Stargazing Together

by slateblu1

Chapters

• Luna's Return
• Night of the Gala
• A Talk With a Friend
• The First Night
• Waiting for the Sun to Rise
• A Tale not Told
• A Day at the Fair
• Confessions
• A Session with Twilight
• Perilous Times
• Of Empty Hearts and Missing Minds
• Epilogue
• Chapter i
• Sequel (ish)

Luna's Return

Luna’s Return

Twilight sat at her desk, the afternoon sunlight streaming in through her window, lighting up her room. Her room in the library was still neat, the pony not having had enough time to get books strewn about. There were a few though, resting open around her desk, strewn haphazardly across her room. A closer glance of the books would reveal them to all relate to the same topic, friendship. From the psychology of friendship to novels of friends overcoming great obstacles, everything Twilight could find was there. The little pony hadn't had many friends in Canterlot, having spent all her time studying. As her mentor, Princess Celestia, had given her a new assignment, to learn about the magic of friendship, she needed a place to start.

She sat there wondering how she was going to learn lessons on friendship to report to her mentor, Princess Celestia. She knew that somehow she would learn about friendship, and would just have to wait until it happened. Perhaps those ponies that had helped her defeat Nightmare Moon would help her to learn the lessons. If anyone, they were the closest she had to friends. Relaxing back onto her flank, she continued pondering how everything would work out.

While flipping through a textbook on pony psychology, Twilight heard a loud burping sound, one very familiar to her. Though Spike had been her closest friend for many years, and they shared a close bond, he was still a baby. Every now and then she needed to remind him of his manners, doing her best to raise him well. Shaking her head, Twilight was about to call out to Spike to remind him of those easily forgotten manners when the little purple dragon burst into the room, carrying a scroll. “Letter from the Princess, Twilight!” he shouted, running straight up to her. Twilight took the letter away from her friend, her annoyance changing immediately to curiosity, levitating the scroll with her magic over to her. She unfurled it and began to read.

My faithful student Twilight Sparkle,

I would like to thank you for your willingness to take on this task I have set you. I must confess that I had ulterior motives for asking this of you. You see, I worry that my sister Luna won’t be able to easily adjust back into the world. She has been gone for a thousand years after all. I was hoping to use your reports on friendship to help her learn, and hopefully reintegrate back in a smoother fashion. While it may not be much, I feel it can help, and wanted to ask your permission first, as they are letters from you to me.

Your mentor,

Princess Celestia

Twilight sped through the letter, taking in every word. Sitting back, Twilight thought for only a moment before deciding that she would love to help Princess Luna readjust. She quickly dictated a reply to Spike, letting the princess know of her agreement to the plan, and then had the little dragon send off her letter with his usual puff of green fire.

Celestia stood alone in the throne room of the place, next to her white marble throne, shifting nervously. Her sun shone through the stained glass windows, blanketing the room in its warm, multicolored, glow. The light glistened off her stone throne, making it sparkle in the evening light. It had been just over a day since her sister had returned, and her student, Twilight, and her friends had used the Elements of Harmony to do away with Nightmare Moon. Though the black alicorn that had tried to overthrow her was gone, Celestia still worried about her sister, and how she would return to the world. She began pacing, hoping to hear back as soon as possible from her student, wanting to help her sister in any way she could.

Turning around to continue pacing, she noticed a puff of green fire float into the throne room, curling and shifting as it drifted over to her. As soon as the flames reached her they turned into a scroll with a small pop, hovering for just a moment. Before it could begin to fall the Princess took it with her magic, unrolled it, and sat down to read Twilight’s reply.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I would love to help your sister in any way I can. I understand that you did not want to draw attention to any issues Princess Luna may be having, and so did not ask me directly when you gave me this assignment. Please, if there is anything else I can do to help, I would love to.

Your faithful student,

Twilight Sparkle

Celestia smiled, knowing how much it would mean to Twilight to help the princess with anything. She rolled up to letter, and sent it to her study, to rest with all the other letters she had received from her protégé. Rising from the floor, the princess of the sun trotted out of the throne room to talk with her sister.

Princess Luna had taken residence in her old room, having missed it over the last thousand years. Though she had spent most of her exile as Nightmare Moon, she had still missed such simple things as a soft bed to sleep on, and meals to enjoy. Luna had decided to make sure that even if her beautiful night sky was ignored by the ponies, she would not allow her jealousy to bring back the Nightmare.  As she climbed onto her bed, resting happily and looking forward to the future, a gentle knock sounded from her door. Knowing that only her sister could be on the other side of the door, as so few outside of the royal guards knew of whom she truly was, the princess sighed to herself. Wondering why her sister wanted to talk with her, the princess of the night climbed back out of her bed, walked over to her door, and opened it wide. “Why hello sister, what brings you to my chambers this time of day?” She asked pleasantly, yet very confused.

