“Yep. They’re here.” Those words seemed like a death knell to Celestia. Her Lieia would be taken away and she’d never see her again!

No! Calm yourself down, Celestia. Nothing’s decided yet. Better go and meet the guests.

“Well, Celestia, it’s make or break now.” Lieia patted Celestia on her shoulder, unaware of the alicorn’s emotional distress. To Celestia, it felt like she’d been struck by thunder.

“You go on ahead, Lieia. I’ll catch up soon.”

“Don’t be late.” Lieia walked away quickly. Celestia craned her neck and breathed in the invigorating smell of Lieia’s hand. She shuddered slightly. She couldn’t go on like this. Before long, she’d run out of self-control and simply force herself on Lieia where she stood.

Lieia stood at the end of the red carpet as Celestia cantered up to the palace guards chosen to meet the arrivals. She’d checked in with Arcelia, and received news that the shuttle carrying the representatives and their security details was only minutes away, so she ran a quick last minute check. Everything was ready. She turned around, watching the skies. A minute passed, then two. A whine, not unlike that of a mosquito reached her ears and she straightened up.

They were here. She could almost see the small flier, as it descended from skies, escorted by five fighters. They circled Ponyville once, before coming in for the landing proper, homing on Lieia’s signal. She squinted as the transport kicked up a cloud of dust, settling down in front of the carpet. She coughed discreetly. As the roar of engines died down, the escort fighters roared overhead, pulling off a loop before heading back to orbit. Many a pony tracked them with eyes before returning their attention to the shuttle that just landed. The boarding ramp lowered and ten heavily armed EXOs walked out, taking up positions around the shuttle, glaring at anyone who would get too close, as the rest of the occupants disembarked.

Hoo, boy. Things just got interesting.

Denaros Wersian, Gyliel the Farsighted, the two co-leaders of Trader-Asli Coalition had arrived. But then someone else appeared; someone who held rule over a multi-galactical empire.

Alikera the Red-Winged, one of the last Asahi to still live gracefully joined her companions, her ornate staff clanging against the metal of ramp. Her six wings were folded against her back and she observed her surroundings calmly.

Lieia strode up to the trio, and saluted crisply.

“Welcome to Equestria, everyone. If you’ll follow me, I’ll get you introduced to the royalty.”

“By all means, lead the way.” They fell in behind her, just as Lieia winked at Octavia, who winked back and turned to the assembled orchestra and started playing the Coalition battle anthem, never missing a beat. Denaros looked at Lieia in surprise.

“I take this was your doing?” She smiled mischievously.

“So that’s where I left my music player… Huh.”

“I appreciate the gesture. And it’s very uplifting, given the occasion.”

“I have to agree with Lord-General. You have nothing to be ashamed of, Lieia.”

“We’ll see about that.” She muttered under her breath. Moments later, they stood in front of Celestia and Luna and Lieia went about introducing them all to each other.

“Princesses, I’d like you to meet Lord-General Denaros Wersian and Sambe-Ar Gyliel’Sylael, the co-leaders of Trader-Asli Coalition, and Alikera the Red-“

“It has been many years since I last saw you, Celestia. You look well.” Alikera took a step forwards, bowing cordially to the alicorn in question, as was their tradition, for they would greet anyone, no matter their social standing or wealth.

“Alikera! It certainly is good to see you!” Lieia scratched her head confusedly. Denaros and Gyliel shared that sentiment.

“I think I’m missing something here. You two know each other?” Celestia smiled at Lieia before answering.

“Yes, she came here on her search of Nell-Tiray. By the way, how’s the search going, Alikera?”

“We found her. On Gyliel’s homeworld, no less.” The Asli leader tilted her head sideways, speaking quietly, politeness incarnate.

“Nell-Tiray raised our people, for lack of a better term. She was like a mother to all of us. Though it saddens us that she left Brighthaven, we are joyful, for she has rejoined her own.” Her soft, melodic voice befitted her perfectly.

