Author's Notes:

Caution: This story is the SEQUEL to Shattered Silence, and will make absolutely little or no sense if you have not read the first novel. Please read that if you have not done so already. Furthermore; Canon DOES NOT EXIST HERE. You will see some VERY OOC characters throughout the series of the Fallen Equestria saga, where Celestia actually has a bit of a trolling side to her personality, and is obsessed with baked goods. Twilight here is equally as big of a laugh. You have been warned.

Fallen Equestria; New Beginnings

Chapter One: Blessings

Luna smiles softly, looking around from her resting position on her cushion. It's another beautiful day in Equestria, five blissful, peaceful years after the end of the war with the parasite. The alicorn can hear the soft sounds of the world around her in the gardens. The birds are singing a beautiful melody, the air calm and serene. She alights her horn and closes her eyes, bringing her porcelain tea cup to her lips.

She sets down the cup upon the small round iron table before her, her eyes open and her attention once again upon her diary. She levitates a quill in her magical grasp, returning to writing her entry for the day. A smile adorns her muzzle as she writes, enjoying the moment of peace she has.

The sound of a stick breaking catches her senses, she quickly swivels her ears to listen intently. 'Not this time...You won't catch me off guard this time.' She thinks, maintaining her position upon her cushion. She keeps her jade orbs focused upon her diary pages, now floating the tip of the quill just off the page, yet keeping it in motion.

Another soft step, followed by the muffled sound of hushed giggles. She smirks and takes a soft breath, tracking the movement with her senses. Her would be assassins almost to her. Another step, slowly creeping behind her in the grass of the royal gardens. She begins to coil energy to her hind legs, ready to spring into action.

Luna figures out the ponies positions within her mind, calculating just where they were ever so meticulously. She licks her lips, dipping the quill into the inkwell again for a moment. 'Three...two...one...'

She leaps back and to the side, her fore hooves held out wide as she tackles her two attackers to the ground, a wide joyful smile upon her muzzle. The would be assassins squeal loudly as she does, pinning the two alicorn fillies into the worst counter attack ever. A mothers tickling hooves.

"Ha ha! The fun has been doubled!" Luna laughs out, feverishly tickling her two children. They giggle and squeal loudly, helpless to defend against the dark alicorns powerful and gentle hooves. She lowers her muzzle down quickly, blowing a raspberry upon their soft belly's, continuing with all of her might.

This continues for several minutes, before the two offending fillies cry out for mercy, out of breath and their bodies aching from laughter. Luna smiles and scoops them into her tight loving embrace, wrapping her wings carefully around them in a soft hug only a mother can give.

"And what brings you two here? Did you finish your studies with Auntie Tia?" She asks, an eyebrow raised as she releases them, a wry smile upon her muzzle. Luna levitates her cup within her magic again, her gaze focused upon her treasures before her.

"We did, Mama..." They both say in unison, their sapphire orbs peering into Luna's jade ones. Moonlight Way steps forward and looks at Luna, a smile upon her muzzle. "We finished all of our reports, and even started to learn how to lift things like you!"

Stardust Kiss scrunches her face for a moment, her horn sparking and flickering, her spell attempting to lock onto the quill laid upon the table. Luna watches tentatively for a moment, pride filling her heart as she sees the filly alicorn try with all of her might, succeeding after a few moments of attempts.

"That is grand!" She says with a smile. "Thou make thy mother proud, children." She says with a smile, embracing both of them. She notices both fillies pawing at the ground with their fore hooves, looking intently to the grass. Luna raises an eyebrow questioningly. "Ok...what is the matter?" She asks, small a gentle and soft smile upon her features.

Stardust Kiss speaks up this time. "Mama...When is Dad coming home? We miss him." She looks to her sister Moonlight Way, who is nodding furiously. "He promised he would be here today!"

"Yeah, when is he coming home?!" Moonlight Way chimes in, both of their eyes watering up and their lower lips trembling. They hit the regal midnight alicorn with the biggest puppy dog eyes they can, even adding the touch of their wings twitching slightly.

Luna sighs, still smiling. "And he will, just be patient. Your father just had some important things he had to do in the Crystal Empire with your aunt and uncle. Have faith, mine children. He shalt arrive in time to tuck thee in." She muses, her own eyes drifting to the sky for a moment, searching for the warbird in the clouds.

The fillies nod and smile, quiet for a moment. "Then...can we go play with Auntie Twilight?" Moonlight Way adds, keeping her sapphire eyes locked onto Luna's. "She's so fun to visit!"

"Only if you promise not to startle her half to death again. It took nearly all day to get her to come down last time." Luna says with a sigh, rolling her eyes. "Go, have fun. Be good and stay out of trouble!" She calls out, watching as they scurry off before she finished speaking with them. She sighs, grinning.

Turning back to her diary, she continues writing, her eyes scanning over her earlier entry to search for spelling mistakes or improper wording. Though it's for her eyes only, she was always known for being a perfectionist. She muses, a happy sigh from her. 'Oh, what a wonderful life this has become for me.'

