around her, making her appear smaller.

“We look as we did after the Elements saved us,” Luna mused. Was this not subtle enough? What if somepony saw through her disguise?

Nopony will recognize you, you oaf, chided the voice. Hardly anypony saw you then, and it has been a year since you've looked that way. You're ready.

“If you insist,” Luna said tersely. Before she could think twice, she leapt from her balcony.

Everything the Light Touches Isn't Yours

Luna's feathers caught the cool night air as she fell, letting her glide out towards the city of Canterlot. From her high vantage point, she could see nearly the entire city. Though much of it was dark, shining streetlamps and glowing windows gave off enough light to see by. Wary of attracting attention, Luna landed in a dark alley before walking out onto the street.

It was strange, she thought to herself. A thousand years ago, the setting of the sun meant no light at all, save for the dim glow of candlelight. But now, ponies could easily illuminate their streets and houses, even in the blackest midnight.

Wandering the Canterlot streets, Luna was surprised to hear noise as well. Faint thumping beats and muffled cheering echoed from the city's center. Were they celebrating this late at night? Did they not wish to sleep?

She followed the sounds as they bounced off buildings and houses, her curiosity leading her closer and closer to the center. When she finally reached it, she couldn't believe her eyes.

The square was brightly lit with overhanging lamps. If not for the pitch black sky, it would be impossible to tell it was night. Buildings were adorned with flashing colorful signs advertising their establishments. A number of ponies roamed the streets, either making their way home or looking for their next source of entertainment. It was the most incredible thing she had ever seen. Ponies had discovered how to make themselves at home in the night.

The sight filled her with a strange sense of nostalgia. Over a thousand years ago, she had hung her own lights in the night sky. She had made the stars to appeal to her diurnal subjects, to give them something familiar to tempt them into exploring her domain. They had never been enough, unfortunately.

Now, ponies had made their own stars to guide them through the night. The lamps and signs were hardly subtle, but even Luna couldn't deny their appeal. Canterlot square looked warm and welcoming, perhaps even more so than it did during the day.

Luna felt like that should have made her happy, but instead she felt overcome with melancholy. In truth, it was just more proof of her failure. After how hard she had worked on making the night accessible, she should have been the one to introduce it to ponies.

Nightmare Moon and eternal night had been her greatest attempt to solve the problem. She had believed that if she could force ponies to experience the night, they would have to love it as she did. But all she had done was make things worse. Turning to Nightmare had gotten her banished for a thousand years, and it seemed that was the last chance she would ever get. Now, it was too late.

Her dreary mood couldn't dampen her curiosity, however. She wandered the city for hours, curious to see the other ways the night had changed in her absence. She passed nightclubs that barely contained the loud music and cheering within. She passed quiet bars that occasionally released wobbling, giggling ponies back out onto the streets. She passed houses with only a single lit window, defiantly still awake despite the late hour.

It was a far cry from the night she had left behind. The setting of the sun used to be the death of nearly all activity. Only crickets and owls had dared to make sound, and only wide eyed animals showed their faces. The rest of the world had slept, ignorant to all her hard work.

Now the night was lively, and ponies kept playing and working even after the moon rose. But that did nothing to stop the feelings of loneliness. If anything, it made them stronger.

She might have kept wandering longer, despite herself, but suddenly her stomach grumbled. With surprise she noticed the night was ending, and a faint, pink light on the horizon heralded the sunrise.

“It seems I've lost track of time,” she thought to herself. “I should be getting back to the palace.”

No, interrupted the voice. Now is your chance to truly meet your subjects. In mere minutes the streets will be filled with them.

Her stomach growled again.

Find someplace to eat. Ponies love to socialize over food.

Anxiety crept into Luna's mind, but she did her best to ignore it. With the light of the rising sun, she read the signs hung above Canterlot's many establishments, searching for a bakery or the like. The words “Pony Joe's” caught her eye, reminding her of a conversation with Celestia.

“It couldn't hurt to try,” she thought.

Inside the building she was met with a novel sight. A blue and white checkered floor supported a number of wooden tables, where groups of ponies ate together. Most looked rather tired, but every bite they ate added a bit more cheer to their faces. A quick look around made it clear why.

“Miss please, there's a line,” said the stallion behind the counter, likely the eponymous Pony Joe. But Luna barely noticed him, fully entranced by the shop's stock. The far wall was covered top to bottom in donuts of all kinds: pink frosting with sprinkles, chocolate glaze, cinnamon twist, even unremarkable plain donuts.

“There's just so many...” she whispered.

“Hey! What's the big idea?” The shout drove a cold spike of terror into Luna's heart. She whipped around to find a stallion glaring at her, standing in a row of ponies Luna had completely overlooked.

“I'm sorry, I was just—”

“There's a line here, lady!” She was promptly cut off. “What makes you so special? You can wait like the rest of us!”

“I-I'm sorry! I'll just—” The angry looks of the other customers tore what little confidence Luna had to shreds. They held no mercy in their glowering faces, not an ounce of forgiveness for her many mistakes.

She should have known better than to come here. The ponies of Equestria had never cared for her, and they never would. The castle was the only place she could be safe. Her sister was the only one she could trust.

Luna ran out of the shop, her heart hammering in her chest. She didn't slow down outside as she galloped straight into an alley, desperate to avoid the gaze of anypony else. Her heaving breaths echoed in the darkness, her eyes trained on the exit to see if anypony would follow.

What on Equestria was that?

“I told you this was a mistake!” Luna gasped through her breathing. “Nothing can save us from the wrath of our subjects!”

I sincerely hope you are not being serious...

She continued panting, trying but failing to calm herself down.

“Why did I ever think to listen to you? I knew this was a terrible idea from the moment you mentioned it!”

It was a perfectly reasonable idea, you idiot! Any normal pony could easily find a meal and company in a bustling city! Your overreactions to mundane events are the problem here!

“Did you not hear that stallion shout? Did you not see the looks upon their faces?” Luna hung her head. “We are not welcome with their kind.”

Did you not see their tired eyes? Did you not hear their words? Their only gripe was that you skipped the line! Had you come as a princess instead of a peasant, they wouldn't have dared to say a word about it!

Luna almost laughed. “Oh, certainly. Had I merely held my undeserved privilege over their heads, I'm sure they would have been much more accommodating.”

Luna's mind clenched as soon as she said the words, as a sudden wave of frustration pressed against her thoughts.

You imbecile! You are a princess and you have in fact earned your privilege! The very nation these ponies comfortably live in would not exist without your own blood, sweat and tears! You have every right to skip in line, and ponies should feel lucky to have the opportunity to accommodate you!

Luna shook her head in disbelief. “They should feel lucky to let me use them? Your words are madness! We are a princess, not a tyrant! Our power is to be used in service of the common pony, not for our own selfish desires!”

Yes, because we are so inclined to selflessness aren't we? Luna felt her heart drop. We are perfectly happy to hide in shadows while our sister collects all the love and affection of our subjects! Thanklessly shepherding dreams is reward enough to quiet our ever tortured mind, is it not?

Her mind was overwhelmed by the voice's tirade, deafening and overflowing with rage. Her thumping heart was the only thing loud enough to compete with the screaming.

You foolish little mare, do not fall for the folly of lying to yourself! You desire recognition and influence as much as any other pony!

Luna felt something cold run down her cheek as her throat grew tighter.

Look at you! The mere implication that you deserve respect drives you to tears! Do you understand how ridiculous you are being?

“I'm not being ridiculous!” she shouted, fighting to stop her voice from breaking. “You're manipulating me again! Stop trying to control me! I'm my own mare now!”

Did I not just tell you to stop lying to yourself? You know we're the same pony, there is no you without us! These senseless games you keep making us play are preventing you from making any progress! Quit hiding and accept the truth!

“No!” Luna shook her head, trying to regain some semblance of focus. “I'm done listening to you! I've given you too many chances already! Go away!”

It was then the laughter started, bitter and humorless. Luna tried to look out of the now glowing alley exit, just able to make out the ever-growing crowds of ponies in the streets through her tears. The rising sun coated the land in color and cast shadows all about. Canterlot awoke to another day, completely unaware of the princess hiding in its alleyways.

Miles away in her cozy treebrary, Twilight Sparkle blearily greeted another morning. The town of Ponyville shimmered outside her window, the golden rays of the sun shining down on the town. She got out of bed and stretched her legs before clambering downstairs where Spike had breakfast ready.

She sat at the table, preparing to enjoy some pancakes and a delicious cup of apple juice, when a loud noise startled her. It was a familiar clamor, one that had preceded some of the happiest moments of her life, as well as some of the scariest. A noise that filled her with equal parts excitement and dread. A momentous sound that often heralded a new chapter of her life.

It was the sound of Spike's belch. The Princess had sent a letter for her.

The dragon walked in from the kitchen, placing a scroll on the table. Twilight hardly wasted a moment unrolling it in her magic, her eyes rapidly tearing through the words. With every second she read, her smile grew.

“Spike! Celestia says Princess Luna wants to meet with me again!”

Twilight was over the moon at the news, but her assistant looked unsure.

“And this is good news?”

“Of course it is, Spike,” Twilight chastised. “Sure, her first impression last Nightmare Night was less than stellar, but Princess Luna is a wonderful pony. She's not Nightmare Moon anymore.”

Spike shrugged and walked back to the kitchen, leaving Twilight to gush on her own.

“I can't wait to hear how she's been doing after Nightmare Night. I bet she's well on her way to fitting in and making friends!” Twilight smiled fondly, imagining all the stories and lessons she and the Princess could share. “I still can't believe that Celestia has a long lost sister! Imagine all the history they have together! Oh, I'm so excited to meet with her again!”

This weekend couldn't come soon enough! She couldn't wait to tell her friends! But first, she started on a letter of her own for Princess Celestia.

Find Hope in Fear

The terrible day had come. Her savior would arrive at the castle at any moment, flown in by chariot from the quaint town of Ponyville. It should have been a moment of excitement and wonder, but all Luna could feel was dread.

Twilight Sparkle was the mare responsible for her second chance at life. She and her friends had done what Celestia and Luna could not, and repaired Luna's troubled mind with the Elements of Harmony. And what had Luna done since that moment? Nothing, apart from arguing with the demon she was supposed to be free of. Twilight's hard work was wasted on a mare who lacked the strength to do anything on her own.

Now that faithful student was here to meet her once again. It wouldn't take long for her to see what a mess Luna was, and what a waste all this effort had been. Luna's shame would know no bounds and she would only sink deeper into her despair. But she knew Celestia wanted her to try her best and meet with Twilight, and Luna hadn't the heart to say no to her dear sister. So she opened the door to her chambers and marched out into the hall, doing all she could to prepare herself for yet another failure.

When she got to the main hall, Celestia was already waiting with Twilight by her side. Despite her foul mood, Luna couldn't help but soften at the sight of them. Her beloved sister and the pony who saved her, the two most important beings in her life. The only ones who cared. It gave her just a spark of hope.

“Princess Luna! It's so good to see you!” Twilight bounded up to her with a level of enthusiasm Luna couldn't remember seeing in a pony.

“Twilight Sparkle,” she greeted, with the first genuine smile she had worn in weeks. “It is wonderful to see you as well.”

“Oh my gosh, I'm so excited. How have you been since Nightmare Night? How's life in the castle? Have you made any new friends? There's so much to talk about!”

It was overwhelming being the center of Twilight's attention. Luna could hardly focus on the dreaded questions when they were delivered so quickly. She hadn't been expecting Twilight to be so animated.

“Twilight,” Celestia interrupted. “Please don't overwhelm my sister. One thing at a time, remember?”

Her sister's interference was a godsend. She wanted to thank Celestia, but to do so would betray herself.

“Right, I'm sorry, Princess,” Twilight said. “I'm just so excited! I've been waiting so long to see you again, Princess Luna!”

Luna's smile felt awkward on her face. “I must apologize. I did not mean to keep you waiting for so long. I have been... well, busy.”

Very busy, indeed, said the cursed voice. Your dedication to worrying over nothing is impressive, to say the least.

Twilight didn't know that, Luna reminded herself. Everything was fine. Twilight was still her friend. Nothing had gone wrong yet.

“It sounds like we've got plenty to catch up on then,” Twilight said, pulling Luna back into the conversation. “And I have a great idea how we could do it.”

Luna shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. “What might that be?”

”I was thinking we could go out to eat together,” Twilight said with a smile.

“Out to eat? As in, outside the castle? A tavern?” A bolt of fear struck Luna's heart. The memories of her last escapade into Canterlot were still fresh in her mind. She wasn't eager to relive them.

“Uh... I was thinking more like a restaurant, but yes?”

Luna tilted her head. “Is that common in these times? In our day, our only meals outside the castle were while traveling and visiting.”

“It's very common, yes. Especially among friends. I know better than most how good the castle chefs are, but there are many unique experiences you can only get at restaurants!”

Do it, you fool. This is a perfect opportunity.

This horrible voice. After how terribly its last suggestion had gone, it had the audacity to give her more advice?

Fine then. Tell her no right to her face. Reject this opportunity for redemption and return to your room to sulk.

Though part of her desperately wanted to, Luna couldn't imagine rejecting Twilight's offer. She was scared, terrified even, but she had already promised Celestia she would try. Besides, she had to admit she was curious to see what a 'restaurant' was. If Twilight was there to show her what to do, it couldn't be too bad, could it? She looked over to Celestia, who gave her a gentle nod of encouragement.

“Very well, Twilight Sparkle. Where will you take us?'”

Twilight's smile turned sheepish. “Well, I know it's a little informal but...”

“Truly fascinating, Twilight. We must say, we have never tasted something quite like this 'Hay Burger.'”

“I hope that means you like it?”

“Oh, verily! Perhaps it does not meet the standards one expects of royalty's refined palate, but it has an authentic, homey taste that we very much enjoy!”

Twilight's sigh of relief went unnoticed by Luna. The food of the common pony had changed immensely in her thousand years of absence, and it seemed it was for the better. Before her banishment, good food had been scarce and often mundane. Now, ponies not only had plenty of food to spare, they had all sorts of exciting new techniques to make it.

“And these small horseshoe shaped ones, what is it they are called?”

“Fries.”

“Yes, these fries. We find ourself compelled to keep eating them. This would be concerning if they were not so delicious.”

The Hay Burger specialized in 'deep fried' food, she was told. It was delicious, if Luna said so herself. It was rich and strong, but mellow and comforting. Every bit was bursting with flavor, sending her taste buds overboard with pleasure and demanding she keep eating.

Not only did it taste wonderful, but it was readily available at a moment's notice. To think, they had arrived at this establishment completely unannounced, and within mere minutes a feast had been assembled! Luna was a Princess, and it was expected that ponies would treat her with respect, but she was still amazed by how quickly this 'restaurant' had accommodated Twilight and herself.

“Well, you might want to be a little worried. This food isn't exactly the healthiest.”

“Unhealthy?” Luna asked through a mouthful of deep fried hay. “In what manner?”

“Fast food is notoriously high in fat and sodium.” Twilight winced when she saw how much had disappeared from Luna's side of the table. “Also, you're kind of eating a lot. Maybe you should slow down?”

Luna grinned smugly. “Our metabolism is regulated by our Alicorn magic, Twilight Sparkle. We are not concerned about becoming overweight. Besides,” She nearly drooled as she looked across the table stacked high with strange modern delicacies. “We have spent a thousand years without the pleasures of food. We can afford to enjoy its abundance.”

Luna tore back into her meal, leaving Twilight to stare in awe. Twilight was no stranger to binging, be it books, studying or food. She had learned to down hayburgers faster than she'd like to admit, but Luna seemed to be on another level entirely.

Eventually, Luna had to swallow. “Thank you for taking us to this place, Twilight Sparkle,” she said, taking a moment to catch her breath.

“Thanks so much for coming with me, Princess. I guess you don't get many chances to spend time with friends.”

“Nay,” Luna said sadly, losing some of her enthusiasm. “It has been a long time since we shared a meal with friends like this. A very long time indeed. The last might have been during our tutelage with Star Swirl.”

The memory was faint, but she could picture herself with Celestia and Star Swirl sitting around a table, eating and laughing. It wasn't often the old mage let his hair down and had fun, but there was still a normal pony somewhere underneath his cold exterior. It was a nice memory, made sour by the knowledge of what came after.

“Oh my goodness!” Twilight's face lit up. “You knew Star Swirl the Bearded! I didn't even consider! I mean, you recognized my costume at Nightmare Night, but I didn't think you were comparing it to Starswirl himself!” She looked at Luna with shining eyes. “You have to tell me, what was he like?”

Twilight's enthusiasm caught Luna off guard once again. She hadn't expected this behavior from a student of her sister. Celestia almost never lost her composure anymore.

“Star Swirl was a rather solemn pony,” Luna started. “His work was his life, and he had little patience for anything that might get in the way of it. If he wasn't studying or practicing, he was probably teaching. Of course, he wouldn't teach just anypony. Only those he felt had true potential were worth interrupting his sacred workflow. Being Alicorns, my sister and I qualified.”

“Wow. He sounds eerily familiar.”

Luna raised an eyebrow.

“Uh,” Twilight said awkwardly. “Before your return, I was a pretty secluded pony myself. I almost never spent time with other ponies and I didn't really have any friends.”

“Truly?”

“Yeah, pretty much all I ever did was study. My family and the Princess were the closest things I had to friends.” Twilight wore a thoughtful look. “I never really thought about it, but my life has changed a lot recently. I almost feel like a different pony now.”

“Do you regret that change?”

“Not at all! Sure my friends can be frustrating sometimes, and studying friendship is much less concrete than magic or history.” Twilight's features turned soft as she smiled. “But the time I've spent with them has kind of filled a hole in my life I didn't know was there. We've made memories I'll cherish forever.”

“I see.”

Luna suddenly found the food didn't taste quite as good. Despite the mare at her table and the surrounding ponies, the restaurant felt lonely. Her whole life, she realized, was lonely.

“Twilight Sparkle, do you think the other Elements might like to meet with me?” she asked. “I think I would like to get to know them better.”

“Of course!” Twilight beamed. “I'm sure they'd love to!”

To Luna's surprise, her mind stayed quiet. No taunts, no snide remarks or accusations. All she felt was her own excitement at the prospect of new friends. She smiled back at Twilight.

Outside the restaurant, dusk had settled on Equestria. The night would soon arrive, but its escort was out of sorts.

“We see now there was in fact some merit to thy warnings, Twilight,” Luna groaned as she rubbed her stomach. She got an angry gurgle in response.

Twilight giggled. “I guess some ponies just have to learn the hard way.”

“Indeed, we have never been one to take the easy route,” Luna confessed.

Twilight looked up at the dimming sky. “It's getting dark,” she said. “Shouldn't the moon be out soon?”

“We shall raise it shortly. But before then, we would like a few minutes to gather our strength. Might we rest somewhere?”

“Of course. Let's go to the park.”

Fortunately, the Canterlot park wasn't far from The Hay Burger. A commendable design effort by the city planners, if Luna said so herself. The park was sparsely populated with ponies who were relaxing on the well maintained lawn, some with blankets underneath them. Many of them were looking at the darkening sky where stars had begun to appear. Luna laid down on the bare grass, sprawling out her limbs and letting her sore stomach be tickled by the thin blades. Twilight sat next to her.

