Lavender Stars in a Dark Night Skyby ArpeggioChaptersChapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 7Chapter 1Chapter 6Chapter 2“Dear Princess Celestia…” Celestia was comfortable and relaxed on her soft silk sheets as she read Twilight’s latest letter, her graceful and tall form strewn over a large golden Chaise longue. She sipped her tea delicately as she read on, but her comfort was not intended to last long, it seemed, as she was brought out of her blissful trance by a loud bang on her door. Shortly followed by a loud grumble and something sounding similar to a growl before her door swung open, revealing an apparently enraged Princess Luna. “I have had just about ENOUGH of what Canterlot’s ‘high society’ has to offer!” Celestia was hot on her hooves with a protective wing preemptively outstretched over Luna “Luna, sister, what could frustrate you so much?” Luna quickly answered, likely without knowledge that Celestia even spoke she was so angry “These damnable snobs and their pathetic condescendence.” Luna spat as she stomped a hoof. “There was a nice young colt selling apples in the markets, but they refused to pay him any heed for fear they would look bad. Oh the poor pony. I walked towards his stall to buy one myself, for the trouble he went through to come all the way to Canterlot, but I was not rewarded with the thanks that I had hoped: I was instead rewarded with the grand prize of stares, cowering by the young colt, and hoof kissing by Canterlot aristocracy!” Celestia understood her sister’s rage and tried her best to calm her with a rational explanation: “Luna, you know that, as royalty, we command a certain respect. To maintain that respect we must pander-“ “Since when does royalty ‘pander’ to the money-stained masses, Tia? We are princesses, not media dependant recluses placing ourselves on pedestals above all else.” Luna said, paying extra acidity to the word ‘pander’. Celestia continued to exercise her point in a slightly more forceful tone: “Luna, we must maintain respect.” Celestia’s steel determination was quickly broken by the look of sadness in her sister’s eyes. It was no ordinary misery; it was the misery that started a war, the misery that drove two sisters to near death, the misery that started a tale older than a millennium. That was the misery that allowed Nightmare Moon to flow freely. Luna simply looked into her sister’s eyes and screamed a sentence that shook Celestia to the core with self-hate for not seeing it before: “What If I don’t want respect, what if…” Luna made her way out of the room before bowing her head “What If I just want to be loved…?” Celestia could feel her eyes growing moist as Luna made her way back to her chambers in tears, feeling like no one in the world could warm the cold stabbing feeling in her chest. Luna’s words were barely louder than a whisper, but for all the intensity in those words it might’ve been a Dragon’s roar. Chapter 3“Dear Twilight Sparkle…” The letter began, Twilight mentally deafening herself to the outside world as she read on. The Princess needed her help, and she said it was urgent. All else could wait, she could not let down her mentor; the one she considered more a mother than her own. “Twilight!” Spike finally managed to break into Twilight’s trance with his yelling. “Huh? Oh… sorry Spike. This letter from the Princess is really important.” Spike snorted and muttered, “That’s why I was asking you to let me see it.” Twilight still paid no attention. “Spike, pack my bags please, I’m going to Canterlot.” Spike recoiled in surprise, “Canterlot? Why, what happened?” Twilight leant down and nuzzled him affectionately, “Don’t worry Spike, hopefully nothing bad. I’ll just be gone for a few days or so.” He regained his composure after partially losing himself in the warm embrace. “*Ehem*, So… you need me and Owlicious to watch over the library again, right?” She nodded with a smile “Always quick, best assistant ever.” Spike grinned at the praise before making his way to the stairs to pack Twilight’s things “Alright, Twilight, you can count on us.” Owlicious, seemingly on command, landed on Spike’s head and chirped. “Isn’t that right, Owlicious?” Spike beamed. “Who?” came the reply. “You, you’re Owlicious” “Who?” Twilight just laughed and began walking to the bookshelves to find any books she might need. The Princess hadn’t mentioned what was so urgent, but she did mention it involved Princess Luna and that there was trouble brewing – trouble that Equestria could do without. Twilight refused to let anypony down as she finished putting her books into one of her saddlebags, Spike bringing down extra surprise having lost the vigor required keeping up his contradiction contest with Owlicious. “Alright, looks like I’m all set.” Twilight smiled as Spike finished putting the last ink pot in her bags. She looked down at the young dragon and, thinking “Ah what the hay”, leant down and gave him a kiss on the forehead. “I’ll be back before you know it, sweetie.” Spike was slightly shocked, but smiled nevertheless; unconsciously breathing the words “Love you, mom…” he then realized Owlicious was there and quickly stiffened up using aggression as a short term ally “What are you looking at?” “Who?” The owl inquired. “You, I’m asking – ah not this again.” Spike muttered in mild frustration as he resumed his chores, still quietly pleased with Twilight’s motherly love for him. Twilight was in for an even bigger shock than Spike as she stepped out of the library with a still dumbfounded Spike in her wake, as she spotted a large Gold chariot lead by two of the Princesses’ fastest Pegasi guards. “Good afternoon.” She said to both of them, social niceties clearly not high on their priorities, the guards threw her a pleading look and said “Miss Sparkle, we really must get going. The Princess is awfully worried.” Any hesitation Twilight had about the trip was now gone “I understand.” She said, boarding the chariot. Without another word the chariot went into the sky as the Pegasi towing it flapped their