Chapter Sixteen: Bed of Pink

Canterlot Palace

That very same morning when everything changed for the griffins, a peaceful, loving dawn graced ponykind, courtesy of Celestia. On this morning full of surprises, more than just Celestia’s magic appeared to be at work for ponykind. Some would say Princess Mi Amore Cadenza was at work in the land as well, for love lingered in the air. Simple, joyful love that knew no bounds. It brought peace to those who shared it despite the hard times ahead. Two ponies in particular lay in a special kind of peace in each others hooves. One pink and the other purple.

Twilight awakened to the warmest most cuddly morning she had ever experienced. It felt like she had all her blankets magically heated, giving her warm fuzzy love. Whatever this was, it was absolutely heavenly. A comfy bed, the warmest of blankets and feathery pillows... this was truly a wonderful feeling for Twilight. It felt better than Hearth’s Warming morning, with the warm fuzzes thrown in and everything. She wanted to bask in this wonderful feeling for all eternity if she could.

Something against her moved. It alerted Twilight, but didn’t deter her completely.

“Hi!” Came a cheerful, sweet voice.

“Hello, Pinkie...” Twilight mumbled sleepily.

Her eyes shot open. ‘Pinkie!?!’

Sure enough, Pinkie Pie lay there in the bed next to her with a big grin on her face. The two ponies were very close due to the intimate cuddle the party pony had her locked in. Twilight’s eyes were wide as the sleep all but faded from them. Her heart pounded, and she felt so powerless and yet, comforted all at once.

“You’re finally awake, Twilight!” Pinkie giggled and kissed her on the mouth, gently before pulling away. “Good morning!”

“W-what are you doing in my bed?” Twilight asked, completely lost and taken aback by the affectionate little lip lock.

“Silly, you asked me to sleep with you last night! So I did!” Pinkie told her.

Twilight went red. “I… I... sleep… with me?”

The grinning pony rolled them over slowly. She claimed top position and straddled the flushed bookworm with a cheeky, delighted look. “Ohhh…you must’ve been super duper tired and can’t remember! But it’s true! You were falling asleep, and asked if I could stay with you! So I did and I wanted to keep you all warm and toasty all night! You’re so cuddly, Twilight!” Pinkie giggled as she nuzzled the embarrassed mare.

Twilight felt her body tremble. She wasn’t sure what to make of Pinkie’s sporadic intrusion into her personal space, and yet, felt immense curiosity well up inside. What would happen if she kept allowing these actions? It was, after all, one of her first times ever sharing any sort of romantic moment with anypony.

“So here we are!” Pinkie ruffled her mane. She gazed happily down at the embarrassed librarian with a gleeful smile. She kissed her again, this time prolonging it.

Twilight didn’t resist, nor did she move at first. But just when she managed to apply pressure in return, there was an interruption.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Come in!” Twilight called softly, unsure of who their guest was.

Princess Luna’s head popped around from behind the door, only to spot the two mares cuddled up in bed, Pinkie Pie nestled happily on top. “I… Must go...” The alicorn of the night bolted out, as if in a panic.

“Silly Woona.” Pinkie giggled, “we weren’t doing anything dirty... yet. Now where is she going?” Pinkie wondered, sitting up. “That wasn’t nice! Why would you come in and then leave? Come on, Woonie...”

“...Woona? Woonie?” asked Twilight, at a loss over her companion’s silly names.

“Yes, silly, the Princess! Woona!” Pinkie exclaimed as if it were common knowledge.

It was a moment like this that Twilight knew all the more, she would never understand Pinkie Pie’s way of thinking. Yet, there was still something so adorable and quirky about it, the silly pony’s attitude was hard not to like. “...Right... well, we should get up and go get some breakfast, then.”

“Okey dokey lokie! Let’s go, Twilight!” The party pony pulled her companion out of bed, dragging her toward the bathroom suit with gusto.

With no other option, Twilight just allowed herself to be taken along for the ride. Despite that, even she couldn’t help but smile at Pinkie’s outgoing and cheerful ways. It really was just the medicine they needed in these tough times.

The party pony happily washed her silent companion. As Pinkie worked with her usual energy, Twilight’s mind wandered. It seemed the crazy pink pony really did like her. Seeing how they lay intwined in bed, it was no wonder Luna had left in a hurry earlier. The poor princess must have assumed the worst. She was brought out of her thoughts by the cheerful humming of her caregiver.

“Rub a dub dub dub, two fillies in a tub!” Pinkie giggled, then hummed a totally different tune in a seemly made up language. She continued to work with gusto upon her crush. With care, she rubbed the special purple coat down and couldn’t help but admire it the whole time. With a big, wide grin it was clear how much she enjoyed the moment.

Suddenly Pinkie Pie paused, “time to get you all nice and clean, Twi-Twi!”

“T-thank you, Pinkie. Would... do you now need me to wash you?” She asked tentatively.

Pinkie beamed and nodded. “Yes, pwease! Go ahead, Twilight!”

“Um… right. Uh… I’ve never done this before... so just let me know if I’m doing it right...” She started scrubbing slowly, using her magic to guide the scrubber along the back of her companion.

