Chapter One

The Not-So-Royal “We”

“Boy, that escalated quickly.” Luna quipped to the empty air. “I mean, that really got out of hoof fast.” She flared her wings and flapped them once to dispel the lingering dust motes hovering around her. It did little to dissipate the tang of ozone that hung in the air, but the smell was a consequence for working magic that every unicorn and alicorn, quickly grew accustomed to once they started weaving spells regularly.

Luna glanced around to admire her handiwork. The verdant clearing that she had arrived at not five minutes ago was now a smoking circle of blackened glass with her at the center. The sliver of moon hanging in the sky cast an eerie glow on the newly reflective surface, and the stars littering the heavens shimmered off the glass like millions of diamonds.

You knew it would come to violence. Vengeance argued, breaking into Luna’s reverie. They were griffons preparing for an invasion. When was the last time an invading army of griffons just turned around and went home because they were asked to?

That’s not fair. Innocence replied. Remember Commander Greywing from the First Griffon War? He was open to negotiation in order to end the war.

Sure. Vengeance shot back. When he was surrounded, outnumbered four to one, and his troops hadn’t eaten for two weeks, he was more than willing to talk. Up until then, he let us know daily that he was willing to die before he would admit defeat.

Luna shook her head and tried to ignore the voices in her head as she focused her magic. Her horn flared to life and she began weaving a teleportation spell that would take her back to Canterlot while Vengeance and Innocence argued in the background. Luna let out a slightly exasperated sigh and redoubled her efforts to concentrate on the spell, but her mind drifted back to her thousand-year banishment on the moon and the emergence of the voices that would become her only companions.

The Moon: One Thousand Years Ago

Mere hours after Celestia banished her to the moon, Luna was able to let go of the anger and fury that led to her attempted rebellion as Nightmare Moon and return to her normal form as the Princess of the Moon. She spent the first few days of her exile wandering the moon, convinced that Celestia would bring her back to Equestria soon. As the days turned into months, and the months lingered into years, Luna realized that her sister was not coming for her, at least not any time soon. Desperate for any kind of interaction with another living being, she frequently resorted to talking to herself.

Over the course of the first hundred years, Luna held countless conversations with herself about any topic she could think of. Early on, the topics were relevant and meaningful, such as why Celestia had not come to bring her back to Equestria or how she could have succeeded in her rebellion. However, as the first century dragged on into the second, Luna ran out of relevant topics and resorted to discussions about why the sand on the moon did not stick to her hooves the way sand back in Equestria did or why the moon was grey and not brown.

Around the three hundred year point in her banishment, Luna noticed that a portion of her mind had started to make comments independently. Over the next few weeks, she examined this new phenomenon and quickly realized that the voice was a fully independent being, as though a second consciousness had inhabited her mind. Luna knew that she should be concerned about the sudden appearance of a strange voice in her head, but she was so starved for contact with another pony that she did not care. She spent long hours talking to the voice about itself, trying to ascertain where it had come from. Luna experienced a breakthrough when one day she asked the voice if it had a name.

A name? It had replied. It was silent for some time, deep in thought before it continued. Vengeance. An image formed itself in Luna’s mind. An image of herself as Nightmare Moon, resplendent and powerful. The voice changed slightly to match Luna’s own voice during her time as Nightmare Moon. Yes, I am Vengeance.

Luna spent the next hundred years wandering the moon, constructing castles, homes, and shops to build entire cities in her lunar prison, only to demolish them as she realized she had constructed an exact replica of Canterlot. After each failed city, Vengeance would try to convince Luna that it was not her fault she was imprisoned on the moon.

You are not to blame. Vengeance began, as Luna lay crying among the rubble of yet another fallen city. This is Celestia’s fault. She’s the one who sent you here. It’s her fault we’ve been trapped here for four hundred years. You were only doing what you thought was right.

“No.” Luna shook her head, causing tears to slowly float down to the dust. “Our intentions were pure, but Our actions were unforgivable. We raised Our hoof in anger against Our own sister. We used Our powers to try and get Our way by force. We deserve to be here.”

You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself, Luna. A new voice made its way into Luna’s mind. She quickly stood from her position on the ground and looked around for the source of the voice.

Oh, goddesses, not you. Vengeance moaned.

“Who is there? Show thyself!” Luna grasped what small portion of her magic was still available to her and flared her horn to life.

I’m in here, Luna. The voice replied. Luna looked up, as though trying to see into her own head. She lowered her haunches to a seated position as she tried to examine the recent turn of events. She spent the next few hours questioning the new voice about its origin. Luna quickly realized that it was another autonomous consciousness, similar to Vengeance.

