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When The Moon Comes Over The Library

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When the Moon comes over the library
Every beam brings a dream, dear, of you
Once again we stroll through Ponyville
Through that rose-covered town we knew

EQUESTRIAN SHIPPING SHORT STORY 03: WHEN THE MOON COMES OVER THE LIBRARY PART 1/2

When the Moon comes over the library
Every beam brings a dream, dear, of you
Once again we stroll through Ponyville
Through that rose-covered town we knew

EQUESTRIAN SHIPPING SHORT STORY 03: WHEN THE MOON COMES OVER THE LIBRARY PART 1/2

It was filly Twilight’s first time sleeping away from home and she was rolling around on the large bed and flailing her limbs, too nervous to properly settle down. Celestia had always been kind but also terribly busy with duties. Though having a room available to her, Twilight had been allowed to sleep in the Princess’ chamber on her first night. Celestia returned shortly after to check up on Twilight and found her new student with nose buried in a large book. It was with a stab of melancholy that she saw what Twilight was reading.

“Twilight dear, where did you find that book?” Celestia laid down next to Twilight and wrapped her wing around her.

“I can’t sleep unless I have something to read.” Twilight turned a page without looking up, then suddenly pointed to a specific page. “Who is this?”

It was a scrapbook and Twilight was pointing to one of the few accurate portraits of Luna in existence, a special commission that Celestia had ordered many years after her imprisonment. She traced a hoof over the stern-looking face and smiled, a tear forming in the corner of her eye.

“I think it’s time that you went to sleep. Night is falling quickly and we have a big day tomorrow.” Celestia gently took the book with her magic, closing it and sending it off to its place high on a shelf.

“She’s pretty. Who is she?” Twilight asked and looked up at her mentor with big eyes.

“She’s....” Celestia began before choking on her words. She simply closed her eyes and smiled. “She was my sister, but she had to go away.”

“Why?” Twilight got up on her hooves and jumped up and down excitedly.

“It’s time for bed now,” Celestia said and nuzzled Twilight. The Princess’s horn glowed and a blanket enveloped the little filly. “Are you all set for – TICKET?”

Twilight jolted awake and looked around confused. A portly brown earth pony in a blue conductor’s uniform stood over her. She smiled sheepishly and levitated a ticket from the bag next to her on the seat. The conductor nodded in agreement and went on his business, leaving a sighing Twilight.

Her brow furrowed as she looked up at the declining sun and sighed deeply. The train had just entered the mountains and Canterlot still seemed so far away. She made sure no one was looking before rummaging through satchel and fished out a blue book. A scroll rolled out into her lap and she put the book away momentarily.

“Dear Twilight Sparkle, thou art cordially invited to partake in an official dinner with us. Come thee as quickly as thou can. Signed Celestia. Your teacher. The sun goddess.” She read the message aloud in hopes that it would be any clearer but she shook her head again and stuffed the scroll back in the saddle. She returned her attention to the book that had been embossed with her cutie mark and read “Twilight’s diary” in fine, gilded letters. A small pencil had been wedged into the binding which she now used to pass the time.

“I have always been fascinated with Luna ever since I was a little filly and I was very excited to meet her when I faced Nightmare Moon. When I saw Luna in person for the first time though, I was disappointed. She looked like nothing more than a filly – she was even younger than me. I completely pushed her out of my mind after that. But on Nightmare Night just a year later, I found the mare I had first seen in Celestia’s scrapbook but not the one of my heart. Luna is so... so domineering, so loud and so out of sync with modern Equestria.” Twilight put down the pencil and looked at the creeping Moon outside. “By Celestia, what has Luna been doing since her awakening?”

She left the diary for a moment, before hastily adding at the bottom. “But I believe I can teach her. I know she’s just struggling to fit in after all these years away.”

The Moon was bright when the train stopped again, brighter than it had been in a long while. A royal guard was waiting for her as she stepped out. Not one of Celestia’s fine white stallions, but one of Luna’s creepy bat-like ones wearing twisted black armour. Nodding in recognition of Twilight’s appearance, the guard turned on the spot and she followed.

“All of Celestia’s guards must be retired for the evening,” she mused. “But then, why would the Princess invite me so late?”

The guard entered the castle with Twilight following right behind him. He made some strange turns and Twilight was eventually unsure where she was. The hall was dimly lit with smoking torches and she could barely see the thick carpet beneath her hooves.

“Are you sure that we are going the right way?” Twilight eventually asked. A grotesque statue grimacing from a niche made her flinch but the guard simply nodded. Twilight took a deep breath to steel herself. They walked still for a long while, passing long tapestries depicting ancient pony history. He didn’t stop until they came to a pair of tall wooden doors. The guard pushed them open and placed himself impassively next to them.

“Twilight Sparkle, it is an honour to meet you again!” a voice boomed and blew her mane like a strong gale.

An enthusiastic smile formed on Twilight’s lips as she hurried inside the room, a large dinner hall with a long wooden table and not much else. Luna sat at the other end in front of a crackling fire, and Twilight hurried down the row of empty chairs. Only two seats had been decorated, Luna’s and the one on her left.

“I thought the Princess would be here,” Twilight stated casually and took her place next to Luna.

“Indeed! But our royal sister had last minute arrangements that she couldn’t cancel.”

“You don’t have to use the Royal Canterlot voice, Luna. It’s just you and me here,” Twilight said encouragingly and flattened her hair.

“Right. So we are.” Luna looked away to clear her throat. “We do trust you aren’t inconvenienced about us taking our honoured sister’s place.”

“Actually, I had been hoping to see you again.”

Luna repaid the smile awkwardly, not sure how to respond. “We hear many good things about you, Twilight Sparkle. Wine?” A large green bottle levitated in front of Twilight.

“Oh, no, thank you anyway,” Twilight said.

“Nonsense! This is Château de Gryffindor,” Luna said and tipped a sloshing purple liquid into Twilight’s goblet. As if on a cue, a unicorn in a white chef’s smock entered the room. He pushed a screeching cart slowly up the room towards them.

“Your trout, madam,” the unicorn said and levitated the plates in front of both Luna and Twilight, then hastily exited again.

Twilight took a large sip from the wine and nearly gagged. Luna on the other hoof gulped it all down and proceeded to pour them both a new helping.

“I never got to ask you,” Twilight said between sampling the wine and eating her fish. “Where’ve you been all this time? You’ve missed the Grand Galloping Gala and the return of Discord, just to name a few.”

“Yes, and we hear how you take care of him as well. There hasn’t been much need for us here.” Luna dabbed her lips with a handkerchief and then caught Twilight’s eyebrows furrowed in concern. Her glass was empty so Luna poured her another one. “We do apologise that we could not be there for your significant events. We have been busy visiting the outer provinces as part of a foreign relation tactic. Our royal sister prefers diplomacy to war, though we’d much rather have them all on the sword.”

Twilight looked horrified at Luna and her stone face. When she saw the look Twilight gave her, she softened considerably and continued in a less monotone voice. “We were supposed to laugh at the end, weren’t we?” Twilight sighed deeply and clutched her chest, but Luna looked away to the moon shining through a high window. “Sorry. This fun thing is still new to us.”

“I’m just glad that you visited Ponyville for Nightmare Night. I had completely given up on seeing you again,” Twilight said and carried on the conversation like nothing had happened, still in her eager voice. She took another big gulp of her wine and Luna filled up her goblet. From the sloshing sound, it was half empty.

“We couldn’t very well miss a festival in our own honour. Though it wasn’t quite as we expected it.” Luna gave a sigh, then cut herself another bite of trout.

“It wasn’t that bad, Princess.” Twilight swallowed a bite of her fish and continued. “We’ve grown up with all those tales of eternal night and such, so we were just a little, uh… unsure what to expect.”

“Yes, we certainly found out what a horrible monster we have been made out to be.” Luna looked at Twilight with eyes hoping to turn the subject somewhere else. “How has our sister been, in the last millennia? We have rarely gotten a chance to talk and she does not like to dwell much on the past.”

“I wouldn’t know about the last millennia, Princess, but Celestia is a very kind ruler and a good teacher.” Twilight sipped her wine.

“If only ponies knew,” Luna muttered. “We suppose you have learned a lot about magic? Our royal sister always tells us how talented you are.”

“Well, you know, maybe just a little.” Twilight blushed, even more so from the wine that she was partaking in. She took another large swig and, as usual, Luna levitated the bottle to fill up but Twilight waved her hoof. She burped and tried to clear her head by shaking it. “I certainly... try to... always... learn...”

And then Twilight passed out right in the middle of the trout, the last pieces of her fish smearing all over her face. Luna was stunned for a moment before colour flushed into her cheeks. She rose from the seat and slammed her hoofs on the table so that her glass spilled wine all over it.

“Twilight Sparkle, thou darest to fall asleep during our banquet?” Luna shouted with eyes turning into white orbs. “We demand that thee wake up this instant.”

But Twilight was far gone by now, her warm drool falling in a long thread down on to her plate. Luna looked close to fly off the handle when a warm light burst opened a pair of dark windows up above. The ball of light congregated on the floor, swirled and became a pegasus unicorn with white coat and wearing royal regalia.

“You didn’t serve her the bottle of griffon wine?” Celestia asked serenely.

“We always partake of the griffin wine from the cellar when discussing business,” Luna said furiously, her eyes flaring.

“You forget, dear sister, those bottle are eighty proof. Twilight is not used to such hard liquor.” Celestia placed Twilight on Luna’s back with her magic. She snored quietly and was limp as a rag doll. “Bring her back to the library.”

Celestia kissed Luna on the forehead. Luna hung her head and craned her neck to see the sleeping form with dawning realisation. She nodded and spread her wings.

“Next time you want to see Twilight, you don’t have to pretend to be me,” Celestia said with a smile.

Luna blushed momentarily as she flew out of the window, towards the Moon where she disappeared in a flash.

***

Twilight opened her eyes blearily and got out of bed with a moan. It took her a moment of collecting her vision to realise she was back in the library. Burping, clarity hit her.

“Spike. Spike... SPIKE!” she yelled and tiptoed anxiously back and forth around her bedroom.

“What?” he muttered from under his blanket. He poked his head out of his basket and looked up at Twilight. She took his face into her hooves.

“What happened yesterday?” Twilight asked desperately and shook the baby dragon.

“I don’t know,” Spike mumbled. “I think Luna came back with you last night.”

“Oh no. Oh no, no, no, no, no, no, no,” Twilight said and released Spike again to pace her bedroom. “I fell asleep!”

“Well, she left you a note,” Spike said and pointed to the bedroom stand.

Twilight quickly grabbed it and ripped off the seal with her magic. She went through the scribbled letters in haste, and then once again in a more careful manner. She gave a long sigh and placed it back on the stand.

“Spike, take a letter,” Twilight said more calmly. “Regardless of what Luna wrote, I’ll be sending her a letter of apology.”

“All right, but what about your plans for the day?” Spike asked and held out a scroll. It came undone and rolled out along the floor past her.

“What?” Twilight said and paused to look at Spike in wonder.

“Yeah, there’s your tea party with Fluttershy, Pinkie wanted you to try a new game she invented, Rainbow Dash wanted you to take her time, Applejack...” Spike droned on until Twilight picked up the scroll from the other end.

“What was I thinking, planning all this on the day after the banquet? Nothing to be done about it now, I’ll just have to write my apology tonight. I mean, Luna isn’t even awake in the days, is she?” She wasn’t expecting an answer and rushed out of the library, leaving Spike standing with the list.

Her first appointment was getting dangerously due and a sense of urgency entered Twilight’s steps as she tore out from the library. She arrived breathlessly only minutes later at Fluttershy’s cottage. The sound of singing accompanied her on the last leg of her run. Fluttershy flew around outside with various animals following her.

“I’m sorry, Fluttershy. It got a little late yesterday and I overslept,” Twilight said and stopped to take a breath just short of the cottage.

“Oh, that’s okay,” Fluttershy said and smiled, her wings flapping slowly. “The tea is just ready too. I made lemon, my favourite! Oh, but I don’t know if you like lemon too. How selfish of me,” she said and looked away.

“That’s okay, I like lemon,” Twilight panted and took a moment to catch her breath. She wiped her brow and followed Fluttershy around to her backyard. A tree stump had been decorated with a plaid cloth where stood two plates with matching cup and saucers and a big pot of tea.

“Rarity tells me you went to Canterlot yesterday.” Fluttershy poured Twilight a cup and hummed slightly, then looked up at Twilight. “How did it go?”

