Luna and Cielo made it back to town in good time and Luna was able to find her footing once more about half way back. Upon reaching town the two made their way to the town hall for Luna to give her speech, waiting for them was an agitated Celestia.

Princess Celestia had been stalling for her sister for about five minutes now and was not too pleased, though she did not make a scene or even bother to scold Luna. Celestia just remained quiet and allowed her sister to take the stage and speak to the ponies of Ponyville.

Luna gave a nice little speech thanking everypony for all the effort they put in to throw her this little going away party so to speak and apologized for not being able to mingle with everypony though not one of them complained. After Luna gave her speech everypony clapped their hooves applauding her.

Spitfire had made her way back to town just in time to catch princess Luna finishing up, taking the stage Spitfire announced that the show would be held out by sweet apple acres, setting the start of the show to thirty minutes away giving everypony time to get there and make themselves comfortable. After informing the ponies of the venue and time, Spitfire took off to the air once more heading towards the apple family’s farm to finish setting up.

Luna joined Cielo at his side and waked along with the crowd on ponies heading to Sweet apple acres, “Did you notice that my sister looked a bit annoyed with me?… I did not mean to take too long.”

“I’m sure she’s fine.” Cielo replied glancing over at Luna, “Besides it’s not your fault, if she asks tell her it was because of me and my issues. Let her know I had to square things away with my mother and I held you up.”

“So that’s what it was huh?” Celestia asked having snuck up on the other side of Cielo, her sudden intrusion into Luna and Cielo’s conversation giving them both a little startle. “Well it’s about time you patched things up with Spitfire... I was a bit annoyed but I promised myself I was not going to make a big deal about it. Glad I didn’t, it seems like you were late for good reason.” Celestia continued on, “Though you could have just come without Cielo you know. Now that you know why he was placed at your side, there is no reason for you two to stick together constantly. I know you care for one another but being around each other none stop is going to get old quick.” Celestia pointed out Luna and Cielo’s constant need to be around one another but did so in a polite tone, “I’m not trying to be rude or anything just thought I should bring that point up.”

Cielo and Luna looked at each other and then back at Celestia. “Who says we’ll ever get sick of it?” Luna asked.

“Ya, I love being at her side and she loves being at mine what’s so wrong with that?” Cielo added in.

Celestia shook her head. “Okay then like I said just trying to point that out and be helpful.” Celestia started to trot ahead of the two, “But keep this in mind Cielo. Ask yourself, what’s the longest time you ever spent around one mare nonstop with no personal time to yourself?” A little grin snuck  across Celestia’s muzzle, she knew the stallion had no reply for her.

Cielo stood silent thinking to himself, he tried to remember the most time he spent with rarity without a break. After a bit of thinking he counted five days nonstop from morning to night he spent with her, by the sixth ay Cielo was ready to get out of the house for a bit.

“That’s what I thought~” Celestia teased in a playful tone looking behind her at Cielo. “Well then have fun you two and enjoy one another’s company.” Celestia let out a light giggle and trotted ahead out of earshot of Luna and Cielo’s conversation.

“You… you won’t get sick of me will you?” Luna asked with a genuine sound of concern about her voice.

“What! No… no way.” Cielo replied eyed Luna as though she had proposed some crackpot theory to him. “Your sister is just messing with us; she is trying to shake me up a little, still feeling me out. I think it’s her way of testing me to make sure I’m not going to run off on you.” Cielo looked up at the sky, the light from the setting sun setting off a beautiful tangerine glow. “I think she is testing you a bit too, she wants to be sure you feel that I’m right for you. It’s the best she can do, while trying to be supportive she is still trying to look out for you and protect you without upsetting you.”

“She really is trying huh?” Luna thought about it for a moment and realized what Cielo said made a lot of sense. “So… should I tell her to stop? I mean is she bothering you?”

“No I’d leave her be unless you feel bothered that is, Celestia has given me much harder times than this trust me she’s being very polite.” Cielo snickered a little. “I’ll admit your sister does scare me sometimes her knowledge of the things I do I swear she has a spy on me at all times.” Cielo let out a little sigh smiling. “It’s always been that way.”

Luna smiled a bit as the two walked drawing ever closer to the farm. “Yes she has to those she cares for, you know I actually do feel bad for arguing with her sometimes. I truly feel bad about turning on her and forcing her hoof in banishing me… but don’t tell her that.”

Cielo chuckle a little. “My lips are sealed Luna, not a word.”

“Back when mother and father use to leave her in charge of watching me I would try to give her the hardest time I could, you know not once did she crack or get mad at me for it. She always stayed so calm and collected, one time I tried to run away.” Luna smiled wider recalling her past with Celestia. “I was not too good at flying though and silly me I attempted to dart off through the forest, Celestia gave chase of course but she was not that good either, you should have seen her trying to catch me it was laughable.”  

“So what happened?” Cielo asked listening intently and shutting out every other pony around him but Luna.

“I looked back to make sure I still had a good lead and crashed head first into a tree.” Luna laughed a little recalling her own foolishness. “I cried and cried, I actually broke a bit of my horn off.” Luna paused for a moment. “Celestia comforted me, carried me all the way back home. She even tried to fix my horn but she was not too good at spells yet, neither of us were as fillies. Anyway Celestia took good care of me until mother and father returned. They were so angry at her and I was sure she was going to blame me. It was my fault after all but… she never did, she never told them I ran off to try to get her in trouble…yet she took the punishment that should have been mine just to protect me...  I was good for her from that day on.” Luna paused again, “Well you know up to the whole Nightmare moon incident.”

“Sounds like you grew to respect Celestia at a young age.” Cielo walked a little closer to Luna. “what about your parent’s how come they never come and visit you or Celestia?”

Luna’s expression changed, her smile quickly fading to a frown as she fell silent and continued walking.

“I’m sorry I did not mean to upset you.” Cielo was not sure what had happened but it was clear Luna was not ready to talk about it. “Please don’t get upset, forget I said anything.” Cielo gave her a little nuzzle trying to pull her back from her sorrow.

Luna leaned into his nuzzle accepting it fully and almost feeling grateful for it. “Sorry… we’ll talk about that some other time okay Cielo.” Luna’s voice was soft with what sounded to be sorrow. “It’s not your fault you didn’t know but… please don’t ask me again…”

“I won’t Luna.” Cielo agreed and pulled back a little ending the tender nuzzle. “Are you looking forward to the show?” Cielo knew just changing the topic would not fix Luna’s mood now but he hoped it would help.