“Do you have a name that We might call you?” Luna asked aloud.

You can call me Innocence, if you want. As with Vengeance, an image formed itself in Luna’s mind. This one was of herself as a filly, shortly after she had earned her cutie mark. Her filly self gave a short bow. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Luna.

Yes, yes, this is Innocence. The image of Nightmare Moon that represented Vengeance formed in Luna’s mind next to Innocence. Now that all the pleasantries are out of the way, I would like to propose that we try the teleportation spell to return to Equestria.

“Why bother?” Luna hung her head. “Our sister still holds dominion over Our realm of power. We lack the necessary magical reserves to teleport such a large distance.” She picked up her head and gazed longingly into the distance. “Even if We had the magical power required, every time We have tried to cast the teleportation spell, We have been rebuked by Celestia’s power.”

It’s been four hundred years. Vengeance argued. It’s been almost one hundred years since the last time we tried, I’m sure she’s grown lax in that time. Just try one more time, I’m sure it will work.

I don’t think so. Innocence replied. You heard Luna. Since Celestia still has control over her sphere of power, she lacks the necessary magical capacity to teleport all the way there. Even if Celestia has grown careless and the spell succeeds, we would end up floating somewhere in the space between here and Equestria.

It will work this time, trust me. Vengeance repeated confidently.

“Would both of you be quiet for a moment?” Luna cut across Innocence’s comeback, putting her hooves on either side of her head. “You are giving Us a migraine.” She paused for a brief period to revel in the silence. “Vengeance, when Innocence showed up, you said ‘not you.’ What did you mean by that?”

Hmm? Vengeance seemed confused. Oh, yes. Well, Innocence here has been festering in the recesses of your mind for a few weeks, but had chosen to remain blissfully silent until now.

“Interesting.” Luna was briefly terrified by the idea that something could happen in her own mind without her knowing it. “That leads Us to Our next question: Are you Us?”

Okay, first things first. Vengeance started. You’re going to need to drop this whole Royal We thing or this discussion is going to get very confusing very quickly.

“Very well. We-” Luna stopped and focused. “I shall try. So, are the two of you... me?”

Yes... and no. Innocence offered.

That was maddeningly unhelpful. Vengeance shot back.

Innocence continued as if uninterrupted. We are you in that we share your mind as a sort of... residence. We exist only in your mind. However, you wish to know if we are portions of your own mind that have fractured off and gained a rudimentary sentience in order to satisfy your desire for somepony to talk to.

“Well... yes.” Luna’s eyes widened at the frighteningly accurate statement. “That is exactly what We... what I was wondering.”

That is not the case, as far as I know. Innocence sounded thoughtful. I cannot speak for Vengeance, but-

Sorry, but I have to cut in here. Vengeance interrupted. If I could die, this whole philosophical existence debate would be boring me to death. I’m going to tune out for a while, assume anything Innocence here has to say applies to me as well. The mental image of Nightmare Moon faded away.

“Wait, where is she going?” Luna asked the empty air.

I do not know. The mental image of Luna as a filly that represented Innocence shrugged. Though we three share your mind, our thoughts appear to be our own.

“So, does that mean that you can only hear Us... hear me when I speak aloud?” Luna toyed with the idea. She had grown so accustomed to speaking aloud to herself and Vengeance over the past four hundred years that trying to think to herself had not occurred to her.

I believe that is the case, although I cannot say for sure. Innocence replied.

Well, no time like the present to find out. Luna thought to herself. Can you hear this? Luna to Innocence, come in Innocence.

I heard that. Innocence deadpanned.

“Really?” Luna panicked. She suddenly feared she would never again have a semblance of privacy.

No. Innocence admitted with a giggle. I just figured that when you got quiet you were thinking to yourself and I decided to have a bit of fun. My apologies if I scared you.

Luna let out a relived sigh. At least I am safe in my own mind. She chuckled at the irony. The one place she was truly safe and could still be alone was the very place these voices resided.

Luna spent the next six hundred years of her banishment wandering throughout her lunar prison and creating the first detailed map of the moon. Every hundred years or so, Vengeance would suggest that they attempt to return to Equestria, only to be overridden by Innocence and Luna. On the eve of the thousandth year of their banishment, Innocence made a rare suggestion.

I would like to propose that we attempt to return to Equestria. Innocence broke the silence of a lull in discussion, catching both Vengeance and Luna off-guard.

Wait... what? Vengeance asked. You want to try and go back? Isn’t it usually my job to bring it up and you two shoot me down?

“I must agree with Vengeance.” Luna added. “I do not remember you ever being in favor of attempting to return home. Might I ask what brought about this change of heart?”