“Don’t worry, your auntie Pinkie is right here to help!” Pinkie giggled. “Oooh! That’s nice!” She giggled again, like a less than innocent school filly, as the scrubber reached her cutie mark.

Twilight smiled. Maybe she could get used to Pinkie... The mare under her care seemed to enjoy the activity a lot... Perhaps too much. The cleaning unicorn put it off as Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie. After all, they had a morning to start. Surely there were items on her list that required her attention.

“There. I think...” Twilight trailed off. She glanced along the pink mare’s body, doing her best to spot any remaining areas that needed a good clean.

“Thanks Twilight!” Pinkie bounded out of the tub. She plucked two towels off the rack and handed one to the quiet unicorn. “Maybe we can try the other areas next time.” She grinned. Her expression made it clear what she hoped those other places were.

“Other areas? What?” Twilight gave the cheeky earth pony a perplexed look.

“You know!” Pinkie giggled, enjoying herself in the moment.

“Not really...” Twilight admitted.

Pinkie spun around and planted her poofy tail in Twilight’s face. “What’s underneath!?!” She jumped away in hysterics.

Twilight wasn’t sure she wanted to answer that question. Yet, on some level, it did stir a strange rising heat from within as a shiver coursed up her spine. “Right... well… I guess next time we can try. H-how about we see how things go?”

The pink earth pony winked at the stuttering unicorn, then sat down on her haunches as she watched Twilight dry herself. As soon as the lavender unicorn was done, the puff ball was back at her side.

Pinkie put a hoof around her shoulders. “You know, that would call for a party.” She proceeded to bound out, heading to breakfast.

The two mares arrived for breakfast to find Celestia and the others already there. The only ponies who happened to be missing were Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Princess Luna.

“Morning girls, slept well I take it.” Rarity asked keenly.

Twilight blushed. “We weren’t doing what you’re thinking!”

“An’ what exactly do ya’ suppose we wa thinking there, gal.” The farmer shot the fashion artist an annoyed look. “Not all of us have a dirty mind, Rarity. You’re th’ one who was with Spike all night.” Her voice trailed off with a hint of venom in it.

A look of pure “Oh crap” overcame Twilight’s face.

“Hee hee! You girls are so silly!” Pinkie giggled, coming behind Twilight. She brought her forelegs around the unicorn’s neck and nestled her head on top, a massive grin etched across her face.

“Has Fluttershy come out of Rainbow’s room? Did you hear anything?” Twilight queried as she snuggled back against Pinkie. She wasn’t sure why, but the sweet embrace of her friend was strangely very warming and comforting, to the point that she just didn’t want her to let her go. It felt nice to know somepony who was willing to establish comforting physical contact when you needed it.

Rarity shook her head, looking grim. “I’m afraid not, dear. The last anypony has heard of them was when you saw them yesterday. I absolutely must bring her to my suite and make sure she gets a proper bath and grooming. The Princess had also decided to have a bed placed in Rainbow’s room so that Fluttershy will be able to sleep comfortably and not leave her side.”

Celestia nodded in agreement. “Staff continue to keep a close eye on them. Although Rainbow Dash’s condition is still unclear, her wounds are healing well.”

“And this coma?” Twilight asked.

“The doctor cannot guess when she will come out. But you all are welcome to see them both today.”

“Yay!” Pinkie cheered.

After breakfast, just as planned, Twilight and the group headed to the hospital wing of the castle. It didn’t take long to find Rainbow’s room, nor did they have a problem being allowed in.

When the group entered in, however, Fluttershy looked awful.

The normally bright and sunny creamy yellow pegasus looked shockingly downtrodden and ill-rested. It was like she had barely slept a wink the night before when her friends had enjoyed their own peaceful slumbers. Her mane was limp and even a bit messy, the feathers on her wings were ruffled and in need of preening, and her coat even seemed to have lost much of its lustre. The shy pony was slowly grooming a cyan wing, taking all the care in the world to make sure the feathers were all in line. It was as if everything she lived for, had passed on and the lonely mare wanted to follower after her lover.

When Fluttershy turned her head, her friends could tell she was troubled, despite this, she tried to smile nonetheless. “...Hello, Twilight. How are you girls doing?”

“I thought you said she didn’t look this bad.” The fashionista furiously whispered to her fellow unicorn.

“She didn’t…” replied a rather stumped Twilight in the quietest whisper she could manage.

However, everypony appeared to have heard the murmured exchange and an awkward silence took over for the moment.

Twilight decided to take charge and slowly approached the two shattered ponies before her. “I’m…fine…” she trailed off.

“Are you alright, darling!?!” cut in a rather shocked Rarity.

“I’m… I’m fine,” quietly replied Fluttershy as she turned her head away in shame. She knew her condition must look bad, but right now, the only thing that really mattered was the pony beside her.

“No yer not,” stated Applejack. “What’s wrong sugarcube? Please tell us. Ah don’t want to separate you from Dash here.”

The yellow pegasus let out a sigh. “I-I nightmares.” She squeezed her eyes shut tight. “I had a nightmare about griffins attacking us.” A sob escaped as she attempted to continue. “A-and Dashie didn’t make it.”

