Archmage - Chapter 9 “Confession”

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Twilight growled as she cast a fire spell, but Luna dispelled it without even batting an eyelash, her cold expression still drawn. Twilight grunted with exertion, fuming over her failed attempt at burning the princess. Luna knew she was acting out of anger, frustration, and probably a fair amount of sadness. It fueled her spells, making them stronger and more wild than she normally would have allowed. But Luna was much stronger than that. “RRAH!” Twilight cast another spell. Luna watched as her magic nulled Twilight’s, turning the lethal spell into nothing more than a soft breeze...

Then came the rain. It fell suddenly, the approaching wall of water was almost audible before it even hit the ground. The weather team had a knack for starting storms automatically, and it seemed this one was no exception. No warning, no chance to dash for cover. Within seconds, both of them were soaked... Luna saw Twilight connect the dots in her mind. She prepared for the spell, and when Twilight tried to summon lightning between them, all that she managed to emit was a single spark.

“AAAAAAUGH!” Twilight opened her mouth in a scream, her head lifting to the heavens. Luna’s eyes went wide with what she saw then. She hadn’t expected Twilight to do that. When Twilight’s head lowered back down, her eyes opened, and Luna saw the change. Twilight’s pupils had turned to vertical slits. Her mane, previously a dark purple with her signature pink highlight, was slowly turning more and more... Ephemeral. From the edges in, inch by slow inch, it began to waft away from her neck and body, lifting despite the heavy rain. In those long, pitch-black strands, Luna could see the stars glimmer.

Twilight was opening herself to the night.

More than that, she was making a very grave mistake... She was trying to control it. To take its power for her own.

”You know what happens if she continues,” Luna froze as she felt the soft breath wash over her ear. Her muscles went rigid, quivering with fear and anxiety. Twilight’s eyes flashed as she saw what Luna could not... What Luna did not want to see. Behind her, she could feel the presence of the night. The ominous, dark being that Luna herself would not dare to oppose. And yet, here before both of them, Twilight was making the same mistake Luna did long, long ago...

“I would have been fine, Luna.” Twilight spoke. Her voice thrummed with power, with an underlying current of shadowy energy. “I would have understood... If you would have talked to me.”

”She’s making the same mistake you did...”

“I would have understood. If you would have offered to take my virginity just so I could advance. I would have agreed... For the love of all things, I would have enjoyed it...”

”This is escalating too quickly, Luna... She’s changing already. You know how this works. I won’t stop her.” The night’s voice lowered. Luna could feel the very edge of the night’s lips on her ear. ”But I will destroy her... When she’s done.”

Luna shivered. Before her, Twilight’s hooves began to glow slightly. The hoof-cuffs were dark as the deepest night, yet shone with a brilliant sheen... Luna was still frozen, unable to do a single thing as she watched the shadows form around Twilight and slowly shift into the armor she knew all too well. The presence behind her vanished, moving instead to stand behind Twilight. Behind the changing unicorn, the night leaned in, whispering the same words into Twilight’s ear that it had whispered into Luna’s all those years ago...

Twilight wore the full regalia of the night, and her mane was all but changed. Next, her coat... Luna fought against her instincts, trying to will herself to move, to say something, to speak the words on her mind and in her heart. Instead, she could only watch, drenched through and through, as Twilight’s change began the last leg of it’s journey. Starting from her hooves, her beautiful purple coat began to fade away into a dull, ashy grey.

“Twilight,” Luna managed to croak weakly. In the downpour of rain, Twilight didn’t seem to hear her... An inch at a time, her coat continued to fade away, turning from it’s natural color into something akin to the dull surface of the moon. Luna would know that color. She spent a thousand years looking at nothing but that dull, washed-over, lifeless hue. Marginally, Luna recovered. She was able to lift a hoof, tentatively taking a single step forward.

“Twilight, please...” Another whimpering tone. Twilight spoke again, her voice throbbing with the same power the night had when she whispered into Luna’s ear.

”I would have even come to forgive you, Luna...” Her legs were completely consumed now. The grey color seeped onto her midsection, creeping over the edge of her cutie mark. ”I might have found it in my heart to call us friends again at some point...” Luna took another step, feeling tears build up in her eyes.

”But you... You... You took my hopes, and my expectations... And you... YOU DASHED THEM ON THE FUCKING ROCKS!” Twilight screamed. ”The way you said my name, the way you touched me... Just a small motion here or there... You know just as well as I do the meaning behind it.” Twilight narrowed her eyes, glaring at the shaking princess that slowly approached.

