Birthrightsby N00btankzChaptersBirthrightTrustPromiseEternityFateBirthrightBirthright “Dear sister, how hath we performed? We raised the moon and stars as thy asked,” Luna spoke to her elder sister, hoping for her words of gratitude. “You’ve done well, dear Luna, and you have no need for formalities with me; we are equal,” she informed. Her younger sister bowed, then spoke in a more tender, kind voice than what she spoke in before. “Thank you, sister. I practiced hard to raise the moon and the stars that follow, to please the ponies of our lands.” “They will be grateful of you, Luna. Ponies need darkness to sleep, that which I cannot provide.” Celestia gratefully explained. “Sleep? Why will the ponies not enjoy my night, as they do your day?” she questioned, her voice hinting her slightly hurt feelings. Celestia nodded, and smiled kindly, “Yes, ponies do not have the energy to frolic through night and day; they will grow tired and no longer be able to work.” Her sister lowered her head in a light bow, “Thank you sister, for explaining. I will attend my duties, you must rest.” She turned to walk the castle and its grounds, patrolling for dangers lurking in the shadows. “Wait,” Celestia called to her, as she turned. “I love you, Luna.” Smiling tenderly. Luna glanced back, and with a vague smile, nodded and whispered, barely audible, “I love you too, dear sister.” ~ Luna paced the dim lit garden, contemplating deeply the knowledge she had learned. Ponies sleep at night, and play in the day. Why does sister get the more important job, why must I do the work equal to that of a farmer? She stopped her pacing to nod to a guard who was passing her by. I am a princess, not a peasant... ~ Celestia lay on her bed, flicking through quickly ancient documents. pure white Scriptures with not a single scratch or damage upon them, explaining that for the world to stay at peace, two alicorns must rule, guiding the stars, moon, and sun, through the sky. She thought back to her parents, ages ago, who had lectured her and her sister of their birth-duties. “Dearest, Celestia, you shall rule the sun, with burning passion and fiery will, thou shalt keep our kingdom safe under your wing and horn,” her father had told her. The news pleased her. “I will gladly lead them,” her filly self responded proudly. She remembered her mother's declaration to her sister. “You, dear Luna, shall guide the moon and stars, giving the ponies reprieve from the heat of day, cooling them for rest,” she said, at which luna grumbling. She felt quite undermined for her duties. “Luna, both you’re duties are important. neither overlay the prior. Both are needed for ponies to survive,” their parents explained, giving both a feeling of importance. Celestia more-so than her sister. Luna rather felt even less important to Equestria. Her only job to raise the moon and stars so ponies can sleep. While her sister to raise the sun for them to play, farm, and live under happily. ~ “Sister, could you teach me how to raise the moon?” Luna, a young filly at the time, begged of her sister. Celestia, chuckled, smiling. Then she nodded to her little sister, “Sure, you will eventually fulfill it as your own duty, raising the moon and stars.” After she had aided and taught her younger sister to raise the moon, they decided to escape from their royal lives, to play in the gardens behind the palace. “Tia, Tia! Can we play pass?” Luna asked, smiling big, a ball floating by her, suspended by a deep blue magic aura. “I don’t see why not,” she responded, smiling. The ball flew to her, and she in turn passed it back. this continued this for a few minutes until Celestia accidentally tossed it to hard. The ball overcame Luna’s magical abilities, the ball bouncing off her head. “Oh! I am so sorry, Luna! I didn’t mean too!” Celestia quickly apologized, running up to her teary eyed sister. “It... It’s okay Tia, its not your fault, I’m just not strong enough...” she muttered, staring at the grass below her feet. “No, no, it is my fault, Luna, I shouldn't ha-” Celestia began, before Luna ran back into the palace crying silently. ~ Luna sat before one of the many garden flowers that were blooming in the night air from her magic. She what ponies might think of her, being the princess of night and darkness. She stood, the flower wilting back to its sleeping form, and took flight to oversee the land. Covered in her gentle darkness, she glanced across a town, noting the dark windows and sleeping ponies. There were homeless ponies sleeping still in their makeshift tents, hiding even outside from the night. Even the pets, dogs and cats, slept soundly in her dark embrace. She passed a home, an orphanage, which had a single light on. She peered in, silent and watchful, into the orphanage window. three pegasi inside sat playing a quiet game, as to not wake the other foals. “Children, why do you not rest, as others do?” Luna questioned, stepping into the room with silent grace. The three young ponies, although rather startled, bowed in respect to her. “We can’t have much fun in the day. Earth ponies don’t like us pegasi, M’lady,” spoke a grey pegasus with a light blue mane. “Oh? Why is that, dear?” she asked, interested in their troubles. “They think it’s unfair for them. We can fly and all, but we promise we won’t use no wings in games! M’lady,” a purple filly, with a pink mane, stated. “No need to be formal, dear children, I feel your pain, and I sympathize it. fly with me, you three, have you any other friends?” Luna requested, understanding how the children felt left out from the others. “Yes ma’am, we got two others. they’re off at the restroom; they oughta be back soon enough,” said a blue pony, with a shiny blue mane of the same shade. And as if on queue, two more foals walked in. One of them had a light blue shade with a dark blue mane, while the other who was following him was dark grey with a grey-blue mane, light in color. “I am proud to see you, five wonderful ponies. I sympathize all of you, for I know the pain you’ve felt. Now fly with me, I have something for you all.” She then took a slow flight out the window once more, the foals flying close. Having never seen their town from this view, gazed in awe at the shadowed glory. TrustTrust Celestia gazed into her mirror,but it did not reflect as a normal mirror, as you would expect, but rather reflected the events that had just occurred the small town outside Canterlot. She sighed, Luna... Don’t do anything you will come to regret...she thought, Not out of any reason but care for Luna. Luna herself believed that what she would come to do was good, she planned to give a new chance to these homeless, hopeless, foals. “Foals, might you all have names?” she asked the group she was soaring with. “No ma’am, we don’ got names,” the pink filly explained, “also, not to be rude, but could we land? I’m gettin’ mighty tired.” “Yes, we may, we have reached our objective, dear,” she responded, as she gracefully flew down to the clearing within the center of a forest, which we would come to know soon as the Everfree Forest. “So, ma’am, why did you take us all the way out here into the middle of plum nowhere?” the grey foal asked, looking a slight bit annoyed. “Destiny, my dear child, I hope for each of you to aid me.” She sighed, smiling at the cluster of foals, “Most pony folk shun the night and the shadow it brings, while you five embraced it. I wish to embrace you, as you so openly did me,” She finished, her voice echoing a tender melody. the foals were hypnotized, but not mindless, as cause of her words. “You five will learn your name and gain your Cutie Mark. You all will be my warriors, My own Wonderbolts. Much like my sister also has,” she continued, smiling at the foals, who seemed fairly excited about the idea. “What might you think of this?” the other ponies nodded ecstatically, proud to be picked by this royal mare. ~ “Why does Tia get personal guards?” a young Luna complained to their guardian, a scribe and oracle. “She holds more importance, young one. in time you will have your points, but few will know your name,” responded the cloaked and ancient unicorn, which caused Luna to begin to tear up. Celestia, who was standing to the side, and bowing up, confronted the rude mannered oracle. “Luna is just as important as me! If she doesn’t get the same treatment as me, I don’t even want it!” she exclaimed aggravated. The elder in response, stood up and Celestia popped into the air, suspended by magic. “Learn your place, girl, you are not princess yet. You will be guarded and she will not, whether you choose for or against it!” The oracle demanded. Who looked menacing in the shadow of her hood, her horn glowed faintly beneath it. Soon she released her, Celestia made a noise akin to a growl, and walked out, Luna followed