Chapter 11

Princess Aurora

The overpowering warmth the sun gave off one cloudless day told the citizens of Canterlot and neighboring villages that winter was at long last drawing to a close. A pleased Commander Hurricane told the King and Queen that the plans for Ponyville are complete and they would begin construction at the beginning of spring. Celestia began spending any free time she had teaching the growing Phoenix how to fly in the field below the city. Tock along with Luna and the rest of their friends joined in to watch and at times help out. Wind Chime, being good with communicating with animals, helped Celestia understand what the aging bird was saying. Celestia soon figured out that Wind Chimes expertise wouldn’t be needed much since the Phoenix was good at letting her know what was on her mind with the looks she gave her along with body language. A new facial expression the bird let her know first hand was one of irritation. Her feathery body would swell up before her yellow eyes squinted to such a decree that they were almost nonexistent. Of course an agitated coo was an added bonus when she was really mad.

During one of the flying lessons, the Phoenix let out a loud screech as she followed her caretaker and Pegasus friend through the sky. She was clearly enjoying herself and wasted no time in diving after them as they drew close to the grounds below them. Their friends below cheered as the three landed with ease. The Phoenix landed on Celestia back and stood still with pride. Celestia looked at the bird taking in how big her wings, tail feather and body had gotten since the night she was hatched. The once short feathers on her tail were now long and drooped over her back like a flowing red and orange colored river. While her appearance was normal at the moment, she did have times when her fiery instinct came out and flames ignited her entire body. Only after the third time it happened, Celestia and Luna figured out it was her way of molting. The first couple times the two raced to dunk water over the burning bird, only to have a soaked half naked bird glare up at them. Luckily Clestia decided to research her feathery companion so she would know what to do for future surprises. Amongst her late night browsing through library books, she found out several things about Phoenixes, which included the molting. At least Celestia now knew that when it came time for the Phoenix to die she would know that it would be reborn after its body had caught fire reducing her to nothing but ash. As puzzling as the life cycle of a Phoenix is, Celestia couldn’t help but to wonder if the memories it had before death stayed intact. The last thing she wanted was to teach the bird how to fly again… Wait; was she actually thinking that the bird would stay with her? She shook her head in disbelief. This thought was absurd. Her job was to look after the mythical bird until it was fully grown and able to look after itself. Then why was it that the more she thought about their time together was coming to an end, the more she found herself wishing that day would never come. Could she actually be growing used to having the chipper bird around? She hated to admit it, but Luna was right. The Phoenix was a mini her. Eager to get things started and when things were slowing down, she began doing anything to keep moving. She was about to think about giving the bird to the new pony as token of gratitude for all the help he was when Night Shade informed them that he had already left. He told them that something urgent came up and he was needed back at the Crystal Empire. When she and Luna questioned him further, he said that he was sorry to leave with out saying goodbye and that he was welcome back anytime. Celestia could tell that Luna didn’t believe a word of it and couldn’t help but to suspect that Snap Shot and their parents were once again hiding something from them.

After Celestia and Luna came back to Canterlot castle with the Phoenix flying happily beside them, on another cloudless afternoon, they were surprised to see both their parents and Captain Snap Shot waiting for them on the throne room balcony. When they landed the three eyed the two of them observantly. Taking in the dried up mud on their coats and royal jewelry and twigs caught in their mains and tails. The Phoenix on Celestia’s back was busy cleaning itself to the best of her ability.

“A whole days worth of work I take it?” asked Night Shade pleasantly while Star Bright and Snap Shot looked like they were fighting the urge to snatch the two sisters up and rush them to the baths.

“What, this?” asked Celestia casually. “It’s nothing a little rinse won’t be able to clear up. Right Luna?”

Luna’s face had reddened in embarrassment and started fiddling with her mane nervously. Snap Shot’s straight face never changed as he addressed the two.

“I most certainly hope you’re right your highness. A guest is here to see you two.”

“Oh, goddess! Is it him?!” squeaked Luna, tensing up.

“No Princess, it’s not him,” said Snap Shot raising an eyebrow. “It’s… Why did you think it was the Earth Pony?”