Of course. Innocence replied. In the past, you have lacked the magical reserves necessary for teleportation over such a long distance. However, over the past thousand years your magical capacity has slowly grown and you now possess enough power to complete the spell.

“Wait...” Luna closed her eyes as she concentrated. “Tomorrow is the Summer Sun Celebration, the longest day of the year. My sister’s powers will be at their peak. Should we not wait until the winter solstice when her powers wane?”

No. Vengeance responded excitedly. Most of Celestia’s powers will be tied up in raising the Sun for the Celebration. While her powers will be at their peak, she will only be able to access a small portion of them. This is our best chance.

“Very well, I will try.” Luna gathered her magic and brought her horn to bear. She began to weave the teleportation spell, but lost control of the magic as it neared completion. She hung her head as the aura surrounding her horn slowly faded away. “I... I do not think I can do it.” She muttered.

Well, that’s disappointing. Vengeance commented wryly. Luckily for us, there is a simple solution. Give me control, I can perform the spell and get us back to Equestria.

“I do not understand.” Luna picked her head up, wary at the suggestion. “What do you mean ‘give you control?’”

It’s very simple. Vengeance replied. The three of us share your mind, but you retain unilateral control of your body and magic. Give me control of your body, and by extension your magic, and I can perform the teleportation spell to get us home.

“Give you control of my body?” Luna recoiled at the thought. “Is... is that even possible?”

Oh, it’s quite simple actually. Vengeance explained. All you have to do is imagine your control over your body as a physical object that you possess, and then just let it go. At that point, I’ll be able to step in and control your body in order to perform the spell.

“That seems... risky.” Luna pawed at the dirt, thinking. “Giving over control of my body and magic... how can I be sure you will give it back once we reach Equestria?”

You wound me, Luna. Vengeance sounded hurt at the accusation. After all the time we’ve spent together, you don’t trust me? I promise that as soon as we reach Equestria, I will return control of your body and magic to you.

Luna paced back and forth, torn between a desire to go home and fear about giving over control of her body to Vengeance. “What do you think, Innocence?” There was a brief pause as Innocence considered the course of action.

If you are truly unable to perform the spell, then it is not possible that Vengeance would be able to do it. She began. However, if you are only unable to perform the spell due to some sort mental block rather than a physical or magical reason, then Vengeance should be able to work the magic and get us home.

Oh, come on. Vengeance cut in impatiently. Worst case scenario, I try the spell and it fails and we’re still stuck here.

“I do not know.” Luna shifted back and forth on her hooves, indecisive. She took a deep breath and made a decision. “Very well. I will... give you control, Vengeance.” Luna closed her eyes and tried to picture herself holding an object representing her control. In her mind, she held her blue crystal crown in her hooves. She let the crown fall, but before it could hit the ground, Vengeance appeared next to her and caught it.

Luna felt her stomach lurch as Vengeance took control of her body. Shadows reached out and draped over her body as she transformed back into Nightmare Moon for the first time in one thousand years. When the transformation was complete, Vengeance flared her new wings and ignited her horn. She quickly wove the teleportation spell, and the world exploded in light.

As the light faded, Luna realized that they had successfully returned to Equestria and were standing in the ruins of her castle in the Everfree Forest. Excellent work, Vengeance. Luna commended. Now, return control of my body to me and let us go find my sister.

“Oh, I don’t think so.” Vengeance replied, her voice echoing the power of Nightmare Moon. “Don’t worry though, I plan on finding your dear sister. Celestia trapped us in that barren wasteland for one thousand years... It’s time for a little payback.”

Luna!

The princess was pulled back to reality by Vengeance’s voice in her head. She shook her head to clear the remnants of memory and refocused her attention on her surroundings. She was still in the clearing, and the spell she had been weaving was slowly unraveling. She banished the half-formed spell with a thought and restarted from scratch. “What do you want, Vengeance?”

You were ignoring us again. Vengeance grumbled. Not to mention, we’ve been standing in this clearing for ten minutes waiting for you to finish that spell to take us back to the castle.

“My apologies.” Luna replied sarcastically. “I am secretly hoping that if I ignore you long enough you will go away.”

Well, you’ve been talking to us for six hundred years. Vengeance mocked. I figure it will take at least that long for us to spontaneously disappear. Good luck ignoring us for six hundred years.

Luna sighed as she finished weaving the spell and ignited it. The world flashed in a familiar burst of light. As it faded, Luna smiled as she recognized her chambers in the towers of Canterlot Castle. She kept her horn active and removed her crown and crystal horseshoes as she walked over to her bed.