”You LIED To me. You hurt me. You used me, Luna. And then you left. You... JUST FUCKING LEFT! And don’t you dare deny it.” The color had washed over Twilight up to her shoulders. As Luna watched, it began to crawl up onto her neck. Twilight hummed with dark energy, the air around her crackling as if it were alive. Even her horn was beginning to change... It shifted from it’s moderate length with a rounded tip, growing longer and more pointed... As the grey crawled up her neck, it became more sharp, more slender...

”But worst of all, Luna...” Twilight’s voice was hardly more than a whisper as she glared at the princess. Luna was hardly a step away now, staring straight into the menacing eyes of Twilight.

”You let me think you cared about me.”

“Twilight,” Luna gasped again. She was almost consumed. The grey washed up onto her cheeks, curled over the top of her head. “Twilight, I... I...”

Twilight’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.

Luna poured her heart out.

”I love you!”

“Wh... What?” Twilight whispered, her expression shocked.

“So help me, Twilight,” Luna gasped, her entire body sagging. Fear gripped Luna’s heart as she struggled with all of the pent-up emotion from the last two weeks. “I love you. But I’m... I’m...” Twilight blinked at her. Luna took a steadying breath, her eyes brimming with tears.

“I should have told you so many things. I understand. I made a very big mistake,” She continued to sob, her shoulders shaking. “But I’m so scared... Scared of making the same mistakes I did long ago, scared of... Of... Of turning into-” She looked up, her eyes brimming with tears as she met Twilight’s eyes. “Turning into this.”

“Twilight, I’m so sorry.” Luna continued. “I should have said something... I should have said anything! But I... I don’t know, I just...” Luna whimpered, her tears coursing fast and free now. They were lost among the rainwater covering her face, all of it dripping to the ground beneath them. “I didn’t want to turn into... Into that again.” As Luna looked up, she watched a small patch of purple on Twilight’s face begin to grow... Inch by agonizingly slow inch, the pale grey color receded. Luna continued to speak her heart.

“I cared so much for you... Watching you develop, seeing your brilliant mind at work. I couldn’t help myself, I- I began to grow attracted. I never should have... Haah.” Luna took a deep breath, steadying herself. When she looked back into Twilight’s eyes, she could see all the emotions brewing there beneath the surface. Confusion. Elation. Sadness.

“I never should have led you on, Twilight. I never should have let you drink, I... I should have known when you ran, that we weren’t... We might not be-”

“You’re lying.” Twilight whimpered. It was a weak argument, but it seemed to be all she could muster.

“Look at me,” Luna returned, her expression meek as she looked back up to Twilight’s eyes. “I’m a mess, Twilight... I have been since that night.... I couldn’t sleep properly... Ask Celestia, I could hardly even do my duty. I was so distraught, I just... Just...” Her head sagged. “I’m not lying. I swear it...”

“I don’t... Luna, I’m so confused...” Twilight’s tone was cautious, as if she didn’t want to trust Luna... “Why wouldn’t you talk to me?”

“I didn’t know... I was in denial. I didn’t want to have these feelings for you. I really didn’t. The last time I fell in love with somepony, it... It didn’t end well.” Luna continued to cry. She felt like she couldn’t stop her tears. She sniffled and drew a shaky breath. The cold rain was beginning to make her shiver. “I don’t want to fall in love again, Twilight, but so help me I can’t help it!” Luna wailed and hung her head once more, crying helplessly. She only managed to compose herself when Twilight lifted her head, a hoof under her chin. She was forceful, but the grey was almost completely gone from her coat.

“Explain yourself.” Twilight said coldly, her serpentine eyes staring straight into Luna’s. The princess sniffled and stared right back.

“I fell in love with a pegasus long, long ago... A short while before I was banished to the moon, however, we... Well, it ended badly... Very badly.” Luna’s heart fell with the painful memories of the distress her previous lover had put her through. While it was over a thousand years ago, the memories surfaced readily. She remembered his warm embrace, the way he would make her feel...

The things he had said and done to her.

“Luna,” Twilight said, releasing her chin. Luna hung her head until she was looking up at Twilight. “I’m not pleased with you.” Twilight’s eyes slowly changed back to a circular shape. “And you still have much explaining to do.” Luna felt hope fill her body. Twilight was upset. Very much so, it seemed... “But I’m willing to hear you out.” She glanced over her shoulder, at the dark shape of the mortuary behind them. The soft sounds of socializing began to carry through the rain...