“Ugh, disastrous,” Twilight said. She sat down in the grass and her head flopped down on the table. Her stomach gave a loud growl and, as if on cue, a raccoon came carrying a tray of scones.

“Oh, my. The Princess didn’t chide you for your, uhm... spell experimentation?” Fluttershy asked delicately.

“No, well, the banquet started fine,” Twilight said and took a scone. She gave herself a few moments to chew before continuing. “Celestia had some last minute plans so Luna had to take over and... Fluttershy, you’re not still afraid of her?”

“Well you know, maybe a little, I mean...” Fluttershy sputtered, having visibly shrunk at the mention of Luna’s name. She swallowed her own scone and looked away shyly. “She’s just a little frightening and loud, is all.”

“Well,” Twilight continued and sipped her tea. “The dinner went well enough and it was interesting to finally have an opportunity to talk with her. But I... fell asleep,” Twilight said shamefacedly and avoided Fluttershy’s eyes. “I guess it must’ve been the wine, but I’ve never been so embarrassed in my whole life!”

“She served you wine?” Fluttershy asked puzzled. “I didn’t know you drink.”

“I don’t, but she was insistent and I just wanted the night to go as planned. Oh, this was my big chance to know her and then that happened. She’ll never take me seriously now,” Twilight said on the verge of tears.

Before any of them could say another word, Rarity appeared from behind. Angel closed the gate behind her and showed her to the party.

“I do hope I’m not intruding,” Rarity said and sat down between Twilight and Fluttershy.

“Of course not!” Fluttershy said as the enthusiastic host. “There’s plenty of tea, and I have more scones in the kitchen.”

“What brings you here?” Twilight asked surprised.

“Why, I simply had to hear how your dinner with the Princess went. Spike told me where you could be found,” Rarity explained.

It was obvious that she really wanted to hear more about Canterlot, but she was also genuinely interested in Twilight’s night. “Don’t worry, sweetie, I doubt Luna would hold a grudge.”

***

It was an exhausted Twilight that returned near evening to her study, sitting before her desk with quill and paper before her. She gave a weary sigh and looked up into the twinkling stars behind her window.

“Are you out there somewhere?” she wondered aloud, before dipping the quill in ink. “Dear Luna,” Twilight read aloud as she wrote the words down. “No, too informal.” She pressed the paper to a ball and chucked it away. “Dear Princess Luna... no, too personal. To Princess Luna... not personal enough.” It didn’t take her long to fill her basket with small paper balls. “Ugh, I’ve never written to Luna before!” Twilight said frustrated and planted her face on the desk.

Just outside her windows lay Luna on a cloud and peered down at the library. She was unseen against the dark background, a worried frown creasing her face. She was shifting her front hoofs nervously around deep in thought when an owl sat down next to her and hooted up at her.

“We welcome you, creature of the night,” Luna announced, her voice quieter than usual. “What tidings do you bring your master?” The owl gave a few hoots. “So you’re Twilight’s pet? We should have known she would pick such a magnificent bird as you.” Again, the owl hooted. “You really think so?” Hoot, hoot.

Luna closed her eyes and bowed her head, then took a deep breath. The owl flapped away again to resume its place on the perch next to Twilight. When she opened her eyes again, the strength and exuberance that she was known for again dominated her face. With a smile, she spread her wings to magnificent fullness and called upon a single strike of lightning to illuminate her entrance through Twilight’s window.

“It is we, your Princess Luna, that has come for a visit!” Luna proclaimed loudly and made Twilight fall backwards from her chair. Several papers stacked on her desk got caught in the sudden breeze and littered the floor.

“Princess!” Twilight yelped and jumped down. “I didn’t expect to see you again.”

“It is true that we have many duties that we must see to, but none as important as to visit our loving subjects!” Luna shouted eagerly and landed on the floor next to Twilight.

“And we welcome you, Princess, once we’ve gotten some sleep!” Spike said, turning over in his basket and forcing his pillow as tightly over his head as it would come.

“Maybe keep your voice down just a little bit?” Twilight suggested and smiled.

“Oh. Of course... Are we interrupting something?” Luna asked and took note of all the papers resting on the floor.

“What, these? No, just a bit of fruitless research,” Twilight said calmly and began collecting the papers. Unlike the apology she had been just writing, these papers were covered with strange symbols next to English letters.

“We recognise these,” Luna stated as she grabbed one of the many wayward papers. “We did not think to see the old language ever again.”

“You can read this?” Twilight asked surprised and nearly dropped the stack she was levitating before her. Luna nodded in mild amusement.

“Were you transcribing a book?” Luna asked, to which Twilight nodded and placed the papers back on the desk again. “May we see it?”

“I borrowed it from the Canterlot library in hopes of understanding more about pony history, but I have never seen this language before,” Twilight said and looked through the many shelves covering the walls. Owlowiscious sprang from his perch and quickly found the book in question, taking it into his talons and dropping it down on the desk.

Luna’s horn glowed and the pages in the books fluttered slowly, her eyes quickly skimming the contents. A ghost of melancholy passed before her and she quickly closed the book again.

“Is something wrong?” Twilight asked concernedly and came up next to Luna.

“This book is about us... about us and Celestia,” Luna said with little emotion left to her voice. She stared hard at the dusty blue cover and the few weird words inscribed there.

“Thank Celestia. I was starting to worry I might have gotten an ancient cookbook,” Twilight said and wiped her brow.

“We can tell you the contents of this book by heart,” Luna said.

“Really?” Little stars began to twinkle in Twilight’s eyes, like a child opening a present and seeing what they wished for more than anything in the world.

“Yes, because we wrote it ourselves.”

“You wrote this?” Twilight asked incredulously. Luna looked at Twilight with a pained expression that told of remorseful memories.

“When we were younger, we had the whole of the night to ourselves,” Luna explained and fixed eye contact with Twilight. “We had nothing to do, so we wrote. And when we didn’t write, we thought – about everything. Perhaps if we had had friends, our thoughts would not have darkened and allowed the nightmare to take a hold of our heart.”

“We can talk about something else, Princess. How about I make us some coffee?” Twilight said with a cautious little smile, but Luna turned her gaze towards the moon.

“We would you like to listen to our story. We believe you are the only one who would understand,” Luna said.

The serious, impassive tone in Luna’s voice made Twilight very silent. There were no disruptive noises from the outside and the quiet hung like a thick carpet. The two lay down on the hard wooden floor with their hooves underneath them. Luna closed her eyes and took a moment to herself, then hardened her face again and avoided Twilight’s gaze.

“We will not discuss how alicorns are created. Suffice to say that we had parents and that we were born like other ponies,” Luna began. Twilight swallowed every word with reverent silence, Owlowiscious observing them from his perch. “Pegasus unicorns are ponies in possession of extraordinary magical powers, as we are born with the magic of not only pegasuses and unicorns, but earth ponies as well.”

A long time passed and Twilight listened with great interest. Never once did she interrupt the Princess but sat quietly on the floor. Luna covered every subject she had studied in vivid detail and spoke in great lengths about her theories and the hard facts about alicorns. There were things that pained her like her creation at the horn of Starswirl the Bearded and there were things that elated her like moments she had shared with Celestia.

“There is nothing in this world that lasts forever. Similarly, pegasus unicorns will one day die, though we may live for millennia.”

A single beam of light fell upon Luna’s head and she closed her eyes. Twilight’s eyelids were drooping, but she was hanging on to every words. She looked up astonished to see that day had broken.

Luna opened her eyes and looked at Twilight as impassive as she always did. “It is time for us to leave, but we shall recommend you a tome,” Luna said and flexed her wings. “Study it well, Twilight Sparkle, and learn the language of your ancestors.” Luna took a quill from its inkwell and scrawled a short note on one of the many blank pieces of paper on Twilight’s desk.

“Princess, thank you,” Twilight said and gave Luna a warm smile.

“And we thank you for listening,” Luna replied softly and got up on her hooves. Before Twilight could say another word, Luna was off again and teleported as soon as she got high enough up into the sky.

She appeared again a little while later in her chamber where she collapsed on her bed. It was a small circular room placed at the top of a spire. Blinds had been drawn across all the windows and cast the room in darkness. Luna closed her eyes, but a small beam of light interrupted her before she could doze off.

“You were out late,” Celestia said teasingly and nuzzled her sister. “Visiting a friend?”

“Twilight Sparkle reminded us why we should never have friends,” Luna said sombrely with her eyes still closed.

“Oh?” Celestia cooed.

“The only one we need in our life is you, dear sister. You won’t die on us.”

Celestia chuckled lightheartedly and wrapped a warm wing around her sister, so that her head came to a rest next to Luna’s. “I learned a long time ago that a few fleeting years of happiness is preferable to an eternity of regret.”

Luna opened a single eye. Although standing there in the gloom with a serene smile on her face, Luna could detect a faint whisper of melancholy from her sister. Celestia turned away again and spoke:

“It’s good to have you back, sister, but I think Twilight will be very disappointed if you don’t visit her again.”

The small beam of light that had illuminated her room vanished with Celestia. Luna was again alone, left with her thoughts and a smirk forming on her lips.

***

It was night in the old library in Ponyville. The tome that Luna had recommended to help with the translating had not yet arrived from Canterlot, so Twilight sat by candlelight and tried to grasp some meaning from the pictures instead. As she flicked through the pages, it became apparent that Luna had skipped some parts yesterday. Twilight was eager to learn more about it, but understood that those were things the Princess found hard to discuss.

She was studying an old drawing of a winged and horned pony encased in light when she heard a knock on her door. Curious as to who could be visiting at this hour, Twilight alighted from her chair and sprinted down the stairs. Spike was snoring in his basket and would not be of help at this hour. Like, Owlowiscious was a bird with no door-opening digits.

When she opened the door, a crack of thunder illuminated the dark figure outside. Twilight jerked involuntarily backwards.

“P-Princess!” Twilight stammered.

“Good evening, Twilight Sparkle. May we come in?” Luna asked.

“Of course,” Twilight said happily and held the door. “Do you have to do that though?”

“Do what?” Luna asked puzzled and entered the library.

“You know, with the lightning and all? I don’t even know how you do it... there’s not a cloud in the sky,” Twilight said and looked up into the heavens before closing the door.

“But that is how we always present ourselves,” Luna said defensively. “Exerting one’s power is needed for subjects to understand.”

“I do understand,” Twilight said and smiled awkwardly. “Perhaps it’s time to change some of your traditions, though? It has been a thousand years since you were sealed away.”

“Yes, that is partly why we came here,” Luna said with her back turned at Twilight. “We have always shunned this “friendship” because of our longevity. We have realised the error in such a commitment. Twilight Sparkle, we wish to know more about the friendship that freed us from the darkness that clutched at our heart.”

She turned suddenly towards Twilight with an excited face. Another strike of lightning illuminated her ominously.

“I’ll be happy to, Princess, but could you please stop that?”

“Oh. Sorry, we hardly even realise we’re doing it,” Luna said softly and sat down on the floor.

“Well, I’m not even sure where to begin,” Twilight said and sat down opposite her.

“Do not be modest, Twilight Sparkle! We hear many great things about you from our royal sister,” Luna proclaimed, her voice slowly climbing. Twilight blushed and looked away. She took a deep breath before replying.

“All right, I’ll do my best! Hold on, I’ve got just the thing,” Twilight said and went upstairs to her bed. From the trunk at the foot end she took a book with her magic and carried it downstairs to a waiting Luna.

“Pray tell, will you be reading to us from a book?” Luna asked with some concern.

Twilight shook her head and lay down on the floor like they had done the other night in her study. She opened the book and pictures of all her friends smiled out from all the pages. Intrigued, Luna scooted closer to Twilight so the two sat down next to each other. She could smell Twilight’s hair and feel her warmth next to her, making her cheeks flush. Fortunately, Twilight was too consumed with the book to notice. Her paced, rhythmic heartbeat was something unusual to Luna and she realised what she had been missing all these years.

For hours, Twilight recounted the stories behind the pictures and Luna felt herself engaged in the narration. She was quiet and only commented now and then, sometimes even inquiring. It was nice, she thought, to lie here next to Twilight, just listening to her soft voice and merry laughter. She felt a joy that she had not encountered since Nightmare Night. No, this was something greater. Although Luna sat very still, her mind was in turmoil.

When the first rays of sun crept into the library, they were both laughing heartily.

“And then she said, ‘Oatmeal, are you crazy?’”

“Truly, this Pinkie Pie is rather arbitrary!” Luna said and wiped her eyes, then felt the warmth of the Sun on the tip of her nose. “We would wish to hear more, but it is time for us again to depart.”

