Eclipsed Truth

Title: Eclipsed Truth
Chapter 71: The Weight of Immortality

A Discovery That Shakes Eclipse

The days after the wedding were filled with joy, love, and peace—a rare and precious thing in Eclipse’s life. She and Vinyl spent their time together, finally free to enjoy their newlywed bliss without war, destruction, or old enemies lurking in the shadows.

But late one evening, Eclipse sat in the royal library, surrounded by stacks of books about alicorns and their nature. She had been reading about the history of immortal beings, wanting to learn more about what it truly meant to be one.

And that’s when she found it.

A passage stood out to her, burning itself into her mind:

"Alicorns, unlike mortals, are bound to eternity. They do not age past maturity, nor do they succumb to the ailments of time. However, those they love—their friends, their family, and even their soulmates—will one day return to the stars, leaving them behind."

Eclipse’s hooves trembled as she read those words over and over.

Vinyl… would grow old.

Vinyl… would die.

And Eclipse? She would remain. Frozen in time. Alone.

A shiver ran down her spine. She had spent her entire life fighting against enemies, struggling for survival, but never once had she considered the inevitability of time itself.

Her mind raced. She needed to talk to someone—someone who would understand.

Seeking Chrysalis’s Wisdom

Eclipse hurried through the halls of Canterlot, her wings tucked tightly against her sides. She needed answers, guidance—anything to ease the ache growing in her chest.

She found Chrysalis standing on the castle balcony, overlooking the glowing city below. Silver Tart was in the training grounds below, practicing swordplay with the guards.

Eclipse took a deep breath and approached.

"Aunt Chrysalis," Eclipse said, her voice quieter than usual.

Chrysalis turned, raising a brow. "What is it, Eclipse? You look troubled."

Eclipse hesitated before holding up the book she had been reading. "I… I realized something today. Vinyl is mortal. And I’m not."

Chrysalis’s expression shifted slightly, but she said nothing.

Eclipse continued, voice barely above a whisper. "One day, she’s going to grow old, and I’ll stay the same. She’ll… she’ll leave me behind. And I don’t know how to live with that."

Chrysalis studied her for a moment before glancing down at Silver Tart, who was laughing as he dodged a slow swing from a guard.

“…I see,” Chrysalis finally said. "You realized the curse of immortality."

Eclipse swallowed hard. "How do you do it? How do you… love somepony, knowing they’ll leave you one day?"

Chrysalis sighed, turning her gaze back to Eclipse. "It isn’t easy. Every day, I think about it. Every time I see Silver smile, every time I watch him sleep, I wonder how much time we have left before he fades, and I remain."

Eclipse’s ears flattened. "Then… how do you keep going?"

Chrysalis smirked, though there was a trace of sadness behind it. "Because it’s worth it. Because even if our time is limited, it doesn’t make our love any less real. If anything… it makes it more precious."

Eclipse looked down at her hooves, her heart heavy. "But what if I can’t handle it? What if—what if the pain is too much?"

Chrysalis placed a hoof under Eclipse’s chin, tilting her head up.

"Then you have to decide something, Eclipse," she said seriously. "Do you let fear of the future steal the joy of the present? Or do you cherish every moment, knowing that it won’t last forever?"

Eclipse swallowed hard, her chest tightening.

Chrysalis smirked again. "If you’re truly desperate, you could always try to find a way to make her immortal."

Eclipse’s eyes widened. "Is… is that even possible?"

Chrysalis shrugged. "Alicorn ascension is rare, but not impossible. However, it’s not something you can just force. It has to be earned."

Eclipse’s mind swirled with possibilities, but she wasn’t sure if that was the right path for Vinyl.

Before she could dwell on it further, Chrysalis spoke again.

"Or you could just stop overthinking and go cuddle your wife while you still can."

Eclipse blinked, startled by how simple and yet… true those words were.

“…Thanks, Aunt Chrysalis.”

Chrysalis rolled her eyes. "Don’t get sappy on me."

A Night of Holding On

Later that night, Eclipse returned to their shared chambers, finding Vinyl already asleep in their bed, her white fur glowing softly in the moonlight.

Eclipse stood there for a long moment, just watching her. Taking in every detail—the way her chest rose and fell, the way her mane curled slightly at the edges, the peaceful look on her face.

Slowly, Eclipse slid into bed beside her, wrapping her hooves around her wife and pulling her close. Vinyl instinctively nuzzled into Eclipse’s chest, sighing contentedly in her sleep.

Eclipse buried her face in Vinyl’s mane, whispering softly, "I love you. And I’m going to cherish every moment we have."

For now, she wouldn’t think about the distant future.

For now, she would hold onto the love she had.

To Be Continued…