“I do believe one of us still hasn’t been introduced. Denaros, Gyliel, meet Princesses Celestia and Luna, diarchs of Equestria.” Alikera took up the slack in the conversation, bringing the introductions to an end.

Though Celestia was delighted to meet Alikera once more, she was impatient to talk to the leaders in private, to explain the situation Lieia was in. But there was a protocol to be obeyed. They had to get through lots of small talk, a meal or two, before they could get to the important topics.

Denaros scowled at Celestia’s words.

“So, she shot you? Such a thing cannot go unpunished.”

Luckily, Alikera came to Celestia’s aid at the moment.

“Her actions speak for herself. Though she wounded Celestia, she came to her aid when she was shot by the Diamond Dogs. Were it not for Lieia’s act of selflessness, Celestia might have died.” Gyliel nodded in agreement, tugging idly at her plain white robe.

“If Celestia’s words are anything to go by, I’d say that Captain Grisova has been very cooperative. She hasn’t tried to cause any trouble, despite her headstrong nature. If Celestia chooses to protect Lieia, I suppose she has a good reason to do so.” Celestia squirmed slightly as Gyliel turned her calm, yet intense gaze towards her.

“May we know that reason?” Denaros also joined her.

“If I am to rescind the sentence, I must know why you are so adamant on this.” Alikera simply shrugged.

“I trust you enough to know that you have nothing bad in mind towards Lieia, but I’ll listen anyways.” She sipped on her tea. “Hmm. Needs more sugar.”

“Very well, but you must promise not to tell anypony of this.” She breathed in deeply, steeling herself.

“I love her. I love Lieia.”

Denaros choked on a gulp of tea that had gone down his windpipe. Gyliel seemed surprised, while Alikera simply inclined her head and smiled.

“Ah. You were always hard to figure, Celestia. What say you, Denaros?”

By now, he had cleared his lungs of the drink and he stared at Celestia suprisedly.

“Are you serious?” Celestia nodded sombrely.

“I find myself quite taken by her, actually. I cannot stop thinking about her.” Denaros rubbed his face, lost in thought for a few minutes. Celestia looked at him hopefully.

“I would be a fool not to trust an Asahi’s word. Very well, I shall acquiesce to your request, but on one condition.”

“What do you have in mind for her?”

“She shall observe the methods you train your guards with, and endeavour to teach some of our own ways of war. I cannot promise she will be able to remain here indefinitely, but I shall try to convince the Council that Captain Grisova deserves a vacation of sorts. She has been fighting endlessly, sneaking herself aboard troop transports bound for frontlines, even when she’s explicitly ordered to get some shore leave. No one has been able to get a straight answer out of her why she punishes herself so.” Celestia felt like someone just removed a boulder from her back.

“I cannot thank you all enough.”

“Think nothing of it. If you can get her to take a break from the war, that’ll be reward enough.” They talked for a while longer, before Celestia excused herself and left. Denaros and Gyliel looked at Alikera questioningly.

“What? I do think that Lieia should be given a chance. Either way, you do not want to anger Celestia. She has control over the sun, you know.” She sipped her tea nonchalantly, before making a sour face.

“Really needs more sugar. Or… wait. I smell salt. Hmm. Never knew Celestia was one for pranks.”

Celestia found Lieia in an alcove, playing with a knife. It twirled through the air up and down, throwing flashes of light that danced across the walls. Lieia’s eyes never left the blade, following it as it did its deadly dance. She turned to look at Celestia just as her fingers closed around the blade. She slipped the knife back in its holster and stood up.

“Well?” Celestia smiled crookedly.

“Guess who’s staying here for a while.”

“You… you did it?”

“Indeed I did. Denaros even said he’s going to…” She trailed off as Lieia slid to the floor, slumping against the wall and breathing in shakily.

“Wow. Feels like someone removed a ton of lead from my chest. I… I really appreciate you doing this. I still don’t understand why you would go to such lengths to save someone like me.”

“I… I will explain everything to you tomorrow. Meet me at noon in the castle courtyard.”