close. “I’m sorry, Luna, I tried...” She apologized, Luna looked down to the tiles as they walked. “It’s fine, she’s right, you're more important, you will raise the sun, while I merely raise the moon,” she sighed, stopping and sitting in the hall in between the two princesses bedrooms. “But the moon is important! It lights the black night for the creatures and ponies, it comforts the homeless in their depressing slumber. It creates beautiful images on rivers and lakes, and shifts the tides of the oceans for the fish!” she stated, attempting to cheer her down. “I know...” Luna whispered before she departed to her room to sleep. Celestia stood, having felt a new sensation, failure. She hated it.For this reason she did not sleep as soundly as the others in the palace that night. ~ Luna sat watching the foals flying in the dark forest swerving and dodging tree limbs with precision and ease. “Good, good! faster my children, you will be the fastest!” She commemorated. They began to try to fly even faster, one of them excelling much quicker, his dark color blending him with the shadows of the forest. He was a spirit. “Blue one, may I speak to you, please?” Luna requested, the foal lighting down in front of her. “Yes ma’am? Is there something you might need?” he responded, his voice and accent more regal than the other orphans. “You are well-spoken foal, and deserving of a name,” Luna commemorated, the blue pony maintaining his composure, but seeming very excited about it still. “The fastest of your friends, and the quickest through the shadows of night, I decree your name to be, Night Flare,” Luna regally announced, her voice flooding over the unlit clearing. “And you will lead your friends, as I lead you.” Night Flare bowed his head, and in a quiet voice, thanked the princess, and returned to flying. The princess once again, proudly watched them. ~ The next morning, Celestia stood in the palace hall before five pegasi dressed in yellow and blue suits, The Wonderbolts. “Wonderbolts, I wish you to monitor Luna, I fear for her. She is confused on her emotions, so please watch her and protect her.” Celestia commanded to the Wonderbolts “Yes ma’am,” they responded in unison, and quick as lightning, departed from the palace to attend their normal duties, plus the most recent. Luna walking under them as they flew. “Hello sister, I have returned,” she greeted, Celestia responded with a nod and smile. “Yes, I see, where have you been off to?” she pried, hoping for the truth quickly. “I watched the towns, as I should, and patrolled the palace for threats. I found none worth note,” she lied, Celestia flinching when the instant she began it. “Now I am tired so I will rest. farewell, “ she finished with a yawn, and exited the palace hall quickly. Celestia sighing sadly, worried for her sister.A guard standing by had noticed her sigh, and spoke up with a honest question, “Is something wrong, ma’am?” the princess glancing over to him, “No, I am just hoping for small mistakes, and not massive failures,” she sighed in response. The guard, even though he did not fully understand, nodded his head and turned back to watching the palace hall doors. ~ as morning approached, a young Celestia and Luna sat in the priors room upon her bed, flicking through a large brown book of rules with a royal crest embossed in gold upon it. The book they would have to memorize to become proper princesses and rule. “A princess must ALWAYS hold her head high, a sober princess will appear weak where a monument of power must stand,” Celestia read aloud, Luna vaguely listening. “Is something wrong, Luna?” asked the soon-to-be princess. Luna in turn, shook her head, muttering a feint “no,” “I’m still stuck on that mean old oracle though...” she pouted, shoving her face into the sheets of the bed “Don’t mind her, she is exactly that, mean and old, even the wisest eyes can become blind,” Celestia bubbly joked. She noticed once more that her sister had not grown happier, so pulled her face and ears down and walked around grumbling in a deep mocking voice, “Gruh, I’m an old oracle, I tell the future and stuff, all of you must bow to me, or I’ll make you float!” She imitated, at which Luna quietly laughed at. “And either way, we are both greatly important,” she cheered. Though Luna still looked upset, so she proposed an offer, “How about you raise the sun, and I raise the moon and stars, I will even teach you!” Luna looked up and, smiling, nodded. They stood up and raced each other out to the palace deck. PromisePromise Luna nodded to a guard as she passed him in the stretching hallway. She had slept on ideas, many ideas, some she distrusted herself, but thought on them still. She stepped to the balcony, and as she is required, raised the moon. She turned on her hooves to step inside, but decided against it, and instead flew around the palace, hovering by the hall. Inside she heard voices, her sisters and the current oracle. “...Shall I do, wise oracle, my sister thinks dangerous thoughts,” She heard Celestia query. “Luna is conflicted, dear, she walks a path that splits towards its end. One steps down into the canyon of evil and regret, the other rises to the peak of happiness and recognition,” the oracle prophesied, her voice holding a aura of power to it. Luna then heard footsteps shrinking away, Celestia had granted the oracle her leave. “I hope she climbs, and does not fall...” Celestia whispered. Luna had not heard this, as she had flown off to the Forest. To where the five ponies had already begun to train. She monitored them and listened, she could hear their linguistic style improving, Shadow Flare was most likely educating them in it. They had all improved greatly in speed. As an occasional strength builder, they crashed into one another, wrestling the other into the fine layer of leaves on the forest floor. “Miss Luna, why did you decide on us, of all of the foals in Equestria?” the purple pony questioned, her eyes gave her an innocent, shy look. “You did not cower from my beautiful night, you embraced it, enjoyed it; very few ponies prefer the night,” Luna explained, the purple pony nodded, and queried again, “But ma’am, what do you plan for us?” at which Luna smiled, and clarified once more, “I hope for you five to become my Wonderbolts, my Shadowbolts, if you will. The fastest fliers of the night, protecting it as the Wonderbolts guard the day,” she paused for a moment, thinking over what she was about to say, “I would like to give you your name, dear filly.” The purple pony bounced happily. “I have thought long for this. Now I have decided for your name to be Arcane Star, for your curious personality and steady flight, never in the same place twice,” Decreed Luna, the others looking over and smiling, proud for their friend. one of them realized his flight was to quick, and made attempts to slow, only succeeding in crashing with the grey foal, bringing them both to the ground. “Oi! Watch it you dimwit!” The light grey one commanded, scaring the other into a cowered pose. “S-Sorry! I didn’t see you and... I was flying to quick and-” He was cut short by Luna stepping forth. Her form shadowing them from the light of the moon. “Do not apologize, young one, for in causing this issue, you discovered a little about yourself Your names may be soon to come,” she explained to the two. She then looked to the light grey foal, “You have a fighters heart, I trust you know a battle quite well, do you not?” At which the foal nodded, bowing his head still. “No need to bow, little one, for you will be as important as me soon. Each of you will have your place in time, I look forward to you all achieving greatness,” the regal princess explained, the young ones rising from their bow, standing with their heads high. Such a proud group, “I am proud to have you all under my wing, you are well than more deserving than me,” she assured. The foals bowed to her once more and thanked her in unison. They then returned to their trainings with vigilance. ~ “Hey, Luna,” a filly Celestia called to her sister, who was reviewing a book on magic. She looked up, and responded in a kind, light voice, “Yes? is there something you require?” “I just would like to know something,” she explained, Luna’s ears perking up for a moment to listen, “Yes?” “If given the chance, would you become the princess over everything, sun and moon?” She began, “Like if I were to go crazy or run away or something.” Luna thought on this for a moment, then shook her head, “The duty must be shared by both princesses, regardless of the consequence, I shall not fulfill your duty, I will hope for you to fulfill it, from wherever you may be.” “Alright then, I just wanted to know, I hope it never happens, in fact, promise you won’t run away?” Celestia requested. Luna responded, giggling