“Another late night, sister?” Celestia’s voice sounded from behind her. Luna let out an inaudible sigh as she turned and saw her sister laying on the couch, absentmindedly flipping through a book.

“You do know that you do not have to wait up for me every time I go out on a mission, right?” Luna playfully chided her sister. “I have been doing this for a long time, I can handle myself. Besides, should you not be getting some sleep? You have a sun to raise in a few hours.”

Celestia closed the book with a flare of her horn and arched an eyebrow at Luna. “You know as well as I do that neither of us needs sleep... it’s just a way to more quickly pass through the other’s reign.” Celestia stepped off of the couch. “As far as you being able to handle yourself... in the past you’ve had help in your little adventures. So what was it this time?”

“Griffons.” Luna replied brusquely. “A relatively small group, only thirty or so. Nothing a quick little Scorched Earth spell could not handle.”

“Scorched Earth?” Celestia recoiled slightly. “Isn’t that a little... extreme?”

Sure, it’s easy for her to sit here and second guess us from the throne. Vengeance quipped.

Luna ignored the voice. “It might have been.” She shrugged. “One of the griffons was a coward and ran as soon as I landed. I figured if there was going to be a survivor, I might as well send a message." Her lips twitched up into a cruel smile for a brief moment. "Besides, I could get by with less powerful magic in the past because I had help, as you mentioned.” She let the slightest hint of anger tinge her voice.

Celestia’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You know why I had to disband the Night Watch. Casualties increased almost two thousand percent during the two missions undertaken while you were... absent.”

“I know. I read the reports.” Luna shot back. “I could have told you that would happen with Steel Spear in charge. He was an excellent soldier, but a horrible tactician.” She shook her head slightly. “All of that is beside the point. I have returned, sister. Allow me to reform the Night Watch.”

“You know I cannot do that.” Celestia let her head fall slightly.

“Why not?” Luna shouted, stomping a hoof for emphasis. She felt a brief flood of anger, but rapidly quenched it. “For three thousand years, the Night Watch protected Equestria from her enemies. Every mare and stallion knew that the fragile peace they enjoyed was paid for with the lives of those ponies in the Watch.” Luna began pacing the room, trying to bleed off angry energy. “Then, you disband the Watch during my banishment and allow it to fade into the pages of history.”

“The Watch wasn’t needed.” Celestia locked her gaze on her sister. “I inherited a portion of your power while you were gone. None of the other kingdoms dared to challenge me.”

“I know... trust me.” Luna spoke through gritted teeth.

Celestia continued without acknowledging the comment. “It is a shame that nopony today knows about the crucial role that the Night Watch played in maintaining the peace that our land has enjoyed for so long, but what would you have me do? Would you have me tell our subjects that the peaceful world they all know is a lie? Would you have me tell them that our kingdom is constantly on the brink of war?”

It would certainly liven things up to tell them that. Vengeance remarked.

Luna studiously ignored the thought, keeping her eyes on Celestia. “I would have you be honest with our subjects. What will happen if one day a threat makes it past our guard? You saw how everypony reacted to the changeling attack when Queen Chrysalis infiltrated the castle. What do you think would happen if an army of griffons came sweeping across the sea from the east?”

Celestia gave a weak smile. “I thought that was why we had you, dear sister.” A glint of fear and worry in her eyes betrayed the confidence she tried to portray. All of the pent up anger in her chest faded away, and Luna slowly crossed the room and nuzzled up against Celestia.

“Do not worry, dear sister.” The ruler of the night rested her head on Celestia’s shoulder. “I will always be here.” Celestia reached up and wrapped a foreleg around her sister to pull her into a hug. After a moment, she stepped away to compose herself.

“Well, enjoy the rest of your night, Luna.” Celestia walked across the room to the door, pulling it open with a light brush of magic. As she stood in the doorway, the solar princess looked back over her shoulder. “I am proud of you, sister. During this entire conversation, you never once referred to yourself with the Royal We. You’re making progress.” Without waiting for a reply, Celestia left the bedroom and closed the door.

Hey, she’s right. Vengeance piped up, offended. You haven’t even told anypony about us. The least you could do it acknowledge our existence with a “We” or “Us” every now and then.

“Would you let it go?” Luna winced. She had initially reverted to using the Royal We upon her return to Equestria simply because she thought it was expected of a ruler. However, the lunar princess soon found that she was referring to herself in plural to account for Vengeance and Innocence rather than using the Royal We, so she decided to try and return to referring to herself in singular form. Secretly, Luna hoped that abstaining from the Royal We might help rid her of her mental companions.

If we only exist in Luna’s mind, can we be said to exist at all? Innocence interjected calmly.