“What, already?” Twilight asked and looked around to see the library bathed in the light of early morning.

“We have enjoyed this night thoroughly and we would like to repeat it again some other time soon,” Luna said, back to her firm self. “Before we take our leave, however, we would wish to do an act of boldness and we wish you to forgive us if taking offence.”

“Huh?” Twilight barely managed to get her puzzled face back towards Luna before the Princess planted a light kiss on her muzzle. It was unlike anything Twilight had ever experienced, unlike anything she had or could read in a book.

“It is ancient Canterlot tradition for two friends to share muzzles,” Luna rationalised. “Fare thee well, Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight stood dazed on the ground floor of her basement for a few moments until Spike came down the stairs. By that time, the Princess was gone and Twilight pressed a hoof against her mouth. She was not entirely sure what had happened and looked down at her muzzle in puzzlement.

“Another late night with Princess Luna?” Spike asked and rubbed his eyes.

“Yes,” Twilight said nonplussed, lost in thought for a moment. “I think I’ll take a nap,” she finally concluded.

“A nap? But what about your list for today?” Spike asked and drew a long scroll from out of his unseen pockets.

“We can forget about the list for today,” Twilight said with a dreamy smile on her lips as she went upstairs to her inviting bed. “And could you find me a list on old Canterlot etiquette while I sleep?”

“Uh, sure,” Spike said and scratched his head, confused at his observation of Twilight. If he could see himself from time to time, he might have recognised the look on Twilight’s face as one he himself wore around Rarity.

When she awoke again in the afternoon, she hummed and danced all the way downstairs to her kitchen. A plan formed in her mind as she enjoyed her breakfast and she could barely contain her giddiness. She could barely wait for Spike to enter and almost dropped her spoon into the bowl.

“We’re going to have a party for Princess Luna!” she exclaimed happily and clopped her hooves together.

“Here’s hoping that I’ll be invited,” Spike muttered and tapped the wooden table impatiently.

“What?” Twilight asked surprised and looked up from her cereal bowl.

“Nothing!” Spike said in surprise as he realised he had said it out loud.

“I mean, we threw a party for Celestia... we throw a lot of parties for Celestia, but I think it’s about time we had one for Luna,” Twilight rambled, more to herself than anyone else in the room. “Sure, we have one for Luna, but I think we need a proper one to make her feel welcome in Equestria again. She’s been abroad a lot and she needs to know that ponies still care for her. She might have gotten the wrong idea at the last Nightmare Night. But then, everything did go rather well. Maybe I’m just overthinking things again, but… what if she does feel lonely?”

“Twilight!” Spike interrupted with a hand to his cheek and elbow resting on the table. She looked up from her train of thought and chuckled sheepishly.

“I think I better get everything planned. This needs to be perfect,” she said and swallowed the last of her cereal. “We didn’t have anything important scheduled today, did we?”

“Hmm... probably not,” Spike said and crumbled the scroll into a ball.

“Great!” Twilight said and giggled. “Come, we have a lot to do and little time. We need to make a list of all of all the things I need for this! Luna is going to be so surprised.” She jumped from the table with gusto, an expression of utmost concentration creeping over her face as she went out into the middle of the library floor.

Spike sighed and went past her to get a roll from a nearby shelf. He picked up a small one at first, but seeing how determined Twilight was behaving, put it back and took a bigger one.

***

It was a few days later and Luna was taking a stroll through the gardens. Celestia had asked her to do something to occupy herself, so Luna had gotten some of the gardeners in Canterlot to help her tend to some of the bushes and plants. She found it to be an invigorating exercise to use herself manually, even with the aid of her magic. A thousand years ago, she would never have been found in the garden with a little straw hat and a handkerchief around her neck, tending to the roses with a small pair of shears.

It couldn’t take her mind away as it usually did, however. She was fearfully contemplating the consequences of the kiss she had planted on Twilight, wondering heavily if it had been within proper conducts to do so. Most of the things that she had learnt so long ago no longer applied, even her speech that she took for granted could startle other ponies. She had given in to the spirit of not only the moment, but also the times. She dreaded Twilight’s reaction and had refrained from visiting again. She couldn’t keep barging in every night either.

“Pony feathers,” she exclaimed and saw the rose at her hoofs. It wasn’t one of the wilted ones that she had been asked to cut. It had four beautifully white petals and a yellow middle and looked very perky still.

“Milady, there’s a letter for you,” a guard said, one of Celestia’s, with a scroll sticking out of his armour. Luna looked up surprised.

“For me?” Luna asked curiously, taking the scroll with her magic and unsealed it. “Dear Princess Luna, you are cordially invited to a party in your honour in Sugarcube Corner in Ponyville.”

The guard turned to leave, but noticed the flower at the Princess’ hooves. “You have a keen eye in flowers, Milady.”

“Huh?” Luna asked and looked up from her letter.

“I don’t know who you cut that primrose for, but it’s a very stunning specimen,” he said and gave her a smile before leaving for real.

“But we didn’t mean to cut this one,” Luna said quietly and looked down at the flower at her hoofs. She took it and the scroll back with her, but not before putting the gardening tools and attire back on their appropriate place.

“It’s tonight,” she said and looked at the scroll again. “And signed Twilight Sparkle. We must ask our sister for the location of this Sugarcube Corner.”

As with a mare that had been educated so long ago, she restricted her outwards display of emotions. Still she roamed the halls with a bounce to her step, catching the attention of the staff. Most noticeable was perhaps the primrose she had planted behind her ear. When she returned to her room, she immediately put the flower in a vase along with other flowers that decorated her table.

“You’re certainly in a good mood,” an old, tired voice said.

“Yes, we have received our first party invitation,” Luna said exalted and held her head high. “We hope to learn more about fun and friends at this party.”

The old mare was a rotund earth pony with a white cap around her head, a lavender coat and thin white hair. She grabbed the sheets on Luna’s bed and shook them.

“You shouldn’t leave a pretty flower like that in a dark room like this,” the old mare said with concern.

“But we leave all our flowers in dark,” Luna countered.

“I know, dearie, but this isn’t one of your night flowers. This one needs plenty of light.”

Luna looked at the flower with some resignation, like it was being an obstinate child. The old mare looked motherly at Luna.

“Since this is your first party, why don’t I make some arrangements?” she asked.

“We would appreciate that, Mrs Withers,” Luna said in her loud voice.

“First of all, we need to give this little thing a better spot,” Mrs Withers said and went over to the flower. “If you plan on bringing it with you to the party, you should consider cutting a bit more to make a bouquet.”

With the help of the old maid, Luna eventually got ready for the night. When the time came for her to leave, the Princess didn’t look much different. She was still dressed in her breastplate, tiara and shoes, but she also had five white flowers arranged under her wing. Despite her own suggestions of making a grand entry, she listened to the advices of Mrs Withers and took an ordinary-looking carriage.

“Ready, Milady?” one of the guard said stoically as Luna stepped inside.

“Yes,” she replied simply and the carriage was off. When they were far above the skies with houses like dots, the guard spoke again.

“You look a mite tense, Milady. If you don’t mind me asking, what could be the occasion?” the other asked interested.

“We have only ever attended the grandest of balls with the most important ponies of Equestria, with the finest cuisine and sophisticated music playing on the dance floors. The description of a modern “party” sounds so vastly different. We are just a little uncomfortable, but excited, to abandon our ingrained traditions for the night.”

“Don’t sweat it, Milady, I’m sure it will be fine,” the guard said encouragingly.

“We just fear that we will make a mistake like last time and cancel some pony holiday,” she said and frowned out over the edge. Ponyville became visible below them and the guard carried her lower. “No, this won’t do at all. This night shall be fun for everypony. We will not be the strict and archaic Princess, but fun and friendly Luna!”

“That’s the way to do it, Milady. Positive thoughts lead to positive actions,” the guard said and came to a halt in front of Sugarcube Corner. Luna departed with a confident smile and strode up to the front door. She gazed up at the roof and marvelled at how the building itself looked so deliciously edible.

The guards took their leave and disappeared into the setting sun. Luna stepped up into the beckoning light of the confectionary and pushed open the door. A shower of confetti rained down over her while Pinkie Pie blew a horn. Behind her, it seemed all of Ponyville had congregated to celebrate her.

Luna was completely taken aback at seeing so many ponies in such a small space all cheering on her. A banner hung from the ceiling with the same message. She looked from one happy face to another, unsure what to say or do.

“Princess!” Twilight called and pressed her way through the crowd. She smiled affectionately up at Luna and paused before her. “I almost thought you wouldn’t make it.”

“Yes, we were unsure what to wear... I hope that we aren’t underdressed?” she asked a little nervously, looking around the room at all the guests. She took particular notice of a white unicorn dressed in a fine burgundy dress.

“It isn’t something too special,” Twilight noted as she herself wasn’t wearing anything either. She led Luna further into the room, and the ponies all bowed slightly to her out of reverence, not out of fear. “It’s just some cake and a little punch. Or well, that was the plan, but I simply couldn’t keep the rest away.”

“We are honoured, Twilight Sparkle. Oh, we brought you these,” Luna said, again realising she was carrying a bouquet under her wing. She used her magic to levitate it towards Twilight.

“F-for me?” Twilight asked, blushing and sniffing the flowers lightly. “These are beautiful. Thank you, Princess.”

“Please, call us Luna, Twilight Sparkle,” she said and took the seat of honour by the middle of the table.

“Only if you’ll stop calling me by my full name.” Twilight smiled mischievously as she took her own seat next to the Princess and placed the flowers in front of her. Luna chuckled at the gesture.

“Very well... Twilight.”

Applejack walked up to their table and placed a pie in front of Luna. It was freshly warm and steamed as the earth pony cut a big slice for her.

“You are Applejack? We remember. And this must be Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and... Rarity,” Luna said as Twilight’s friends all came over to the table.

“I’m sorry that we didn’t get a chance to meet during your last visit,” Rarity said and kneeled. “Nightmare Night is my busiest day and I simply fell asleep.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Miss Rarity,” Luna said and nodded in acknowledgement, then looked out at the small circle. “Twilight tells us a lot about you. We hope that we can learn about friendship from you all.”

“Some wine?” Spike asked and approached the Princess with a deep green bottle. He was as always dressed snappily, tonight in a black tuxedo with a gem-encrusted bowtie.

“Please,” Luna said, and Spike poured some of the burgundy liquid into her glass. “We also hear much about you. You’re not still fighting with Twilight’s owl?”

“Best of friends,” Spike said jovially and retreated again.

Many of the guests had only come to catch a glimpse of Luna or otherwise greet her personally. As the night wore on, the room became less and less crowded. There was plenty of food and drinks for everypony and some stayed late into the night to entertain or have longer talks with the Princess. Once night had fallen properly and the Moon stood bright in the sky, Luna was mostly alone with the mane six.

“Your Princess enjoys this mirth!” Luna exclaimed as Spike filled her glass again. “We are starting to like this “party”!”

“The party has only just begun!” Pinkie said. She wheeled something large into the room, but it was obscured from view by a canvas.

“Pinkie, how did you get that thing inside?” Twilight asked nervously and observed the swaying top.

“Through the door, silly! Ta-da!” she replied and yanked the cloth off. It was a platform with two chairs and some kind of elaborate systems of racks and pipes at the back.

“Pray tell, what is this thing?” Luna asked and stepped out on the floor.

“It’s my Quiz-o-matic 3000... no, 4000! No, more like 3500... or perhaps 3850. Ooh, the Quiz-o-matic 3 –”

“What does it do?” Twilight interrupted and looked up at the bobbing hose running from a tank beneath the platform and through various supporters to hang above the seats.

Pinkie merely giggled and took a top hat and bowtie from a drawer built into the base. “Game Host Pinkie is inviting the contestants to take their seats,” she said and jumped up. She dragged a podium up from the floor and took her place behind it, facing the seats.

What guests remained gathered around, whispering and snickering. Pinkie looked behind her and winked at the audience.

Luna approached in awe. “Twilight, we wish to play this game. Come join us!”

Luna sat down in the left seat from Pinkie with an excited smile forming on her lips. Twilight was more apprehensive, knowing Pinkie’s record when it came to machines and fun. Still she stepped up on the wheeled platform that filled most of the room. She took the one empty seat on Pinkie’s right.

“Now then contestants!” Pinkie clutched the podium hard and leant in over it, looking intensely at the two mares. “Are you ready to play?”

“Yea!” Luna replied. Smitten by the good mood, Twilight too nodded.

