Blooming Days

"So that was... Interesting?" I really didn't know what to say. Springing my feelings on Starlight like that definitely hadn't been part of any plan. Initially, I was absolutely terrified the lilac mare was going to tear the door off of its hinges and chase me down like a madmare. Thankfully, Sunset and I had gotten far enough away from her room that that possibility had long passed. Now, it was just the golden mare and I, walking through the mostly empty halls of the castle in total silence. Well, "total" until I'd decided to break it.

...

My golden compatriot didn't say a word in response. I made a mental note that her head was hanging a bit lower than usual as we continued onwards. To where? I wasn't really sure, but I'd worry about that later. Right now, I was much more worried about her.

"Is everything okay, Sunset?" I lowered my head to be level with hers, trying my hardest to look her in the eye. Something was bothering her, that much was obvious.

It probably has to do with what Starlight said back in her room.

If she really was planning on working with the Nightmare at some point, then Sunset was right. In that case, we'd be the ones that would have to stop her. That obviously didn't sit well with me. Both Starlight working with an evil demon and having to fight her made me feel sick to my stomach. The same kind of thoughts had to be weighing heavily on Sunset, too.

"So you... you love Star?" she didn't turn to look at me. Her gaze was still locked on the carpet. She didn't sound herself. It was concerning.

...

On top of that, I wasn't expecting her to ask that. I lifted my head, looking forward again.

...

"I... I think so," I replied honestly, smiling a bit. "I think that's what I'm feeling. I've never really been in love with someone before, so I can't be sure... but I don't think it can be anything else."

...

...

...

"I see."

Honestly, I was exceptionally lucky. Sunset was my best friend. If anyone could help me sort through the more complex feelings I was experiencing at the moment, it was her.

"Have you ever been in love with someone, Sunset?" I asked as we rounded a corner. In a few minutes, we'd be in the main hall.

"...I have," she lifted her head. "Actually... I kinda still am," she smiled at me.

"OH! Is it someone I know!?" I nearly leapt at her answer.

If we both have a special somepony, we can totally go on double dates together!

...

Slow down, Twilight. You're getting a little ahead of yourself.

"I'll tell you about them sometime," she giggled at my enthusiasm. "For now, let's jus-"

Twilight?

I lifted a hoof, cutting Sunset off. Today had already been enough of a rollercoaster ride. I really didn't need any more unexpected plummets. Hopefully, my mistress had good news.

Yes... L-Luna?

I still wasn't used to calling her that yet.

Forgive me for bothering. I'm not interrupting anything, am I?

Of course not, Your- Luna! What did you need?

Are you busy at the moment, Twilight?

I looked at Sunset. She was watching me with curious eyes.

No. Not at the moment.

...

I can see you're with Sunset right now... I was hoping I could get all three of you at the same time, but Starlight is heading off castle grounds with Celestia's aide. That's fine. I suppose I can notify her through other means.

...

Can you ask Sunset if I may... relocate the two of you?

I looked at the golden mare once again. She was still waiting patiently, -- staring back at me -- but now there was a look of concern on her face.

Uhm... sure. I can do that.

"Hey, Sunset?" I spoke up. "Is it okay if we go see Princess Luna for a bit?"

"Sure," she nodded, -- still deeply concerned -- but not resisting whatsoever. "I don't have any plans."

She said it's fine, Luna.

Wonderful! I'll bring you over now.

In an explosion of navy blue mana, Sunset and I were instantly teleported before the Princess of the Night.

The dining hall?

My mentor was sitting at her usual spot at the table, her horn still glowing with energy. She had both a parchment and a teacup held in her telekinesis. She looked a bit overwhelmed, her mane a little scruffy. Her appearance brightened several shades at our arrival as she smiled our way.

"Good evening, Twilight. And you as well, Sunset."

"Your Highness," Sunset bowed her head.

"Your Highness..." I trotted to my seat next to her. Resting on the table were a teapot, three cups, and a bowl filled with cubes of sugar. There was a whole mess of papers spread around the table as well. None of that really concerned me at the moment, though. "Is everything okay?" I could only hope.

"Everything is fine, dearest," she slid my chair out with her telekinesis, patting it gently with a hoof. "There's something I wish to discuss," she turned to face Sunset, using her telekinesis to slide her chair out as well. "and... honestly, I was feeling a tad regretful that we had to cancel our dinner plans together, so I was hoping you could join me for some tea."

"That sounds great, Princess!" Sunset agreed immediately as she took her seat. It was easy to see she'd done so with way more enthusiasm than necessary, but I was pretty jazzed to have a quiet cup of tea with my mistress as well, so I didn't think too much of it.

"Wonderful!" The alicorn was already pouring Sunset a cup and hovering it over to her. "And you, dearest? You'll join as well, will you not?"

I couldn't be absolutely certain, but the slight pout she gave me had to have been an attempt at manipulation. There was no need for it, though, and I knew she knew that. I'd never disappoint her.

