Silence reigned.

The two stared at each other, separated by both the gulf of time and of memories.

Luna, her fur bloodstained and blackened by plasma. Celestia, her wings covered in bandages, her flawless snow white fur pristine.

Neither moved. Neither spoke. They just stared.

A slight breeze swept through their old home, causing their astral manes to flutter in a flurry of motion though neither really noticed.

Finally, after what seemed like forever, Celestia broke the stare. Then without further warning she charged her sister and tackled her to the ground. Luna let out a shriek of surprise and reached out with her magic to throw her attacker off of her but before she could, she felt something wet across her neck. She looked down to see that Celestia had buried her face in her neck and was weeping.

“Lulu... you’re back... you’re finally back,” Celestia sobbed between rapid intakes of breath. Luna’s eyes widened as her for a moment before she leaned down against Celestia, her own eyes tearing up.

“Tia,” the dark alicorn said as she nuzzled the elder, her grief sweeping up out of her like a great tsunami she hadn’t even realized was building up offshore. The reunited sisters stayed like that for a long time, simply crying into each others’ fur.

When the storm finally ran its course Celestia let out one final stuttering gasp and lay her head against Luna’s neck. “I’m sorry, Lulu,” she murmured softly. “Oh so very sorry.”

“What... whatever for?” Luna asked quietly. “For defending Equestria from my harebrained scheme to change the very cycle of the days? For leading an army against my armed insurrection? For doing your duty to our little ponies?”

“No...” Celestia trailed off before whispering the next few words, her voice so full of emotion that if they’d been said any louder then they would have been nothing but a wail. “For failing you. I... I should have talked to you... shouldn’t have snubbed you. I... I had time for you, sister. I just... thought you were just behaving foalishly... I... I failed you as a sister.”

Luna looked into her sister’s boundless violet eyes which were full of clear and obvious anguish. Then she did the best thing she could have. She simply bent down and gave Celestia a kiss on the forehead.

“Sister... you didn’t fail me,” Luna said softly. “I failed me. I didn’t think things through... I was nothing but a writhing ball of angst and emotion. I threw Equestria into turmoil for my own selfish desires and nothing more.”

“But I still should have done something!” Celestia protested. “If I had been there for you instead of dismissing your concerns for nothing, then you wouldn’t have fallen into despair!”

Luna was silent for a long moment before she spoke again.

“Sister... I will not say that you have done no wrong,” she said slowly, Celestia nodded her head sadly. “But I will say that any wrong you have done was at least partially my fault.”

“I’m still the elder sister, Luna... the responsibility falls upon me,” Celestia replied quietly as her mane fell across her face and obscured her red stained eyes. “I should have been wiser, more observant-”

“Enough!” Luna exclaimed, unable to bear seeing her sister in such a distressed state. Her horn glowed and she moved Celestia’s mane from her eyes. “Tia... just because you are the eldest of us does not mean that you must always be right or more importantly that you must bear the burden of all our mistakes,” she stated firmly. “Furthermore... without my... exile... I never would have found the love of my life.”

While the first part rolled over Celestia like a wave, making her pause, the second part caused the old alicorn’s eyes to widen.

“You... you finally found somepony?” she asked with wide eyes.

“Well... not somepony, but yes, yes I did,” Luna replied with a smile. “She’s beautiful and intelligent and fierce and... I need to get her back somehow!”

Celestia’s face, which had been blooming into a wide smile fell, fell flat.

“Well... if she means that much to you... then I promise you that we’ll find a way to bring her here... I just don’t know what it is, Clover didn’t actually include a way to summon anyone but you... but I’m sure that together we can find a way!” Celestia said, her voice gaining confidence with every word. Luna stared at her for a moment, grief welling up inside her... she didn’t know how to get Sarah, nor Nim, to Equestria!

“But... for now I think it is time for us to leave this old castle... I wouldn’t want any of our little ponies to think that something bad had happened,” Celestia added before Luna’s thoughts could get any further.

Luna’s eyes widened as she suddenly realized that Celestia must have brought soldiers of some kind with her...

“Sister... am I to be welcomed among them?” Luna asked quietly. “Or do they know me as the leader of a rebellion and near dooming of Equestria?”

At that, Celestia’s smile returned. “Actually... and I hope you do not mind this... but they believe you took it upon yourself to rid the depths of the Darkness of monsters,” the elder alicorn explained, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Luna stared at her for a long moment as she pulled her mind away from thoughts of those she loved... she had to worry about the here and now. “So... just how long have you been telling that bullshit?”