“You know I am actually.” Luna replied trying to cheer back up. “It’s so nice everypony went through so much trouble to do this for me, I forgot how nice everypony can be.”

Cielo was delighted to see Luna bounce back so quickly. It was not long before Luna and Cielo reached the edge of Sweet Apple Acres, following the main road down towards the farm Cielo could see that just beyond it bleachers had been set up. A little ways out, the finishing touches were being put on the obstacle course and the race track was getting some last minute touches as well.

The apple family had been hard at work all day making the necessary preparations including Apple Jack ,who was never a pony to pass up an opportunity to help make the farm some bits, had been busting her flank all morning. Since dawn AJ had been apple bucking, prepping fresh cider for everypony and bringing up barrels of hard cider from the cellar to sell by the glass after the show. Apple Jack also helped set up the bleacher and gave Pinkie Pie a hoof in backing up some apple pie, apple tarts and apple fritters.

A group of pegasi had finished setting up a large cloud for the princesses to enjoy the show from, one of them gave a little signal and Celestia, joined by Cadance, flew up to the cloud giving it a little look over before seeming to give their approval. Celestia landed first with Cadance landing next to her, both of them laid on their stomachs and got comfortable.

“Come on.” Luna Said with excitement and took to the air, it took her a moment to realize she was not being followed. Looking back Luna saw Cielo still on the ground seeming confused as to what she wanted of him. Flying back down Luna landed in front of Cielo. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t think I can join you Luna, I’m fairly sure that that is meant for you, Celestia and Cadance only… you know royalty.” Cielo replied forcing a smile so as not to upset her. “I’ll be just fine down here.”

“I’ll hear none of that!” Luna stomped her hoof speaking a in a bit of a stern voice, “you are my stallion and I wish for you to be at my side… Do you not wish to be at my side?”  Luna questioned.

Cielo stepped back a tad feeling Luna was being a bit assertive. “Well yes I want to be at your side Luna but…”

Luna cut Cielo off before he could get the second part of his sentence out. “No buts! Now let’s go!” Luna almost sounded commanding before she took back to the air stopping halfway again and waiting for Cielo.

Letting out a sigh Cielo had no choice but to obey and follow, opening his wings Cielo took to the air.

Feeling satisfied Luna turned and continued up to the cloud, she was not trying to order Cielo so much as she felt she was motivation him though clearly it was taken the wrong way.  Reaching the large cloud Luna landed and laid next to her sister peeking over the edge to look down at the track before lifting her gaze to the obstacle course in front of them, The view was truly going to be amazing.

Celestia caught Cielo out of the corner of her eye land on the cloud next to Luna causing a few ponies down below to take notice. “Cielo what are you doing? You can’t be up here.” Celestia said politely. “You should know that, this cloud is reserved for royalty… not to be mean but you’ll have to watch from the ground or find another cloud.”

“Yes ma’am.” Cielo replied opening his wings again and leaving the cloud not wanting to cause any trouble. No sooner did he take to the air he was forced back down to the cloud.

Luna had used her magic to make Cielo land and lay beside her much to the stallions surprise, a few more ponies started to take notice as everypony was arriving and getting settled in, a few even seeing Cielo forced back to the cloud. “I invited him, he is my stallion and he is staying by my side end of story.” Luna said with a bite to her tone glaring over at Celestia.

“Excuse me!?” Celestia’s voice elevated a bit in anger at her sisters lack of respect. “What gives you the right to talk to me like that? This is the way it has been and should always be; don’t act like this is new to you!” Celestia glared at a rather shocked Cielo. “Did you put her up to this!?”

“No! I…” Once more Cielo was cut off by Luna, now arguing the sisters were starting to draw more and more attention though they were not loud enough for the ponies below to make out what was being said.

Luna’s left wing shot open blocking Celestia’s glare from Cielo. “Don’t use that type of tone with him, he did nothing wrong! Cielo is here at MY request!” Luna was growing more and more upset with each passing moment. “You know just when I think you actually might change you go and pull something like this.”

“ME! I was being nice Luna, I was rather kind in the way I asked Cielo to leave but YOU took offence to that and instantly got snippy with me, how was I supposed to know you invited him to join us hmm?” Celestia shook her head and lowered her voice a little. “Luna for the sake of Equestria we are in public I don’t know what has gotten into you but you need to knock it off now, we have an image to maintain for our ponies, our subjects that look to us for guidance, you’re a princess not some tart. Now get your act together and start behaving like a princess should.”

Cielo put his hoof on Luna’s hoping to calm her a little but Luna quickly pulled her hoof away showing she was in no mood. It seemed Cielo was helpless to do anything to stop this argument.

Cadance tried to get a word in as well sensing the situation needed to be defused but much like Cielo she was shot down instantly not able to get a word in edgewise.

“Like a princess should?” Luna scoffed. “No more like you should, you want me to be a mirror image of you, what’s your big problem with me anyway? Why can’t Cielo be up here and I’m a tart? Why because I actually care for somepony something you seem incapable of.” Luna snapped at Celestia. “You did not give two shakes of your tail when Cadance started dating Shining armor!”

“That was different!” Celestia protested. “Cadance and Shining did not go flaunting about publicly displaying affection until they were engaged Luna, you have been with Cielo for how long now and you prance about with him like he is some kind of accessory for you to show off not giving two bits about how it makes us look!”

“And now we get down to it don’t we? It’s all about how I make you look, all about you. It’s always about you!” Luna started to lean in a little raising her voice more.

By now everypony including the wonderbolts were curious as to what was going on. The wonderbolts were ready to start but had to wait on Celestia’s go ahead as always when she was in attendance.

“Luna I’m trying to help you, you can’t just go around doing as you please. There is a level of eloquence and grace you need to uphold, a level of discretion you are held to, that we are held to and judged on because of who we are… I feel like I’m talking to a child!”

“You make me sick.” Luna said in disgust.

“Fine… you know what you win Luna; you want it to be like this you got it.” Celestia replied standing up and spreading her wings. “Time for a bit of tough love, you want to make a fool out of yourself be my guest you’ll have your chance.”  Celestia looked down at the ponies all gathered and realized that she and Luna arguing had been observed by everypony. Thinking on her hooves Celestia quickly spoke. “Mares and Gentle stallions, fillies and colts thank you all for coming and celebrating this joyous day with us.”