Not on purpose, at least.

"Of course I will," I plopped down onto my seat. "Is it Chamomile?"

"Indeed," my mistress served some for me as well. "Am I to take it from your chipper demeanor that things went smoothly with Starlight?" she asked, placing my cup on the table in front of me.

"I..." I blushed, looking at Sunset. She was already taking a sip of her drink. "I guess you could say that." I took a drink from my own cup. It was warm, soothing, and had the delicious scent of apples and flowers.

Things had gone well.

Or, at least... as well as I could've hoped.

"She forgave you!?" The Night Princess lit up like a Hearth's Warming tree.

"Well..." my head lowered of its own accord.

"Noooot exactly," Sunset giggled, drawing my mistress' attention.

"She... did not?" My mentor was clearly confused, looking between the two of us rapidly.

"She didn't," I confessed with a playful smile. My mistress seemed none too pleased by my answer, so I continued. "but... honestly... I think it's probably better that she decided not to."

"You think..." Luna was completely dumbfounded by my statement.

"Let's just say... they managed to work something out in their own way." Sunset was getting a kick out of all of this. She wasn't wrong though.

"That's... good?" My mentor looked at me, hopeful. "Tis good, is it not?"

"It is," I nodded, staring down at my tea. "It's very good."

"Then I'm glad," she visibly relaxed, taking a sip of her own tea before returning to her work. "Well, then... I suppose my news won't be as jarring as I thought."

"News, Your Highness?" Sunset lifted a pair of sugar cubes with her magic and carefully placed them into her cup.

"Mmm," the Moon Princess finished drinking before speaking. "The reason I summoned you here was to... retract the free time my sister gave the three of you."

"WHAT!?" I nearly jumped off of my chair. That was not what I wanted to hear.

"Why am I not surprised?" Sunset simply smirked as she carefully stirred her tea.

"Tis truly unfortunate," Luna placed a hoof on my shoulder. "but I am inclined to agree with her. Tis a necessary sacrifice."

I was really looking forward to it. I frowned. It wasn't because I was lazy or anything like that. No. I'd fallen behind on some of my studies. And I wanted...

...

I wanted to spend some more leisure time with Sunset and Starlight. I sighed.

"If you think it's necessary, Luna," I relented without a fight. "So what do you need us to do?"

"Ah, but that is the fun part!" she was glowing again. She downed the rest of her tea in a second before organizing her papers and then setting them to the side. "As I'm certain we can all agree, the primary threat against Equestria is currently the curses, yes?"

Sunset and I looked at one another for a second before nodding our heads in agreement.

"Good," my mistress smiled. "And you're both also aware that the most effective countermeasures to those... abominations are the Elements of Harmony?"

We both nodded again.

"They are the ones who ran off the Unknown," Sunset added further insight. "I think I might see where you're going with this, Princess," the golden mare grinned.

"So very perceptive." Luna grinned back, clopping her hooves together in genuine applause.

I was still lost.

No... that's not it.

I had an idea, obviously. I just didn't want it to be true. My demeanor must've reflected that fact because both Luna and Sunset's good moods began to falter when they noticed me.

"What's wrong, dearest?" Luna's concern was palpable.

"Just..." I sighed.

...

"Just to be sure... you want us to do something with them... don't you?" I had to be sure.

"That... is the plan, yes." Luna looked at Sunset, hoping she might get some answers as to why I'd groaned and flung my forehead onto the table. "...Perhaps you can help me understand what the issue is, Sunset?"

I turned my head to the side. She was looking directly at me with a compassionate expression on her face. It was evident she was asking for my permission to speak without saying a word. I was so very grateful to her for that.

Goodness, Sunset... maybe you weren't actually lying back then. I felt my heart beat just a little bit faster.

I smiled back at her, letting her know I was fine with it. She shrugged, still smiling all the while.

"You see Your Highness... Twilight kind of..." she chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of her head with a hoof. "Twilight got into an... altercation with the Elements on the way to the Crystal Empire."

"An... altercation?" The Princess of the Night lifted an eyebrow, staring down at me.

"And that's only what you're aware of, Sunset," I groaned again, covering my head with my forelegs and planting my face directly into the table.

"There's MORE!?" Sunset was genuinely surprised by that revelation, her hooves slamming on the table as she stood up.

"UGHHHH!" I tried my best to meld my face with the table. "Yes, there's more."

"Dearest?"

I didn't want to say it, but I wouldn't keep anything from her.

Or even Sunset...

I can trust her, too.

"Soooo..." I didn't lift my head. I didn't even move my forelegs, speaking directly into the table. "I may have... roughed Trixie up a bit... at the reception."

"You..." My mistress was dumbfounded once again. "You roughed her up?"

"I-"

Sunset laughed, instantly drawing my ire. As soon as I saw her face in her hoof, I knew it wasn't an action intended to ridicule me.