Celestia’s eyebrows rose in surprise at the language, but to be honest she couldn’t fault her sister’s assessment. “Nine hundred and seventy five years, give or take a few months,” the white alicorn admitted. “I... hope you do not mind my... fudging of history... but I made the decision that you would rather be remembered as a hero for a thousand years rather than a monster or a fairy tale.”

The blue alicorn let out a long sigh before nodding slowly and bringing her head up to smile faintly at Celestia. “That... was incredibly kind of you, sister. I do not know what I would do if I was regarded as a fairy tale or a demon of some sort... again.”

Celestia winced at the word ‘again’ but smiled softly as she gave Luna a nuzzle. “I knew that, which is why I did it,” the mare told her sister before giving her another kiss on the forehead. “Now then... shall we?” she added as she returned to her hooves.

“I believe we shall,” Luna replied as she too rose to her hooves before she frowned. “Huh... Daybreaker was left behind.”

“Your old sword?” Celestia asked with a frown.

“Yes... it seems that nothing I wore came along with me,” Luna said before shaking her head. “In any case... it just means that Sarah has another weapon to keep her safe.”

“That’s the way to think about it,” Celestia agreed with a nod before gesturing towards the closed doorway. “Let’s go, sister.”

Luna nodded and followed Celestia, the elder mare making sure to keep her pace so that Luna was abreast with her, neither in the lead. Celestia paused just before the doors and looked over at Luna who met her gaze for a moment and smiled and nodded. Within her mind, Luna’s being was a swirling sea of concern and worry, most of it directed towards Sarah... but above that was a longing to see this new Equestria that her sister had forged.

Celestia pushed the doors open with her horn and the pair walked out into the moonlit forest. Arrayed before them in a neat circle were a dozen normal guard ponies in golden armour along with another dozen thestrals who Luna’s night sight picked up holding sniping positions with enchanted crossbows. within the center of all of them was mare with a red and yellow streaked mane who wore a the swirling blue robe of the Arch Mage.

Scattered around them were over a dozen rotting griffin corpses, stinking of necromantic energy. Luna frowned at the magic’s cloying black aura but that frown shifted into a small smile as the guards stared at her for a moment before falling into respectful bows.

“My little ponies... your Queen has returned,” Celestia said in a majestic voice, rippling with power and authority. Luna’s heart filled with giddiness, overwhelming her feelings of concern, if only for the moment and she stepped forwards.

“Rise, my little ponies,” Luna said with a smile as she looked between all of them. “I have been gone for a long time but I feel-” Luna cut herself off as she saw the dark shape of a griffon lunging at the mare with the Arch Mage robes from above while she was distracted. Within the blink of an eye Luna had immobilized it with her magic and then sent it crashing through the trunk of a nearby tree. “- that based on the valor displayed by you all that I may as well not have left for a day,” she finished smoothly with a smile, as if she hadn’t just crushed a zombified griffon like a ball of paper.

“Thank you, your Majesty,” the Arch Mage said, giving her a bow.

“Think nothing of it,” Luna replied with a small shrug before turning to Celestia. “It seems that whatever spell that insolent fool used has continued its effects.”

“Indeed it does,” Celestia agreed, barely containing a sigh. This was going to be a mess to clean up... Oh fuck it all, the Queen thought. She had her sister back, this was a trifling thing compared to how good that simple fact made her feel. “Sunset, are you capable of leading the hunts?”

“Yes, your Majesty,” Sunset replied, nodding her head simply. “I’ll send you a status report in the morning.”

“Thank you,” Celestia replied before turning to Luna. “Seeing as you have so much free energy floating about, would you mind taking care of teleporting us to the nearest town? I can give you the coordinates easily enough.”

Luna frowned faintly as she looked over her sister. It was only then that Luna noticed the heavy bags beneath Celestia’s eyes and the strained undertone of her voice. The blue alicorn glanced in her sister’s eyes and Celestia ducked her head slightly and in a voice too quiet for anyone but Luna whispered.

“I’ll tell you later.”

“Of course, dear sister,” Luna said in response to both though before she could start casting the spell, one of the guards stepped forwards. He was a black furred pegasus stallion, very shapely and handsome. Without a word he took up a position beside Celestia and gave Luna a calm smile.