“Will do, Celestia. You can count on me.” She pulled herself upright, and walked away.

Celestia nearly pranced about, barely able to contain her excitement. This was going to be the best day! She would confess her feelings to Lieia. She knew Lieia felt the same about her, she just knew it! The signs were there, subtle though they were. They’d both agreed to meet at noon, but Lieia was ten minutes late. Celestia fidgeted nervously, glancing around her. A few minutes later, a tall, armour-clad figure plummeted from the skies, but somehow landed lightly in front of Celestia. It looked like one of the Coalition EXOs, but carried himself differently. The helmet retracted and she found herself looking at Lieia.

“Hey, Princess. Sorry I’m late. My neural lace was giving me trouble. I’ll have to undergo surgery later. Don’t worry; it’s nothing serious, just some software issues. So, what did you want to talk about?”

“Would you like something to eat, maybe? I find that a conversation always is more relaxed with some drinks and food.”

“I wouldn’t mind something to eat, actually. Hang on a moment…” Her helmet popped back in its place and Lieia muttered something. The chest plates of her armour slid back, permitting Lieia to snake her way out.

“I’m ready. Lead the way.” Celestia cast an uncertain glance at the EXO suit, prompting Lieia to laugh.

“Don’t worry about it. It can’t move on its own. You need one of these.” She tapped the back of her neck.

“A neural lace that links up with your neural system. Nothing to worry about. How about that lunch, then?”

“Oh, right. Follow me, Lieia.” Together, they entered the castle, following the winding walkways until they were on a balcony, where a table awaited them, laden with drinks and food. Lieia stole a look at Celestia. She was somewhat worried about the alicorn’s odd behaviour, but said nothing. Instead, she sat down and enjoyed a lunch with Celestia, taking in her pristine surroundings. She felt reasonably certain that Celestia would spill the beans in her own time.

After some time, Celestia looked at Lieia worriedly and spoke.

“I have something to tell you, Lieia.”

“Go ahead. I’m all ears, Celly.” Lieia leaned forward a bit.

“It’s been a long time coming, I guess. I’ve been feeling strangely as of late.”

“So, you need a doctor, then?”

“No. It’s… Oh, look at me, tripping over my own words. Oh, well. Here goes nothing.” It seemed like a brick had lodged itself in her throat. Lieia seemed pretty uncomfortable at the moment, looking at her strangely.

“Lieia, I love you.”

Lieia tried processing the words she heard Celestia say. She failed miserably.

“I’m sorry; I think I misheard you, Celestia. Did you just say what I think you said?” Celestia nodded in response.

“I love you, Lieia.”

“What the… Oh, I get it, you’re just joking. Good one, Celly. You had me going there for a moment.”

“Why would I be joking about this, Lieia? I truly love you. I am not lying. I had your death sentence overridden for that very reason!” Lieia’s smirk disappeared instantly.

“Wow. You actually have the hots for me. I… I’m speechless, actually.”

“What about you, Lieia?”

“Hmm?”

“Do you feel the same about me?” Celestia asked hopefully.

“I’d be lying if said I didn’t. I know this sounds strange coming from me but you’re really hot.” Celestia blushed at that.

“But we can’t be together.” Celestia felt like she was punched in the gut.

“What? Why not?”

“Celestia, you got a country to run. I got a war to fight. Simple as that. It ain’t pretty, but it’s the truth. I’m… I’m sorry.” She stood up and left, just as the first raindrops hit the balcony. Celestia couldn’t believe what just happened.

No… No, this isn’t happening! Why is she doing this if she loves me, too? No, I must find her and prove her she doesn’t have to leave!

Her resolve thus fortified, she jumped upwards, and ran after Lieia.

Celestia ran through the rain, looking around her, desperately searching for Lieia, but to no avail. The downpour was simply too intense. Her mane was waterlogged and plastered across her back. She was about to give up, when she noticed a big, sturdy oak in her path. Deciding to take refuge from the intense downpour there, she cantered up to it and felt immense amounts of relief flood her when she saw Lieia was there, too. As she came closer to her, she noticed a look of resignation pass across the human's face.