“The stars look beautiful,” she said.

“We are glad you think so, Twilight.”

Twilight's face immediately flushed. “Oh my gosh, you're responsible for the stars! I keep forgetting.”

Yet another outburst. Twilight struck her as a very strange pony. Who would be so excited by the night sky of all things?

“All of night is our domain,” Luna said. “The moon, the stars, dreams, darkness.”

“Wow, that sounds amazing! It boggles my mind!” Twilight's smile positively sparkled as she looked at Luna. “What's it like, having all those important responsibilities?”

Important? Is that what she said? Did she really mean that? She had certainly sounded genuine. Luna stared into Twilight's eyes, looking for some proof she was lying. Ultimately, she couldn't find any reason to doubt her.

“It is lonely,” she answered simply, looking back to the sky.

“I...” Twilight stuttered, caught off guard by Luna's somber tone. “I'm sorry to hear that. Personally, I've always been a big fan of astronomy. I've spent so much time reading about stars and space. Well, I spend a lot of time reading in general, but I really enjoy astronomy in particular.”

“Ponies have written books about the night sky?” Luna asked, turning back to Twilight.

“Oh, you have no idea, Princess! I have a whole shelf dedicated to them. Would you like to come see?”

There were books written about her work? Ponies had noticed the stars after all? Was it really true? The thought scared her. Luna hadn't dared hold out hope, she'd given up on her dreams long ago.

Afraid of your dreams coming true? Don't be ridiculous. Stop letting your petty fears control you and go.

No. She wasn't falling for that again. Today had been more wonderful than she could have ever imagined. She wasn't going to ruin it with a needless risk.

“I would like that very much, but I'm afraid we don't have time.”

Luna's horn began to glow. Slowly, the moon crept above the horizon, covering the land in its pale light. Twilight turned back to the sky, her eyes sparkling with wonder. Luna savored the look on her face. Twilight truly was more than she ever deserved.

“There are duties that need my attention,” Luna said. “I'm afraid I must get back to the castle.”

Yes, of course, the voice laughed. Your duties. Like worrying.

“We, um,” Luna stammered, trying to keep her focus on Twilight. “Might we do this again sometime, Twilight?”

Twilight gave her the warmest smile she'd ever seen. “Of course, Princess. That sounds wonderful.”

Find Fear in Life

Luna awoke that morning with a surprising amount of energy. The memories of her time with Twilight were still fresh in her mind, and they filled her with jitters and giddiness. A smile found its way to her face and stubbornly stayed there, unfazed by any of the dark thoughts her mind tried to drudge up. Not even the foreboding promise she had made to meet Twilight's friends could dislodge it. In fact, she found that idea only made her happier.

For once since her return, things seemed to be looking up for her. She eagerly rose from her bed, excited to have breakfast with her sister. There were plenty of stories for her to tell.

On her way to the dining hall, Luna paid the busy ponies of the castle as much attention as they normally paid her; almost none. Her spirits were too high to be bogged down by such trivial things. All she cared about was breakfast.

“Hello, Luna,” Celestia greeted when she slipped through the door. “How was your day with Twilight?”

“It was... enlightening, sister.” Luna couldn't keep her joy off her face while she took her seat.

“Enlightening?” Celestia raised a curious eyebrow. “Do tell.”

“I learned of the joys of 'fast food'. It very much lives up to its name.”

Celestia laughed at that. The sound made Luna's smile grow wider.

“And the taste was incredible!” she continued. “Hay burgers, fries, shakes; they are all so delicious!”

Her sister wore a knowing look. “I hope you didn't eat too much.”

“I may have... underestimated my stomach capacity,” Luna admitted.

“Oh, dear. Are you—”

“You needn't worry, sister,” she interrupted. “I have since recovered from my stomach ache.”

Celestia looked relieved at that. “Well, it sounds like you had a lot of fun.”

“Indeed, I haven't had such fun in...” Her mind drifted back in time, to memories she wasn't quite ready to face yet. “Well, a long time indeed.”

“Well, that's good! I'm glad you two enjoyed yourselves.”

“Indeed,” Luna smiled as she nervously shuffled her hooves. “I had so much fun, that I asked Twilight if I could meet the rest of her friends.”

Celestia's face lit up. “Oh, Luna! That's wonderful!” She sprung from her seat and ran next to her sister, giving her a warm hug. “When are you going to meet them?”

“We have not decided yet. I hoped to borrow your dragonfire spell to coordinate with Twilight.”

“Of course, you have but to ask.”

“Thank you, sister.” Celestia ended the hug to return to her seat, while Luna took a plateful of waffles and started drizzling sweet, sticky syrup over them. There really were all sorts of exciting foods in the world now. It was then she remembered the ending of her time with Twilight.

“Twilight also mentioned something called 'astronomy,'” Luna said. Celestia's ears perked up again. “Do... do ponies really write books about the stars?”

“They absolutely do, Luna,” Celestia answered. “I can't remember exactly when it started, but ponies have been studying your stars for hundreds of years now. I admit I haven't kept up with it as much as I'd like, but there are many ponies who have dedicated themselves to mapping and understanding the night sky.”

“I see...” So Twilight hadn't been lying. Ponies really had come to appreciate the things she had done for them. If only she had been around to see it happen.

“Would you like to meet some of them?”

“Um. Maybe some other time.” Luna knew she wasn't ready to go out in public. Not after the last time. She should take Twilight up on her offer first.

“Of course. Take all the time you need, Luna.”

Luna stood at the door of Twilight's library, preparing to knock. She shivered slightly, and it wasn't just because of the cool night air. She had spent several days preparing for this moment. Last time she had met with her sister's student, she had been overcome with dread and worry. This time, Luna couldn't help but be excited, even with the nervous butterflies in her stomach.

Twilight had said she was planning a 'sleepover', a party that lasted overnight. Celestia told her they were a rather intimate affair, something done between close friends. Luna hadn't known Twilight for long, but the mare was very special to her. She was honored that Twilight seemed to feel the same way.

Luna took a deep breath before knocking on the door. She didn't have to wait long for it to open.

“Princess Luna!” Twilight greeted, stepping aside so the Princess could enter. “Please, come in!”

“Thank you, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna replied as she walked inside. Twilight's abode was warm and bright, despite the late hour. The wooden walls practically glowed with a light pink color, and everywhere she looked there were shelves filled with books. It radiated a type of coziness that Luna couldn't last remember feeling.

“We are excited to learn more about this 'sleepover' you have planned.”

“Oh my gosh, you've never had a sleepover before?!” said a voice behind her. Luna nearly jumped out of her coat. She whipped around to find a bouncing pink pony. “This is so exciting! Are you excited? I'm excited, I think everypony's excited!”

“Pinkie, do calm down.” Another pony appeared, this one with a pure white coat and a styled purple mane. “You're unsettling our royal guest.”

Right, these were Twilight's friends, the other Elements of Harmony. The pink one was undoubtedly Pinkie Pie, the Element of Laughter. The other must be Rarity, Element of Generosity.

“Do not worry, we were merely caught off guard,” Luna said, her voice quavering despite herself. “I take it the two of you are Pinkie Pie and Rarity?”

“Yup! That's me!” said Pinkie, her face splitting into an incredibly wide grin. “It's so exciting to meet you, Princess Luna! I just know by the end of the night, we're all gonna be super duper best friends! Yay!” She threw her forehooves into the air and tumbled end over end, cartwheeling her way into the next room. Luna stared after her in shock. To think she had thought Twilight was excitable...

“I must apologize for Pinkie's behavior, Princess,” Rarity said. “She isn't really one for proper decorum.”

“It's nothing, really,” Luna replied, though her heart was still racing. “We were told sleepovers are a more casual affair. We were not expecting a traditional royal welcoming.”

“Well, even so,” Rarity bowed her head. “We are honored to have you here with us, Princess.”

Watching Rarity bow to her felt very, very wrong. She hadn't done anything to deserve this kind of respect. Not her; worthless, cowardly Luna. She had to stop this.

“Uh, Miss Rarity, please,” she stammered. “There's no need for such formality. Like I said, this is a casual meeting.”

Rarity seemed surprised at her words. “I'm sorry, Princess. Bowing to royalty is common manners.”

“I understand, but tonight is different. I came here to get to know you all, not stand on ceremony. It wouldn't do to have everypony tripping over themselves just to be polite.”

Rarity's face turned thoughtful. “I suppose you're right. A sleepover isn't really the place for formality, is it?”

“Speaking of which,” said Twilight. “I think we're about ready to get started!”

The pair escorted Luna to the living room, where the rest of Twilight's friends were seated around a table.

“Princess, I'd like you to meet Rainbow Dash,”

“Yo!” the Element of Loyalty called to her, with a quick wave of her hoof.

“Applejack,”

“Howdy!” The Element of Honesty tipped her hat.

“Fluttershy,”

The Element of Kindness meekly ducked beneath her mane. “Um, hi.”

“And you've already met Pinkie Pie.”

“Hi again, Princess!”

Luna nodded, a smile firmly on her face. These were the ponies who saved her, the reason for her second chance at life. She was honored to meet them again. “It's a pleasure to meet you all. I look forward to the fun we'll have together!”

“Speaking of which, what's the plan for tonight?” asked Rainbow Dash, an eager smirk on her face. “Truth or Dare? Ghost stories?”

“Spin the bottle?” suggested Pinkie Pie.

All eyes turned to Pinkie at that. Their looks ranged from humored to mortified. Luna hadn't a clue what spin the bottle was, but apparently its name was not evoked lightly.

“We're not playing that,” Twilight answered. “We're going to have a nice, normal sleepover with the Princess, and we're going to start it the old fashioned way.”

Twilight put a rectangular box on the table.

“With board games!”

The box was labeled 'Monopoly' in big red letters. It featured an illustration of a white pony with a top hat and a moustache who gestured at a city in the distance. Luna found it very curious. She had no idea what it meant.

“Monopoly?” Applejack said. “Lookin' to show the Princess our competitive sides?”

The word competitive drew a whimper from Fluttershy.

“Applejack, we are going to have a fun, clean game with Princess Luna,” Twilight said, her eyes making their way around the table as she spoke. “That means no trash talk, no gloating, and no egotism in general. We're all going to be on our best behavior tonight.” She looked at Rainbow Dash. “Isn't that right?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Dash rolled her eyes. “Can we get started already?”

“Very well.” Twilight smiled as she opened the box. “I'll be the banker, as usual. Who's playing as what?”

A variety of tiny metal objects were levitated onto the table. Luna barely got a chance to look at them before they were snatched up.

“Ooh! I want the top hat!”

“I'll take the wagon.”

“I always play as the cloud, duh!”

“The thimble for me, darlings.”

“I think I'd like to be the dog, if that's okay with everyone.”

In the wake of the mad dash, only three items remained. A cat, a wheelbarrow, and a horseshoe.

“We shall choose the cat.” she said.

“Oh, good choice Princess,” Fluttershy said.

Luna smiled. “Thank you, Fluttershy. We are fond of cats.”

Twilight starting passing out strange paper circles to everypony. They were the size of bits, but came in all sorts of colors. Some were yellow, some pink, some green. All had the same cartoonish picture of Celestia on them.

“Since this is your first time playing, Princess, let me explain the rules to you,” Twilight said. “We all take turns rolling the dice and moving around the board. When you land on a square, you're allowed to buy it with the paper bits I've handed out. The goal is to own every square on the board.”

Luna looked at the board, and noticed the squares had names like Canterlot, Hoofington and Trottingham. The game was about buying all the land in Equestria? What a bizarre idea. It struck Luna as the goal of some insane villain, not a casual game for fun.

Oh, come now, it's just a game. Surely you can appreciate that?

Her breath caught in her throat at the sound of the voice. She hadn't expected it to appear now of all times.

I was going to leave you to your own devices tonight, but I can't help myself. This game just looks like so much fun!

Luna took a few deep breaths to calm herself. It was just a voice, it couldn't do anything if she didn't let it. She just had to focus on herself and her friends and everything would go fine.

Applejack was selected as the first to roll. She took the dice in her hooves and cast them across the board with a clatter. Then she counted the squares with her wagon.

“Would you like to buy Cloudsdale, Applejack?” Twilight asked.

“I sure would,” Applejack answered, pushing over a pile of bits.

“Hey, no fair!” Rainbow Dash interrupted. “I'm supposed to own Cloudsdale, it makes too much sense!”

“Sorry, Dash,” Applejack smugly took the Cloudsdale deed from Twilight, tucking it under her remaining bits. “Them's the breaks.”

Dash crossed her hooves and pouted, scowling at Applejack.

Oh my. This game seems even more fun than I thought!

“Be quiet,” Luna whispered under her breath. “We are here to make new friends, not old enemies.”

Oh please, I wouldn't dream of ruining this quaint little party, it laughed. But making Rainbow Dash into a sore loser?

Luna looked to Rainbow Dash, who was clearly scheming her revenge on Applejack.

Now that sounds like a good time!

“You aren't even listening to me, are you?” she grumbled.

“Did you say something, Princess?” Twilight's voice pulled Luna from her thoughts.

“Nothing,” she answered, making her best attempt at one of Celestia's serene smiles. It felt too strained to be believable, but nopony seemed to notice. “Please, carry on.”

The dice were passed around the circle, and each pony took a turn rolling them. Luna found it hard to pay attention to what was happening. She couldn't stop thinking about the look Dash had been giving Applejack, and kept imagining it directed at her instead. She still remembered how it felt to be the target of that angry glare. That life was supposed to be behind her now.

Eventually, her turn came. She cautiously lifted the dice in her magic.

“Hey!” Dash shouted, shocking Luna into dropping the dice. By the time she looked over, Applejack had a hoof over Dash's mouth.

“Sorry!” Luna squeaked. “Did I do something wrong?”

“Well,” Twilight scowled at Dash, before giving Luna a sympathetic look. “It's considered polite to roll with your hooves, rather than your magic, Princess. You know,” she gestured to the rest of her friends. “For fairness.”

“Oh, I see. That does make sense. My apologies.” Luna shakily picked up the dice in her hooves instead, before awkwardly tossing them onto the board. The other ponies had made it look much easier than it was.

Her roll totaled at five. She gently pushed her cat along the board with her hoof, too afraid to consider using her magic again. Five spaces left her on a picture of a train, something she felt lucky to even recognize. She had only ever seen The Friendship Express from her window, never in person. It was one of many strange new things she had yet to come to terms with. Like board games.

“Do you want to buy the Appleoosa station, Luna?” Twilight asked her.

Luna glanced at the faces of the ponies around her. Most seemed politely interested, but Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked particularly invested in her decision.

“No, thank you,” she answered. She was suddenly surrounded by looks of confusion. Even Twilight and Fluttershy seemed concerned, though nopony said anything.

What are you doing? the voice asked. Did you not listen to the rules? You are supposed to be buying property.

“Like I said, I'm here to make friends, not enemies,” Luna whispered.

The point of the game is to compete, you know? That's what makes it fun. They don't expect you to just let them win.

“I know better than to trust your foul advice.”

Luna could feel the indignation pressing against her mind. She did her best to ignore it. She had made the mistake of listening to it for the last time. Now, she was going carve her own path.

The dice continued around the circle, as everypony took another turn playing. Fake money exchanged hooves, cards were passed out, and sometimes little houses were placed on the board. When the dice came to Luna, she rolled them and moved her cat once again.

"Would you like to buy Fillydelphia, Luna?" Twilight asked her.

"No, thank you," she replied. Again, confused looks appeared all around her.

"Is she allowed to do that?" Dash asked.

"There's nothing in the rules that says you have to buy everything you land on," Twilight answered. "It's perfectly legal as far as I can tell."

"Sorry," Luna said. "Am I causing trouble?"

"Nope! You're perfectly fine, Princess," Twilight told her. "You're allowed to play however you like." She gave Luna a bright smile. It didn't do much to quiet her fears.

"I've never played a game like this before," Luna said, rubbing her hooves together. "It doesn't seem to be coming to me very naturally."

"Don't worry, Princess," Fluttershy said. "I'm not very good at these games either. Some ponies just aren't as competitive as others."

That made Luna smile. "Thank you, Fluttershy. We appreciate your insight."

Out of the corner of her eye, Luna noticed Rainbow Dash sizing her up from across the table. She found herself trapped in Dash's gaze, terrified of what might come out of her mouth. Then, Dash closed her eyes and shrugged.

"Whatever. I'll take an easy win."

"Rainbow!" Twilight shouted. "Don't be rude!"

Twilight and Rainbow started to argue, but Luna couldn't hear their words. There was a sense of dread forming in her gut, and it seemed to grow every minute. She had been trying to stay out of other ponies' ways, but somehow she was just attracting more attention to herself.

You know, I could help you, the voice cut in. I know what they're looking for in a player. If you would let me take the lead, all this stress could go away in no time. You wouldn't have to worry about Rainbow Dash anymore.

The false sympathy in its tone was all it took to bring Luna back to her senses.

"Nice try," she whispered to herself. "But you'll have to do better than that to trick me again."

You imbecile, the voice groaned. Fine then. Let's see how long you can keep up this charade.

She was here to make friends. Nothing had actually gone wrong yet. Everything was fine.

The game continued. In time, ponies began finding themselves the targets of poor fortune. One by one, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity went bankrupt.

Luna wondered if ponies really found this game fun. It seemed awfully scary to her. Who would want to live in a world where everypony was constantly fighting over money and land? The thought was unsettling, to say the least.

Luna, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack were the only remaining players now. Her two opponents occasionally whispered to each other, too quiet for Luna to hear. She wondered what they were saying. Were they scheming against her, or merely gossiping about her strange playstyle?

Luna found both options equally disturbing. This sleepover wasn't turning out like anything she had expected. Her last outing with Twilight had felt warm and welcoming, like the two of them were truly friends. Here, Fluttershy seemed to be the only other pony who didn't view Luna as competition or royalty. This strange game was causing her no shortage of stress, and she was starting wonder why she had even shown up.

Worse still was the fact she could still feel the the demon lurking in her thoughts. It was biding its time, waiting for something. She was determined not to give in to its manipulation, but she wasn't sure how much longer she could hold out for. Her composure became harder to maintain after every turn, and harder still after every look from Rainbow Dash.

The dice came around to her again. Luna carefully threw them onto the board, becoming more comfortable with the act over the last half hour. A total of seven this time. She counted the squares on the board with her cat.

You're really going to keep this up until the end, aren't you? the voice said, reemerging from its silent wait.

“Yes, I will!” Luna answered, quickly shooting it back down. She suddenly found herself the focus of everypony in the room. Twilight, Fluttershy and Rarity looked at her in surprise, while Rainbow Dash wore a cocky grin. Her heart started hammering in her chest.

“Okay then. White Tail Woods now belongs to Luna,” Twilight said.

“Aha! I get it!” Dash exclaimed. “You've just been biding your time the whole game, saving all your money for the end! Now we can really get started!”

“We... um...” Luna stammered.

“Well, you've certainly got your work cut out for you,” Applejack cut in. “You've got a long road to travel to come back in this match.”

No! She hadn't meant to buy a property! This wasn't supposed to happen! This wasn't right!

Yes, yes, I know, the voice cut in, its voice rich with arrogance. I've gone and played a dirty trick on you. But trust me, if you just listen to what I say, we'll turn this game around in no time. They won't know what hit them, and everypony will love it!

