The more things change, the more they remain the same. Sitting on her cloud, Luna looked down at the palace. From this distance it was little more than a bright dot in the circle of light that was Canterlot. She had been living there for over a few years now, and yet It still felt foreign. Very much like her old castle — it too had been more Celestia's than her own.

All this time and I still feel like scraping the sky, Luna sighed. Little things kept piling up, trivial things that made her feel alone again.

Luna's horn flared up. She had no intention of letting her past control her!

"I am with my sister now," she said out loud. "And she has forgiven me!"

She still spends more time with her ponies, than she does with me.

"The ponies have accepted me!" Luna said louder.

And they still use me to scare them.

"I keep the nightmares out of their dreams!" The forgotten urge to cover the sky with pitch black storm clouds started to emerge.

It couldn't be that bad, A sneaky voice whispered. Just a little darkness, to show them who's queen. Several days. A few weeks. One month tops.

"I help them free themselves from—" she started shouting, the suddenly stopped. "Oh, just shrivel up," she grumbled, shooting a burst of energy towards the moon. For a single moment the huge satellite flashed, covering the whole of Equestria with light bright as the sun. Seconds later the wave of brightness was gone. The moon quickly faded back to normal.

"That was pathetic," Luna sighed and flopped on the cloud. I wonder if Sis noticed this one. Hopefully, she was only going to get mad. The absurdity of pretending that everything was alright was far too passive-aggressive for Luna's taste.

I wish for this nighttime to last for a lifetime, she thought. Or possibly for a few hours longer. It was ever so soothing, so sweet, so much like things used to be.

I'll just sleep here, Luna summoned a few more clouds. She wasn't in the mood to fly back to the palace. Celestia could take care of rising the sun on her own. Plus, it would hardly be the first time Luna missed breakfast. Closing her eyes, she entered her own preferred dream space and dozed off. Sadly, her sleep did not last long.

The interruption came in the form of a low but constant vibrating sound that filled the princess' left ear. It wasn't loud, just bothersome enough to annoy her into waking up. In a brisk fit of rage Luna's head moved up, glaring at the source of annoyance.

"What the…?" she managed to say, as her anger was quickly swept away replaced by disbelief. On the cloud, next to her, was a small furry ball of moonlight. And it was purring!

Cautiously, Luna nudged the thing with her hoof. It felt soft and surprisingly warm. What, the stars are you? she wondered. Another, stronger shove followed. This time the ball reacted. A set of paws appeared from under it stretching forward. They were followed by a tail, a second pair of paws, and finally the sleepiest head Luna had ever seen.

A kitten? she had trouble coming to terms with the thought. What would a kitten be doing here? And why was it made of moonlight?

The creature, by contrast, didn't seem at all perplexed. It yawned, stretched a few times, then proceeded to lick its paw for several seconds. Finding the result satisfactory, apparently, it turned to look at the alicorn with its glowing, cyan eyes and let out a faint meow.

Meow? Luna arched a brow. Slowly, she moved a hoof towards the creature. The glowing feline looked at it curiously, then cautiously placed a paw on top. Finding it suitably solid, the kitten proceeded to try and climb on. The attempt was far from successful, with its hind paws slipping, leaving it dangling in mid-air. Desperate meows followed, as the kitten tried to cling on.

"Stupid thing." Luna smiled as she lowered the kitten safely onto the cloud. The puff of silliness was enough to have such an effect, despite her mood. Still, how did it get there? Last she checked cats didn't go about flying among clouds.

The kitten purred again, then proceeded to rub itself against Luna's hooves. Amusing, the Princess thought. However, even so, there was no time for distractions. Sunrise was approaching, and with this night's mess up, Luna preferred to be on time. Hopefully, Celestia would only frown and sigh disapprovingly during breakfast.

"Sorry, little one." The Princess brushed it away with her wing. "There are things I need to deal with again. I'll just—"

Before she could finish, the kitten bit a feather of her wing. The action was more startling than painful — never before had any creature dared do so to her. Instantly the alicorn raised her wing, but it was too late. The kitten refused to let go, dangling in the air.

"Seriously?" Luna grumbled. And to think the night was starting to look up. Now she had an annoying puff to deal with in addition to everything else. "Look, just let go." Her magic surrounded it, in a futile attempt to pull it off. Alas, the kitten had set its mind on keeping the feather in its mouth and refused to compromise.