Luna was seething but now realizing all eyes were focused on her she could not really say much to her sister while Celestia was addressing them.

“I use the word joyous because today not only marks my younger sister’s departure, today marks her entry into marehood.” Celestia said with a smile.

Luna was now baffled unsure of what Celestia was talking about, her mind racing with the craziest thoughts. Surely Celestia would not bring up the book she had given Luna, no that couldn’t be it.

A few photographing pegasi took to the air and got a bit closer to snap a few pictures but were not allowed too close being cut off by a few of Celestia’s guards. Keeping at a respectful distance they continued to take pictures getting good shots of Celestia.

“My sister did not know I would be talking about this with all of you on this lovely evening but I can’t help it. We have had many good memories here in ponyville with you all so I can think of no better place to announce this.” Celestia kept her wings spread wings giving her a regal appearance. “Please join me in putting your hooves together for my sister princess Luna Moon and her fiancé Cielo Rey!”

Luna shot up to her hooves while Cielo remained speechless, the crowd let out a roar of cheers and applause at the news. Luna’s mouth was agape as she looked at her sister in disbelief, flashes went off rapidly from the pegasi photographers at the news, and this was front page worthy shots for them.

“Thank you! thank you!” Celestia continued with a huge smile as she looked over at Princess Luna. “As you can see my sister is a bit shocked at the moment but I could not contain my joy any longer, before we begin I offer my sister the chance to speak.” Celestia leaned and whispered in Luna’s ear softly. “I’m sorry but you left me no choice… go on tell them the truth, tell them he is nothing more than your stallion friend and see how they react to you, expose me as the liar I am, this is what you wanted right?”

Luna was speechless, her body frozen and unable to react. She had no retort for Celestia’s words or any idea how to handle something like this. Luna’s thoughts raced, part of her wanted to smack her sister around, scream to the world she was lying but what would that accomplish. Luna could see what Celestia had done, If Luna exposed Celestia as a liar then her relationship with Cielo would appear weak. Part of her started to believe Celestia, what if the general public would not accept her and Cielo simply as a couple. Slowly turning her head Luna looked down at the crowd as they all looked back up at her and quieted down expecting her to speak.

Celestia laid back down feeling she had done what she needed to, it brought her no pleasure to put Luna on the spot like this but she felt Luna had to learn a lesson and since talking seemed to get Celestia nowhere with Luna, taking action was the next step. Celestia knew just how cold ponies could be first hand and it was time for Luna to wake up and learn that too.

Luna’s legs quivered a bit, “Cielo… I need you” Luna said in a shaky whisper making Cielo’s ears perk up.

The stallion had buried his face in the cloud out of embarrassment, never did he think Celestia would stoop so low to embarrass her sister.  Slowly he lifted his muzzle and turned his gaze up towards Luna.

Luna looked over at Cielo with a distance look of desperation. “Please… please stand…” she whispered feeling each pony’s gaze looking up at her and watching her every movement. Their very stairs seeming to pierce through her skin and into her soul causing Luna to feel ill, “Cielo… please…” she begged.

Cielo actually hesitated for a moment. He wanted to stay down and there was even part of him that wanted to flee but just hearing how badly he was needed, he forced his wings to remain closed. Slowly the stallion got to his hooves and stood beside Luna.

Celestia eyed the two trying to figure out what was going on, she had expected Luna to come forth and deem her statements fraudulent. So why did Cielo stand she pondered, why did Luna ask for him to join her.

Swallowing hard Luna buried all her fear deep down into the pit of her stomach for now. “Move to your left a little and open your wings, keep them spread wide, chest out head held high Cielo… and thank you.” Luna thanked Cielo for standing by her side the camera flashes had stopped for now as even the photographers were growing curious as to what Luna might say. They did take notice as it was taking her some time to speak.

Cielo though greatly confused did as he was told moving slightly to the left and opening his wings wide keeping them straight. Puffing out his chest a little Cielo held his head high getting a good view of the crowd.

Luna did the same and spread her wings wide, her left wing matching Cielo’s right perfectly as a sign of unity. The crowd went crazy at this sight cheering and whistling while stomping their hooves on the ground in applause.  Luna smiled wide, “Smile.” Luna ordered Cielo through her teeth.

Cielo smiled as well now running off his instinct to follow orders, his mind had shut down having given up on trying to comprehend the situation he was just put into.

“My fiancé and I thank you all greatly from the bottom of our hearts for all your support!” Luna exclaimed with enthusiasm causing Celestia’s jaw to drop. Luna was not about to let her sister get the best of her no matter the cost, if Celestia wanted to play dirty then Luna was not about to back down but instead planned to fight fire with fire. “Sorry for the long silence, you’ll have to forgive us we did not plan on news being out so soon but I guess my sister just got a little too eager.” Luna looked over at Celestia with a grin. “Better luck stumping me next time sis.” The crowd collectively let out mixed laughs as the photographers started to take pictures once again, this time focusing on Luna and Cielo. “I’m sure a lot of you have questions, I can see the press is as eager as ever.” Luna got another reaction of mixed laughs at her little joke, “but that will have to wait until after the show, for now Celestia, Cielo and I have held up enough of your time. Please Spitfire start the show and everypony enjoy!”

With that the crowd cheered once more as Luna and Cielo closed their wings and laid back down, Luna first followed by a stunned Cielo.

Having been given the green light Spitfire took the spotlight and started to talk hyping up the already hyped audience for what was to come.

“You’re not going to win this time Celestia I’ve had enough.” Luna said softly looking down at Spitfire and watching her work the crowd into a frenzy and not at her sister. “I’m tired of doing this with you always one step forward and two steps back… after tonight don’t bother looking for me, don’t try to contact me and don’t expect me to come back… I’m done.”

Celestia remained silent, she used her magic as she lifted her wing sliding a medium sized manila envelope out from under it with her magic. She then levitated it in front of Luna without looking over at her. “Before you get too rash have a look at this Luna.” Celestia said in a soft voice. “I don’t want you to leave but I agree this has to stop.”

Luna glanced over at her sister before using her magic to take the manila envelope and open it, she slid the contents out and her eyes widened. “What is this…?” Luna asked almost in shock.