“Then let the games begin!” Pinkie shouted and punched the air. “Rules are simple. Game Host Pinkie will ask you a series of questions and the first to reach five points win. Right answer earns you points and wrong ones deducts them.”

Twilight reached up a hoof. “What happens if we win? And more importantly, if we lose?”

Pinkie smirked and took a deck of cards from the podium. “First question! When was the life of Starswirl the Bearded? One point for century, two for exact year!”

“Oh that’s easy, he lived from–” Twilight began.

“98 before Celestia to 12 after!” Luna said and raised a hoof. Fluttershy flew in from the side and placed two points on a hook above the Princess.

“Too slow, Miss Sparkle!” Pinkie said. “What are the risks of transformation magic? Two points for–”

“Mania, massacre and malpractice!” Twilight said before Pinkie could even answer. This time it was Twilight’s turn to receive two points.

“You’re a quick learner, Miss Sparkle! What are the alchemical properties of the common hogswart herb?”

“Panacea!” Luna exclaimed, but Fluttershy took a point away from her now.

“Sorry Princess, that’s the red-prickled hogswart. Miss Sparkle, do you have a suggestion?”

Twilight cleared her throat, taking good time before answering. “Yes, Pinkie, I do. The common hogswart herb alleviates pony pox.”

“Exactly!” Pinkie said and Fluttershy flew in with a point for Twilight. “The tally is now three to Miss Sparkle and one for the Princess. This next question could decide it all.” Pinkie looked at them both with her impish grin, but Twilight was too absorbed to notice. She and Luna were giving each other hard glances, but came back into the game with Pinkie knocking the cards into the podium. The crowd around them was cheering and grinning. “Why are all guards white?”

“Wha huh?” Twilight asked.

“They are not,” Luna said. “A third of Celestia’s guards are also beige whereas my own are dark. The reason for this is the magic of their armours giving them a uniform colour.”

“Ding, ding, ding!” Pinkie slammed a hoof into the podium as two points came flying in from the side and attached themselves above the Princess. “Are you ready for the final question? This one is so hard that I will reward whoever answers it first the final two points!” Pinkie said and hid behind a card. “It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, cannot be heard, cannot be smelt. It lies behind stars and under hills and empty holes it fills. It comes first and follows after, ends life, kills laughter.”

For the first time during that party, silence fell in the room as everypony turned to pondering. Not just the contestants, but the small audience as well. Luna looked out of the windows with a concentrated look on her face while Twilight ruffled her hair in frustration.

“No suggestions?” Pinkie teased. “Do you both want to feel what happens to the loser?”

Luna was affixed on the outside. Twilight looked up at the Princess curiously. She was oddly stiff, just looking out into the...

Twilight looked up at Pinkie and carefully suggested: “Darkness?”

Fireworks erupted from the sides of the platform and enveloped the room. Large streamers were blown out over the audience. Luna smiled sideways at Twilight who looked puzzled up into her eyes. She finally understood and giggled, but recoiled as the showerhead with a cacophony of noise regurgitated green slime all over the Princess.

Horrified, Twilight rushed to her side but Luna was simply laughing loudly. She could not stop herself and riveted the audience into following her. Pinkie was flat on her back, snorting with laughter.

Twilight was happy to see the arrangement do well. When the rest of the ponies had fallen asleep around the tables and floor, she decided to call it a night. Luna insisted on following her home to the library, but they got no further than to the threshold.

“We have had a wonderful time tonight, Twilight. We truly wish it would never end,” Luna said elated.

“I’m glad that you liked it, Luna. I hope you’ve changed your mind about getting new friends,” Twilight said with a tired smile.

“We love making new friends!” Luna said with a lifted voice, then looked at Twilight with amorous eyes. “I think it’s time you got your reward.”

“Huh?” Twilight said and blinked wearily. Before she could react or otherwise say anything, the Princess reached down. Their lips locked in a wet, intensely felt moment. Luna could not remember a stronger feeling of happiness in all of her life. A strong surge of power welled up from within her, tickling her stomach and numbing her brain.

The magic inside Luna woke up like a roaring beast. It churned through her system and sparkled through her horn before tearing loose through her lips and tongue and leapt into the quivering Twilight. Luna could not stop it. The magic brought with it an overpowering ecstasy. Her mind shut down completely until only desire was left.

She vigorously moved her mouth around Twilight’s face and met little resistance. The more skin she covered, the more she wanted. Sparks glowed from her horn out of passion and fire surged through her body and threatened to consume her but it was good pain. She allowed it to happen and thrust her tongue into Twilight’s mouth. The two were locked in a tight kiss until Twilight unexpectedly pulled away.

Shocked, Luna opened her eyes. To her horror, Twilight had collapsed in a heap on the ground, convulsing. Luna backed away with tears streaming down her face. At that moment, Spike had decided to leave the party and arrived just in time to see the strange sight. Twilight’s eyes rolled back and froth was emerging from her mouth. A dark shadow passed Luna’s face and become cold as stone. When she spoke again to a bewildered Spike, her voice was like ice.

“Your master will be all right if given enough rest. Tell her when she awakens never to speak with us again lest she shall fall prey to our uncontrollable powers.”

Luna turned about as Spike rushed to Twilight’s side. Perplexed, he looked from one to the other until Luna had disappeared into the night.

Part 2/2
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When The Moon Comes Over The Library

Part 2/2

EQUESTRIAN SHIPPING SHORT STORY 03: WHEN THE MOON COMES OVER THE LIBRARY PART 2/2

Princess Celestia sat serenely on her throne and enjoyed a nice cup of afternoon tea, her hair waving as it always did.

“Are there any visitors?” she asked hopefully.

“My reply hasn’t changed in five minutes, Your Highness,” one of the guards replied.

“Maybe I hold too many open audiences,” Celestia pondered and clopped her muzzle.

The words had barely left her before the doors burst open and Pinkie Pie galloped inside. Spike sat astride clutching her candy floss mane for dear life with one hand and a thick book in the other. Fluttershy showed more courtesy and gently entered, making sure to check left and right first.

“Stop! In the name of love!” Pinkie exclaimed and put down the brakes at just the last moment, dragging the red carpet along with her before halting right at the stairs up to Celestia’s throne. Spike toddled off and collapsed face first on the ground.

“My little ponies, what have gotten you in such a rush?” Celestia asked calmly. Spike stood up on shaky knees with the book in his embrace.

“We have to see Luna immediately,” he said with urgency to his tone as he grabbed his head. “We have something important to tell her.”

“I’m afraid that Princess Luna has already left the capital,” Celestia said apologetically and hung her head slightly lower.

“W-we’re too late?” Fluttershy asked shocked as she came up next to Pinkie. “No!” Tears were forming in her eyes, but she never managed to shed any. The doors burst open once more and Luna entered the throne room.

“My sister, there has been a discrepancy in our correspondence. Our royal bed chamber is not on fire, nor does it appear to have ever been,” Luna said and strode across the floor.

“Oops, my mistake,” Celestia said mischievously and chuckled.

“Wait... what is this about?” Luna asked curiously. She stopped up and noted the presence of Pinkie, Fluttershy and Spike. “What are the friends of Twilight Sparkle doing here?”

“We came here because of this,” Spike said and held up the book.

“Our old field notes. So what?” Luna said disinterestedly and cast only a fleeting glance at the book. “We appreciate whatever effort you have put into this ploy, but we have no interest in hurting Twilight Sparkle any further. Our magic is quite simply too strong for her to handle.”

“Please Princess, you’re only hurting Twilight by ignoring her!” Spike said and took a deep breath. He flipped through the book until he got to the relevant section. “But it doesn’t have to be like that anymore. Look.”

“What is the meaning of this?” Luna asked angrily and skimmed the additional pages. “We do not recognise these writings. Who added to my notes?”

“Does it matter?” Pinkie said excitedly and slung herself across Spike’s head. “Look, look, now you can totally be with Twilight and she’s going to be so happy and we’ll have a BIG party again and it will be so fun and everypony will be there!”

Luna scrutinised the book closely, then closed it as well as her eyes. When she opened them again, she had a serious expression on her face. Spike closed the book and put it under his arm.

“We fear that we have made a grave mistake,” Luna said and stared off into the distance. She turned her fierce eyes towards Spike. “Does your master wish to see us again?”

“Twilight? She’ll be thrilled!” Spike said, perking up.

“Excellent,” Luna replied with a small smile forming on her lips before looking up at Celestia. “Dear sister, we must again depart from your side. We have urgent business in Ponyville.”

“Go with many blessings,” Celestia said and smiled back.

“Ponies, grab my tail,” Luna commanded and aimed her horn up at the window. Fluttershy cautiously wrapped a hoof around Luna’s tail while Pinkie bit down on Fluttershy’s and finally Spike grabbed around Pinkie’s side. “UNDERTAKING!” Luna yelled and spread her wings. The windows parted with no seeming intervention and Luna with entourage disappeared through them. They were barely outside before they disappeared in a flash and were gone.

***

Twilight strode around her library with less of her usual gusto, like an employee going mindlessly about her duties. The box from Canterlot had been opened and she was putting the books to their appropriate shelves. She made sure to document them first and cross-reference the manifesto with her shopping list.

“Where DID Spike go?” Twilight pondered and looked out of the window. It was getting dark and her stomach gave a faint growl.

Her question was answered shortly with a loud bang, followed by the thuds of books falling to the floor. Twilight turned to see Luna standing regally in the middle of the library with Pinkie, Fluttershy and Spike strewn about.

“Wee! Let’s try that again!” Pinkie exclaimed from her upside down position.

“L-let’s not,” Fluttershy said and shuddered from underneath a pile of books.

Spike said nothing and swerved around drunkenly, looked ready to hurl at any moment.

Luna went straight for Twilight with a triumphant smile on her lips. “Twilight, we have come to realise the error of our conduct. We come seeking your forgiveness in the hopes that we may start over.”

Twilight looked away and then up at Luna again. “No.”

“WHAT? WHAT DOST THOU MEANETH BY NO?” Luna flared and slammed a hoof into the library floor, a crack of lightning illuminating her.

“Because you abandoned me!” Twilight said firmly with only a trace of quivering. She looked up sternly at Luna. “You think I’m angry that you nearly killed me? We could have worked something out! But instead you just left me there with only a note.”

“We...” Luna began but she couldn’t finish it. Tears brimmed Twilight’s eyes, but she sniffed and wiped them off.

“I’m sorry Princess, but if this is who you are, then you are not the mare I thought you would be,” Twilight said and turned away.

“But we came back for you, Twilight. Our feelings for you are genuine,” Luna stated and came up next to Twilight.

“Are they? Or is it just because I’m the first pony in millennia to care for you?”

Luna looked at her hooves and furrowed her eyebrows. Behind them, even Pinkie had fallen silent from the shock of this argument. “We see how it is!” Luna said angrily and towered over Twilight ominously. “THINE FEELINGS ART NOT TRUE. WE WERT A FOOL TO BELIEVETH ANYPONY COULD EVER LOVETH US.”

“MY FEELINGS? MY feelings are true,” Twilight reiterated and pounded her chest. “And that is why I never want them hurt again. I hope that you can find it in your heart someday to let somepony close to you.”

Luna was too livid to offer a reply and trampled out of the library. The door slammed shut so hard that the library shook and even more books fell out of place.

“Twilight,” Pinkie said sympathetically, but Twilight glared at her and Fluttershy in turn.

“You two had no rights to interfere in this!” she bellowed. Pinkie’s eyes watered and Fluttershy put her hoofs above her head, quivering.

“This was all my idea,” Spike said and cut in front of them. “I just... you were so unhappy, I just had to do something.”

Twilight looked at him harshly then went upstairs. “You can clean up this mess, while I get started up here.”

“You better go,” Spike said and picked up the various books scattered about.

“What just happened?” Pinkie asked and took a notepad from hammerspace. “Found cure, check. Reunited Luna and Twilight, check. Kissu kissu... not check! Wait up!”

Pinkie started for the stairs but Fluttershy grabbed around her neck and dug in her hooves. “Pinkie, it can’t... always... go... like you want it!”

“But I’ve never seen Twilight so angry before!” Pinkie exclaimed and looked up at the first floor. “This can’t be the end! Can it?”

“We’ve meddled enough, Pinkie. Let’s just give her the space she needs.”

Fluttershy smiled and Pinkie tensed down. She nodded and followed Fluttershy out while Spike returned the books to their place.