Oh, for the love of- don’t get all philosophical on us again. Vengeance replied angrily. We all know where this conversation ends up... does anything exist? How can we know? Blah blah blah...

“Would you two be quiet? You are giving me a migraine... again.” Luna crossed the room to her desk, which was dominated by a map of Equestria. The map detailed not only her kingdom, but the surrounding hostile kingdoms as well. The Griffon Empire across the sea to the east. The Changeling Hive in the Badlands to the south. The Wendigo Herd across the Crystal Mountains in the Frozen North.

Luna ignited her horn and magically grasped a small wooden figurine of a griffon placed just north of Baltimare. She removed it from the map and placed it in a drawer in the desk. She turned her head slightly and saw a new stack of reports from her scouts spread all across the kingdoms. “One down... a dozen more to go.” She quipped wryly as she levitated the first report from the stack.

Luna had a feeling it was going to be a long day.

Chapter Two

The Root of the Problem

Two weeks later

Boredom.

It was a feeling Luna knew all too well. She lay sprawled out on the couch in her chambers, staring off into space. Outside, the moon shone full in the night sky, casting a soft glow through the archway leading out onto the balcony. The lunar princess let her head fall listlessly to the side to gaze at her desk. The map of Equestria was completely empty, as it had been for the last week. Even the week before that was tame by normal standards. She had made two trips out to the Badlands due to reports that Queen Chrysalis was amassing forces again, but both times everypony scattered as soon as she crossed the horizon.

Luna sighed and stood up from the couch. She ruffled her wings to readjust the feathers before slowly making her way over to the balcony. Inside her head, a debate was raging between Vengeance and Innocence yet again over the nature of existence.

Oh, come on! Vengeance fumed. At some point, you have to reach certain principles that you know are true. You can’t question every single thing in the universe.

How do you know that those principles are true? Innocence replied, calm as always. What evidence do you have to support that idea?

What evidence do you have to refute it?

I do not need any. Innocence smirked. The burden of proof lies with whomever claims something to be true.

Luna shook her head and did her best to tune them out. She knew how this particular argument played out. Vengeance would argue that there are certain invariable truths in the world, and Innocence would ask for proof. Eventually, Vengeance would get frustrated and give up in a huff, vowing not to speak to Innocence ever again. This promise would last for a few hours at most.

The alicorn mare took a deep breath of the night air as she stepped onto the balcony. The scent of night bloom lilies wafted on a light breeze, helping Luna to clear the remnants of boredom from her head. Gazing out towards the horizon, she noticed a lone figure silhouetted in the moonlight flying towards the castle. She lazily brought her magic to bear and cast a quick identification spell in the direction of the approaching visitor. The spell revealed to her that it was Dark Wing, the Captain of her branch of the Royal Guard.

Luna took a seat on the cool stone of the balcony and awaited Dark Wing’s approach. However, as the bat-winged guard drew nearer to the castle, he angled away from Princess Luna’s tower and headed for the balcony outside Celestia’s royal chambers.

What’s this now? Vengeance broke off of the argument with Innocence. Why would the Captain of our Royal Guard be visiting Celestia so late during our night?

Luna stood from her seated position, rolling her eyes. “For the last time, it is my Royal Guard, my night, and my kingdom. It is not our anything.” She flared her horn to life and used her magic to move the few scant clouds in the sky in front of the full moon. The lunar princess spread her wings and took off from the balcony, angling for her sister’s tower from a route opposite that of Dark Wing. Reactivating her magic as she alighted silently on the roof, Luna drew the nearby shadows over her, obscuring her from all but the most vigilant of eyes.

Moments later, Dark Wing landed on the balcony below. He took a few seconds to straighten his windswept mane before making a trio of sharp knocks on the door to Celestia’s chambers. The heavy oak doors opened almost immediately, surrounding in a soft golden glow of magic. Celestia stepped into the archway, complete with her traditional regalia.

Odd. Innocence commented in Luna’s mind. Typically Celestia would be asleep at this time, or at least relaxing without her royal apparel. It is almost as though she was expecting Dark Wing. Luna wanted to tell Innocence to be quiet, but could not do so without risking Celestia hearing her. Luckily, both voices quieted down as Dark Wing began speaking.

“Princess.” He gave a quick salute, continuing as Celestia nodded. “The latest scouting party has just returned from the Badlands. Queen Chrysalis is indeed gathering her forces. Current counts place the changeling army at almost three thousand strong, up five hundred from the last report three days ago.”

Three thousand? Vengeance burst in. Is that even possible? Luna pressed a hoof to her lips, hoping that somehow Vengeance would get the message to be quiet. The outburst had overpowered the beginning of Dark Wing’s next statement.