“My dear sister, I wanted to talk to you about certain things,” Celestia smiled, giving her sister a hug. “First though, I want to apologize.” At this Celestia closed the door, wanting to have their privacy “I feel horrible about what I did to you, my own sister. Can you ever forgive me for what I did?” Tears had begun to form in the alicorn’s eyes as she openly admitted to her feelings. It had taken her time to build the courage she needed to admit to her wrongs to her sister. She had worried endlessly over the last few decades over how her sister would treat her when she returned.

Luna smiled, knowing that her sister was sincere, and understanding the pain it must have caused her. “I am willing to forgive you sister. I must ask you some things first though. Why? What lead you to deciding to exile me for so long? Why didn’t you act sooner, before I was corrupted by the Nightmare?”

Celestia sighed, having fully expected these questions. “I didn’t act sooner because I was ignorant and arrogant. I didn’t know how badly you were hurting until it was too late, and I never considered it a problem. You seemed happy on the outside, so I assumed you were on the inside. And for all of that I am truly sorry.” Luna nodded, understanding her sister a bit more. Celestia’s eyes turned toward the floor as she continued. “When you finally did change, I was scared. I realized then how unhappy you were, and I was scared of you. I banished you out of fear, scared of what you would do to me. I exiled you for so long because I didn’t want to have to worry about you. I knew that your imprisonment would not last forever, but I hoped that by the time you returned you would have calmed down. Only later did I realize that banishing you would only serve to make you angrier.” The words rolled out of her mouth, the princess finally having the courage to face her sister over the choices she made a millennium ago.

Celestia hung her head, ashamed, truly ashamed of what she had done. Luna walked up and gave her a small nuzzle, whispering “I forgive you sister. I understand how hard it must have been. I am glad to have returned, and I do not wish for that to ever happen again. I do however have one last question.” Celestia looked up, not having expected a third. “Why did you change to calendar? I have noticed that it now reads the year as one thousand, exactly as long as I have been gone.”

Celestia was stunned. Nopony had ever asked about the calendar. But she knew the answer, and knew that somepony someday would ask. “To remind me. I had to put on a brave face for the country, they needed me to lead. When they asked after I changed it, I said it was to mark the war that had cost so many ponies their lives. So that we may never forget what happened. But it was my own punishment.” The princess’ voice began to waver as she spoke, the few tears remaining beginning to roll down her muzzle. “I did it to remind me, every day, of what I had done to you. So that I would never be able to forget what I did.”

It was Luna’s turn to be shocked. To her, Celestia had done no wrong, had done what was needed to protect Equestria. Placing her head under her sister with a small nuzzle she whispered “You did no wrong sister. You did what was needed to keep Equestria together.” Celestia gave a small whimper, though returned the light caress. “I was at fault.” Again Luna gave her sister a small nuzzle. Celestia smiled, returning the light nuzzle. “Now Tia, what is it you wished to talk to me about?”

“The world has changed in the thousand years you’ve been gone.” Celestia’s head shot up as she fell into her lecture mode. It was more of a defense mechanism for her than anything else. Knowing that it was a part of her sister, Luna simply accepted the change in pace and sat to listen. “It may be hard for you to readjust, as much is different.” Luna nodded, having believed as much. In her short time in Ponyville she noticed how differently the ponies spoke, and the changes in how they acted toward her sister. “As you know I have given my student Twilight Sparkle the task of writing reports on the magic of friendship to me. I would like to share these with you, as they may be a start for you to get back into the flow of society. Though they may be specifically on friendship, I feel that they are a good place for you to start.”

“I do not wish to intrude upon your student’s privacy my sister. I will gladly accept this generous offer, but I wish to make sure that Twilight is okay with it.” Luna knew how important the privacy of a pony was, and she did not want one of her first recorded acts to be that of invasion of privacy.

Celestia nodded, having expected as much. “Do not worry Luna. I have asked her already, and I am happy to say she has agreed.”

Luna sighed happily, nodding her agreement. “Then I shall gladly accept these reports. I wish to make friends, and rule alongside you.” She hardly had any friends before her banishment, and would have to make all new ones now. She smiled and relaxed, thinking about her future. Celestia took her leave, closing the door behind her, leaving her sister to ponder on her own.

Though Luna was grateful for her sister’s suggestion, she had other reasons for accepting. “Twilight Sparkle,” she thought to herself. “The pony who freed me from the Nightmare I had become. I wonder what kind of pony she is.” The princess of the night sighed, and climbed back into her bed, determined to get sleep to be ready for her first night back as a true princess of Equestria, and all the responsibilities that came with it.

