Chapter 06 - Farewell Ceremony

In day light the throne room was magnificent, its huge windows allow sunlight passthrough regardless of its current position. The interior was a salmon color and a red rug ran all the way down the hall from the door to the foot of the imposing golden throne.

Being sincere with herself it overwhelmed her, the throne room was much larger than the one of the castle of the two sisters, allowing more ponies to walk back and forth during the day time without crowding it too much. It also gave her an air of palpable magnificence as soon as she crossed the huge doors, however, at this time of night the hall was but another huge empty room.

The princess of the night walked along the carpet that stretched across the floor, despite wearing her hoove-shoes she did not emit the slightest noise as she moved. She walked elegantly as the royalty mare she was, her gaze up and her mane and waving tail moving gracefully, as she looked in detail at the place around her.

The silence was sepulchral, such that the sound produced by a pin would be heard as a rumble in such situation… Also, the atmosphere felt cold despite no drafts in the room. It was not as if she was uncomfortable with been in complete silence, in fact she liked to have time to deal with her own problems without any pony bothering her and she was certainly used to spending most nights in solitude. This way she had her own time to meditate or even take a walk to be delighted by the fireflies that roamed the gardens and reflects in the crystal-clear lakes placed around the castle. Certainly, this new home also had wonderful gardens, lakes and streams, yet against all odds and for reasons even she didn’t know, she had decided to go to that specific room.

The deity of the night stopped at the foot of the throne, looking at it made her felt so tiny. The marble structure loomed above her, imposing in the gloom of the night. Unlike the old castle she had shared with her sister, there was only one throne perfectly located in the center of the room and with a back that seemed, in her humble opinion, to be exaggeratedly large.

“Even the architects have decided that it would be better to use a single throne and not waste materials uselessly with a second one”. Said the voice she was beginning to appreciate in some extent.

-Our beloved sister… she must have thought it would be better neither of us rules at the same time- said Luna quietly, although the echo made her voice resonate much more.

“Yes... lately seems busier even to dine with us”. Answered the voice in her head.

-Surely the work has accumulated because of the war... We've been away for months now- replied the dark-blue alicorn.

“Certainly... Although even on the battlefield you didn't allow yourself a break. Introducing yourself to meetings during the daytime to plan lower-risk strategies and watching over soldiers' sleep at night, driving away the nightmares that accumulated by the horror they lived day after day. Oh my! even part of your sleep hours were spent next to Chrysalis so as not to make her feel alone. Which reminds me, dear... what about you?”

The simple question made an echo in her head that she could not ignore.

“Who watches over your dreams dear, Chrysalis? She's more interested in owning your body than be sure you sleep as you should”.

-You're wrong- Luna replied, denying the voice.

“Tell me, who cares about you not feeling lonely?” Another question she didn't want to answer. “Is there anypony who really spends time by your side just because they enjoy your company?”.

-Our friends are always by our side when we need them most, they appreciate our company- the young princess replied this time defiantly.

“Really... and where they are now, in Clousdale, preparing winter as certain pegasus we know? or perhaps on their way to the old castle preparing Megres’s funeral, whom by the way you could not save. I would not be surprised if they didn’t want to see you, at this time it must be extremely painful for them to look at you face to face. Specially knowing what they have lost and everything for what, even after their efforts and sacrifices they remain marginalized, condemned to anonymity. Doesn't it remind you of somepony else?” said the voice mocking at her.

The princess of the night closed her eyes tightly.

“But hey! Cheer up! you still have your lover. Oh! Wait no you don’t, she's in your room because she obediently accepted your request to leave you on your own so she can have fun with you at dawn. If you ask me, she's interested in feeding on us more than anything else”.

-Everypony has their own problems, I can't take their time for some selfish reasons-.

“I don't know what you think, but I’m almost certain they spend your time more on their selfish reasons than you use theirs. Maybe it would be nice to balance things out... Now that I think about there's somecreature who won't be worried about if you steal some of his time... You were always very close to your draconequus friend, didn’t you? Maybe you can spend some time by his side. He might be feeling lonely in the gardens, especially since you two turned him into stone, don't you think?”