At this, her friends rushed to her side. Each pony did their best to comfort the wrecked pegasus.

“Dont’ worry, darling. We’re here for you,” comforted Rarity.

“Yea. Don’ you worry yer head about it, Fluttershy. Ah’m sure RD will be jus’ fine,” added Applejack.

“The Princess also said she is doing well,” added Twilight.

“Yea. Please perk up. I can’t stand a sad face.” Pinkie Pie did her best to smile an infectious smile.

“Thanks, girls,” the shy mare quietly thanked her friends. Their support had already done a great deal toward lifting her spirits out of the dumps. Now all she felt was the need for her fillyfriend to wake.

The small group of colourful ponies pulled away to give the shy mare her space in the already confined hospital ward.

“That’s what friends are for, right?” grinned the less than poofy, pink party pony.

“I guess,” Fluttershy responded with a slight smile of her own.

“How about we take care of Rainbow Dash for a moment while you take some time out to look after yourself, dear?” Rarity asked as she rubbed the back of the messed up pegasus.

“I… I don’t think I could leave her.” Eyes of love gazed at her heart’s delight.

“If you don’t, I will take care of you myself,” threatened Rarity. “Your mane is a tragedy and I’m sure you are in need of a shower.”

The pegasus at Dash’s side took a moment to glance at herself. Fluttershy noticed that she did indeed look as terrible as her she thought. A sigh escaped. “You’re right…”

“Don’t worry, Fluttershy. We will be sure to look after her while you’re getting cleaned up. Go on… we’re all here for the both of you.” Twilight encouraged from the foot of the double bed.

“Besides, you want to look your best for your special somepony when she wakes, don’t you?” Rarity chimed in again, motioning at the cyan form who lay as if sleeping.

Fluttershy nodded. After all, what would Dash think if she awoke to find her fillyfriend in worse condition than herself. She knew that would not go down well. Her ever loyal fillyfriend would want want-no demand she took care of herself.

The shy pony slowly rose from the bed and stretched. She hopped down and offered a hug of thanks to her supportive companions.

“Yay! Free hugs for everypony!” cried Pinkie Pie as she leapt to help form a group hug.

A fuzzy warm feeling entered the cold hospital atmosphere. It pushed out the the fear of Dash’s passing and calmed Fluttershy’s roughed up nerves. Although the tired mare wasn’t sure she was ready to leave her mate’s side, it was clear she had no choice. After all, this was the last day she had with the group as a whole before they went in search of the first of the griffin talismans.

Rarity accompanied the distraught pegasus as she left the hospital ward. The fashion artist was determined to see to it that Fluttershy would become presentable once more. With her charge in tow, she strode along the mighty hallways of Canterlot’s palace. First things first, she had to guide Fluttershy to her room to be groomed and cared for.

To think that her very best friend, her beloved, had nearly died trying to protect her. The scary prospect was all too much for Fluttershy.

As the refreshed and showed mare walked along beside one of her best friends, her mind unwillfully wandered. She wanted, no needed to get back to Rainbow’s side immediately. What if Dash woke up? What if she passed on? What if she were forever scarred inside? All these scenarios ran rampant in her head. She picked up the pace, and caused Rarity to hasten too in order to continue her role as guide.

The two quickly reached the now sparsely decorated breakfast table. There was one pony present, Princess Luna, who was quickly wolfing down her meal as if she had to be someplace twenty minutes ago.

“Princess Luna!” Rarity exclaimed, surprised. “...Are you all right?”

“We are fine.” The curt response cut through the air, as the alicorn continued her meal.

“Um… d-don’t mind us… I’m just getting something to eat… We… we won’t… bother you… your Highness...” Fluttershy managed in a shaky voice. “I have to get back to Rainbow soon, anyway...”

“It’s alright.” Luna sighed, almost faceplanting into her nearly finished meal. “We must attend to our duties now. We bid thee a good day.” Without another word she extracted herself from the table and walked off, rather stiff lipped, as if trying to contain an inner tornado of emotion.

Rarity watched her go, utterly perplexed. “It seems to me that she must have a problem going on… she seems quite upset and tense all of a sudden.”

Fluttershy giggled softly. “That sort of reminded me of... well me... when I thought Comet was dating Rainbow back at school.”

“Is that so?” Rarity looked at her friend curiously, a small smile stretching at her lips. “Hmm… I suppose it could be something of that calibre, then. After all, I have seen that look within many ponies!”

Without furthering the speculative conversation, Fluttershy took her seat at the table. After a few dainty bites she began digging in. The meal was AMAZING! She could feel its impact upon her system almost instantaneously as she quenched her hunger. It made the measly hospital meal the night before seem terrible and tiny in comparison. Eventually, she was devouring it at a rapid speed, uncaring of the impact upon her freshly washed coat. Speed was the goal and she was drawn on by one of the most astounding meals she had ever had.

The regal unicorn watched with wide eyes, utterly disgusted. “Fluttershy, really! You’re eating like Rainbow Dash! Slow down! It’s not going anywhere!”