"Dear Diary,

It has been four moon rises since mine flame hath journeyed to the Crystal Empire, his presence requested by Prince Shining Armor to inspect their new air division defense network. Though we have kept in contact through our link and the radio from our machine, I still find that I miss him terribly...It's still hard to believe that it has been so long ago that he arrived, yet I find that each new day brings mine self that same wonder and joy as if we had met only moments ago, the love within mine heart still as strong, if not stronger than when we discovered our feelings.

On an added note, mine offspring hath begun to understand their magic and talents, learning the ways of the arcaine and heavenly mechanisims of harmony. Mine sister is a great and wise teacher, and I find I am proud of them for trying so hard to learn. It is a wonderful peaceful time, and perfect for them to grow and relish in all that their world has to offer. I pray that it continues as it has, and they they never experience the nightmares that we had from the parasite."

Luna sets down her quill, smiling as she writes the last words upon the page. Her ears twitch as she picks up the faint sound in the distance, a wide grin encroaching upon her muzzle as she hears it. She looks to the sunlit heavens, her eyes searching the clouds as it becomes more noticeable. Her flame, is returning home.

* * * * *

"One to Control, requesting clearance to land." He says into his flight helmet, looking out of the canopy as he sees Canterlot coming into view. His eyes trace the busy city below him through the canopy glass, a smile upon his lips.

'Operator to Talon-One, You are cleared to land at any time. How was the trip, commander?' He hears the voice of Dusty Shine through his headset, her voice sounding relaxed and happy.

"Uneventful and boring. Next time I'm bringing Luna with me for it. This would have been way more fun if I had my co pilot with me." He breathes out, correcting his flight path. The canards deploy slowly open as he throttles back, the nose of the ageing aircraft pointed to the grand palace. "I miss anything while I was away?" He asks, his eyes looking upon the warbird's flight displays.

In the control center, Dusty Shine rests and reclines in a chair, her hind legs propped up on the table as she holds a coffee cup in her fore hooves. She blows upon the liquids surface to cool it, taking a sip. "Negative. It's been pretty quiet around here. Though the twins have been on a prank spree since you've been away. You did miss some of the fun."

The radio is silent for a moment, Dusty Shine looking up at the monitor at the pilot. She giggles when she sees his hand palm his helmet. She hears him sigh into the radio. 'Ok. Who did they get this time?'

"Princess Twilight. And that's fifty bits you owe me." She grins, taking another sip as she watches the display. She chuckles lightly. "Poor thing got her horn stuck for hours this time. Don't worry, I got it on camera."

In the warbird, the pilot rolls his eyes, pressing the switch for the landing gear. He watches at the runway comes closer into view, then begins to enter in the commands. The flaps upon the wings lower, the canards dipping as the air speed brake extends. He tilts the nose of the warbird back as he approaches to land.

"I'm looking forward to seeing that. Is Twi alright?" He asks. The rear wheels touch the ground first with a soft bump, followed shortly by the nose gear. The warbird coasts down the long runway for a moment, before slowing down.

"She's fine. Though I'd imagine Princess Celestia found it much more amusing than she did." Dusty Shine clears her throat, glancing up at the screen. She watches as the warbird coasts to a stop, before turning slowly and reaching the taxi way, bound for the hangar. "Should I send for Princess Luna to greet you in the hangar, Commander?"

'Won't be needed, Dusty. She's already here.' The mare hears through the palace intercoms within the control room. She smiles, listening as she watches the displays. Upon the various screens, she can see images that several cameras scattered around the parimeter are showing, one of them catching the midnight alicorn flying lazily above the war machine, following it to the hangar.

"Welcome home then. Your usual, I assume?" She asks, lowering her hooves to the marble tiles under her. She sets her cup upon her table, starting to get out of her seat.

'Yep. If you wouldn't mind. Just have it to Sunny Butts study. I have a lot I need to brief her on about the mission. She wanted the details as soon as I arrived.' Dusty Shine hears through the intercoms. She removes her headset, letting out a soft sigh as she trots out of the room and to the royal kitchens for the pilot.

Talon looks out of the canopy above him, his eyes tracing his alicorn as she glides ahead of the warbird, coming to a soft landing just outside of the hangar before him. He throttles back the engines a bit, the warbird coasting slowly into the large room. He swings the nose around once inside, turning the warbird to once again face outwards. He closes the wings and canards once in position, powering down the engines.

Luna watches with a smile as the canopy opens, listening as the aircraft's engines dwindle down to a whisper; the banshees cry falling silent in the still spring air. She steps to the aircraft's fuselage and comes to a rest on her haunches, her wings held loosely at her sides. Her features are relaxed and calm, her heart serene and happy. Her flame has returned home.

"Welcome back, mine love." She coos out softly, watching as he steps down the side steps. She nickers and rises to her hooves, stepping to him. Once she reaches him, she wraps him in a tight feathered embrace with her wings, lovingly nuzzling him before she gives him a soft kiss. Her jade eyes focus on his, as she gazes him adoringly.

"Thanks. It's good to be back." He sighs out, stretching after being released. "Dusty told me the twins have been up to their usual antics. Dare I ask how bad this time?" He quietly asks, beginning to step forward to the heavy oak doors leading to the grand halls.

Luna sighs and nods, keeping pace beside him. "Yes, mine flame. You have heard correct. Funny how they only do things when you and I are either in flight, or out. It's curious how they always behave so well whilst we are here." She says in a hushed tone, still smiling softly.