-I…I just- Luna tried to respond but her voice broke and the words refuse to come out from her lips.

“You know maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea if you put a side some of your duties from time to time to do something you want, after all it's not like anypony care about all the effort and dedication you spend to creating the beautiful night sky each and every night and I honestly think more than one of those ponies deserve to have a couple of nightmares from time to time”.

The silence resumed control of the throne room for some long minutes, Luna took several more before opening her eyes, with a melancholic gaze she decided to go down to the gardens. She didn't know how long it will take her to get there and certainly she didn't care either.

The princess of the night arrives at the outdoor gardens with ease, she looks up and immediately recognized the creature waiting for her. There he was, his figure bathed by the light of his beautiful Moon. His body had been Froze in time in a gallant position as if he was making fun of the whole situation.

On her way a few fireflies began to fly over the grass moistened by the cold night. Luna advanced to the stone base of the statue before resting her flank next to the other creature.

-You know Discord, we always wanted to know which where your reasons to do what you did that day, why did you betray us? why did you betray me?…- she paused before continuing by looking at the sky. The night sky glowed over them decorated with hundreds of twinkling stars -We know well that nothing we could say will ease your torment. We also know you will not forgive us for what we did to you, but... But… We certainly have begun to understand you- the alicorn turned her gaze to the petrified draconequus -Since we locked you in this prison, not a single night goes by that we did not think about how lonely you should have felt... It must have been hard for you to find it out in that way- Luna let out a sigh –But... we want you to know that even after what happened, we do not hold any grudge... although Celestia may have a harder time forgiving you- the princess of the night gave the statue a sad smile and then she let herself drop heavily on the grass.

-Hope you do not mind, but the view is beautiful here and we do not want to go back to the castle just now- she smiled faintly at the draconequus –So you will have to put up with my presence for a few more hours Discord-.

The dark blue alicorn slowly closed her eyes. She lit her horn and prepared to enter the dream room to fulfill her duties once again.

The Princess of the Sun hardly rose up from her bed. She didn't feel in the mood that day but knew she had to be strong for her subjects. She had to give her little ponies the courage and strength they could not get by themselves. The whole kingdom depends on her, if she showed weakness it was certain that they too would fall into depression.

Fortunately, her sister was by her side. Recently Luna had proved to be an exceptional ruler, she had help her a lot dealing with the main forces of king Sombra for so long with no help and Celestia already knew how hard the younger ruler struggled day and night. She also knew how easy it was for Luna to blame herself whenever something went wrong. If Luna had a weak spot it was how much she was worried about letting others down. That inclined her to do her best in anything she did and put all her heart into every little detail. But Celestia was the oldest one and knew she should be the example to follow, she could not show insecurity even in front of her dear sister, her duty was to guide and protect them, as her mentor Starswirl had taught her so long ago.

In silence the ruler of all Equestria lit her long and white horn and without any efford raised the sun above the mountains, with a fluid and continuous movement. Afterwards she groomed her mane and tail until she was sure they look flawless, then took her time to put on her royal accessories and applied some makeup to cover the bags under her magenta eyes.

As soon as she felt satisfied with her work, she left the room and went to the dining room to have some lunch before her morning meeting.

Ponies greeted her with small obeisances, smiles firmly on their faces which make her smile too delighted by the joy and happiness shown by her subjects.

-Good morning Princess-

-How was your princess night?-

-You look radiant today, your majesty-

The flattery was well received by the pearl-colored alicorn, making her infinitely happy to see that her efforts were rewarded with the love they gave her day by day.

Despite being so early in the morning the castle was overflowing with life, ponies went back and forth in all directions, some fixing and decorating the new castle, others cleaning every corner of the palace to keep it Impeccable. She was proud to have managed to protect her subjects and above all relieved that the war was finally over.

Just a couple of days ago the only ponies Celestia could see back and forth were soldiers and medics carrying wounded ponies or in the worst case a cart full of dead bodies. Fear, sadness and depression were just some of the feelings that were drawn on all her subjects, now however, they all wore smiles firmly planted on their faces which were enlarged, if that was possible, just by seeing her pass by.