“From what I saw it’s you and your stallion toy swapping saliva, it was taken by a young shutterbug and cost me quite a few bits to get my hooves on.” Celestia said softly, “Call me a monster, tell me I make you sick, that I don’t care or that I disgust you… all I ever do is look out for you Luna, that’s all I have done since you got back.  I have covered your tail at every turn because I am your big sister and that’s what I’m supposed to do.”

Cielo stood up as the show started getting Luna’s attention. “Cielo what’s wrong?”

“I’m not feeling so well Luna, I think I’m going to go for a little flight to clear my head.” Cielo replied softly as he turned to leave.

“You can’t leave right now we are in the middle of a show… Cielo please what’s wrong?” Luna asked again getting a little worried.

“I need time to process things okay? Do you have any idea the kind of crap you two just pulled? You had me acting like a puppet on a string for you Luna and Celestia… a mare I always considered a friend used me as a pawn to teach you a lesson. I’m not some toy for you two to play with…” Cielo replied, his voice sounding hollow and monotone.

“Cielo I never…” This time Cielo did not give Luna a chance to finish before opening his wings.

“Save it, just let me have a little space to think…” Cielo said before taking off.

“Cielo!” Luna went to get up to go after her stallion but was stopped by Celestia placing her wing over her sister. “Let go!” Luna protested struggling a bit.

“I’ll keep an eye on him.” Cadance said getting up causing Luna to stop struggling for a moment. “I’m with Cielo on this so it would be best somepony with his viewpoint talk to him right now, Luna you going after him is not what he needs right now, it’s bad enough Cielo leaving drew some attention.” With that Cadance opened her wings and took off after Cielo.

Looking back down Luna and Celestia noticed that Cadance was right though only a few ponies had taken notice one of them was a reporter.

Luna let out a sigh and looked through the pictures Celestia had given her, the third picture even caught a bit of tongue play between the two. “Why did you even get these?” Luna asked softly feeling the sting of Cielo’s parting words.

“Because if those pictures had hit the papers without  me doing what I just did to cover for you do you have any idea the field day they would have had. I might be a monster but I’d rather have you hate me then let you be branded a whore.” Celestia replied watching the show commence now that the crowd was all riled up.

“A whore? going a bit far aren't we?” Luna seemed insulted by Celestia’s choice of words.

“Not at all… Like I said you and I are held to a different standard than other mares Luna, you know this. It did not use to be so bad but this world… these ponies can be ruthless. You give them the chance and they will pick apart every little mistake you make. part of the reason you are going on your little tour is it not? no matter how many times you say you’re sorry some will never let you live down your past.” Celestia twiddled her hooves a bit. “I’m not going to be able to protect you again Luna, you’ll be on your own from here on out… I’m trying to prepare you for the harsh realities you’re going to have to face.”

“I won’t be alone… I have Cielo and I don’t need your help… I can handle things myself.” Luna replied with uncertainty in her voice looking at the photos still.

“Ya seeing them I can tell I’m not needed and as for Cielo… I don’t know, he seemed quite crossed with you although he did not yell at you… at us...I have known him long enough to know when he is at his breaking point.” Celestia stopped twiddling her hooves and looked over at Luna. “I’ll apologize to him and fix this but… are you sure you can trust him Luna? I mean… he left you after making such an announcement with you, that does not look good you know. What if this whole thing…” Celestia realized how grave her error was, she might have just drove a wedge between Luna and Cielo by putting this on their shoulders. “What if I messed things up and put too much on him… what if he doesn't want to come back?”

“Please… don’t.” Luna did not try to hide the sorrow in her voice at the thought of Cielo leaving. “If he feels that way I’ll just have to find some way to make it up to him… I… I know I should not have asked him to stand with me like that…”

Celestia pulled Luna closer to her with her wing and put her hoof on her sisters. “what about the trip? The reporters? You did offer some answers after the show.”

“If Cielo wishes to talk to the reporters I will myself and should he not wish to continue on this trip then… then I’ll return to Canterlot and we will simply cancel it.”

“Luna, this trip meant so much to you… how can you just cancel it?” Celestia asked with a hint of disbelief in her voice.

“It does mean a lot to me… it was going to be a fresh start but…” Luna paused for a moment and smiled a little. “Cielo means even more… any I’m not going make him suffer. I’ll talk with him after the reporters and explain why you did what you did. I don’t think he was even paying attention when you gave me the photos… I hope he will understand and forgive me.”

“I’m sure he will, I’m sorry for even planting doubt in your mind.” Celestia hoped to re-ensure her sister even though she had her doubts. It was not often Cielo got upset enough to simply take off and the one time Celestia could recall it happening Cielo disappeared for days. “Cadance will help him calm down, he’s in good hooves.”

Luna remained quiet and watched the show progress, dash was doing an amazing job performing and almost stole the show even when paired with Spitfire but the young mare was not quite that good yet. throughout the show Luna kept looking back over her shoulder hoping to see Cielo flying back towards her but every time would look all Luna saw was empty sky. Soon Luna really started to worry to the point every few minutes she would look, her stomach starting to knot up in fear.

“Calm down.” Celestia whispered stroking Luna’s back gently with her wing.

“Please come back…” Luna whimpered softly still looking over her shoulder as Celestia tried to comfort her.

Celestia herself was admittedly starting to worry now as the show reached its halfway point and Cielo had yet to appear after nearly an hour.

Luna was keeping her outward appearance strong due to all the ponies being around but inside she was devastated feeling she might have pushed Cielo too hard. “Please come back…” Luna whimpered again looking down at the cloud. “Please… you promised me… please…”

Time continued to pass and the show continued on, Celestia eventually had to lower the sun and raise the moon as it grew later.

The wonderbolts had switched to their night routine using torches during their tricks to mesmerize the ponies with a spectacular light show to start to wrap things up.

After about three hours Luna was close to breaking down and the show was about to end. Lowering her muzzle to the cloud she could no longer hold it in, while the crowd cheered Luna sobbed softly. “I’m sorry… please I’m sorry…”

No matter what Celestia said to Luna nothing seems to get through to her. “I swear I’m going to kill that stallion.” Celestia said angrily, she had passed her worry stage and now was becoming angry with Cielo for causing her sister pain.

“It’s not his fault…” Luna sobbed.