“Who ever said I was referring to him?!” Luna Shot back blushing furiously.

“Is their another stallion that has been inside the castle that I don’t know about?”

Luna flushed. Her ears growing pink as she lowered them and her head so that her long flowing navy blue mane covered her twitching eye and reddened face.

“Well, who is it then?” asked Celestia sparing her little sister from further humility.

Snap Shot was looking like he was trying to answer her in the best way possible when her father stepped in to answer the question.

“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna,”

He addressed them by royalty, which meant that whoever was waiting for them was important. Suddenly the whole rinsing off comment suddenly didn’t seem like a bad idea.

“There is no easy way for us to tell you this, but… Your older sister is here to see you.”

“Our Older sister?!” asked Celestia. “But I thought we didn’t have one. How? When…”

“She was before you two came along of course. Funny, I can’t seem to remember the last time we saw her. It feels like ages.”

“But, how can this be? Why haven’t we met her yet?”

“You two have met her once,” said Star Bright reassuringly. “Although, I doubt you would remember it. You were only fillies after all. Barely a year old.”

“Where has she been since then?”

“Oh, the life of a Princess is complicated as you two know. It’s hard to find any time to visit relatives. I have to admit; I am looking forward to seeing her again after all this time! First a Princess, then a husband, and now a future Queen in the making! Oh, my, time flies doesn’t it?”

“Did you say Future Queen and husband?”

“That’s right Princess!” Snap Shot spoke up. “Put your best hoof forward you two! You’re about to meet your big sister, Princess Aurora!”

Inside the castle, the Royal Guards and staff were standing in line waiting for the arrival of the third and eldest daughter of the King and Queen. Luna was worried about her appearance while Celestia was preoccupied with confusion as to how their parents could have kept their own sister a secret from them. Or was the whole older sister a lie? Was this just another royal duty they had to preform by meeting another pony of royalty. Somehow she didn’t think that was the case. Why hadn’t they mentioned their big sister until now? Snap Shot went ahead of them to greet the new arrival and welcome her into the castle. The royal family decided to wait inside the throne room. Star Bright tried to help Celestia and Luna get the dirt off of them before the Queen arrived but right as they were about to clean their tiaras, when the doors to the throne room opened. Inside stepped Snap Shot. His posture straight as ever and head held high as he took his place beside the opened doors with the rest of the guards. Taking one look around the line of armored ponies he puffed out his chest and proclaimed loudly; “Your highnesses, may I present to you her royal highness, Princess Aurora!”

At once the fellow guards stomped their hooves at attention and held their spears out as to create an arched path for the approaching Princess. From the halls came hoofsteps drawing close. From the amount of staff Celestia could make out, their heads bowed in respect as the figure approached them. Even the Phoenix balanced herself on Celestia’s crest in order to have a good view of what was going on. Like a scarf she could feel the warmth of the bird as her feathery body pressed against the back of her neck. At last, the full form of Princess Aurora came into view. Both Celestia and Luna let out a small gasp as they saw that the mare approaching them was just like them. Another Alicorn! Her stature was taller than Celestia. Her coat was bright pink with a long curly rose mane and tail. The dress she wore was a brilliant blue to match her eyes. The gold horseshoes clinked delicately with each step. While her tail touched the floor and slid peacefully behind her, the mane had just barely avoided contact.

“Princess!” proclaimed King Night Shade beaming down at her. “Welcome! Welcome back to Canterlot!”

“It is good to be back your majesty!” said Aurora coming to a stop and bowing to the four above her.

From the look Luna was giving Aurora, she was clearly studying her. Taking in as much as she could so she could practice royal formalities later on her own. Celestia on the other hand, was wondering why the Princess hadn’t addressed the King as her father. At last, Aurora’s head came up and their eyes met. A twinkle was seen and she smiled warmly up at her.

“Oh my,” she said sweetly. “You have grown since we met your highness! And the same goes for you Luna!”

Celestia didn’t smile back. She continued to observe her older sister as if to closely examine her. Star Bright and Luna shot her a meaningful look, but Aurora continued to smile.

“You don’t remember me do you Celie?” she asked. “I suppose it’s to be expected. You two were only fillies after all.”