***

Luna sat alone on a cloud. Applejack had just dragged her tap-dancing little sister into the library and the lights came on. She could hear distant shouting, but Luna remained motionless in the night. Out of the open window came a little feathered shape and perched itself on Luna’s lowered horn. It hooted happily and Luna smiled up at it.

“We meet again, Owlowiscious. We see you’re not mad at me as well.”

Owlowiscious hooted again, and Luna hung her head even lower. “We appreciate the sentiment, little owl, but it is our fault entirely. Twilight Sparkle is a wonderful mare and we took her for granted.”

Hoot, hoot. Luna looked up at the moon, erecting her horn so sharply that Owlowiscious had to flap off. “If your master asks for us, tell her... no. Twilight Sparkle will not be asking for us anymore. Take care, our nocturnal friend.”

Owlowiscious hovered around the cloud while the Princess took towards the sky once more. She disappeared under the light of the moon and appeared back in her castle room. She quickly took a satchel from her closet and threw it over her shoulder. A sudden stream of light fell on the floor but Luna continued unaffected.

“Why is your answer always to leave?” Celestia’s soothing voice asked.

“We just feel the need to get away for a while,” Luna replied and went for the window.

“But we’ve barely had a chance to talk since you came back from the Moon. Won’t you stay a little longer?”

“We apologise,” Luna said with determination and stopped momentarily on the sill. “We won’t be gone long, beloved sister. We have an eternity to talk.”

Luna spread her wings and flew out into the darkness. The errant ray of sunlight gave a mournful sigh before fading. “I said the very same thing a millennium ago.”

***

Twilight sat outside of Ponyville and enjoyed a picnic with all of her friends. They were preparing sandwiches with the ingredients they had brought from home. Pinkie took two slices of cucumber into her mouth and chased Fluttershy around while making “Blergh” sounds. Everyone was laughing until Spike clutched his stomach. They all ceased their activities knowing what it could mean. Sure enough, a scroll soon appeared in a burst of green flames and plopped down in front of Twilight.

“It’s a... wedding invitation,” Twilight said incredulously, then cleared her throat to read. “Dear Twilight Sparkle. Due to royal duties, I am in need of help with the upcoming wedding. You and your friends are all invited to Canterlot immediately to help with preparations for this wonderful occasion: Fluttershy with the music, Applejack the catering, Pinkie Pie the reception, Rarity with wedding dresses, Rainbow Dash with a sonic rainboom and you with the planning. Signed Celestia.”

“I can’t just make sonic rainbooms on command,” Dash scoffed and flopped down on the chequered cloth.

Rarity was otherwise inclined and swooned into Spike’s arm. “A royal wedding! I’ve never been to a royal wedding before.”

“Oh... my, what an honour!” Fluttershy said excited.

“This will be so much fun!” Pinkie said and ate her cucumber slices.

“Uh, who exactly is getting married?” Applejack asked and raised an eyebrow.

An official invitation was stuck to the scroll which Twilight detached and skimmed. “It’s Luna, she’s... she’s marrying Shining Armour, captain of the royal guard.”

“Bully fer her!” Applejack said ecstatically and reared.

Twilight dropped the scroll and got up on her hoofs. “Yes, how wonderful. All of sudden Princess Luna is marrying is total stranger without telling me anything.”

“Come now, it’s not like she’s marrying your brother,” Rarity said and grabbed Twilight’s head, pressing her cheek up against hers and pointing out into the distance with a hoof. “Imagine, Twilight! I get to show off my talent in front on anypony’s who’s anything!”

“Well, you won’t have much time to prepare,” Spike said and picked up the scroll. “Celestia said to come to Canterlot immediately.”

“Ooh, I’ve never been this excited before!” Pinkie said and bounced around.

“What’s wrong with you?!” Twilight barked and pushed Rarity off. “How long has she known this Shining Armour? A few months? Or were they dating even while Luna was taking an interest in me?”

“Relax, will you?” Even Rainbow Dash was getting caught up in the excitement and put her hooves behind her head. “This is a chance for me to show off to the Wonderbolts!”

Twilight scowled the whole day and even on the train. She sat with crossed arms and looked out of the windows fuming. Her bad mood was put aside when the capital become visible however. A large purple dome surrounded the whole mountain side. The others were too absorbed with anticipation to notice until they passed through, making their coats tingle.

“What was that?” Fluttershy asked and looked out of the window.

“Must be some kind of high-end spell. I can’t imagine what it does though,” Twilight replied curiously and stuck out her head too.

The answer soon came to them. Guards were posted around walls and patrolling streets, carrying their big spears or with swords strapped around their waists. When they emerged on the platform, several more were there to search them. Their speech was minimised to grunts and simple commands, but they got their message through with simplicity. Once they were satisfied, they started for the castle behind and in front of the mane six. They dispersed again inside the walls and left them on the plaza in front of the castle’s front doors. A familiar pony the shade of night trod down the stairs from the main entrance and stopped up regally before them.

“Twilight Sparkle, we are most pleased you could come,” Luna said, although her voice didn’t seem to indicate.

“How can you just marry somepony you’ve just met!” Twilight asked angrily.

“We do not feel the need to consult you in any of our matters. You made it quite clear that we were through.”

“But that doesn’t mean I stopped loving you,” Twilight Sparkle pleaded, but Luna turned towards the castle again.

“We have moved on and so should you. We just hope inviting you wasn’t a mistake.”

Luna slammed the doors shut and Twilight sat down on the cold stone near tears. Her friends gathered around her consolingly, bowing their heads and nuzzling her coat. A unicorn stallion approached them from behind, he wearing the gilded purple armour of the captain. “You must be Twilight and friends,” he said and smiled at them.

“And who are you?” Twilight asked turned around, his friendly face instantly making her regret her tone.

“I’m the pony Luna’s marrying. Shining Armour,” he said and bowed.

“So how did you two meet?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

“Well, heh,” he said and scratched his neck. “It’s silly, really. Luna looked so lonely when she came back from her trip. I felt it was my duty to get her in a better mood, but, well. Let’s just say it wasn’t duty at all.”

“Oh, how romantic!” Rarity said and batted her eyelashes. “Where DOES your kind hide out?”

“Thank you, ma’am,” he said with an embarrassed smile, his cheeks turning rosy red. “W-why don’t I lead you to your rooms?”

They all consented with nods and acknowledgement so Shining went in front into the castle. While the others lined up behind him and admired the stained glass windows, Twilight came up next to him.

“What’s with the magical shield around the city?” she asked, feigning interest in a big suit of armour.

“Luna reported of impending danger from the north,” he replied warmly. “It seems the changelings recently got a new queen that has been stirring up her subjects.”

“I see,” Twilight said flatly. Shining sighed and then looked at Twilight.

“Look, Twily, I don’t want there to be bad blood between us. Maybe we can be friends?”

“Don’t call me Twily,” she replied coldly but Shining pressed on vehemently.

“Look, I know that you two have history, but I really do love her.”

“Oh, I am SO over her anyway!” Twilight said shrilly. “And I am SO happy to be here as well.”

“Are you sure you’re fine with it?” Shining raised an eyebrow in suspicion.

“Oh yes, don’t mind me just because I think she’s making a mistake!” Shining opened his mouth to reply, but Twilight cut him short. “I mean, it’s not like a handsome young stallion like you has any trouble finding a mare your own age.”

“Twalight!” Applejack exclaimed and came up next to her. “What’s the matter with ya?”

The procession had stopped and everyone looked at her funny or angrily. Flushing with the dawning realisation of what she had said, Twilight began to stammer. She could not keep her tears at bay and stormed outside before any of them could say anything.

“I must apologise on her behalf,” Rarity said with of hoof on her breast. “I’m afraid the poor mare isn’t over entirely over Luna.”

“It’s all right,” Shining said with a smile, looking at them all in turn. “Your friend hasn’t had a chance to be alone since she got the invitations. I’m sure a little time is all she need.”

***

“Twilight! What are you doing here?” Mrs Sparkle said and embraced her daughter tightly.

“Hey mom. Sorry for not writing in advance, but we were ushered here in the eleventh hour.” Twilight wiped her eyes with a hoof and entered. They went through the marbled front hall and into the fine dining room with its pinkish tapestries and heavy wooden furniture. Her dad sat at the end of the elongated dinner table and flicked through the pages of his newspaper.

“Hey there kiddo,” he said and put down his read. “How did you get into Canterlot? Security’s been so tight around here I can barely fart in peace.”

“You haven’t seen your daughter in five months and this is the first thing you have to tell her?”

Mrs Sparkle rapped a hoof over his head and disappeared into a side room. Mr Sparkle rubbed his head and smiled sheepishly

“Celestia invited me as the wedding planner,” Twilight replied and took a seat next to him. “I’m sorry for not having been here in a while. Things have just been crazy in Ponyville since Hearth’s Eve.”

“Don’t worry about it!” Mr Sparkle said and chuckled heartily. “I know it must be hectic, being Celestia’s student and all.”

“And we’re all very proud of you,” Mrs Sparkle said and entered with a tray flying before her. She placed it on the table and hoofed out the steaming soup bowls. “I’m sorry dear. I would have cooked your favourite soup had I known you would be coming.”

“It’s okay,” Twilight replied with a sigh and grabbed her spoon unenthusiastically.

“Is something bothering you?” Mrs Sparkle asked and placed her hoof on Twilight’s.

“It’s nothing,” Twilight replied with a feigned smile. Her mom gave her a look and Twilight continued. “I just don’t know what’s up with this Shining Armour guy! I mean, where did he come from all of sudden marrying Luna?”

“Little Twilight, you’re not still having a crush on her?” Mrs Sparkle said with a motherly smile. “It’s about time you found yourself a nice stallion. I wouldn’t mind a son like Shining Armour.”

Mr Sparkle slurped his soup nervously, suddenly concentrating hard on a spot on the white lace cloth.

“It’s not just a silly foal crush!” Twilight replied angrily and swung the silver spoon around dangerously with her hoof. “Luna really did love me back! I think.”

Twilight slumped and nearly melted off her seat.

“You shouldn’t worry about the Princess anymore. She’s found a new love and so should you,” she said with a dismissive tone and an encouraging smile.

“Why can’t anypony see that there’s something fishy about this whole thing?” Twilight said and attacked her soup again, rapidly digging into the reddish/brown water and barely savouring it before gulping.

“If you want to be jealous of anypony, be jealous of Luna for getting such a sweet young stallion like Shining Armour.” Mrs Sparkle returned to her soup and sipped cautiously at her spoon.

“UGH!” Twilight yelled in frustration and kicked the chair back. “Why does everypony idolise that guy!”

She tossed the spoon down on the table and rushed out towards the stairs. Mrs Sparkle watched her leave mournfully then shot her husband a glance.

“What do you want me to do?” he asked and raised his hoofs in defence. “She’s not a foal anymore, dearest. I hardly think it’s our place to tell her what to do.”

Mrs Sparkle shook her head and they both finished their soups. It was moments later that the door opened again, followed by claws tapping on the stone floor. It stopped as soon as Spike came into the dining room with its woolly carpet.

“Hey, Mr and Mrs Sparkle,” he said and bowed lightly for them. “Have you seen Twilight?”

“She just went up to her room. Didn’t even finish her soup,” Mrs Sparkle said with a hoof on her chin. “But where are my manners! Would you like a bowl?”

“Nah, I’m good. Just had a tray of peridots up at the castle,” he said, trying to suppress a burp but green flames escaped his closed fingers. He looked out into the corridor next to the dining room and got slight goose bumps. “Then again, I’d rather not face Twilight if she’s still in such a mood.”

Spike jumped up on the seat Twilight had vacated minutes earlier. Mrs Sparkle placed the bowls back on the tray and went back into the kitchen.

***

Twilight entered the castle courtyard with a smug smile. Spike was giving her shifting glances. “Did you get enough sleep?” he asked nervously. “You were up all night mumbling to yourself.”

She snickered but quickly regained her composure with a slight cough. “Yes. Yes, I’m all right. After all, this is the day where I will prove that Shining is underhoofed!”

“Oh bother,” Spike replied and rolled with his eyes. “Well good luck with that. I’m heading to the library.”

Twilight couldn’t help but stop up in the middle of the plaza and stare at him. “Wow Spike, you’re really taking your assignment seriously.”

“Yup!” he replied proudly and raised his head. “I really want to know what a bachelor party is before beginning.”

Before Twilight could even open her mouth, her assistant was already off as fast as his stubby legs could carry him. “Why would Celestia even want Spike to arrange the bachelor party?” Twilight mused, then breathed deeply in enlightenment. “Could it be that Shining has no friends to do it? Because he’s not from Canterlot at all? This is getting more and more interesting!”