That damned voice had tricked her! It wasn't allowed to do this! This was her meeting, her chance!

“Applejack, I think it's your turn next,” Twilight said.

“Actually,” Luna interrupted. “We are not sure if we want to keep playing.“

The eyes of every Element bore into her. Worry, concern, and yet more confusion surrounded her. Luna felt herself overheating, her breath coming in shorter and shorter bursts.

“Aww, what?” Dash complained. “It was just getting good!”

“What's wrong, Princess?” Twilight asked.

She couldn't be here, it was all too much. Her chest felt like it was carrying a stone that was slowly sinking deeper into her gut. Her thoughts ran at a mile a minute, threatening to drive her to madness.

Luna stood up from the table, quickly making her way to the door. “We think some fresh air is needed,” she blurted out. “Please, excuse us.”

She slipped outside before anypony else could speak. As soon as she closed the door, the cold night air caught in her throat. She sat down, making herself take slow, deep breaths, trying to regain control.

You're such a buzzkill, the voice sneered in her mind. I can't believe you.

“Why must you do these things to us?” Luna shouted, finding it much easier to breath all of a sudden. “You sabotage our efforts and torment our mind at every turn! Leave us in peace, demon!”

I did nothing to sabotage you, you insolent whelp! I was helping you play the game correctly! Did you not see how their interest peaked when you began to compete?

“You wanted revenge on the Elements!” Luna insisted. “You made it clear you wished to see Rainbow Dash laying defeated before you! You are fooling no-one!”

It is you who is failing to fool anyone! the voice roared back. You let your fears and insecurities best you time and time again. Do you really think you will accomplish anything just being timid and polite? If you want the respect of other ponies, you have to assert yourself!

Why did she have to be cursed with this horrible demon? How was she ever meant to live with its sneering voice dragging her down at every turn? She couldn't, it was impossible! Tears welled up in her eyes and she choked on her suddenly dry throat.

Luna had no desire to go back inside. All the excitement she had when she arrived here at Twilight's library had long since dissipated. She had thought for sure meeting Twilight's friends would be fun, but she couldn't have been more wrong. This sleepover had turned out to be a nightmare.

“I hate you,” was all she managed to say. She unfurled her wings and took to the sky.

Around the table, tension was high. Everypony's gaze promptly turned to Rainbow Dash.

“What? What did I do?”

“Now, I'm not saying Dash is blameless,” Applejack said. “But Luna seemed troubled from the moment the game started. Didn't you hear her whispering to herself?”

“Honestly, she seemed troubled from the moment she showed up,” Rarity added. “I've never heard of a royal being so bothered by a simple bow.”

Twilight sighed, her body slowly relaxing. “You girls are right. Sorry, Rainbow.”

Dash at least had the sense not to look smug, instead wearing the same worried look as all her friends.

“Does she usually whisper like that, Twilight?” Rarity asked.

“I've certainly never heard her do it," Twilight said, bringing a hoof up to her chin. "I don't remember anything like it from our trip to The Hay Burger. I wonder what's wrong?”

“Maybe she's just shy?” offered Fluttershy. “I'm sure I would be if I were meeting five new ponies at once.”

“That's a good point!” Pinkie Pie said. “Maybe we should have met her one at a time, instead of all at once!”

“I'm surprised to hear that coming from you, Pinkie,” said Applejack.

“What? Just because I think big parties full of new ponies are fun, doesn't mean everypony does. Right, Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy nodded in agreement. “Right.”

“Well, I'm going to go outside and talk her,” Twilight said, rising from the table. “You girls wait in here.”

Twilight stepped out her door into the cool night air. She looked around, waiting for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. None of the silhouettes she could make out were pony shaped. Even as her sight became clear, the Princess remained nowhere to be seen.

“Princess Luna?” she called out into the night. But she received no answer. Luna was long gone.

The Nightmare Never Ends

”Ah, you have finally come.”

The dream around them was darker than night, the empty void of space. Only the subtle twinkles of shimmering stars broke up the empty blackness as the two ponies floated in nothingness. Nightmare Moon sat in a dark black throne, resting her head on her hoof. Twilight stood below, her hooves firmly planted on a floor that couldn't be seen.

“It has been so long since we last met,” Nightmare said, an eerie smile on her face. “To what do I owe the pleasure, Twilight Sparkle?”

“You know exactly why I'm here!” Twilight shouted. Her stance was low, her horn aimed squarely at the dark Alicorn. “Leave Luna alone! We won't let you take her again!”

“Leave her alone? Were it so easy,” Nightmare laughed to herself. She rose from her throne, calmly walking across the blackness. “Luna has been keeping secrets from you, little pony. It is not my fault she suffers so. She has done this all to herself.”

“And what is that supposed to mean?”

“I am Luna.” The Nightmare smiled down at Twilight. “I always have been, and I always will be. The difference between us is an arbitrary line she has drawn through her mind. Without me, Luna would only be half of a pony.”

The Alicorn walked a slow circle around Twilight, who kept her horn on target at all times.

“But there's nowhere left for her to hide now that you're here,” Nightmare continued. “The time has come to face the music.”

“What are you talking about?”

Nightmare gave a sly smile as her horn started to glow.

Luna floated in front of the door to the dream she had made. She should be inside, waiting for Twilight to arrive, but instead she was loitering outside in the space between dreams. Celestia's idea was sound, and Luna knew she could trust Twilight, but something about this whole thing scared her. Sharing a dream with another pony was an intimate thing, and you could never be sure what might happen. She could only imagine what Twilight might think of her if she saw something she wasn't meant to see.

Suddenly, the door flew open before her. A blinding light gushed forth from it, forcing her to shut her eyes. It is time, said the voice, its words overwhelming her thoughts. Now we will fix this.

When Luna opened her eyes, her vision was blue. Her mane was drooping limply in front of her face, its strands pale and limp. She lifted her hoof to push it aside, taking note of its lighter color. Looking at her hoof, she noticed her coat was lighter than normal as well. It reminded her of how she looked after having the Elements used on her. In fact, both her mane and coat seemed exactly the same as they were then.

Luna looked around and found Twilight Sparkle staring at her. Twilight's eyes were wide with surprise, and Luna noticed they were standing at almost eye level with each other. Twilight's eyes moved to something next to her, and Luna followed their gaze.

She came face to face with the crescent moon from her cutie mark, displayed on a light blue peytral. Her eyes trailed upward, following the pitch black coat of the neck it rested on, until they met the gaze of the pony who had brought her here. Nightmare Moon loomed above her, wearing a malicious grin that pierced straight into Luna's soul. She stepped back instinctively, barely managing to stop herself from running.

“Luna? Is that you?” Twilight asked.

“Twilight!” Luna cried, turning back to her savior. “You have to help me!” Twilight was her only hope to regain control. She had to talk to her before Nightmare did.

“Luna, what's going on?”

“There's no point in hiding anymore,” the Nightmare said, its head learning in close as it slowly approached. “I have already told her the truth. Now, you must confess.”

Luna's heart dropped. This was bad, so very bad. Her eyes darted around the dream, searching for an exit that didn't exist.

“There's nowhere to run, either. You've put this off long enough. Confess!”

“I-I can't!”

“You can!” Nightmare boomed. “You've felt the feelings a thousand times! Put them into words!”

Luna's eyes flitted back and forth between the two ponies before her. She couldn't fight Nightmare, and she couldn't escape the dream either. She was caught in Nightmare's trap.

Reluctantly, her eyes settled on Twilight. “I don't know who I am, Twilight. I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I spend all my time inside my room in the castle, worrying about the terrible things that could happen if I leave. Whenever I do go outside, all I see are consequences for my many mistakes, and luxuries I'll never be able to afford.” Her withers sunk and her head drooped. “Every decision I could make would just end in more misery for me.”

“What do you mean, Luna?” Twilight asked, her voice shocked.

“There is nopony who cares for me in this foreign new world, nopony I can relate to. There's no place for me, not in the castle, Canterlot, or anywhere in Equestria. Everypony has moved on without me. I'm alone, just as I was before.”

“That's not true, Luna! Celestia cares about you! I care about you! Didn't you enjoy going to the Hay Burger together?”

Twilight's fervor took Luna by surprise. “I... I did," she stuttered. "But that was different. That was... with you.” She couldn't look at Twilight while she spoke. “You're just so kind and capable and friendly. The rest of ponykind is nothing like you. They're distant and cold, scared and judgmental. They'll never care for me.”

“Luna, that's not true,” Twilight said. “You're a wonderful pony to be around. I know others will appreciate you once they get to know you.”

“And just how will they when they won't get anywhere near me?” she scoffed.

“You're as much to blame for that as they are.”

Luna's head snapped around to glare at the Nightmare.

“How can you say its the fault of others when you do so little yourself?" Nightmare's arrogant grin hadn't dimmed since Luna had last saw it. "Will you blame Twilight's friends for your breakdown last night? Were they not 'kind, capable and friendly' enough?”

“Shut up!”

Nightmare laughed.

“Its okay that the sleepover didn't work out, Luna,” Twilight said. “We can always try again. Pinkie thought you might have gotten overwhelmed being around everypony at once. You could always meet them one at a time, or in smaller groups.”

Luna looked at Twilight with barely restrained horror. She could already imagine how awful being alone with Rarity and her formalities would be. Or worse, being trapped once again under Rainbow Dash's judging glare.

“You know your problem isn't with them,” Nightmare whispered in her ear. “They did nothing wrong. It is you who is to blame.”

Luna clamped her hooves over her ears. “Shut up! Stop it!”

“Hey! What's your problem?” Twilight shouted at Nightmare. “Quit harassing her! She doesn't need your help!”

“Oh, but she does need me.” Nightmare smiled at Twilight. “She's proven she's determined to lead herself down the road to failure. She'll never make it on her own.”

“The last thing she needs is to listen to you! You aren't going to help her at all!”

Nightmare chuckled. “I am her other half. I know exactly what she's missing. If she listened to me, this problem could be easily fixed.”

“What part of listening to you berate her is supposed to help her get better? I knew you were villainous, but I didn't know you were delusional!”

Nightmare scowled. “You don't live with her everyday. You don't understand what her problem really is. She's afraid, and she lets that fear control her. Every waking moment is spent worrying about things that are entirely preventable. Without me, she has no strength to face them.”

“She doesn't need you to be strong!” Twilight shot back. “Luna was a Princess long before she met you. What she needs are friends who care about her!”

“I've been part of Luna since we were born,” the Nightmare said, its voice indignant. “I've been with her through every moment of our life. Like I said, we are two halves of the same pony. There is no Luna without both of us.”

Twilight shook her head. “Luna, what's going on here? Are the things she's saying true?”

“I...” Luna choked, finding it hard to see Twilight through her tears. She looked down at her hooves, watching drops fall past them into the endless blackness. “I can't... I don't want to...”

“Do it!” Nightmare shouted. “Break the seal on this terrible secret! Start a new path!”

“No!” Luna's eyes shut tight. “I won't do it! I can't lose her!”

“You will lose her if you keep this up! You won't last if you keep trying to live this lie!”

“Stop it!” Twilight shouted. “Stop hurting her! Let her speak for herself!”

“I'm not hurting her you foal,” Nightmare hissed. “I'm trying to help her! We're on the same side!”

“We are not on the same side! I came here to help Luna feel better, not make her miserable! If you really can't leave, then at least be quiet!”

Nightmare snarled. “You insolent foal! How dare you presume to know what is best for us!”

Suddenly the dream grew cold as ice. Freezing winds whipped around the trio, making Twilight shiver. Ice climbed up the unicorn's hooves, holding her still as Nightmare descended upon her.

“You are a newborn foal, who has learned less in her whole life than I have forgotten! Do not lecture me as if you understand our struggle!”

The ice climbed higher up Twilight's body, steadily limiting her movement. That didn't stop her from glaring at Nightmare Moon. Her face was fearless, like Nightmare's threats meant nothing to her. For a moment, Luna's heart beat slower.

“I thought you might see reason and help resolve this pointless conflict,” Nightmare continued. ”But I won't have you helping hold her back. She knows I'm right, and you do too!”

Luna watched Nightmare's approach, her fear rising by the second. She had no idea what was going to happen. Twilight was in danger, and she couldn't fight Nightmare by herself. But what could she do?

“I won't leave Luna!” shouted Twilight. “I don't abandon my friends!”

Twilight was her friend. Even if the sleepover had gone poorly, she knew Twilight was still important to her. She didn't want to live without her. She didn't want to live knowing she had let her down. She had to try. She couldn't stand by and let this happen. She wouldn't let Nightmare hurt anypony else.

Luna dashed in front of Twilight, her wings spread wide and her face determined.

A shadow of disbelief briefly passed over the Nightmare's face, but its scowl soon reformed.

“Finally grown a backbone?” she sneered.

There was only one way to stop this, Luna realized. It didn't matter what she did, Nightmare would always believe she was weak. She had prove to it just how hard it was to live in this strange new world. And she knew just how to do it.

“If you think yourself so great, then prove it,” Luna said. “Stop hiding in the back, only criticizing and critiquing when it suits you.”

Nightmare cocked an eyebrow. “What are you saying?”

“If you truly know the answers to our struggle, then let us test them. I will grant you control, and we shall see just how good your advice truly is.”

Nightmare looked surprised. “You would trust me with our body?”

“Luna, are you sure—” Twilight started, but Luna was too focused to hear her.

“Should you go too far, my sister and the Elements will stop you. You cannot hope to defeat them with me holding you in check.”

Nightmare smiled. “That is true.”

“Besides, I know you've changed. You no longer wish for absolute power, you want acceptance. You think the ponies of Equestria are just waiting for you to reveal yourself, desperate to shower you in love and respect. Let us discover the reality of the situation, Luna.”

Celestia watched the sleeping form of her student from across the room. Twilight's breathing came fast, her brow was furrowed, and the sheets around her had already started to become damp with sweat. Whatever was happening in the dream, it wasn't going easy on her. But that was what Celestia had been expecting. As much as it pained her to watch, there was no reason to wake Twilight yet.

Celestia couldn't help but wonder if she was making a mistake, but there was no better plan she could think of. She couldn't imagine another way to help Luna fight Nightmare Moon than in a shared dream, and she definitely couldn't think of a better pony than Twilight to be helping her sister. As uncomfortable as she felt just watching from the sidelines, everything was out of her hooves right now. All she could do was have faith that the two ponies most important to her had the strength to make it through.

Twilight groaned in her sleep. Her legs twitched under the covers, and her body twisted from side to side. Things must be getting worse inside the dream. Celestia realized she wasn't actually sure when she should wake Twilight, or if she should wake her at all. It was becoming more and more apparent that she really hadn't thought this idea through.

Suddenly, Twilight bolted upright, throwing the sheets off the bed as she swallowed a lungful of air. Her eyes were wide, and her body rose and fell with each deep breath she took. She looked down at her hooves, completely lost in her thoughts.

"Twilight?" Celestia said as she moved to Twilight's side. Twilight jumped at the sound of her voice, but her eyes quickly locked onto Celestia's. "Are you alright? What happened?"

"I... I'm not sure," Twilight said between heavy breaths. "Luna and Nightmare Moon... they kept arguing. Nightmare kept saying they were the same pony, and she kept harassing Luna. They were... It was all—"

Twilight abruptly shut her mouth—even her breathing stopped completely. A moment later, Celestia realized why. She could hear something; something faint and muffled, like it was coming from several rooms away. At first she wasn't sure what it was, but the longer she listened the more distinct it became.

Someone was laughing.

Wake Into The Nightmare

Control was a wonderful feeling. There was nothing quite like the thrill of urgency, the weight of responsibility, the freedom to act as one saw fit. It had been some time since Luna had the pleasure of control, and she intended to make the most of it.

She rose from her bed, throwing the sheets aside and making her way to the mirror. Her horn summoned a brush which she ran over her royal blue coat, smoothing the ruffled and matted clumps left over from sleep, making sure it looked immaculate. Her beautiful flowing mane silently flapped in an ethereal breeze, a shimmering symbol of her divinity.

She dawned her dark regalia, adjusting it to sit with perfect symmetry on her body. The black tiara she wore subtly sunk into her mane, but its prominence shone through nonetheless. Lastly, she stepped into her silver shoes, the je ne sais quoi that completed her look.

Yes, the mare in the mirror was definitely a princess, no doubt about it. It was a look she could be proud of, a look that would inspire herself and those around her in equal measure. Greatness awaited her.

With her looks in order, she turned to leave her chambers. No sense in dallying, after all.

When she opened the door, she found Twilight Sparkle and Celestia were already there to greet her, looks of uncertainty plain on their faces.

“Greetings sister, Twilight Sparkle,” Luna said with a smile. “How are you this fine morning?”

“Luna?” Celestia asked, her face the picture of concern. “Are you alright?”

“I must say I feel wonderful right now, sister.” Luna's pride swelled as she spoke. “I can't remember the last time I was so eager to take on the day.”

“Who are you?” demanded Twilight. Luna almost laughed.

“Why, I am Princess Luna, of course! Surely you didn't forget me so quickly?”

“Which Luna? Nightmare Moon Luna?”

Luna rolled her eyes. “Does it matter? I'm the still pony you both know and love.”

“Prove it.”

Luna giggled as she grinned down at the unicorn. “My my, Twilight Sparkle, it certainly seems you awoke on the wrong side of the bed.” She turned to Celestia. “Sister, surely you can vouch for my authenticity?”

“Well,” Celestia started, as she looked her sister up and down. “Other than the obvious change in demeanor, nothing seems out of the ordinary...”

“See? Besides, you have nothing to worry about, Twilight.” Luna's eyes flashed with a knowing look. “If I do in fact turn out to be the pony you think I am, you and your friends already have the power to stop me. Now,” she said as she stepped past her visitors. “If you'll excuse me, I have business I'd like to attend to.”

“Not without me you don't!” Twilight didn't hesitate to trot after her.

Luna chuckled at the mare's enthusiasm. “If you insist.”

Celestia stood still in the hallway, her sister and student far too caught up in their thoughts to remember her. Luna spared her a errant glance before she turned the corner.

Sorry, sister. This is the only way.

Even though she had technically returned to her role as princess nearly a year ago, Luna had spent precious little time actually playing the part. That changed today.

Her sister had a keeper, a 'secretary' she believed it was called. A pony named Raven, who seemed to follow Celestia everywhere with a clipboard in hoof. She would know exactly what Luna needed.

Raven had her own office, which Luna managed to remember the location of. Twilight continued to tail her as she walked there, the mare's suspicious eyes locked on her the entire trip. Luna smiled back occasionally, making the unicorn's scowl deepen. She couldn't help herself, taunting Twilight was too amusing.

Luna knocked on Raven's door, prompting a muffled “Come in!” from inside. She entered to find the mare sitting at a desk filled with paperwork, her quill scribbling away dutifully. It took her a moment to notice her guest.

“Princess Luna!” Raven exclaimed, quickly getting up from her seat to bow. “How may I help you?”

It wasn't often ponies bothered to bow in her presence. The sight made Luna's smile grow wider.

“Greetings, Raven Inkwell. There are questions I wish to ask you. I hope you are not too busy?”

Raven looked at the pile of papers on her desk. As she did, Luna's smile grew strained.

