Chapter 8: Conflicted Feelings (Part 3)

While Cadance was making her ultimatum to Shining Armor, in the streets of Canterlot, Princess Luna, Catania, and a sober Twilight had arrived at Catania's home.

Opening the door, Catania ushered them in. "Tea, anypony?"

"Tea would be nice." Luna admitted. Twilight nodded in agreement.

Catania headed to the kitchen, leaving the princess and Twilight in the living room. After setting the kettle on the stove, she returned to see a tear fall from Twilight's eye. "Twilight, are…are you alright?" She asked, knowing the answer.

"N-no. How…how could they do that? How could my brother do that?!" She said, her voice quivering. Luna, without a word, pulled her close, wrapping her wings around her comfortingly, as Twilight continued, "Am I really that untrustworthy to them? Am I just a useless foal to them?"

Catania opened her mouth to answer, but Luna beat her to it. "No, Twilight Sparkle…you are far from it. I do not see an untrustworthy, useless foal. I see a pony in pain whilst everypony else tries to ignore that their actions nearly destroyed Canterlot and Equestria…and that those actions could have been avoided had they but listened to one pony's voice. I see a pony berating herself because those who should be apologizing to her will not, lest they acknowledge how badly they have hurt her." She paused, and then continued, with an indiscernible undertone to her voice, "Most of all…I see a pony whom I trust with my very soul, for when we first met…she saved mine."

Catania took up here. "She's right, Twilight. You're far from an untrustworthy pony. Had they listened to you, none of this would've happened." Here she sighed. "I may have said some things I regret back in the throne room, but they did need it."

Twilight looked at her curiously. "What…what did you say?"

Slowly, Catania told the unicorn and Princess Luna of what she'd said and done after they left with Cadance. Once she finished, there was silence. Eventually, the Princess of the Moon broke it. "Strong…but even I must admit 'tis no less than they deserve, even my dear sister."

Twilight said nothing as Catania looked out of a window and commented, "Princess Celestia raised the moon for you, Princess Luna."

Luna looked out. "So she did." She looked at Twilight. "Perhaps a good night's rest will help you." Twilight nodded just as there was a knock at the door.

Catania went to open it. The two mares heard her say, "Onyx! Where have yo…oh."

The sound of hoofbeats and the door closing caused them to look up. Luna simply blinked in surprise at the sight. Twilight's eyes widened as she gazed at the stallion standing next to a stoic-faced Onyx and an uncertain Catania: her brother, Shining Armor.

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Ok, this wasn't my best chapter, but in my defense, this is finals week! Now, how will this go...?