The two walk slowly, passing by several guards and maids within the halls, bound for Celestia's study. "Yes, it is funny, isn't it?" He says calmly with a chuckle. "Remind me again why Twilight and Sunny Butt always put up with it?"

The midnight alicorn laughs, covering her muzzle with her wing as she does. "It is because they love their nieces, mine flame. And because children will be children. It's just that ours are...well, they take up after their father and auntie Tia very well."

"Yeah...not quite calm and relaxed like their mom or Twilight I see." He lets out a huff of air, pausing in his steps to look at Luna. "Tell me they didn't decide to give Twi another makeover with markers again."

"Neigh...they didn't." Luna stifles a giggle. "Tia got one this time. Oddly enough, blue is not her color. Nor does she look good with whiskers drawn upon her." She says, turning away and resuming her gate to her elder sisters study. "Though...Tia not noticing it, and no pony speaking of it until her noon day court was amusing. Best joke so far from our children."

Talon face palms and pats his flight suit pockets, finding his pack of cigarettes in the top left breast pocket. He pulls one out and grasps his lighter, lighting it as they walk to the study through the halls. He inhales and sighs, exhaling out a stream of smoke. "I can only imagine." He deadpanned.

They reach the tall heavy oak doors with intricate carvings of Celestia's cutie mark adorning them, laced with gold and gems. Talon pushes the study door open and enters, the Night Princess trailing behind him. They find Celestia on the balcony looking out at the city. They can hear the regal white alicorn humming a soft tune, noticing her features are relaxed and happy.

Celestia tastes the calm gentle wind with her senses, a smile upon her muzzle. Looking out upon the city, everything appears in order just as it should be. The air temperature is warm and comfortable. Another beautiful day, compliments of the Canterlot weather pegasi.

"Commander, sister. Welcome." She says in her calm regal tone, turning to face them. Her magenta orbs tracing the pair as they both take their seats in her study. Celestia rises to her hooves and slowly walks in, finding her way to her own study chair at the desk. She takes a seat and focuses on the pilot. She licks her lips. "How was the mission?" She asks quietly.

Talon clears his throat, his eyes focused upon hers intently. "Just as we predicted it would go. It looks like Shining Armor and Cadence were pretty serious when they said they were making their own air combat division. It's pretty impressive, in all honesty."

The white alicorn nods slowly, listening. "I did expect as much. After the success we had years ago against the parasite, it only makes sense that they would build a similar force that we have. It never hurts to be ready, should Chrysalis feel like a comeback tour."

Luna clears her own throat. "Mine sister...is it truly necessary to have them build machines such as ours? It's been peaceful for five years now. We hath no reason to weaponize and patrol our skies within our airspace. Mine flames machine is enough to protect our subjects."

Celestia smiles, turning her gaze to her younger sister. "That is true, lulu. But the program to build a few machines here has proven useful. It has provided many jobs, more and more ponies are studying to become wise and wonderful subjects. The technology has also provided us with a new era of science and enlightenment. The spells alone that have been created have brought about safer, better building and infrastructure to our kingdom."

Luna nods, glancing over the reports she grasped off of Celestia's desk. She reads over the latest report from the treasury, as well as the recent report from the last census taken one month prior. "If these reports are any reflection of that, it would show we are prospering..."

"What about the Griffons, Sunny Butt? Aren't they still harassing us about the warbird?" Talon asks, his gaze locked onto the white alicorns. "We did have a problem with them a few weeks back, and I'm still pulling feathers out of my birds intake from that skirmish."

Celestia sighs. "They've since learned their lesson, commander. Of that I can assure you. That was a completely isolated incident from a small faction. The Griffon King has expressed several times to me that they wish no conflict with Equestria, especially after they got a front row seat of what happened to the parasite."

Luna looks at her elder sister, letting out a huff of annoyance. "Let us pray to mother that they never acquire any of the machines. I could only imagine how much destruction they could wreak if they had even one."

The white alicorn snorts, a smug smirk upon her muzzle. "lulu, these are the same Griffons that still believe that the aircraft is some kind of deity spawned by Discord to annoy the subjects of Equestria. Last I heard it was 'The Banshee of Chaos.' As the ambassador put it. The feather-brain even went into a three hour squawking dance to pay it tribute, before he left. Our guards are still in therapy after watching it."

The pilot rolls his eyes and face palms, Luna herself snickering quietly from hearing this. They hear a knock at the study door, all three turning to look. "Enter." Celestia and Luna say in unison. The two look at each other with a slight scowl, then turn their attention back to the door.

Dusty Shine steps in slowly, a tray balanced upon her back as she walks. "Greetings, your majesties." Her silken voice calm and quiet. She walks to the study desk, setting the tray with the pilots coffee upon it down. Over the years, she's since become more comfortable with the alicorns, no longer just a regular maid, but a close friend of the night princess and pilot. Since then, she's also become the head of the control center, and the pilots personal operator.

Talon takes the cup and smiles at her. "Thanks Dusty." He says, taking a drink. He notices her linger, the blue maned earth pony mare tapping her hoof quietly, a smug grin upon her muzzle. He rolls his eyes and reaches in his pocket, producing the promised fifty bits for her. She lets out a soft squeak of delight, before turning.