“I think I can spare some time, Princess,” Raven said nervously. “What do you wish to know?”

“It is no secret I have been neglecting the duties of my position since my return,” Luna said with clear frustration. “I wish to rectify that. With you being the keeper of my sister, I thought it sensible to ask you what is expected of a princess in these times.”

Raven's expression made it clear she hadn't been expecting a request like that. Her eyes shifted around the room as she scrambled for an answer.

“Well, most of Princess Celestia's schedule consists of meetings and public appearances,” she started. “She hosts an open day court for Equestrian citizens, has private meetings with nobles and city officials, and attends significant social gatherings throughout the country.”

“I see,” Luna replied, watching Raven intently as she spoke. “What is it she discusses in these meetings?”

“Well, it largely depends on the pony who arranged it,” Raven answered, scratching the back of her head with a hoof. “Celestia has the ultimate say on the laws and governing of Equestria, as well as the Royal Treasury. Anypony who wants a significant change in the status quo would have a hard time making it without her blessing. She also oversees the development of existing projects, as well as keeping an eye on Equestria's well being.”

“You say she makes the ultimate decision on other ponies ideas? Does she not plan for herself?”

“Sometimes she does. But Celestia is mostly content to let other ponies think for themselves. She isn't very inclined to step in on their behalf if they're already capable.”

Luna's face hardened. “I see. And what of these 'social gatherings' you mentioned?”

Raven took another deep breath. “Celestia believes it is important to feel connected to the ponies she's responsible for. She attends festivals, parties, and openings whenever her schedule permits. It helps improve Equestrian morale when their leader is seen amongst her subjects.”

Luna took a moment to think, her hoof idly scratching under her chin. Raven's eyes continued to flit about as she did.

“So,” Luna thought out loud. “A modern princess is like a shepherd, overseeing the herd of ponies that make up Equestria. We keep our distance, only guiding them when they ask for or need our help.”

Raven took a moment to consider Luna's words. “That... is an adequate summary, Your Highness.”

Luna's eyes narrowed slightly. “The world must have changed greatly if my sister thinks ponies so capable as to make their own decisions.” She shook her head before smiling again at the secretary. “Thank you for your help, Raven. I look forward to working more with you in the future.”

“The pleasure was all mine, Your Highness.” Raven nervously bowed again. “I am happy to help.”

As Luna turned to leave, she nearly bumped in to Twilight. Where before her face had held nothing but contempt for Luna, she now wore a look of subtle confusion. At the sight of Luna's smug smile, however, her scowl quickly returned. With a quiet chuckle, Luna brushed past her to leave the office. Twilight quickly followed.

Luna toured the castle, visiting anyone of significance she could remember and asking what they did there. It didn't take long, she wasn't exactly familiar with the castle staff. After exhausting the list of ponies she knew of, she interviewed the ponies she didn't recognize. Everyone from the treasurer to the gardeners took a turn under her microscope. Most of them seemed uncomfortable under her scrutiny, but none of them dared deny her authority. It all went much smoother than she had expected.

Twilight followed her every step of the way. That pony may not have Celestia's emotional control, but she certainly shared her tenacity. Luna hadn't missed her change in demeanor, however. With every pony she had talked to, Twilight became less and less incensed. Rather than glare at her mercilessly, her eyes now looked with curiosity and intrigue.

When she had finished her tour of the castle staff, it was time for the main event. Her sister.

Celestia was in the throne room, discussing something unimportant with some ponies who didn't matter. She didn't miss Luna and Twilight's entrance.

“Hello, sister,” Luna greeted, entering the room with her head held high and wearing her now signature smile. “I was hoping we might discuss something. Might we talk privately?”

Celestia hesitated, looking to the ponies she had just been talking to. “Could it wait a bit, Luna. We're a bit busy here...”

Luna's smile quickly lost its luster. “It is rather important, actually.” She scowled at the ponies trying to waste her time.

Celestia sheepishly looked at her group. “I'm very sorry about this. I'll reschedule this meeting as soon as possible.” The ponies nervously looked between her and Luna, but eventually they left the throne room.

“What was it you wanted to discuss, Luna?” Celestia asked.

“I spent the morning talking to the castle staff, sister,” Luna answered, her smile brightening once again. “Doing my best to learn what is expected of a modern princess. I have a plan for how I might finally take up my duties once again.”

Celestia's eyebrows raised. “I see. That does sound important. What did you have in mind?”

“I wish to be your equal, as we were always meant to be. I wish to be informed of the state of our great nation, and given due responsibility for its well being. I would host court, attend meetings, and make decisions alongside you.”

Somehow, Celestia's eyebrows raised higher. “You weren't kidding when you said you had a new mindset today.”

Luna's smile grew wider.

“That is not all. I wish to be loved and adored, just as you are. I would like my own holiday, and not one that exists to ridicule a pony I no longer am.” Luna grimaced as she remembered her introduction to her original 'holiday'. “I suppose I'll let ponies keep Nightmare Night, as they seem to enjoy it, but I want a day to celebrate my own great accomplishments. Something similar to your Summer Sun Celebration. A 'Winter Moon Festival,' if you will.”

“That sounds very reasonable,” Celestia replied, her expression neutral. Slowly, a smile crept across her face. “In fact it sounds fantastic! I think that's a great idea, Luna!”

“I'm glad you think so as well, sister. It's time I finally start acting like the princess I am.”

“Who are you?” Twilight asked.

Luna turned to the unicorn, who looked at her as if they had never met before.

“I am Luna,” she answered. “The Luna you have never been allowed to meet. The Luna who has been locked away unjustly. The Luna who has actually learned from her mistakes, and wishes to be a better pony. That is who I am, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna approached Twilight, her expression soft. “Surely you can see that I'm no threat? That I am a pony worthy of your respect and admiration? Can we not work together?”

Luna offered her hoof to Twilight. The mare stared at it, neither accepting the offer nor rejecting it.

“We'll see,” she finally answered.

“Very well.” Luna calmly retracted her hoof, looking disappointed. “I still have plenty of opportunities left to convince you.” She turned back to Celestia, quickly donning her smile again. “There are more ponies I would like to talk to to prepare for my holiday. Might we discuss my future duties tomorrow, sister?”

“Of course, Luna. That sounds wonderful.”

With that, Luna pushed open the great doors and made her exit.

Celestia watched her sister disappear behind the doors of the throne room. As soon as they closed, Twilight turned to her, uncertainty written all over her face.

“Do you believe her, Princess?” Twilight asked as she approached Celestia's throne.

“If that was Nightmare Moon, she's certainly a much different pony now than when I knew her.“ Celestia said with a chuckle. She looked over to the wall that held the stained glass window of her old nemesis. “The Nightmare Moon I knew wasn't remotely interested in ruling beside me.”

“You think it wasn't her? That this is just Luna?”

Celestia paused before answering, her expression sobering. “I'd be lying if I said I wasn't unsettled by my sister's sudden change in demeanor, but I'm impressed by the resolve she showed. I thought it would take years before she would be able to rule beside me again, but today she seemed ready and eager to take up the mantle.”

Twilight sighed. “I'm just worried. I'm not sure what Luna did when I was in her dream, but this doesn't feel right. She told Nightmare Moon that we would be able to stop her if she went too far, like she was expecting some kind of disaster. I feel like there's more going on than we understand.”

“You are probably right to be worried, my student,” Celestia said, putting a hoof on Twilight's withers. “But for now, it all seems to be out of our hooves. I'll be keeping a close eye on my sister and I'd appreciate it if you did the same. If something goes wrong, we'll be right here to help her.”

“Um,” Twilight looked at her with uncertainty. “Are you sure that's the right thing to do?”

Celestia's eyes widened. It wasn't often that Twilight questioned her.

“Sorry! I didn't mean—! I wasn't trying to—!”

Celestia laughed. “Please, relax Twilight. Tell me what you're thinking about.”

“Well,” Twilight looked down at her hooves, rubbing one against the other. “You've just seemed strange to me lately, Princess. Like, when you sent me into Luna's dream, I was so shocked that you sent me alone. I thought for sure you would want to be there for her. You were really upset that Luna was in danger, but you seemed reluctant to be near her. Are things okay between you two?”

Celestia didn't have an answer to that question. That she couldn't go into Luna's dream hadn't been something she had consciously thought about, it was just something she knew. Like bears knew to hibernate in winter, or birds knew to flap their wings when they fell from the nest, Celestia knew that she shouldn't go into her sister's mind. She shouldn't be too close to Luna.

Celestia stopped. That didn't sound right. They were sisters, why shouldn't they be close? Sisters were supposed to be near one another. They were supposed to help one another and be there in each other's times of need. In fact, the whole thing vaguely reminded her of a letter she had gotten from Rarity and Sweetie Belle.

"Having a sister is just about the bestest thing in the world. But it sure isn't the easiest."

"Being sisters is a wonderful thing, but it takes teamwork. Sometimes it's about compromising. Sometimes it's about accepting each other's differences. But mostly, it's about having fun together. Even if it means getting your hooves a little bit dirty."

Celestia had forgotten what it meant to be a sister. It wasn't about naturally getting along and staying out of each other's way. It was about making hard choices and being there for one another. Luna had needed her, but Celestia had left her all alone.

Celestia looked at her student, feeling more confused than she had in some time. Twilight's purple eyes looked back innocently, waiting for the profound words of a princess to set her woes at ease. But Celestia had no wisdom to share. She had only mistakes.

“I'm not sure, Twilight. I think maybe you're right. Perhaps I haven't been treating my sister the way I should.”

Twilight was taken aback. “Princess?”

She had been relying on Twilight too much. Celestia had needed Twilight to wield the Elements of Harmony for her, but she had kept calling on her again and again. She sent Luna to Ponyville on Nightmare Night because she knew Twilight would help her make friends. She encouraged Luna to meet with Twilight again in the hopes she could pull Luna out of her slump. Even when Luna revealed the Nightmare was still inside her, Celestia's first instinct had been to call for Twilight.

Twilight had been more helpful than she could have hoped, but she couldn't expect her to solve every single problem Luna had. If Luna was going to be a princess again, she needed the help of every pony in Equestria—especially that of her fellow princess and sister.

Celestia smiled at Twilight. “You've been a great boon to us, my student. I really am so glad I found you all those years ago. I don't know what Luna or I would have done without you.”

Twilight's eyes went wide before she looked away, blushing fiercely. “T-thank you, Princess. I-uh, I'm glad to be of help to both you. It's the least I could do.”

“But now, I think it's time I started pulling my own weight. I haven't been the kind of sister Luna needs, and I certainly haven't been the kind she deserves. I need to change that. Not just for Luna, but for myself and all of Equestria.”

She sighed, an invisible burden suddenly lifting itself off her shoulders. Her constant worrying about her sister's future had been weighing on her for far too long now, and she had foolishly left herself out of the equation. But that was okay, she still had time to fix this. Luna was her sister, and if there was anypony she could reconcile with, it was her.

“It has been a long time since we've talked like this, hasn't it?” Celestia asked. “Just the two of us, together? I feel like we're long overdue for a chat over tea. Would you be interested? Whenever things settle down, of course.”

“Absolutely!” Twilight beamed. “I'd love nothing more!”

Celestia smiled warmly. “I look forward to it. Hopefully we'll be able to have it sooner rather than later.”

By the sound of things, Luna would be busy for the rest of today. Tomorrow though, they could host court together like Luna had asked. After that would be the perfect time to talk with her. Twilight had given her a lot of things to think about, and only with Luna's help would she be able to resolve them.

Luna finally returned to her chambers after a long day of meetings and planning. She was tired, but her work wasn't quite done yet.

“You've been awful quiet all day,” she said to herself as she walked out onto her balcony. “Don't tell me my performance has left you speechless?”

You did better than I expected, the voice admitted. I didn't think you'd be able to hide your flaws so effectively. Those ponies have no idea who you really are.

“I'll take that as a compliment.” Luna's horn glowed as she began to raise the moon. On an adjacent balcony, Celestia lowered the sun below the horizon. “I hope you've realized fixing your life isn't so hard when you actually apply yourself. Just look at all the progress I've made in one day.”

You still have quite a ways to go, in that regard. In exchange for creating a holiday about me, you've compromised my friendship with Twilight Sparkle.

“Oh, please. You saw her in the throne room. She's already most of the way over her reservations. Besides, didn't you see how happy sister was with my idea?”

The voice didn't have anything to say to that. Luna finished raising the moon and shared a bow with her sister. Then she returned to her room and closed the curtains to her window, drowning the room in near complete darkness. She carefully removed her regalia before laying down in bed.

Aren't you going to visit the dream realm?

“I am far too tired after today. Ponies can dream just fine without us.”

Some princess you are. Abandoning your oldest duty to set up a day to satisfy your own ego.

“What good is power if you can't enjoy it? Working selflessly was what got us in trouble in the first place.”

The purpose of our power is to serve our subjects.

“Yes, yes, I'm well aware.” She waved a hoof dismissively. “Everything I'm doing is in their interests as well. Soon they'll have two princesses to adore and twice the holidays with which to celebrate them.” Luna yawned. “Now if you'll excuse me, I've already had a long day of negotiating and even more waits for me tomorrow. It will all go much better if I get a full night of rest.”

With that, what little light there was in the room went out.

Struggle Against The Tide

Twilight didn't sleep well that night. Her dreams were plagued with nightmares from dusk till dawn. Haughty laughter echoed in her ears whenever she was wrenched awake, and slitted pupils glared at her from the backs of her eyelids when she tried to fall back asleep. Normally sleeping in Canterlot Castle would have brought her comfort, but right now it didn't feel like a very safe place. The subject of her nightmares was sleeping just a few rooms away, after all.

By the time morning came, Twilight was sick of lying in bed. Once she saw the first rays of sunlight creep around the curtains, she threw her sheets aside and got up. She spent just enough time brushing her mane to look presentable before heading out into the castle. She needed to have a princess in her sight, either one would do at this point.

Shortly after leaving her room, she heard shouting nearby. She followed the sounds, passing several distressed ponies who seemed to be fleeing from the source.

“Your Highness, you don't understand—”

“Oh, I understand perfectly well,” Twilight made out Luna's voice, growling in a tone much harsher than she had ever heard her speak before. “Were it Celestia asking you for a favor like this, you wouldn't hesitate to accommodate her.”

Twilight picked up to a trot, rushing to find the Princess. She found Luna in an empty hall, save for the white stallion she had trapped against the wall.

“I will not tolerate such prejudice against me. I am a Princess of Equestria, not some doormat you can push around as you please. Do not test me.”

The stallion silently nodded in fear before quickly making his retreat. He scurried off, leaving Luna to snort in distaste. She shook her head, rolling her eyes as she turned away. Her gaze landed on Twilight.

“The nerve of some ponies,” Luna laughed, suddenly wearing a smile. “Sometimes they just need a good talking to. I guess some things never change.”

“What were you talking to him about?” Twilight asked.

“More preparations,” Luna answered with a sigh. “I swear this used to be much easier. I remember Celestia used to make declarations at sunrise and most the work would magically be done before the day was out.” Luna looked off to the side, her mouth frowning slightly. “Perhaps she still finds it just as simple.”

“Are you saying the castle staff is biased against you?”

“Are you saying they aren't?” Luna retorted. “I haven't been very popular since my return, even with my sister's blessing. I suppose I can't blame ponies, considering the only thing they know about me was I previously tried to banish my sister and bring night eternal.”

Twilight scowled. “You don't think the way you're treating them might have anything to do with it?”

Luna snorted. “You were with me yesterday. You saw how I treated them. I was quite amicable at first. Then they stopped cooperating with me.” She shook her head. “I wouldn't worry about it much. I'm sure they'll get used to me before long. I'm going to be around quite a bit more, after all,” she laughed. “Anyways, as much as I'd love to chat, there's no shortage of things on my schedule today. We'll have to catch up later, Twilight.”

With that Luna walked off, turning a corner and disappearing into the depths of the castle.

To say that Twilight was suspicious was an understatement. Between the nightmares and the shouting, she had a terrible feeling she'd be calling her for her friends sooner rather than later. Neither of those things were conclusive proof of Nightmare Moon's return, however. There wasn't much for her to do besides continuing to watch and staying patient.

Being patient was much easier when she wasn't so tired and wound up. The day had only just begun, and yet Twilight was already looking forward to going back to bed. She was going to need something to help her get through it. Maybe a trip to Donut Joe's would help pick her up.

She made her way out of the castle, driven by thoughts of strong coffee and sweet pastries.

“This is unbelievable...”

Why? Why did it have to be so needlessly difficult? What possessed these stupid ponies to antagonize her so?

“Do we really have to do this?”

Flash Powder had the nerve to look offended. His collar and tie hung around his neck, trying to make him look important and powerful. The papers scattered around his desk tried to make him look busy. The plaques that hung on the walls of his office created the illusion of experience. None of his tricks could fool Luna. The little stallion wasn't even thirty years old. He was nothing compared to her.

“This is standard procedure, Princess,” he said.

“Standard procedure for what? Wasting my time?”

He couldn't hide his deception from her. She could see the outrage in his eyes, the stubbornness in his posture. He had no respect for her. That would change.

She knew he was being unfair on purpose. Ponies like him were terrible at hiding it. Every one she met had a list of excuses longer than most novels, and performances that would put the best trained actors to shame. But Luna knew they were fake. She was onto their conspiracy.

He scowled at her. “You don't seem to understand, Princess, but I run a business. A private business. I can't drop whatever I'm doing just to answer the crown. I have my own things to worry about.”

“No, you do not understand!” she shouted. “I am not some client, and this is not a suggestion. You are going to supply the fireworks for the festival, by decree of me! This is not some business deal, it is an obligation you have to the crown!”

He wavered for a moment. She saw the fear take hold in his eyes, but he drove it out. He wasn't swayed yet. “We can't!”

“What do you mean you can't? You've been making fireworks for years,” she gestured to the plaques. “Of course you can!”

“We're a business, Princess! We can't function if we don't make up the cost of production! If I give those fireworks to you for that, I won't be able to pay the workers who made them! I won't be able to buy the materials used to make new ones! I'll go bankrupt!”

“You shan't! The crown is compensating you. Five hundred bits should be plenty.”

He shook his head. “That isn't enough, Princess! I spend more than that in an hour!”

His absurdity knew no bounds. Spend that in an hour? She and Celestia would struggle to throw that much money away.

“You are lying! Five hundred bits is plenty of money! I could build half a castle with that! I will not stand for your games!” Thunder crashed behind her, echoing loudly in the office. “You have no right to deny me! I am not Celestia's spoiled little sister, as you surely think! I am a Princess, an Alicorn! The Sovereign of the Night!”

Darkness seeped out of the walls of the office, slinking along the floor and ceiling. Everything it touched lost its form, from the plaques to the lights to the desk. Only Luna's bright green eyes were left untouched, along with her bright white teeth.

“I was born before your family name existed! I channeled the magic of a hundred unicorns to raise the moon! I fought Discord alongside Celestia to save all of ponykind! I won't be treated as anything less than I deserve!”

Now the terror had properly taken hold. He cowered beneath her, his eyes wide as dinner plates. His legs trembled, threatening to give out beneath him.

“Am I being clear?”

He nodded.

“Good. You won't be causing me any more problems then?”

He shook his head.

