"Will you be returning soon?"

"We do not know, Sister. We apologize for placing the burden of Our night upon you."

"It is no trouble at all. Do what you must to become healthy again."

"Thank you, Sister." The Princess of the Night spread her wings and took off, gaining altitude and speed before she vanished in a flash of midnight blue. The alicorn felt her weight disappear in seconds as she became whole again, her wings spread wide, effortlessly carrying the mare across space. Luna felt her head clear as the full white of the moon came into view.

Luna landed gently, adding yet another set of hoofprints to its dusty surface. The alicorn's mind cleared as she paced the moon's surface, taking in the area that had been her prison for one thousand years. What had once been a place of confinement was now relaxing to the princess: a place where she could quiet her thoughts and rid herself of The Nightmare inside her, even if it was only temporary.

Now that she was surrounded by her old prison, The Nightmare that still fought to control her mind was silenced, forced to retreat in fear they had been banished again. Luna was able to sit in silence, staring at the vast blue-green orb that held Equestria and its surrounding countries. She smiled as she located Equestria, the country she ruled and loved. Her subjects would be there now, going about their lives and preparing for sunset. Some of the ponies would be getting ready to go out to the various clubs Equestria now offered. Things had changed in the past thousand years. The time of ponies shunning the night was long over.

So why did Luna feel so forgotten?

She had returned to Equestria after breaking free of the moon's hold, and not a single pony had known who she was. Nopony but Twilight Sparkle. Then, she had tried to reconnect with her subjects on Nightmare Night. She had been shunned, unloved and forgotten. She was known only as the evil mare of darkness, Nightmare Moon. Nopony remembered Princess Luna.

That was a different time, She told herself. Ponies know Us now. They connect with Us in their dreams. They refer to Our moon as 'Luna's Moon' rather than 'the moon'. It was enough, was it not? Equestrians had accepted Luna as their princess once more. Luna was no longer a piece of forgotten history. She was a Princess of Equestria.

The moon beneath her hooves glowed with a faint yellow. Celestia was beginning to raise the moon. Around her, the stars began to shine brighter, Celestia's magic bringing out their true shine. Luna used her own magic to help her sister along, arranging the stars into their usual constellations. It was harder on the moon, her magic weakened by the lack of breathable air. Luna tired quickly, stopping before the magic allowing her to breathe was exhausted.

The moon moved across the space slowly, its glow becoming stronger as it drew closer to the orb it was shining upon. Luna wished she were home to see it. Celestia made very beautiful nights. Luna again contemplated her purpose. There were four alicorns now. One in the Crystal Empire and three in Equestria. Celestia was a wonderful creator of nighttime, and Twilight Sparkle could very easily take over the task if needed. Why would Luna be needed?

We came here to realize our purpose. Notice how Our sister does not line the stars properly. The constellations are off, and the moon is obscured. Tonight was meant to be a full moon, but Our Sister's magic can create nothing more than a waxing gibbous. Luna wondered if Celestia even knew the phases of the moon by their proper name. The thought made the mare feel better. She relaxed, resting her head on her hooves and letting her eyes close. The mare, untroubled for the time being, fell into an easy sleep.

~XoXo~

Luna awoke, unsure of how much time had passed. She could see her sister's sun shining on the other side of the blue-green orb, but this would not be the first time that Luna had slept through several nights. The mare stood and shook out her mane, the flowing galaxy within sparkling with the fake stars that littered it.

Luna stretched her hooves and spread her wings, flapping them a few times to gain air. The dust swirled around her, dusting her coat with a soft white. The princess took off, the ache in her wings and legs telling her she had been asleep for quite a long time. Luna pressed herself to pick up speed, her body becoming encased in her magic. She squeezed her eyes shut and concentrated. When she opened her eyes, she had returned home.

"Are you better, Little Sister?" Celestia asked, not at all fazed that Luna had teleported into her personal quarters.

"The Nightmare no longer plagues Us," Luna replied. "But We fear it will return in due time."

"You are strong, Little Sister. You will not fall to The Nightmare again." Celestia nuzzled her sister and Luna frowned.

"We are sure that Twilight Sparkle will not have this issue. You made a mistake in allowing me to join you as a princess, Sister. Our relation to you should not have influenced you."