The sound of her nickname being spoken to her by another, made her heart jump. She wasn’t sure if she should be happy or upset. Before she or Luna could ask how Aurora knew her nickname, King Night Shade spoke up.

“It has been too long Aurora! Please make yourself at home once more! And when your husband arrives, I look forward to meeting the young stallion who will be taking care of our little Cadenza!”

“He will be pleased to meet all of you as well father. Although you two are a little diff…”

She broke off as her eyes began to water slightly. Closing them she placed her hoof to her chest and inhaled deeply before exhaling. Looking back at the King and Queen, her smile returned, but there was something different about it, almost as if it was weakened.

“It matters not what your appearances are. He will be delighted to meet you all the same!”

“And we await till we meet as well!” said Star Bright warmly.

Celestia and Luna exchanged looks. There was something going on. Unlike Celestia, Luna had no idea what was going on with their parents. Or did she? Celestia knew the two looked older than usual, but Luna had never showed any signs of noticing. Could she have been to busy with being wrapped up in her studies to realize? It was true that the two looked more tired now than before, but then that might mean… No, Celestia couldn’t bring herself to imagine it. Ok. Yes, her mother and father were getting on in age whatever the precise number was, but they couldn’t leave. Not yet. Not when she and her little sister still had lots to learn.

Later that night, while the royal family was dinning, Celestia couldn’t shake off the nagging thought that her parents were literally showing signs of their age. What would she Luna do if the two left them before their training was complete? Could they possibly really rely on the older sister they had just met for the first time after many years apart? She continued star down her food as the Phoenix helped herself to the full plate. Celestia continued her ever so increasing agonized thoughts until the sound of Luna’s voice took her away from her troubles.

“So, sister!” exclaimed Luna. “Tell us, you were before Celie and me yes? How were mother and father back then? When did you come around?”

Aurora stared at Luna for five seconds before she began to giggle.

“You’re just as curious as ever Lu-Lu!” she said. “Well, let me see… To do that, I would first have to explain that we aren’t sisters by blood.”

Luna and Celestia looked at their parents who nodded their heads in agreement.

“I was around when Canterlot was founded so, with that and the first Griffin conflict…”

She tapped her hoof on her chin thoughtfully.

“My real mother and father knew Night Shade and Star Bright before they became King and Queen of Canterlot. They were the best of friends back then. During the struggle, our parents held back the Griffins forces. They fought together, side by side. Always looking out for one anther. Things didn’t change even during the last days of the war. My parents told them that if anything ever happened to them they wouldn’t trust anypony else to look after me.”

“And we promised them that we would take care of you for them if their worries came true,” said Star Bright, her eyes shining from the tears building up.

“And you two did wonderfully,” said Aurora gratefully. “You raised me as if I was your own and for that I am forever grateful!”

She looked back and Celestia and Luna, her eyes shimmering with tears as well.

“I know it has been a long time since we met and I know we aren’t strictly related. But I am glad to say that your parents a part of my family and I hope you can one day call me your big sister Aurora.”

All the two sisters could do was stare at the Princess with open mouths. There was the sound of sniffing as Star Bright wiped her eyes with a napkin. Thinking of nothing else to say on the subject, Luna decided to question Aurora about her husband.

“Oh, right, yes, him!” said Aurora, pulling herself together and began to blush.

“We met before we went to the Crystal Empire. Such a strong wall he had to climb over, but in the end I could tell that there was something special about him.”

She stared at her glass of wine as if their past was swimming around in the red liquid before her.

“Just like his name, he was noble at heart! Strong and brave!”

“He sounds too good to be true,” said Celestia in amazement.

“Yes, I suppose he does doesn’t he? Ah, but he isn’t without flaws. Hopeless when it comes to romance and he isn’t like us. He is a Unicorn.”

“What?!” exclaimed Celestia and Luna in unison.

“But aren’t you afraid of what will happen?” asked Celestia.

“Of course,” said Aurora simply. “I mean, I was at first but… But that doesn’t matter to me anymore! I told him that he should be with someone he could grow old with, but he didn’t care! He can be quite the thick head. He came after me the day I left for the Empire. When he found me he said… “I will follow you to end of time.””