"Always a pleasure. Feel free to place your bet anytime." She says in a sing song voice, stepping out of the room with a seductive saunter in her step, her hips swaying slightly as she moves and exits the study.

Luna raises an eyebrow, her jade orbs trained on the pilot. "Mine flame....what in Heofon was that about?" She asks, her attention fully on him. She tilts her head quizzically, her expression showing both annoyance and confusion.

He sighs. "I Bet Dusty that Sunny Butt here would be the next one the girls pranked." He muses, taking a sip of the drink. He watches as his alicorns look of confusion and annoyance changes to one of mirth and joy, her understanding the situation.

Celestia clears her throat. "That's still Princess Sunny Butt to you, commander." She giggles out. "So what else do you have to report?" She asks, her horn alighting so she can grasp her own drink within her magic. She takes a sip and leans back in the comfortable study chair, her gaze focused upon the pilots.

"The new aircraft they have, while primitive compared to mine, are promising. Though I have to admit, seeing you space ponies pilot one is amusing to say the least. I still don't get why it's only the Earthen ponies that fly those though. Pegasus ones would equally benefit from one." He says after setting down his drink.

"Other than that, they just need some good solid training and flight lessons. Our own forces are easily better trained and more precise with the aircraft we have available here. At a minimum, it will make for a good airshow if nothing else this year."

Luna sighs and leans over in her seat, resting her head on the pilots shoulder. Her ethereal mane flows lazily in the air, some of it draping over him. "Mine flame, please do not forget that thou promised to show a demonstration during the gala this year. We got out of the last two, I fear mine sister and I cannot cancel another without getting more grief from the nobility." She murmurs, her eyes closed as she rests on him.

Celestia sits quietly, processing what the pilot just said. She sighs and nods. "Lulu is right...We do have to hold one this year. It is some months away, but we should start considering for it. As much as I hate to admit it, that is the time of year when Equestria sees more economic progress then ever, due to the various business trades that the nobility does during the gathering."

Talon snorts, grinning. "And with Blue balls not attending those anymore, it does make it a bit more enjoyable...speaking of the devil, why did he exactly opt for the career change? And why the dress? I still can't wrap my head around that one."

The white alicorn looks away, a small smile upon her lips. "He simply felt the need to serve the community better, as he was not quite fit for his princely duties. As far as the pink dress is concerned...it must simply be his favorite color and style?"

* * * * *

In the darkened bathroom of hers and Celestia's chambers, Princess Twilight relaxes in a long overdue and needed bubble bath. Day court today was long and tedious, her meeting with the Equestrian Tax and Labor board even worse. She lets out a loud satisfied sigh as she finds a comfortable position within the water, her eyes closed as she relaxes.

Today for the young alicorn princess was possibly the worst in a series as of late. She didn't mind helping with her love and mentors duties, but one can only stand dealing with a bunch of monotone zombies that love their bits more than life itself for so long. That, and when you're dealing with the Equestria Revenue Service...it's never ever a good thing.

The only light within the chambers is the soft glow from several nearby candles in the steam filled room, the only sounds the quiet drip from the faucet on occasion, and the soft click tick of the clock on the wall. She lets out a deep and heavy sigh, enjoying the peace and well earned rest for her mind and body.

What she doesn't know however, is that she is not alone within the royal washroom. There in the shadows planning their next attack, were two very mischievous alicorn fillies of the night. They silently creep up behind the nearly asleep alicorn in the tub, wicked grins adorning their muzzles as they approach.

They look at each other giving a knowing nod as they move into position, quietly drawing breath within their lungs as they come close to Twilight's ears. Once in position of either side of them, they lower their heads to get closer, finally unleashing their devastating attack upon the unsuspecting victim.

"HEY AUNTIE TWILIGHT! LETS PLAY!!" They shout in unison, point blank range as they unleash their royal Canterlot voices upon the poor exhausted alicorn. Twilight's eyes shoot open as she literally leaps out of the water in fright. The pair look up grinning as they see small flecks and chunks of marble fall to the tiled floor, their prank pulled yet again this week.

Twilight hangs from the ceiling of the washroom, the tip of her long, sharp horn now embedded several inches within the stone, holding her there as her legs dangle helplessly. Her heart thunders within her barrel as her eyes dart around the room, her mind reeling from fright. She's always been jumpy since her fight with Chrysalis years ago, made even worse now with two very sneaky alicorn fillies on a prank crusade to entertain themselves.

The regal purple alicorn lets out a low growl as her eyes twitch, trying to pry her horn free with her fore hooves as she pumps her wings upwards to create a downward thrust. She grunts in annoyance, gritting her teeth as she fails, before letting out an exhausted sigh of defeat.

"Hello...girls..." Her eye twitches as she says that, her own heart rate having yet to come down from their surprise attack. The sounds of stifled giggles fill the room they're in. "You...you two got me yet again I see." She sighs. "I'll bet your aunt Celestia told you to pull this one again?" She asks, deadpanning.

The two fillies nod in unison, proud of their completed work of startling the purple alicorn yet again. It's hard work being a filly! Even harder to keep up with trying to beat auntie Tia's prank record for most pranks and trolls done in a one week span. So far however, they were getting close.