"It was a choice I wanted to make. You are a fine princess. I trust you can teach Twilight Sparkle enough to keep her away from the nightmares that plagued you? The sun is lowered. Equestria is ready for night."

"We shall do Our best, Sister." Luna said with a bow. She left her sister's study and found Twilight Sparkle in the hall, spreading her wings and getting used to their presence.

"Princess Luna," Twilight said with a bow. "Where have you been?"

"We have been away for Our health." Luna replied. She made it clear that she did not want to go into detail. "Are you ready for your lesson in creating the stars?"

"I've been ready all week!" Twilight said with a huge grin. "Celestia said it would be better if you taught me." Luna nodded and the two princesses walked outside. The sky was light purple, clear of moon and stars. Luna concentrated on the center of her magic, her horn glowing brightly. The moon rose into the sky. Luna knew it was not the time for a full moon, but she adjusted the moon to her liking. Twilight's own horn was sparking, too much excitement building inside the young alicorn.

"Concentrate on the stars," Luna commanded. "Imagine you are each one, determined to shine brightest in the sky." Luna concentrated on her favorite star and closed her eyes. It appeared in the sky, shining brightly. Twilight looked up at it in awe and shut her eyes. Her face screwed up tight and the magic around her horn pulsed. Luna looked to the sky and was surprised to see the stars flickering in and out of view.

"I'm not very good," Twilight said when she looked up. The stars flashed one last time and went out.

"Even We did not master it the first time," Luna replied. "It takes practice, Twilight Sparkle. Try once more." Again, Twilight worked on concentrating on the stars. Some of the stars popped into being, shining faintly in the sky. Luna used her own magic to brighten them and move them to their proper places in the sky. Twilight opened her eyes and looked into the sky.

"Did I do all of that?" She asked, looking at the night sky.With the clear skies over Canterlot, it was one of the most beautiful nights Equestria had seen in many years.

"You did wonderfully," Luna said, not mentioning that she had helped the young princess.

Another pony that will steal your love and respect. A cold voice whispered in the back of Luna's head. The alicorn cringed. She had hoped The Nightmare would be gone for longer, but it had returned quicker than usual.

"Would you like to learn how to arrange constellations?" Luna asked, trying keep The Nightmare out of her head. Twilight looked up.

"The stars are already aligned," Twilight pointed out.

"Note Starswirl the Bearded's beard," Luna pointed with a hoof. "It is supposed to end in three stars, however, one is missing. Do you see the missing star, Twilight Sparkle?" Luna waited for Twilight to find the star. The missing star was three feet off course, shining alongside the Princess Platinum constellation.

"Focus all your energy upon the stray star. Then, imagine moving it into place." Luna instructed. Twilight followed the direction, moving the star slowly. Luna felt an itch in the back of her head, followed by The Nightmare.

She already shows more talent than you did when you began. She'll take your respect. She'll take your job.

Princess Luna shook her head, trying to keep The Nightmare out. Twilight was talented, yes, but there were still many talents she needed to try. The night would still belong to Luna. The Nightmare provided Luna with images of Twilight Sparkle raising the moon. In the image, Luna was sitting to the side, her magic blocked away as Twilight took over the duties of night.

The Nightmare had never returned this quickly before. Luna usually had at least a week of freedom before The Nightmare took over her mind again. Luna tried to keep The Nightmare out of her mind, but now that it had brought up the possibility of Twilight becoming the new Princess of the Night, she couldn't push it back.

"We must take leave," Luna said quickly. Twilight looked to her current mentor in shock, her concentration breaking. The star she was moving stayed slightly askew.

"But we've just started!"

"And you have done wonderfully, Twilight Sparkle. But We must speak with Our sister. It is urgent." The alicorn left Twilight standing alone as she flapped her wings, lifting into the air. She soared into Celestia's quarters, The Nightmare nagging at her for being weak.

"How did Twilight's training go? The sky looks beautiful."

"She did quite well for a beginner. Sister, We must go." The Nightmare roared in the back of Luna's mind and she cringed, the effort to fight it off becoming harder as she stood before her sister.

"So soon?" Celestia asked, concern lacing her tone. "You've just returned."