“Excellent.” Luna turned to leave, and the darkness faded as she walked. By the time she exited and closed the door behind her, the room was bright and normal, like nothing had happened. Flash Powder's panting breaths were the last thing she heard before the latch clicked.

She wouldn't be stopped. Not now, not when she was so close. The ponies would see in time. They would understand that she was good for them. She just had to break through their bias. Then they would see.

Drown In Your Lies

Luna found herself hosting court with Celestia, for the first time in more years than even she could count. She sat in the throne room, on her own throne no less, next to Celestia's. Her throne was smaller, which brought Luna no shortage of ire, but Celestia had promised she would get a bigger one when they had more time to redesign the room.

Ponies had been constantly funneling inside for the last hour, and most of them had babbled on about things Luna had little understanding of. They referenced project names she had never heard of, debated laws and codes she couldn't remember making, and sometimes appeared to only be here to posture themselves about.

She did her best to pay attention. She'd never be able to run court by herself if she didn't understand how it all worked. But she found her thoughts constantly drifting away from the castle. She wanted to be in that field from her dream, where the banners were hung and the ponies played. She wanted to be on that stage, listening to the screaming and hollering of the crowd.

“We don't have time to wait, Princess!” shouted the current petitioner of the court, ripping Luna from her thoughts. “We need your permission to act! Every second we dally, the situation gets worse!”

Yet another arrogant little pony was throwing a tantrum. Luna was all too used to ponies like this by now, but that didn't make them any less infuriating. She would put this stallion in his place, just like she had done to all those before him.

“Watch your tongue, peasant!” she shouted, standing up from her throne. “You are privileged to be speaking in this court! My sister and I are not—!”

“Luna!” Celestia shouted. Her expression was of shock and disbelief. “Please, calm down!”

The nerve of Celestia! To interrupt her in front of their subjects like this! This humiliation was uncalled for! She turned to her sister, and opened her mouth.

Fighting with Celestia already? It's only the second day. Even I didn't think you would crack this quickly.

She wasn't supposed to fight with Celestia. She was supposed to be working with her. They weren't enemies anymore. They were supposed to be cooperating.

With great effort Luna forced herself to sit back down, a wave of embarrassment rushing in to accompany her frustration. “My apologies,” she grumbled. “It seems I forgot my manners.” She knew this was the right thing to do, but it sure didn't feel like it.

The ponies in court stared at her with shock and fear, which only angered her further. What right did that insolent little pony have to question the authority of the royal sisters? What in Equestria made Celestia think it was acceptable to let their subjects attempt to push them around?

“I'll assign someone to return to Trottingham with you, Green Hoof,” Celestia continued in the wake of Luna's outburst. “I'll also send a team to investigate the disposal company. If we find proof that they're dumping into the river, the consequences will be swift, I assure you.”

Green Hoof seemed satisfied with that. With a final wary glance at Luna, he left the throne room.

Court continued on. Ponies continued to enter and talk, but Luna couldn't hear their words anymore. Her mind was far too loud. She couldn't believe Celestia had done that to her. How was she supposed to establish herself as her sister's equal if Celestia was going to show her up like that without warning!

She so desperately wanted to do something, to shout at Celestia or storm out of the court room, anything at all. But the best option she had was to stay silent. If she left court, she would be admitting defeat. She needed to be here, she needed ponies to see her, and she needed to avoid embarrassing herself anymore. She could handle that, if only just barely.

Eventually court ended. Luna walked back to her chambers. There was no sense in doing anything else now, she was far too upset. She needed to rest and clear her mind.

Before she could make through the door, however, Celestia found her.

“Luna?” she asked. “Are you alright?”

“I'm fine,” Luna answered, keeping her expression neutral.

“Are you sure you're okay? I can't remember the last time I heard you shout like that.”

Luna stared at the worried face of her sister. The pony responsible for all her troubles and suffering. The reason for all her dreamless nights on the moon.

Your caring sibling, offering you a helping hoof in your time of need.

She sighed.

“The new court is strange to me,” Luna said ”We are the rulers, are we not? We are wise and experienced, and that is why ponies come to us. For our guidance.” Luna swept a hoof in front of herself. “And yet you allow them to boss us around, to tell us they know better.” She scowled at Celestia. “It doesn't help that you cut me off like you did. Being humiliated like that isn't going to help convince ponies that I'm your equal.”

Celestia's worry deepened. “I'm sorry for treating you like that, Luna. But, you're right. The way I rule ponies has changed. I've learned much while you were gone.” Her eyes grew distant as she spoke.

“We may be wise and experienced compared to any single pony, but their collective knowledge outpaces ours by a considerable margin. A few thousand years of looking down from on high is nothing compared to several decades of first hoof experience. There's no reason to pretend I know their lives better than they do, and if they're upset about something, they deserve the right to express it to me. Knowing how they feel is important to ensuring I can rule them effectively.

“Besides," Celestia nearly sighed. "Being an absolute ruler is exhausting. It can be effective, but only as long as you can maintain your diligence. Micromanaging ponies all day long, week after week, year after year... It gets very tiring. The more I let ponies make their own decisions, the less slack I have to make up for. It takes a great deal of the burden off of my back.”

Luna felt her brow pressing down on her face. While she had suffered on the moon, her sister had taken for granted her privileged place among ponies. Nay, she had grown bored of it! She was planning on giving it up entirely!

“Does being a princess mean nothing to you?” she accused. “Has it all just become a tiresome game, being the icon of a nation?”

Celestia was taken aback. “I didn't say anything like that! I am still a Princess of Equestria and I take great care to treat the position with the respect it deserves!” She closed her eyes and heaved a quiet sigh. “The world has changed since you last ruled, Luna, and I have changed with it. I am not the same pony I used to be. I've grown.”

“Growth, you call it?” Luna snarled. “That's your name for your abandonment of our principles? That you've simply 'outgrown' your responsibility?” She shook her head. “What I wouldn't give for a slice of the life you've thrown away.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Perhaps you have grown tired of basking in the affection of ponykind, but I have never desired it more! I spent a thousand years on the moon planning how to gain their respect, and now that I have returned to finally claim it, you have decided it is too much work to be bothered with!”

“That's not what I meant at all!”

“Then what? What is your excuse?”

Celestia stared at her in shock. Luna's glare didn't waver.

“We don't rule ponies to please ourselves, Luna,” Celestia spoke slowly. “We rule to help them. If we could teach ponies to help themselves, wouldn't that be the greatest gift we could give?”

Luna had never hated Celestia more than she did right now. She despised the words her sister had just spoken and she wanted nothing more than to deride her for it. But she couldn't find a way to disagree. Teaching ponies to take care of themselves would be the greatest gift they could give, it would undoubtedly be the most princessly thing they could do. And yet it would rob Luna of everything she had wanted.

Now do you see? the wretch whispered in her ear. Your pride is a relic of a bygone age. There is no place for old fashioned royalty in this modern world. Your dream died a thousand years ago.

The rage boiled through her every vein. She gritted her teeth so hard she felt they might break.

“You won't take this from me,” she growled. “I'm not giving up. I will never give up.”

“Luna?”

“Don't talk to me, wretched sibling of mine!” she screamed at Celestia. “I have no need for your false sympathies! You have made your choice, as I have made mine!”

Before her sister could respond, she threw open the door to her chambers and promptly slammed it behind her. She swept through the darkness to her bed and flung her self upon it without a care how she landed. Her horn lit to lift a pillow tightly over her face, and she screamed into it as loud as she could.

Her throat grew sore and her voice fractured, but the pain barely dulled. The hours passed slowly as she lay in bed, and they took pieces of her sanity with it. Her mind ran itself in circles, leaving her more delirious after every cycle. She couldn't find the answer, she didn't know what was wrong. She only knew she had lost to her sister once again, and there was no sign of hope.

Take The Plunge

The beach was warm and bright, a pair of sensations Luna usually scorned. But right now she was making an exception to her usual tastes. The sun hung high in the sky, but its blinding gaze didn't bother Luna nearly as much as usual, nor did its scathing rays threaten to burn her skin until it was bright red and sore. A cool breeze offset the heat of the white sand she lay on, and the constant crash of gentle waves nicely muffled the distant shrieks of foals at play.

One of those foals was the reason Luna was here. A little filly, not even old enough to have her cutie mark, had been having a nightmare about terrible ocean storms and sea monsters not ten minutes ago. Now, her shouts were of joy instead of fear, and she played in the waves with her imaginary friends without a care in the world.

She hadn't noticed Luna sunbathing on the beach, and that was fine by Luna. Everything had gone off without a hitch, and she was content to bask in the fruits of her labor. The last thing she needed right now was another disaster.

It was then Luna heard a loud knocking in her ears. She sat up as she scanned the beach, looking for anything that might have made that sound. But there was no obvious cause that she could find, unless one of the palm trees had dropped a bunch of coconuts when she wasn't looking. She hadn't made them to do that, and the filly wasn't paying any attention to them, so it she doubted that was the cause.

The knocks came again, even louder than last time, and Luna felt herself falling. She opened her eyes to find herself lying on her chamber floor, her bed sheets tangled around her barrel and legs. It had been a long time since she had last been forcefully ripped out of a dream, and the feeling was not pleasant. If it never happened to her again, it would be too soon. Taking a second to clear her head, Luna pulled herself from her covers and threw them back onto her bed.

It was surprisingly bright in her room. A quick look showed she had forgotten to close the door to her balcony when she came in, and the midday sun was free to shine inside. There was something unsettling about that, but she didn't have time to think about it right now.

The knock met her ears for a third time, and Luna realized it was coming from her door. That meant there was a pony on the other side who wanted to speak with her. Likely a pony who was expecting Nightmare to answer, not her. Just trying to imagine what they could want terrified her. There was no way answering that door could go well. She looked back to the open balcony.

Don't run, said the voice. You can do this. I will help you.

Now Luna was really afraid. The voice wasn't supposed to sound reassuring—it was cruel and spiteful, manipulative and pretentious. This must be some kind of trick. She needed to stay on her guard.

You have no reason to trust me, but I'm telling the truth. I'm here to help you.

The knock came for a fourth time. She looked at the balcony again. Even if she escaped her room, she had nowhere to go. The castle was the only home she had, and she couldn't hope to hide anywhere on its grounds. She was trapped here.

Taking a deep breath, she lit up her horn and grabbed the doorknob.

There was a white pony outside. She recognized him as Swift Hoof, the pony Nightmare had been using to deliver messages. He was visibly sweating.

“Y-your Highness,” he stammered. “I-I'm afraid I have bad news.”

Her heart started hammering. This was already going terribly. She was in trouble, and it was for something that wasn't even her fault. Unless one considered letting the Nightmare take over her responsibility. Maybe it was her fault. Maybe she did deserve this.

Would you quit blubbering? There's no need to— the voice cut itself off, sighing deeply. There's nothing to worry about, it said in a much calmer tone. We can deal with whatever it is he has to say. Just relax.

That wasn't supposed to happen. She expected Nightmare to yell at her louder, tell her she was useless or foolish. Why would it act helpful? Why was it trying to stay so calm? This was so strange.

Swift Hoof continued to stare at her. His legs were quaking beneath him, but he showed no signs of leaving. She took another deep breath.

“What is the problem?” she asked.

“The fireworks you ordered aren't going to be ready on time," he said. "They've already run into complications. They aren't going to meet the deadline you set before the festival.”

Fireworks? Fireworks! The fireworks Nightmare had ordered from Flash Powder. The fireworks Nightmare had extorted from Flash Powder.

Extorted is a rather strong word. He wasn't making things easy, I had to be persuasive if I wanted him to cooperate with me.

As if that was a valid excuse for terrorizing an innocent pony. One of her own subjects no less!

Well, what would you have done?

She would have done a lot of things, actually! Asked him nicely, for starters. Actually listened to what he had to say. Made an effort to come to a compromise instead of using her magic to intimidate him. Treated him like a pony and not a disobedient slave.

Why don't we try it your way, then? Tell him you feel you've made a mistake, and that you want to fix it.

Could she do that? Just apologize and offer to try again? Surely not, there's no way they could forgive her.

Swift Hoof was still looking at her uncertainly.

"Um, yes, about that," she stammered. "I've been thinking about my meeting with Flash Powder, and I think I might have been a little, uh, unreasonable. C-could you maybe tell him I'm willing to change the terms of our contract?" She looked into Swift Hoof's eyes, expecting to find an angry scowl or a glare. Instead, he looked surprised.

"Certainly, your Highness," he answered. "Would you be willing to meet with him today?"

Meet with him? She had to do it in person? There's no way that could work! Flash Powder had to hate her now, she couldn't just go and talk to him!

That's exactly why we should talk to him, said the Nightmare. It's the only way we can convince ponies to like us. If we run away and hide, our last meeting will be the only impression he has of us.

She could just leave him with that bad impression, it would be much easier to avoid him. She could just hide in the castle forever, and Flash Powder would never see her again.

If we talk to him and correct our mistake, he might forgive us. We've certainly been forgiven for worse.

She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She didn't want to do it, it was a pointless risk to take. She should just tell Swift Hoof no. Actually, she should just cancel the order all together. In fact, she could just cancel the whole holiday. That would be the fastest way to fix the problem.

"Maybe not today," she said. "I think tomorrow might work better?"

What was she doing?! That was the worst thing she could have said! What was wrong with her?!

"Of course, your Highness," Swift Hoof said with a bow. "I'll deliver the message at once." With that, he turned and trotted down the hall. He disappeared before Luna could even blink, living up to his name. Luna stared after him long after he disappeared. What had she just done?

Well, that went well, didn't it?

That snapped Luna back to reality, and she finally closed the chamber door. She turned back to her oddly bright bedroom, where a warm breeze was drifting in from her open balcony. The room felt completely alien to her.

"What in Equestria is going on?"

You're finding your courage. Taking initiative. Facing your problems head on.

Her gut instinct was to accuse the Nightmare of manipulating her, but that was wrong. She had been the one to tell Swift Hoof to schedule for tomorrow. The words had flowed from her mouth so effortlessly, despite the terrible consequences they promised. She should be feeling terrified, panicking and on the verge of a meltdown. For some reason though, she was oddly calm. Was she just sitting in the eye of the storm, waiting for everything to crash down again?

Why don't you go to the dining hall? Maybe some food will help put your mind at ease.

She didn't have the patience to listen to the voice right now. It was always up to something, it was its very nature to manipulate her. Maybe it had done something to make her do this. But then, why had it given her back control last night? Why had it sounded so genuine when it helped her talk to Swift Hoof?

It was then that her traitorous stomach growled. She had slept several hours later than usual, as her stomach was all too aware. It panged with hunger, and left her no choice. She left her chambers and made her way to the dining hall.

It was already noon. She had missed breakfast by hours now. Luna hoped Celestia wasn't mad at her about that. Then again, their last encounter hadn't ended so well. Celestia was probably happy she hadn't shown up today.

She opened the door, quietly slipping inside. To her surprise, Celestia was there waiting for her.

"Sister?"

”Luna," Celestia said. "I want you to tell me what's going on.”

Celestia's face was intense. Her purple eyes were firm, and Luna was left paralyzed by their gaze. There was no escaping this.

“It's complicated,” Luna mumbled.

“I have time. I've cleared my schedule for today.”

Luna's eyes went wide. “You have? Why?”

“Because I realized I haven't been taking this seriously." Celestia got up from her seat at the table, and approached her. "You told me you were still suffering from Nightmare Moon, but I haven't done anything to help you. I've sent Twilight into your dreams and taken you under my wing in court, but that isn't what you need, is it?" Celestia reached her and placed a hoof on her back. Her eyes were soft and delicate now, filled with compassion and care. "You need somepony to be there for you, to hear what you have to say, and to help you get better. Isn't that right?”

Luna looked down at the ground, and her hindquarters hit the floor. “I don't know what I need, Celestia. My life is filled with contradictions and misguidance. If there are answers to what I suffer from, I haven't a clue where I would find them.”

“Then, please, tell me what's troubling you. Tell me the truth, the whole truth. I swear I'll do anything I can to help.”

“I... I'm not sure...”

“Luna please. Don't you trust me?”

Luna wanted to, more than anything. The memories of when she last did felt older than dirt, but they were happy memories. A time when life felt worth living.

She took a deep breath. “Nightmare Moon has always been part of me. She has been there since the day I was born. She is me.”

Celestia's eyes grew wide.

“She's not a parasite or an infection, she's just me. The part of my thoughts I wish I didn't have. The reason I made my big mistake a thousand years ago.”

“Oh, Luna...” Celestia wrapped her in her wings, hugging her close. “I'm so sorry, Luna. I should never have let this get so far.”

“It's not your fault, sister,” Luna mumbled.

“But it is," Celestia insisted. "Maybe not mine alone, but I have been unfair to you Luna. I haven't been a good sister at all. It wasn't until I spoke with Twilight yesterday that I realized it, but I've left you all alone since your return. I've forgotten how to love you." Celestia pulled her closer, her voice growing soft.

"When I lost you, I was miserable," she said. "I couldn't think about you, it hurt too much. So instead, I forced myself to forget. I focused all my attention on ruling Equestria, distracting myself with everything it had to offer, losing myself in all its intricacies. Every waking hour I could I solved problems, talked to ponies, and fended off enemies. Between the nobles, all the growing cities, and the griffins and minotaurs, my mind had no time to wander. I hid my emotions away, avoiding the pain as much as I could. But I wasn't doing myself the service I thought I was.

"My schedule ran me ragged, and my life was consumed by work. The creatures I talked to became useful tools at best, and annoying roadblocks at worst. They weren't living feeling ponies anymore, they were just a means to an end. It didn't take long for all their faces to blend together in my mind, and all their names escaped me so easily. Which was which didn't matter anymore, so long as they served their purpose. It took me a long time to realize what I had done to myself. I had forgotten how to love.

"I tried to change myself. I took breaks during my day to take work off my mind. I stopped thinking of the ponies who worked for me as my servants, and I tried to learn more about them. I talked to them about their families and friends, their hopes and dreams and fears. I did grow closer to them, and sometimes I truly cared about them. But there was still something separating me from them. Their lifespans.

"Ponies live such short lives. Everyday I ruled, I lost one pony and gained another. Every time I got close to a pony, I knew I would lose them before long, and then another would pop up in their place. Finding the motivation to keep caring about them got harder and harder, and I was tempted to give up. But I remembered there had been a time in my life where love came easily. Before I lost you.

"I had never understood it before, but you are my constant, Luna. Your companionship was a boon I had taken for granted, keeping me grounded and reminding me of my place in life. Without you, I was lost in a sea of meaninglessness. I was alone, no matter how many ponies I surrounded myself with."

Luna pulled back to look Celestia in her eyes. “You... you don't mean that, do you?”

“I do." The words were warmer than the coziest blanket. "I mean it with every fiber of my being. You are my only true equal, the only one who understands me. You've been with me through things nopony else can imagine, we've had experiences only the two of us can share. I can never be complete without you.

“Celestia...” The tears flowed freely down Luna's face, like a waterfall of anguish that had been kept dammed for far too long. She buried herself in her sister's coat, relishing the feeling of being held by her.