“No... maybe not... But I do need to get back to Rainbow Dash...” The refreshed pegasus managed as she continued to eat at speed.

“Slow down, dear,” Rarity chided. “You’re going to make yourself sick.”

The yellow mare blushed, hiding behind a hoof, “sorry...” she murmured. She realised just how bad the sight must have been for her companion and mumbled a further “sorry…” under her breath.

The unicorn spotted her companion’s blush and took a slow breath that ended in a sigh. “It’s okay, dear. Just please... slow down for the rest of your meal.”

Fluttershy nodded solemnly and took a few last bites before she pushed her plate away, suddenly done with food. “P-please... Um... if you could be so kind as to show me back. I really do need to be at her side.”

“Of course, dear. Let me lead the way and we shall be back with the other girls before you know it.”

“Thank you, Rarity…” Fluttershy smiled shyly.

“You’re most welcome, young mare,” the posh unicorn replied with a smile. “Let’s get you back to your beloved.”

The pair made their way back to the hospital wing, where they rejoined the others who had waited patiently around the double bed.

The three other bedridden ponies in the ward were also awake at this point and smiled at the shy mare as she made her way in. It seemed everypony was happy to see her looking better.

“Hello, miss Fluttershy,” greeted Greymane. “It’s nice to see you looking better.”

“Ah’ll second that,” added Applejack.

“We’ve been watching over Rainbow Dash while you were away.” Twilight motioned to the comatose pegasus. “You haven’t missed anything.”

“Thank you.” Fluttershy smiled at her friends. Her gaze wandered nervously between the floor and their faces.

The small group of friends stood back to allow the timid mare easy access to her lover’s side. Fluttershy slowly made her way up onto the bed and lay close to her beloved, on her stomach. “Hello, my love...I’m back...I’m sorry to have left you. But I’m all right now, see? I’m all clean and I had something to eat...” She held the cyan hoof, gently rubbing her cheek against it. “I hope you didn’t miss me too much. But I’m here now... I’m back.”

“That’s soo cute!” Squeed Pinkie Pie as she leapt into the air. Streamers flew from her forelegs in her best attempt at dishing out some joy.

Fluttershy blushed and her mane fell acoros her face as the party pony grinned at the couple on the double hospital bed.

Pinkie nuzzled up to Twilight and lay a hoof over her shoulder. “Don’t they look so cute together?”

“They sure do,” agreed Applejack.

As Pinkie and Twilight scooted over and nestled together at left side of of the bed, the remaining earth pony couldn’t help but feel a little left out. The farmer kept her best happy face on as her gaze wandered between the two apparent couples in their small group. It seemed like everypony but her had found love. Even Rarity seemed to be leading Spike on a lot more than usual. At least, Applejack hoped her unicorn friend was just leading the young dragon on. But by now, she felt it would be no surprise if they were indeed more than what they appeared. If the dragon and his crush were together, her emerging crush upon the same mare would be sure to make her suffer.

The tough farmer zoned out as the other four began talking. The developing feelings for Rarity made her wonder. Had she really been uninterested in love untill now or was it her dedicated life on the farm that was to blame for never realising her feelings for Rarity? As her gaze continued to linger upon the alabaster unicorn, the left out earth pony began to wonder if she was now too late. Should she simply leave Spike and Rarity to each other? Or was it worth coming between them and potentially hurting everyone?

“....Fluttershy....” uttered the comatose pegasus.

Conversation in the room stopped. Applejack’s sappy train of thought derailed at high speed off a bridge and exploded somewhere below. All attention, even from the two other recovering parties in the room was now centred upon the pony who had spoken.

Aquamarine eyes lit up. “Rainbow!” Fluttershy scooted as close as she possibly could, almost sitting right over the inflicted mare.

Unfortunately, nothing further came from the bedridden daredevil. There was, however, slight movement from a blue left forehoof as it gently held her counterparts yellow one.

“Rainbow?” Fluttershy gently licked the cyan muzzle.

No response.

Fluttershy could feel her heart rate take a few steps up in speed. ‘Does this mean she’s almost ready to come back to me?’ She wondered, excited by the prospect.

“Does that mean I get to hold a party soon?” Excitement entered Pinkie Pie’s voice as she wondered aloud.

“Ah hope so, sugarcube,” replied Applejack with a smile.

“It would be wonderful to see her awake before we depart tomorrow,” added Rarity.

“The Princess needs to know about this,” stated a very hopeful sounding Twilight.

“Go on then, Twilight. We can keep Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash company while you report to her,” offered Rarity.

The Princess’s student didn’t need to be told twice and exited the room with a delighted stride.

Future Princess, Twilight Sparkle entered the throne room where she found Princess Luna sitting in place of Celestia. The occurrence from earlier that morning returned to Twilight’s mind, and she wondered what to expect. Would Luna be mad? Sad? Or pretend it didn’t happen?

“Um...Princess Luna...?”

“Hello, Twilight Sparkle.” The dead tone of the alicorn sounded out softly. Luna stared blankly down the long room as if the single mare was not there.

“Um....hello....” Twilight rubbed her foreleg nervously. Now what to do? “So...nice weather we’re having, huh? Yeah! Very nice day! Mmm-hmm!”