"We are aware. The Nightmare...it's stronger. We do not know why." Luna thought Celestia would not be pleased if she blamed The Nightmare on Twilight Sparkle. It wasn't the young mare's fault she was so talented.

"If that is what's best," Celestia bowed her head and Luna took off through the window, vanishing as she had before. Down below, in the castle courtyard, Twilight Sparkle watched the strange flash in the sky as Luna vanished.

~XoXo~

"But, Princess, she's been gone for nearly three weeks!" Twilight argued. The youngest alicorn had bags beneath her eyes and her horn sparked at random intervals.

"My sister does this at times, Twilight Sparkle. Admittedly, this is the longest she's been away, but she will return in her own time."

"Aren't you worried? She's your sister! And she has her responsibilities over the night, remember? You've been the one raising the moon, and I've brought out the stars. We need Princess Luna back." Twilight looked out to the night sky, her eyes lingering on the moon. Nopony ever told her, but the young mare had her suspicions that Luna was there, hiding away from all of Equestria.

"Twilight Sparkle, this is a matter relating to Princess Luna and myself. If this concerned you, I would involve you in the matter. You would do well to stay out of matters that do not concern you."

"Yes, Princess Celestia," Twilight bowed her head and left her teacher's chambers. She looked up at the moon, which was barely a sliver in the sky. Twilight looked behind her, making sure Celestia's attention was on something else. The purple alicorn spread her wings and kicked off, flying towards the moon. She wasn't really sure how one got to the moon, but she couldn't think about that now. She shut her eyes and thought about landing on the moon. There was a popping noise and Twilight found herself floating with no air support beneath her wings. At first she was afraid she had done something wrong, but when she opened her eyes, she found herself surrounded by the stars she had helped place in the Equestrian sky. Behind her was the blue and green orb that held her home. Ahead of her was the empty whiteness of the moon. On it's surface, she could see a dark figure curled into a ball, staring off into the distance.

"Princess Luna!" Twilight called, forgetting that the alicorn couldn't hear her. Twilight flapped her wings, glad to see that they still propelled her, and landed neatly beside Luna. The princess of the night looked up, bewildered at the sight of Twilight.

"Twilight Sparkle, what are you doing here? Did Our sister send you?"

"Nopony sent me, Princess. I came here against Celestia's wishes," Twilight confessed. "I was worried about you,"

"Why would you worry? You can raise the moon and stars. Our sister raises the sun. There is no need for Our talents anymore. You may return home, Twilight Sparkle."

"I'm not leaving without you." Twilight said, stomping her hoof for emphasis. Luna gave Twilight an amused smile. "You're too important to Equestria!"

"All We are good for is scaring children on Nightmare Night," Luna rose to her hooves, her joints popping. If sound could have carried, Twilight was sure the sound would have echoed loudly. "We are content with living here on the moon for the remainder of Our existence."

"Then I'm staying too,"

"You cannot do that, Twilight Sparkle. Our subjects need you" Luna stared longingly towards the orb she had once called home. Twilight stood beside the princess, not showing any signs of moving. The lack of gravity made it easier to stand still as she didn't need to adjust her weight to make her legs more comfortable. Luna seemed to realize there was no getting rid of her company and she sighed. Inside her head, the war raged on.

No matter where you go, Twilight Sparkle has to come and make you look bad. You live in Equestria, Twilight masters the Night. You come to the moon, Twilight comes to make you look weak.

Silence, Luna told the voice at the back of her mind. Twilight Sparkle wishes to help Us, not harm Us. She wishes Us to be free of The Nightmare as well.

You say you wish to be free of me, The Nightmare cooed. Yet, you refer to me when you speak of yourself.

It is the Royal We. It has nothing to do with you.

Lies.The Nightmare hissed. Luna flinched as she considered the thought. She had returned to Equestria a long time ago. She should have eased into the new form of speech by now. She had long abandoned the older method of speech, and she no longer used the Royal Canterlot Voice, but no matter what she did, she always used the Royal We. Twilight expressed concern for the princess but she didn't speak, afraid of being forced to return to Equestria alone.

"If you must stay," Luna began, her head throbbing from her argument. "Then We have a few rules. You must not use magic while here. We have done so many times in the past, but We are skilled. The magic coursing through your blood is what is keeping you breathing. Second, if you should break the first rule, magic must not be used on anything but the stars and Our moon. The other planets are not controlled by magic, as it should be. Can you follow those rules, Twilight Sparkle?"