“Not right now, though... Obviously. I’m in mourning. My parents just passed away, and... Ugh.” Twilight sighed, her body sagging visibly. “I’m so stressed... I honestly want to just collapse and cry. So... Not right now, okay? But soon. Will you talk to me this time?”

“Yes.” Luna nodded as boldly as she could manage. “I promise... No more secrecy.”

At that, Twilight gave her a sad smile. It wasn’t much... But it was much better than what Luna had just seen... “Later, then.” Twilight turned and left her, going towards the reception hall. Luna felt like she had lived through her worst nightmare, but that smile was worth it all... Luna would have gone to the ends of Equestria and back to see that smile.

She’s okay now... If nothing else, Luna could take solace in that fact. A shuffling sound came across her, and Luna glanced to the side as Celestia came in out of the dull grey sky.

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“Hmm.” Celestia nodded as Luna finished her explanation, her expression still rather blank. “Well... I must say.” Luna swallowed hard, afraid of what Celestia was going to say next. She had just explained the fiasco in the graveyard to her sister, probably the only pony that Luna would ever trust with such a serious occurrence. “I’m proud of you.”

“R-really?!” Luna perked up, her expression hopeful as she looked up to her sister.

“Yes. Not only did you avert Twilight from danger, but you confessed your feelings. For once.” Celestia’s soft scoff was playful. Light-hearted. In light of the news Luna had just shared, she honestly doubted Celestia would do anything so cheery as scoff at her and smile.

“But... She very nearly-”

“But she didn’t.” Celestia cut her off, smiling again. “Believe it or not, you helped her with that... What I want to know is why the night didn’t destroy Twilight outright... Or how she was able to be forgiven...” The solar princess shook her head, as if in disbelief. “I’ll never understand this shadowy mare you describe.”

“Not a mare,” Luna muttered under her breath. It was an age-old discussion between the two of them. Celestia didn’t believe in Luna when she spoke of the night, and how it materialized in the form of a powerful and mysterious pony. More often than not, it was asexual, in that it had no distinguishing characteristics. But Luna could have sworn it was a mare sometimes... Still, the visage that had whispered into Twilight’s ear during her transformation was genderless. Luna would never be able to tell who or what it was, it seemed...

“Well, anyways.” Clestia waved a hoof. “I’m glad you decided to share this with me. Twilight is most definitely learned in the ways of shadow magic by now. I dare say she’s balanced.”

“Do you think...?” Luna raised her head again. They were discussing business now. Personal talk was behind them...

“I do. I think Twilight is prepared to begin exploring the other branches of magic. She’ll likely pick them up without any issue. In the meantime, she can replace the two we have handling a few of the Archmage’s responsibilities.”

“Is she ready to handle that and learn magic?”

“You should know, sister, how well Twilight can handle herself.” Celestia smiled again, the infectious gesture spreading to Luna’s own lips. Twilight certainly could handle herself when it came to powerful magics. And, as Luna had just witnessed, Twilight herself was very powerful... Powerful enough to attempt to control the night. It was a horrible thought, but Luna would be willing to bet that Twilight could complete the transformation if she tried...

In fact, if Twilight harnessed the night as Luna had, even for a short while... The results would likely be catastrophic.

“Very well. I’ll inform her tomorrow.” Luna said softly, offering a brave smile to Celestia.

“One thing, sister.” Celestia stopped her before Luna turned to leave. “Be very careful. Twilight is very upset. In all my years of knowing her, I’ve never seen her seem so distraught. Just... Tread with caution, would you?”

“I will.” Luna nodded with a brave smile, her expression hopeful.

“Very well, then. See you in the morning.”

“Good night, sister.” Luna nodded farewell to Celestia, who promptly exited the lounge they had met in. Luna sighed and looked out of the window at the new night, the moon hanging low and full in the sky. She sighed softly, closing her eyes and preparing herself... This was going to be a difficult discussion...

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Twilight gently pushed the door open, immediately spotting Luna at the solitary table. “Good evening, Twilight.” The princess smiled at her as she slipped inside and closed the door behind her.