“Yes... loverly if I still had somepony to share the view with...” Luna bitterly trailed off.

“...Well, if you want somepony to share it with, I wouldn’t mind sitting with you,” Twilight offered, smiling nervously.

“Somepony special... However it seems we are too late, once again.” The lonely alicorn trailed off into sadness. Her view wistfully stitched to one of the nearby panes of glass to her left.

“...Too late? What do you mean?”

“We saw thee with thy marefriend, Twilight Sparkle. We-we...I understand… Nopony ever could love Nightmare Moon...” A tear hit the floor as the words hit Twilight’s ears.

“Princess Luna, I… oh...” Twilight cantered over to the lonesome pony and awkwardly put a hoof around the larger mare’s shoulders. “Princess, last night, I was apparently out of it due to being so tired and I apparently asked Pinkie Pie to stay with me for the night. Companionship, I guess.... And she was with me when I woke up. I swear, nothing happened.” Twilight caught herself before she trailed off into stuttering. “And that’s just silly, Luna… you’re a wonderful pony. You’re not Nightmare Moon anymore. You’re you, Luna, the Princess of the Night.”

A loud sniff rang out across the room as the princess did her best to contain her sorrow. “Yes... and so few enjoy my night...”

“Are you kidding? Times have changed! There are so many ponies who are awake for the night! Night jobs, night clubs, all kinds of nighttime activities occur all across Equestria! Everypony has an appreciation for night time, Princess… Especially me,” Twilight assured her.

A cheeky smile formed across the larger mare’s face. “Well I guess... most ponies do take to lovemaking under our night,” Luna tentatively glanced across to her crush.

“Well, yeah, I guess they would.” Twilight shrugged a bit. “And let’s not forget astronomy! So many ponies out there love to sit there with their telescopes and study the stars and all the distant planets! That’s by far one of the best aspects of the night!”

“...Like you...” The publicly shy alicorn smiled at the young unicorn by her side. She restrained her desire to envelop the lavender mare in a winged hug.

Twilight giggled and nodded, “Guilty as charged! I do that a lot! I’ve loved it, ever since I got my first telescope as a filly!”

“We have seen you many a night. Thou looks amazing, sitting there, shining in my moonlight, gazing up at our sky.” Night blue wings began to peak outwards.

Twilight glanced away bashfully, a blush across her deep purple muzzle. “You’re really sweet to say that, Princess... I do really enjoy the night. I’ve studied the constellations of the stars for years… and it’s all so fascinating. And well, ever since you were saved… I think the nighttime is a lot more beautiful and enchanting than it ever was. I think a lot of ponies agree.”

Luna almost cried out in happiness at the unexpected compliments. All she could wish for now was to wrap the mare next to her up in a big hug and take her flying into the night sky. Even though it was only the middle of the day, barely reaching the afternoon.

Twilight however, answered that wish for her with a warm hug.

The alicorn of the night hugged back, her wings slowly unfurled and found their places upon the soft lavender coat of the pony she knew she would never be able to call her own. Although she knew the annoying, pink party pony had already won Twilight’s heart, Luna was delighted in the contact she currently shared. She wished it could last forever, or at least for the rest of the day. As the mighty alicorn gave into her desires, salty tears of joy and sadness leaked from her eyes and fell upon the mane of the pony she was hugging.

A warm feeling encased Twilight as she reveled in the comfort of Luna’s embrace. She was warm and smelled like a beautiful spring night, with a tint of some wild flowers. She giggled and nuzzled the alicorn’s neck gently. Her heart pounded, muscles clenched and relaxed, and spine raked with shivers. Once again Twilight felt an immense heavenly comfort in being within somepony’s embrace that she liked. For some reason, being cuddled by Luna felt warmer than any blanket. She also felt a deep sense of security, just like the hugs she could remember from her parents when she was a filly.

A sad jolt zapped her heart as she realized she couldn’t possibly decide which hug she liked more. Pinkie’s or Luna’s. Both of them were wonderful, but it was hard to decide which one was better. Twilight wasn’t even sure it was a choice she could make.

Luna seemed to sense her indecisiveness and pulled away blushing. “We are sorry, Twilight.”

“No no, it’s okay, Luna... I was the one who hugged you first,” Twilight said sheepishly. “...You’re really cozy.”

“Thank’e kindly, Twilight. We...” The saddened alicorn rubbed her hoof against the back of her head, ruffling her light blue mane, unsure how to continue.

“You...what?” Twilight looked at her quizzically.

“We must bid thee good bye for now... We hope to know thy heart's desire soon.” The downhearted, but not defeated alicorn trotted off, her light night blue tail swayed from side to side enticingly as she wandered along. The way she did it, Twilight felt like the motions were on purpose as if to-

“...S-Sure....” Twilight felt a sudden rush of intense heat pool inside at the sight as the royal tail lifted ever so slightly as Luna left the room.

Twilight felt like an utter louse. It was all she could think about as she settled in the palace library, trying to make sense of everything.