Deep down Celestia knew Luna was blaming herself more than Cielo or even her for starting the whole chain of events. “no dear… it’s mine but still he should have been back by now.”

“Sorry but being used is not such an easy thing to digest it turns out.” A familiar voice replied as somepony landed on the cloud Next to Luna.

Luna’s ears shot up as she picked her head up quickly, looking to her left Cielo stood on the cloud beside her. Getting up quickly Luna held nothing back wrapping her hooves around him she buried her muzzle in his chest and just cried, her horn resting against the side of his neck while she sobbed. “You… Jerk!” Luna managed to get a few words out between her sobs, she was not happy Cielo left but she was delighted he came back. “I’m sorry…”

“Me too.” Cielo replied softly taking his wings and wrapping them around Luna, Cielo sat down and just held Luna taught to him. “I reacted poorly… I… I let my anger get the best of me.”

Cadance landed on the cloud next to Celestia and plopped down seemingly exhausted. looking over at Celestia Cadance just let out a sigh as if to say she had her work cut out for her getting Cielo to come back and it literally, physically, exhausted her.

Celestia looked back at Cielo and shot him a bit of a glare. “Cielo… I’m not happy you took off but…” Celestia softened her look. “I’m sorry, will you give me a chance to explain my actions? If you do I think I can clarify why I did what I did.”

“Please Cielo.” Luna pulled back and looked up at the stallion making him turn his attention to her. “She… she actually had a good reason…”

“I’m willing to listen yes but…” Cielo turned his gaze from Luna to Celestia. “You two need to listen to me to, I have something I want to get off my chest and I think you both need to hear them.” Cielo looked back down at Luna, though he seems happy there was not much joy to be found in his eyes. “And Luna you and I need to have a private discussion beforehand…”

Luna felt her heart sink a little fearing the worst. “Sure Cielo… anything you want…” Swallowing her pride Luna placed her head back against Cielo’s chest. “just promise you will stay with me… please...”

Cielo felt Luna’s hooves hold him tighter but no matter how tightly she held him Cielo did not respond to her.

Celestia was speechless at Cielo’s silence making her question if she had actually been right, did she cause Cielo to have a change of heart. Now faced with the outcome of her actions Celestia felt mortified, she could have gone about it all another way but she let Luna get under her skin and because of Celestia’s inability to just take a step back and look she was yet again the cause of Luna being in pain.

In one last ditch effort Luna looked up into Cielo’s eyes beggingly as she cried. “Please say it… please Cielo… say it….”

Cielo remained silent to Princess Luna’s plea

“Say it!” Luna begged shaking Cielo a little trying to get a response from the dark grey stallion. “Why won’t you say it!?”

Cielo drew in a deep breath and shook his head a little. “If you want me to, promise me Princess Luna. You have to promise to listen to what I have to say first, by listen I mean just that. Actually listen and care about what I have to say… I don’t think you understand the repercussions of your actions.” Cielo looked up as Celestia who was still glaring at him angrily. “I don’t think either of you do.”

“I’ll listen Cielo I’m sorry, I should not have asked you to stand with me.” Luna nuzzled under Cielo’s chin, she had stopped sobbing but the tears were still running down her cheeks. Her heart hurts and her mind raced still, she could tell Cielo was far from being okay and though she was in pain Luna felt if she could calm him down everything would go back to the way it was and all would be forgiven.

“You have a lot of nerve.” Celestia growled. “Do you have any idea how much your little stunt hurt her?”

Luna turned to Celestia. “Stop please… don’t fight just let it go…”

“I have some nerve? What about you? You don’t care how your little stunt made Luna feel or how it would affect me, neither of you even considered me. I was just some pawn you two used against one another!” Cielo snapped angrily.

Celestia went to open her mouth but once more Luna pleaded “Stop the both of you please… no more I can’t handle more arguing… Please just stop…”

Celestia swallowed her pride and did not respond to Cielo though she wanted to badly. The show had wrapped up and ponies were starting to leave the bleachers and go over towards the barn. It seems a little after party was planned, many of the ponies wanted to hang around and mingle with the wonderbolts while they had the chance. Apple Jack and Pinkie Pie did not mind in the least either, the longer everypony stuck around the more likely they were to buy something. The reporters had hung around too waiting patiently for a chance to speak with Princess Luna

“Let’s go somewhere a little more private and talk then.” Cielo suggested, “Because I will not bite my tongue Luna, not the way I’m feeling now.”

Luna turned back to Cielo and agreed “Anything you want… where should we go?”

“Wait, what am I to do? You can’t expect me to just sit here while you two run off. I don’t trust Cielo alone with you right now.” Celestia protested.

Cielo scoffed, “Please if I was going to do something I could have done it long ago Princess so save it.” Though agitated, Cielo had a great deal of confidence about his voice making Celestia’s blood boil at the thought of him taking advantage of Luna. “You wanna join fine but you will keep your nose out of our business until I’m ready to deal with you because mare I have got a lot to get off my chest.”

“That’s fair right?” Luna asked looking back at Celestia. “Sometimes it’s best just to listen… we can do that can’t we?”

Cadance, whom had been sitting quietly, placed her hoof on Celestia’s back. “Listening couldn't hurt.”

Celestia did not like this one bit but at the same time she felt she had no choice, Cadance had obviously worked hard to get Cielo back, Luna was distraught and willing to do whatever it took to work through this and deep down Celestia knew this was her fault. If she declined or tried to argue she would only make things worse for Luna and cause her further pain. Celestia lowered her head a bit losing her look of anger and replacing it with one of defeat. “Yes… I’ll listen, I can do that much.”

Cadance gave Celestia a pat on the back knowing it was not easy for her to give in. Cadance then peaked to the side of Celestia so she could see Luna. “I’ll keep the reporters busy for as long as I can. You do remember you promised them a little interview don't you Luna?”

Luna let out an annoyed sigh. “No… it slipped my mind, I must look horrid right now.” Luna looked at Cadance giving her a soft but genuine smile. “Thank you for your help Cadance… really on everything thank you.”

“Family looks out for family.” Cadance replied smiling back, “If I were you I would use magic to teleport elsewhere for now, it won't have to be far but if you try to fly they will see you.”

“I’ll take care of that.” Celestia replied softly, “Thank you Cadance, you have been a great help as always.” Taking a deep breath Celestia’s horn lit up, with a flash Celestia, Luna and Cielo vanished.