With a confident smile from ear to ear, Twilight levitated her trusty notepad and quill in front of her. She wetted the tip of the feather with her tongue and headed in the opposite direction of Spike. A most delicious aroma wafted out from a cellar door in conjunction with the castle, making Twilight halfway salivate before she could get down to the floor. Shining Armour stood at the other end, sampling some of the food that Applejack and her cousins were preparing.

“Here ya are, Captain. Apple fritters!” Applejack said muffled and carried a tray up from the oven with her mouth. Twilight slipped behind a pillar in the middle of the room, observing as Shining tossed a treat up into the air and grabbed it with his mouth.

“These are fantastic!” he said with bliss painted on his face.

“Thank ya kindly, sir! Why dontcha have some fer the road?” Applejack tilted a few into a paper bag. Shining took it with his magic and went for the door when he noted Twilight.

“Hey there Twily! You want one?” Shining asked happily and shook the bag enticingly before her.

Her eyelid twitched nervously but she forced herself to act as natural as she could. “Please don’t call me Twily,” she said through ground teeth. “You don’t mind if I trail along with you for today? It IS my job to ensure everything is running according to plan, after all.”

“Sure, and maybe I can make you thaw a little.” He nudged Twilight gently, lifted the last fritters into the air and binned the moist bag by the door.

“Ehehe, maybe. Or maybe I can expose you for the fraud you are,” Twilight muttered and followed him outside.

They went across the court to a small grass park with trees and bushes. Shining looked up at one of the trees where Rainbow Dash could be spotted. She was lying on her back, all of her limbs hanging down and head resting on a pillow. “Miss Dash? Excuse me, I don’t think I quite got what your job is?” he asked interested.

“I’ll be making a Sonic Rainboom,” Dash replied without looking up, waving a hoof lazily.

“Really? I always thought that was supposed to be an old mare’s tale!” Shining said in disbelief, but Dash shook her head and stretched.

“You’ll be in for a surprise.” She gave a yawn and turned her head over.

“I’ll be looking forward to that!” Shining said excitedly, but Dash was already snoring lightly again. Impressed like he had just seen Dash perform, Shining went back towards the castle.

The entrance hall was spruced up with streamers and balloons. Somepony had additionally attached pink bowties on the armour of all the impassive guards. Pinkie sat in the middle of the room with a grey pin tail in one hoof and a shining red apple in the other, deeply concentrated on a list before her.

“Hey Mrs Pie. How are the preparations coming?” Shining asked and walked up to Pinkie, but she offered him no reaction. Instead, her eyes slowly wandered from the tail to the apple.

“I think she’s trying to settle on a party game,” Twilight suggested cautiously, waving a hoof across Pinkie’s face.

“Well why don’t we have both? There’ll be room enough for apple bobbing and pin the tail.” Shining went to Pinkie’s other side, dropped to his back when she came to life with a jump.

“Both!” she exclaimed jubilantly and wrapped a hoof around the pencil, scrawling something down on the list.

“G-glad to be of help,” Shining said with a small smile, his chest heaving.

“Now, should I make a spooky theme for the Princess? Or would that be too unweddingly?”

Pinkie tapped the pencil on her chin, making grimaces as she looked up at the ceiling. Shining was about to interject again but Twilight pushed behind him to get him along again.

“She takes these things very seriously. Best to just let her do her thing.”

“You certainly have some very interesting friends, Twily.”

Twilight closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. Only reluctantly did she follow him first up stairs and down a long hall. She ticked off the three ponies they had visited so far and furrowed her eyebrows angrily. “How can anyone be so perfect?” she said under her breath. Shining was walking in front of her with an air of dignity. He gladly greeted the servants he met with full name and a little commentary. “I just don’t get it!”

Their next stop was Rarity but she quickly closed the door again when she saw Shining Armour. “You can’t be in here! Don’t you know it’s bad luck to see your wife’s wedding dress before the wedding?” Rarity tried to shoo him away with a flick of her hoof, but Shining merely chuckled and scratched his neck.

“Sorry about that, Miss Rarity, just checking that things are going well.”

“Things are going just fine,” Rarity curtly. Realising she had been coming off rude, she gave a sigh. “The Princess is just being... demanding.”

“Absolutely horrid,” Luna snapped as if on cue. “And what ARE our bridesmaids wearing? Those rags look positively wretched.”

Rarity winced and forced a big smile as she closed the door again. “It’s just some early concepts, Princess. I wouldn’t want to disappoint you on your big day.”

“She’s been under a lot of stress ever since she returned,” Shining said, sounding more like he was trying to convince himself. Twilight raised an eyebrow so Shining Armour turned from the door and headed down the hall. “What’s next on the agenda, Twily?”

Twilight gave a deep groan that sounded like “Murgh” and raised her notepad again.

***

The day drew to a close and night fell on Equestria. Twilight sat outside a cafe, her five friends joining her around the round table. All of them were looking rather tired, even Rainbow Dash. The chatter was abuzz with excitement and catching up, but Twilight simply stewed and barely touched her strawberry milkshake.

“Hasn’t this guy got any flaws?” Twilight finally exclaimed. The talking stopped suddenly stopped, all eyes turning towards her. “Shining Armour of course!” Twilight said irritably.

“Well, he did tell Mr Blue Jay here was a teeny tiny bit off,” Fluttershy suggested. A blue bird sat perched on her shoulder and looked away ashamedly. “But don’t you worry, we still got a few days until the wedding. There’ll be plenty of time for you to practise.” She nuzzled the bird affectionately, making it chirp happily back at her.

“Isn’t anybody seeing anything?” Twilight asked indignantly and looked furiously out of them, banging her hooves against the table.

“Twalight, yer being unreasonably jealous!” Applejack countered, equally heated.

“Right, I’m the unreasonable one!” Twilight said sarcastically and hoofed her chest. “Certainly not perfect and handsome Shining Armour!”

“Twilight,” Rarity said sympathetically and looked at her with a pout. “This wedding has been putting a lot of stress on you too. Why don’t you take it easy?”

“And another thing!” Twilight said and leant across the table, glaring at them all in turn. “How come everypony likes this guy the moment they see him? Answer me that.”

A shadow from behind darkened Twilight’s face and her eyes went wide in surprise.

“You don’t mind if I join you?” Celestia said serenely. “I so rarely get a chance to talk to my favourite student and her friends.” No one said anything and they all looked away in shame. “Is this a bad time?”

“It’s good you’re here!” Twilight said and jumped down from her seat. She had a wild look to her eyes and her mane was slowly coming undone. “You agree with me right? There’s something wrong with Shining Armour!”

Celestia smiled down at Twilight motherly. Before the Princess could reply, Dash cut in before her. “I’m sorry, Your Highness. Twilight hasn’t been herself ever since she found out.”

“I AM NOT JEALOUS!” Twilight spat exasperated and stamped her hoof into the ground.

“Are you worried that Luna won’t be in good hooves?” Celestia nuzzled the top of Twilight’s head, but she ripped away. “Twilight dear, Shining Armour is a good guard and a better stallion. His predecessor, Loyal Crescent, recommended him personally when he retired a few years back.”

“It’s just not fair,” Twilight said with tears forming in the corners of her eye. “I’m the one who loves her.”

A tearful smile sneaked over on Rainbow Dash. Before any of them knew what happened, they were all up from their seats and embracing Twilight, and she was crying into Pinkie’s hair. “I’m so sorry everypony. I just can’t bear to see her with another one.”

“No duh!” Pinkie said and made a face. “I mean, hello, she was your girlfriend, of course you’d be jealous.”

They released Twilight again. She wiped her eyes and sniffed.

“I think you owe somepony an apology,” Celestia said.

“I do. Shining Armour only tried to be my friend and I rejected him so coldly.” Twilight looked down at the ground. She stamped her hoofs in determination and looked up at the Moon. “I can still do it today if I hurry.”

Twilight sped down the street, calling to mind where Shining Armour lived. It was a large house close to the castle with two stories. It wasn’t far away and she arrived only minutes later. She hurried up the steps to the front porch. Throwing caution to the wind, Twilight opened the doors and galloped down the corridor.

“Mr Armour, I’ve come to tell you I’m sorry,” Twilight tried to yell but only wheezes escaped her mouth. Her legs were shaking from having run too hard and for too long. She slinked up the hallway, taking in the many paintings on the walls and knickknack standing on small tables. She noted light escaping from a doorway at the end. She didn’t mean to pry, but all sounds drowned in her throat.

As she got closer, she could hear voices as well. The one speaking was Shining Armour following a light chuckle. “I think Twilight is still crushing on you. She hounded me all, I don’t know, trying to find some flaw in me or something.”

“Miss Sparkle just needs to accept that we have moved on. It is you that we love.”

“You really mean that?”

“With all of our heart.”

Twilight was sniffling happy tears. It pained her to think she could have behaved so rotten, but hearing those two talking filled her with inner peace. She went to the door to give her apology, but something made her pause before she could open it. Luna stroked Shining’s cheeks, but he retracted in pain and grasped his head.

“Honey, my head is killing me again.” Shining’s eyes were clenched shut in pain, but Luna was quick. Her horn glowed with a green aura that surrounded him.

“Don’t worry. Luna will make it all better,” she said with a baby voice. Shining’s eyes flew open, his pupils dilated and spinning. Twilight gasped in horror and stepped back, accompanied by Luna’s sinister laughing.

Though out of breath, fear propelled her back outside. Thoughts were racing through her mind and she wasn’t even looking where she went. “How could I have been so blind?” she thought. “I was so obsessed over Shining Armour that I didn’t realise... Luna would never leave me. It’s been her all along!”

As the adrenaline faded along with her energy, Twilight came to a halting stop. Sweat dripped from her brow and her breath came in long heaves. She had rushed back into the city but she didn’t recognise her surroundings immediately. It was an active area with many chatting ponies and restaurants, clubs and similar activities. She couldn’t be far from her friends, but what should she tell them?

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Twilight turned her head towards a promenade on her right. Among the many occupied seats and tables sat a blue unicorn wearing a cape and hat.

“Trixie?” Twilight asked uncertainly and pinched her eyes.

“Sparkle,” Trixie replied nonchalantly and slurped her juice box. It gave a hollow sound.

“I think that’s empty,” Twilight stated as she went up on the boardwalks.

“Trixie knows, but unlike some other ponies, I can’t afford another one.” Trixie’s hat was lopsided and her once majestic cape was stained. She had a serene look on her face though and her actions were calm. “I tried to pawn the gem I use as a brooch, but those things are apparently a dime a dozen. They would actually have Trixie pay them to get it off my hooves.”

Twilight wiped back her hair and took a seat opposite Trixie. “What are you doing here in Canterlot?” she asked, her heart slowly resuming its usual steady rhythm.

“I had hoped these refined ponies would enjoy Trixie’s classical acts. Well, it is certainly fortunate that we should meet again,” Trixie said and tossed the empty juice box over her shoulder. She gave a deep sigh before looking Twilight’s straight into the eyes. “Trixie wishes to apolololo...” She looked away to clear her throat and tried again. “Trixie wishes to apolololo...”

“It’s okay. In all fairness, it was kind of my fault that your carriage got destroyed,” Twilight said and gave her an encouraging smile. “I had never expected to hear something like that from you, though.”

“You are every bit as humble as I recall. Well, Trixie’s councillor suggested that I should make up with my past if I wanted a new future. So what has gotten you in such a hurry?”

“Well,” Twilight said and bit her lip. “I’m not sure if I can tell you.”

“It can’t get much worse for Trixie,” she said and rested her head on the table. “After those three fillies posted their article about me, Trixie has been the laughing stock wherever I go.”

Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Luna is marrying the captain of the royal guard, but I caught them doing something weird.”

Trixie’s horn glowed blue and Twilight’s chair slid around the table to sit next to Trixie. She wrapped a hoof around Twilight’s neck and began to explain. “When two ponies love each other very much, sometimes they want to express those feelings with the special hug. It may seem gross and unnatural, but it’s a beautiful consumption –”

“I’m not talking about sex, I’m saying she was using her magic on him to make his eyes all googly,” Twilight said and used her magic to push Trixie back.

“Oh. And I thought this conversation couldn’t get any more awkward.” Trixie laughed nervously.

“I’m afraid there’s something wrong with Luna, or maybe it isn’t Luna at all!” Twilight said desperately and looked intently at Trixie. “She might be a changeling in disguise, but I can’t tell my friends or anyone else. They already think I’m jealous for suspecting Shining Armour.”