The purple alicorn nodded eagerly, glad to be allowed to stay with Luna. She wasn't sure how long they would be staying, but she hoped, with her persuasion, that they could return soon. Equestria needed them more than Luna realized. Luna spread her wings out and kicked up, circling around the moon to stretch out her wings. She flew for quite some time, landing beside Twilight after what seemed like several hours, but could only have been minutes.

"How do you tell how much time has passed up here?"

"We do not. Pray tell, Twilight Sparkle, how long have We been away from Equestria?"

"Three weeks."

"We have slept for a long time."

"You slept this entire time?" Twilight couldn't imagine sleeping for longer than eight hours, let alone three weeks.

"When time is of least value, We can sleep for up to a week. We have wanted to return home twice now, but there have been...obstacles."

Tell her, you fool. Tell her how weak you are, sitting alone in space. Tell her how you can't face your subjects.

Silence! Luna's head pounded.

She's only here to steal your thunder. She wants you to fail, Luna.

Twilight Sparkle wishes to heal us!

We both know that is not true. Luna shook her head angrily, trying to push The Nightmare away. She was growing concerned. It had never taken this long for The Nightmare to shrink into the smallest part of her brain. It was as if The Nightmare was growing stronger, consuming her brain and threatening to take over. She forced a smile, to please Twilight, and curled back up in her crater.

"We would like to go back to sleep, Twilight Sparkle."

"Is there any way I can help?"

"No!" The Nightmare screamed, using Luna's lips as its own. So many weeks of solitude had made The Nightmare far more independent than Luna cared to admit. She cleared her throat.

"We mean, no, Twilight Sparkle. We require no help. Rest, please." Twilight glanced at Luna before she reluctantly curled herself into a small ball. The pony, however, did not sleep. Her eyes remained locked on Luna, worry clouding her eyes. Luna made a point to look away and stare without focus towards the black abyss that had become her home. For one thousand years, the emptiness had pained her and filled her with rage, the need for revenge. But now that she was here, staring at the nothing by choice, she was calmed. Twilight's presence soothed her as well, and for the first night in three weeks, she slept soundly.

~XoXo~

Twilight had not prepared herself for how boring life on the moon could be. She'd been forbidden to leave the moon, unless it was to return to Equestria. She wasn't allowed to go explore the other planets, as Luna said it was too dangerous. Twilight wished there was more she could do, but Luna always insisted that she was fine, and that there was nothing that needed to be done. The two spent a lot of time just sitting in dead silence, staring into space.

Twilight had noticed changes in Luna since she'd arrived. The first night, Luna had been withdrawn and angry. Now, nearly a month later, Luna was smiling, laughing, and having in depth conversations with Twilight about her first run of captivity on the moon.

"The isolation was not what angered me," Luna replied. Twilight had also noticed in the past month that Luna had slowly slipped out of the Royal We. "The isolation was necessary. Celestia knew what was best for Equestria. She always does what is best for Equestria, even if it means hurting herself."

"What was so bad about it then? Why were you so angry when you returned?"

"I was not the angry one, Twilight. It was Nightmare Moon. Nightmare Moon did not like being confined. Luna, however, understood why it needed to happen. It is why I come back here so often. Nightmare Moon lived on, and the only way to silence her was to return here, where I was imprisoned. She grew weaker here, because she knew that until she was gone, I would remain here, to silence her."

"Is that why you kept leaving? To silence Nightmare Moon? Is that why you left in the middle of our lesson?" Twilight asked, focusing now on Luna. The older alicorn nodded her head once.

"You were doing so well, Twilight Sparkle. The Nightmare...she knew I was insecure about my duty to Equestria. She knew you were doing better than I had, when I began working with stars. I needed to get away again. I did not expect you to follow me here, though you have been a great help, Twilight." Since Twilight's arrival, Luna had lived without even a trace of The Nightmare in her mind. Without the plague resting inside her, she'd dropped the Royal We, and had found herself more relaxed than ever before. It had been weeks since The Nightmare had given it's input. It had been several days since Luna last sensed its presence, waiting for her to make a mistake.