wings more powerfully than they had in their lifetimes. Twilight allowed herself a moment of fear before resuming her determined and fearless guise “I just hope everything’s alright…” Chapter 4Celestia saw the carriage screech to a halt from an incredible speed by the gates of Canterlot castle, Twilight hopping out and galloping full swing into the castle and up the tall towers to her mentor’s chambers. It was a matter of tens of seconds before the un-athletic student had made a journey usually taking minutes by sheer determination. Twilight arrived at Celestia’s door, panting with a horrified expression on her face, “Princess… I… hah… came as… whoa… fast as I could…!” Twilight was gasping for air as she sat down by her mentor’s chamber door. Celestia climbed off her bed and approached her student, offering her a nuzzle as she softly spoke “It’s quite alright, Twilight, I know you came with as much speed as those pegasi could muster. And as much as your own legs could, also.” Celestia then looked at her student and spoke, with a disappointed expression on her face, “I’m afraid our problem is dire enough to require such efforts.” Twilight would’ve completely forgotten for her muscles aching were it not for her harsh breathing as Celestia spoke. “Dire? How… how dire, Princess?” she asked, still panting. Celestia levitated her onto a cushion to rest as she carred the cushion with her magic alongside her, the only evidence being a faint glistening shine at the tip of her horn. Celestia began walking as she spoke “Twilight, I fear that the power you and your friends once sealed away is making its way back into my sister.” Twilight was about to speak, but as if she could read the question on her face, Celestia answered: “I would have asked your friends to come as well were it a matter that could be solved with the elements. I fear this requires a different touch – and after your display of selflessness on Nightmare night I can only think of you to fit the bill for this task.” Twilight was only more confused by her teacher’s answer. “Princess Celestia, I’m not sure I follow. It can’t be solved with magic, so why do you need me?” Celestia slowly looked into her student’s eyes and said, softly and with dying hope, “Luna has only one pony in the world she knows she may call friend other than myself. That pony is you, Twilight. You were the only one who was not scared of her. You were the only one brave enough to greet her as if she were just any average pony.” Twilight was beginning to thank the teacher for her praise and faith, but she was interrupted by a loud noise as she heard a constant banging and muffled yelling. Twilight and Celestia made their way to Luna’s room as quickly as they could muster, only to find Luna yelling at inanimate objects with rage in her eyes as she tore her room to pieces. Twilight looked on in surprise, as Celestia overpowered her sister’s magic, but not by much, and forced the objects to a standstill. “Luna!” she bellowed. Luna looked up with hate in her eyes “What!?” came the reply. Twilight was shaking as Celestia lectured Luna on abusing power. “You know better than to use your magic for something like this, especially on your OWN things. Why would you break them?” Luna simply looked to the ground and ignored her sister as she sat on the bed, a blank expression on her face. Celestia found herself sighing as she led Twilight out and closed Luna’s door. “Come, my faithful student, let’s get you settled; shall we? Luna can be dealt with later.” Chapter 5Twilight awoke the next morning with a knock on her door; an elderly pony with a white moustache and beard stepped in with a smile. “Good morning, Miss Sparkle. It’s been a year now, hasn’t it?” She instantly recognized the voice as she came to, smiling. “Mr. Jeeves!” she beamed as she got out of bed and hugged him. He chuckled and smiled as she squeezed him, saying “The Princess requests your presence at breakfast.” She blushed as she leant back “Is it that late?” He chuckled again before replying “Indeed. It seems you needed that rest.” Twilight smiled and quickly brushed her mane before she left her room “Thank you, Mr. Jeeves!” she shouted as she began making her way to the dining hall. The old man called out to her: “Good morning, to you, Miss Sparkle.” Before going about his duties and cleaning her room. She was pleased to have seen him again, she assumed that after all this time he had moved to another part of the castle, but still he remained there as he had all throughout her childhood. Twilight made her way to the dining hall as the memories of last night slowly came back to her, memories of Celestia, memories of Luna. She went slightly glassy eyed as she thought of her. Celestia was first and foremost her idol and mentor, but Luna… she admired Luna’s knowledge and intelligence almost as much as Celestia’s, but she felt like there was more feeling to it. She made a mental note to study emotional responses triggered by respect when she got home. The dining hall was packed with ponies, though Twilight could only see two through her heartfelt tunnel vision. Princess Celestia was laughing as she exchanged witty comments with her subjects, all of who seemed very comfortable with their Princess. However, Celestia’s graceful movements as she sipped her tea were not what drew Twilight’s attention this morning, what drew her attention was a sad looking Alicorn sitting at the opposite side of the table to her sister. Luna was sitting alone as Celestia was talking to all of the ponies gathered around her. Twilight wondered why Celestia was outright ignoring her as she made her way to sit with Luna. “Oh, good morning Twilight Sparkle… I apologise you had to see me that way last night.” She bowed her head as her ears dropped. Twilight shook her head profusely “Oh no no no, Princess, you don’t need to apologise to me. You must’ve been angry. Letting it out is better than bottling it, right?” Luna looked at Twilight Sparkle and gave a very small smile, barely noticeable were it not for the