"Did you have fun in your big meeting?! Was there a lot of cake?!?!" Moonlight Way asks, her grin almost spanning from ear to ear upon her muzzle. Her small feathery wings flap excitedly as she bobs in place on her hooves.

Stardust Kiss comes to a rest on her haunches, looking up at her aunt quizzically. She lifts a hoof to her maw for a moment in thought, studying her aunts horn and depth into the marble above.

"No...I can't say that I did. And sadly they ate all of the cake before I arrived in the meeting today." She sighs out. "So now I'm just...hanging around here." Twilight mutters quietly, rolling her eyes. She feels a sudden hard tug on her tail, rolling her eyes downward. "Ow! Hey let go!"

Stardust Kiss hangs on the tip of the alicorn of magics tail, dangling at the end and holding with her teeth. She pumps her somewhat larger wings quickly, pulling back with all of her might. Moonlight Way grasps her sisters tail within her own teeth, also stepping back and pulling to help. Within moments, Twilight breaks free from her bonds, being sent crashing down into the tub with a resounding splash that sends water in all directions, covering almost the entirety of the floor within the washroom.

The sound of giggles fills the air as now three very soaked alicorns all sit in the steam filled wash room, two fillies rolling upon their backs on the wet floor, and one very annoyed elder purple alicorn sitting on her flank in the center of the large tub. Twilight's mane sticks to her face and muzzle, her ears splayed back as she grits her teeth.

"You know...you really shouldn't do this. You could hurt some pony..." She seethes out, turning her glare at the two fillies. They take notice of her sudden glare and stop giggling, swallowing nervously. Twilight alights her horn with a spell as the two offending fillies scramble to their hooves, a wicked grin upon her own muzzle. Before they can escape however, they're pulled into the steaming and comfortable water with the elder alicorn, the sound of laughter and splashing water being heard loudly in the air, even out in the hallway.

Outside of the sun princesses chambers, two guards stand by the doors, a small grin upon their own features. Captain Jolt Flash and Lt. Iron Sides stand proud, listening intently to the laughter ringing quietly in the air around them.

"Sounds like the twins got their next victim again." Iron sides smugly says, a wry grin encroaching upon his muzzle. He glances to Jolt who grumbles, then produces a few bits to hand to the behemoth Earth pony stallion.

"Yeah Yeah. You won this round. But that doesn't mean I'm going to lose this months betting pool." Captain Jolt Flash says, handing his co guard the hoof full of bits. "I still say they're going to get Princess Celestia to go fire tyrant again before the sun sets today."

"You really shouldn't have given them the idea to put hot sauce in the princesses cake, Captain."Iron Sides quietly mutters, his stoic gaze looking straight ahead. "That was cheating."

"But so. Totally. Worth it." The pegasus guard says with a wide grin. "I'll bet the sun princess never sees that one coming." He snorts out, still hearing the sounds of laughter from the three alicorns within the chambers.

* * * * *

Celestia sets down her cup on her desk, her magenta orbs focused on the setting sun outside of her window. She smiles serenely. "So, lulu. Now that the commander is back, what do you have plans for after you put the twins to bed?" She asks calmly.

The night princess turns her own gaze to her elder sister, a wry grin on her muzzle. "Now what do you think Tia?" A sly smirk crosses her features.

"And what about...her, lulu? Is she still bothering you?" Celestia asks, raising an eyebrow. "You may have been able to hide it from every pony else, and even from the Commander at times...but I've been sensing her power more and more lately. Especially last night."

Luna sighs, her gaze turned downward as she holds a small frown. She lets out a huff of air. "Yes...but I don't believe it will be a concern, mine sister. She seems to only be curious about events as of late, and I don't feel that she is a threat any longer. She was after all, mine salvation in Horseshoe Bay so long ago."

"It's strange really...I never pictured her as the caring type. I remember so long ago when all she wanted was to bring about eternal darkness upon the land. To end all life and extinguish the light forever." The elder white alicorn says quietly. She turns her soft gaze to her younger sister.

"Obsolescence...was always unique, Tia. She did keep me company within our prison for so many centuries. Though...she was always foul tempered and moody, until recently anyway. Something in her changed..." Luna levitates her cup within her magic, taking a small sip.

"You opened her eyes to love, my dear sister. That's what had changed. That's what I would like to believe. You always could see the beauty of things in the shadows, Lulu. So I honestly believe that this is the case here as well." She says, a small smile coming to her muzzle as her magenta orbs trace her sisters features. "Imagine...the darkness in love with the light."

Luna sighs heavily, her head falling gently in her fore hooves. "I know...and what's worse yet is she's becoming harder and harder to repress each day, since I had cast her bindings into the abyss. You can even see her influence within mine children." She murmurs.

"Stardust Kiss. She does seem to be the more mischievous and calculating of the two. Though with how often they're both getting into mischief and doing their practical jokes, I'd swear they both take up after her." Celestia says, nodding slowly.

"Mine sister...you're not telling me you believe mine children to be evil! You dare insult me?!" Luna hotly demands, her eyes flickering to draconic slits for a moment as anger wells up within her heart. "They're nothing like Obsolescence! She was a monster back then! Mine children would never cause harm, or murder any pony!"