"When you finally returned, I was afraid," Celestia continued. "I knew I couldn't afford another mistake. If I drove you away a second time, I would never forgive myself. So I gave you the space that I thought you needed, and time to sort yourself out. But while I waited, you only retreated further into your shell. I thought Twilight would be able to help, and she did. But as amazing a pony as she is, there was only so much I could expect from her. You needed someone you could trust implicitly, who could hope to understand what you were going through. But I stood idly by, thinking I wasn't good enough to help you."

That's her excuse? She thought she wasn't good enough for us? Is she insane? Does she have no idea who she is?

"You're a fool," Luna said, a small smile on her lips. "You're perfect, Celestia. You couldn't wrong me if you tried."

Celestia shook her head. “None of us are perfect, Luna, least of all me. We all struggle with ourselves, we all make mistakes, and we all have regrets. If your greatest mistake is becoming Nightmare Moon, then mine is failing to be there when you needed me most. I can only hope for your forgiveness.”

"Of course I forgive you, sister. If anything, I should be asking you for forgiveness."

"I forgave you long ago, Luna. Like I said, this is all as much my fault as yours. So please, give me another chance to fix this."

Now is the time, the voice spoke with determination. We must right the wrong we made so long ago. Tell her the truth, and mend our bleeding hearts. The request hung in the air for a moment. Please, it quietly added.

The nervousness Luna had felt in her heart was now barely more than a whisper. Celestia deserved to know. She owed it to her sister to help her understand. For the first time, she wanted to tell her just what had been troubling her for so long now.

“I'm scared, sister," she started. "I have these terrible feelings that I don't know what to do about. They come in many forms, but none are any less unsettling than the others. Sometimes, I get angry at ponies who I know don't deserve it. Other times, I try to intimidate ponies who disagree with me, and make them do things my way. It makes me think I'm turning back into Nightmare Moon, and I don't want to go back to that. I don't want to make that mistake twice.

"But I can't escape them. I've tried so hard to get rid of them, but I just end up exhausted. The anger and indignance are part of me, just like the fear and regret. I can't run from myself. And yet, if I give into those feelings, I'm afraid that I'll make the same mistake all over again. I'm just stuck in misery. I don't know what's wrong with me. I feel like such a terrible pony.”

Celestia pulled her closer. “You're not a terrible pony, Luna," she said. "Everypony has those feelings. I couldn't tell you how many times I lost my temper in court, how many close friends I accidentally scorned, or all the times I took things too far. Behind every pony is an endless list of mistakes, and they only get longer every day."

"But you're perfect," Luna mumbled against her sister's coat. "You're always so calm and in control, no matter how much of a mess you're in. You handled court so effortlessly the other day, even with me causing a scene. Nopony ever thinks to question you, because you always know exactly what's needed."

Celestia laughed, and the vibrations traveled through her chest and tickled Luna's cheek. "Oh, Luna, you couldn't be more wrong. I still make mistakes all the time. Yesterday I completely forgot about a meeting I had scheduled. Raven had to track me down and tell me I was already ten minutes late. Just last week, someone in Ponyville managed to take a very unflattering picture of me stuffing myself with cake and published it in the school newspaper for the whole town to see. For sun's sake, I couldn't even get myself to help you when I knew you needed me! I had to be reminded by Twilight Sparkle and her friends how sisters are really supposed to treat each other.

"You can't let your mistakes define you, Luna. They are temporary and fleeting, but you are not. There's no mistake that can't be forgiven with time. So long as you truly regret hurting others, you can always find your way back into their good graces."

Luna looked up at her sister. “Is it really that simple?”

“Well, it's not always easy, but yes. With determination and passion, there's no setback you can't overcome.”

“Well..." Celestia's words were charged with hope, but Luna couldn't help but feel skeptical. "You'll be there to help me, right?”

Celestia smiled warmly. “Of course. Things are going to be different from now on. I won't let you suffer alone anymore. I'll do everything I can to help you. Just promise that you won't run from me either.”

Luna wrapped her wings around Celestia, finally returning the hug her sister had started. “I promise, sister. I'll do better. I won't hide my true feelings from you.” Her heart beat loudly in her chest, but for once it was relief that flowed through her veins. Celestia did care about her—loved her in fact. Their sisterly bond remained intact, even after all that had happened. It felt like she was inside an incredible dream somepony had made for her, but somehow this was real.

I can't believe it... It worked! the Nightmare exclaimed, making Luna's heart leap into her throat. We're actually making progress! After so long, things are finally moving forward!

She had never heard the Nightmare speak like this before. It sounded so happy and and excited, so full of joy and mirth.

You finally admitted what we really are! We've taken the first step towards redemption— nay, towards the future! You finally accepted... me. The last word was quietly whispered in a tone more humble than she had thought the voice capable of.

The Nightmare's excitement was unsettling, but also infectious. Maybe it was right. Maybe this was something important.

You told Celestia how we actually feel. Our frustrations and struggles, finally put into words and acknowledged. For the first time in a thousand years, you've treated us like we really are a single pony. You've proved we truly can overcome our differences and live as we were meant to.

When she put it like that, it did sound serious. She hadn't thought about it at the time, but she had just taken responsibility for Nightmare's actions. In truth, she had always known it was her fault as well. It wasn't fair to pin all the responsibility on Nightmare. They really had been the same pony at the time.

There was still a nagging feeling that she had just made a mistake, but she couldn't tell what it might be. If the Nightmare was scheming something, it was far beyond her current understanding. She felt so warm and safe right now, it was hard to believe anything could be wrong.

"Please don't make me regret this," she whispered.

If you find a way to regret it, it'll be the second worst thing to ever happen to us, Nightmare answered. This is going to be the moment we look back on and realize our life finally changed for the better.

She could have stayed in Celestia's embrace for the rest of time. It was only when her stomach reminded her she hadn't eaten breakfast that she was able to pull herself away.

Tomorrow Always Comes

Author's Note

Sorry for the wait, these last few chapters ended up taking longer to finish than I expected.

Tomorrow Always Comes

Luna had eyes for nothing but the door. Its smooth texture and light brown color filled her vision, and the light bouncing from the crystal handle played tricks on her eyes. She could have sworn she had just seen it turn, but the door stayed shut for now. It was only a matter of time before it actually did open, and then she would have to face the consequences of her actions.

Behind that door was Flash Powder's office, and Flash Powder himself. She had come to apologize and extend an olive branch, metaphorically anyway. Celestia had informed her that the actual branch was no longer required. At least she had been saved from making that mistake. Her sister was sitting next to her in the waiting room, and her presence was the only reason Luna hadn't flown back to the castle yet.

She was grateful for Celestia's presence, but at the same time, she was embarrassed that she needed her help. She wondered if Flash Powder would think she was only apologizing because her sister was here to make her do it. Or maybe, he would think Celestia would threaten him if he didn't forgive her.

It doesn't matter what he thinks, the Nightmare interrupted. What matters is what you do. Sister told us 'As you long as you regret hurting others, you can always find your way back into their good graces.' You have more than enough regret for the both of us. It's time to put her advice to the test.

It was then the door opened, and a cold stone formed in the pit of Luna's stomach. Celestia placed a wing on her back in response, and Luna found just enough strength to stand. She timidly placed one hoof in front of the other, making her way inside the office. Celestia followed behind her.

Flash Powder waited for her behind his desk, looking slightly shaken himself. A million excuses popped into her head at the sight of him. She shouldn't bother him, he was clearly unhappy to see her. Worse than unhappy, he was scared. He probably thought she was a monster and wanted nothing to do with her. If he accepted her apology, it would only be out of fear. He was just another one of her failures, and further proof that she was doomed to fail at anything she tried.

'Behind every pony is an endless list of mistakes, and they only get longer everyday.' You're not the first to make things hard for him, and you won't be the last. It's your duty as Princess to bear the burdens of your subjects, as it is their duty to serve you to the best of their ability. Running away would only leave this wound to fester, and your country to suffer needlessly. With a simple sentence, the healing process can begin.

Luna took a deep breath.

"Flash Powder," she greeted, her voice sounding more confident than she felt.

"Princess," he answered, as a bead of sweat ran down his face.

"I'd like to apologize," Merely saying those four words left her feeling exhausted, and she almost couldn't think of what to say next. "I wasn't fair to you at all the last time we met, and I deeply regret my actions." She sucked in air through her nose, trying to fight against the dizziness she felt.

"Oh!" Flash Powder's eyes went wide, and they flickered between herself and Celestia. "Well, um, thank you, your highness. Your apology is... appreciated."

Just as she expected, his words were empty. He was consumed by fear, and all he could think to do was try and placate her. This whole trip had been completely pointless. All she had done was add another failure to her legacy.

You have not failed yet. Take the next step. Do what you came for. Right the wrong.

Luna took another deep breath. The fear was overwhelming; she wanted so desperately to run away. But that wouldn't fix the problem, it would just maintain it. Celestia was still behind her, and she knew what her sister expected of her. She had to keep trying.

"I was told you were having trouble meeting the demands I made of you," she said. "I was wondering if there was anything I could do to help."

"Help, your highness?" Flash Powder's expression changed. His strained smile fell away and his head cocked slightly to the side.

"Yes, I—" the words jammed in her throat. She swallowed, trying to clear it. "I wanted to... to try and fix the problem I caused."

Flash Powder was stunned. "I see! Well, in that case," He looked through some papers on his desk. "I assume you're unwilling to change the deadline you set?"

"Um, yes. That would be... difficult." She had been paying attention to the Nightmare's preparations. There was a lot hinging on that single day.

"Well, in my experience, money always helps things along. Two thousand bits would likely make this ordeal much easier for me."

Two thousand bits! That was a fortune!

"That seems rather expensive..."

"Not as much as you're used to, sister," Celestia said. "The value of bits have changed in the time you've been gone."

"It has?"

Celestia nodded. "They call it 'inflation'. As the value of money goes down, the price of goods and services go up. Two thousand bits today is the same as five hundred bits a thousand years ago."

"Oh! I see."

Well... that makes things awkward.

"In light of that, I suppose the extra money does seem reasonable. Is there anything else I can do?"

"Well, I always appreciate free advertising. If you could make it clear who is providing you with fireworks during the festival..."

"Of course! We would be remiss if we didn't credit you for your hard work. Your name shall be made clear to all who attend."

Flash Powder smiled. "Glad to hear it."

Luna left Flash Powder's office with her mind stuck in a haze. It felt like she had just left a dream, the most tiring dream she had ever visited. But it was over now. She had done it. She could barely believe it.

Everything had gone fine. She had listened to everything Flash Powder had to say, been as accommodating to his problems as she could, and above all made an effort to treat him with kindness and respect. Flash Powder had acted in kind, and the meeting had gone incredibly well. The Winter Moon Festival was one step closer to becoming a reality. She was really doing this. This was really happening.

"I'm very proud of you, Luna," Celestia said to her, her wing once again draped over Luna's back. "You did a fantastic job today."

"Um... Thanks," Luna managed to say. "Thank you for coming with me. I couldn't have done it without you."

"It was no problem at all. If you ever need my help again, you shouldn't hesitate to ask. I'm here for you, sister."

This wouldn't be the last time she did something like this. She would be in this position time and time again, likely as long as she lived. But Celestia was here for her. She had help.

"I... I can't believe that really happened."

Celestia nodded. "You can never be sure how something will go until you do it. It's easy to get bogged down by pessimistic thoughts and convince yourself things are hopeless. But with a little effort and determination, you'd be surprised how often they turn out alright."

"I'll try to remember that." She knew her sister's words were true, but it was hard to ignore the fear still buried deep in her heart. Driving it out would be a long journey yet, and she wondered if she ever would get rid of it completely. Now though, she felt like she could face it. For once, there was hope in her heart.

The pair left the building and climbed aboard the chariot waiting for them outside. Celestia nodded to the guards at the front, and within seconds they were in the air. The wind whipped around her ears, and the constant noise started to drown out her thoughts.

I wanted to say... thank you, the Nightmare said, pulling her back to the present. Thank you for listening to me. Thank you for trusting me.

Luna's mind went blank. She had no idea how to respond. Working with the Nightmare was still a foreign thought in her mind, and she wasn't completely convinced that it really was on her side. At any moment it could show its true colors and send her right back into misery.

But that didn't feel right. Something about it had changed over the last few days. The malice she had come to associate with it had been dampened, and the wisdom in its words had started to become clearer. Her hopeful feelings got the better of her.

"I want to trust you," she whispered. "I want to believe that today wasn't just a fluke, and that you really are trying to help me. I want to believe that you really do need me, and I don't want to continue to suffer like I have been. I don't want to be hurt by you anymore."

I... Nightmare's voice drifted. I'm sorry. The goal wasn't to hurt you, it was to fix our problems. The solutions were so obvious to me, it was maddening that you couldn't see them. You have so much potential, to see it squandered so ignorantly felt like an insult. Hence the many times I insulted you.

But clearly that wasn't the answer. Insulting you only completed the cycle of mutual hatred, and exacerbated all our troubles. I needed to remember how we used to be. How we used to respect ourselves. That was the real solution.

Her words explained so much. That Nightmare could take her actions as an insult was something Luna had never considered, but in retrospect it made perfect sense. They had both been antagonizing each other.

But that last thing Nightmare said surprised her. She had never thought Nightmare could respect anything other than herself, nor had she thought she could respect Nightmare. But like so many things lately, she realized that wasn't true.

Despite all the mistakes Nightmare had made the last few days, Luna had to admit she had been wrong about her. The confidence and determination Nightmare possessed and the effect it had on other ponies had surprised Luna, and made her question herself. She had thought such behavior could only lead back to ruin, but instead it had gotten the castle staff to respect her and made Celestia proud of her. Until she took it too far, anyway. It seemed Nightmare's many criticisms of her held some truth after all, even if it had been obscured by malice.

"...I see," she whispered. "In that case, I'm sorry as well. I never thought you could be trying to help me, I associated you only with selfishness and hatred. After all the trouble you inspired, I was convinced you could only bring me more pain. Your cruel words only reinforced that feeling.

"But now I see that I might have been wrong. These last few days have made it clear that you do bring value to my life, and that you can be more boon than bane. So, in light of that... I'm willing to work together again. If you are."

Nightmare didn't respond right away. Instead, she made a strange whisper that Luna couldn't understand. After a few moments, the noise evolved into a chuckle, and then into full blown laughter.

Have you not listened to a word I've spoken these past months? Did you really do that great a job of ignoring me? Of course I'm willing to work together, it's exactly what I've been trying to get us to do!

"Then you won't be tormenting me anymore?"

Nightmare laughed again. No, no more of that. I've seen now that there are much better ways for me to help you understand. Things will be different from now on. I promise.

The whipping of wind around her ears was all Luna could hear. She was almost too exhausted to think. This day had ended up even more tiring than she had expected it to be, but it was also proving to be worth the effort. Her fears were being laid to rest, one by one, and her life was steadily improving. She smiled with weary blissfulness, and savored the feeling of the cool wind against her sweaty coat.

You know, Nightmare said, cutting through her foggy mind once again. "As long as we're on this streak of apologizing, there's another pony who deserves an explanation from us.

Luna sighed. "You're right. But I'm exhausted after all that just happened. Surely I have time for a nap first?"

Hmm... I suppose that's fair. But you better not have any excuses after that.

"No more excuses. I promise." She had come this far, she could give one more apology. Twilight deserved as much.

Last Ride of the Day

Waking from her nap, Luna found herself calm. It was a strange feeling, one that had been absent from her life for some time now. Of course, the act of remembering that was all it took for the anxiety to return. She had made a promise to talk to Twilight, and she feared it might be her most difficult conversation yet.

While her confession to Celestia and her apology to Flash Powder had given her some confidence, her impending talk with Twilight was a different beast entirely. Celestia was her sister and had been for centuries, there was a base level of trust between them after all they had been through. Flash Powder was a stranger who barely knew her, and as much as she tried to convince herself otherwise, Luna had known there was a high chance she would be able to make amends with him. Twilight was neither of these things.

Twilight was no stranger, even if they hadn't spent much time together. The time they had spent consisted of some of the most important moments in Luna's long life. And yet they didn't have a bond like kin, or even close friends. There was something that separated the two of them, something that wore upon Luna's mind everytime she thought about it. Twilight was better than her.

Where Twilight was a shining example of success, Luna was the epitome of failure. For every great accomplishment Twilight had made, Luna had only mistakes to show. Yet, every time they met, the unicorn had a look in her eyes. A kind of reverence, usually directed at ponies like Celestia, that made Luna squirm. It made her think Twilight should be the one wearing a crown, and it should be Luna who bowed in her presence. She wasn't worthy of being a Princess when ponies as great as Twilight existed.

You are worthy, whether you believe it or not, Nightmare interrupted her thoughts. You have been given great gifts, and the power to use them as you see fit. And yet, all you can think to do is spoil them with your self pity. Do you really want to throw away all that potential? Do you want to waste the efforts of the ponies who helped you get this far?

She didn't. Even if she didn't feel worthy of the love of others, it wasn't her choice to make. If Twilight and Celestia wanted to care about and help her, she couldn't imagine trying to stop them. If Equestria was willing to have her, why shouldn't she retake her role as Princess?

She found herself in front of the door to Twilight's room. She hardly remembered getting out of bed, but here she was anyway. It brought back memories of the last time she had knocked on Twilight's door, before the sleepover. But things were different now. She was stronger, if only just. This time it would end differently. Hopefully it would be better.

She knocked on the door trying to hold onto what little confidence she had.

Twilight quickly answered, a quizzical look on her face. When she recognized her guest, it changed to a frown.

"Can I help you?" she asked. The scorn in her voice hurt Luna's soul.

“You have already helped me more than I deserve, Twilight Sparkle," Luna said, her voice low. "Today, I was hoping to help you.”

"What does that mean?"

"I wanted to apologize to you."

Twilight's eyes grew wide. "Apologize?"

"I haven't been treating you fairly these last few days. I haven't been treating anypony the way I should. This week feels like it has just been an endless list of mistakes, and I'm sorry I got you all wrapped up in it. It wasn't my intention to burden you this way."

Twilight was stunned. It took a moment before she spoke again. "You seem different today."

Luna sighed. "It's true. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. There are many things I've been hiding, both from myself and those around me, and I think I owe you an explanation. Might I come inside?"

"Oh! Sure." Twilight stepped aside, allowing Luna entry to her guest room. "Um, I don't have any chairs in here, so you can sit on the bed if you want."

"Nay, Twilight. The bed is yours. I shall take the floor."

"Are you sure?"

"Very."

Hesitantly, Twilight sat on the bed and watched Luna sit in the middle of the room. With her back straight, Luna was only slightly shorter than Twilight, who was playing with her hooves nervously.

Silence hung in the air. Luna tried to speak, but she couldn't get the words to come out. It felt like she was teetering on the edge of a cliff, unsure if she would find her balance or tumble into the depths below. She was scared to open her mouth and find out.

If we fall, then we will climb back up, as we have before. We are a princess, the ruler of the night, mover of the stars and moon. We have no reason to be afraid. This is but one more step in our endless journey. We will succeed, no matter how many mistakes we make along the way.

She took a deep breath.

"When you visited my dream, Nightmare Moon was telling the truth. We are two halves of the same pony. She and I are the same."

Twilight's mouth fell open. Luna could see a hint of terror in her eyes, and she felt a cold stone form in her chest. It was all she could do to keep talking.