“-know how long. However, there is one more thing.” The Guard Captain shifted uncomfortably on his hooves, seemingly unsure how to proceed. The silence stretched on for an uncomfortable handful of seconds.

“Please continue.” Celestia requested. “I assure you that in a situation such as this, no piece of information is useless.”

“It’s just...” He paused and took a breath to calm himself. “The changelings were guarding a nearby cave very heavily. We simply don’t know why. The scouting party included Long Range, our most talented unicorn scout. He scanned that cave for anything and everything, but there was nothing in it. No hidden forces, no supplies... nothing.” Dark Wing shrugged his shoulders.

“Hmm...” Celestia mused, deep in thought. “If they were guarding the cave, we can assume it was not empty. Thank you for the report, Captain.” She turned to head back into her chambers.

“Your Highness?” Dark Wing called after her. “What should I tell Princess Luna?”

Celestia gave a deep sigh. “The same as last time. You found nothing.”

What? Vengeance and Innocence cried out together. Luna felt a knot of anger form in her stomach. She was sorely tempted to jump down from the roof and confront Celestia then and there, but she held herself in check. The doors to her sister’s chambers closed and Dark Wing took off from the balcony, heading for Luna’s tower. The lunar princess stood from her prone position and quickly wove a teleportation spell to take her back to her chambers ahead of Dark Wing.

Luna paced back and forth in front of the archway leading out onto her balcony while she waited for Dark Wing to arrive. Vengeance was muttering angrily in the back of her mind, but she did her best to tune it out. As the seconds ticked by, Luna felt herself slowly growing more and more frustrated. Eventually, the guard captain landed outside her chambers and immediately saluted.

“Princess Luna.” Dark Wing waited for her to acknowledge his arrival before continuing. Luna nodded curtly. “The latest scouting party has returned from the Badlands. Nothing new to report. Chrysalis is keeping quiet it seems.”

Now he lies to our face. Vengeance spat.

Luna turned away from him, unable to keep her anger off of her features. “Tell me, Captain...” She began, straining to keep her voice level. “Since when has an army of three thousand been considered ‘keeping quiet?’” She turned to face Dark Wing, who admirably did not even flinch. The silence stretched on while Luna waited for him to answer.

The Captain swallowed before answering. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean, Princess.”

“Oh, really?” Luna took a step towards him, a snarl spreading over face. “And how long have you been reporting to my sister before coming to me?” She could see a slight sheen of sweat forming on Dark Wing’s forehead, but his face remained impassive.

“I don’t-” He began.

“Do not lie to me!” Luna bellowed, reverting to the Royal Canterlot Voice. Dark Wing’s stoic demeanor finally cracked and he cowered down before her.

“I’m sorry, my princess.” He pressed his front hooves together, begging. “Princess Celestia commanded that I report to her before coming to you, and ordered that I not inform you. I-”

“How long?” Luna cut across his rambling. She felt the roiling anger in her stomach flare up, threatening to spill out into physical action.

“Two weeks.” Dark Wing responded timidly. His eyes glance back towards the balcony, as though considering making a run for it.

“Be gone from my sight.” Luna whirled around and walked away from her cowering Guard Captain. She heard the clatter of hooves on stone and the rustle of leathery wings as Dark Wing practically threw himself from the balcony in his haste to escape. Her eyes fell on the map of Equestria she used to track potential threats. It lay empty, although she now knew that was a lie. “How much have I missed in two weeks?” She asked the empty air. “If Chrysalis can amass an army of three thousand in that time, how many could the griffons muster?”

We can always go find out what we’ve missed. Vengeance suggested. We know Celestia is awake after all... why not pay her a little late night visit?

“Why bother?” Luna sighed, making a mental note to assign Dark Wing to mucking out the stables for the foreseeable future. “If she has hidden this from me for so long, she will never reveal it now.”

Oh, I’m sure we could... persuade her. Vengeance added menacingly.

“What?” Luna’s eyes shot open at the suggestion. “No. Absolutely not. We-” She stopped short, focusing. “I vowed never to raise my hoof in anger against my sister again. Not after last time. I will never bring my powers to bear against a citizen, or ruler, of Equestria again.”

Celestia has put the entire kingdom at risk! Innocence shot back, unexpectedly. Chrysalis and her army could be at our doorstep by morning. We need to know what the situation is if we are going to protect our kingdom.

“Shut up, both of you!” Luna placed her hooves against her temples, grimacing. “Equestria is not your kingdom to protect. It is mine, and I shall deal with its protection as I see fit.”

It would be foal’s play to get the information from Celestia. Vengeance argued, undeterred by Luna’s outburst. A simple Searing Pain spell and she’ll crack in a minute or less. If you’re really in a hurry, Rending Agony could break her in three seconds flat.