"What're you doing here, Celestia?"

"Lieia, we need to talk. Why'd you leave like that? Why can't we be together?" She felt tears gather in her eyes, but held them back.

"Celestia, I-" Lieia tried to steer conversation before Celestia got the wrong idea.

"Am I not appealing enough to you? I can fix that, I promise!" She knew she was getting irrational, but she cared not.

"No, Celestia, it's not that." Lieia rubbed her face sullenly. This was what she tried to avoid.

"Is it because I'm not human? I'll use spells to change into whatever you desire, just don't leave me, please!"

"It's not that, either."

"Then why do you reject me so?" Celestia pleaded, kneeling down on the ground in front of Lieia, feeling hot tears roll down her cheeks.

"I'm a soldier. And a good one at that. War's my life. They need people like me on the front line."

"I will talk to Denaros. I will make him understand the situation. Maybe Gyliel and Alikera will side with me. Whatever it takes." Celestia heard Lieia settle down beside her.

"I don't know if they will agree. Maybe they will. Either way, fleet's staying for three more weeks at the very most. However..." She cupped Celestia's head, smiling as she brushed a lock of the wet mane from her eyes.

"... I'm willing to give it a try." Celestia's heart was overflowing with joy and she crawled closer to Lieia, pulling her in a loving hug.

"Thank you, Lieia. That's all I ask of you." She whispered huskily, tickling Lieia’s neck with her breath.

“D’ya want to wait out until the rain’s over, or should we make a run for it back to the castle?” Celestia draped her wing across Lieia’s shoulders.

“Anywhere’s perfect as long as I’m with you.” Together, they sat as the rain poured down around them.

“Lieia?”

“Hmm?”

“I love you.”

“You don’t say.” Lieia deadpanned, and then looped her right arm across Celestia’s shoulders. “I love you too, Celestia.” Those kind, true words made Celestia smile and she made the clouds dissipate, permitting a beam of light shine down on the oak tree as they embraced each other, opting to stay there for a while, enjoying each other's company.

Next morning

Lieia gritted her teeth as she cut her thigh open. The painkillers were doing squat and she was fairly sure she’d bitten her tongue, judging by the metallic taste on her lips. She quickly found the locator chip and crushed it between her fingers. Already feeling a bit dizzy, she slapped a medi-patch over the cut, letting the DermaGen gel do its work. She pulled up the dirty orange overalls, pulling them over her ordinary clothes. She stuffed the rest of her belongings in a rucksack and strode up to the shuttle. The guard on watch hardly looked at her as she got onboard.

Just another knuckledragger, boyo. Nothing to worry about.

She sat down, the still-stinging cut in her thigh making her guise as a retired soldier-turned-worker more believable. A minute later, the shuttle took off, heading for one of the Korlov-class freighters waiting in low orbit. Ships were already passing through this region of space, now that it had been established as a quicker and safer route for supplies. The freight fleet was due to leave in two days, but she would find a place to hide. She only hoped Celestia would someday forgive her for this.

The alicorn princess in question all but pranced in Lieia's room, babbling happily about the day she had planned for them. When she saw no one, she got somewhat worried. Her worry turned to despair when she noticed the note on the bed. It was simple and to the point.

I'm sorry, Celestia.

"No... No, she wouldn't do this to me!" She muttered disbelievingly. The empty room seemed to disagree with her.

She slumped on the floor, tears flowing over her cheeks, as outside, the sun abruptly disappeared below the horizon.

Lieia looked behind her quickly, then slipped through the half-opened door and locked it behind her. A plethora of LRVs and trucks littered the cargo bay, all of them in various states of disrepair. She chose one that had a reasonably soft chair. Ripping it from its mountings, she transformed it into a makeshift bed and laid down on it, taking a yawn that threatened to dislocate her jaw. Soon, she fell asleep.