misery painted on her face beforehand. “Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. I should have known you would be defiant enough to rationalize the irrational to try and cheer me up.” Twilight smiled at Luna, her admiration for Luna’s observation adding to the already large pile of things she liked about her. Twilight then blushed as she realized she was staring right into Luna’s eyes with a swooning look on her face. “Twilight Sparkle, are you alright? Perhaps you have not slept enough.” Now it was Luna’s turn for concern. “Hmm…? Oh! Oh Princess, sorry. I don’t know, I just… I just sorted of stopped… for lack of a better word.” Luna giggled gently as she looked back down to her plate before blushing slightly and asking Twilight: “Twilight Sparkle, would you… would you like to spend the day with me. I understand Tia has sent you to ‘cheer me up’ as she put it.” Twilight smiled as Luna did in turn “I would love to, Princess.” Twilight’s little heart fluttering Where did that come from? She thought to herself as she began blushing mildly. Luna smiled and did the same, saying with barely held back relief: “Wonderful, shall we start right away?” Luna beamed, so excited that someone wanted to spend time with her – through choice, not obligation! Twilight smiled and decided her stomach could wait; there was a certain Princess that needed her right now. “That sounds great, Princess.” Luna smiled at her and said, once they were out of earshot of Celestia, “Please, call me Luna – I have enough people calling me Princess, I could do with someone giving me a name rather than a rank.” Twilight smiled gleefully as she breathed out “Of course, Luna.” Smiling at her. The two made their way to the library as Twilight brushed against Luna unconsciously and Luna did the same in response. They both giggled and blushed, thoughts whirring around their head. The primary in both minds being “Why didn’t I do this last time I was here?” “Why didn’t I do this last time she was here?” Chapter 7Having made her way back to her bedroom, Twilight settled down into bed, not feeling hungry. Her stomach plaguing her with a continuous knot of pent up feeling that she did not understand. Her chest fluttered all day and she was having a wonderful time, but it had stopped. As soon as she had left Luna in her room after saying good night she developed this knot and her heart’s happy song had gone quiet. But, before Twilight could make any hypotheses as to why her feelings were this way, she heard the same noise she had heard nights past; a quiet mumble getting louder, quieter and then louder again. It was making her curiosity overpower her confusion. Twilight made her way to the source of the noise, only to find herself walking the familiar path back to Luna’s room. The noise was getting steadily louder, and Twilight eventually realised what the noise was, but also, more importantly, which melancholy stricken mare was making it. Slowly and delicately, Twilight opened the door to the Princess of the Night’s chambers and her suspicions were confirmed with a heart tearing cry from the room. “Why?” Luna sobbed. “Why can’t I do this?” Her cries of devastation making Twilight shudder with empathy for the fragile immortal. “Why!? “ Luna’s sadness had piqued Twilight’s concern, so she knocked on the door. “Princess? It’s me, Twilight.” Luna went dead silent as Twilight made her way in. However, as Twilight entered the room and was privy to the hope destroying sight of a devastated Luna. Twilight had seen Celestia upset, and that had scared her. What she saw before her then had terrified her. Luna was in a pitiful state, she was screaming in a broken voice with tears streaming down her face, her mane roughed up and her body trembling with silent rage and despair. She was looking straight at Twilight, pleading for her to leave so she might be spared some shame. “Oh Luna..." Twilight sighed, tears forming in her own eyes from the sight. No she told herself, I need to be strong.. for her. Luna closed her eyes as her lip began quivering again, she bit down to halt the oncoming flood of emotion, but to no avail. "I.. I-I" Luna tried to speak, but the words would not come, only more tears. Twilight's fears and sadness forced her to do something she would be too scared to do in any other situation. "It's okay, just let the tears go..." Twilight comforted Luna as she rushed forward, embracing her and holding her tight. Luna felt a brief sliver of happiness through the pain, the despair and the fear. "Oh Twilight..!" Luna finally found the strength to speak "You're the only one who's ever appreciated me, and I can't lose you! I can't, I just can't!" Luna continued to sob into the purple unicorn's mane as she held her tight. "Luna, w-what are you talking about..?" Twilight stammered out, feeling her own tears come forth. "W-When you... you go back to P-Ponyville.. you'll forget me.. j-just like everyone else!" Luna screamed as she clutched Twilight tighter through her emotional agony. "Luna..." Twilight pulled back and looked her in the eye "I could never forget you...You create the most beautiful sights I've ever seen, and you make them every night. I've spent most of my life admiring your night... I will never forget you, I can't." Twilight was petrified, yet her emotions were in complete control; perfect order and harmony amongst chaos. Luna was absolutely awestruck, but disbelieving. She wanted to believe what Twilight said, she wanted it more than her own existence, but at the same time could she really trust her feelings? Was this a cruel trick orchestrated by her wishful imagination? "Twilight..." Luna whispered, her tears slowing with the anticipation of what horrifying truth might be revealed and her question answered. Twilight moved closer and closed her eyes slightly, whispering "No words, you have no idea what you mean to me." Twilight then slowly leant in and smiled softly as her lips stroked Luna's. Luna did not move a muscle as the sweet and pure Unicorn's lips were caressing her own, their