The solar princess sighs, raising her fore hooves slowly in defense. "I never said they were evil, lulu. They're so much like you and their father, there is far too much light and good within them to be even considered to be monsters. Brats, yes. But not cold blooded killers like her." Celestia smiles sweetly, her gaze locked onto Luna's.

"Fillies will be fillies, my sister. There is nothing wrong with them getting into small trouble now like they do. For the most part, their jokes are completely harmless, if not absolutely comedic." She says with a laugh.

"Giving thou whiskers with mine art utensils by far the best one yet." Luna mutters, her gaze drifting to the window out of the study. "How did you get that off of your fur anyway?"

Celestia chuckles quietly. "I had to use the coat dye of the solar guards to cover it. You wouldn't believe the look on Lt. Quick Clips face when I walked into his shop. The real fun was the nobility had thought it was a new fashion statement, and some went as far as to draw their own whiskers upon themselves. We had a city of cat ponies for a week after that."

Luna laughs melodically at the statement her sister made, her features softening and returning to one of joy. They both hear a knock at the door, and turn. "Enter." They again call out in unison, then turn and look at one another in mock annoyance.

The doors of the study open, revealing two Solar guards flanking one of the palace chefs, Mrs. Lemon Hearts. The unicorn mare smiles sweetly to them both. "Greetings, your majesties. I was asked to bring the cake you had requested."

The silver dome lid lifts off of the tray, revealing a two layer white frosted cake with sky blue trim upon a small oval platter. Celestia's magenta orbs zero in on the deliciously baked confection, a large smile crossing her muzzle.

Luna raises an eyebrow and tilts her head. "Another cake mine sister? Thou shalt have a massive flank if thou continues your recent trend of cake consumption. Thou must consider mothers advice and 'lay off' as it were."

The elder white alicorn scowls again at her younger sister in mock anger. "Oh please lulu. One cake a day won't change my figure any. Besides, it's been a long day and this is just perfect. But I do have to ask..." She turns her attention to the unicorn mare standing beside the cake tray. "I didn't ask for one today...may I ask who was it that had ordered it?"

Lemon Hearts smiles sweetly, setting the dome lid upon the cart. "Oh? That's strange, princess. The little angels had come into the royal kitchens and said they wanted to bake a special 'we love you auntie Tia' cake for you. It was Princess Sparkles idea. Why, they even baked it themselves! They're so precious."

Luna eyes the cake warily, knowing that if they at all had their mothers cooking talents, the sweet confection was likely more than any pony was going to bargain for. She nods, turning back to Celestia with a smile. "How sweet of them?"

The sun princess eyes the cake hungrily, attempting to hide it behind her calm regal mask. "It certainly was. Thank you, Mrs. Hearts. I'll happily take a slice myself then. Is there anything else?"

The mare shakes her head no, then bows politely. The alicorn dismisses her kindly, and the three ponies exit the room, leaving only the two alicorns and cake remaining in the study. Celestia rises to her hooves from her seat and canters to the cart with a bounce in her step. "Oh this look so delicious! Who knew they could bake? And at so young!"

Luna doesn't move, only watching intently as Celestia circles the cart twice, before helping herself to a rather large slice of the cake upon a clear glass plate. "Yes...mine offspring hath many a talent...are you sure that is a good idea Tia? These are MINE children we are talking about here..."

"Oh lulu, lighten up. Not everything they do is a practical joke." Celestia laughs musically, then levitates a fork in her magic to the cake. "I'm telling you, they're good and loving. They're harmless, honestly! Oh this looks so delicious..." She plunges the fork into a corner, removing a large section of the slice. The alicorn licks her lips, and consumes the piece.

Luna watches as Celestia chews the piece, her elder sisters eyes closed with joy as she munches happily. Luna then turns to the tray, rising to her own hooves to retrieve herself a slice. Why not try her children's cooking? "So, how is it?"

Celestia's magenta eyes shrink to pinpricks as her chewing suddenly slows, then halts all together. She breathes in slowly, sweat running down her face and neck. "Tia...art thou...alright?" Luna asks, confused and concerned.

The white alicorn swallows hard, not thinking, before opening her mouth. She gasps for air, her eyes filled with pure horror and terror for a moment. Luna watches intently as her sister fights for oxygen, before Celestia's mane and tail suddenly explode in a blue hell-fire of billowing flame. Celestia breathes out a jet of fire from her maw, narrowly missing the midnight alicorn as Luna dives for the floor.

"HOT! HOT HOT HOT!!!" Celestia screams out, suddenly leaping out of her now charred seat and making a mad sprint for the washroom. She knocks over various potted plants and small end tables in her wake, before finally reaching the sink within the opposing washroom.

She desperately fidgets with the nobs of the faucet with her hooves, before slamming her muzzle under the running water and taking massive gulps of the soothing liquid. A loud sizzling sound is heard filling the air, steam wafting from the bathroom door as she cools down the fires within her gullet.

Luna sits wide eyed, her maw gaped with surprised confusion. Her eyes glance down at the seemingly harmess cart with the cake upon it, before she gently pushes it away from her with her fore hoof. She chuckles nervously then gulps. "Heh heh...nope!"