Luna frowned for a moment before shrugging and lighting up her horn began to glow as she looked into her sister’s mind for the location of the town. It took her a moment longer than she had before, working out how to teleport her sister and the guard without causing further injury was a concern, but after only a few seconds she completed the spell and they appeared on the outskirts of a modest looking little town. To her slight surprise, there were a few dozen more guards, all of whom looked to be at the ready for an attack of some kind.

All activity ceased the moment they appeared, each and every one of the ponies falling into bows. Celestia smiled faintly, but Luna could tell it was a rather strained one. Apparently whatever had happened to her wings had been quite tiring.

“Go about your business, my little ponies,” Celestia said with a benign smile. “Though if someone would let me know how Twilight Sparkle, and Rainbow Dash are doing along with getting my sister and I a ride back to Canterlot that would be much appreciated.”

“Twilight and Rainbow Dash have already left,” a familiar voice said from behind her. Celestia turned to find Fire Brand standing there.

“Wonderful, taken to Canterlot for medical assistance I immagine?” Celestia asked with a strained smile, Luna could tell that her sister was rapidly running out of energy.

“Indeed your Majesty,” the thestral replied before giving Luna an incredibly wide smile. “And welcome back to you, your Majesty,” the black stallion added with a smile to Luna. “We’ll find a pair of our better fliers to get a carriage in the air for you both.”

“That would be... much appreciated,” Luna replied, nodding her head.

The stallion gave them both a salute and strode away and Luna turned to look at the black stallion who was clearly supporting her sister.

“Your newest beau?” Luna asked with a whisper as she too offered Celestia her assistance while doing her best to disguise it as simple affection. It would not do for the Queen to be seen as weak.

“Mhm, this is Tornado Kicker” Celestia replied simply with a smile. “He’s very faithful... very loving.”

“Good,” Luna replied, giving her sister a nuzzle. “Knowing you, you needed it without me here.”

“You have no idea,” Tornado Kicker stated quietly, a long sigh working its way from between his lips. “Still, it’s good to finally meet you, your Majesty.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you as well... and believe me I know, ” Luna stated, her voice lowering, the fact that she would probably not see Sarah again for quite some time sinking in. “So... where exactly is this ‘Canterlot’?”

Twilight woke up to an old familiar sensation, though it had been several long years since she’d last felt it. That sensation was Rainbow Dash’s gentle breath on her neck. The purple mare looked to her left to find that the pegasus was curled up against her side like she’d always used to do at their slumber parties, her head right beside her own. She looked so peaceful and relieved that Twilight couldn’t help but smile reflexively.

The events of last night were a blur as was the pai-

“Ahhh!” Twilight cried out in pain as her thoughts drifted back to the sensations that had rocked her mind the previous night.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes snapped open and in a single smooth motion she was in the air, ready to defend Twilight against anything stupid enough to try anything. Then she noticed that Twilight was curling in on herself, shivers running up and down her body. What came next was instinctual for Rainbow Dash. She landed on the bed beside her friend and pulled her into a fierce hug.

Twilight’s limbs locked around her neck and she forced herself against Rainbow Dash, her face leaning heavily into the blue fur as tears rolled down her face.

“It’s okay, Twilight, I’m here, I’m here,” Rainbow murmured as she hugged her best friend.

Twilight held her close for another few minutes, sniffles and tears intermixing against Rainbow’s neck. At last the storm passed and Twilight released her vice grip on Rainbow, who had been about to suffocate, so it was for the best.The pegasus took in a deep breath before she looked at Twilight who was staring at her.

“Like I said, Twi, I’m here for you,” Rainbow told her softly.

“Like... like you always have been,” Twilight said softly, letting out a long sigh as the pain began to recede.

“And always will be,” Rainbow agreed, smiling. “So long as you can manage to keep being awesome anyways. Otherwise I might get bored.”

“Me? Stop being awesome?” Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow. “Not on your life, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow Dash smirked at her. “Good, I’ll hold you to that,” the pegasus replied.

“I expect nothing less,” Twilight stated with a small giggle. Rainbow grinned.

A moment of silence passed between the two, there was a sense of quiet tension in the air that seemed to be building but neither mare was aware of a way to drain it away. Finally, fate intervened.

“Rainbow Dash, I swear to Mother that if you don’t kiss her, I will personally shave you,” Cadence’s voice unexpectedly said from the door. The pegasus blushed crimson and she turned to see Cadence in the doorway, her body covered in a pink glow. Then she looked back at Twilight who was also blushing deeply.