warmth radiating like a soothing glass of warm milk. Luna's heart was racing, and her mind competing too. She was unsure if this was true, if this was her final wall between herself and madness breaking, or if she was dead. But, she quickly realised, she didn't care. She just wanted this moment to last. Before meant nothing to her, after was yet to be defined; there was just now, that beautiful, wonderful and perfect moment where she realised just how much she and Twilight loved each other. They held each other, stroking one another's manes and catching their partner's tears and kissing for what felt like hours. As Twilight slowly pulled away she opened her eyes, looking into those eyes. Those deep, glistening, perfect green eyes. Luna smiled softly with not a care in the world, just her tongue stroking her lips to savour the flavour of Twilight's soft lips. Twilight smiled gently as a single tear fell out of her eye, whispering "I love you...so much." Luna put her hoof on Twilights and pulled her towards the bed, so they might hold each other. As they were lying down side by side, hoof in hoof and hearts soaring, Luna shed more tears and whispered, in a breaking voice sore from screaming, "I love you too, Twilight... so very, very much." There, they held each other and smiled as the moon lit their faces for the other to gaze upon. Their lips met one more time before they shared a glance at the moon, holding one another tight with their love for one another protecting them from anything that might ever threaten their happiness. Chapter 1“…Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle”, Twilight smiled as her draconic assistant Spike finished his scribbling and let out a belch of luminescent green flame, which encompassed Twilight’s letter; sending the lavender unicorn’s latest findings and reports of adventures in Ponyville off to the Princess. Spike let out a triumphant smile and then yawned, somewhat defusing his smug pose. He meandered and tottered all the way back to Twilight’s desk as she smiled at him warmly, He’s so cute when he’s tired she thought to herself. Before he could let out a word of protest he was on her back with his favourite blanky and she was cantering to his bed. “Let’s get you to bed” Twilight said. Spike let out an incredibly intelligent and well-structured argument reasoning as to why he should be allowed to stay up, sadly for him the argument was cleverly disguised as incoherent babble to Twilight’s ears. She giggled sweetly and shook her head slightly as he babbled “Oh Spike, you’re really dozing on your feet aren’t you?” He did nothing, simply mumbled and devoted what was left of his willpower to keeping his eyes open. She slowed down and carefully set him in his bed, covering him in a nice warm duvet while his favourite blanky was in a vice like grip. Despite his prior arguments his head was asleep before the duvet touched his scales. Twilight giggled at him, already snoring, and leant down; delivering a warm kiss on his forehead “Goodnight Spike” she whispered as she gave him a quick nuzzle before leaving the room and turning off the lights. Before she reached the door, she heard a whisper. She assumed it was her heart telling her things that were never said, but as she slowly realised what the whisper was, she hastily closed the door and made her way back to her room with tears growing ripe in her eyes, ready to fall. The whisper was Spike, “Goodnight Momma” he had said. Twilight got into her bed and hugged a pillow imagining it was Spike, softly sobbing with happiness. There was one heart felt whisper from the unicorn before she drifted off to sleep herself: “Goodnight sweetie” Chapter 6Luna wiped the tears of laughter from her navy blue cheeks as Twilight finished telling the story about Pinkie’s pinkie sense and their universally mind-bending nature and let out a few more quiet giggles. Twilight set down the books she had been gathering whilst telling her story as she sat on her haunches and looked at Luna, sitting in front of her; looking so... Serene? No, that wasn’t the right word. Majestic, perhaps? Still not right. Gentle! It was the perfect word for her appearance as the silent Alicorn of dark blue and black in question closed her eyes with a beautiful smile. It was already mid afternoon and the pair had spent all day having fun in the library. Luna looked at Twilight and a thought occurred to her, not for the first time today, she thought Twilight was very cute. She blushed that she could even consider something like that, but it didn’t stop the thoughts flowing freely in her mind. There was something about her, something that made Luna just want to cuddle her. She seemed so innocent and pure; the way she would look to books for her answers like an all-knowing parent answering why the sky is blue. Luna wondered just how Celestia managed to maintain the urge to simply hug the lavender Unicorn. Twilight must have spotted Luna’s expression as she looked into her eyes and smiled, giggling softly. “Luna, what are you staring at?” Luna was quickly awoken from her dream-like state and blushed heavily upon realizing she had just been fantasizing about her sister’s prize student. “I..Nothing! I was.. simply… um.” She blushed even more, cursing herself for not being able to get the words out. “You seem tired.” Came Twilight’s reply. Luna smiled as she tried to hide her extreme joy and gratefulness for the scapegoat provided. “Yes, very tired.” She continued to smile whilst getting up, still mentally scorning herself for not being brave enough to just say it I think you are very pretty, Twilight there were the words, plain as day; yet somehow she just could not get her lips to bend to the command provided. “Come on, Luna, let’s get you to bed.” The Alicorn’s magic began tidying the room before Twilight could even utter the words: allow me. Twilight was surprised, but happy that it saved her organizing a library she was unfamiliar with. And so they left the library with a quiet click as the door closed behind them.
