Shadows in the Past

Prologue

Night and Day

The Princess of the Night was silent, simply watching from beside the door to the Throne Room of Canterlot Castle as her elder sister, Princess Celestia, spoke with a young unicorn mare, her tone serious, authoritative...clearly trying to convey something important, the unicorn listening intently, but nervously as well.

"But Twilight...in the end, it must be you – and you alone – who ultimately assists Princess Cadance and Shining Armor in doing what needs to be done to protect the Empire. Do you understand?" the Princess of the Sun asked the unicorn, who seemed to take the responsibility in her stride to some degree, standing tall at the trust her Princess and mentor was placing in her, mumbling a wordless assent.

The unicorn, Twilight Sparkle, was being tasked by the Princess with investigating the return of the ancient and mysterious Crystal Empire. The Empire had vanished suddenly one thousand years ago, immediately after its tyrannical ruler, a dark unicorn known as King Sombra, had been defeated by the Royal Pony Sisters of Equestria, namely Princesses Celestia and Luna. But now, a thousand years later, the Empire has suddenly and inexplicably returned to the frozen tundra deep within Equestria's Frozen North, and Princess Celestia was sending Twilight Sparkle to help investigate and protect the Empire, in case it's return heralded the resurrection of King Sombra.

"Then go," Princess Celestia urged, in the gentle tone she often carried...though there was a hint of a command to it, an impatience that suggested that Celestia was taking this situation with an unusual level of seriousness. "There is no time to lose." With those words, she stepped back into the Throne Room, Luna stepping back silently with her, just as the Sun Princess' horn flared to life, her unicorn magic manifesting itself in a golden glow around her horn, which soon spread to the tall, ornate doors to the Throne Room, shutting them with a loud thump, leaving the royal sisters alone in the room.

With Twilight Sparkle out of the picture once again, Princess Luna turned to her older sister, frowning, intent on picking up an earlier conversation from before Twilight had arrived at the castle. "I do not see why you do not wish for me to join them, sister," she said, her voice direct, if quiet...all-but demanding her sister to explain her decisions. "With the importance being placed on this endeavour, we need every every hoof, wing, and horn available."

Princess Celestia had specifically requested that Princess Luna remain behind for this, and had earlier been assuring her that their distant niece, Princess Cadance, and her husband of several months, former Captain of the Royal Guard, now Prince Shining Armor, were both capable of defending the Empire, especially once Twilight Sparkle, and her five friends joined them.

But the Princess of the Night was keen to lend her assistance...showing an unusual interest in this matter, something the elder Sun Princess had noticed, if her reluctance was anything to go by. Neither were speaking it aloud, but both knew that Luna had her own, additional reasons for wanting to go to the Crystal Empire, reasons that clearly worried Celestia.

"Sister, we both know that your reasons for wishing to join Twilight have little to do with protecting the Empire," Celestia said softly, getting a glare from her younger sibling. "I know what you would say, but there is too much chance of your personal feelings betraying your common sense on this matter, sister...just as there is with my own," she added with a soft sigh.

Luna, however, still seemed rather insulted. "And what do you mean by that?" she demanded softly. "You no longer believe we have control over our emotions, sister?"

Princess Celestia shook her head. "Embracing your feelings is not a bad thing, sister. I did not mean to give you that impression. But sometimes, they can tempt you to make poor decisions, that are hard to resist...decisions that your better judgement would not allow," she said softly, sighing and giving her little sister a pointed look.

Princess Luna once more gave her sister a hard look, reading right through the subtleties her sister was layering into her words. "This is about more than just the Crystal Empire," she observed, no question in her voice. "You still disapprove of my courtship of my student," she said plainly, seemingly exasperated.

Celestia, however, shook her head. "No, Luna. I am happy that you have found companionship and love in another pony. My worry is that you may not have thought your relationship with Starfall through..."

Luna's eyes suddenly flashed dangerously...a sign that her sister was aggravating her short temper. "Choose your words carefully, sister," she practically growled, a clear warning in her voice. "You may be my sibling, but that will not excuse any thoughtless slight against Starfall."

Despite the fact that Princess Luna's relationship with a young pegasus stallion named Starfall was relatively young, having started dating roughly three months ago, the alicorn's feelings for him were strong. The fact that the stallion was also her student, studying the most advanced and secretive aspects of astronomy under her only compounded her affection for him.

But from the moment the two of them have entered into a secret relationship...not long after Starfall was nearly killed in an incident that almost Equestria plunged into a terrible age of darkness and misery, the younger Princess had known that her sister was quietly uncertain about the relationship. She was not exactly disapproving of it, Luna knowing that Celestia was at least somewhat happy that she had found somepony who could slip underneath her hard shell to find the caring, somewhat lonely pony underneath.

But Luna still knew that there was something about the depth of their love that bothered Celestia...did she think they were moving too fast? Luna quickly passed the notion off as preposterous. Even after three months, physical displays of affection were a little awkward for her. It had taken them over a month before they had found the courage to share their first kiss, and in the two months since, their kisses were a savoured rarity.