"Do you think we could return to Equestria soon?" Twilight asked. She'd avoided the question for as long as she could, not wanting to push Luna into anything, but it had been so long, and Twilight was beginning to miss home. Luna rose to her feet, spreading her wings and stretching her back. Luna had missed her sister, and her home. She saw no reason why she couldn't return to her duties.
"I don't see why not. You know how to return home, I assume?"

"Not exactly," Twilight explained how it was lucky that she'd even managed to get to the moon, and Luna shook her head with a smile.

"Just concentrate on Canterlot and cast a simple teleportation spell while in the air." Luna began flapping her wings, lifting herself off the surface of the moon and hovering, waiting for Twilight. The younger alicorn took a little longer to lift off, still unused to the lack of gravity that Luna had learned to manipulate, but before long she was managing to keep in pace with Luna. The princess of the night flew behind Twilight, in case something went wrong and Twilight needed assistance.

“Keep a straight path, Twilight Sparkle. It is easier to reach the desired destination that way.” Twilight nodded, focusing on Equestria and trying to keep herself straight and balanced. She turned her head, surprised to see how easy it all looked to Luna. The princess was effortlessly gliding through the empty space, her eyes set dead ahead. Twilight was so awed that she didn’t notice as Luna began picking up speed and encasing them in blue magic.

“You may want to concentrate on breathing. Returning to Equestria is far more dangerous than leaving it.” Luna warned. Twilight suddenly felt as though she was being forced through a very small tube, pressing against her on all sides. Everything lit up slowly as they rocketed into Equestria, and Twilight could feel a faint breeze ruffling her coat and feathers. When she could see the courtyard of the castle, Luna removed the spell and Twilight was overwhelmed with smells, sounds, and oxygen.

Luna landed neatly, but Twilight crashed to the ground in a clumsy manner, groaning lightly. Luna laughed softly before helping Twilight to her hooves.

"It is easier when you've done it many times before,"

"I don't think I'll be trying again anytime soon," Twilight muttered, shaking out her wings after getting to her feet. Luna smiled and nudged Twilight softly.

"Let us go inform Celestia of our return."

~XoXo~

"You say it has left, but how can that be? You have been struggling for over a thousand years, Sister."

"It has not affected me since my previous retreat, all those months ago. Twilight Sparkle's presence calmed me to the point of expelling my inner demons, for want of a better phrase. She has been a great help, and I would like to request that she move to Canterlot at once. I fear The Nightmare will return if Twilight remains in Ponyville." Luna knew it was a long shot. She knew Twilight would never move to Canterlot and leave her friends behind. The recently titled Princess of Friendship would want to settle in her new castle, in Ponyville, not return to Canterlot for Luna. It was strange how painfully Luna ached for Twilight. Shortly after their return from the moon, Luna's desire to have Twilight around stemmed from the fear that The Nightmare would return. Now, however, it seemed there was more to her longing than just fear.

"Twilight may frequent Canterlot regularly, if you desire, but I cannot force her to move into our castle."

"Thank you, Sister," Luna bowed her head as Celestia rose to her feet and walked to her balcony. Luna watched her sister as she closed her eyes and concentrated, slowly lowering the sun. Luna stood back behind her sister, waiting until the sun was lower in the sky before she focused all her energy on the moon, bringing it into view as the sun vanished from sight.

"Would you like me to help you with the stars tonight? I admit I am not as skilled in constellations, but you've been away a long time, and you've been working so hard recently. I know with recent events, and the isolation-"

"I was not isolated this time. I was with Twilight Sparkle. Her presence is what helped me. I will be perfectly capable on my own, thank you. You may take your leave now." Luna set to work on the night sky, blocking out her sister and arranging the constellations carefully, making the stars brighter than usual, just to prove a point. Celestia nodded once and left Luna to her work, returning inside for the night.

Luna looked around below her, making sure no stray ponies were out to notice anything strange happening. Slowly, she began moving the stars in the Sire Hooftrick VIII constellation, rearranging them to form the shape that had been taking place in her head for weeks now. Nopony would notice Sire Hooftrick's absence. He was no longer taught in schools, as his ideals were long outdated in Equestria. It was time for a new constellation to take his place. Luna moved the star that had once been the tip of Sire Hooftrick's wing and moved it to the very front of the cluster, beaming at her work.