Chapter 2“Dear Princess Celestia…” Celestia was comfortable and relaxed on her soft silk sheets as she read Twilight’s latest letter, her graceful and tall form strewn over a large golden Chaise longue. She sipped her tea delicately as she read on, but her comfort was not intended to last long, it seemed, as she was brought out of her blissful trance by a loud bang on her door. Shortly followed by a loud grumble and something sounding similar to a growl before her door swung open, revealing an apparently enraged Princess Luna. “I have had just about ENOUGH of what Canterlot’s ‘high society’ has to offer!” Celestia was hot on her hooves with a protective wing preemptively outstretched over Luna “Luna, sister, what could frustrate you so much?” Luna quickly answered, likely without knowledge that Celestia even spoke she was so angry “These damnable snobs and their pathetic condescendence.” Luna spat as she stomped a hoof. “There was a nice young colt selling apples in the markets, but they refused to pay him any heed for fear they would look bad. Oh the poor pony. I walked towards his stall to buy one myself, for the trouble he went through to come all the way to Canterlot, but I was not rewarded with the thanks that I had hoped: I was instead rewarded with the grand prize of stares, cowering by the young colt, and hoof kissing by Canterlot aristocracy!” Celestia understood her sister’s rage and tried her best to calm her with a rational explanation: “Luna, you know that, as royalty, we command a certain respect. To maintain that respect we must pander-“ “Since when does royalty ‘pander’ to the money-stained masses, Tia? We are princesses, not media dependant recluses placing ourselves on pedestals above all else.” Luna said, paying extra acidity to the word ‘pander’. Celestia continued to exercise her point in a slightly more forceful tone: “Luna, we must maintain respect.” Celestia’s steel determination was quickly broken by the look of sadness in her sister’s eyes. It was no ordinary misery; it was the misery that started a war, the misery that drove two sisters to near death, the misery that started a tale older than a millennium. That was the misery that allowed Nightmare Moon to flow freely. Luna simply looked into her sister’s eyes and screamed a sentence that shook Celestia to the core with self-hate for not seeing it before: “What If I don’t want respect, what if…” Luna made her way out of the room before bowing her head “What If I just want to be loved…?” Celestia could feel her eyes growing moist as Luna made her way back to her chambers in tears, feeling like no one in the world could warm the cold stabbing feeling in her chest. Luna’s words were barely louder than a whisper, but for all the intensity in those words it might’ve been a Dragon’s roar.
Chapter 3“Dear Twilight Sparkle…” The letter began, Twilight mentally deafening herself to the outside world as she read on. The Princess needed her help, and she said it was urgent. All else could wait, she could not let down her mentor; the one she considered more a mother than her own. “Twilight!” Spike finally managed to break into Twilight’s trance with his yelling. “Huh? Oh… sorry Spike. This letter from the Princess is really important.” Spike snorted and muttered, “That’s why I was asking you to let me see it.” Twilight still paid no attention. “Spike, pack my bags please, I’m going to Canterlot.” Spike recoiled in surprise, “Canterlot? Why, what happened?” Twilight leant down and nuzzled him affectionately, “Don’t worry Spike, hopefully nothing bad. I’ll just be gone for a few days or so.” He regained his composure after partially losing himself in the warm embrace. “*Ehem*, So… you need me and Owlicious to watch over the library again, right?” She nodded with a smile “Always quick, best assistant ever.” Spike grinned at the praise before making his way to the stairs to pack Twilight’s things “Alright, Twilight, you can count on us.” Owlicious, seemingly on command, landed on Spike’s head and chirped. “Isn’t that right, Owlicious?” Spike beamed. “Who?” came the reply. “You, you’re Owlicious” “Who?” Twilight just laughed and began walking to the bookshelves to find any books she might need. The Princess hadn’t mentioned what was so urgent, but she did mention it involved Princess Luna and that there was trouble brewing – trouble that Equestria could do without. Twilight refused to let anypony down as she finished putting her books into one of her saddlebags, Spike bringing down extra surprise having lost the vigor required keeping up his contradiction contest with Owlicious. “Alright, looks like I’m all set.” Twilight smiled as Spike finished putting the last ink pot in her bags. She looked down at the young dragon and, thinking “Ah what the hay”, leant down and gave him a kiss on the forehead. “I’ll be back before you know it, sweetie.” Spike was slightly shocked, but smiled nevertheless; unconsciously breathing the words “Love you, mom…” he then realized Owlicious was there and quickly stiffened up using aggression as a short term ally “What are you looking at?” “Who?” The owl inquired. “You, I’m asking – ah not this again.” Spike muttered in mild frustration as he resumed his chores, still quietly pleased with Twilight’s motherly love for him. Twilight was in for an even bigger shock than Spike as she stepped out of the library with a still dumbfounded Spike in her wake, as she spotted a large Gold chariot lead by two of the Princesses’ fastest Pegasi guards. “Good afternoon.” She said to both of them, social niceties clearly not high on their priorities, the guards threw her a pleading look and said “Miss Sparkle, we really must get going. The Princess is awfully worried.” Any hesitation Twilight had about the trip was now gone “I understand.” She said, boarding the chariot. Without another word the chariot went into the sky as the Pegasi towing it flapped their wings more powerfully than they had in their lifetimes. Twilight allowed herself a moment of fear before resuming her determined and fearless guise “I just hope everything’s alright…”