"Rainbow Dash wasn't there, was she?" the golden unicorn asked.

"No," I replied quickly. "It was just Trixie, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie."

"Thank Celestia," the golden unicorn breathed a sigh of relief. "Then it should be fine. Those girls are some of the kindest mares you'll meet in your life, Twilight," she smiled warmly at me. "They won't hold it against you. Trust me."

"I know, I know... it's just-"

"You're doubting yourself again," my mistress interjected, drawing my stunned gaze. "That's it, isn't it, Twilight?"

"It..." My head fell once again.

...

"May I offer you some advice, dearest?"

"Of course, Your- Luna," I kept my head down.

"Look at what happened with Starlight," she stated firmly. I had to raise my head after she said that.

"With... Starlight?" I asked, confused.

"Yes. Starlight." She smiled, cupping my cheek with a hoof. "You did wrong by her as well, did you not? And you were so very worried about speaking with her. But look at how well things turned out."

That's...

"That's true," I conceded.

If I could get into a literal brawl with Sunset and stab Starlight in the back and they'd still talk with me, then surely Trixie and the rest of the girls...

...

I should probably just stop being so aggressive.

"You should probably just stop being so aggressive, Twilight," Sunset smirked my way before downing the last remnants of her tea. I stared at her, my eyes open wide. "What?" she asked calmly, a look of confusion on her face.

"Did you get mind reading powers with your new abilities, too?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Uhm, no?" she chuckled, pouring herself some more tea. "At least, I don't think so? Honestly, you're just really easy to read sometimes, Twilight. You've always worn your heart on your sleeve."

...

"Am I really that easy to see through?" I hid my head underneath my hooves again.

"You are, dearest," my mentor's brutal honesty drew another pained groan from me. "But... I think that's one of the things that makes you so very adorable." My cheeks heated up. "Wouldn't you agree, Sunset?"

"Oh yeah," she answered without hesitation. "Suuuuper cute."

My cheeks were on fire.

"A-anyway... what were we supposed to do, Your Highness?" I rebelled with a pout of my own. The Princess of the Night giggled heartily.

"Very well. Back to business," she lifted one of the papers and began scrawling on it. "The three of you will be joining the Elements of Harmony in their hometown."

Their... hometown?

"You mean Ponyville?" Sunset asked, though it was almost more of a statement.

"That is correct," Luna confirmed with a dip of her head.

"What for?" I wanted to know what our objective was going to be, not just where we were supposed to be going.

"First and foremost," the alicorn continued to write. "Celestia and I want you three to have fun."

Fun?

"How is having fun supposed to help us with our fight against the curses?" I spoke out loud, but I wasn't actually asking either of them. I was simply trying to figure it out myself.

"I believe Sunset can answer that question," my mentor continued to focus on her document. I looked the golden mare's way.

"Well..." she placed a hoof on her chin, thinking deeply. "If it's fun with the Elements, then that makes a lot of sense. I definitely wouldn't have been able to stop Chrysalis and the Unknown without their help. And technically, we didn't even defeat the Unknown. He just ran away," she looked up at me. "Fostering better relationships with the most powerful allies we have sounds like a great idea to me."

"That's... true." I couldn't really argue with that logic.

...

...

...

We were silent for a while, the only sounds in the hall the scratching of my mentor's quill against the parchment and the beautiful chime of her magic. As her writing finally came to an end, Luna lowered her quill and rolled up the paper. All of the paperwork disappeared in a flash of navy blue magic.

"Y'know..." Sunset decided to speak up first. "Before all this friendship stuff, I'd have thought having "fun" would be a cakewalk of a task..." she let out a swift breath, shaking her head. "I guess what I'm trying to say is I'll do my best, Your Highness."

"I'm glad to hear it," the dark alicorn smiled. "And you, Twilight? Will you be undertaking this mission as well?"

"You know I will, Luna," I stared at my teacup.

"Wonderful!" she stood to her hooves. "Now then, I must take my leave. I still have much work to do. Thank you both for joining me for a moment..." she walked towards a pair of the doors to leave the hall. She paused, not turning to face us. "And thank you for helping Tia and I... You will never know just how much it means to both of us."

"Always, Your Highness," I bowed my head.

"Y-yeah. We'll do anything we can, Your Highness," Sunset agreed, though she sounded a little more... concerned than I thought she would.

"That is good to hear, girls... AH! And one last thing..." she turned her head to face us, a sly grin on her lips. "You'll be taking the train with the Elements to Ponyville."

"That's fine," Sunset smiled.

...

"Wait, but isn't that..." she bit her lip.

Ugh... Luuuuna...

"Yes it is, Sunset," the Night Princess giggled. "Tomorrow morning." The golden mare groaned, her face slamming against the table much like mine had. Luna opened the doors to the hall. "Have a splendid night you two. And good luck!"