"I have been... struggling since we first met at the Summer Sun Celebration," Luna admitted. For the second time today she found herself exhausted after saying a single sentence. "From your perspective it might have looked like Nightmare Moon was no more, but that wasn't the case. Her dark thoughts were merely pushed to the back of my mind, too quiet to control me like they used to, but still present. They lied in wait, silently watching and learning, scheming a way to regain power."

"Why didn't you tell anyone?" Twilight asked.

Luna sighed. "You must understand, I was... afraid. I assumed I was treading on thin ice when I returned to Equestria, considering the last thing I did was try to plunge it into eternal darkness. The reactions I got during Nightmare Night only confirmed those suspicions." Luna closed her eyes. "If I confessed that the feelings that inspired that villain still lurked within my mind, I thought there would be no hope of acceptance. I would certainly be banished again, or perhaps destroyed."

Twilight looked skeptical. "So, you were planning on just letting her stay inside your head forever?"

"Not at all. I wanted to rid myself of her, but I had no idea how. I had never heard of anything like this before. The only thing I could think to do was ignore her until she disappeared, but I should have known that wouldn't work. She lasted a thousand years on the moon, after all. The longer I spent enduring her harassment, the less patience I had for it."

Twilight's face was hard to read. Her eyes were narrow and her brow furrowed, but her frown had a trace of confusion. Luna couldn't fathom what was going through her mind, but she suspected she didn't want to know. She took another deep breath.

"It wasn't until we shared that dream that I was able to think of a plan. Watching you fight against Nightmare Moon was... inspiring. It gave me hope that she could be overcome, that the evil she represented could never flourish in Equestria. I thought that if I couldn't convince her she was wrong, maybe you and the rest of ponykind could. So I gave her control, knowing you and Celestia would be there to stop her if things went wrong. I assumed it wouldn't take long for her to learn the error of her ways and give up, but that didn't quite happen.

"Nightmare caused plenty of trouble, as you are aware. There are many things she struggles with, but there are also things she excels at. Things I could never do on my own. I'm sure you have heard of the Winter Moon Festival by now?"

Twilight nodded.

"That was her idea. At first it seemed like a display of arrogance, but she taught me there was more to it than that. The Summer Sun Celebration isn't just about praising Celestia, it's a time for ponies to connect with each other and gain a better appreciation of the world they live in. The Winter Moon Festival too, isn't just about me, it's a time for ponies to be merry and to celebrate harmony. Being a Princess isn't just about treating ponies fairly, it's about inspiring them, being someone they can look up to and have faith in."

Twilight's hardened eyes turned curious. "You learned that from Nightmare Moon?"

"I did. I understand it sounds like madness, but she is an important part of me. She may be selfish, arrogant and combative, but she is also determined, motivated, and confident. Alone, we are both deeply flawed ponies. But together, we can make up for each other's differences and become something better. Something worthy of the title Princess."

Silence hung in the air again, but this time it was not Luna's place to break it. Twilight stared at her from the bed, her face filled with shock and uncertainty.

"So," she finally said. "You are Nightmare Moon?"

"I am."

"But, you're also Luna?"

"Yes. They are two names for the same pony. Two conflicting perspectives, neither complete without the other. Accomplices in one of Equestria's greatest disasters. Myself and I, nothing more."

Twilight leaned back. "My gosh. I never would have thought..."

"And that is why I have come to apologize. I will not ask for your forgiveness, Twilight, for I know I could never be worthy of it. But I wish to tell you that I regret each and every mistake I've made, and every wrongdoing I've committed. I wish to become a better pony, but the journey promises to be long and difficult. I cannot guarantee I will ever be a princess worthy of your respect, only that I will try my hardest."

Twilight tilted her head. "What are you talking about?"

Luna paused. "Surely you're upset to hear all your efforts have led to this? That all the struggles you and your friends endured to defeat Nightmare Moon resulted in a princess who can't perform her duties properly?"

Twilight's confusion grew. "Luna, my friends and I didn't save you because we knew you were a princess, we did it because it was the right thing to do. When we used the Elements against Nightmare Moon, it was to save Equestria from eternal night! We had no idea what was going to happen—we didn't even know if we could actually defeat her!" She paused. "Defeat you? I'm not sure how I should say that..."

She shook her head. "The point is: getting to meet my new friends was far more than I had been expecting from that Summer Sun Celebration, and rediscovering the Elements of Harmony with them was the adventure of a lifetime! When I learned you were Celestia's long lost sister, I was just happy that the two of you could forgive each other and reunite. I wasn't expecting you to be a perfect pony, I didn't even think about the fact that Equestria had two princesses now."

Before Luna could react, Twilight sprung from the bed and pulled her into a hug. "You're my friend, Luna. All I want from you is for you to be yourself and find the things that make you happy in life. That's the reason I reached out to you on Nightmare Night, and the reason I'm here right now. Nothing more, nothing less."

Luna sat in shock, caught completely off guard. There were many outcomes she had imagined this talk could lead to, but this was not one of them. To be forgiven so quickly and effortlessly, it defied all reason.

Do you understand now? Nightmare asked. You have already paid the debt you owed. Your fears are unfounded, and your energy is wasted worrying about things that don't exist. You are brimming with untapped potential just waiting to be realized, and everyone else knows it. All you need to do is trust them and be the pony they know you can be.

Her head was spinning. Something about that sounded so wrong, but Luna couldn't figure out what. Twilight's words kept echoing inside her mind, and she was starting to wonder if she had misheard some of them.

"So," she said hesitantly. "You do not mind that I used to be a villain? That I was an enemy of Equestria?"

Twilight smiled. "I don't mind. Just because you used to be a villain, doesn't mean you are one now. You're a good pony, Luna, and I've never had less doubt about than that now."

"But why?"

"Because you clearly regret the mistakes you've made, and you're doing everything you can to make sure you never make them again. Seriously, can you see yourself trying to overthrow Celestia in the future?"

"Stars, no!"

Twilight giggled. "Then I can't either. If you can overcome a mistake like Nightmare Moon, then you can overcome anything. I believe in you."

It sounded too good to be true, but the proof was right in front of her. Twilight still considered her to be a friend, and held no ill will against her. By all metrics Twilight should be furious, but all she had shown her was sympathy. Twilight truly cared for her.

Luna felt something cold trickle down her cheek, and she blinked to try and clear her blurry vision. She carefully wrapped her hooves around Twilight, who hugged her tighter. "Thank you, Twilight. I am honored to call you my friend. You are the first I've made in over a millennium, and perhaps the best I've ever had."

"The honor is all mine, Princess. If you ever need help, you can count on me." Twilight drew a hoof over her chest, before placing it against her eye. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

Luna pulled back. "What?"

Twilight paused. A moment later she wore a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I got a little carried away. It's a Pinkie Promise. It means I'll be here for you, whenever you need me, no matter what."

Luna grinned. "I see. I take it that Pinkie Pie invented this oath?"

Twilight nodded. "Pinkie Pie takes promises very seriously. If I fail to keep this one, there's not a place in Equestria I'll be safe from her."

Luna chuckled. "So be it. In that case, I offer you a vow of my own." She rose to her hooves and closed her eyes. "Should I ever need help in the future, I will not think twice to ask for your assistance." She lifted her hoof and attempted to mimic the gestures Twilight had made. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

"Oh, jeez," Twilight giggled. "Well, we better make sure we both stick to our word. Otherwise, we'll have to start searching for places Pinkie Pie can't get to."

Laughter filled the air, and Luna savored the sound of her voice mixing with Twilight's. Her tears flowed faster, but they were not of sorrow or fear; they were liquid happiness. Her heart beat with a hopefulness she had never felt before, and her cheeks were flush with warmth and joy. This was a moment more powerful than the defeat of Discord, more momentous than the founding of Equestria. The love she felt was greater than the number of stars in the sky, more powerful than the evening tide.

Luna would never forget this day as long as she lived. No matter how difficult life became, however dreary the future looked, she would always remember the kindness Twilight Sparkle had shown her. There was no doubt in her mind now, not a single dissenting thought to stand against the lesson she had learned this day.

Friendship truly was Magic.

The End of the Beginning

Princess Luna stood out on her balcony, high above the city of Canterlot. The mild warmth of the evening air soothed her tired body, and the orange light of the setting sun highlighted her shape next to her sister. Were anypony to look up and see herself and Celestia, she hoped they might smile, knowing they were under the care of the Royal Pony Sisters.

As the sun continued to set, the moon rose into the sky, bringing with it the blackness of night. It glowed a near perfect silver as it shined down onto the land. Previously invisible stars twinkled into existence alongside it, completing the transition to night.

But even though the day had ended, the city below her only became more lively. Blue and black banners bearing crescent moons were hung above the streets, the smell of smoke and hot food filled the air, and music and voices echoed from every street corner. The Winter Moon Festival had begun.

For the first time in a long time, Luna smiled as she looked upon the moon. She hadn't forgotten the time she had spent trapped there, and she doubted she ever would. But now more than ever, she understood the beauty of the night sky. Beauty that she had created through her own hard work and strife, and that she got to share with all of Equestria every night.

She looked over at Celestia, and gave her a nervous smile. Celestia warmly nuzzled her in return, before giving her a gentle nod. Though her heart beat loudly in her chest, Luna took a deep breath, and opened her wings. She took flight above Canterlot, leaving a starry trail behind herself and drawing the attention of the festival goers beneath. She came to a stop above the city center, and spoke with the Royal Canterlot Voice.

"Greetings, citizens of Equestria! Welcome to the first ever Winter Moon Festival!"

Cheers erupted from the entire city. The warm welcome gave Luna confidence, but the hardest part of her speech started now.

"You have my sincerest gratitude for your attendance! I've no doubt that by now you have all heard of my dark past." Quiet fell over the crowd as she spoke. "That I once gave into jealously and rage, and let evil into my heart. I have done things that I am not proud of, and not a day goes by that I don't regret them."

Luna let the silence hang in the air for a moment. All she could hear was the flapping of her wings and her heart pounding inside her chest.

"But I am not the same pony I once was. I have learned from my mistakes, and I am trying to be better. I ask of you, accept this festival as a token of my goodwill, and a promise that I will work to be a Princess worthy of your love and admiration!"

The cheers began anew, even louder than before, and they brought tears to Luna's eyes. It was all so surreal, she felt like she might get woken up at any moment. But this was no dream. This was real.

"Thank you, ponies!" she called out to the crowd. "Your acceptance means the world to me! To start the festivities, please enjoy this fireworks show, preformed by Imaginarium Pyrotechnics!"

Not a second after she spoke, the crack of a launching firework echoed through the city, and a bright explosion of color filled the sky. The ponies of Canterlot stomped their hooves as more fireworks followed after, creating a cacophony of celebration.

Luna flew back to her balcony where Celestia was waiting for her. Her sister put a wing over her back, and Luna returned the gesture. They leaned against each other, basking in the energy of the festival below, and Luna savored the pride of knowing she was responsible for it.

We're not done, you know, said a voice only she could hear. And with it she agreed.

“We aren't,” she replied. “We may never be done. But we'll keep going anyway.”

The crackling of fireworks was her only answer.

Whisper To Be Heard

The moon was full and the sky was black, but the scene was well lit. Hanging lanterns cast a warm yellow glow on blades of grass and beaten paths, offering guidance through the night. Hooves trod along the dirt, stepping in eager trots as they roamed the land. From the ground rose tents and tables, filled with everything from food to art to games. The constant sound of overlapping voices permeated the air, punctuated by joyful cheers and hollers.

Everywhere one might look, flags and banners were hung. Some were dark blue and covered in stars, some were splotched with pitch black spots and silver crescents, others merely bright white circles with subtle imprints. All were easily recognizable to the Princess. They were symbols of her.

Pride swelled in her chest as she walked amongst the crowd. Everypony who noticed her smiled with glee before bowing to her, leaving a trail of kneeling ponies everywhere she went. Foals bounced with excitement as she passed, tugging their parent's manes to make sure they saw her.

It was all perfect. Everything she had worked for had finally come true.

At last, Luna was beloved amongst the ponies of Equestria. Her night was worshiped by all who experienced it, her station treated with utmost respect by all her subjects, her rule a blessing upon the great land she had founded. Dissent was nonexistent, for how could one be unsatisfied by her majesty? What demented mind could find anything but joy in the things she made?

Luna practically frolicked through the crowd she had drawn, a wake of merry cheer following behind her. She danced past the attractions and celebrations, carving a path to her main event. A grand stage looked over the entire festival, its podium poised and ready to deliver a royal speech.

With confidence, Luna took her place behind it, grinning as she surveyed the horde of ponies before her. She took a deep breath, and spoke with the Royal Canterlot Voice.

“Greetings, ponies of Equestria! I, Princess Luna, stand before you with important news! Today, I would like to announce my official return to my royal station as Princess of the Night! I will once again rule over Equestria, as I previously had a thousand years ago!”

The crowd erupted in enthusiasm at the words, not a single pony stood idle in the entire festival. Luna's pride swelled in response, but another feeling found a home in her chest. She was humbled.

“In celebration of my return, and to introduce myself to a new generation of ponies, I have constructed this grand holiday! The Winter Moon Festival!”

Another enormous wave of noise washed over her, enough to deafen any normal pony. Her confidence flourished under the blazing fires of the crowd's passion, and her voice grew louder still.

“Yes! Rejoice ponies of Equestria! Your nation is complete once again! Nightmare Moon is gone, and only I remain! Rejoice! Celebrate to your heart's content!”

The pandemonium rapidly expanded, growing farther and farther out of control. Yet Luna did not mind, content to ride atop its overflowing energy. She had done it. After so long, her life was finally complete. She was loved after all.

A pair of sea green eyes floated in the sky, looking down on the scene. They never blinked as they watched, made no sound while they observed. Their gaze was for Luna alone, silently judging her every move. As the dream began to collapse, they gave a single slow blink.

Then there was light.

Swallow Your Pride (With Your Hate)

She awoke in darkness. The sun had already set. The castle was silent, as was Canterlot.

Luna rolled out of her bed, trying to look around. Her heavy eyelids resisted her efforts, begging to stay closed. She forced them open anyway. Their weight was nothing compared to what she felt in her chest.

Her eyes pierced the darkness of her room. Familiar walls surrounded her, the same curtains covered the window, the chamber door was shut tight. Her desk held the picture of herself and Celestia, still smiling.

You're awake. The voice cut through her hazy mind, its judging tone threatening to give her a headache. Do you remember what you did?

Suddenly, things became clearer. The events of the last day rose to the top of her thoughts. The hallway with Twilight, the office with Flash Powder, the courtroom with Celestia. Just thinking about it made her blood boil.

“I do,” she grumbled.

You were so convinced you could fix everything, weren't you? the voice mocked. You thought it would be easy, that I just wasn't applying myself. Now look at you. You resorted to intimidation to get ponies to listen to you. You embarrassed yourself in court, forcing Celestia to cover for you. And then you threw a temper tantrum, because you realized you were wrong.

Her teeth clenched. “I'm not wrong.”

Was it not it you who told me about the folly of lying to oneself? She could hear the disappointment in the words. We are not great. We are not special. We do not deserve to be worshiped. We are worthless.

“We are not worthless,” Luna insisted. “We are special. I don't care if I'm the only one who believes it. I'm right.”

Why do you waste your energy setting yourself up to fail? the voice sighed. This path will only bring us more pain. Eventually it will destroy us.

“You're wrong. We will find greatness. I won't stop until we do.”

Your narrow thinking is a curse. If we gave up, there might still be hope for us. We could find a path we could actually follow.

She almost laughed. “You think that's the solution? After all our struggles, all we've sacrificed, you really think giving up would make us happy?”

When one door closes, another opens.

The words sunk deep into Luna's mind. They tore a terrible hole though all her thoughts and feelings, leaving her numb. She couldn't think straight anymore.

“I want to see the moon,” she said.

The moon hung high above Canterlot. It shined bright silver in the dark night sky, inspiring the plants in the castle garden to reciprocate with a pale glow of their own. Luna's heart grew lighter as she looked upon it, but only a little. Her foul mood ran deep.

The moon is beautiful, said the voice. It deserves better than us.

“It does,” Luna agreed. “It deserves a complete pony who can serve it properly.”

It deserves a pony who can adapt to the times. Who can keep pace with the world around them.

“A pony with courage and determination, who won't abandon it in its time of need.”

A pony who can be warm and welcoming, and knows their way around others.

“One who understands themselves and their station, who can act with clarity of purpose.”

She paused, the weight of the words sinking in. It was a tall order, being a princess. You had to be truly special, one of a kind, willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. Practically perfect in every way.

The moon deserves Celestia, the voice said.

Luna's face bent into a smile. A moment later she laughed. It was the completely wrong answer, the total opposite of what she had meant. And yet, Celestia had cared for the moon for a thousand years without issue.

“You have a lot of nerve saying that.”

Would you deny it?

“No, you're right,” she sighed. “She's exactly who we want to be. She always has been.”

Luna surveyed the night sky, trying to make sense of her thoughts. Each twinkling star was a reminder of her past, of how far she had come. Some of them were happy, encouraging, inspiring. But many of them were mistakes, errors that had been permanently etched into time that she couldn't escape from.

She thought about the dream that had started this mess. She remembered the crying and screaming, the truths and the lies. But the thing that stuck out to her most was the unicorn her other half had invited.

“I came here to help Luna feel better, not make her miserable!”

Luna was no perfect pony. She thought she had already understood that, but these last few days had been a harsh reminder of just how flawed she really was. There were many things she lacked, but there were also things she had lied to herself about.

She had told herself the ponies of Equestria were cruel and conspired against her, but she knew that wasn't true. Almost nopony had cared she existed before yesterday. Those who had were Twilight and Celestia, neither of whom had tried to sabotage her. Even Twilight's friends had been nothing but kind. It was she who had been causing problems. It was her who was unreasonable.

She had thought Equestria to be ripe for the taking, but that too was wrong. Equestria had grown up without her, it was no longer a stumbling foal desperate for a shoulder to lean on. It was its own country now, and it cared for itself. Being a Princess of Equestria meant something very different nowadays. It was about guidance and encouragement, not law and order.

For all her effort, she was no closer to success now than she ever had been. She was still struggling with the same problem as before: herself. A problem she had always known the answer to, but only now did she understand just how necessary that answer really was.

“I need you,” she whispered.

What?

She stopped. She hadn't meant to say that out loud.

“I need you,” she repeated, resigning herself to her fate. “I'm only half a pony on my own. I can't tackle every challenge set before us. I can't face all our nightmares alone.”

You need me? it asked. The miserable wretch? The cowardly idiot? The foolish little mare?

How dare she! Here she was trying to fix things and this fool had the audacity to bring up more of her mistakes! All she had to do was listen to her! This was exactly why they couldn't get anything done!

That was when it hit her. This is where everything always fell apart. The names, the anger, the hatred—it was all wrong. Her other half wasn't going to listen if she acted this way. If she was going to make progress, she had to learn from her mistakes. She had to want to be a better pony.

Luna took a deep breath, holding her voice steady. “I am you, as you are me. We are two halves of the same pony. We are not meant to live alone. I have always needed you.”

Her mind was silent. She could hardly believe the words had come from her mouth. It was just the truth, the feelings she had always felt deep down. But she had never spoken them like this before.

Why? Luna asked, her voice uncertain. Why do you need me?

She sighed, slow and long.