Cadance left the cloud and flew down below where the reporters had taken notice and were curious as to what was going on. Cadance explained to them that the interview was still going to take place but Luna just wish for a bit of time to freshen up beforehand. The reporters bought it and went about mingling with the other ponies and enjoying themselves to kill time.

Within the blink of an eye Celestia, Luna and Cielo appeared in Celestia’s chambers back in Canterlot. Luna still had her hooves around a very confused Cielo.

That was Cielo’s first time ever being teleported anywhere and it was a rather odd experience. “Well then… that was interesting.”

Luna slowly leaned back a bit so she could look into Cielo’s eyes. “Okay, now that we are somewhere private please talk to me Cielo; you have my full attention.”

Cielo did not see just how bad Luna looked until they were in a well-lit area, the light from the fire showed Luna’s eyes were a bit puffy. It was evident that she had been crying for some time. “Let me start by saying…” Cielo wanted to be mad at her and in fact still was but he never thought Luna would have been so upset by him just taking off. Cielo changed his tone to a softer more caring one before continuing, “I’m sorry.” Taking his hoof Cielo gently brought it up to Luna’s cheek tracking the tear line that was visible. “I’m sorry I made you cry, I’m sorry I hurt you by taking off… do you know why I became so upset with you?”

“Because you felt as though I were using you as a pawn so I could get back at my sister… right?” Luna asked a bit unsure herself, she only knew what Cielo had told her.

As Cielo expected Luna was clueless aside from what she was told.” Not just that,” Cielo explained. “Though that was a portion of it. The other reason is because you did not seem to care how I felt afterwards. I was stressing out, playing over each scenario in my head of every possible repercussions this announcement, this lie could have. All you seemed to care about at the time is that you were able to best your sister yet again. That’s what really got me.”

Luna looked apologetically into Cielo’s eyes and expressed how sorry she was once more; the princess of the night had never felt this way before. She actually felt ashamed of herself, Luna felt remorse for turning on Celestia and trying to cause her harm but never ashamed.

“I know you’re sorry and I trust you did not mean to make me feel that way… one of the reasons I came back.” Cielo lowered his head a bit, “I wanted to yell at you, scream even… until I was able to see your face. I have caused you enough harm tonight Luna and I really don’t think I need to say more because nothing I say will be harder on you than how hard you have been on yourself.” Cielo turned his attention to Celestia, “You however Celestia are a different case altogether, what the hell were you thinking announcing we were engaged like that. Do you have any idea the amount of trouble you have caused for not just Luna but me as well?”

Celestia remained silent looking into Cielo’s eyes as he spoke; she knew things could have gone differently if she had not let Luna get under her skin.

Luna nuzzle up to Cielo remaining there with her muzzle resting against his chest still not taking her hooves off the stallion.

“I’ll take that as a no, well then let me fill you in princess. Not only will Luna be under a magnifying glass now but so will I, you know everything about me including my past. You’ve known for a long time now so don’t try to tell me different.”

“Yes Cielo I know of your past.” Celestia replied somberly.

“Then you know you just handed over a loaded cannon to several ponies, I have kept a low key over the years for a reason and now because of you my name is going to be plastered all over every paper in Equestria.” Cielo’s voice started to grow agitated as he continued, “And what do you think is going to happen when certain mares and stallions who know me, know what I have done or what I did to them myself, what will you do when they come forward and paint a pretty picture of who I was to anypony who will listen hmm?”

Celestia did not care for Cielo’s tone with her but out of love for her sister she gritted her teeth and dealt with Cielo’s attitude. “Yes… I see your point…” Celestia said through her teeth. “But what was I to do? Did you even hear me when I was talking about the pictures of you two?”

“What Pictures?” Cielo asked having been in his own little world at the time and oblivious to what Luna and Celestia had been talking about.

Lifting her wing Celestia used her magic to levitate the manila envelope offer to Cielo and remove the contents, lifting her had a little she flipped through the three shots slowly so Cielo could get a good look at each. “This is why I did what I did Cielo… I had no guarantee that the young photographer I got these from gave me the only copies. If I did not make that announcement and these happen to come up in tomorrow’s paper my sister would have been branded a harlot. A whore Cielo… I could not let that happen to her…”

“So you chose that moment to stand up and announce that we are engaged to all of Equestria which by the way, news flash, we are not!” Cielo pointed out.

“Well… what else was I to do smart stallion?” Celestia asked adding a little bite to her tone, “Need I remind you that you…” Celestia once more changed her tone, “Well you were kind of drawing a lot of attention and it did not help when Luna made you remain on the cloud with us… I.” Letting out a sigh Celestia stopped fighting all together and just admitted it was her fault. “I messed up and let my anger get the better of me.”

“You could have just told Luna calmly you had good reason for not wanting to draw more attention by having me join her and that you would explain after.” Cielo said in a disappointed tone. “And that reminds me.” Cielo looked down at Luna who had yet to let him go. “Luna I’ll put up with a lot of things but please never grab me like that again, it’s not only embarrassing and emasculating but you made me feel like a foal being put in a time out… it was uncalled for.”

“I’m sorry…” Luna replied softly not lifting her head up enough to look at him, she may had made him feel like a colt but he was getting his payback on her at that very moment. Luna felt like a little filly being scolded for making a mistake and it was not a feeling she was finding pleasant in the least.

“Say I did that then? What would be different after that?” Celestia asked trying to follow what Cielo would have done.

“You talk to us after the show, share your concerns and the photos and we would have come up with a plan, we could have worked together to fix this without causing anypony any embarrassment.” Cielo explained looking back at Celestia.

“So what now…?” Luna asked wanting to end this argument. “Celestia was wrong and so was I, we both made mistakes even though we both should have known better than to argue in public… and we both upset you with our actions…”

Cielo looked down at Luna and smiled a little. “Do you plan to hide your face on my chest for the remainder of the night?” Taking his hoof Cielo gently rubbed Luna’s back. “I said I was sorry and I forgive you… you can stop worrying.”

“Will… you say it then?” Luna asked slowly looking up at Cielo with pleading eyes.

“Yes Luna, I promise never to leave you like that again.” Cielo spoke softly smiling a little, though Luna was upset the way she was looking at him was adorable in his eyes. “Now, please tell me what you mean when you asked ‘what now’ Do you mean where do we go from here?”