“Never.” Luna growled. “I would never even consider using such magic against my own sister.”

I know... trust me. Vengeance replied sarcastically. That’s why I’m here. You’re afraid to unleash your full potential. All you need a little... push.

A sharp trio of knocks at the door to her chambers interrupted Luna’s half-formed reply. She took a series of deep breaths to calm herself before she walked over to the door. She grasped the handle with her magic and pulled it open to reveal Celestia on the other side of the threshold.

“Dear sister, what a surprise.” Luna put on a fake smile and motioned for her sister to enter the room. “What brings you here tonight? I am sure you will be pleased to hear that my scouts still have nothing of interest to report from the neighboring kingdoms.” She waved a hoof in the direction of the map table.

“You can drop the charade, Luna.” Celestia replied without a trace of humor. “I know that you found out Dark Wing has been reporting to me before coming to you.” She closed the door with a brief wave of magical energy and strode across the chamber to the couch.

Luna felt the anger from before return, burning in her chest. “Why?” She strained to keep her voice level for the single word. She turned to face Celestia, who had taken a seat on the couch. “Why would you try to take this away from me?” Luna continued before her sister could respond. “This is all I have left. This is all I am good for anymore.” She felt tears stinging at the corners of her eyes, although whether they were from anger or betrayal she could not tell.

“I... I am sorry.” Celestia’s shoulders slumped in resignation as she muttered the apology.

Oh good, she’s sorry. Now everything is all better. Vengeance mocked. She’s not going to tell us, use your magic. We can get the truth. All you have to do is reach out and take it.

“No.” Luna whispered, inaudible to her sister on the couch. She felt a faint tugging at her forehead, as though her horn were trying to ignite itself. Her eyes shot open in a brief moment of terror, but she recovered quickly and refocused her efforts to maintain her control. The tugging in her horn vanished and the lunar princess let out a small sigh of relief.

“I truly am sorry, Luna.” Celestia repeated, oblivious to her sister’s internal struggle. “I just... You need to get away from this. There is more to life than clinging to the remnants of a forgotten order.” She looked up at the younger mare, her eyes pleading.

“Not for me.” Luna averted her eyes to hide her tears from Celestia. “This is all that I am good for now.”

“That’s not true!” The solar princess almost leapt off of the couch. She paused, suddenly self-conscious about her outburst. “You’re just... out of practice, socially. You need to get back out there and show everypony that you’ve changed.”

“It is no use, ‘Tia.” Luna let her head fall slightly. “I have tried to reintegrate myself into society. I have made trips out to Manehattan, Fillydelphia, Ponyville, even Neighjing and Stalliongrad. Everywhere I go, I am met with at best fear, and at worst anger and violence.”

“Violence?” Celestia asked, aghast at the thought.

“About that...” Luna paused to chuckle to herself at the memory. “That was during my trip to Neighjing. I think it had more to do with cultural differences than me personally. I neglected to take off my horseshoes when I went to visit the Emperor and everypony started yelling... it was almost a diplomatic incident.”

I hate to be the voice of reason here... Vengeance interjected. Can we wrap this little tangent back around to the main reason she’s here? You know, the fact that she went over your head with your guards.

Luna’s smile disappeared as she remembered overhearing Dark Wing reporting to Celestia. “Coming back to the matter at hand,” She took a step towards her sister, who fell to sit on her haunches. “Why did you order my Royal Guards to report to you before coming to me?” Celestia looked off to the side and bit her lip, but Luna pressed on. “Why, dear sister? Tell me!”

“Because I don’t want to lose you again!” Celestia yelled back, before her head fell and tears dropped to the cold stone floor. “I don’t want to lose you again.” She whispered, her voice breaking. The silence stretched on between them. Luna stood frozen in place, unable to form a coherent thought. Eventually, Celestia looked up from the floor, tears streaming freely down her face.

“Do you know why I always wait for you to come back when you go out on a mission?” She asked rhetorically. “It’s because I don’t know if you are coming back. I know that you have done this for thousands of years, and that there is no pony in the history of Equestria more capable or qualified to do it... but everypony has their limits.” Her head fell slightly as a fresh round of tears rose and fell to the ground. “I’m just afraid of what will happen when you reach your limit.”

Not going to lie... I did not see that one coming. Vengeance remarked.

“’Tia...” Luna moved to sit next to Celestia, nuzzling up against her. “I am sorry. I... I wish you would have told me about this sooner. I could have...” Her words drifted off. She had no idea what she could have done to allay her sister’s fears.