“Err...” Rainbow said as she floundered.

“Err..” Twilight agreed.

Cadence facehoofed and then walked away, shaking her head. “Just do it already, you’ve been building up to it for twenty odd years,” she called over her shoulder.

Rainbow’s blush deepened as did Twilight’s. Then the pegasus gulped and leaned over to give Twilight a soft peck on the lips. When she pulled away, she looked up at Twilight who was staring at her.

“You... okay, Twi?” Rainbow asked slowly.

“I... yes,” Twilight replied, feeling a bit breathless. “Err... what now?”

“Breakfast?” Dash suggested, attempting to be casual despite her growing awkwardness. “If that’s alright with you.”

“Yeah... that sounds fine,” Twilight said, getting out of the bed with the pegasus beside her. Slowly she began to walk down the familiar hallway and towards the breakfast hall, unconsciously leaning against Rainbow Dash who’d drapped a wing over her.

Sarah?

Are you waking up at last?

Sarah!

The woman blinked blearily as the world came back to her. The grey ceiling was the first thing she saw, her eyes straining against the lights of the room.

Nim... where am I? she asked, her mind sluggish.

I imagine the Citadel... though I’m not sure. Your eyes have been closed, Nim stated quietly, her mental voice filled with relief at finally getting a response. In truth, being alone within the woman’s head was quite terrifying for Nim.

Sarah groaned as she leaned up and found an old hand helping her along. She blinked twice and turned see Elder Lyons there lending her his support.

“Ah, you’re finally awake,” the old man said, giving her a kind smile.

“Yeah...” Sarah trailed off as she looked around the room, easily catching sight of Sarah Lyons who was lying against another mattress not far away. “I... how long have I been out?”

“Two weeks,” Lyons replied with a shake of his head. “You and my Sarah have been in a coma for both of them.”

Sarah frowned at the time period and then it struck her. She’d been here for two weeks, and Luna had been gone that long without coming back for her. The woman’s eyes began to water with tears but she held them back. Now was not the time.

“And the Enclave?” the woman asked, biting down her feelings, something that Lyons took note of.

“On the run,” the man answered easily. “If you’d like once you’ve recovered a bit you can help with the efforts.”

“No time like the present,” Sarah said, knowing better than to stew on her thoughts of her love at the moment. She needed something to do.

Sarah... don’t do this now, Nim said within her mind. You’re not ready.

I need something to do Nim, Sarah replied flatly before shaking her head. Besides... grief will keep.

Nim let out a small mental sigh, it seemed that Sarah was going to be difficult. The woman was about to swing her feet over the side except... for some reason her legs wouldn’t move.

Nim. Let. Me. Go, Sarah demanded.

No. You are in no state for combat, Nim replied pointedly. I will forcefully hold you here like this until I’m are damned sure you’re ready.

Sarah frowned and tried to overpower the mare but found that she was too weak to. Lyons, who’d been watching the woman assumed that she was struggling to get to her feet, pushed her downwards again with a hand.

“You’re not ready yet, Sarah,” he told her, his old voice full of almost fatherly authority. “Rest a while and I’ll see that you get some food in you.”

Sarah did her best to smile at him but it didn’t reach her eyes. “Thank you, sir,” she said stiffly before she eased her head back against the pillow. When exactly are you going to let me up? she asked Nim.

When you’ve proven that you’re capable of it, Nim stated flatly. I’m barely applying any mental pressure to your legs and if you’re unable to move them then it means that you’re definitely not ready to be up and about.

Sarah let out a long sigh. I guess you’re right, she muttered. So... do you think Luna will come back for us?

I wish it were so... but considering what little I know of the flow of time between this world and Equestria... it is likely that centuries have passed within these two weeks, Nim said with a mental ‘shake of her head’. If she was able to rejoin us, then she would have by now.

A low sob ran through Sarah’s mind at that. Her love was gone, forever separated from her. Well... at least one of them was. As she lay there sobbing, she felt the phantom sensation of wings pressing against her and knew that Nim was right there with her, holding the woman as tightly as she could. They had each other... until the end.

Author's Notes:

And there we go, finally done, see, I can finish stories! Anyways, it’s been a lot of fun writing this and talking to you guys through the comments! The sequel (yes of course there’s going to be one) should be up by Sunday, enjoy.

As a final note, I’m going to be on Luna Radio tomorrow at 7eastern time to talk about this, and all my other stories, feel free to log on and join the chat