lightly, “Only if you promise not to too,” ~ The oracle stood in her separated hall, watching her orb. in it unfolded events yet to occur, events finally decided by Lunas most recent decision. Ignorant girl... Calling to her own death, she is... The oracle thought. A knock echoed from the door, Celestia walking into the room. “Is there anything I should know, on Lunas account?” She asked, hoping for some news on her choice. The oracle covered the gleaming orb, and shook her head. “I have nothing more, and if I had, I refuse to work against or for fate, she will do as she pleases, I will not prevent it.” Celestia nodded in return. and exited hesitantly, taking a slow, arced path back to her room where she had no plans of sleeping. What is that mare getting herself into... ~ “I’m done, Tia!” little Luna screamed, crying, to her sister, both of them drenched from the pouring rain, “I’m tired of being seconded to you! Everypony loves you and thinks about you first, no one ever talks to little Luna!” “Luna, please don’t run, you promised not to...” Celestia called out, she crying as well. “Why should I? Why should I return to stuck up ponies ignoring my every word, while they hang on yours, as if it were their life?” Luna begged to know, her form glowing in the twilight downpour. “I care for you, those ponies are misplacing their love, I will try to get them to treat us equally, not as they have,” Celestia promised to her, hoping for her return. “You promise, Tia?” Luna questioned assurance, Celestia nodded and smiled a faint smile, “I promise, now come inside before you get sick.” Luna then walked inside, Celestia using her magic to dry her quickly, “And remember Luna, you promised not to run away, if I didn’t go crazy,” Celestia reminded. “I know, I know,” Giggled Luna as they walked back to their room. ~ I have not left, but everypony else seems to have lost their heads. She thought. Laying in her bed restlessly, thinking back to that night. Some promises will be broken. She thought as she stood up, walking to her open window, and I am sorry sister, this is one of them. She finished in her mind, as she flew out of the window, fleeing into the distance. Celestia was awoke by a twitch in her head, she awoke to see the shadow of her sister disappearing in the distance outside her window. She rushed up and called out to her. “Luna! Don’t go!” A twinge of guilt pricked at her, making her feel as though her departure from the palace was of her fault. “A princess must never break a promise...” Celestia muttered, barely audible to any but herself. As she lied down, her eyes teared up, and she fell into a crying slumber. EternityEternity Celestia sat in the throne at the head of the palace hall, monitoring unicorn and pegasi rushed around. All of the ponies performing different duties, obtaining orders, all in search of the missing Princess Luna. Who eight months prior, ran, or rather, flew away. “Ma’am, no word of the princess over the new city of Manehattan, nor over the recently established Las Pegasus,” a guard reported, Celestia glanced to him. She nodded and then dismissed him. “Alright then, keep searching. I will return in a moment. I have something to attend to,” she explained as she stood up to walk away towards the oracle Hall. Upon reaching the hall she entered the dimly lit room, having a curtain at the back and a painting of the first rulers. A smiling elderly unicorn sat and watched the door and a musky orb. “What has humored you, oracle,” Celestia demanded, feeling almost insulted by her upbeat appearance in the time of need. “Luna’s choice, dear, has been made,” the oracle chuckled, gazing for a moment into her orb. “What has she chose,” Queried the princess. the oracle only lightly shook her head, “I will not mess with fate, you will discover her choice in days to come,” smiling the oracle turned to enter a hidden room, merely by stepping through a painting. Celestia attempted to follow for she felt as she deserved an answer, but only succeeded in walking into a painting. ~ Luna patiently stood watching her growing warriors practice once more in both flight and combat, each proving their skill quickly in the dark forest. “Good, let the day drive you! For every hour you fight, you achieve another step towards the glorious night,” she encouraged, her voice hanging on them, it slowly losing its tender, caring tone. “Yes, Ma’am,” the five ponies simultaneously called, not stopping for a moment. Luna watched one of them in particular; A light grey pony who was capable it seemed, of taking the other four simultaneously and defeating them with ease. “Grey foal, I notice your efforts and successes in combat,” she called to him, causing the five ponies to stop and stand at attention. “ I believe you have earned your name, young one.” The grey pony stepped up, ready to obtain his name. “Foal, you excel in combat, standing proud above the others as they topple beneath your hoof,” she complimented, “I believe you have well earned your name, Crescent Blade, I hope your strikes hit as sharp as your temper.” The recently named pony, Crescent Blade, bowed his head, “Thank you, Ma’am,” He then turned to face his friends, who looked ready to pounce, they then went into a game-like training, where the goal was to pin Crescent onto his back, Crescent never lost. “Now, I must attend to something,” Luna said, taking flight. Crescent called up to her, curious, “What is it you must attend to?” Luna glanced back to him. And whispered something none heard but her, “My sister,” ~ Celestia walked the palace grounds, hoping for some hint as to where her dear sister had disappeared to all those weeks ago. “Dear Luna... Where have you gone?” she whispered, “Where I belong, Sister,” Luna said, emerging from the shadow of a tree. Startling the sun princess. “Though that is by my side, where have you been?” Celestia requested, looking sullen. “I have been away collecting my thoughts,” Luna explained stepping near her. Seeming stronger in the night air. A faint blue shimmer forming itself around them. “Come home where you belong, before you do something you’ll regret,” Celestia begged. Luna turning to face her, glowing a deep blue, “You’re just as the rest! You don’t think I may hold on my own as a princess,” Luna accused. Standing taller than she seemed, frightening in her own glow. “You know I don’t think that!” the elder sister exclaimed, only getting a glance of disbelief. “You bathe in their worship, and they bathe in your sun. They cower from my night, and forget of me completely!” Luna shouted Her voice echoing long bringing guards to them, only to be stopped by a blue field of magic encompassing the two. “I only want the best for you, but I have my duties, and you have yours, we need to fulfill them. It’s the other ponies ignorance to believe I am greater than you,” Celestia convinced, hoping for her sister that she loves so much to return home to the palace, to live in harmony with her. “You may think that, but your actions portray otherwise, when we defeated the draconequus, Discord, I played no part. You used your Elements to defeat him alone. I merely WATCHED,” She shouted. The grass folding down around them. Celestia barely managed to hold her ground. The guards, on the other hand, could not maintain their composure nearly as well, for they fled in fear. “You have stood as my inspiration, Luna, my purpose for protecting these ponies. I lower the sun so that your moon may shine in glory, the stars among it glowing in their flickering beauty,” Complemented the white alicorn with her head bowed low, hiding the tears she failed to repress. “Now you may admire them for eternity, for I refuse to set them. I give your ponies three days. Three days to enjoy your sunlight, and one day of the year may they have the sun,” Luna promised, flying into the air, the sun slowly rising. “Guards, warn the citizens. Prepare them; darkness is soon to come,” she sighed. “B-But princess, aren’t you going to stop her?” a guard stammered to ask. “I refuse to fight my own sister, she is too important.” Celestia whispered, walking slowly back to the palace. ~ Luna stood before her fair trained soldiers in the forest clearing. Each tought in their own manner. It had been four years since she had promised eternal darkness. Two years until the deal was struck that nullified it, and she was prepared for the requirements of the deal to be met. “I name this place, the Everfree forest! for all who come will be free from Celestia’s rule. The sun and moon free to rise and set on their own,” Luna Decreed to the five ponies, who had grown up well into adulthood. They wore matching uniforms with a pony skull with wings on their flanks. Deep purple goggles over their eyes. “Ma’am, you deserve a castle, a palace of your own.” Night Flare