“Hey,” She muttered meekly. After their discussion in the graveyard just two days ago, Twilight didn’t know how friendly she should be with Luna... She didn’t even know if they should be friends anymore. Slowly, Twilight crossed the room, sitting opposite Luna at the table. Luna’s smile faded as she noted Twilight’s dour expression. Rather than address the elephant in the room, so to speak, Luna moved on to business. Twilight felt a little disconnected, as she had been grieving the past two days. Mostly, it involved spending time with her brother, handling family matters... But for the most part, she stayed in her room and cried quietly to herself. Now, she was ready to face the world again. She hoped nopony held it against her...

“Your progress has been remarkable lately. Celestia and I both agree that you’re balanced enough to begin studying other branches of magic. You understand the shadow and the light well enough to command both in equal measure.” Twilight perked up at the words Luna spoke. “We’re going to leave it to you to study them all, but you will receive help here and there from knowledgeable ponies. In addition, you will begin assuming the roles of Archmage. Specifically, you will be assisting Celestia and I with the raising and the lowering of the sun every night, and every morning.”

“Wh... Wait, really?” Twilight’s depressed expression slowly faded into something a little less melancholy.

“Indeed.” Luna smiled at her again, and this time was given one in return. “Every morning and evening, you will assist Celestia and I. Mainly, it’s documenting arcane energies, and making sure the azimuth angle is correct. The energies Celestia and I deal with during the process are dangerous to other ponies, but the Archmage can shield herself well enough, I would think.”

“I... I get to assist with the setting of the sun?” Twilight asked quietly. Despite herself, Twilight began to feel something akin to excitement welling up within her.

“This is a priority replacement, Twilight.” Luna cautioned. “We need you to begin as soon as you are able. The two ponies who have been helping us recently have been very stressed. It’s difficult for them to help us for much longer. To be honest, I’m surprised they’ve lasted this long.”

“Oh,” Twilight felt crestfallen. She realized, then, that there were probably more responsibilities as Archmage than she had previously thought of... Responsibilities that were being covered by other unicorns. She hadn’t thought of the repercussions her delay would have on them. In fact, they probably thought less of her because of them.

“Don’t worry. I assure you that Harbinger and Crest have handled that particular branch of your duties well. In the past, ponies have been seriously injured during the process. Not so for either of them. They are both strong and dutiful.” Luna leaned in, smiling at Twilight kindly. “Though a gift basket wouldn’t hurt.”

“Of course,” Twilight chuckled, though she still blushed. Rumor had it the team taking care of her constituency was twenty strong. Minus the two she would replace, there would be eighteen... Eighteen unicorns handling magic across all of Equestria that she would have to handle herself. Soon enough, Twilight would be a true Archmage. This was a step in the right direction. If only a step...

“If you’ve nothing else, then-” Luna moved to stand, but Twilight laid a hoof over hers, stopping the princess. She didn’t have to say anything, but the look shared between the two of them was enough to say the words on Twilight’s mind. Luna took her seat once more, looking expectantly at Twilight. Her lips were curled in a soft smile, subtle and serene... But her eyes spoke volumes. In them, Twilight could see every emotion from hope to despair, and everything inbetween. With a soft sigh, Twilight managed to speak her heart.

“I was very hurt, Luna... After that night, it seemed like you were just so distant and cold. Like you didn’t even care about me, or what I was thinking. I can understand if you had some personal things to go through, but I tried talking to you. I spent hours searching the castle for you...” Twilight could tell what she said was hurting Luna. It was likely a painful reminder of those desperate days filled with despair and questions. The death of Twilight’s parents didn’t help, either.

“Even if we had just done it to advance my studies, could you imagine what was running through my head? Could you possibly understand? Me, a lowly unicorn, making love to a princess for her very first time. All of the emotion and confusion and... All the feelings behind it? I needed somepony to talk to. It didn’t have to be a lover, but I could have used a teacher.”

“What of your friends?” Luna’s question disarmed her slightly. Twilight realized then that she hadn’t gone to Rarity or Pinkie Pie or any of her friends during that time... Then she remembered.

“I can’t tell them about us.” She muttered softly. “What would they say?”

“True friends would be supportive.”

“I-” Twilight struggled to find an argument otherwise. What Luna said was true... Her friends would likely have encouraged her, or at least lifted her spirits. Twilight had all but shut down during that time... She didn’t seek the counsel of her friends or even her extended family... She was sure Cadance had been there for her, but she couldn’t even recall when...

“I see your point.” Twilight muttered quietly.

“You would be wise to seek their opinion on these matters in the future.”