“I would reveal this at just the appropriate time. Like on the wedding day itself in front of all the guests!” Trixie said exuberantly and stood up on the chair. “They would all watch in awe as the Great and Powerful Trixie unravelled the mysteries of the dastardly crime, and they all would cheer as they praised me!”

“The wedding might be a little too late,” Twilight said and raised a suspicious eyebrow. “Oh, but the wedding rehearsal is tomorrow! That would be perfect. Thank you so much, Trixie!”

“You’re welcome,” Trixie said and sat down quietly again. Twilight jumped down from her seat and raced into the Canterlot night.

“And hey, if you’re ever in Ponyville, just come by the library,” Twilight shouted over her shoulders.

Trixie picked up her empty juice box and suckled disinterestedly on the straw again. “... Trixie would like that.”

***

“All right, everypony, take your places,” Celestia said with a hurried tone and observed as her orders were followed. Somepony was missing so she bowed her head down next to Spike and whispered. “Where’s Twilight?”

“Uhm...” Spike said and scratched his head. “I don’t know. She said she’d be here.”

“Well congratulations then, Spike. You just got promoted to ring bearer.”

A red felt pillow hovered into his arms. Celestia rose again and looked out at the congregation. Shining Armour and Luna both stood before her. Only a few other ponies sat on the benches. It was the rehearsal and only the mane six, the bridesmaids and a few others were gathered. Celestia cleared her throat and was about to begin the faux ceremony when the doors flew open. Twilight ran up the aisle between the seats with a confident smile on her lips.

“Wait! I have something to say!” she shouted. Her friends covered their heads in shame while the rest looked at her curiously. “That is not the real Luna!”

“How dare you make such an accusation?” Celestia exploded, her eyes flaring.

Twilight had never seen her so angry with her before. She gulped, her courage draining but keeping her task in mind. “It’s true!” she exclaimed steadfast and trod up to the raised platform uneasily. Celestia looked to be on the verge of a tirade but Luna cut in front of her.

“First you suspect Shining Armour and now us? We can assure you, Mrs Sparkle, that we are the real Princess,” Luna said firmly and glared at Twilight.

“So you claim, but I saw you with Shining Armour yesterday. You were casting a spell on him that made his eyes all googly,” Twilight said and jabbed an accusing hoof into the Princess’ black chest crest.

Luna was about to reproach her, but Shining interjected. “You know, Twilight, I invited you here because I thought you were an adult and responsible pony. But I can see you’re just a brat that cries when her toy is taken from her.”

“But...” Twilight protested with tears welling up in her eyes.

“I need that spell for my headaches. Do you have any idea how hard it is to maintain a shield of this magnitude day and night? It puts a real strain on my mind, and only Luna’s spells can help me. That they make my eyes a little googly is just a minor side-effect.”

“I... I,” Twilight stammered with tears streaming down her cheeks. Everyone looked at her mortified, averting eye contact and shaking their heads. Twilight looked at her friends for support but found only shocked expressions. She turned her head, wailing as she stormed into the hallway. She found an empty room where she placed herself in a corner.

“How could I have been so stupid?” Twilight said. A large mirror was the only furniture and reflected her quivering lips. “This could have been such a great day but I had to ruin it all.”

She saw magic reflected in the mirror surrounding the door. It opened and in came Luna. She seemed much larger, her shadows like twisted fingers crawling along the walls. Twilight felt herself instinctively shrink into the corner. If only the mirror would open and take her far, far away.

“Luna, I... I’m sorry,” Twilight sobbed and hung her head. “I just couldn’t see you love anypony but me. I’ll just go back to Ponyville where I can’t be of nuisance.”

Luna’s horn glowed greenly and a ring of green fire surrounded Twilight. “Wait, what are you doing?” she asked and danced around the circle.

“I knew it was a mistake to invite you, but I couldn’t talk that thick-headed oaf out of it,” Luna said calmly and trod leisurely up to Twilight. She smirked wickedly and her eyes glowed of malice. “I had them all fooled except you, Twilight. You were slow to catch on, though.”

The fire grew around Twilight until it consumed her. She could see nothing but the lukewarm flames licking her coat without hurting her. Her vision was consumed by green until they subsided again. The empty room had been replaced by a cave where the walls were made by crystals. The face of the false Luna appeared on the smooth surfaces.

“I will tell everypony that you went home in embarrassment, and they will believe me. No pony will find out what really happened to you before it’s too late!” She ended her little speech by cackling down at Twilight. She snarled back up at her.

“You fiend! What are your plans?” Twilight demanded and assumed a fighting stance.

“Oh, you’ll see if you ever find your way out of there. No one comes down to the crystal mines anymore though, so don’t bother with yelling. Bye now, Miss Sparkle. I’m sorry to hear that you’ll be missing my wedding tonight. I guarantee it’s going to be a... blast!”

“ARGH!” Twilight screamed and fired a beam of deadly energy at the apparition. The projectile bounced off the sparkly walls and ricocheted back and forth, gathering more and more energy before exploding into a shower of miniscule shards. The false Luna had left her, but when the dust settled, another one had taken her place. Coated in slime on all hoofs and her horn, this Luna stood regally and observed in quiet wonder.

“Luna?” Twilight asked puzzled and carefully stepped over the debris.

“Twilight... we didn’t think anypony would ever show,” she said stoically and peered down at Twilight.

“Luna!” Twilight said and embraced the Princess. Tears again escaped her eyes, but they were of joy for the first time in a long while. Luna gave Twilight the time she needed; till her sobs were replaced with sniffs and she looked up at her. “I thought you had stopped loving me and never wanted to have anything to do with me.”

Luna lowered her head and met Twilight’s lips. It spoke of two lovers divided for too long and united again. Both were reluctant to stop the kiss, but Twilight had stopped crying altogether. They parted and her face was clenched in determination.

“You’re taking this awfully calmly,” Twilight remarked confused.

“The slime on our royal horn is suppressing our magic... and our emotions,” Luna said. “Remove it and together we shall escape from here.”

Twilight nodded and set to work. She concentrated hard on her magic, tugging and pulling at the goop, but it wouldn’t move.

“It won’t... come off,” Twilight said through gritted teeth and finally fell on her back as her magic slipped.

“There is nothing you can’t do if you put your mind to it, Twilight. Your potential surpasses even that of Starswirl the Bearded.”

Twilight opened her mouth in surprise, unable to reply to such a compliment. Luna looked down at Twilight with sincere eyes, so Twilight nodded at the trust placed in her. She took a deep breath and continued in a composed manner. Her horn flared up again to illuminate the slime. Her brow furrowed with the effort, but no sound escaped her. Wrenching the slime back and forth eventually did the trick, and she flung the snot like object far, far away.

Luna let out a maddened yell, her horn glowing deep blue. The slime on her hooves exploded into tiny little particles and flew in all directions. Her eyes became nothing more than white orbs of light and her face turned into a demonic grimace.

“WE’RE GONNA MURDER HER!” Luna exclaimed, her voice echoing throughout the tunnels. “Come, Twilight, this is ill time to be dawdling. We must make haste before Chrysalis can finalise whatever plan she has hatched.”

Luna could run faster with her long limbs, but having been confined for so long had made her muscles sore. Twilight had no problems keeping up with her and galloped by her side out of the chamber.

“Princess, why aren’t we teleporting out of here?” Twilight suggested but Luna shook her head.

“No. These walls contain all magic cast within them. Just look at what happened with your spell.”

“Yeah,” Twilight said begrudgingly and looked away.

The unyielding crystals around them never added much to the scenery and time became a matter of relativity. It was the same wherever they went, regardless of how many corners they turned and slopes they crossed. They passed pickaxes and hardhats from time to time, seemingly forgotten a long, long time ago. The hallway widened and the pony leftovers increased with even small timber huts build up along the walls.

“We feel like singing for some reason. Would you indulge us in an aria?” Luna asked and looked ahead.

“Me? I can sing a little, but an aria?”

“You won’t mind if we hum then?”

“I guess not.”

The Princess was still humming when they reached their first obstacle. A large chasm yawned deep into the ground and there was no visible bottom. A rickety set of tracks had been laid out between small islands of crystal. An old mine cart even sat on its tracks still, held in place by large rocks. They were no problem for Luna who pushed them aside with a single burst of her magic. The real problem was getting it going once the two had clambered inside.

“Cart’s not moving,” Luna commented and jiggled their would-be ride.

“It’s been here for Celestia knows how long. It’s only natural that it would be a bit rusty,” Twilight stated.

“All it needs is a little magic,” Luna said and winked at her. Twilight folded her ears back and gave a defeated sigh. She engulfed the cart in her magic and, squeaking and protesting at first, the wheels slowly started rolling and they were off.

There was only the dark abyss around them at all times and Twilight had to nervously adjust the cart so as not to plummet off into the darkness. “Who thought this was safe?” Twilight screamed over the roar of the wind in their faces.

“Why do you think the mine was closed?” Luna commented nonchalantly and held tightly on to the cart’s sides. Her wings embraced Twilight and pulled her closer. Twilight blushed as her head came to a rest on the Princess’ beating chest.

They rumbled downwards with faster and faster speed. Every bump and incline felt like tossing them off, and it was only Twilight’s persistent magic that kept them from making an unfortunate plunge. However, even she could not guard against the tracks disappearing. The cart made an impressive leap and threw off its passengers like a wild bronco.

Twilight yelped in surprise as they were about to follow the cart down into the void, but this time it was Luna’s turn to help. She glued Twilight to her underside with magic, then spread her wings as far as they could come. She flew both of them to the nearby entrance, but their worries were far from over. Bridesmaids of the fake Luna popped out from behind rocks, their eyes enthralled by dark magic.

“Out of our way!” Luna hollered and bowled through the three mares with Twilight still stuck to her belly. She hurried out of the caves and a sewer like system of tunnels unfolded before them. She looked up and down the corridors and asked: “Pray tell, what does Chrysalis intent to do?”

“You know, I’m not sure. I only know she’s marrying the captain of the royal guard... Princess, you can put me down now.”

“Shining Armour?” Luna mused, then giggled. “Yes, we had a feeling the boy fancied us. He always acts so formal around us. A nice posterior, if we have to be honest.”

“P-Princess,” Twilight said and flushed.

“Now is not the time, Twilight. We have not been in these tunnels before. We will put you down once we get outside.”

“That’s... not what I meant. Never mind.”

***

“And do you, Princess Luna, take Captain Shining Armour in sacred matrimony to love and honour eternally?” Celestia asked.

“I do,” Luna replied triumphantly.

“Then by the power vested in me, I declare you colt and mare. You may now kiss the bride.”

Slowly, Shining drew closer to Luna’s head. Everypony inside the chapel cheered. His cheeks blushed with either happiness or shyness as he closed his eyes. Before his lips could meet Luna’s, however, the doors banged opened. The loud noise rang through the room followed by the determined pace of hoofs. Twilight was first visible followed then by another Luna.

“That Princess is not one of ours!” the second Luna said.

Everyone looked puzzled from one Luna to the other, none of them sure what to think. Another loud bang. The first Luna had taken advantage of the confusion and abruptly kissed Shining Armour. The resulting magical shockwave lifted skirts and ruffled hair. Shining now sat impassively with googly, green eyes.

“It is too late for you,” the first Luna said and grinned maliciously. “My plan has just reached its final stage and now there is nothing any of you can do!”

“We shall see about that, changeling queen,” the second Luna said in a dangerous tone and galloped up the aisle. A huge chunk of slime fell from the ceiling and once more ensnared the Princess, in addition to gagging her as well.

“Princess!” Twilight exclaimed and rushed to her side.

Up by the altar, a green light engulfed the first Luna. The flames licked up her coat and ate the dark blue colours and the feathers until a mysterious, black mare had taken her place. She was insectoid with the wings of a bee and the carapace of a beetle. Her horn was crooked and her limbs full of holes.

“You’ve made a grave mistake revealing yourself,” Celestia said angrily and readied herself. Her horn glowed and a beam of white light escaped it. Chrysalis casually countered it with a green beam of her own that was evenly matched against Celestia’s.

“Is this all that you’re capable off? I had hoped for better from the Princess of Equestria herself,” Chrysalis said in an uninterested voice and yawned.

Celestia was strained under the pressure, sweating and groaning, but Chrysalis looked downright bored. It didn’t take long for her to turn the situation in her favour, and her green jet of energy pressed Celestia back. She couldn’t handle it any longer. The beam collided with her and knocked her off her hooves.