recommended. Luna thought on this for a moment, then nodded in agreement. “I deserve a palace, you're correct,” she agreed, “So let there be one before me!” as a palace rose around them, lifting them to its roof. It peaked slightly out of the forest, the building finished its sudden growth. The palace stood in magnificent glory, a monument to Luna herself. The small group decided to hover down to the door and proceeded stepped inside. Luna walked to her throne quickly, and took her seat. How it should be, she thought. The colts and mares around her bowed in respect, marking her as their queen. ~ Young Luna laughed with her elder sister, both of them sitting in the throne of the palace. They played a game much like king of the hill. “Ah! You win, Luna!” Celestia exclaimed, having fallen out of the chair. “Yes, I have! Hurray!” Luna exclaimed, bouncing in the seat. The door to the hall opened, the oracle stepping into the hall. At the sight of Luna in the throne, she gasped, “You insolent filly! You dare disgrace the throne by placing yourself upon it!” The oracle ran quickly up to the filly, who was apologizing, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I didn’t know!” then she was lifted quickly and joltingly across the air to the oracle who had formed a paddle of sorts out of magic. Celestia cried out, watching her sister being punished. “Stop! You’re hurting her!” Celestia then charged the oracle, tackling her backwards. “Gah! You filly, you're not a princess yet, you dare command order over me!” The oracle shouted out, which was her final mistake. Celestia shouted at the top of her lungs, “Get OUT!” her voice held so much power, it caused a massive wave of magic to strike the oracle sending her flying backwards into a wall. The oracle dropped from the wall unmoving, lifeless. Celestia did not care for the oracle or what she had done, she cared for her crying and bruised sister curled upon the floor., “Are you alright? She won’t ever hurt you or be rude to you again I promise!” Celestia promised to her sister. For a time they sat there, holding each other, crying. For the whole of the night they cried till they ran out of tears. Late into the night, they finally wept all their tears and fell asleep holding one another. The oracle’s body dissipated into dust, a cause of the magic that hit her. FateFate Luna stood, head held high. faced towards her final objective, the palace. She thought hard on the goal she hoped for and the success she would come to achieve. Finally... Ponies will know my name, and fear it. “Shadowbolts! come to me,” she requested, the five pegasi flying down before her, “Not all of you have been named, and one of you will now be. You, blue pony,” she called to the mare, who stood with her head held high. “Ma’am,” she responded as she stepped forward and bowed. “No need for formalities. We will fight as equals today, and you will fight named. You are erratic and unpredictable in flight, maneuvering through areas with ease, always in sight, but never caught. So I name you, fittingly, Shooting Star,” she decreed, the blue mare bowing her head, “Thank you, ma'am,” she then turned to stand at attention with the others, who congratulated her. Luna looked to the single pony with no name, a dark grey pony with a light blue mane, “You shall earn your name yet, young one. Oh but I cannot call you that longer, you have grown into soldiers, warriors, all of you,” she smiled to them, a smile few had seen in recent times, an honest smile. ~ In the Palace foreground in Canterlot, Celestia stood before a small collection of soldiers she had hand picked for this event. “Colts, Mares, I thank you...” Celestia sighed, seeming morbid in thought. “I had hoped for my sister to return willing, but she will not. So we have been forced to defend Equestria and its sunlight. I had hoped to avoid this, and convince her,” She sighed for a moment, choking back tears of the sorrow that is soon to come. “Convince her to return to us, But she will not. So please, for our lands freedom, and her soul, fight. But do not harm my sister, or you will regret your birth,” she finished. She added emphasis to the end, which marked it instantly not as a warning, but a promise. “Yes Ma’am!” The soldiers called in unison, standing at the ready in battlements and position. The Wonderbolts were positioned upon the palace, watching for any incoming soldiers she may have gathered. ~ “Tia, what does a Princess do in war?” young Luna asked during the dinner they shared in Celestia’s room, which had become a getaway from the stuck-up world outside of it. “When a princess must go to war, she will try to prevent it, avoiding it till there is no options, and even in combat she will make efforts to end it, risking as few lives as she may possibly save,” She responded, looking up from her food. “What if the two princesses go to war? Like me and you?” Luna queried once more, Celestia having an invisible twinge of sadness, fear of its possibility. “That will never happen. I could never fight you, nor shall I ever have to,” She explained, avoiding the conversation as a whole. “alright then...” Luna finished, going back to enjoying her food. ~ Two years before the preparations of both the princesses, Celestia walked through the Everfree Forest in search of her sister. “Luna!” Celestia called. She soon heard a faint rustle, and down jumped Shadow Flare and Crescent Moon. “Halt! Who dare step into Miss Luna’s land?” asked Crescent Moon menacingly. “I believe you know who I am, young ones,” Celestia assumed, smiling faintly. The two pegasi took a combat ready pose, and Shadow Flare responded, “Yes we know who you are. You’re the princess of the day, Luna’s older sister. you betrayed her in her time of need and left her crying. You’re a miserable disgrace for a pony.” Celestia sighed, and looked up, tears forming in her eyes, “You’re right. I betrayed her, I made no attempts to save her. I have come to try though.” she then continued her walk forward, the Soldier ponies walking to the left and right of her in an escort. “Why have you come to the land where night remains eternal, despite its ruler,” Luna called from atop her stone palace “Night is the mother of councils Luna, You know that all too well. And for council I have come,” Celestia called up, Luna descending down to stand before her. “My you have grown,” Celestia pointed out, Luna almost equal to her height. “Yes, I have, something you have failed to do, another thing to add to your list of failures,” taunted Luna, frowning at her lack of response to it. “That list has grown long. You holding its peak, I failed you,” Celestia whispered barely audible, tears dripping from her face. “You finally see, dear sister. Far too late do you recognize your failures,” Luna said, her calmness betraying the mood in the air. “I have not come to discuss my failures Luna, I have come for council,” Celestia stated, lifting her head back up, her eyes slightly red from tears. “Fine then, come inside and discuss with me,” Luna finished as she turned to walk inside. Celestia followed behind, the five pegasi followed further behind still. “Luna, I have come to request a treaty,” Celestia immediately said upon having took her seat.. “What sort of treaty?” Luna curiously asked, “I request you to return to the palace and no ill will to come of you. And to return the privilege of day to the ponies of our land,” Celestia proposed. The idea was quickly laughed at by Luna. “Return? I shall not return to that disgrace of a palace, for it shuns the night and its leaders and followers. Here in my forest I embrace the night, which I shall not revoke under any standing points but one,” Luna finished, a small grin on her face. “What would it be?” Celestia asked hopeful for a fair ending, but her fear betrayed in her voice. Luna smirked, and in a daunting voice, whispered “War.” “War?! Why war?” Celestia exclaims, shocked by the declaration. “War for night or day; I succeed and night falls eternally. If I fail, you may hold your power over the sun, and I will fulfill my duty in exile,” Luna explains, “I will also, in between now and the point of battle, release my grasp upon the moon and allow your sun to rise. allowing your soldiers to gather and grow confidence.” “I had hoped against this sister, But I am forced to agree,” Celestia sighed, a tear dropping from her face once more. ~ Luna and her shadowbolts stood on the skirts of the Everfree Forest, the soldier Pegasi lined at the ready. “Ready, my soldiers, for today we fight, for the night we long for. We fight for my honor, your names will be marked in history, today Celestia falls,” At that notion, the five pegasi cheered in a simultaneous ‘Hurrah!’ “Now, Follow Shadowbolts, into battle we will fly!” She declared, flying into the sky, the warrior-pegasi following close.