“Wow,” said Luna in awe. “What did you say?”

“I called him a dummy for telling me that. But I knew he meant it. So, we are now married and after the Crystal Empire is built, we will be crowned the King and Queen. King Noble Heart and Queen Aurora.”

“And does “Cadenza” come from your mother?” asked Celestia.

“Yes,” replied Aurora. “She named me, Princess Hermosa Aurora Cadenza. But you can just call me, Aurora.”

Just then, Night Shade stood and addressed the table.

“I think it is time we show you what your sisters have been up to Aurora. Perhaps you can be of assistance with their studies?”

The five Alicorns and Phoenix made their way down the flight of stairs leading to the chamber where Luna would practice star creating with the fountain at the center of the darkened room. The darkness of the chamber was quickly brought to light by the Phoenix who’s body suddenly emitted light and flew over to one of the hanging drapes and perched herself at the top. Celestia and Luna were wondering what good would Aurora be in helping them study when their parents left them alone together without a word of farewell. Was this their idea of a joke? The three young mares were left in awkward silence. Aurora dug the rugged floor with her hoof before she headed over to the fountain. She saw her reflection on the watery surface as she peered over the edge. Dipping her hoof into the icy depths, she watched as small dots of light rose to greet her hoof.

“I find your tasks rather fascinating,” she said at last. “Unlike me, you two have a special gift that has yet to be seen.”

Luna approached her and with her horn glowing, she made the sparkling dots rise from the fountain and hover above them. The ceiling above instantly took on the illusion of the night sky. The shimmering lights acted similar to stars. Aurora took her hoof out of the water and looked up at the ceiling.

“Incredible,” she said in awe. “You must be very good at this by now. You can probably raise the moon in your sleep by now!”

“Do you really think that?” asked Luna looking up as she made the fake stars take form of various things her mind came up with. “Mother and father think we are destined for greatness, but we’re not sure. We don’t know the first thing about ruling a kingdom. Let alone mastering our own powers. We don’t even know if the ponies of Canterlot believe we are worthy of leadership either.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t worry too much about that,” said Aurora her smile returning. “For instance, wasn’t it you who ordered Snap Shot to help Nimph out during the Defilers attack on the kingdom? And Celestia, didn’t you recommend the name of Ponyville to the Three Tribe leaders? And from what I found out, you two were very helpful during your parent’s time of absence. You kept the staff and royal guard calm during a most troubling time.”

“How did you…”

“The Captain spoke very highly of you two when he greeted me outside the castle.”

Celestia felt something in her chest pound. Did Aurora really mean it? Had Snap Shot actually given the two sisters praise for once? She had to know what he had told her.

“What did he say?” she asked, hoping that it sounded more like a throw away question than actual curiosity.

“Hmmm.” Aurora began thoughtfully. “He said, that you two were a handful during your flying lessons. When I asked if my little Celie still had her lust for speed, he told me that I didn’t know the half of it!”

Celestia felt her face flush. Of course he would say something like that. She should have guessed. Snap Shot boasting about them was too good to be true.

“I almost afraid to ask, but did he mention anything in particular about me?” asked Luna already dreading the answer.

“He said you were a different case all together. Shy, and kept to yourself most of the time and had a short fuse for temper. However… with the two of you combined, you became quite the royal pranksters.”

Both Celestia and Luna were struck with embarrassment. Aurora however, knew what to say next.

“You know, despite the way he talks about you two, I can tell that he cares about you.”

She gave Celstia a knowing look.

“Maybe, he might have taken a liking to a special somepony.”

“Don’t be ridiculous Princess!” said Celestia feeling her face grow slightly pink.

“Come on Celestia!” urged Aurora. “He sure is a hansom young stallion isn’t he?”

“Ha-hansom?!” Celestia spluttered.

“That’s right! I bet he’s quite the protector too.”

At this point Celestia thought her face couldn’t get any redder, but then Luna chimed in.

“He is! While mom and dad were recovering, he didn’t seem to like the new pony much! Especially when he saw the three of us alone.”

“Oh, ho!” Aurora said suppressing laughter.