"The first and only Equestrian princess to be placed amongst the stars," she whispered. Celestia could not argue. No rules were being broken, and all promises were kept. "Welcome to the night, Twilight Sparkle. You will be with me always."

~XoXo~

"Is that even allowed? How could she change the night sky? And to just remove Sire Hooftrick?" Twilight ranted, pacing in front of Celestia. Her wings ruffled angrily, scattering lavender feathers everywhere. Celestia waited for Twilight to calm slightly before speaking.

"There are no rules against Luna changing the night sky. It is hers to control. If she so desired, she could change its layout each night. She is the one who chooses which historical figures are important enough to be seen nightly, by stargazing ponies."

"Then why only me? Why not you, or Cadence? Why hasn't she put herself up there?"

"We made an agreement long ago, when we first took up these duties. Neither of us are to become constellations until our passing. She has made arrangements with Cadence that I know nothing about. There were no rules stating that you could not become part of the night sky. And we both know there are only three ponies in Equestria who know of Sire Hooftrick and his ideals. Perhaps you should discuss this matter with Princess Luna. Only she knows the meaning behind the change in the stars last night."

"This can't be allowed." Twilight muttered. "There's got to be some sort of-"

"There is none. It is nearly time to raise the sun, Twilight, so if you'll excuse me," Celestia stepped past Twilight to the balcony and Twilight followed after her. She continued asking questions, but Celestia dismissed her over and over again. Twilight was reluctant to ask Luna for answers, however. She knew that anything could set Luna off. She didn't know if asking about the change in the sky would bring Nightmare Moon back.

"For the last time, Twilight Sparkle, this is not a matter to discuss with me. If you wish, take it up with Luna. But I have responsibilities to attend to." Celestia set to raising the sun, no longer paying any mind to Twilight and her questioning. Twilight knew she would have to wait all day for Luna to wake again. The mare had returned to her nocturnal sleeping habits since returning to Equestria. She had no other choice but to return home and rest until sunset.

~xoxo~

Luna looked unfazed as Twilight questioned her. She didn't move or interrupt until Twilight had finished speaking.

"I understand why you are upset," Luna said calmly, glancing to the darkening sky. Celestia's sun was gone, and Luna needed to raise the moon. Faint stars were shining in the sky, waiting for Luna's magic to bring out their true shine. "It is not an easy thing to take in, seeing your likeness in the sky."

"I just want to know why I'm up there. I've done nothing to deserve that place,"

"You've done plenty, Twilight Sparkle. You freed me from Nightmare Moon, you defeated Discord, you put an end to a Changeling invasion-"

"I didn't do any of those things alone," Twilight replied. "My friends helped me. Why aren't they constellations too? They deserve a place in the sky just as much as I do."

Luna took a moment to raise the moon into the sky, giving the pair a soft glow of light. "You are in the sky for a reason far more important to me than anything you and your friends have accomplished."

"Then what is it?" Twilight asked, urging Luna on. The Princess of the Night hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. Was there a way to admit that Twilight meant more to her than anypony in all of Equestria? How could she tell Twilight how she felt? How could she explain that, until she'd met Twilight, The Nightmare had plagued her every minute of every day? Ever since their time on the moon, The Nightmare hadn't even been a whisper in her mind. It was gone, entirely, thanks to the mare standing before her.

"You have done me a service, Twilight Sparkle. Or, what began as a service. I fear it has grown into something deeper,"

"What have I done?" Twilight pressed. Luna paused, searching for the proper words. She had one chance to phrase this correctly.

"You've saved me, Twilight," Luna began. "Your presence on the moon put an end to The Nightmare. Before you, The Nightmare followed me everywhere I went, constantly telling me that I would never be enough. Occasionally, it would take over entirely, which resulted in my isolation on the moon. It would take over until I pulled myself away from Equestria, often for weeks at a time.

"And then you showed up on the moon with me. I had never been so ashamed. Here I was, a princess of Equestria, being followed to the moon, when I was in my lowest state of mind. I wanted to disappear, or perhaps be crushed by the weight of space. Of course, that could never happen. My magic wouldn't allow it. The Nightmare raged, taunting me still. But having you there, I was able to conquer it. I was able to rise above it, and force it out of my mind.