BirthrightBirthright “Dear sister, how hath we performed? We raised the moon and stars as thy asked,” Luna spoke to her elder sister, hoping for her words of gratitude. “You’ve done well, dear Luna, and you have no need for formalities with me; we are equal,” she informed. Her younger sister bowed, then spoke in a more tender, kind voice than what she spoke in before. “Thank you, sister. I practiced hard to raise the moon and the stars that follow, to please the ponies of our lands.” “They will be grateful of you, Luna. Ponies need darkness to sleep, that which I cannot provide.” Celestia gratefully explained. “Sleep? Why will the ponies not enjoy my night, as they do your day?” she questioned, her voice hinting her slightly hurt feelings. Celestia nodded, and smiled kindly, “Yes, ponies do not have the energy to frolic through night and day; they will grow tired and no longer be able to work.” Her sister lowered her head in a light bow, “Thank you sister, for explaining. I will attend my duties, you must rest.” She turned to walk the castle and its grounds, patrolling for dangers lurking in the shadows. “Wait,” Celestia called to her, as she turned. “I love you, Luna.” Smiling tenderly. Luna glanced back, and with a vague smile, nodded and whispered, barely audible, “I love you too, dear sister.” ~ Luna paced the dim lit garden, contemplating deeply the knowledge she had learned. Ponies sleep at night, and play in the day. Why does sister get the more important job, why must I do the work equal to that of a farmer? She stopped her pacing to nod to a guard who was passing her by. I am a princess, not a peasant... ~ Celestia lay on her bed, flicking through quickly ancient documents. pure white Scriptures with not a single scratch or damage upon them, explaining that for the world to stay at peace, two alicorns must rule, guiding the stars, moon, and sun, through the sky. She thought back to her parents, ages ago, who had lectured her and her sister of their birth-duties. “Dearest, Celestia, you shall rule the sun, with burning passion and fiery will, thou shalt keep our kingdom safe under your wing and horn,” her father had told her. The news pleased her. “I will gladly lead them,” her filly self responded proudly. She remembered her mother's declaration to her sister. “You, dear Luna, shall guide the moon and stars, giving the ponies reprieve from the heat of day, cooling them for rest,” she said, at which luna grumbling. She felt quite undermined for her duties. “Luna, both you’re duties are important. neither overlay the prior. Both are needed for ponies to survive,” their parents explained, giving both a feeling of importance. Celestia more-so than her sister. Luna rather felt even less important to Equestria. Her only job to raise the moon and stars so ponies can sleep. While her sister to raise the sun for them to play, farm, and live under happily. ~ “Sister, could you teach me how to raise the moon?” Luna, a young filly at the time, begged of her sister. Celestia, chuckled, smiling. Then she nodded to her little sister, “Sure, you will eventually fulfill it as your own duty, raising the moon and stars.” After she had aided and taught her younger sister to raise the moon, they decided to escape from their royal lives, to play in the gardens behind the palace. “Tia, Tia! Can we play pass?” Luna asked, smiling big, a ball floating by her, suspended by a deep blue magic aura. “I don’t see why not,” she responded, smiling. The ball flew to her, and she in turn passed it back. this continued this for a few minutes until Celestia accidentally tossed it to hard. The ball overcame Luna’s magical abilities, the ball bouncing off her head. “Oh! I am so sorry, Luna! I didn’t mean too!” Celestia quickly apologized, running up to her teary eyed sister. “It... It’s okay Tia, its not your fault, I’m just not strong enough...” she muttered, staring at the grass below her feet. “No, no, it is my fault, Luna, I shouldn't ha-” Celestia began, before Luna ran back into the palace crying silently. ~ Luna sat before one of the many garden flowers that were blooming in the night air from her magic. She what ponies might think of her, being the princess of night and darkness. She stood, the flower wilting back to its sleeping form, and took flight to oversee the land. Covered in her gentle darkness, she glanced across a town, noting the dark windows and sleeping ponies. There were homeless ponies sleeping still in their makeshift tents, hiding even outside from the night. Even the pets, dogs and cats, slept soundly in her dark embrace. She passed a home, an orphanage, which had a single light on. She peered in, silent and watchful, into the orphanage window. three pegasi inside sat playing a quiet game, as to not wake the other foals. “Children, why do you not rest, as others do?” Luna questioned, stepping into the room with silent grace. The three young ponies, although rather startled, bowed in respect to her. “We can’t have much fun in the day. Earth ponies don’t like us pegasi, M’lady,” spoke a grey pegasus with a light blue mane. “Oh? Why is that, dear?” she asked, interested in their troubles. “They think it’s unfair for them. We can fly and all, but we promise we won’t use no wings in games! M’lady,” a purple filly, with a pink mane, stated. “No need to be formal, dear children, I feel your pain, and I sympathize it. fly with me, you three, have you any other friends?” Luna requested, understanding how the children felt left out from the others. “Yes ma’am, we got two others. they’re off at the restroom; they oughta be back soon enough,” said a blue pony, with a shiny blue mane of the same shade. And as if on queue, two more foals walked in. One of them had a light blue shade with a dark blue mane, while the other who was following him was dark grey with a grey-blue mane, light in color. “I am proud to see you, five wonderful ponies. I sympathize all of you, for I know the pain you’ve felt. Now fly with me, I have something for you all.” She then took a slow flight out the window once more, the foals flying close. Having never seen their town from this view, gazed in awe at the shadowed glory.
TrustTrust Celestia gazed into her mirror,but it did not reflect as a normal mirror, as you would expect, but rather reflected the events that had just occurred the small town outside Canterlot. She sighed, Luna... Don’t do anything you will come to regret...she thought, Not out of any reason but care for Luna. Luna herself believed that what she would come to do was good, she planned to give a new chance to these homeless, hopeless, foals. “Foals, might you all have names?” she asked the group she was soaring with. “No ma’am, we don’ got names,” the pink filly explained, “also, not to be rude, but could we land? I’m gettin’ mighty tired.” “Yes, we may, we have reached our objective, dear,” she responded, as she gracefully flew down to the clearing within the center of a forest, which we would come to know soon as the Everfree Forest. “So, ma’am, why did you take us all the way out here into the middle of plum nowhere?” the grey foal asked, looking a slight bit annoyed. “Destiny, my dear child, I hope for each of you to aid me.” She sighed, smiling at the cluster of foals, “Most pony folk shun the night and the shadow it brings, while you five embraced it. I wish to embrace you, as you so openly did me,” She finished, her voice echoing a tender melody. the foals were hypnotized, but not mindless, as cause of her words. “You five will learn your name and gain your Cutie Mark. You all will be my warriors, My own Wonderbolts. Much like my sister also has,” she continued, smiling at the foals, who seemed fairly excited about the idea. “What might you think of this?” the other ponies nodded ecstatically, proud to be picked by this royal mare. ~ “Why does Tia get personal guards?” a young Luna complained to their guardian, a scribe and oracle. “She holds more importance, young one. in time you will have your points, but few will know your name,” responded the cloaked and ancient unicorn, which caused Luna to begin to tear up. Celestia, who was standing to the side, and bowing up, confronted the rude mannered oracle. “Luna is just as important as me! If she doesn’t get the same treatment as me, I don’t even want it!” she exclaimed aggravated. The elder in response, stood up and Celestia popped into the air, suspended by magic. “Learn your place, girl, you are not princess yet. You will be guarded and she will not, whether you choose for or against it!” The oracle demanded. Who looked menacing in the shadow of her hood, her horn glowed faintly beneath it. Soon she released her, Celestia made a noise akin to a growl, and walked out, Luna followed close. “I’m sorry, Luna, I