“I'm sure there's no pony so lovely and so well beloved as I” the thought makes her feel guilty about it for a second, but she couldn't help it, the good mood from those around her was contagious.

Hoped to meet her sister in the dining room she walks as fast as she could without losing her grace, Sadly one of the maid mares, whose cutie mark was a white chocolate bar with sparkles, informed her that Luna had already had her breakfast a few hours earlier.

The maid’s fur was a light violet color and her cyan mane was braided to one side just like her tail. She immediately notices the sad expression on Celestia’s face.

-Don't be so blue princess I'm sure your sister didn't do it with bad intentions- the maid encouraged her ruler.

-I appreciate it Crunchie Bar, you're very kind to be worried about me, but I assure you that I’m fine… really- Celestia said smiling weakly.

The light-white coat alicorn knew almost every pony living inside the castle, it was one of her hobbies. She felt that it was part of her royal duties to know by name all of her subjects, or at least those who worked for her inside the castle. And she had spent considerable time with most of the ponies that roamed the old castle, who were now currently working with her right here in Canterlot, to the point of memorizing as many details as possible of each of them, like their interests and their goals in life.

-But of course we care about you princess!- cried the maid pony –After all your reign has brought us peace and security even in spite of the... recent years’ complications-

-Thank you very much, you don't know how much your words mean to me-

-On contraire Princess, it is we who should be thankful for everything you have done for us- Crunchie Bar replied. The rest of the ponies near them nodded affirmatively.

-Thank you everypony- replied the sun's deity by offering them a warm smile.

After having a nice and full meal, she returned to her room and properly brushing her teeth, she set out to put on her dress. It was a beautiful yellow color piece of fabric with a lace, sequins adorned the edges forming figures of suns and golden vines.

As soon as the princess finished dressing up for the occasion, Celestia proceeded to head to the main hall. When she opened the door, she found herself straight in front with her sister who was escorted by a thin unicorn with black fur and emerald mane. The dark-blue alicorn wore a black dress with silver finishes, the sequins highlighted much more her dress by simulating small stars adorning the black sky. The fabric perfectly matched her slender figure, a long fabric tail waved alongside Luna’s tail. On the other hoof, the unicorn was only wearing a Jade necklace, no dress on.

The face of the princess of the night sported a slight redness on her cheeks, one of which was touching the right hoof of the unicorn, whose attention had been suddenly directed to the light-white alicorn.

-You know Luna if you like, I can give you some privacy, you just have to ask for it- said Celestia pointing to her bedroom with her hoof over her shoulder.

-There… there is n-no need for that dear sister, Crisi has to retire home anyway- replied the dark-blue alicorn deeply blushed now.

-Really, it's a shame. I leave you two alone to say a proper goodbye then. But don't take too long little sister- the sun princess said winking at her, causing her sister to blush even more if possible.

Nevertheless, her little sister soon caught up with her as she walked through the halls of the palace. An awkward silence took over the atmosphere before Celestia decided to break it.

-And... will she visit you again soon?- asked the older alicorn.

-She's been away from home a long time now and we don't know how her mother will react to that- replied the dark-blue alicorn who walked slightly lagging behind her older sister. Luna’s tone denoted some anguish.

-Have faith dear sister- said the elder alicorn, trying to lift her sister mood.

“Well, isn't that funny, dear, faith is the least you've got lately”. The little voice laughed in her head.

-We know my sister- Luna replied ignoring completely the voice inside her head.

-Well, remember that our subjects can't see you down. We are their pillars and main support. We must be strong for them- the deity of the Sun added.

“Mmmm, I'm not so sure about it, after all we're barely noticed.”

-We know, sister, you don't have to worry- the princess of the night replied, ignoring the insistent voice of her head once again.

-Good... Because we're already here- announced Celestia, Luna looked in front where a huge door made of glass and wood was guarded by two pegasus wearing golden shinning armors.

As soon as the princesses entered the hall they were greeted with the sound of ovations and applause from all the guests.