Chapter 4Celestia saw the carriage screech to a halt from an incredible speed by the gates of Canterlot castle, Twilight hopping out and galloping full swing into the castle and up the tall towers to her mentor’s chambers. It was a matter of tens of seconds before the un-athletic student had made a journey usually taking minutes by sheer determination. Twilight arrived at Celestia’s door, panting with a horrified expression on her face, “Princess… I… hah… came as… whoa… fast as I could…!” Twilight was gasping for air as she sat down by her mentor’s chamber door. Celestia climbed off her bed and approached her student, offering her a nuzzle as she softly spoke “It’s quite alright, Twilight, I know you came with as much speed as those pegasi could muster. And as much as your own legs could, also.” Celestia then looked at her student and spoke, with a disappointed expression on her face, “I’m afraid our problem is dire enough to require such efforts.” Twilight would’ve completely forgotten for her muscles aching were it not for her harsh breathing as Celestia spoke. “Dire? How… how dire, Princess?” she asked, still panting. Celestia levitated her onto a cushion to rest as she carred the cushion with her magic alongside her, the only evidence being a faint glistening shine at the tip of her horn. Celestia began walking as she spoke “Twilight, I fear that the power you and your friends once sealed away is making its way back into my sister.” Twilight was about to speak, but as if she could read the question on her face, Celestia answered: “I would have asked your friends to come as well were it a matter that could be solved with the elements. I fear this requires a different touch – and after your display of selflessness on Nightmare night I can only think of you to fit the bill for this task.” Twilight was only more confused by her teacher’s answer. “Princess Celestia, I’m not sure I follow. It can’t be solved with magic, so why do you need me?” Celestia slowly looked into her student’s eyes and said, softly and with dying hope, “Luna has only one pony in the world she knows she may call friend other than myself. That pony is you, Twilight. You were the only one who was not scared of her. You were the only one brave enough to greet her as if she were just any average pony.” Twilight was beginning to thank the teacher for her praise and faith, but she was interrupted by a loud noise as she heard a constant banging and muffled yelling. Twilight and Celestia made their way to Luna’s room as quickly as they could muster, only to find Luna yelling at inanimate objects with rage in her eyes as she tore her room to pieces. Twilight looked on in surprise, as Celestia overpowered her sister’s magic, but not by much, and forced the objects to a standstill. “Luna!” she bellowed. Luna looked up with hate in her eyes “What!?” came the reply. Twilight was shaking as Celestia lectured Luna on abusing power. “You know better than to use your magic for something like this, especially on your OWN things. Why would you break them?” Luna simply looked to the ground and ignored her sister as she sat on the bed, a blank expression on her face. Celestia found herself sighing as she led Twilight out and closed Luna’s door. “Come, my faithful student, let’s get you settled; shall we? Luna can be dealt with later.”
Chapter 5Twilight awoke the next morning with a knock on her door; an elderly pony with a white moustache and beard stepped in with a smile. “Good morning, Miss Sparkle. It’s been a year now, hasn’t it?” She instantly recognized the voice as she came to, smiling. “Mr. Jeeves!” she beamed as she got out of bed and hugged him. He chuckled and smiled as she squeezed him, saying “The Princess requests your presence at breakfast.” She blushed as she leant back “Is it that late?” He chuckled again before replying “Indeed. It seems you needed that rest.” Twilight smiled and quickly brushed her mane before she left her room “Thank you, Mr. Jeeves!” she shouted as she began making her way to the dining hall. The old man called out to her: “Good morning, to you, Miss Sparkle.” Before going about his duties and cleaning her room. She was pleased to have seen him again, she assumed that after all this time he had moved to another part of the castle, but still he remained there as he had all throughout her childhood. Twilight made her way to the dining hall as the memories of last night slowly came back to her, memories of Celestia, memories of Luna. She went slightly glassy eyed as she thought of her. Celestia was first and foremost her idol and mentor, but Luna… she admired Luna’s knowledge and intelligence almost as much as Celestia’s, but she felt like there was more feeling to it. She made a mental note to study emotional responses triggered by respect when she got home. The dining hall was packed with ponies, though Twilight could only see two through her heartfelt tunnel vision. Princess Celestia was laughing as she exchanged witty comments with her subjects, all of who seemed very comfortable with their Princess. However, Celestia’s graceful movements as she sipped her tea were not what drew Twilight’s attention this morning, what drew her attention was a sad looking Alicorn sitting at the opposite side of the table to her sister. Luna was sitting alone as Celestia was talking to all of the ponies gathered around her. Twilight wondered why Celestia was outright ignoring her as she made her way to sit with Luna. “Oh, good morning Twilight Sparkle… I apologise you had to see me that way last night.” She bowed her head as her ears dropped. Twilight shook her head profusely “Oh no no no, Princess, you don’t need to apologise to me. You must’ve been angry. Letting it out is better than bottling it, right?” Luna looked at Twilight Sparkle and gave a very small smile, barely noticeable were it not for the misery painted on her face beforehand. “Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. I should have known you would be defiant enough to rationalize the irrational to try and cheer me up.” Twilight smiled at Luna, her admiration for Luna’s observation adding to the already large pile of things she liked about her. Twilight then blushed as she realized she was staring right into Luna’s eyes with a swooning look on her face. “Twilight Sparkle, are you alright? Perhaps you have not slept enough.” Now it was Luna’s turn for concern. “Hmm…? Oh! Oh Princess, sorry. I don’t know, I just… I just sorted of stopped… for lack of a better word.” Luna giggled gently as she looked back down to her plate before blushing slightly and asking Twilight: “Twilight Sparkle, would you… would you like to spend the day with me. I understand Tia has sent you to ‘cheer me up’ as she put it.” Twilight smiled as Luna did in turn “I would love to, Princess.” Twilight’s little heart fluttering Where did that come from? She thought to herself as she began blushing mildly. Luna smiled and did the same, saying with barely held back relief: “Wonderful, shall we start right away?” Luna beamed, so excited that someone wanted to spend time with her – through choice, not obligation! Twilight smiled and decided her stomach could wait; there was a certain Princess that needed her right now. “That sounds great, Princess.” Luna smiled at her and said, once they were out of earshot of Celestia, “Please, call me Luna – I have enough people calling me Princess, I could do with someone giving me a name rather than a rank.” Twilight smiled gleefully as she breathed out “Of course, Luna.” Smiling at her. The two made their way to the library as Twilight brushed against Luna unconsciously and Luna did the same in response. They both giggled and blushed, thoughts whirring around their head. The primary in both minds being “Why didn’t I do this last time I was here?” “Why didn’t I do this last time she was here?”