While her friends had welcomed her back after she eventually found Celestia, Twilight could not rid herself of thoughts of what it would be like doing things with the princess of the night. All kinds of things. Everything from reading to romantic flights, providing Luna was strong enough to carry two ponies, to nocturnal activities for two.

Then there was Pinkie Pie. The party pony had somehow decorated the whole ward by her return. Streamers all the colours of the rainbow lined the walls while little balloons that spelt the words ‘get well soon’ hung above the bed. The party pony seemed to have clued onto the internal battle Twilight was faced with and did her best to help swing the battle in her own favour. While the group of friends spent their afternoon enjoying each other’s company, Pinkie had continued to stick close and offer all the warm, distracting fuzzes she could. No matter how hard Twilight tried, her wonderful, crazy companion never left her side.

She supposed they must have looked to all like the mirror image of Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. inseparable. She felt loved and cared for, just as Dash was sure to.

Now, that afternoon of friendship was over and the scholar was by herself. The cold had settled in for the night here in the library. The moon had done so too. Yet despite the chill and the lowering of the candle wick, the bookworm refused to leave.

She tried hard to read, but at every second, all that crossed her mind were the saddened looks on the faces of Princess Luna and Pinkie Pie.

'Very nice, Twilight Sparkle. You're a smart and studious unicorn, the personal student of Princess Celestia, you study friendship...and now this happens! Where did I go wrong? What do they see in me? In ME? All I seem to be doing is breaking their hearts. Especially Pinkie... All she's trying to do is be as sweet as can be, she's being Pinkie, just with an extra dose of all that lovey dovey aspect. And she KISSED me! ...And boy I liked it... Really liked it. I liked it so much that I almost just want to kiss her myself! But then there's Princess Luna... She's amazing, and such an interesting friend... And she's very warm...' A bubbly sensation passed though Twilight as she remembered the perfect sensation of warmth and safety that accompanied the touch of the princess.

“Oh, I can't choose!! I don't even know what to do!” Twilight yelled, her head fell upon the table with a loud thud. “...At least Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy have it easy…” she muttered.

At this point, despite the circumstantial tragedy, she couldn’t help but envy them. Even with, according to her friends, long before she moved to Ponyville herself, the uncertainty they’d had in how the other felt, there was definitely no uncertainty in the fact that they loved each other. No second guesses, no other parties, nothing.

By now Twilight wished she had that kind of luck. That sort of good fortune that would never come at the expenses of her friends. The future princess sighed. She felt defeated. It was impossible to decide on either mare, especially when both Luna and Pinkie were trying to help decide her too.

“Okay... let’s weigh the options! First, Pinkie. She can be random, silly, overbearing, frustrating, strange, talks in non-sequiturs, doesn’t pay attention sometimes, jumps around, has too much energy for me, and doesn’t always take things seriously,” she sighed, looking disgruntled. But she smiled a bit. “Then again, she’s very sweet, a good listener, always likes to make everypony happy, considerate, sensitive to other pony’s feelings, very insightful when she wants to be, helpful, caring... Yeah, she really is a great pony. The way she managed to handle my...well, sort-of-not-so-rejection was actually very mature, even if she was a bit upset. But I guess I can’t blame her for that, either. I know I would be! And she makes me laugh like nopony ever has. Her energy can be a good thing too I guess… Not to mention, the Cakes seem to see a lot in her, and she does excellent work at Sugarcube Corner. I love her baked goods! Mm-mm! I don’t know... I’d love to give her a chance, I would! But what about Princess Luna?” The young unicorn paused as she noted each point down on a handy piece of paper.

“Right, now Luna! Let’s see... Luna... Well she’s socially awkward like me. She shares my love for the night and stars, hay, she owns the night... but she’s immortal and I'm not. That’s definitely a downer… I mean, one day I’m going to get old… and then I’ll die… and she’ll still be alive and have to face going on, and even one day starting the process all over again, with the pain of losing her loved ones plaguing her. Where was I? Right! Well she’s really smart, knows where I’m coming from when I talk about all the interesting things I learned, and she’s curious like I am, so there’s that... Okay, okay, let’s be fair; cons. Again there’s the immortality issue, she’s a princess… Just like me now I guess. I live in Ponyville while she’s here, we won’t always have time to date, and… maybe we’re a little too alike.” This thought worried her a bit. “What if we end up getting bored? What if there’s no balance?”

Once more, Twilight let her head fall onto the table, this time on the open page of her book.

“How am I ever going to decide!?! They’re both great in their own ways and I really like both of them!”

The lone unicorn allowed silence to return to the library. Only the sound of one pony’s breathing continued to disrupt the otherwise perfect serenity of one of Twilight’s favorite places.

“Pinkie… She’d be a great fillyfriend. I hope she does find somepony... even if it’s not me… It would be nice if it were me… But why does that bother me so much? I just want her to be happy!”

The lavender unicorn sighed heavily, she stared blankly at her book, none of its words registered as her eyes traveled across the text upon the old paper.

“And then there’s Luna. Of course, her eventually moving on and maybe or maybe not finding somepony else is pretty much a given, isn’t it?” Twilight laughed humourlessly, before letting her head fall again. “But… maybe it’s not. What am I going to do?!”