The two sisters advanced through the multitude of ponies that surrounded them until reaching the gates leading to the royal garden. In front of the door were already the three leaders of the noble families of Equestria, as well as their faithful companions.

The ponies bowed to the princesses who responded in the same way before an energetic, hyperactive pink pegasus threw herself at the Sun Princess’ hooves, Celestia barely had time to react in order to catch Cadence in time.

-I'm sorry- said Clover approaching them to take the pegasus.

-You don't have to, no one got hurt- said Celestia -I'm sure you've been through a lot so far, so I have no problem giving you a break and taking care of Cadence for the rest of the day- she added.

-Oh but it is no nuisance, in fact Cadence is a real sugar cube, it makes me very happy to be able to take care of her while you attend to your duties your majesty-

-Why I'm sure it is, I still insist on taking care of her today- the princess said, nuzzling the little filly.

Luna simply looked at them, though her expression did not change she could feel a certain discomfort filling her chest.

-Yes, its cute princess, but seriously, we'd better get on before the others get impatient- said Princess Platinum, stepping forward and pointing to the door behind them.

Platinum was wearing one of her ostentatious and eye-catching dresses, on the other hand Puddin seemed to have selected the simplest dress of all although she was wearing her characteristic hat. Hurricane had chosen to wear one of her army gowns, on her chest were at least ten golden and shiny medals of honor.

-Well I don't think they're going anywhere- Puddin Head replied.

-After you. Your Majesty- Commander Hurricane said, bowing at her before her friends started one of her well known discussions.

The princesses crossed the door threshold followed by the rest of the leaders, they walked through the outdoor gardens where a multitude of ponies were sharing tears. There were food tables scattered all over the place and some fruit punch.

Celestia then began her work, talking a little with some ponies, and sharing the pain of her subjects. Luna, however, remained behind her at all time, like a faithful shadow that followed her in silence.

She also wasn't particularly interested in talking about any topic, not that any pony invited her to join the conversation anyway. At some point in the afternoon Luna walk away from her sister, Celestia did not seem to notice her absence, nor did those with whom her beloved sister was engaged in her lively conversation. So, Luna decided to continue watching from afar.

“It's amazing, despite what we did for them, they don't even deign to talk to us”. Luna wasn't sure if that thought was hers or if it has come from the voice inside her head. The only thing she cared about was that it was true.

She was not sure how much time she spent drinking punch and eating sandwiches as she watched her sister talk, laugh and suffer beside her ponies while dealing with the little pink pegasus, before noticing it was time for the ceremony to begin.

The pink pegasus laughed cheerful as Celestia lifted her in her hooves hugging her tenderly. And there was again that strange feeling of discomfort in Luna’s chest. She wasn't sure what it was, but she did know she didn't like it. She met again with her older sister calling her name an holding a serious tone to gain the attention of the older ruler.

Along with her beloved sister, the princess of the night went further into the gardens to a point at the far end of the castle. There was a huge space covered by a bright lawn, on the horizon everypony could see the beautiful sunset, the Sun letting its last piece of light painting the sky in an orange and red hue.

In the small plain were the captains of the Equestria’s squads waiting for them. The captains were in front of the graves of their fallen comrades, on each one of the tombstones was written the name of the soldiers who had died in combat during the war versus the crystal empire. Next to the fallen’s names was engraved the squad number and the legend "Rest in Peace".

In front of the stones stood a sculpture built with onyx stone in the shape of an enormous flame.

The princesses stopped in front of the sculpture before turning to face their subjects. Both spread their wings and stood upright at their maximum height showing how imposing they really were.

-ATTENTION PLEASE- said Celestia using the royal voice of Canterlot to ensure that everyone present heard it clearly and paid attention to her, in a lower tone she continue -As you must know well, the war against the crystal empire is finally over. King Sombra has been defeated and he did not represent a threat to our kingdom any longer.

The audience listened attentively, in the garden were the families of the fallen soldiers as well as the ponies closest to them. There were messengers from all corners of Equestria taking note of the princess speech, the most important members of the noble families of the three races were also there, all of them covering the palace gardens forming a carpet of colors that could be seen from miles.