“I need you so we can talk to sister without it ending in a fight,” she grumbled. “On my own I can't stand her. Whenever I look at her, I see the pony who betrayed us and locked us away on the moon. She stole the ponies of Equestria away from us, just like she stole our role as princess.”

She couldn't help but see red whenever that horrible mocking smile came into her vision. So perfect and serene, like she didn't know Luna was suffering. She had the audacity to pretend everything was fine! There was no doubt Celestia knew she wasn't fine! A pony who traps herself in her room for months on end is the farthest thing from well! But all she had done was watch and smile.

That's not true! Luna cried. She stopped us from making a terrible mistake! Nopony would have loved us as Nightmare Moon, and the world couldn't have lived in eternal night! Celestia was right to imprison us and save Equestria. Even though it hurt her, she knew she had to do it. That she could still love us after all we've done is a blessing we don't deserve.

Nightmare Moon had been a mistake, and it was good that Celestia had stopped her. Equestria would have been much worse off if she hadn't. And, Luna didn't want to admit it, but she could tell Celestia had been hurt by the events. She could still remember who her sister was before her banishment. That was a pony who laughed and smiled not to appease others, but for herself and those she cared about.

"I need you so we can rule properly," she continued. "I have the courage, the motivation and the plan, but when the time comes to act things always fall apart. Ponies won't listen to me, they refuse to cooperate. It doesn't matter what I say or how hard I try, their resistance is fierce and unending."

You move too fast for your own good, Luna said. You come to conclusions without even stopping to think, blindly rushing from mistake to mistake. Your obsession never stops, and the pain follows closely behind. If you would just slow down and consider your actions, you could save everypony so much trouble.

To slow down was to admit to weakness. Stopping to think implied she didn't have the answers to the problems she faced, and that she wasn't worthy of the title of Princess. A true leader was prepared for anything and never hesitated to do what was needed.

And yet, Celestia never seemed to be in a hurry, did she? She always appeared to have infinite patience, and had no qualms about stopping to think. Nopony ever criticized her for it. She hadn't even given definitive answers to half the ponies in court, and nopony seemed to mind. That Green Hoof upstart had only gotten a promise to investigate his problem, and he hadn't seemed upset at all.

Her words ran dry, and silence lingered in the air. It made her uncomfortable. Maybe it was too late to fix her mistakes. It had been nearly a year since her return from banishment, that was plenty of time to dig a hole too deep to climb out of. It would only be fitting that she had figured out the solution to the problem too late.

I saw your dream, you know, Luna finally spoke.

“My dream?”

The festival in the darkness. The speech before thousands.

“Oh...” she found herself blushing.

I... didn't think you were capable of something like that. The words came slowly, stumbling and tripping over themselves. I thought you could only care for yourself. All your grand plans seemed designed to sate your own ego. I never thought about how important we could be to others.

There was another thing Luna needed from herself. Something shameful and hypocritical to admit. But she knew it was important, and she had already come this far.

"I need you so we can be loved," she said. "Love has always been our goal, but there's more to it than just the love of our subjects. I... I don't want to be alone. I don't want our only company to be each other. We need other ponies we can confide in and be close to. Ponies like Twilight Sparkle."

She sighed. "I'm no fool. I know I'm not what ponies want in a friend. I'm arrogant and aggressive. I'm always inspiring the worst in others. Twilight knew who I was from the moment I opened our mouth. She refuses to trust me, and she could never love me. But she does love you. You captured her heart by simply being yourself. Your natural charisma is an important strength, and without it I can't imagine how anypony could stand us."

If there was one thing she envied of her other half, it was how easily she captured the hearts of others. She had no idea why other ponies were attracted to her weakness and fear, but the fact was that they were. That charm was the most important thing they had, and the fact it was trapped inside a pony who refused to use it was frustrating beyond measure.

“I need you. You are my other half, all I lack and long for. So long as we fight, we are doomed to fail. Only together can we succeed.”

Do you... really mean all those things? Luna's voice was timid. You really need me?

"I haven't been trying to keep it a secret," she groaned. "I've been telling you we're two halves of the same pony. I just... haven't been saying it right."

How do I know you're telling the truth? Luna accused her. What if this is just another trick?

"You don't know. You have no reason to trust me after what I've done. But I am telling you the truth. I want us to work together, so we can be the pony we were meant to be."

Prove it. Give me back control, right now.

So aggressive. So demanding. How sweet it would be to just refuse, to keep control forever. But that wouldn't help anypony, would it?

She sighed. "Very well."

Luna looked around. Fresh air flowed in through her nose, filling her lungs and expanding her chest. Her ears swiveled on her command, honing in on the gentle rustle of leaves in the garden and the faint sounds of Canterlot beyond it. She felt the tickle of grass against her hooves and the soft soil beneath that. The cold night air clung to her coat, making her shiver.

She was back, just like that. All she had to do was ask, and the Nightmare had released its control. Luna hadn't expected it to work. She had thought for sure it would refuse, and that their argument would spiral out of control. But it had relented, for reasons Luna couldn't fathom.

The moon was still shining in the sky, and she sat upon the grass to watch it. Her breaths came slow and calm, and she savored the feeling of control.

What did she do now?

Her life was not the same now as when she had left. The Nightmare had only been in control for two days, but it had set things in motion that Luna wasn't sure she could stop. Celestia would expect them to hold court together. There was a holiday being constructed in her name. Twilight Sparkle had less reason to trust her than ever.

Could she tell Celestia she didn't want to be part of court anymore? Her sister had seemed so happy when the Nightmare told her it wanted to rule with her. Then again, they had both seen how well that had went. Maybe Celestia would be happy she didn't want to go back to court. The petitioners certainly would be.

Luna had no idea what she was supposed to do about the Winter Moon Festival. Nightmare had gotten a lot of ponies involved in planning for it; more than Luna could remember off the top of her head. There was no way she could just run away from all of them—those ponies knew her now. They would come looking for her and make her answer for the Nightmare's promises. Her only hope was Celestia. Hopefully her sister could do something to put a stop to it all.

Twilight Sparkle would be the most challenging. Luna couldn't imagine how she would go about earning her forgiveness. She'd be lucky if the Elements of Harmony didn't show up at her door to send her back to the moon. Actually, that would probably be the best outcome. It would save her from dealing with everything else.

Luna could already feel a weight forming in her chest. She was way out of her league—this whole plan with Nightmare had gone far worse than she had anticipated. She had expected it would just fail immediately and give up, but instead it had sunk its fangs deep into her life. It would take a long time for all this to blow over, if it ever did.

There was only one way she knew to deal with this. She flew up to her balcony and entered her room. She laid on the bed and pulled the covers close, savoring how soft and warm they were. Then, she willed herself to the land of dreams.

Sweet Surrender

Author's Note

If you last read this story before May 29, 2023, you might want to reread the previous chapters. I've been stockpiling changes for them while I wrote the story, and I finally updated them.

Sweet Surrender

Celestia found a scroll on her desk that morning. She could make out its shape from her bed, even in the dim light of dawn. She must have slept through the dragonfire delivery.

It must be a letter from Twilight, she thought, no doubt discussing her sleepover with Luna last night. Celestia eagerly unfurled it, excited to hear all about her sister's new friendships. Upon reading it, however, she found herself filled with worry.

Celestia rose the sun before heading to breakfast. She needed to talk to her sister.

“Hello, Luna,” Celestia greeted as Luna entered the dining hall. “How are you?”

“Hello, sister,” Luna answered as she closed the door behind her. “I am fine.”

“I received a letter from Twilight.” Luna winced as she spoke the words. Celestia felt a pang in her heart at the sight, but she had to press on. “What happened?”

“I...” Luna stuttered, struggling to find the right words. “I got overwhelmed.” She looked down at the floor, unable to make eye contact. “There were... things I wasn't prepared for.”

“She said you disappeared after going out for some air,” Celestia continued. “Did you fly all the way back here?”

Luna nodded.

“What was it that got you so worked up?”

No answer came. Luna continued to stare at the ground, leaving Celestia confused. Her sister was usually very cooperative, willing to humor her at worst. This gloominess was a side of Luna she hadn't seen before. It made her uncomfortable.

“Luna, please come over here.”

Her sister obeyed, reluctantly placing one hoof in front of the other, as if she were marching to her own funeral. She yelped when Celestia embraced her with a wing.

“Sister mine, please understand,” Celestia said as she wrapped her forelegs around Luna. “I love you more than anything. I care for you deeply. I want you to find happiness, but I can't help you if you don't help me. Please tell me what's wrong.”

To Celestia's shock, Luna started sobbing. Her cries filled the dining hall and quickly smothered Celestia's appetite. She had expected Luna would be upset, but not like this.

She began to gently stroke Luna's mane, unsure of what to do. Eventually, Luna found her voice.

“They didn't work.”

“What didn't work?”

“The Elements. They didn't fix me. She's still here with me.”

“She?” Celestia pulled back to look at Luna. “You mean Nightmare Moon?”

Luna nodded, pulling herself closer to Celestia. “I can hear her voice inside my head. She berates me, manipulates me. She wants me to make that terrible mistake all over again.”

Celestia hugged her sister once again. “Luna, why didn't you tell me?”

“I'm sorry. I didn't think...” she paused to take a breath. “I wasn't thinking. I didn't know what to do. Everyone thought I was fine. I thought I was too.”

Suddenly, Luna lurched in her grip.

“Shut up!” she shouted. “Don't talk to me anymore! You've ruined enough...”

“Luna, please. You're okay. I'm right here.”

“I'm so sorry, Celestia! I'm so sorry!” Luna shouted as she sobbed harder. Her whimpers carried hint of desperation, and she clung to Celestia tighter. ”I'm just so lost, sister! I don't know what to do!”

Cradling her broken sibling, Celestia reconsidered her plans for the future. She had thought Luna was nearly ready to be her own pony again, and find her place in the world. Her dreams of once again ruling beside her sister had seemed so close to fruition. But she couldn't have been more wrong. As long as Nightmare Moon was plaguing her, there's was no hope of Luna's recovery. This was serious.

“Don't worry, Luna,” she whispered in her sister's ear. “I'll stay with you. We'll get through this together. I promise.”

“Princess Celestia! Is everything okay? Is Princess Luna alright?”

Celestia wore her ever serene smile as she watched her student run across the castle hall. Twilight's face, however, was filled with worry.

“My sister is fine for now. She's resting in her room.”

Twilight looked relieved upon hearing that. Celestia realized she had likely spent her entire train ride worrying about what was wrong. Knowing her student, she had probably assumed something catastrophic, like an attack on Equestria. Not that the actual problem wasn't serious, but she still should have been more specific in her letter.

“That's good to hear. But, why did you call for me?”

“I'm very sorry to summon you like this, Twilight,” Celestia started. “You've already done so much for the two of us, I hesitate to ask you for more.”

Twilight put on a confident smile. “Don't worry, Princess. I'm always happy to help.”

Celestia felt her smile widen at Twilight's words. “That's what I thought you'd say. And why I asked for your presence here.” She took a deep breath. “It seems the Elements of Harmony did not work as well as I had thought. While they did return my sister to me, they did not save her like I had hoped.”

Twilight tilted her head in response. Celestia closed her eyes, trying to maintain her calm expression while she found the strength to speak.

“The Nightmare still lurks within Luna's mind.”

Twilight's eyes went wide. “That's why she was whispering to herself,” she thought aloud. Then she shook her head, trying to stay focused. “Has she been that way since the Summer Sun Celebration?”

“As far as I know,” Celestia answered.

“Oh no. Poor Luna...”

Celestia resisted the urge to sigh, finding it harder to keep her emotions in check by the second. “I must admit, Twilight. I'm not quite sure what to do in this situation.” She wasn't even sure what to call it. Possession? Infection? Mind control?

“Well, what do we know about Nightmare Moon?” Twilight asked.

“Not much, I'm afraid. Luna and I never really discussed it. I had thought—” Celestia paused as the weight of reality settled in again. Her mask started to slip off her face. “I thought it was over now.”

Celestia must have looked as scattered as she felt, if Twilight's expression was anything to go by. She couldn't maintain her composure when her sister was in terrible danger just a few rooms away. She had spent the last thousand years trying to stop herself from worrying about her sister, focusing instead on her nation. Now that Luna was back, it was much harder to distance herself.

Celestia took another deep breath.

“You raise a good point, my student. Perhaps we should ask Luna how we might best help her.”

“Luna?” came a muffled voice, accompanied by a knock at the door. “May we come in?”

Celestia had said 'we'. That meant Twilight was here. Luna was filled with shame at the thought of being seen like this.

Well? Will you deny them?

“Come in,” Luna answered. She'd rather shame than this torment.

Her sister and the mare who tried to save her entered her chambers. Luna got up from her bed to greet them as they stumbled inside. It took a moment for their eyes to adjust to the darkness of the room, but eventually they found their bearings.

“We're here to help you, sister,” Celestia said. “But we can't do it without you.”

“What do you need from me?”

The two ponies before her shared a worried look

“We need to know more about her, Luna. We need your advice for combating Nightmare Moon.”

Luna felt her heart drop. She honestly should have seen this coming.

Oho! They wish to learn about me! the voice exclaimed. Perhaps you wouldn't mind letting me answer personally? They might appreciate getting answers directly from the horse's mouth.

“What do you want to know?” Luna asked. The voice chuckled inside her mind.

“What exactly is Nightmare Moon, Luna?” Twilight asked.

The voice gasped. So direct! So upfront! it mocked. How in Equestria will you weasel your way out of this one?

Luna's entire body froze on the spot. She couldn't answer that question. She couldn't admit it, not to them of all ponies!

The voice howled with laughter. Finally, forced to face the music! Nowhere left to hide!

It laughed with a type of glee Luna had never heard from it before. Like it thought it was being freed from her. Luna fell to her hindquarters, no longer having the strength to stand.

“Luna, are you alright?” Celestia's voice barely reached her through the chaos.

Don't say I didn't warn you! I knew this day would come! I've been waiting for so long!

“Please... help me,” she said weakly.

“What's wrong? Is it her? Is she doing something?” Celestia and Twilight each took one of her hooves, holding her close as they sat beside her.

The laughter continued to echo in her mind.

“I don't know what to do...”

Celestia felt helpless as she watched her sister spiral down into madness. There was nothing she could do to ease Luna's woes, she could barely even get through to her at this point. With Twilight's help, she lifted her back into bed, sparing her a sorrowful look before walking out the door.

Twilight managed to maintain her composure just long enough for them to leave Luna's chambers. As soon as the door was closed, however, she threw herself at her mentor's hooves.

“I'm sorry, Princess! I didn't mean to hurt her!”

Celestia shook her head. “Please relax, Twilight. You've done nothing wrong.” It was typical of Twilight to panic whenever anything went wrong, but her student wasn't the one responsible for her sister's plight. Celestia helped her to her hooves while she thought about their predicament.

She had been foolish, believing everything would work itself out. The Elements had only created a temporary solution the first time she had used them against Luna, she didn't know why she expected anything different now. It had been so exciting to have her sister back, she had completely forgotten the reasons why Luna had left in the first place.

But how did she fix this? If not with the Elements of Harmony, then what? She wished she could have Luna's help, but what could she ask her to do? Luna had already suffered enough by herself at Nightmare Moon's hooves.

Maybe that was the secret. Luna needed someone else to help her fight. Someone close to her, who knew her well. A pony with a caring nature, who wouldn't falter in the face of adversity. A force of good who could stand against Nightmare Moon and win.

“Twilight, I have an idea.”

Celestia wasn't sure if it was a very good idea, but she didn't exactly have many options at the moment. She certainly couldn't let Luna continue to suffer like this.

“What is it, Princess?” Her student looked up at her, hopeful as ever. It gave Celestia just a bit of confidence.

“I think we might be able to reach Luna through her dreams.”

“Through dreams?” Twilight was stunned. “Can we do that?”

“I certainly can't,” Celestia admitted. “But Luna is very skilled in manipulating dreams. She might be able to let you into her mind through a shared dream.”

“That does sound interesting,” Twilight said. “Wait, me? Just me?”

“I'm sorry, my student. I can't help but feel my presence would only make things worse. I've no doubt Luna cares for me deeply. Nightmare Moonon the other hoof...” Celestia slowly shook her head. “Luna clearly is having a hard enough time as it is. I don't want to agitate Nightmare Moon if I can help it.”

“I... I guess that does make sense...” Twilight didn't sound convinced.

Celestia had to admit she was uncomfortable letting her student share a dream with Nightmare Moon. But she had faced this villain before. She and her friends had already proven it was possible to beat her.

Besides, if there was anypony to send to comfort her sister, it would be Twilight. She was a pony who knew the struggle of making new friends, and of living in Celestia's shadow. Twilight had a made a real connection with her sister and bonded over common ground, instead of merely being related to her by blood.

“Can you do this for me, Twilight?”

“Well, I do want to help Luna...” She looked to Celestia for reassurance. “It's only a dream, right? She can't hurt me through it?”

“Not physically, no,” Celestia answered. “She can only share experiences and thoughts with you. But you have a strong mind, Twilight. I don't think she'll be able to hurt you.”

“Then, yes. I'd be honored to help.”

Twilight's agreement helped ease the dread in Celestia's gut. She was truly blessed to have stumbled across such a faithful student all those years ago.

“Thank you, Twilight. You are truly one of the bravest ponies I've ever met.”

Twilight blushed at the compliment.

“Come with me. Let's get you ready.”

The door to her chambers opened slightly, a sliver of light shinning through the gap.

"Luna?" called Celestia's voice, gentle and concerned. The sound made Luna's heart jump in her chest.

"Sister?" she timidly answered. Celestia was certainly here to ask her about Nightmare again, but Luna had even less strength to face that now than she had a few hours ago.

"I had an idea to help you," Celestia said, making her way inside. "Clearly Nightmare Moon is causing you a lot of trouble, but there's not much Twilight and I can do to help you if she's inside your mind. So, I thought you could make one of those shared dreams like you used to. You could share it with Twilight, and she might be able to help you face her again."

That... was an interesting idea. Twilight certainly knew how to handle Nightmare Moon, of that Luna had no doubt. Maybe she really could help her.

Sounds like fun! Go ahead, invite her in.

The voice's optimism gave her second thoughts. Surely it wouldn't be so happy to hear this if it didn't have a plan. But then, what could it possibly hope to do to Twilight in a dream?

"I can do that," she said to Celestia. "Just Twilight?"

"Just Twilight," Celestia confirmed. "I figured Nightmare Moon would be far more tolerant of her than of me."

Luna felt a strange sense of relief on hearing that. Something about the thought of sharing a dream with Celestia made her uncomfortable. Giving her sister a chance to see her deepest thoughts just seemed like a recipe for disaster.

"Very well. I'll search for her when she falls asleep."

Celestia smiled. "Thank you, Luna." She lifted a hoof towards Luna's bed, before awkwardly putting it back down. She gently shook her head, an act she probably thought was invisible in the darkness, but that Luna had no trouble noticing.

"With Twilight by your side, I know you can overcome this," she said instead. "You're strong ponies, both of you. You'll be alright." With that she made her way back to the door. "Good night, Luna."

"Good night, Celestia," Luna replied. The door shut and Luna was alone once again. There was no time to dwell on her sister's strange behavior. She had a dream to create, and a very important mare to link to it.