But that just left Luna wondering what it was her sister was so worried about. So after a few tense moments of heavy, awkward silence, Luna finally spoke up. "Ever since we started...dating...Starfall," she said, still feeling a little weird with the casual, modern term for their relationship. Even after a year in the modern world, after being imprisoned on the mood for a thousand years...by her elder sister, no less...the younger Princess was still adjusting to modern society. "You have been acting distant towards Starfall. I know that there is something about us being together that troubles you."

The younger alicorn gave her sister another deep, piercing look. Luna was done skirting around this issue...she wanted to know what her sister was worried about, so she could quash those fears and finally get her sister to accept her relationship with Starfall completely. "So...exactly what is it that you believe we have not thought through to your satisfaction, sister?"

Princess Celestia, however, seemed reluctant to divulge that information, sighing softly as she turned away from Luna, walking slowly down the long throne room, looking up at the numerous stained-glass windows lining the walls, depicting key moments in Equestria's history...from the founding of the united pony nation, to the defeat of the Changeling horde through the love of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. As she walked, the elder alicorn seemed to gaze up at the murals, her mind heavy with the history she had witnessed in her immortal lifespan, making Luna wonder what she was up to, the younger sibling chasing after Celestia, refusing to let this matter go until she got some answers.

But the younger Princess stopped as Celestia reach one last window, going still as she saw the image depicted there. At the top of the window was a large, stylised white orb, a trail behind it stretching out beyond the edges of the image...a comet. A rainbow beam of sorts was striking the comet from underneath, appearing to push it away, the beam coming from a team of six ponies, one of which was recognisable as a stylised version of Twilight Sparkle. They were the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, mysterious and ancient treasures that were a source of immensely powerful magic, powered the bonds of friendship between their bearers. It was this amazing magic that was deflecting the comet, stopping it from destroying Canterlot, and plunging Equestria into an age of darkness never before witnessed.

But what had caught Luna's attention, as it did every time she looked at this window, were the two figures that stood protectively in front of the six mares, the mural forever depicting the looks of determination on their faces. Luna could easily recognise herself on the left, her midnight blue fur and shimmering, sparkling blue mane and tail iconic all on their own, even without the distinctive, expansive wings and slightly elongated horn her alicorn race possessed. The figure on the right was the one that had captured her attention...a pegasus stallion, his yellow coat depicted immaculately, his wings raised, black and white striped mane and tail both billowing in an unseen wind, his brilliant blue eyes narrow, shimmering with an intense, fierce determination that belied the real equivalent's gentle disposition. It was Starfall, Luna's student, friend...and love.

It was a rather embellished version of the night...the reality had been much less heroic and...romantic, really. Luna's memory of the night made her cringe...the window failed to depict the way she had succumbed to a darkness within her she had kept at bay for some time...or how Starfall had been horrifically injured, and nearly killed, the memory making the normally-unflappable Princess' breath hitch ever so slightly.

It was a subtle emotional response that Princess Celestia seemed to be waiting for, sighing as she heard it. "That, my sister...that is what concerns me so," she said softly, her voice heavy, reluctant. This was a conversation she did not want to have.

Luna just blinked at her sister, confused, and clearly wishing for Celestia to continue, the white alicorn complying after another soft, but heavy sigh. "My sister, I understand your affection for Starfall...he truly is a noble, kind pony, with a courage and passion for justice and fairness I don't believe even he is aware of." Here, the Princess paused...her next words were ones Luna was not going to like hearing, clearly. "But...for all his heart and soul, Luna...he is still a pegasus..."

Luna gave Celestia a harsh look at that comment, disbelief mingling with an offended expression. "Sister, you are many things...but you have never believed in racial supremacy, be it for unicorns, pegasi, or even alicorns," she pointed out bluntly. "I do not believe your words for a moment."

The elder Princess shook her head softly in response. "You misunderstand, little sister...I meant no slight on Starfall's ancestry," she said, her words sincere enough to placate the Princess of the Night...for now, at least. "My fear, dear Luna, is not for the present, but for the future."

The last comment seemed to give Luna pause, tilting her head in a puzzled, uncomprehending expression. Celestia took this as confirmation of her fears, and pushed on, hoping to protect her little sister. "Think about it, my sister. Even if this romance succeeds...even if you and Starfall take your relationship to the greatest heights of love and devotion, and all that you hope for is realised...you will still have to suffer the bitter, painful despair of mortality."

Luna's eyes widened slightly, finally comprehending where Celestia's worry was coming from. Her older sister was worried about the vastly differing lifespans between herself and Starfall. As an alicorn, Princess Luna was effectively immortal...she, like her sister, had already lived for over a thousand years, and had countless more millennia to witness. Starfall, on the other hoof, was a pegasus like any other. He would grow old, wither away, and eventually die, all within the next several decades.

Before Luna could speak up in response to this, however, her sister continued on, having appeared to have found her stride at last. "Whether through accident, illness, or the endless march of time itself, Luna...Starfall will, one day, die," she said, her voice dull, flat...lifeless. Clearly hating every word that passed her lips, but also determined to warn her sister of this tragedy that lay in her current future. "But you, my sister...you will live on, long after Starfall is laid to rest, his remains turned to dust, long after his memory had faded from the minds of the ponies we watch over, and long after his deeds have faded from the history books."

