Eclipsed Truth

Title: Eclipsed Truth
Chapter 5: Family Answers the Call

The Crystal Empire – Cadance’s Decision

The Crystal Palace was quiet in the late evening, bathed in the gentle glow of the aurora that shimmered over the empire. Princess Cadance sat in her study, her eyes scanning the letter she had just received from Celestia.

Her hooves trembled slightly as she lowered the parchment. A long-lost daughter… trapped in Tartarus for a thousand years.

She couldn’t begin to imagine what that must have been like.

Taking a deep breath, she turned toward her husband, Prince Shining Armor, who had just entered the room after putting Flurry Heart to bed.

“You look troubled,” he noted, immediately picking up on her mood. “What’s wrong?”

Cadance floated the letter over to him. “Read this.”

As his eyes moved over the words, his expression darkened. “Sweet Celestia… This is…” He sat down heavily. “I don’t even know what to say.”

Cadance sighed. “I don’t either. But I do know what I have to do.” She placed a hoof on the letter. “Luna and Celestia are caring for Eclipse, but she’s been through so much. She needs support—not just from her mother, but from her entire family.”

Shining Armor frowned slightly. “You’re going to Canterlot, then?”

She nodded. “I have to. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I stayed here, knowing what Luna’s going through.”

Shining thought for a moment before nodding firmly. “Then I’ll go with you.”

Cadance blinked. “Shining—”

“You’re not facing this alone,” he said, his tone unwavering. “And besides… if Eclipse is anything like Flurry, she’s going to need both kindness and protection.”

Cadance gave him a small smile, her heart warming despite the weight of the situation. She leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. “Thank you.”

“We’ll leave first thing in the morning,” Shining said. “Eclipse is family now, and we’ll make sure she knows it.”

Cadance nodded, but even as she prepared for the journey ahead, her thoughts kept drifting to Canterlot—to the fragile, broken mare she had yet to meet.

Canterlot – The First Steps of Healing

The Royal Chambers had been turned into a sanctuary. Soft silken sheets, enchanted warmth to ward off the chill of Eclipse’s weakened body, and dim, soothing lights illuminated the grand yet cozy bedroom.

At the heart of it all, nestled between blankets, Eclipse lay still in deep slumber.

Luna sat beside her, gently running a hoof through her daughter’s mane. It was still weak and brittle from centuries of malnourishment, but small traces of its former ethereal beauty had begun to return. Streaks of shimmering silver flickered amidst the dull strands, a sign that her strength—however slowly—was beginning to recover.

Luna smiled softly.

Her child was regaining something.

It was the first victory in what would surely be a long road.

Celestia entered the room quietly, carrying a tray of warm broth. “Has she stirred at all?” she asked gently.

“Not yet,” Luna murmured. “But her breathing is steadier. Her mane… it’s changing.”

Celestia smiled. “That’s a good sign.” She placed the tray on the bedside table before settling on the other side of Eclipse.

Luna sighed, lowering her head close to Eclipse’s, her voice barely above a whisper. “How much have you suffered, my little star?”

Celestia draped a wing over her sister. “She’s here now, Luna. And she’s not alone anymore.”

For a moment, neither spoke. They simply watched over Eclipse together, offering the presence she had been denied for so long.

Luna knew there would be challenges ahead. Nightmares. Trauma. Pain.

But for now?

Her daughter was home.

And that was enough.

To Be Continued…