tried...” She apologized, Luna looked down to the tiles as they walked. “It’s fine, she’s right, you're more important, you will raise the sun, while I merely raise the moon,” she sighed, stopping and sitting in the hall in between the two princesses bedrooms. “But the moon is important! It lights the black night for the creatures and ponies, it comforts the homeless in their depressing slumber. It creates beautiful images on rivers and lakes, and shifts the tides of the oceans for the fish!” she stated, attempting to cheer her down. “I know...” Luna whispered before she departed to her room to sleep. Celestia stood, having felt a new sensation, failure. She hated it.For this reason she did not sleep as soundly as the others in the palace that night. ~ Luna sat watching the foals flying in the dark forest swerving and dodging tree limbs with precision and ease. “Good, good! faster my children, you will be the fastest!” She commemorated. They began to try to fly even faster, one of them excelling much quicker, his dark color blending him with the shadows of the forest. He was a spirit. “Blue one, may I speak to you, please?” Luna requested, the foal lighting down in front of her. “Yes ma’am? Is there something you might need?” he responded, his voice and accent more regal than the other orphans. “You are well-spoken foal, and deserving of a name,” Luna commemorated, the blue pony maintaining his composure, but seeming very excited about it still. “The fastest of your friends, and the quickest through the shadows of night, I decree your name to be, Night Flare,” Luna regally announced, her voice flooding over the unlit clearing. “And you will lead your friends, as I lead you.” Night Flare bowed his head, and in a quiet voice, thanked the princess, and returned to flying. The princess once again, proudly watched them. ~ The next morning, Celestia stood in the palace hall before five pegasi dressed in yellow and blue suits, The Wonderbolts. “Wonderbolts, I wish you to monitor Luna, I fear for her. She is confused on her emotions, so please watch her and protect her.” Celestia commanded to the Wonderbolts “Yes ma’am,” they responded in unison, and quick as lightning, departed from the palace to attend their normal duties, plus the most recent. Luna walking under them as they flew. “Hello sister, I have returned,” she greeted, Celestia responded with a nod and smile. “Yes, I see, where have you been off to?” she pried, hoping for the truth quickly. “I watched the towns, as I should, and patrolled the palace for threats. I found none worth note,” she lied, Celestia flinching when the instant she began it. “Now I am tired so I will rest. farewell, “ she finished with a yawn, and exited the palace hall quickly. Celestia sighing sadly, worried for her sister.A guard standing by had noticed her sigh, and spoke up with a honest question, “Is something wrong, ma’am?” the princess glancing over to him, “No, I am just hoping for small mistakes, and not massive failures,” she sighed in response. The guard, even though he did not fully understand, nodded his head and turned back to watching the palace hall doors. ~ as morning approached, a young Celestia and Luna sat in the priors room upon her bed, flicking through a large brown book of rules with a royal crest embossed in gold upon it. The book they would have to memorize to become proper princesses and rule. “A princess must ALWAYS hold her head high, a sober princess will appear weak where a monument of power must stand,” Celestia read aloud, Luna vaguely listening. “Is something wrong, Luna?” asked the soon-to-be princess. Luna in turn, shook her head, muttering a feint “no,” “I’m still stuck on that mean old oracle though...” she pouted, shoving her face into the sheets of the bed “Don’t mind her, she is exactly that, mean and old, even the wisest eyes can become blind,” Celestia bubbly joked. She noticed once more that her sister had not grown happier, so pulled her face and ears down and walked around grumbling in a deep mocking voice, “Gruh, I’m an old oracle, I tell the future and stuff, all of you must bow to me, or I’ll make you float!” She imitated, at which Luna quietly laughed at. “And either way, we are both greatly important,” she cheered. Though Luna still looked upset, so she proposed an offer, “How about you raise the sun, and I raise the moon and stars, I will even teach you!” Luna looked up and, smiling, nodded. They stood up and raced each other out to the palace deck.
PromisePromise Luna nodded to a guard as she passed him in the stretching hallway. She had slept on ideas, many ideas, some she distrusted herself, but thought on them still. She stepped to the balcony, and as she is required, raised the moon. She turned on her hooves to step inside, but decided against it, and instead flew around the palace, hovering by the hall. Inside she heard voices, her sisters and the current oracle. “...Shall I do, wise oracle, my sister thinks dangerous thoughts,” She heard Celestia query. “Luna is conflicted, dear, she walks a path that splits towards its end. One steps down into the canyon of evil and regret, the other rises to the peak of happiness and recognition,” the oracle prophesied, her voice holding a aura of power to it. Luna then heard footsteps shrinking away, Celestia had granted the oracle her leave. “I hope she climbs, and does not fall...” Celestia whispered. Luna had not heard this, as she had flown off to the Forest. To where the five ponies had already begun to train. She monitored them and listened, she could hear their linguistic style improving, Shadow Flare was most likely educating them in it. They had all improved greatly in speed. As an occasional strength builder, they crashed into one another, wrestling the other into the fine layer of leaves on the forest floor. “Miss Luna, why did you decide on us, of all of the foals in Equestria?” the purple pony questioned, her eyes gave her an innocent, shy look. “You did not cower from my beautiful night, you embraced it, enjoyed it; very few ponies prefer the night,” Luna explained, the purple pony nodded, and queried again, “But ma’am, what do you plan for us?” at which Luna smiled, and clarified once more, “I hope for you five to become my Wonderbolts, my Shadowbolts, if you will. The fastest fliers of the night, protecting it as the Wonderbolts guard the day,” she paused for a moment, thinking over what she was about to say, “I would like to give you your name, dear filly.” The purple pony bounced happily. “I have thought long for this. Now I have decided for your name to be Arcane Star, for your curious personality and steady flight, never in the same place twice,” Decreed Luna, the others looking over and smiling, proud for their friend. one of them realized his flight was to quick, and made attempts to slow, only succeeding in crashing with the grey foal, bringing them both to the ground. “Oi! Watch it you dimwit!” The light grey one commanded, scaring the other into a cowered pose. “S-Sorry! I didn’t see you and... I was flying to quick and-” He was cut short by Luna stepping forth. Her form shadowing them from the light of the moon. “Do not apologize, young one, for in causing this issue, you discovered a little about yourself Your names may be soon to come,” she explained to the two. She then looked to the light grey foal, “You have a fighters heart, I trust you know a battle quite well, do you not?” At which the foal nodded, bowing his head still. “No need to bow, little one, for you will be as important as me soon. Each of you will have your place in time, I look forward to you all achieving greatness,” the regal princess explained, the young ones rising from their bow, standing with their heads high. Such a proud group, “I am proud to have you all under my wing, you are well than more deserving than me,” she assured. The foals bowed to her once more and thanked her in unison. They then returned to their trainings with vigilance. ~ “Hey, Luna,” a filly Celestia called to her sister, who was reviewing a book on magic. She looked up, and responded in a kind, light voice, “Yes? is there something you require?” “I just would like to know something,” she explained, Luna’s ears perking up for a moment to listen, “Yes?” “If given the chance, would you become the princess over everything, sun and moon?” She began, “Like if I were to go crazy or run away or something.” Luna thought on this for a moment, then shook her head, “The duty must be shared by both princesses, regardless of the consequence, I shall not fulfill your duty, I will hope for you to fulfill it, from wherever you may be.” “Alright then, I just wanted to know, I hope it never happens, in fact, promise you won’t run away?” Celestia requested. Luna responded, giggling lightly, “Only if you promise not to