Getting some advice about this was about the only option she had. But who to go to? Princess Celestia was definitely a favourable option what with how wise and kind she was, especially in the fact that she was her teacher, and even a surrogate mother. But that also left the fact that she was Luna’s sister. That was already looking to be an awkward conversation.

Twilight turned her attention back to the book in front of her and once again tried to lose herself in it. Several minutes of fighting with her unwilling mind later, she wound up slamming it shut.

“That’s it. I need to go talk to somepony...”

Twilight forced herself up, and slowly walked out of the library frustrated. She needed to talk to somepony, anypony. Well... anypony other than the two who were currently questing for her heart.

Deep in thought, she wandered along the hallways of the palace. Hoof steps rang out loudly in the darkened spaces as she clopped along. ‘If only I knew who to talk to. Not Pinkie, I don’t want to break her heart again. Not Luna, just... no. I don’t think I want to ask Celestia either... she seemed to be in on Luna’s secret.’ The last point made Twilight uncomfortable. ‘How long had her teacher known about her sister’s crush? Maybe her parents could help?’

Crash!

Twilight found herself sprawled on the ground, her limbs mixed with a dark blue mare with a silky blue mane that seemed to bare the starts of the night sky.

“Luna!” She cried, jumping up.

This was not somepony she wanted to see right now.

“Twilight Sparkle,” Luna responded in a formal matter. “We do apologize, we had not been paying attention to our surroundings. Art thou all right?”

“Y-yes. Um... hello, Princess. Um...what are you doing here?” She nervously asked.

An amused smile overcame the darker mare’s face, “why, we live here, silly. But if thou must know, we were merely heading to hold night court.”

“Oh. Right. Well... um... good luck with that.” Twilight smiled nervously at the alicorn before her.

“Thank you, Twilight Sparkle.” A smile remained on Luna’s lips, despite the sadness in her eyes. “We shall see you later then. Have a good day,” she proceeded to walk off.

Twilight found her gaze lingering upon the receding flank as the saddened night alicorn wandered along. ‘I guess you have a good flank too... Wait! Why am I even thinking that!?!’

Eventually, the confused unicorn made it to the lounge, hoping maybe to get a little reprieve. But much to her surprise, in the room sat none other than a cheerful Pinkie and Rarity, who were currently playing some late night chess.

“And... check!” The pink earth pony declared with glee, grinning at Rarity.

“Mmm...check, is it? Well...no longer!” Rarity smirked, knocking off one of the pieces with her Queen. “Take that!”

“How did I not see that!?!” Pinkie nearly exploded.

Rarity gave a giggle, “Well, chess is all about strategy, darling.” She looked to see Twilight, and smiled. “Why hello, Twilight!”

“Oh. Hi, Twi-Twi!” Pinkie waved at her as well, greeting her.

Twilight rose an eyebrow. She couldn’t believe that Pinkie was actually greeting her with genuine cheerfulness. At the same time, she smiled warmly, glad to see that there were no hard feelings. ‘There she is...that’s the Pinkie I know and love! ….Wait, what? Okay, focus, Twilight!’ “Hi, girls!”

Canterlot Palace, Hallways

Princess Luna could feel the somber tug of her moon as it hung in the night sky far above. It felt silent and brooding, a mirror of her own emotions. The gentle clop, clop of her hoofsteps rang out all too loud for the princess’s own liking as she trudged onwards through the otherwise silent hallways of the castle. Although she had told her crush of the night court, she was in fact headed in another direction entirely. Her true destination: a room normally ventured into only when pranks or secret meetings were in order. This was not one of those times.

The good thing about this part of the castle was the lack of other ponies. It was peaceful and quiet. As Luna made her way to her sister’s bedroom, she passed only a hoofful of guards the whole time. The lack of anypony to talk to had long since allowed her mind to wander back to the young mare who dominated her thoughts ever since she had entered her life; Twilight.

That mare was more beautiful on both the inside and out than any other pony she had ever met. Luna could hardly believe that no pony had ever asked the future princess out, yet she found herself wishing that trend had continued long enough for her to begin courtship with Twilight. Misty eyes fell out of focus as the dreamy alicorn pictured her crush. She envisioned what the cute unicorn would look like if she were to walk alongside her in these never-ending stone tunnels. Her perfect purple mane would sway from side to side ever so slightly as they trotted along together. Twilight and Luna, two princesses, together, happy and in love. They could laugh and talk, sing and snuggle together. Things that only two lovers could do together would be conducted under her own night sky. ‘Twould certainly be the happiest days of our lives.’

Time passed the long-lived alicorn by like the water of a calm stream. It was truly peaceful to be alone. Here Luna had found a place she could at least pretend she lived in a world where Twilight loved her back.

She closed her eyes shut as tight as they may go. Moisture welled up behind the two lids as the torment of reality set in once more.

A loud smack rang out as Luna’s muzzle rammed into the ornate door of her sister’s bedroom. Stars briefly twinkled and birds sang as her brain reeled over the impact. The princess briefly wondered if what she was about to do was a smart idea or not. Before she could debate the merits of entrance into her sister’s room, a voice called out.