* * * * *

Talon walks quickly down the long passages and corridors of the palace, searching for the twin alicorn fillies. He's carrying his satchel, the long since worn out tan canvas bag draped over his shoulder as he walks at a quick pace.

The sound of his boots contacting the cool high polished marble tiles clacks loudly in the empty halls as he walks, the accompanying sound his soft whistling as he continues. The familiar sound of giggling catches his ears, bringing a smile to his face as he turns on his heels and changes direction.

He finds his way to the sun princesses private chambers, the heavy ornate oak doors slightly open, revealing to him his greatest treasures. Inside of the room sitting on a large woven plush rug, was Moonlight Way and Stardust Kiss resting upon cushions, wrapped up in large fluffy towels. Between them was Twilight, her horn aglow as she levitated two brushes within her magic, helping the fillies brush out after what appeared to be a bath.

"Ah, my ladies!" He calls out with a smile, pushing open the door with his free hand. The two young alicorns look up, eyes wide with joy and sweet innocent smiles upon their lips. They gasp and leap off of the cushions and gallop to him, their short spindly legs quickly carrying them as they tackle him to the ground.

"Papa!" They cry out in unison, their small feather wings beating feverishly with joy as they jump up and down happily. They lock their fore legs around his arms and chest, embracing him lovingly and adoringly.

He laughs. "Well I missed you too! Ha ha!" He frees up his arms and hugs the two to him, a wide grin upon his features. Twilight gets up from her own resting cushion with a sigh, a smile upon her own muzzle.

"Welcome back." She says quietly, her eyes studying him slowly for a moment. "How were things in the Crystal Empire with my brother and old foal sitter? She asks, helping the pilot rise to his feet again.

He's about to speak, when Stardust Kiss speaks up. "Was it cold? Did you have a lot of fun?!" She excitedly asks. Her velvet black wings bobbing at her sides.

"Yeah! and did you bring us back anything neat?" Moonlight Way asks, her own wings twitching and bobbing excitedly as she sways on her hind hooves.

He sighs and kneels down, clutching the satchel within his hands. "Maybe. But I heard you two were being a little naughty while I was away. Is this true? He asks, an eyebrow raised and a small smirk upon his lips. He looks up at Twilight.

The lavender alicorn sighs a contented sigh, a sweet smile still upon her features as she lids her gaze. "No more than they usually are. They were good, I promise." She says, holding up a fore hoof to feign innocence.

The two fillies gasp with delight as they turn their attention back on the pilot, their wings and ears twitching more excitedly now. They wait anxiously for his response.

He opens the bag and produces two small wrapped packages out of the satchel, giving one each to the excited twin alicorn children. They cheer loudly in unison, plopping down on their rumps and tear ravenously at the wrappings. He rises to his feet again and grins, his attention back on Twilight.

"Everything is still fine in the Crystal Empire, ma'am. And I must say...your sister Candy can cook one mean chili. Who knew you space ponies knew how to make good spicy food around here?" He says with a low chuckle.

The lavender alicorn bites her cheek with a grin, pawing at the ground with her fore hoof. "Cadence." she corrects him. "If it's the one I think it is, she actually cooked that for me and my brother when we were younger. It really was delicious."

"Then you were one lucky kid. I'd have died to munch on food like that when I was in my younger days. My own parents never were talented cooks." He mutters. "I miss anything while I was out? Any bug infestations, random dragons...crazy mix and match dragon things off of the Walmart reject line?"

She tilts her head for a moment, raising an eyebrow quizzically. "Wal...mart? What the hay is that?" She asks, confused. "Oh..Oh! You mean Discord! Ha ha...no, I'm afraid it's been very quiet around here. Just your normal, peaceful Equestria."

He nods, his attention turned back on the two fillies squealing with delight as they enjoy their new gifts from the neighboring kingdom. The twin alicorns prancing around in joy about the room, playing with one another. He opens his mouth to speak again, his gaze back to Twilight . They suddenly hear a loud blood chilling scream in the distance, followed by a slight tremor in the floor. Twilight's ears perk up suddenly, before a smug grin crosses her features.

"The hell was that?" He asks, an eyebrow raised. He glances out the window behind the lavender mare, watching as steam wafts and billows out of the study's balcony nearby. He raises an eyebrow and folds his arms to his chest.

She turns around and snickers. "Karma, my dear friend. That was Karma serving up some delicious desserts." She pins her ears back and grins wide, watching the steam come out from the opened balcony doors. "And you could almost say it was with a hot surprise."

Talon shakes his head and sighs. "I just...don't want to even know." He mutters, turning on his heels. The two excited fillies follow after him as he exits the room, leaving the lavender alicorn princess to giggle quietly and return back to her relaxing evening.

The pilot cocks an eyebrow in confusion as he's walking, watching as two solar guards meet with a pair of Lunar Stallions, three of the guards producing bags of bits and handing it to Captain Flash, who has a rather smug grin upon his muzzle. He sighs and shakes his head, turning his attention back to the twins as he walks back to the Lunar wing.

* * * * *

Luna quietly steps into her children's chambers, coming to the welcomed sight of the pilot and her treasured fillies. The two alicorns resting upon their over sized ornate beds, the pilot sitting in a chair and telling them a story. She smiles and steps quietly, not daring to make a sound as she tip toes in and watches from the shadows.