"When we returned to Equestria, The Nightmare was gone. I knew it wasn't possible to have you move into the castle in Canterlot, but I feared your absence would cause The Nightmare to return. I feared, if you were gone, The Nightmare would find a way back into my mind. I needed you around, constantly, always. I felt empty without you, Twilight Sparkle. As if there was something missing from myself. It didn't take me long at all to realise that this feeling of emptiness was more than just a fear of The Nightmare. It was a longing, a loneliness, and I realised very quickly that you meant more to me than just a medication for The Nightmare. I realised, Twilight, that I had fallen in love with you."

There was a long silence. Luna busied herself with bringing out the stars to avoid staring at Twilight and waiting for a reply. Twilight didn't open her mouth until Luna had revealed the Twilight Sparkle constellation.

"I don't know what to say," Twilight admitted.

"My apologies," Luna said quickly. "It is much to take in, I am sure,"

"No, it's not that. I just..." Twilight tailed off, looking up at her likeness in the stars. "I've never been in this situation before. I'm not one to be the object of affections,"

"This is a new feeling for me as well," Luna admitted. "I've had...relations, in the past. History books have done their job in portraying me in a negative lighting, so I'm sure you're well aware of my past behaviours. But, despite my many lovers, I've never truly felt love, as Cadence has pointed out to me so many times. I am sure, however, that Cadence could never deny that what I feel is real."

"I'm not saying it isn't real," Twilight said, turning her attention to Luna. "I'm just saying it's new...different." Twilight took in the situation, scanning Luna's face for any signs of deceit. Finding none, she smiled. "I can't say I've considered it. It's never crossed my mind before, but I'd love to see what happens,"

"You would use my emotions as an experiment?" Luna glared down at Twilight, who quickly shook her head.

"No, no that's not what I meant! I mean, I've never thought about having a relationship. It's never come up. But I can see it working with us. I understand you more than I've understood anypony else, and I'm the only pony you've ever opened to, aside from Celestia. We could start something up, and see where it goes. I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel something similar for you,"

It was true. Twilight's thoughts had been going back to Luna ever since their time on the moon. Luna had promised herself she wouldn't frequent Twilight's dreams, but every now and then, she'd popped in one or two of them, pleased to find that Twilight often dreamed of her. Neither of them were skilled in romantic relationships, but Luna could feel something for the mare standing in front of her that she knew could last the decades they had ahead of them. The mare that had not only freed her from Nightmare Moon, but freed her yet again from The Nightmare that lived inside of her. Twilight had been the only pony in thousands of years to see more to her than just a secluded mare motivated by revenge. Twilight Sparkle had been the only pony to remember her at the Summer Sun Celebration so long ago.

"So what does that make us?" Luna asked after a long silence. Twilight looked up at her constellation, smiling when just the previous night, the sight had infuriated her. It looked just like her, and Luna had captured her abilities so perfectly with one brighter than usual star at the tip of her horn.

"I would say lovers, but I don't want to be just another lover. I'm sure you understand?"

"I do. I wouldn't classify you as such. They were meaningless. To fill a void I had no idea how to fill. You, Twilight Sparkle, are more than just a filler. You are more to me than any of them combined."

"Then perhaps this makes us marefriends," Twilight offered. Luna tried out the word, associating it with Twilight's face.

"Mare...friend," she nodded once. It was perfect for this stage in their lives. Perhaps one day, there would be more to them than just 'marefriends'. She knew it was far to early to be thinking that far ahead, but looking at Twilight, she was more aware of how hers her mind was. Without The Nightmare nagging at her mind, Luna could plan ahead, and envision a future for herself she'd never been able to see before.

Luna chanced a small kiss on Twilight's cheek, feeling pleased as she felt the warmth rush to her face, matching the pinkish tinge visible on Twilight's. They smiled at each other, words no longer necessary. They were bonded together now, through unspoken agreement. The Princess of Friendship, and the Princess of the Night.

Author's Notes:

So I spent nearly two years working on this story, which is the longest I've ever spent on a single one-shot story. So I hope you guys enjoyed it, because I worked really hard to make it good enough to publish.