“If you want… I’ll say it was all a lie like I should have done from the start, you shouldn’t be dragged into this just for the sake of my silly image.” Luna said softly, “As far as we know Celestia has the only copies of the photos and there is no telling if they will pop up again but it’s a risk I’m more than happy to take to show that I’m sorry.” Luna thought for a moment, “Or if we did… you know...go with it, then we could just cancel the trip and I’ll stay here so we don’t have to deal with the media at all… that could work right?”

Celestia shook her head slowly but kept her muzzle shut letting Cielo choose as Luna wished.

“We can’t just hide. That will solve nothing and create its own set of problems and as far as coming out and saying it was a lie… not the best option either considering that’s a good way to get under a lot of ponies skins, and then that will bring up the question as to why Celestia lied in the first place, why you also lied to cover for her, why I was on the cloud and why you chose to come clean…” Cielo took his hoof off Luna’s back and rubbed his head a little. “Celestia anything you can do about possible negative press that comes our way… mainly things that will be aimed at me.”

“Yes… I can try that it but keep in mind I can’t force them to keep quiet, I can only ask the editors to… overlook things pertaining to you.” Celestia replied.

“That will have to be good enough then.” Cielo shook his head, “This is going to be hard and I hope you both realize that. We need to plan and plan well if we are going to pull this off.”

“What do you mean?” Luna inquired.

“I mean if we are going to appear as though we are engaged, then we have to act like an engaged couple would. That means we might have to play up our affection a little in public, we cannot disagree in front of other ponies and we will have to define how we will act around them and in front of the media.”

“Like acting? But Cielo what’s wrong with what we have now?” Luna seemed confused, she loves Cielo and Cielo seemed to love her back so why would she have to act.

“I agree with Cielo.” Celestia tossed her opinion in, “Say you wake up and are not feeling to par or maybe you two had a little argument and might not be too happy with each other… like Cielo is now. It would be best to be able to fall into a default role so as to keep the appearance of the two of you being unified and on the same page… well unless you two actually decide to end things.”

“Never!” Luna quickly snapped back at Celestia for even bringing up the thought.

“Well then… it would seem we have some planning to do.” Cielo pulled back a little causing Luna to let him go, she looked a little worried as he did so. “Luna I say this not in a mean way but you should go freshen up. If we are to parade around for the press you must not look like you have been crying and your eyes are a bit puffy right now. We don’t need them probing into why you were upset.”

Luna took a little offence but did not say anything to Cielo, things were finally calming back down and she was in no rush to try to escalate things. “Y-Yes… I guess you’re right.”

Celestia and Cielo sat in an awkward silence while Luna cleaned up, they did not look at each other or even glance.

Celestia was the one who finally broke the silence between them. “It’s not going to be like this from now on is it?” she asked referring the how quiet it was between the two of them. “I said I was sorry, I let you talk and did not argue. What more do you want?” Celestia did not get snippy with Cielo while asking her question.

“No, just until I’m done being pissed off at you.” Cielo replied calmly, “What more do I want… hmmm. Well how about for starters, you stop thinking I’m going to take advantage of Luna. You seem to be throwing the ‘how little you trust me’ in my face every chance you get despite you saying you do trust me and putting me with your sister in the first place. You should get checked out sometime, I think you might be bipolar”

“I think you have to be depressed to have it qualify as bipolar.” Celestia turned her head a bit and looked over at Cielo. “Tell me do you think if they examined your head it would be any better?”

Cielo looked out of the corner of his eyes to see Celestia looking at him. Turning his muzzle towards her he smiled a bit. “In some areas yes but then again if I was as old as you my mind might be going too.”

Celestia smiled a bit happy she was able to break the tension. “I’m sorry Cielo, I really am. I was just looking out for my sister… and the way you hurt her when you left. That’s what the comment about not trusting you was aimed at. I know you have been good to her as far as… behaving yourself. You have done well in that area for a long time.” Celestia turned to Cielo a little more. “I know I was wrong Cielo, this was my fault but that does not mean I forgive you for taking off… you should have just stayed and voiced your concerns after.”

“When emotions get high mistakes are made, I won’t say I did not mean to hurt her because I knew that taking off would upset her I just did not think so much and at the time I was too upset to care… that sounds so horrid when I say it out loud but it’s the truth.”  Cielo admitted.

“Well let me make one thing clear to you Cielo, I can understand why you took off but you made my sister a promise here today. I will hold you to that you know.” Celestia’s expression grew a little more serious. “I care for you Cielo, you know that… but if you ever purposely break my sisters heart… I’ll be sure to repay the favor tenfold.”

“Threats really?” Cielo cocked his head a little seeming unintimidated. “You really want to make threats to me right now?” His tone growing a bit deeper.

“I’m just giving you my feelings on the matter, is that not what you wanted? Would you rather I be fake and whisper nothing but sweet lies to you? I love my sister and I don’t want to see her hurt. I know I caused her pain today but not nearly as much as you did by leaving and DON’T try to blame that all on me… Yes I admit that I helped push you to it but you are the one who stood up and took off. I did not force you Cielo.”

Cielo glared at Celestia for a moment before turning his head taking his eyes off her. You’re right, I did make that choice and I know it was a mistake, but your threats do not affect me. If you really want to be sure that Luna stays happy perhaps you should stop trying to drive a wedge between us. Honestly Celestia I love Luna I really do but I can’t keep putting up with you sticking your nose in at every turn. Give us some breathing room, as of now you dumped even more weight onto our backs, we have enough without having to lug you around too.” Cielo’s voice had returned to normal as he continued to on.

Luna had finished cleaning up and was now listening in on the conversation. Luna felt if she walked into the room Cielo might stop talking and she did not want to miss this thinking she might pick up a bit of useful information.

“Well maybe…” Celestia went to counter but was quickly cut off.

“I’m not done yet!” Cielo raised his voice and stomped his hoof on the floor turning to Celestia once more, this time in anger. “This is not about you for once so do what you said you would and open your ears while keeping your muzzle shut.”

Celestia could feel her blood pressure rising, her anger building up at Cielo’s disrespect for her. She went to open her mouth but heard Luna’s voice inside her head. ‘Please don’t argue… for me’ Looking back Celestia saw Luna quickly duck her head back behind the door realizing now she was listening in.