Twilight’s first letter arrived, barely a week after Luna’s conversation with her sister. Though the princess of the sun read the letter first, to make sure her student was on keeping up with her studies, and to send her student six tickets to the Gala, with an extra after for spike, she quickly passed it to the princess of the night.

Having raised the moon for the first time that night, Luna sat back, admiring her night sky. Sitting there happily, she noticed a scroll floating outside her window. Opening the window, the scroll floated in. Luna took the scroll with her magic, walked back to her bed to sit and relax, and opened it to find Twilight’s first letter.

She read the letter, about sharing your blessings with your friends, and how she was returning the tickets her sister had sent her. She found it odd that anypony would turn down tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala, the most formal occasion of the year. “Though,” she mused to herself, “perhaps that is one of the things about friends. They become more important to you than anything else.” Luna decided to take this lesson to heart, knowing it would help her make friends down the road.

Trotting back over to her window, she levitated the letter out the window and back up to her sister. Once she was sure it was safe, she took to gazing once more at her night sky.  She found all the constellations she had formed over her many years, remembering the stories to go along with each. Out of curiosity, Luna began wondering how many ponies were enjoying her night, wondering if anything had changed. Not expecting to find any, she cast a spell out, slowly blanketing Equestria with her gaze, looking for anypony still awake and enjoying the stars. Just as she was about to give up hope, she found a small light, a single pony gazing upon the heavens, just enjoying the sight.

Luna focused more and found that it was none other than Twilight. She sat there gazing upon the heavens, lost in wonder at their beauty. As Luna realized that the small lavender pony was truly enjoying the starts, her heart warmed to the small pony. Ending her spell, she joined Twilight in gazing upon the night sky.

The rest of the night passed without incident, Luna spending it deciding how to best alter the heavens now that she had returned. They were her domain, and she needed to make sure the night sky changed, as it was supposed to. As morning came she joined her sister for a meal, the two of them conversing lightly over the events of the night. When the time came Luna lowered the moon as Celestia raised the sun. Before Celestia could walk away to be swept up in the duties of the day, Luna called out to her. “Sister! If we may, we have some questions for you.”

The pure white alicorn turned and smiled, asking “Yes little sister?”

“Has Twilight always enjoyed the night sky?”

The older of the sisters nodded with a smile. “Yes, she has. Even before becoming my pupil, she loved the night sky. She would often stay up late, gazing into the sky, just enjoying the sight. Some of her favorite assignments were related to astronomy.”

“Thank you sister. We hope that one day we can be friends with her.” Luna smiled to herself and began walking away.

“Luna!” Celestia called out before she could walk away. “There is little need for the royal ‘we’ now days. You needn’t use it if you don’t wish to, and I must say, the ponies will take to you better if you don’t use it. It seems to intimidate them.”

Luna turned her head around and nodded “Thank you sister, we, I mean I, will do my best.” She continued walking back to her room, tired from her night. She reached her room, climbed into her bed, and fell asleep, her thoughts turning back to her plans for the stars.

As she awoke the next night, she found her thoughts on Twilight Sparkle. Wondering what would have caused her thoughts to take this turn, she went to her breakfast. Still tired she ate quietly, thinking over her thoughts as she had awoken. “Why was Twilight upon my mind this evening?” the princess thought to herself. “True, she is a wonderful pony, and I hope to be her friend, is it not strange to wake to thoughts of somepony?” She finished her oats happily, deciding that the matters of the mind were not ones worth worrying about. Raising the moon as Celestia lowered the sun, Luna bid her sister a good night, and allowed her thoughts to return to how best to change to stars.

A thought suddenly occurred to her as she began to slowly work upon the night. Why not check to see if Twilight was watching the sky again? She cast her spell, looking for Twilight, and quickly found her, this time looking through her telescope. Following the pony’s gaze, Luna found that she was inspecting the moon, scanning its surface. Luna gazed happily at the pony, enjoying the night as much as she. As Twilight went to bed, the princess silently thanked her for her enjoyment of the night. Luna turned her thoughts back to her plans for the night, once again beginning to move the stars, and slowly shift the cosmos, as the night passed before her.

Night of the Gala

Night of the Gala

The weeks passed, with Luna reading Twilights reports every week, learning more and more about friendship. From the lesson on being proud of who you are, but not a show off, to being willing to accept somepony, even if they seem a little strange at first glance. And every night Luna would check to see if Twilight was awake to see the sky. While there were a few nights that she wasn’t, almost every night she was looking through her telescope, taking notes on the stars, or just happily gazing into the heavens. As the princess had begun to slowly change the heavens, Twilight was one of the first to notice, having been taking though notes on every movement.