“I couldn’t do that to you.” Celestia responded, her eyes never leaving the floor. “Ever since you came back, the only time I have seen you truly happy is when you were preparing for or just coming back from a mission. How could I ask you to give that up?”

“’Tia...” Luna felt tears rising again in her own eyes as she reached out and hugged Celestia. A nagging thought pulled at the back of her mind, something that her sister said earlier. She pulled back from the hug and voiced her concern. “What did you mean about not wanting to lose me again?”

The solar princess averted her gaze, staring out the archway to the balcony. She took a deep breath before answering. “There is something I have not told you about... that day. The day that I... I banished you.” She paused as she tried to gather the courage to continue. “I never expected that spell to work. It was just something I tried out of sheer desperation. To this day, I can’t figure out why it worked, but the worst part is...” She stopped for a moment, afraid to continue. A single tear rolled down her cheek. “The worst part is that after it did work, I couldn’t undo it.”

“What?” Luna stood up and took a step back, her mind whirling at the implications. “Sister, what are you saying?”

“I...” Celestia’s mouth worked open and closed, but no words came out. She screwed her eyes shut and blurted out, “I couldn’t bring you back from the moon!” She looked up at Luna, her eyes pleading. “I tried. I tried every day, but I couldn’t do it. I swear to you, sister, I wanted to bring you back days after I banished you... but I just didn’t have the power.”

“I... You...” Luna stammered, unwilling to believe what she was hearing. “I spent a thousand years on that barren wasteland because of you!” She yelled, a sudden flare of anger finally overwhelming her. “Now you tell me that all of it was because of some half-baked spell that you didn’t even think would work?”

Celestia recoiled as though her sister had physically struck her. She knew her sister only resorted to contractions when truly enraged. “Luna... please.” She begged. “I’m sorry. I know it doesn’t change what happened, but you have to believe me when I say I never wanted to put you through that.”

Well, it’s a little late for that. Vengeance spoke up. Come on, Luna. She deserves a little payback, she’s practically asking for it. Just a quick Burning Torment spell.

“No.” Luna shook her head, trying to dislodge the thought. She felt the faint tugging in her horn return, stronger than before. She felt a single errant spark of magic flow from the tip, causing her eyes to shoot open.

I won’t let you throw this chance away, Luna. Vengeance spat.

“No! Stop it!” The lunar princess placed her forehooves on either side of her head. She felt the familiar aura of her magic surrounding her horn, and the beginnings of a spell weaving themselves together. “Enough!” Luna shouted, stomping her hooves. She forced the magic in her horn to extinguish itself. She looked over at Celestia, still seated on the floor with a look of concern on her face. “I think you should leave. I need some time alone.”

“Luna?” Celestia looked at her sister from her position seated on the floor. She stood up and reached a hoof out tentatively, but pulled back. “What was-” She began, but stopped as Luna turned and strode away from her. She quietly walked to the door and pulled it open with a quick burst of magic. The solar princess looked back as if to say something, but decided against it and left the room in silence.

Luna paced back and forth across the room, too angry to sit still. “What in the hay was that about?” She asked heatedly, trying to keep her voice down. “Explain yourself, Vengeance.”

Wait a minute. The cocky voice began, accompanied by a confused expression on her mental image. Celestia just admitted that she trapped you on the moon for a millennium on accident and couldn’t even bring you back if she wanted to... and you’re angry at me?

“Yes, I am angry at you.” Luna replied, trying and failing to keep an edge off of her voice.

Let me remind you of something. Vengeance shot back before she could continue. If it wasn’t for me, we would still be stranded on the moon today. Thanks to Celestia’s little confession, we now know that if it wasn’t for me, we would have been stuck there forever.

The alicorn mare stopped her pacing. She could see the truth in Vengeance’s argument, but she did not want to let go of her anger. “That is beside the point.” She growled through gritted teeth. “How did you control my magic? Tell me.”

Oh, where would be the fun in that? Vengeance grinned.

The answer is really quite simple. Innocence started to explain.

No it’s not. Vengeance interrupted. Her mental image flared her horn to life and teleported Innocence away.

You do realize that doesn’t actually make me go away, right? Innocence asked, a bemused tone to her voice. If it were that easy, Luna would have gotten rid of both of us a long time ago.

“Both of you, be quiet.” Luna pressed a hoof between her eyes, feeling the beginnings of another migraine pulsating behind them. “At this point, the answer can wait.” She let out a long sigh, letting her shoulders slump in the process. The last remnants of her angry energy bled away and she suddenly found herself exhausted. She slowly plodded over to her bed, flopping down in it unceremoniously.

“Just a quick nap, then I can figure out what to do about... all of this.”