Chapter 7Having made her way back to her bedroom, Twilight settled down into bed, not feeling hungry. Her stomach plaguing her with a continuous knot of pent up feeling that she did not understand. Her chest fluttered all day and she was having a wonderful time, but it had stopped. As soon as she had left Luna in her room after saying good night she developed this knot and her heart’s happy song had gone quiet. But, before Twilight could make any hypotheses as to why her feelings were this way, she heard the same noise she had heard nights past; a quiet mumble getting louder, quieter and then louder again. It was making her curiosity overpower her confusion. Twilight made her way to the source of the noise, only to find herself walking the familiar path back to Luna’s room. The noise was getting steadily louder, and Twilight eventually realised what the noise was, but also, more importantly, which melancholy stricken mare was making it. Slowly and delicately, Twilight opened the door to the Princess of the Night’s chambers and her suspicions were confirmed with a heart tearing cry from the room. “Why?” Luna sobbed. “Why can’t I do this?” Her cries of devastation making Twilight shudder with empathy for the fragile immortal. “Why!? “ Luna’s sadness had piqued Twilight’s concern, so she knocked on the door. “Princess? It’s me, Twilight.” Luna went dead silent as Twilight made her way in. However, as Twilight entered the room and was privy to the hope destroying sight of a devastated Luna. Twilight had seen Celestia upset, and that had scared her. What she saw before her then had terrified her. Luna was in a pitiful state, she was screaming in a broken voice with tears streaming down her face, her mane roughed up and her body trembling with silent rage and despair. She was looking straight at Twilight, pleading for her to leave so she might be spared some shame. “Oh Luna..." Twilight sighed, tears forming in her own eyes from the sight. No she told herself, I need to be strong.. for her. Luna closed her eyes as her lip began quivering again, she bit down to halt the oncoming flood of emotion, but to no avail. "I.. I-I" Luna tried to speak, but the words would not come, only more tears. Twilight's fears and sadness forced her to do something she would be too scared to do in any other situation. "It's okay, just let the tears go..." Twilight comforted Luna as she rushed forward, embracing her and holding her tight. Luna felt a brief sliver of happiness through the pain, the despair and the fear. "Oh Twilight..!" Luna finally found the strength to speak "You're the only one who's ever appreciated me, and I can't lose you! I can't, I just can't!" Luna continued to sob into the purple unicorn's mane as she held her tight. "Luna, w-what are you talking about..?" Twilight stammered out, feeling her own tears come forth. "W-When you... you go back to P-Ponyville.. you'll forget me.. j-just like everyone else!" Luna screamed as she clutched Twilight tighter through her emotional agony. "Luna..." Twilight pulled back and looked her in the eye "I could never forget you...You create the most beautiful sights I've ever seen, and you make them every night. I've spent most of my life admiring your night... I will never forget you, I can't." Twilight was petrified, yet her emotions were in complete control; perfect order and harmony amongst chaos. Luna was absolutely awestruck, but disbelieving. She wanted to believe what Twilight said, she wanted it more than her own existence, but at the same time could she really trust her feelings? Was this a cruel trick orchestrated by her wishful imagination? "Twilight..." Luna whispered, her tears slowing with the anticipation of what horrifying truth might be revealed and her question answered. Twilight moved closer and closed her eyes slightly, whispering "No words, you have no idea what you mean to me." Twilight then slowly leant in and smiled softly as her lips stroked Luna's. Luna did not move a muscle as the sweet and pure Unicorn's lips were caressing her own, their warmth radiating like a soothing glass of warm milk. Luna's heart was racing, and her mind competing too. She was unsure if this was true, if this was her final wall between herself and madness breaking, or if she was dead. But, she quickly realised, she didn't care. She just wanted this moment to last. Before meant nothing to her, after was yet to be defined; there was just now, that beautiful, wonderful and perfect moment where she realised just how much she and Twilight loved each other. They held each other, stroking one another's manes and catching their partner's tears and kissing for what felt like hours. As Twilight slowly pulled away she opened her eyes, looking into those eyes. Those deep, glistening, perfect green eyes. Luna smiled softly with not a care in the world, just her tongue stroking her lips to savour the flavour of Twilight's soft lips. Twilight smiled gently as a single tear fell out of her eye, whispering "I love you...so much." Luna put her hoof on Twilights and pulled her towards the bed, so they might hold each other. As they were lying down side by side, hoof in hoof and hearts soaring, Luna shed more tears and whispered, in a breaking voice sore from screaming, "I love you too, Twilight... so very, very much." There, they held each other and smiled as the moon lit their faces for the other to gaze upon. Their lips met one more time before they shared a glance at the moon, holding one another tight with their love for one another protecting them from anything that might ever threaten their happiness.