Of course, there was the option to pluck the feather off, but Luna's pride wouldn't allow it. She had managed to endure centuries without losing a feather, and she wasn't going to break the habit.

The distant calls of roosters broke the silence. Star screams! Luna thought. It was almost time for the ceremony. She looked at the kitten, then at Canterlot below. Usually she would make it to the palace with time to spare. In the current situation, however...

"Know that I am not pleased with this!" the alicorn said, glaring at it, then leapt off the cloud.

It was weird flying with a kitten attached to the wing. Luna had to wrap it in a levitation bubble just to make sure it wouldn't cause any further problems. Just you wait, pest! The moment breakfast is over, I'll deal with you in my own fashion!

Celestia was already on the terrace when Luna landed, along with the usual rabble. Usually Luna would openly sigh, but the look her sister gave her, forced the Princess of the Night to be at her best behaviour. Great, she thought. The sun was not up yet, and the frowning had already started. Beside her, Blueblood yawned. It's going to be a long sunrise.

"Sister, if you please," Celestia reminded. Oh, filly, she is really mad at me this time. Luna grumbled internally. Celestia could easily set the moon on her own— she had done so for ages. Asking Luna, openly at that, was a clear hint of her disappointment.

"Of course, sister," the dark alicorn replied. This whole charade was useless. At least it didn't take any effort... or it wouldn't if something hadn't decided to claw at her wing just then. Curse it! Luna tried to keep her composure. She certainly couldn't let anypony see there was a kitten under her wing. Embarrassment aside, she couldn't explain the kitten’s presence without mentioning the moon flare, which in turn meant discussing her state of mind, and that was something Luna didn't have the time nor the will for.

"Is everything alright, sister?" Celestia arched a brow. Her eyes, however, were saying Are you going to embarrass yourself again, Luna? I expected more from you.

"Yes," Luna lied, turning her wing, so as to completely hide. The only thing she could do now was to lower the moon and put this awkward experience behind her.

The moon went down rather choppily. Luna felt uncomfortable, especially since, second's later, her sister rose the sun in flawless fashion. Brag a little more, Sis, why don't you? Not that I'll feel inferior or anything. Kitten claws struck again, this time stronger than before. Someone had definitely decided to give Luna a hard time.

"Sister," Celestia said slowly. "Is there anything I need to know?" She glanced at Luna. Her hoof moved in the direction of her wing, but before it could reach it, the younger alicorn moved away.

"Maybe at breakfast," Luna said, hurriedly entering the palace.

Quickly, quickly! Luna rushed through the corridor. The only thing she could think of was fleeing to her room. Two millennia and I still behave like a foal.

Storming past guards and servants, Luna galloped into her room, closing the door behind her with a slam. At last she was safe. Safe? What exactly am I running from? Extending her wing, the alicorn glared at the kitten. As if sensing her displeasure, it let go of the feather it was chewing and plopped gently on the marble floor. Seriously?! Now you let go?!

"You!" Luna pointed a hoof accusingly. "What do you think you are, embarrassing me like that?! Armies have fallen for less! Cities have crumbled! And—" She narrowed her eyes. "You aren't listening to me, are you?"

Oblivious, the kitten continued to try and stand up straight. A difficult task, considering the floor was polished to perfection. This was the puff's first time on such a smooth surface and it showed. Tapping her hoof, Luna waited patiently for it to achieve its goal, yet on the fifth unsuccessful, be it amusing, flop she had enough, levitating it onto a nearby table.

"Listen," she said sharply, managing to grab its attention. "I have no idea where you came from, but you will learn to behave! That means no clawing, no biting my feathers, no—" she levitated it away from the vase it was playing with, "—breaking things. You know, what? Just stay here ‘till I finish breakfast, and we'll deal with this."

The kitten looked at her with its large eyes, tilting its head sideways. There was so much innocence in its look that Luna knew it was up to no good. Unfortunately, she had breakfast to attend to.

"Stay!" She ordered, moving it onto her bed. "And don't claw anything!"

The door slammed shut again, startling several guards. Annoying, puff! Luna made her way to the dining hall, her lips moving slightly in her anger. I know you are going to tear the sheets to shreds. You'll probably be as annoying as a cub manticore. The moment breakfast is over, I'm throwing you out!