Eventually the night of the Gala was at hand. Having learned from her sister that Twilight would be attending, having been sent seven tickets in total, one for each of her friends and her. Luna was determined to meet, and thank, the little lavender pony from whom she had learned so much. The princess sat in the dressing room she shared with Celestia, getting her dress ready for the Gala, when her older sister walked in.

“Oh, hello Tia. How goes the preparations for the Gala?” Luna asked calmly, barely looking up.

“Hello Luna” she replied happily. “The Palace is ready for the Gala this evening, though I do wish it was not such a long held tradition. It is always such a bore.” Celestia sat down next to her sister, and began applying makeup herself.

“Sister, I must ask. How do these brushes work, and what are they for?” Luna asked, nodding towards the blush. Celestia laughed to herself, and began showing her sister what they were used for.

“Well that’s the blush. I wouldn’t recommend it for you; the colors wouldn’t match your coat. However, the eye shadow, in the right color,” Celestia lifted a brush, “would look quite nice. May I apply it for you?” Luna nodded, closing her eyes to permit her sister to paint the deep purple eye shadow onto her lids. “And this is the lipstick,” Celestia continued, putting away the shadow. Luna opened her eyes to see a case full of what looked like simple plastic black tubes. “None of the brighter colors would do for you though, so perhaps…” she trailed off, looking through the case for a moment, her magic tilting them as she looked through the large box, before pulling out a black, simple tube, opening it to reveal to Luna what appeared to be a pointed piece of dark blue plastic inside. “Try this one. Gently apply it to your lips, and then make sure it’s nice and even.”

Luna did as she was instructed, surprised to find that the color transferred from the tube to her lips so easily. “Thank you sister. I hope to make a good impression upon Canterlot this evening.”

Celestia glanced at her sister, a knowing smile forming on her face “Is there anypony in particular you wish to meet? Or just the ponies in general?”

Luna smiled to herself, her thoughts turning to a certain unicorn. “Well yes, there is a pony I would like to meet with. I have been planning on meeting your student Twilight. I wish to speak with her. She seems well versed in the current social climate. I hope you do not mind.”

Celestia sighed. “Luna, I understand that you are trying to rejoin society, but I believe your efforts would be better spent working on making friends, and then having them slowly ease you in.”

Luna nodded slowly. “Well, I suppose you are right sister. I hope you do not mind my intent to speak with her, and possibly become her friend.”

“I don’t mind at all little sister. She is a good unicorn, and I hope you two become good friends.” Celestia sighed, a small smile playing on her lips, before adding, “If I may suggest it, I believe your first meeting with her would go much smoother without the Royal Canterlot Voice. The voice has fallen out of tradition, and I haven’t used it in years.”

Luna nodded slowly, thinking over her sister’s advice. “Well yes, I suppose that meeting with just Twilight would not warrant the Royal Canterlot Voice, but do you not use it to address your subjects? We always used before.” Luna slipped back into the royal ‘we’ for a moment, having become lost in thought.

“No, I haven’t used it to address our subjects in years, only using it when I need it to be heard. It has fallen out of fashion. It may scare the ponies to hear it, as I do not think any of the ponies have heard it before.” Celestia finished her own makeup and turned to eye her sister’s mane. “If I may ask, how to you plan to wear your mane tonight? Blowing and of the night sky, or your natural somewhat light blue?”

Luna thought to herself a moment, wonder what would be best for first impressions. “Sister, I believe I will wear it regal tonight. I am a princess of Equestria, and I must look the part.”

Sighing to herself, Celestia responded, “Sister, I will be presiding over the Gala tonight. There is no need for you to wear your mane up if you don’t wish to.”

Luna rolled her eyes. “If you say so sister. I must confess it is a lot of work to imbue it with such cosmic energy. I shall wear it plain then.” While it would look much more regal, perhaps she shouldn't come off as a high and mighty princess right away. She needed her subjects to trust her, not just fear and respect her.

Celestia nodded, glad to have convinced her sister. Having finished her preparations, the princess stood, and gave her sister a light kiss, wrapping a forehoof around her sister’s shoulders. “I must be off to the Gala sister. I don’t know how many of those attending are expecting to see you. However, to be honest, you may still scare them, I’m not sure. Very few are aware of what happened during your return, and some may still be scared of you, thinking you to be Nightmare Moon. Please, be careful this evening.”