Chapter 1“…Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle”, Twilight smiled as her draconic assistant Spike finished his scribbling and let out a belch of luminescent green flame, which encompassed Twilight’s letter; sending the lavender unicorn’s latest findings and reports of adventures in Ponyville off to the Princess. Spike let out a triumphant smile and then yawned, somewhat defusing his smug pose. He meandered and tottered all the way back to Twilight’s desk as she smiled at him warmly, He’s so cute when he’s tired she thought to herself. Before he could let out a word of protest he was on her back with his favourite blanky and she was cantering to his bed. “Let’s get you to bed” Twilight said. Spike let out an incredibly intelligent and well-structured argument reasoning as to why he should be allowed to stay up, sadly for him the argument was cleverly disguised as incoherent babble to Twilight’s ears. She giggled sweetly and shook her head slightly as he babbled “Oh Spike, you’re really dozing on your feet aren’t you?” He did nothing, simply mumbled and devoted what was left of his willpower to keeping his eyes open. She slowed down and carefully set him in his bed, covering him in a nice warm duvet while his favourite blanky was in a vice like grip. Despite his prior arguments his head was asleep before the duvet touched his scales. Twilight giggled at him, already snoring, and leant down; delivering a warm kiss on his forehead “Goodnight Spike” she whispered as she gave him a quick nuzzle before leaving the room and turning off the lights. Before she reached the door, she heard a whisper. She assumed it was her heart telling her things that were never said, but as she slowly realised what the whisper was, she hastily closed the door and made her way back to her room with tears growing ripe in her eyes, ready to fall. The whisper was Spike, “Goodnight Momma” he had said. Twilight got into her bed and hugged a pillow imagining it was Spike, softly sobbing with happiness. There was one heart felt whisper from the unicorn before she drifted off to sleep herself: “Goodnight sweetie”
Chapter 6Luna wiped the tears of laughter from her navy blue cheeks as Twilight finished telling the story about Pinkie’s pinkie sense and their universally mind-bending nature and let out a few more quiet giggles. Twilight set down the books she had been gathering whilst telling her story as she sat on her haunches and looked at Luna, sitting in front of her; looking so... Serene? No, that wasn’t the right word. Majestic, perhaps? Still not right. Gentle! It was the perfect word for her appearance as the silent Alicorn of dark blue and black in question closed her eyes with a beautiful smile. It was already mid afternoon and the pair had spent all day having fun in the library. Luna looked at Twilight and a thought occurred to her, not for the first time today, she thought Twilight was very cute. She blushed that she could even consider something like that, but it didn’t stop the thoughts flowing freely in her mind. There was something about her, something that made Luna just want to cuddle her. She seemed so innocent and pure; the way she would look to books for her answers like an all-knowing parent answering why the sky is blue. Luna wondered just how Celestia managed to maintain the urge to simply hug the lavender Unicorn. Twilight must have spotted Luna’s expression as she looked into her eyes and smiled, giggling softly. “Luna, what are you staring at?” Luna was quickly awoken from her dream-like state and blushed heavily upon realizing she had just been fantasizing about her sister’s prize student. “I..Nothing! I was.. simply… um.” She blushed even more, cursing herself for not being able to get the words out. “You seem tired.” Came Twilight’s reply. Luna smiled as she tried to hide her extreme joy and gratefulness for the scapegoat provided. “Yes, very tired.” She continued to smile whilst getting up, still mentally scorning herself for not being brave enough to just say it I think you are very pretty, Twilight there were the words, plain as day; yet somehow she just could not get her lips to bend to the command provided. “Come on, Luna, let’s get you to bed.” The Alicorn’s magic began tidying the room before Twilight could even utter the words: allow me. Twilight was surprised, but happy that it saved her organizing a library she was unfamiliar with. And so they left the library with a quiet click as the door closed behind them.