too,” ~ The oracle stood in her separated hall, watching her orb. in it unfolded events yet to occur, events finally decided by Lunas most recent decision. Ignorant girl... Calling to her own death, she is... The oracle thought. A knock echoed from the door, Celestia walking into the room. “Is there anything I should know, on Lunas account?” She asked, hoping for some news on her choice. The oracle covered the gleaming orb, and shook her head. “I have nothing more, and if I had, I refuse to work against or for fate, she will do as she pleases, I will not prevent it.” Celestia nodded in return. and exited hesitantly, taking a slow, arced path back to her room where she had no plans of sleeping. What is that mare getting herself into... ~ “I’m done, Tia!” little Luna screamed, crying, to her sister, both of them drenched from the pouring rain, “I’m tired of being seconded to you! Everypony loves you and thinks about you first, no one ever talks to little Luna!” “Luna, please don’t run, you promised not to...” Celestia called out, she crying as well. “Why should I? Why should I return to stuck up ponies ignoring my every word, while they hang on yours, as if it were their life?” Luna begged to know, her form glowing in the twilight downpour. “I care for you, those ponies are misplacing their love, I will try to get them to treat us equally, not as they have,” Celestia promised to her, hoping for her return. “You promise, Tia?” Luna questioned assurance, Celestia nodded and smiled a faint smile, “I promise, now come inside before you get sick.” Luna then walked inside, Celestia using her magic to dry her quickly, “And remember Luna, you promised not to run away, if I didn’t go crazy,” Celestia reminded. “I know, I know,” Giggled Luna as they walked back to their room. ~ I have not left, but everypony else seems to have lost their heads. She thought. Laying in her bed restlessly, thinking back to that night. Some promises will be broken. She thought as she stood up, walking to her open window, and I am sorry sister, this is one of them. She finished in her mind, as she flew out of the window, fleeing into the distance. Celestia was awoke by a twitch in her head, she awoke to see the shadow of her sister disappearing in the distance outside her window. She rushed up and called out to her. “Luna! Don’t go!” A twinge of guilt pricked at her, making her feel as though her departure from the palace was of her fault. “A princess must never break a promise...” Celestia muttered, barely audible to any but herself. As she lied down, her eyes teared up, and she fell into a crying slumber.
EternityEternity Celestia sat in the throne at the head of the palace hall, monitoring unicorn and pegasi rushed around. All of the ponies performing different duties, obtaining orders, all in search of the missing Princess Luna. Who eight months prior, ran, or rather, flew away. “Ma’am, no word of the princess over the new city of Manehattan, nor over the recently established Las Pegasus,” a guard reported, Celestia glanced to him. She nodded and then dismissed him. “Alright then, keep searching. I will return in a moment. I have something to attend to,” she explained as she stood up to walk away towards the oracle Hall. Upon reaching the hall she entered the dimly lit room, having a curtain at the back and a painting of the first rulers. A smiling elderly unicorn sat and watched the door and a musky orb. “What has humored you, oracle,” Celestia demanded, feeling almost insulted by her upbeat appearance in the time of need. “Luna’s choice, dear, has been made,” the oracle chuckled, gazing for a moment into her orb. “What has she chose,” Queried the princess. the oracle only lightly shook her head, “I will not mess with fate, you will discover her choice in days to come,” smiling the oracle turned to enter a hidden room, merely by stepping through a painting. Celestia attempted to follow for she felt as she deserved an answer, but only succeeded in walking into a painting. ~ Luna patiently stood watching her growing warriors practice once more in both flight and combat, each proving their skill quickly in the dark forest. “Good, let the day drive you! For every hour you fight, you achieve another step towards the glorious night,” she encouraged, her voice hanging on them, it slowly losing its tender, caring tone. “Yes, Ma’am,” the five ponies simultaneously called, not stopping for a moment. Luna watched one of them in particular; A light grey pony who was capable it seemed, of taking the other four simultaneously and defeating them with ease. “Grey foal, I notice your efforts and successes in combat,” she called to him, causing the five ponies to stop and stand at attention. “ I believe you have earned your name, young one.” The grey pony stepped up, ready to obtain his name. “Foal, you excel in combat, standing proud above the others as they topple beneath your hoof,” she complimented, “I believe you have well earned your name, Crescent Blade, I hope your strikes hit as sharp as your temper.” The recently named pony, Crescent Blade, bowed his head, “Thank you, Ma’am,” He then turned to face his friends, who looked ready to pounce, they then went into a game-like training, where the goal was to pin Crescent onto his back, Crescent never lost. “Now, I must attend to something,” Luna said, taking flight. Crescent called up to her, curious, “What is it you must attend to?” Luna glanced back to him. And whispered something none heard but her, “My sister,” ~ Celestia walked the palace grounds, hoping for some hint as to where her dear sister had disappeared to all those weeks ago. “Dear Luna... Where have you gone?” she whispered, “Where I belong, Sister,” Luna said, emerging from the shadow of a tree. Startling the sun princess. “Though that is by my side, where have you been?” Celestia requested, looking sullen. “I have been away collecting my thoughts,” Luna explained stepping near her. Seeming stronger in the night air. A faint blue shimmer forming itself around them. “Come home where you belong, before you do something you’ll regret,” Celestia begged. Luna turning to face her, glowing a deep blue, “You’re just as the rest! You don’t think I may hold on my own as a princess,” Luna accused. Standing taller than she seemed, frightening in her own glow. “You know I don’t think that!” the elder sister exclaimed, only getting a glance of disbelief. “You bathe in their worship, and they bathe in your sun. They cower from my night, and forget of me completely!” Luna shouted Her voice echoing long bringing guards to them, only to be stopped by a blue field of magic encompassing the two. “I only want the best for you, but I have my duties, and you have yours, we need to fulfill them. It’s the other ponies ignorance to believe I am greater than you,” Celestia convinced, hoping for her sister that she loves so much to return home to the palace, to live in harmony with her. “You may think that, but your actions portray otherwise, when we defeated the draconequus, Discord, I played no part. You used your Elements to defeat him alone. I merely WATCHED,” She shouted. The grass folding down around them. Celestia barely managed to hold her ground. The guards, on the other hand, could not maintain their composure nearly as well, for they fled in fear. “You have stood as my inspiration, Luna, my purpose for protecting these ponies. I lower the sun so that your moon may shine in glory, the stars among it glowing in their flickering beauty,” Complemented the white alicorn with her head bowed low, hiding the tears she failed to repress. “Now you may admire them for eternity, for I refuse to set them. I give your ponies three days. Three days to enjoy your sunlight, and one day of the year may they have the sun,” Luna promised, flying into the air, the sun slowly rising. “Guards, warn the citizens. Prepare them; darkness is soon to come,” she sighed. “B-But princess, aren’t you going to stop her?” a guard stammered to ask. “I refuse to fight my own sister, she is too important.” Celestia whispered, walking slowly back to the palace. ~ Luna stood before her fair trained soldiers in the forest clearing. Each tought in their own manner. It had been four years since she had promised eternal darkness. Two years until the deal was struck that nullified it, and she was prepared for the requirements of the deal to be met. “I name this place, the Everfree forest! for all who come will be free from Celestia’s rule. The sun and moon free to rise and set on their own,” Luna Decreed to the five ponies, who had grown up well into adulthood. They wore matching uniforms with a pony skull with wings on their flanks. Deep purple goggles over their eyes. “Ma’am, you deserve a castle, a palace of your own.” Night Flare recommended. Luna thought on this