"...And you'll never believe what I had seen while I was there. I wish I could have gotten it on camera. I seen your uncle dressed up as Elvis! No joke!" He laughs out. "He styled his mane and all, even wore a gem studded coat to impress your aunt. Can't sing worth beans though."

Stardust Kiss giggles musically, while Moonlight way simply smiles, her own eyes lidded as she fights off fatigue. The sun is nearing its setting point, their normal time to sleep almost upon them.

"And then what papa?" Stardust asks, bobbing in place on her rump while snuggling a large plush pillow in her fore legs.

Luna takes this chance to clear her throat and step into the light, smiling as she does. She cuts in. "Then your uncle decided to sing some Earth music and got every note wrong. Guards came rushing in because they thought some pony was being rough with a sweet little filly."

Talon turns his gaze and grins. "Yeah...he does scream like a girl, doesn't he?" He laughs quietly. His eyes trace the midnight alicorn as she walks in, taking her place at the pilots side. She rests on her haunches.

"I do believe some very mischievous fillies here should be going to sleep now. Especially after they had given auntie Tia such an interesting treat..." She coos adoringly, a small grin upon her muzzle. She leans over to the pilot and whispers. "I'll tell you later..."

He nods. Stardust Kiss protests slightly. "But mom...can't we stay up a little longer? The stars aren't even out yet!" She whines a little.

Luna alights her horn, watching through the window as her elder sister lowers the sun right on schedule. She steps to the open balcony and turns, her jade orbs peering into the darkened room. Her wings open slowly as she turns her attention back to the inky blackness blanketing the land.

She rears back and rests her fore hooves upon the balcony rail, closing her eyes. With a powerful flap of her wings, she lifts into the air, her horn glowing a dark blue glow as she wills the moon into the sky with her power. One by one the stars of the night sky appear, displaying its illustrious jeweled tapestry for the whole of Equestria once more. The stars shine beautifully, more than ever before this night.

She comes back to a rest upon the balcony, then returns to the room, her horn dimming as her magic fades away. She sighs happily and comes to a rest on her haunches between the two beds, smiling.

The fillies watch their mother with lidded gazes and yawns, sleep slowly nipping at them. Luna closes her eyes and smiles lovingly, drawing a soft breath as she begins to sing them a lullaby, the same one she's sung every night for them since their birth five years ago. The same lullaby she sang for the pilot, their night together before the war with the parasite.

The pilot watches from his seat, listening to the soft sounds of the night princesses singing, her every note perfectly timed and in tune. Her every graceful breath and word touching the heavens, calming even his own heart.

~*~ "Fly horizon bound. Find the moon behind darkening clouds...even far apart know our souls together will be. When the storm drawn nigh dreams will shatter before your eyes, know that you're not alone. When the battle starts, I will comfort your restless heart; Know that you are not alone."~*~ She sings to them.

The two fillies yawn one last yawn, their eyes closing as they listen to Luna's soothing voice. She smiles, watching as they drift off to their dreams.

~*~"Keep me in your heart, so we'll never be far apart. Let the bonds of love break these chains imprisoning you. Always you will find, shadows lingering close behind. Lift your spirits now, we shall be together soon." ~*~

The pair watch as the two finally nod off, Luna having since finished her lullaby after a few minutes. She rises to her hooves and turns to the pilot, wrapping her wings around him as the sounds of soft snores and breathing fill the air. She nickers softly and kisses the two goodnight, blessing them with Lunar magic for good sweet dreams. Heofon help whatever Nightmare is foolish enough to plague the night goddesses children.

They step into the hallway, Luna yawning quietly as her flame closes the doors gently. She nickers very softly and nuzzles him, embracing the pilot within her heavy warm wings. "Mine flame...I missed you." She coos softly, nuzzling deeper into his fatigues.

"I missed you too, angel." He says, stroking her wispy ethereal mane gently. They stand there holding one another for what feels to be an eternity, lost in one another's soothing embrace.

The night princess stands holding him, her heart beating slowly and softly within her barrel. Her ears are turned outward and her wings hanging loose at her sides as she's relaxed. They finally break away after a loving kiss, turning to move down the hall into their own chambers.

Luna slowly steps to the large ornate and comfortable bed, while the pilot walks into the wash room for his nightly shower. She yawns tiredly and lays down under the covers after removing her regalia and bracers, her ears catching the sound of running water from the pilots bathing.

She closes her eyes and smiles serenely, herself drifting off to sleep. The minutes pass, the soft click tick of the analog clock resting upon the nearby night stand ticking the minutes away. The pilot exits the washroom some time later, drying off his hair in a towel as he makes his way to his side of the bed in the darkness. As he comes to a rest upon the bed, the night princess stirs for a moment, before letting out a quiet snort and snuggling back into her pillow.

He sighs and lays down, turning out the light as he himself prepares for sleep after the long day. Tomorrow will be a long day as well, meeting with the engineers again for maintenance upon the war machine, as well as re arming the missiles into the bays. As he lays his head against the pillow and turns to face his alicorn, he opens his eyes for one last look around the room. What he finds instead, is a glowing pair of teal draconic orbs staring right back at him in the darkness, their cruel gaze focused right into his own eyes.