“Come in.” The kind tone of the ruler of Equestria caused Luna to jump.

She wondered why her sibling may still be awake at such a late hour. Maybe she was stuck on some paper work. Or maybe her older sister had heard from Twilight and had them both on her mind.

“Is anypony there?” Celestia’s voice carried an almost foallike curiosity to it as it reached the ears of the thoughtful alicorn who remained frozen in thought.

“We…” Luna paused. “There is something we wish to discuss with thee sister.”

A warm light enveloped the doors and they opened slowly to reveal the white winged mare. She stood tall and noble at her window, a surveyor of what she owned. Celestia had her head turned to face her unexpected guest.

“Hello, Luna. Tis a wonderful night, is it not?” The gaze of the mighty alicorn turned outward once more.

“Why… yes,” the younger alicorn replied as deep blue hooves guided her to her sister’s side. “But we fear that such nights may become scarce soon.”

“Of that I am certain,” agreed Celestia soberly. “But I ask that you continue to paint your night with as much love as you can.”

“But, what is the point?” wondered Luna aloud. After all, what was the point of showing off her artwork each night if Twilight belonged to somepony else?

“To give all my little ponies hope in this hard time.” Celestia’s reply brought out a sad smile on the younger mare’s muzzle.

The two sisters shared a moment in peaceful silence. Suddenly, a sigh of defeat escaped into the cold night. A dark blue chin fell gently upon the window sill as glazed cyan-green eyes gazed listlessly out across the land. “Alas, we fear it will be all for naught. Thy student clearly loves Laughter more than Nightmare Moon.” A suppressed tear escaped and ran down the dark muzzle of its owner. Luna closed her eyes, ashamed of her herself.

A warm peace fell upon the lonesome princess. The equally toasty side of her sister impacted softly with her own and Luna realised the warmth came from a massive wing. She smiled in thanks as the pure white feathers continued to warm her cold heart.

“My dear sister… you are no longer nightmare moon.” The soft tone of her sister’s calm voice was like a barrier that fell between night mare and her sadness.

Luna turned to face her older sister and failed to stifle a sniffle as she gazed into the large kind eyes. “How can thou be certain?”

Celestia tightened her hold on the highly emotional mare she was comforting. “Because I know you are not her. You are my sister and I love you just the way you are.”

The tearful alicorn gave her sister a thankful nuzzle as the kind words continued to reverberate around her brain.

Before Luna could voice her thanks, her sister continued to speak, her voice soft in the quiet of the night. “I’m sure Twilight does hold you dear in her heart, just as I do. While she may see you as simply a friend, there is hope that she will see you as something more.” Celestia smiled down at her sister with such confidence that Luna felt her heart soar with hope. Hope, that she was not alone. Hope, that she might be loved after all and that she was special to somepony. A small fire rekindled its light inside her as the older alicorn continued to hold the night blue mare in a comforting embrace.

After an untold period of time passed like water under an old bridge, Luna found her voice. “So... does this mean... we may go with thy student on her quest?”

“No.” Celestia’s reply dampened the fire inside Luna so fast she scarcely knew it even existed. “If you go with Twilight, more than just my little ponies are sure to realize one of the sisters are missing. The enemy is will to know we seek the griffin elements. It will also place unnecessary pressure upon Twilight to arrive to a decision. Please, stay.”

Luna sighed. Her sister was most likely right. The only problem it presented was that her absence would leave her crush alone with the other contender for the scholar's heart. That fact did not sit well with the lovesick mare. She was willing to bet anything that Pinkie would make the most of their time away. The two may even return as a couple. Luna’s heart sank like a rock into the deep blue sea at the dreaded thought of such failure. The emotional boulders that followed brought her nigh, to the realm of heartbreak and left her there alone. How could she go on knowing her love was with somepony else? How did ponies survive such heartbreak? luna guessed the time for her ancient heart to find out was soon to come.

She broke contact with her sister and turned to the door in defeat. “We... must go. We need time to think.”

“I understand,” Celestia replied in a somber tone. The ruler of Equestria made no move to pull her clearly saddened sister back. Maybe it was because she believed the time to think would help. Maybe it was because her sister had gathered all she could from the moment they shared. Or, most likely, it was because on some level, she could feel her sisters pain. It was hard to recover the loss of a loved special somepony. The loss of her lover and foal had left a hole inside that could never be filled by anything else. She supposed it was the price paid for longevity. Celestia slowly nodded one last time to her fellow ruler who had briefly turned to glance back.

With permission to leave, the lunar alicorn left, head low. This was sure to be a long night. Luna knew little sleep would be found in her bed, yet she trouped off in search of it none the less.

Above canterlot, the deep night sky appeared to lose some of its glorious shine as it shifted to match the artists dour mood. Stars flickered and tingled as the feeling spread outward like a ripple. The fleeting disturbance settled as the sky dimmed ever so slightly.

Although the outlook for the night was bleak, hope endured. Tomorrow was sure to be another day. A better day. A day in which a small group of ponies hoped to be reunited with their daring friend before the start of their quest. A day Fluttershy wished once again to have her Rainbow Dash returned to her.