for a moment, then nodded in agreement. “I deserve a palace, you're correct,” she agreed, “So let there be one before me!” as a palace rose around them, lifting them to its roof. It peaked slightly out of the forest, the building finished its sudden growth. The palace stood in magnificent glory, a monument to Luna herself. The small group decided to hover down to the door and proceeded stepped inside. Luna walked to her throne quickly, and took her seat. How it should be, she thought. The colts and mares around her bowed in respect, marking her as their queen. ~ Young Luna laughed with her elder sister, both of them sitting in the throne of the palace. They played a game much like king of the hill. “Ah! You win, Luna!” Celestia exclaimed, having fallen out of the chair. “Yes, I have! Hurray!” Luna exclaimed, bouncing in the seat. The door to the hall opened, the oracle stepping into the hall. At the sight of Luna in the throne, she gasped, “You insolent filly! You dare disgrace the throne by placing yourself upon it!” The oracle ran quickly up to the filly, who was apologizing, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I didn’t know!” then she was lifted quickly and joltingly across the air to the oracle who had formed a paddle of sorts out of magic. Celestia cried out, watching her sister being punished. “Stop! You’re hurting her!” Celestia then charged the oracle, tackling her backwards. “Gah! You filly, you're not a princess yet, you dare command order over me!” The oracle shouted out, which was her final mistake. Celestia shouted at the top of her lungs, “Get OUT!” her voice held so much power, it caused a massive wave of magic to strike the oracle sending her flying backwards into a wall. The oracle dropped from the wall unmoving, lifeless. Celestia did not care for the oracle or what she had done, she cared for her crying and bruised sister curled upon the floor., “Are you alright? She won’t ever hurt you or be rude to you again I promise!” Celestia promised to her sister. For a time they sat there, holding each other, crying. For the whole of the night they cried till they ran out of tears. Late into the night, they finally wept all their tears and fell asleep holding one another. The oracle’s body dissipated into dust, a cause of the magic that hit her.
FateFate Luna stood, head held high. faced towards her final objective, the palace. She thought hard on the goal she hoped for and the success she would come to achieve. Finally... Ponies will know my name, and fear it. “Shadowbolts! come to me,” she requested, the five pegasi flying down before her, “Not all of you have been named, and one of you will now be. You, blue pony,” she called to the mare, who stood with her head held high. “Ma’am,” she responded as she stepped forward and bowed. “No need for formalities. We will fight as equals today, and you will fight named. You are erratic and unpredictable in flight, maneuvering through areas with ease, always in sight, but never caught. So I name you, fittingly, Shooting Star,” she decreed, the blue mare bowing her head, “Thank you, ma'am,” she then turned to stand at attention with the others, who congratulated her. Luna looked to the single pony with no name, a dark grey pony with a light blue mane, “You shall earn your name yet, young one. Oh but I cannot call you that longer, you have grown into soldiers, warriors, all of you,” she smiled to them, a smile few had seen in recent times, an honest smile. ~ In the Palace foreground in Canterlot, Celestia stood before a small collection of soldiers she had hand picked for this event. “Colts, Mares, I thank you...” Celestia sighed, seeming morbid in thought. “I had hoped for my sister to return willing, but she will not. So we have been forced to defend Equestria and its sunlight. I had hoped to avoid this, and convince her,” She sighed for a moment, choking back tears of the sorrow that is soon to come. “Convince her to return to us, But she will not. So please, for our lands freedom, and her soul, fight. But do not harm my sister, or you will regret your birth,” she finished. She added emphasis to the end, which marked it instantly not as a warning, but a promise. “Yes Ma’am!” The soldiers called in unison, standing at the ready in battlements and position. The Wonderbolts were positioned upon the palace, watching for any incoming soldiers she may have gathered. ~ “Tia, what does a Princess do in war?” young Luna asked during the dinner they shared in Celestia’s room, which had become a getaway from the stuck-up world outside of it. “When a princess must go to war, she will try to prevent it, avoiding it till there is no options, and even in combat she will make efforts to end it, risking as few lives as she may possibly save,” She responded, looking up from her food. “What if the two princesses go to war? Like me and you?” Luna queried once more, Celestia having an invisible twinge of sadness, fear of its possibility. “That will never happen. I could never fight you, nor shall I ever have to,” She explained, avoiding the conversation as a whole. “alright then...” Luna finished, going back to enjoying her food. ~ Two years before the preparations of both the princesses, Celestia walked through the Everfree Forest in search of her sister. “Luna!” Celestia called. She soon heard a faint rustle, and down jumped Shadow Flare and Crescent Moon. “Halt! Who dare step into Miss Luna’s land?” asked Crescent Moon menacingly. “I believe you know who I am, young ones,” Celestia assumed, smiling faintly. The two pegasi took a combat ready pose, and Shadow Flare responded, “Yes we know who you are. You’re the princess of the day, Luna’s older sister. you betrayed her in her time of need and left her crying. You’re a miserable disgrace for a pony.” Celestia sighed, and looked up, tears forming in her eyes, “You’re right. I betrayed her, I made no attempts to save her. I have come to try though.” she then continued her walk forward, the Soldier ponies walking to the left and right of her in an escort. “Why have you come to the land where night remains eternal, despite its ruler,” Luna called from atop her stone palace “Night is the mother of councils Luna, You know that all too well. And for council I have come,” Celestia called up, Luna descending down to stand before her. “My you have grown,” Celestia pointed out, Luna almost equal to her height. “Yes, I have, something you have failed to do, another thing to add to your list of failures,” taunted Luna, frowning at her lack of response to it. “That list has grown long. You holding its peak, I failed you,” Celestia whispered barely audible, tears dripping from her face. “You finally see, dear sister. Far too late do you recognize your failures,” Luna said, her calmness betraying the mood in the air. “I have not come to discuss my failures Luna, I have come for council,” Celestia stated, lifting her head back up, her eyes slightly red from tears. “Fine then, come inside and discuss with me,” Luna finished as she turned to walk inside. Celestia followed behind, the five pegasi followed further behind still. “Luna, I have come to request a treaty,” Celestia immediately said upon having took her seat.. “What sort of treaty?” Luna curiously asked, “I request you to return to the palace and no ill will to come of you. And to return the privilege of day to the ponies of our land,” Celestia proposed. The idea was quickly laughed at by Luna. “Return? I shall not return to that disgrace of a palace, for it shuns the night and its leaders and followers. Here in my forest I embrace the night, which I shall not revoke under any standing points but one,” Luna finished, a small grin on her face. “What would it be?” Celestia asked hopeful for a fair ending, but her fear betrayed in her voice. Luna smirked, and in a daunting voice, whispered “War.” “War?! Why war?” Celestia exclaims, shocked by the declaration. “War for night or day; I succeed and night falls eternally. If I fail, you may hold your power over the sun, and I will fulfill my duty in exile,” Luna explains, “I will also, in between now and the point of battle, release my grasp upon the moon and allow your sun to rise. allowing your soldiers to gather and grow confidence.” “I had hoped against this sister, But I am forced to agree,” Celestia sighed, a tear dropping from her face once more. ~ Luna and her shadowbolts stood on the skirts of the Everfree Forest, the soldier Pegasi lined at the ready. “Ready, my soldiers, for today we fight, for the night we long for. We fight for my honor, your names will be marked in history, today Celestia falls,” At that notion, the five pegasi cheered in a simultaneous ‘Hurrah!’ “Now, Follow Shadowbolts, into battle we will fly!” She declared, flying into the sky, the warrior-pegasi following close.