“But what about... You know, decency?”

“What, mine? Twilight, please...” Luna chuckled. “My personal life has long been of interest to the public. More often than not, it’s been exposed. Whether I wanted it to be or not.”

“Oh... But... Isn’t that annoying?”

“Oh, it is. Very much so. But it’s just part of who I am. And, as you’ll come to find, part of yours as well. The Archmage can be somewhat of an idol amongst the Equestrian citizens. You know how many ponies looked up to Nocturnal Glow in his lifetime. That mysterious, shadowy pony constantly pulling the strings in the background. Everypony knows he’s there, but nopony sees him... For anypony in a position like that, their personal life will almost constantly be under scrutiny.”

“I see,” Twilight said softly. They were getting side-tracked. Twilight re-affirmed her point, leaning in. “But I needed you, Luna. Maybe not as a friend or a lover, but as a student.”

“I think you got along just fine, Twilight.” Luna chuckled, glancing out of the window. Twilight followed her surreptitious gaze, spotting the dark scar in the side of the nearby mountain side. Evidence of her most recent practice session.

“Okay, so I over-reacted-”

“We both did.” Luna cut her off, raising a hoof. “You’re right, Twilight. I should have been there for you. Disappearing as I did was not only foolish, but wrong. I should have been there for you. As a friend,” Luna’s hoof lowered to Twilight’s resting gently over it. “And a lover.”

Twilight felt her heart jump at the touch. This was the tender, passionate Luna she remembered. The serene expression on her face, the way she smiled at Twilight, and the gentle touch of her hoof... Gone was the stoic, professional princess that so many ponies knew... This was Luna. Her teacher, her mentor, her friend...

Her lover.

“So, are we...?”

“Are we?” Luna teased, winking at Twilight as she stood. “You should get some rest, Twilight. In the morning, Celestia and I will require your assistance raising the sun and laying the moon to rest. You would do well to rendezvous with Harbinger and Crest before the morning. They will brief you on your duties.” Luna smiled over her shoulder at Twilight as she strode away.

“Luna-” Twilight said, looking down at her hooves. The princess stopped, but didn’t turn around or look back at her again. “I... Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For stopping me...” There was a long silence between the both of them, the two ponies not moving or saying anything for quite some time. Finally, Luna spoke.

“I only wish I had somepony like you to talk some sense into me a thousand years ago, Twilight...” Twilight looked up at Luna, the princess’ head hung low as she spoke. “Perhaps then, I wouldn’t have made the mistake that I did. Maybe, just maybe...” She swung her head around, giving Twilight the saddest, most humble smile she had ever seen. “I would have seen the light.”

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Harbinger and Golden Crest were only all too glad to hand their duties off to Twilight. It was close to four in the morning as she met with the two other intimidating unicorns in the pre-dawn darkness. As she entered the library room where they had requested her presence, she saw both of them bent over the same book.

“Good morning.” She said softly, smiling as they turned to her. Harbinger was a bulky unicorn, his build rather muscular, all the more accentuated by his surprisingly bright coat. His mane was short-cropped and a rich, emerald green. His coat was a vibrant red, making the contrast between it and his hair all the more striking. Golden Crest was a white pony, slender and tall, his coat a milky-smooth white and his mane a shining golden blonde. The latter offered her a kind smile, while Harbinger scowled at her. The two made a surprising contrast, she thought.

“Archmage,” They both said, respectfully bowing their heads as she approached.

“Thank you, Harbinger. Golden Crest. But you’re welcome to call me Twilight.”

“No offense, Archmage.” Harbinger grumbled at her. “But I’d rather keep with the traditional title.”

“Lighten up,” Crest chuckled, nudging the other unicorn. “If it would so please you, you’re welcome to call me Crest, Twilight.”

“Of course.” Twilight sank to her haunches before the two unicorns, smiling slightly. “Shall we begin?”

“Come on, then.” Harbinger sighed, ushering Twilight in. “There’s a bit you need to know before starting...” Golden Crest and Harbinger went on to teach Twilight about the specific azimuth angles and energies associated with setting the sun and the moon. The entire process took approximately ten minutes, but was subject to change. They worked quickly, and both ponies seemed relieved that Twilight was already as familiar with astronomy as she was. They finished with well over a half an hour before the ceremony, Twilight shutting the book before them.