As Celestia spoke of this, Luna briefly averted her gaze, trying not to let the painful images her sister was throwing up break her composure. The knowledge that Starfall would age and die was a cold, hard fact Luna was aware of, and had been aware of for some time. But to have it laid down in front of her so bluntly...almost coldly...by her own sister, hurt almost as much as the actual thoughts themselves did. "Why, sister?" Luna finally asked. "Why are you saying all this?"

"Because you're my sister, Luna," Celestia said heavily. "I am telling you this because I love you, and I don't want to see you hurt so needlessly, and so deeply." The elder Princess stepped forward, gently placing a hoof on Luna's shoulder, making the Night Princess look back up at the white alicorn. "I'm just trying to look out for you, my sister. Please let me help you..."

Luna gave her sister a sudden hard look, shoving the hoof on her shoulder away roughly. "And what makes you think I need your help, or your protection, sister?" she demanded, suddenly sounding angry. Celestia took a step back, her expression giving away her realisation that she had said the wrong thing. Luna ignored it, though, getting straight back into her tirade. "You believe me to be a careless little foal, even after all these years, my sister? I am not a helpless, immature foal anymore! I have given my feelings for Starfall...and the consequences of our love much thought, far more than you have considered, clearly."

But Princess Celestia was not quite done, seeming to make one last attempt to dissuade her sister while she paused to regain her breath. "Luna, please. If you go through with this, death and despair will fill your future, and not even I will be able to keep it at bay..."

"Who said we wanted you to interfere in our life?!" Luna suddenly snapped, interrupting her sister. "Am I supposed to hide away in my quarters, forever sheltered from the world, because you wish to be so protective. You, of all ponies, should know that I will never, ever agree to that. I might survive without any risk or danger, Celestia...but I need to to do more than merely survive. I need to live, to experience more of the world I have been kept from these past thousand years, and I will not let you keep me from it."

Luna once more paused, taking a few deep breaths, shooting her sister another sharp look to stop her from attempting to argue with her any further. It was clear that the younger Princess had decided a long time ago, and would not be swayed from her choices. "Sister...Starfall is a unique pony. I would much rather take the highs and lows of our love, even if for a fleeting time, than live an empty shell of a life."

Sighing heavily, the younger Princess turned back to the stained-glass image of the Coronation Ball, her expression softening as she gaze at the immortalised image of Starfall. "I will not change my mind on this, sister. It took me too long to open my heart to him...I will not cast aside that love so carelessly."

Beside her, Luna heard her older sister give a long, slow breath, seeming to finally give in. "Very well, sister...you have made your choice. I just hope it does not come back to haunt you in the coming years," she said softly, turning away and walking off, leaving the Throne Room, pausing briefly at the door. "A thousand years ago, sister...a pony you knew and cared for made a terrible mistake. I don't want to see you hurt like that again..."

"Starfall is not that pony, my sister," Luna snapped coldly. "Do not suggest to me that he would tread down that path...I am insulted that you would even consider it." Luna's voice was sharp, biting...but slightly shaky. Both furious and devastated that her sister could think such a thing of her student and love.

Celestia quickly saw her mistake, realising that she had pushed her sister just a little too far this time, and wisely decided to retreat before this argument got truly ugly. "I'll leave you to your thoughts," she said simply, before leaving, a burst of golden magic shutting the door behind her, leaving Luna alone.

Sighing, Luna glanced back towards the door, before staring up at the window once more. She knew her sister meant well, that she was only trying to do her duty as a big sister and look out for her. But she tended to overdo it sometimes, attempting to protect her to the point of smothering all the joy and fun out of life. Cutting all romantic ties with Starfall because his death would bring her pain was one of those times.

Luna was wise enough to understand that with the good times come the bad. She was well aware that as her relationship with the young pegasus deepened, his eventual death would become that much more painful. That was why she intended to make the most of what time she did have with him, so that when he passed on, she would have plenty of good memories to help her through the inevitable grief. She had survived everything thrown at her, including her corruption to darkness and thousand-year exile sealed in the moon, she was sure she could handle the death of a loved one.

Besides, my dear sister... she thought to herself, looking over at the ornate marble throne sitting at the end of the room...Princess Celestia's seat of power. More specifically, she look at a small pedstal beside the throne, where she could see a small, dark-covered, spiral-bound notebook, the old, faded cover having an image of two stars, settled within a swirling spiral pattern on it. You are not the only alicorn who can give the fates of ponies around you a little nudge from time to time...

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Author's Notes:

Well, here it is! The sequel to Magic in the Stars is here!

In all honesty, I don't have too much to say right now, except a huge thank you to all those who answered my call for OCs...I already have several which will appear at various points throughout the story, so thank you for that!

Also, did anyone reading this Prologue catch the slight reference I made to Lord of the Rings hidden in there? It's not very obvious, but hopefully someone spots it.

For now, I just hoped you enjoyed the Prologue, and hold on tight, because we've got another big tale coming up!