"Hello, Lieia. We need to have a talk, you and me." Lieia leapt up, taking in her surroundings. A plain, nondescript room with a single window and a door. An easel with some canvas and paints took up most of the place. And on a nearby chair, sat a doppelganger of her.

"You're me."

"I look like you, but I'm not you, Lee."

"Okay, then, who are you?"

"I'm your heart."

"I don't have one. I have a pump instead."

"Fine, then. I'm Pump. Reactor and Lungs are busy, actually doing something good. No idea about Arm, though." The doppelganger deadpanned.

"What do you need from me, anyways?" Heart or Pump stood up, stepping up beside the empty canvas.

"I'm here to show you what we both desire."

"And that would be...?"

"I'm not going to tell you, Lee. You have to draw it yourself. You'll know what to draw." Doubtfully, Lieia picked up a brush, but froze with indecision.

"Hmm. Maybe Coalition banner? Maybe I want victory over Vasari?"

"Not a bad idea, but wrong. Try again."

"Uhhhh. A verdant planet, maybe? Y’know, peace and prosperity for everyone?"

"Nope. Try again."

The room suddenly went dark. Not-Lieia cuffed Lieia hard on her ear.

"OW! What was that for?"

"Why'd the lights go out?"

"I tried to clear my mind, think of nothing, since I hadn't tried it." The room was barely illuminated, but Lieia saw her double snatch the brush and start painting.

"How dense can you be? Denser than a neutron star, apparently. Go get the door, will you? I hate to be so rude, but you're being too stubborn to accept the truth by yourself."

"Aaaagh. I really hate you." Nonetheless, Lieia opened the door, but nothing happened. Moments later, Not-Lieia stood up and joined her.

"It's done. Don't look at it until the door's closed, right?"

"A'ight. What's this all about?"

"You'll find out soon enough." Without a further glance, Not-Lieia left. Lieia wasn't sad to see her go, no sir, not at all. She slammed the door shut and sat down in front of the barely visible painting.

Damn me if this isn't one helluva trippy dream.

With a blinding flash, the room was bright again. She screwed her eyes shut, but slowly opened them as the light dimmed a bit. She picked herself up from the floor and looked at the painting.

She found herself looking at a flawless painting of Celestia. The memories came flooding back to her and she felt her stomach plummet through the floor.

What have I done?

Immediately, she awoke, leaping out of the truck and running full-pelt towards the doors, punching a sizeable hole in them. Minutes later, she made planetfall in a stolen shuttle, making a hard burn for Canterlot Castle.

Luna tried to calm the angry ponies. Ever since Celestia had refused to raise the sun, Equestria had gone mad, for lack of a better description. No one had been able to coax a word out of the sun goddess, who was sitting on her throne in the grand hall, head hanging down, her lustrous mane obscuring the tears in her eyes. She didn't pay any attention to anything, instead brooding in her memories. She didn't hear the angry shouts of her ponies. She didn't hear Luna’s pleading.

And she most certainly didn't notice it when Lieia lifted her head up and kissed her deeply.

After a few moments, Lieia noticed that their makeout session was strictly one-sided. Concernedly, she pulled back, vaguely aware of a strand of drool bridging the gap between their lips. Celestia was staring at her in shock. Lieia could almost hear the gears turning in her mind.

"Lieia...?"

"I know sorry won't cut it, buAAAAAGH!" She yelled out in surprise as Celestia tackled her to the ground, squealing with joy. As Lieia lay on her back, panting slightly, with Celestia crouching over her, she saw the alicorn's face turn deadly serious as she jabbed Lieia between her ribs with a hoof, making her flinch.

"That's for breaking your promise to me." And this..." Celestia leaned in closer, until their lips were a hair's width apart, her magenta eyes promisingly seductive.

"...this is for coming back."

She smiled slightly as their lips met again in a passionate kiss, just as the sun soared back in the skies. Next Chapter: Chapter 12 Estimated time remaining: 4 Hours, 5 Minutes