“Luna!” shrieked Celestia her face now the same color as the rug at their hooves.

Both Luna and Aurora exchanged looks.

“Say Lu-Lu, are you sure that it was the sight of seeing the three of you together that drove the Captain mad with jealousy? Or were his eyes only for one mare?”

“H-hey! Cut it out already!” snapped Celestia. “I thought you were down here to watch over our studies! Not bug us with things that aren’t true!”

Aurora and Luna burst out laughing. Celestia’s eye twitched as the two continued their guffaw for some time. With the teasing done, Aurora was first to speak.

“Sorry Celie,” she said pulling herself together. “I couldn’t resist for old times sake!”

“Eh?” said Celestia raising an eyebrow.

“The number of times you two wanted to be like me when you were fillies.” said Aurora waving her hoof lazily.

With a high-pitched voice she mimicked the two from their filly years.

“Big sister, where are you going? Can we come along too? Mom and Dad say you’re leaving is it true? Don’t worry big sister, we will become the best princesses the castle has ever had by the time you return!”

“We said that?” questioned Luna feeling ashamed that they have forgotten everything about Aurora.

“I don’t blame you for forgetting,” reassured Aurora pleasantly. “You were little after all. And now look at you. Both of you have grown to be as beautiful as I knew you would.”

Celestia could only look on as the future Queen of the Crystal Empire beamed at her and Luna with pride. At long last, she knew that the Princess was truly a part of her family. Even if she wasn’t their sister by blood, their parents looked after her as if she was their own child. Now it was their turn to once again accept her into their lives.

“Believe me,” said Aurora hopefully. “I want to catch up on the years I’ve missed! I know! I can help you prepare for Princess duties as much as I can! Will you accept your big sister’s help?”

“What do you think sister?” asked Luna.

“Well, we could use some proper teaching from somepony who knows the roots.” Celestia said thoughtfully. “Yes, alright. Princess Aurora, we accept your help!”

“Thank you Celestia,” said Aurora standing tall. “You won’t regret it!”

“Oh, how glorious!” boomed Luna excitedly. “Our big sister… By the moon, that’s going to take while to get used to! But, big sister Aurora will be teaching us the importance of being Princesses!”

In her excitement, she hadn’t known that her horn was glowing and the fake stars above them began twirling and took the shapes of what looked like zigzags and awkward pointy shapes. Looking up she let out a small squeak before returning the small lights to their watery home.

“Big sister Aurora, I must ask. How do you know Celestia’s nickname?”

“When you two were old enough to stand on all four hooves, you were impossible to keep still.” began Aurora. “I often resorted to calling you two by cute nicknames. Celestia, was Celie and you were Lu-Lu. You liked the nickname I gave Celestia so much that you decided to call her that as well.”

The Phoenix had followed the fake stars down to the fountain where she was eyeing the water trying to see where the specks of light in the dark depths. Aurora approached her and gently began stroking her neck. The Phoenix shot its head up in surprise, but her eyes closed lazily as the Princess continued the motion. She even let out a small coo of affection before leaping off the edge of the fountain and came to rest on Aurora’s back.

“It’s so beautiful Celestia!” said Aurora smiling down at the mythical bird. “You have to tell me where you found it!”

The Phoenix looked up at Aurora, her body swelled and with a sharp screech, she left the Princess’ back and returned to Celestia with her tail feather facing her.

“Was it something I said?” asked Aurora.

“Sorry about her!” said Celestia quickly. “She usually doesn’t behave like this!”

“Oh, I see.” Aurora said coughing back laughter. “Sorry, little Ms. I should have guessed as much!”

After a while of observing Luna and Celestia studying in the library Aurora suggested that they should turn in for the night and tomorrow she would begin teaching them about the role of a Princess. Sleep however was the last thing on the two sister’s minds. Later that night, Celestia lied awake in bed thinking about what their big sister had in store for them. She turned over looking at her bedroom wall. Luna must be awake as well, for at that moment she heard the window from the other side of the wall open. Distant muttering was followed meaning that her little sister must be attempting to control the moon or at least try to make the stars obey her. She stayed awake until once again, her eyes felt heavy and slowly the world around her grew dark.