“Thank you both very much,” She said, smiling at Crest. Harbinger didn’t seem to appreciate kindness... He was rather gruff, and slightly offensive. His behavior didn’t seem to faze Crest, though. In fact, the white unicorn seemed to think it was all but commonplace. Twilight chose to ignore the mumbled comments and the scowl on Harbinger’s face. “Is there anything else?”

“Hmm... I don’t think so.” Crest muttered, raising a hoof to his chin. “Harbinger? Anything?”

“Fuck no.” The red unicorn grumbled. He appeared to have grown more irritable over the course of this study session. “Just glad to be done with this damned duty.” He stalked away, leaving the two of them behind. Even though she had just met him, Twilight could tell that was a rather unnecessary comment. Even Crest seemed offended.

“Is he...?”

“A little bitter? Yes... I didn’t want to mention it, but the two of us have been kept from our own duties as of late because of this.” Twilight was loathe to discover her assumption was true. There were other ponies counting on the Archmage, and her absence was weighing heavily on their minds. “He was injured slightly last week... Just a minor burn, but it was the first we had sustained since we began. It’s weighing heavy on his mind, it seems... I’ll have a chat with him. I dare say we’ll both be well rested enough after today.”

“Of course... Thank you, Crest. You two have been remarkably helpful.” Twilight smiled and offered a hoof. Crest chuckled and wrapped her in a hug instead, pulling her close in a surprisingly strong embrace.

“Think nothing of it, Twilight. Harbinger’s always been a rough individual. You learn to take it in stride.”

“It seems as if you two-”

“Before you ask,” Crest chuckled, cutting her off. “We are partners. In more ways than one.”

“I see.” Twilight smiled. “I’m glad. I hope you’re good to him.”

“I’m one of the only ponies who’s good to him, it seems...” Crest looked across the chamber at the door Harbinger had disappeared through. “We’ve always been friends, ever since academy... But it’s only lately we’ve begun to realize our true feelings for one another. Give him time, Twilight. Harbinger will come around, and be only slightly offensive.”

“As opposed to moderately offensive?” Twilight teased. She and Crest shared a laugh before the white unicorn excused himself, trotting off to catch up with Harbinger. Twilight sighed and looked down at the book they had been studying before leaving the room. She walked slow, going over the formulas and spells she would need to cast for her new duty. There was still quite some time before she needed to be there, though the sky was beginning to turn from pitch black to a deep purple. She was the first to arrive at the Northern tower, followed shortly by Celestia.

“Aah. Twilight, good morning.” The princess smiled at Twilight as she came up the stairs onto the highest balcony. Twilight turned around, a smile on her face as she walked forward to embrace her teacher.

“Good morning to you too, princess. Did you sleep well?”

“Foals don’t sleep that well, Twilight.” Celestia nuzzled Twilight’s neck affectionately, filling her with a sense of motherly affection that Twilight hadn’t realized she missed so much... Twilight wondered if Celestia felt the same way... Luna joined them shortly, and was greeted by two smiles as bright as day.

“You two seem awfully happy.” She led into the conversation hesitantly, her own lips curled upwards only slightly. “What’s the occasion?”

“Just happy to be making progress.” Twilight sat on her haunches, beaming at Luna happily. While there were still many things she and the princess had to hash out, there wasn’t any reason to be outwardly angry with her anymore. At the very least, Twilight could be professional. This morning, it seemed, she was just in a good mood... Here she was, Archmage of Canterlot, performing real Archmage duties, at the assistance of both princesses simultaneously.

“Hmm. Well, let’s see how well you can withstand our combined power.” Luna flapped her wings, as if she were stretching, before nodding at Celestia. “Sister. Are you ready?”

“Always, Luna. Twilight, are you prepared?”

“As I’ll ever be.” Twilight nodded. She moved to the position Harbinger and Crest had indicated on a diagram in the book, standing firmly, her magic at the ready.

“Very well... Let us begin.” Luna smiled and strode to the left side of the balcony, turning to the West and the moon hanging low in the sky. Celestia stood opposite her, facing the dark purple scar on the Eastern horizon. Together, both princesses glanced at Twilight.

Okay... Prepare the shadow shield first, as Luna lowers the moon... Twilight sought her inner calm, bringing to mind the formula for her shield. With a soft breath, she opened herself up, letting the night fill her veins with energy. Her horn pulsed with dark energy, pulling the shadows in and around her in a bubble. Luna, seeing the shield in place, summoned her own dark magic. From her position on the balcony, Twilight could see the shroud of shadow pulse outwards, covering the white glow of the moon. Luna’s magic was so powerful, it reached through the atmosphere and out into the heavens, gripping that massive orb of rock. With a shudder and a soft grunt, Luna began to lower the moon beneath the horizon...