-However, this is not a source of joy or rejoicing, for today we are gathered not to celebrate the defeat of a tyrant, but to give recognition to our loved ones- the audience remained silent.

-Many brave ponies gave their lives for this cause. Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters and friends have passed away along these months and they are now in a better place- the deity of the Sun paused to take some air.

-We must be aware that not all battles end in victories and that not in all cases there is a right or wrong way. We all fight for what we think is right. That is why I can tell you that we certainly do not emerge victorious, for the defeat of King Sombra has not just meant we defeat an enemy. ‘Cause he had taken with him the crystal empire and its inhabitants. Innocent ponies who were forced to fight to death through using mind control spells, lies and threats. Entire families who were not to blame for their king's sins have paid the price of this conflict- the ponies looked down in respect.

-Despite all of this, not everything has been lost- Holding Cadence with her magic the princess of the sun raise the little pegasus above her head so her subjects could see her –MiamoreCadenza has been the only survivor of the empire, and represents the hope that still hold our hearts. Showing us that even if we are in front of the doors of death, we could still find life, that even in the midst of pain there is still joy and a reason to keep going-

-These ponies may have leave us behind to start a new journey without us, but as long as their memories remain in our hearts and we are able to honor them with our own actions, actions that support the ideals for which they fought and died for, I assure you that they will never leave us at all- Celestia levitated Cadence in front of her hugging th little filly with one of her front legs.

-I ask you now to look at the ponies around you, because at this moment we are not separated from our status, or our position, let alone our race. Today we are all equal here now, we are all ponies who share the same pain, ponies that we share this moment with, ponies who can enjoy a brighter future thanks to the sacrifice and courage of those who risked everything. Because they faithfully believed that they fought for something that it was worth protecting. Remember the base under which our kingdom was founded. The first kingdom formed by the union of the three races of ponies who have managed to overcome all obstacles by working in harmony.

-May this place serve as a reminder to all who have lost hope. A reminder that even on the darkest nights, the light will prevail and guide us- The deity of the Sun made a gesture to Commander Hurricane.

-SQUAD, LIT YOUR HORNS!-

A line of unicorns stepped forward their horns fully charged with their magical aura.

-AIM!- shout the commander in an authoritarian voice.

-FIRE!-

The unicorns fired bursts of energy from their horns that soared through the sky before exploding and making thousands of spheres made by some kind of dim light. The spheres floats all around the place, marveling every pony.

The princess of the night took one of the spheres with her hoof. She felt a warm sensation that filled her heart with a nice and calm sensation she had not felt in months. She knew the spell, she herself had created it a few years ago and had used it several times to illuminate the gardens of the castle of the two sisters.

-Moon shine- he said quietly.

-I thought it was the best option- the princess of the night look at her sister -After all, the first time I witness the power of your spell it filled me with so much peace and love in here- said Celestia placing her other hoof on her chest while the pink pegasus she was carrying catches a little one of the bright spheres on her own little hooves.

And it was true. Luna's spell, though accidentally discovered, created spheres of energy that stimulated positive feelings on any creature they made contact with, flooding the target with calming sensations and comfort.

-We may not be able to heal their hearts completely, but it will give them enough peace for now-

Luna kept staring at the bright sphere in her hooves. Slowly the comforting sensation faded away as the sphere of light ran out.

-We must leave, it is almost time to raise the moon- said the deity of the Night.

-I'll escort you to the EverFree forest sister-

-Thank you Celestia- Luna replied without looking away from the sphere of light until it completely vanished in her hooves.

The night had fallen on Equestria, darkness now covered all along the EverFree forest, which produce a chilling sensation, bright yellow eyes were stalking in the shadows hunting every hoof step.

Deep in the forest on the banks of a gorge was a little area free from the thick weeds. Over the little canyon was a gorgeous castle its walls seem to glow under the moonlight. The structure was well built and remains hidden in the deep of the forest keeping it impassive and quiet, most of the wild creatures that inhabited the unpredictable forest did not dare to get too close to the castle.