No one announced Luna's arrival into the dining hall. One look at her furious expression was enough to make any pony cower in fear. The Princess of the Night, didn't even notice, taking her usual seat.

"Ahem," a somewhat surprised voice said from across the table. "You were saying, Luna?" Celestia arched a brow expectantly. Star screams! Luna thought. She had promised to explain everything earlier, a moment of folly she bitterly regretted. No way in Tartarus I'm telling her a kitten caused this!

"It's been a long night, Celestia." The younger alicorn waved a hoof dismissively. "Not that I don't enjoy having breakfast with you, but I really could use some rest today."

"Celestia, am I?" the elder sister asked, then let out a disappointed sigh. Great, Luna grumbled silently. Starting with the sighs already? "Luna, why would you never tell me what is bothering you? The nightmares, the Tantabus..." Celestia focused her gaze on her sister, who promptly looked away. "Do I honestly have to rely on my student's letters to learn things about you? Why don't you share anything with me?"

"Well, you seem to be more concerned with her problems, than mine," Luna whispered loudly enough to be heard. The moment she did, she felt a touch of guilt. Twilight Sparkle had helped her more than once. It wasn't fair to talk this way about her, although, truth be told, everything said was true.

"Look, Tia, I really appreciate you trying to look out for me and everything, but now is not the—" Suddenly Luna froze. Across her, on the other side of the room, the ever-curious face of the kitten had emerged at the open window. How had the pesky creature even managed to get there? Luna was certain she had closed the door to her room.

"Please don't be like that," Celestia stood up and in typical fashion began slowly making her way to the other side of the table. Luna's eyes, however, remained glued to the kitten. "I know I have no idea what you've been through, and I can only imagine your pain, but that time is behind us now." Celestia approached. "It really is nice to have you back, Lulu. It's like old times. We are together now."

Luna could feel drops of sweat fighting to appear on forehead. It was agonizing to watch the kitten move about clumsily. Each time it ventured towards the room she felt her feathers stood on end. Each time it moved away, she desperately wanted to sigh in relief. The bad thing was that the stupid kitten couldn't make up its mind!

"I know Equestria has changed a lot, but—" Celestia suddenly paused. Her eyes narrowed a fraction. "Lulu, did you do something stupid?"

"What?" Luna's glance quickly away moved from the window and onto Celestia. She knows! The thought pierced her like a crystal arrow. "What makes you say that?"

"Lulu..." Celestia deepened her frown.

"I flashed the moon again last night." Luna shot a quick glance at the window. No kitten there. The little menace must have gotten bored and gone elsewhere. "I wasn't in a good mood, so I just let out some steam."

"Again?" Celestia sighed. It was apparent she was struggling not to roll her eyes. "You really need to open up more, little sis. You can't vent your frustration on the moon every other week. You don't have to talk to me, although I would prefer it."

"Tia, please." Luna twisted her face in a semi-groan. "Who would I talk to? Cadence? Your protege? The Elements?" With the kitten no longer being a point of concern, she felt she could speak her mind. "Yes, things are a lot better than before, but also I feel nothing has really changed. I still live in your castle, help out with your chores, appear before your subjects. A thousand years and I still am your shadow! Actually, I think that—"

There was an abrupt stop. Luna felt something bite her tail, and she didn't need to look to know what it was. Stars! The pesky puff hadn't gone away, it had gone in.

"You think what?" Celestia looked at her sister with concern. Tailfeathers! For once I manage to get your undivided attention and I can't even take advantage of the fact! It was difficult enough to keep a straight face while a pesky kitten was chomping her tail.

"Please tell me you are not still thinking about him!" Celestia said accusingly. "I told you back then he was no good for you. I wouldn't be surprised if he was the reason you turned into a Nightmare."

"Tia," Luna managed to say through her teeth.

"Please, Lulu, look me in the eye and tell me you are over him." The Sun Princess put a hoof on her sister's shoulder.

Oblivious, the kitten bit harder, bringing tears to Luna's eyes.

"Lulu, are you crying?" Celestia asked, genuinely worried. Just great! Luna felt like cursing. How in Equestria could one small puff of fur cause so much chaos? Now her sister was convinced she was crying about her ex, which Luna wasn't! She had gotten over Sombra centuries ago, before the Crystal Empire war even.