Looking back at Cielo Celestia simply raise her hoof. “Okay I’ll keep quiet please continue.” Repeating to herself over and over again in her head ‘do it for Luna’

“Thank you, I get you want to protect her I do but damn it Celestia you are so blinded by your own ego you don’t see the harm you do. You think yourself a great shield for her without realizing you have your spikes pointed at the very pony you want to protect. Each time you block a hit for her you’re spikes cause her harm from the recoil. Luna said it best when she said it’s one step forward and two back with you. Last night was amazing, I honestly thought I had seen the end of you two bickering, then you showed up today and surprised us both with a festival for Luna so she could be given what you considered a proper send off. Then what happened? You had to find a way to ruin everything you worked so hard for with one swift an idiotic action. It’s baffling to me it’s like you set yourself up just to fail. If I did not know you loved your sister so much I’d swear you enjoyed hurting her… STOP putting your nose in where it does not belong. It’s not that you care or want to help that’s the problem it’s you never think things through… stop and THINK about your actions please! I’m begging you PLEASE use your head before just acting. What was your plan on threatening me? Let’s start with that, what if I had told you to buzz off and just left. You would blame me fully when YOU could have stopped it from ever happening in the first place by simply keeping your muzzle shut. Just... Think Celestia THINK!”  

Celestia looked at Cielo for a moment watching the stallion pant lightly, it was clear he had been holding back on some of his frustrations with her. “Okay…” Celestia had nothing more to say, Cielo had nailed home some valid points that disarmed Celestia from being able to reply. “Is there… anything else you want to get off your chest?”

Cielo shook his head a bit. “No, I think I’m done.”

Luna re-entered the room at that point going back to Cielo’s side. “Better?” She asked nuzzling his cheek.

“Much.” Cielo eyed Luna a little, “You look a lot better Luna, again sorry I upset you… It won’t happen again.”

“As I said you are forgiven.” Luna smiled softly; she looked over at her sister Celestia and smiled happily. “Thank you dear sister for biting your tongue, I know it was not easy but... thank you for letting him vent.”

Celestia nodded her head a little, getting up she walked over to Luna and Cielo. Putting her hooves around both of them she pulled them in close for a hug.

Luna was quick to embrace her sister but Cielo took a few seconds.

Cielo could feel Celestia wanted to move on and so did he, taking his hooves he embraced the two sisters tightly.

The hug lasted for several minutes before Celestia let the two go, with all their feelings vented and the air cleared Celestia was pleased enough to force her own feeling down to keep from causing more trouble. This seemed like a good conclusion, Luna and Cielo seemed happy and everything seemed to be back on track now.

Luna, Celestia and Cielo all started to talk about the engagement and the best way to go about it. All three of them decided leaving the date of the so-called wedding undetermined for now thinking it best to simply say Luna and Cielo were too busy to make any solid plans at this time. This would allow Luna and Cielo time to really let their relationship grow and give the two the chance to see if they really were meant to be.

After hammering out all of the assorted details Celestia took Luna and Cielo back to Ponyville to face the rather annoyed reporters.

Luna apologized for the wait and with Cielo at her side the two of them were interviewed. Every question was faced at Luna putting all the pressure on her and much to Cielo’s surprise Luna was nailing it. One thing Luna really seemed to excel at is dealing with press ponies while under pressure almost like she welcomed it as a challenge. The date for the wedding did pop up among the onslaught of questions Luna had to endure but Luna was expecting it.

A few photos were taken of Luna an Cielo though the chances of them being used were not very high, even with the flash none would come out as good as previous pictures taken earlier in the day. After the interview Luna and Cielo caught up with Spitfire.

Sharing a few hard ciders together Luna and Cielo explained everything to Spitfire after she had inquired about the sudden engagement announcement. Needless to say Spitfire did not approve of this illusion Luna and Cielo had cooked up with Celestia but she did understand the reason behind it.  

After catching up for a few hours with Spitfire Cielo and Luna decided to call it a night, ponies had started to leave and the farm was just about empty by now.

Luna thanked Spitfire for her effort and apologized for missing some of the show, Luna also made Cielo apologize to his mother as well for not sticking around but did so in a playful way being sure not to actually force him.

Bidding farewell to Celestia and Cadance, Luna and Cielo set off towards town. The wonderbolts stuck around for a little while longer, helping Apple Jack clean up a bit as a favor to Rainbow Dash, before taking off themselves.

Luna and Cielo made their way to the hotel, checking in the two of them made their way up to their room on the second floor after having a brief talk with the mare at the front desk who seemed overly excited to have the couple staying at her inn. Once Luna and Cielo found their room the two settled in for the night, Cielo taking to the bed and laid down ready to get some rest and to start fresh with a new day.

After taking off her armor Luna joined Cielo in bed and gave Cielo a kiss goodnight but decided to stay up for a bit letting Cielo know she was not yet sleepy. Luna waited until Cielo fell asleep. Wanting to be sure, she gave him a few pokes to see if he would react.  Feeling convinced Luna used her magic to open her saddlebags and take out the book Celestia had given her. With things going the way they were Luna felt it best to start learning now instead of putting things off until it was too late. Part of her was still nervous opening up the book and yet a larger part of her was eager to learn, she felt if she knew more then maybe it would also help her relax so she would not be so tense over something as simple as a kiss.

The first few chapters were nothing Luna did not already know, she was more than old enough to know all the changes her body had gone through physically but she read them anyway for the bits on how her emotions were affected as well finding them informative and helpful. By the third and fourth chapters of the book Luna could feel her body heating up a bit, Luna’s cheeks a soft red. Blushing Luna read on covering the stallion’s and mare’s anatomy and reproductive organs, then on to chapter five, mating.

Luna continued to read for hours until she had covered every last aspect of the book all the way pregnancy and birth. Putting the book away Luna lay her head down after blowing out the candle, the room dark and silent, only the soft sounds of Cielo’s breathing could be heard.

Rolling over Luna cuddled up to Cielo, her mind racing with what she considered perverse thoughts. The book explains a lot but raised more questions as well as caused a few new feelings to surface. Closing her eyes Luna kept tight to Cielo, to her surprise she felt the stallion bring his wing over her and pull her a bit closer to him. Nuzzled against Cielo’s chest, her mind slowly letting her thoughts drift away, Luna slowly fell into a deep peaceful sleep.

Next Chapter: The Morning After Estimated time remaining: 58 Minutes