At the back of the two sisters’ castle was a beautiful garden constantly bathed by moonlight and the light coming from the stars. It was covered by flowers of multiple colors perfectly delimited from each other. On the periphery were statues of different creatures, most of them inhabiting from the ancient forest such as Timberwolfs, Manticoras, Sea Monsters or Huge Crocodiles capable of devour a pony in one bite.

The gardens extended to the huge trees that surrounded the area. It was covered by a carpet of violet flowers which shone dimly in the dark of the night, in front of these flowers where four ponies standing side by side.

The brothers Merak and Alcor stood in front placing a beautiful polished tombstone hoof-made and well-polished, the silver color tombstone stood out inside the decorated garden, on the surface was engraved the name of the mare that lay under it. "Megrez" under her name was carved, with the same quality and precision, the emblem of the Moon adorned by five stars that formed an arch beneath it.

Epsilon approached her friend's recently finished grave carrying a bouquet of lunar flowers on her hoof. The flowers were a light-white color and under the moonlight they emitted a similar glow. They were named Lunar flowers because their petals gain a silver moon-like color once they fade, but their most notorious feature was that each one was capable of regenerate its own petals as long as they were placed under the moonlight before they completely fade.

-I brought you a gift Megrez- Epsilon said, placing the bouquet on the surface of the cold stone -They're Lunar flowers… your favorites… I'm sure Luna won’t mind me taking them from her garden in Canterlot. I-I thought they would look better by your side- her lips shivered and her voice was cracking more with every word she said –You were always attracted to our princess' garden and... and if it weren't for your stubbornness and desire to see it every night... we would never have met our beloved Luna-

Épsilon was unable to hold back any longer, tears start coming out of her eye, her companions followed her, it broke their hearts to see their stoic friend break like that.

-L-I'm sorry...- she said sobbing -If only I'd come sooner... You'd still be with us- her sobbing intensified as her tears felt from her cheek damping the cold tombstone.

The captain of the Night Guard remained there for a moment in front of the grave until she felt the gentle touch of Siegfried’s wing. The contact was warm and soft, she soon felt Alcor's wing wrapping around her other side and although she could not see him, the mare was able to feel Merak's presence near her.

-From the moment we met, I knew you were special- Merak said as he got closer to the grave -And I know that you also felt the same way for me- he knelt in front of the grave -You will always live in my heart Meg and I swear that I will continue to fight for what I believe is correct- he said before breaking down in tears on the tombstone surface.

-It was you who asked us to join the army to protect our princess- Siegfried spoke as Alcor approached his brother -So I promise you right here that no matter what happens, we will stand by the princesses side and watch over their safety as you now watch over ours-

All four stayed there for what seemed like hours. Suddenly the moonlight intensified, and suddenly the stars of the blackened sky came to life resettling themselves in the sky as a new constellation formed before their own ayes.

Astonished by the evening spectacle they didn’t notice their princess of the night until she landed softly behind them.

-It's the least I can do for her- said the dark-blue coat alicorn.

-Her own constellation?- Merak said stunned unable to remove his eyes from the nightsky, as if he had been somehow hypnotized by the beauty of the night. The princess nodded before approaching them, the rest stepped aside letting her come closer to the grave.

-Dear friend...- she said, placing her hoof on the surface of the tombstone just above the engraved name on it –From now on you will be part of this garden you loved so much, Just like we do- Using her magic, Luna multiplied the Lunar flowers covering the surroundings of the grave –Rest in peace Megrez- she added.

They remained there, sheltered at night and bathed in the dim light of the moon and the stars. The only sounds that could be heard came from the melodies performed by some crickets and Merak’s sobs.

Author's Notes:

Author's Note:

This chapter was inspired by the song "Daughter of the moon" performed by "Nightcore". I think it fits really well with the plot. XD

So, what did you think of the Chapter?

I’m really sorry for the delay but last week I went visit my family so I couldn’t translate this chapter in time. So, I started doing so after work.

Hope you’re enjoying the jurney. See you in the next chapter!

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In memory of Victor Fidel Beloved grandfather and mentor.

March/1938 - October/2018