“Adjust two minutes North.” Twilight said, noting the position of the moon against one of the mountains.

“Understood.” Luna made the adjustment, the slight shift in the moon almost imperceptible.

“Four-point-two minutes northwest, half a degree clockwise.”

“Understood.” Twilight was guiding the moon through Luna, each small adjustment ensuring the moon set where it was supposed to.

“That... Looks good.” Twilight affirmed, nodding at Luna.

“Here we go...” Luna’s horn glowed more densely as she pushed the moon down below the horizon. The pulsing energy radiated outwards much more firmly, the long tendrils licking at Twilight’s shield. She grunted with the effort of keeping it intact, her hooves spread wide. She could handle it, she just needed to focus... It was at that point, though, that Celestia began to raise the sun. With a gasp, Twilight changed her psyche. While the shadow shield was still intact, Twilight harnessed the incumbent energies of Equestria, her inner will bending the forces of magic and the arcane to her beck and call.

“Haah!” With a vocalisation, Twilight cast a shield of pure, golden sunlight, just as the first radiant wave of energy crashed into it. She skidded a few inches across the stone, fighting to keep both shields intact at the same time. In that moment, fighting the powerful shadow energy Luna was emitting, and being subject to the vicious waves of golden light coming off of Celestia, Twilight understood something...

Balance.

The Archmage was about keeping the balance steady between magic. Not just shadow and light, but love and hate, nature and the arcane... All of the magics in the world opposed and countered one another. It was up to Twilight to walk the thin line between them all...

“Point four-three minutes north, three degrees left!” Twilight shouted over the rushing, swirling sound of magic.

“I got it!” Celestia answered. The sun adjusted it’s direction just barely, and then began to rise... The magic all around her intensified, and Twilight doubled her efforts to keep the shields intact. Before her very eyes, light and shadow swirled together, the combined tendrils of power crashing against her over and again, but she never yielded. The night gave her enough power to keep her safe from Luna’s power, and she was commanding enough energy to block the secondary rays of brilliant magic from Celestia.

Simultaneously.

“Aah,” Twilight groaned, both the shields dropping. It was daytime now, the sun casting long shadows over the ground, bathing everything with it’s muted, early-morning glow. Twilight was safe. The moon rested beyond the horizon, and the sun was slowly coming over the edge of the mountains.

“Three minutes, fourteen seconds.” Twilight reported, her coat broken out in a thin sheen of sweat.

“You performed well, Twilight. Do you think you can do that every morning and every night?” Celestia smiled down at her, the princess’ mane much more lively and animated in the sunlight. Luna, on the other hoof, seemed rather fatigued. As if she were tired. Her mane drooped listlessly and her royal regalia didn’t seem to shine or glimmer as it had.

“I believe so, yes.” Twilight nodded with a soft smile.

“Very well, then. I will see you this evening for sunset.” Celestia smiled and left the balcony, leaving a fatigued Luna and Twilight alone.

“Did you want to talk some more?” Luna asked softly, managing a smile despite her tired experience.

“Uum... If you want to rest, then-”

“Thank you.” Luna nodded, her head sagging slightly. Twilight hadn’t noticed before, but Luna seemed oddly spent during the day. Twilight knew it was because of her element, but this morning seemed much worse than she had ever seen before... The morning of Nocturnal Glow’s ceremony, for instance, Luna seemed very healthy and awake. Now, though, Luna just seemed so off... Twilight followed her off of the balcony and into the cooler recesses of the northern tower, her expression slightly concerned.

“Luna,” Twilight said, stopping the princess. Now that she was out of the direct sunlight, Luna looked slightly better, but only marginally...

“Yes, Twilight?”

“I... I just wanted to say that...” Twilight heaved a sigh, trying to collect her thoughts. The raising and setting of the sun, learning all the formulas and observations she needed to take care of, all the things it felt like she needed to take care of, Twilight hadn’t had much of a chance to speak with Luna. Let alone explore her own feelings on the matter. But she could say this much... She raised her head back to Luna, looking at her in the eyes.

“If... If we want to give this... Us... A try. We can.”

Luna smiled before wrapping her in a warm, passionate embrace.