"You are still thinking about him." Celestia put a wing round her sister. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Because there is nothing to tell, Tia! You make wild assumptions, as always! The worst part was that Luna couldn't even share the truth now. If she were to reveal the tears were caused by a kitten biting on her tail, Celestia wouldn't forgive her for decades. No, for the sake of calm and stability the farce had to continue.

"I thought I had gotten over it," Luna lied, as she flicked her tail, tossing the kitten under her wing. A painful process, that brought another set of tears to her eyes. "I think I need to spend some time alone." She hurried to move away from the table. The faster she could get out of the dining room, the less chance the kitten would meow in Celestia's presence.

“Wait!” Celestia said sharply, then, untypically, trotted in front of Luna, blocking her way to the exit. Her expression was stern. Curses! You saw something, didn't you? Even when we were young you would always spot things… and never let me forget it. Luna swallowed. “Running away doesn't solve anything, you know. I see that you need this, so this time I'll let you, but please let there be no other times.”

“I...” Luna began. She had no idea how to respond to that. “I'll try?” she asked tentatively.

"Please do." Celestia nodded, sympathetically. "And don't worry about anything. I'll take care of everything here. just try to get your spirits back up."

"Thank you," Luna said, her ears flopped to keep the appearance of sadness, as she left the hall. This was humiliating, let alone ridiculous, but at least she had managed to get away without her sister finding out the shameful truth.

"Just you wait, you puff of chaos," the alicorn said under her breath. "I'll show you what it means to embarrass me! Wars have started for less!" It was all nonsense, of course, but Luna was hoping her harsh voice would have an effect on the creature, if nothing else.

First thing out of the palace, Luna flew up into the sky. Several pegasi were there — mostly weather ponies, as well as a trio of Wonderbolts. Seeing the Princess, several of them waved in recognition. Just perfect! The one time I actually needed the skies to be clear!

"Meow?" The kitten struggled to get free under her wing. Luna could feel its magic wrapped paws tickling her side.

"Oh, no you don't!" she said, darting through the air. "You are going to face the consequences, no matter what!"

There was one patch of sky the Princess knew no one would dare disturb — the area above the Everfree Forest. Ponies still avoided the place, unused to its chaotic nature, which made it a perfect hiding spot. Arriving there, Luna summoned a large storm cloud and landed on it.

"So!" She levitated the kitten up to her face. "Do you have any idea how much trouble you’re in?" she asked, furious. "Chewing on my feathers and my tail, making a fool of me in front of my sister. Twice! I don't even want to imagine what you have done to my room! Why I bet that you—"

Leaning forward, the kitten licked Luna on the tip of the muzzle. Instinctively, the alicorn bopped it on the head with a hoof. No sooner had she done so than a feeling of guilt swept through her. What am I doing? Did I seriously hit a kitten on the head just now? A kitten?! I really must get my act together.

Confused, the kitten continued floating in front of her, its tiny paws on its head.

"There, now." The Princess held it with one hoof, gently stroking its head with the other. "I didn't mean that. You really need to learn to behave properly. That means no biting or clawing. Got that?" She rubbed its throat, causing it to purr.

"What am I going to do with you?" She asked, as the kitten returned to its usual antics, trying to playfully claw her hoof. "I have no idea where you came from. And I certainly can't keep you."

Luna was about to add something more, when the sound of thunder split the air. Before she could react, the kitten arched, hissed, then leaped out of her hoof… beyond the edge of the cloud. The entire scene was so absurd that it took several seconds for Luna’s mind to register it as real.

"Puff!" She managed to yell, sadly far too late to make a difference.

Not good, not good! Luna quickly leapt off the cloud. There was no way it could survive such a fall. And even if by some miracle it did, the forest would literally eat it alive. Panicking, she scanned the area for any sign of it.

"Puff! Puff!" she shouted. No! This couldn't happen! "Puff!"

"Meow!" A soft squeak-like noise sounded above her. The Princess looked up, just in time to have the kitten land on her muzzle.

"Oh," she said, eyes half narrowed, as relief was replaced by irritation. "So you can fly as well..."

This is going to be a long day.