“No!” Twilight screamed tearfully.

“Pitiful,” Chrysalis said disgusted and stepped on Celestia’s wayward crown. Applying a little force crushed it.

The guests all rushed shrieking out of the chapel until only Twilight and her friends were left. They surrounded Twilight with their muzzles affectionately stroking her coat.

“I’m sorry we didn’t believe you,” Pinkie said and clenched her face in tears. Twilight raised a hoof up to her cheeks and gave a little smile.

“It’s okay, girls. Truth is, I was pretty jealous.”

“No,” Applejack contradicted and shook her head. “Ya were the only one who could see something was off. Ya know the Princess better than anyone, we shoulda believed ya.”

“There’s no time to point hoofs right now. We have to get the Elements of Harmony!” Twilight looked up at the real Luna’s tranquil eyes. “We’ll be back soon.”

“Go, fetch your precious elements. It will be good for a laugh,” Chrysalis said from the altar. “With Shining Armour under my power, it won’t be long before his shield spell will break. My drones will soon take over all of Canterlot. And then, Equestria!”

The girls all shed their fancy dresses in a large pile on the floor and followed Twilight outside. The protective bubble above them was cracking and a host of smaller insectoid ponies were breaching into the city. With great force they landed, ploughing into houses and roads.

“Spike, it will be too dangerous for you to follow us,” Twilight said. Spike was about to protest, but she cut him short and embraced him and then held him at an arm’s length. “Promise me that you will find somewhere safe to hide, all right?” Spike grunted but nodded.

The six elements were stored down the street from the chapel in a large square building with appropriate banners. Everywhere they looked, however, changelings rained down on them. The guards tried desperately to defend the city and its inhabitants but they were too greatly outnumbered. Spike gave Twilight an encouraging smile before crawling through an open window into a shop. Twilight requited the gesture and looked up into the blue sky. Never had she thought a beautiful day like this could be so accursed.

“Let’s make a run for it,” Twilight said and waved her friends forward. They nodded, dodging and swerving the insectoid projectiles as they hurried on. The changelings grew in number all around them. They were only some hundred metres away when their path had become swarmed with changelings. To make matters worse, they all shapeshifted into forms that looked exactly like each of the six ponies. They had no choice but to halt with the wall of opposition before them.

“Keep calm,” Twilight said as the innumerable duplicates surrounded them. The girls pressed up against each other to form a tight group.

“Oh, what are we going to do?” Fluttershy asked frightened and looked nervously around them.

“Fight only those that look like you,” Twilight said with determination. “That way we can prevent any mishaps.”

The changelings came closer and closer. The girls were rooted to the spot, no one daring to break free as the first. Twilight swallowed a lump and leapt into the fray. Like a starting gun going off, the others followed suit.

The duplicates were weak and their sole strength lay in their numbers. They fell easily to the onslaught of the ponies and changed back to their despicable shapes. With raw strength, magic, party cannons and sheer luck, the six slowly fought their way to the doors. Rainbow Dash looked behind her and panted. Wherever one changeling fell, another took its place. Their way back disappeared as quickly as they could move forward.

“Don’t worry,” Twilight said and pushed the doors open. “Once we get to the elements, we’ll be unstoppable!”

They rushed into the hall but stopped up just inside on the red carpet. The stained glass windows had all been broken and more changelings waited for them inside. They were surrounded from the front and the rear. Despite Twilight’s insistent encouraging the ponies were too tired to keep up the spirit. They drowned in the onslaught of changelings and were brought back to the chapel.

They threw Twilight unceremoniously to the floor while retaining her five friends. She landed next to Luna who still stood glued to the carpet between seats.

“I completely forgot. You’re the current wielder of the element of Magic. THE Twilight Sparkle,” Chrysalis said in a mocking tone. “I almost made a mistake, letting you go.”

“Why are you doing this?” Twilight asked with desperate tears creeping out of her eyes. Shining Armour stood next to Chrysalis, his eyes still little swirls.

“You’re asking ME why?” Chrysalis countered. She descended the stairs towards the aisle with a smug grin. “Have you not learned anything about pony history? Don’t you know who we changelings are?”

“Don’t listen to her,” Celestia said. Twilight gasped when she saw her hanging from the ceiling in a gooey cocoon.

“You never told her? Shame on you!” Chrysalis said and towered over Twilight. “Well I’ll tell her then. Changelings once lived here in Equestria. We were happy until ponies invaded. We were forced underground where the gloom and dankness warped us into these wretched shapes. We had no choice but to flee to the badlands.”

“We could have lived in harmony,” Celestia shouted. “But changelings have always been wretched, greedy beasts. We gave them many offers but we had no choice but to war.”

“Liar!” Chrysalis shouted in a rare moment of anger. “How would you know? You weren’t there.”

“Neither were you,” Celestia retorted.

“Enough!” Goop crawled down the cocoon and sealed Celestia off. Her face was still visible through the translucent walls, her brow furrowed. Chrysalis turned back towards Twilight and smiled again.

“Do you now understand the futility of your situation? Once my changelings have taken over all of Equestria then we will be the ones banishing you!”

Chrysalis returned to the altar with a laugh and went to the large windows where she could monitor the progress of her minions. Twilight got up on her hooves and looked with worry up at Luna.

“I’m sorry, Luna. We tried to get the elements, we really did, but there were just too many of them.”

“Forget the elements, Twilight.”

Luna’s voice rang inside Twilight’s head. She gave a startled gasp and dried her eyes. The Princess looked down at her with an unnatural calmness, her lips still sealed by goo.

“But I can’t defeat the changelings without the elements!” Twilight protested.

“The elements are bupkis,” Luna said calmly.

“But that’s impossible!” Twilight replied in disbelief.

“Twilight, Tia and I found them in a Cracker Jack box.”

“I’m sorry, Princess, but I just can’t believe that. The elements have helped me twice in the past already.”

“The power has been within you this whole time. You ARE the elements, Twilight, not some cheap jewellery.”

Twilight looked down at the ground, crestfallen. “How am I supposed to call that kind of magic forth? I don’t know how I did it previously.”

Luna bowed her head, her horn touching Twilight’s. She felt a strange tingling as the Princess rubbed her head against hers. Their horns sparkled and Twilight felt a familiar surge of power rising within her. Luna’s mouth drew closer to Twilight’s. Effortlessly, she tore the slime off and reached up. Their lips locked and the entirety of Luna’s magic leapt between their tongues. But Twilight didn’t faint this time.

Instead she enveloped herself in a bubble of pure magic, a satisfied smile coming over her face. The changelings noticed something was off and rushed towards her, but they bounced off and were thrown back. The glow on Twilight’s horn intensified and the sphere grew. It freed both Luna from her goo and her friends from the changeling’s clutches. Luna took a few steps back as the five were sucked inside. They joined Twilight as she hovered up under the chapel ceiling.

Twilight opened her eyes and revealed them to be orbs of white light. Her friends swirled around her and with them inside, the orb rapidly began to take shape. Chrysalis turned around to see what the commotion was about and called out in horror.

“No... what are you doing? I demand that you cease this immediately!” she yelled in distress and fired a jet of green light against the bubble. The beam dissipated harmlessly around it and became nothing.

Twilight looked down at the queen. With an explosive force, the sphere expanded to cover the entire city in seconds. The changelings caught within the wave were violently ejected and rocketed skyward. They disappeared with a twinkle and were gone.

The bubble dispersed again and Twilight landed down on the chapel floor with buckling knees. The other five came to a rest around her as well. Luna approached with her usual sombre demeanour.

“Listen,” Twilight said and looked away. “I’m sorry... about everything, all right? I was just so angry that I couldn’t see your reason for leaving me that night.”

“We too must apologise,” Luna said mournfully and softened her expression. “When we returned from our expedition, we stopped only to inform our royal sister of the changelings before leaving for Ponyville. We were waylaid en route by what we assumed to be you. We wanted so desperately to tell you something that we didn’t notice it was a changeling.”

“Yes?” Twilight asked, her heart thumping and head drawing closer towards Luna.

“We are not sure how to say this.” Luna drew closer as well so that their heads were only inches apart.

“You know you can tell me anything.” Twilight’s eyes quivered and her breath came out in little puffs.

“We have been alone for too long and we have a bad habit of not considering other’s feelings.” Luna rubbed her arm with a hoof.

“Yes?”

“Is... is everything all right between us?” Luna asked.

“Oh come on!” Sweetie Belle shouted from the crowd. Scootaloo hastily ducked her back and Twilight realised for the first time how many observed them. Not just her friends or Celestia and Shining up on the altar, but seemingly all of Canterlot had turned up. Happiness filled her to the bursting point and she giggled.

“Luna, I don’t ever want there to be any doubt between us again. The changelings are hateful creatures that do not understand love. They fear it more than anything else in this world. The love between us had to have been true to defeat them and, you know... since a wedding has already been planned, maybe you would...”

Twilight’s voice trailed off and she blushed furiously. Luna picked up Twilight and embraced her tightly.

“YES TWILIGHT! WE WILL MARRY YOU!” Luna said ecstatically and threw Twilight over her shoulder.

Cheering erupted from the crowd and the ponies stamped on the floor. Luna released Twilight again and the two shared a heartfelt kiss.

“Oh no!” Rarity said despairing. Everypony turned to look at her shocked. “Now I need to make completely new dresses.” Laughter erupted. It was the final release they all needed and even Rarity, as stressed out as she looked, couldn’t help but join them nervously.

***

It was a nippy night and the last rays of Dash’s sonic rainboom still lingered in the sky. Twilight was dressed in a beautiful red dress with a laurel wreath on her head. She looked over the balustrade to the dance floor below her. A band was playing a slow song on a stage at the other end. The guests were dancing close together. Celestia appeared next to her and illuminated the ground around her.

“Thank you,” Twilight said and looked up at her mentor.

“Whatever for?” Celestia asked and smiled innocently.

“I can’t help but feel you’ve had a hoof in this the whole time.”

“I don’t know what you mean,” she replied teasingly and looked down at the dance floor. The song was over and the dancers clapped at the band.

“Was it really true what she said?” Twilight asked and followed Celestia’s gaze.

“History is written by the survivors, Twilight. What really happened all that time ago is anypony’s guess.”

“No I mean... are the elements really just junk?” she asked and looked up at the Princess. She gave a wry smile and looked the other way.

“We uhm... meant to tell you some day,” Celestia replied and covered her mouth.

Twilight shook her head. The band below vacated the stage and Pinkie Pie rolled a mixing console up instead, dragging out a blue-haired DJ from below. Shining Armour sat by himself near the scene and sipped unenthusiastically at his drink.

“I just feel so bad for Shining Armour. He really did love Luna, didn’t he?” Twilight asked with concern and observed him preparing to leave.

“He’s still young, Twilight. There’ll be plenty of other mares,” Celestia said and wrapped a wing around Twilight.

A much more upbeat song began to play which also reflected in the subsequent dancing. A pink unicorn went up on the stage levitating a microphone in front of her.

“Who’s that?” Twilight asked curiously and jumped to hang over the railing.

“I hope you don’t mind me inviting my grand cousin, Cadance. She has a truly wondrous singing voice.”

“Looks like Shining Armour doesn’t mind,” Twilight remarked. Shining stopped up at the sight of Cadance, his eyes glued to her slender frame. She began to sing and Shining sat back on his seat.

“Twilight, we like this song! Come show us how to dance to it!” Luna shouted from below and waved up.

“Looks like I’m needed. And once again, thank you so much.” Twilight embraced her teacher and then galloped down the stairs. Celestia followed her with a small chuckle.

***

Golden Oaks Library was cast in darkness as blinds had been drawn on all the windows. Luna sat on the ground floor with her head in her lap. A ray of light still found its way through a crack and shone a small stripe next to the Princess.

“Don’t you think it’s about time you opened the library again, dear sister?”

“We don’t feel like it,” Luna muttered through her hoofs.

“It’s been almost a week already.”

“We’ve always known this day would come, but we always hoped it would be the next day and then the day after that. We even tried to find a way to make her like us.”

The ray of light crawled up across Luna’s back and kissed her cheek. “Always remember the pleasure of gaining her but never forget the pain of losing her either. You meant something special to another pony in all of that pony’s life. I’m so very proud of you, little sister.”

Luna covered her face with an arm, but a tear still found a way through. “We’ll... we’ll open the library tomorrow. We just need one more day.”

Each day is grey and dreary
But the night is bright and cheery
When the Moon comes over the library
I'm alone with my memories of you