Luna nodded sadly, not being surprised at the prospect of a somewhat cold response to her return. Only Twilight and her friends knew what had truly occurred when she returned, and the difference between Nightmare Moon and Princess Luna. The rest of the ponies may just see Nightmare Moon, and turn to flee from her. She wanted to make good first impressions, and was hoping Twilight would help her achieve this. The princess finished her preparations, and used her magic to pull her dress on. It was a flowing, black gown, small gems twinkling as she moved, looking for all the world like the night sky. Luna admired her dress, and sat, waiting for it to be late enough for her to slip into the Gala unnoticed.

As she began her walk to the gala a crash sounded from below. It was shortly followed by more, the whole palace shaking with the force of the impacts. Luna’s first thought was of worry, only something very large, crashing into other equally large things could have made that din. She did not want to see her lovely palace destroyed so soon after her return. As Luna began sprinting towards the sound, she heard another crash, that of doors being thrown wide. The princess stopped, unsure of what to do, before hearing an echo from below. “You’re going to LOVE ME!” the voice cried out over the sounds of the resulting stampede.

Luna pulled herself out of shock and began running towards the Gala again, faster than before. She had barely gone ten steps before she saw Twilight and her friends running from the sounds. If Celestia’s student was leaving, then her sister was probably handling everything herself. Luna decided that she could leave it to her sister as well. While she wanted to maintain her image as a princess, she wasn’t going to usurp her sister, or go anywhere near a disaster, lest she be blamed for it. The princess sighed and turned to follow the others out, knowing that Celestia would make sure everything was okay.

Luna followed the small entourage, finding herself at Pony Joe’s. She looked in to see the ponies sitting down with a small purple dragon with green scales. She looked on, not wanting to disturb the friends as they talked. As she watched from the shadows outside the bakery, her sister walked up behind her.

“Why hello there Luna. I take it you avoided the Gala tonight? Not that anypony can blame you, the Gala was a disaster. Though, I must say,” Celestia added more to herself than anypony else, “the very disaster it became made it the best Gala ever. It is always such a bore.”

Luna turned around to see her sister smiling happily “Is everypony alright?” she asked, worry for her subjects etched on her face.

“Ohh don’t worry sister. I was able to calm everypony down, and return the critters to the garden. Fluttershy had scared them into a stampede.”

Luna nodded to herself, glad that everything had ended well. “Sister,” Luna began hesitantly. “I expect that these ponies have had a trying night, and I do not want to bother them. I do still wish to meet with Twilight, though now that it has come to it, I am afraid. What if she does not wish to speak with me? We didn’t exactly have the best of meetings.” Luna let her confusion flow out of her, her eyes becoming downcast as she spoke.

“Luna, go wait in the palace garden.” The older alicorn spoke softly, trying to reassure her sister. “I will go in and speak with Twilight. If she seems open to the idea, I will send her along to meet with you. Would that work for you?” Luna nodded slowly,. “And don’t worry little sister; I’m sure that Twilight would be glad to make a new friend.”

Luna smiled, “Thank you again sister. Please, do not force Twilight to meet with me. I would rather she willingly comes to talk with me than anything else.”  Celestia nodded her response and trotted into the bakery as Luna took off to wait in the garden.

Entering the garden, Luna felt a level of ease return to her. She always loved being in the garden, often relaxing amongst the flowers and brush, letting time simply pass. She picked her way through the shrubs into the deeper parts of the garden, looking for a small spot she used to hide in to relax. Though the bushes had grown, and plants moved around, Luna was still able to find her little spot.  It was a small circle of grass with flora growing on all sides. It was her spot.

Luna sat back on her flank and relaxed, gazing at the sky, while listening for the sounds of Twilights approach. She traced the constellations, her mind turning to the eventual shifts she would have to make. Eventually the sound of hooves upon grass reached her ears, bringing her back from the tranquil state she had reached. The princess was about to call out, expecting Twilight, when she realized that the sound was coming straight for her. For a brief moment, Luna thought that somepony was coming to her spot, before she balked at the idea. Nopony should know about her secret spot, she had hidden herself away in that little island of grass so many times, and they never found her. And yet, the sound of the hooves grew closer, walking strait towards her. Luna backed away from them, confused.

Hiding herself in the shadows cast by her moon, Luna waited for the pony to pass. Then, the sound of the hooves stopped, for just a moment, before a new sound reached the princess of the moon. Now somepony was pushing their way through the brush, headed straight for her circle of grass. She hid herself more, not sure of what to do.

Just as Luna was about to call out to the pony, Twilight burst through to bushed, tripped over a small branch, and fell into the circle to be bathed in moonlight. The lavender pony stood, shook herself free of the layer of dust coating her flank, sat back and gazed up on the stars. Luna let out a small sigh, silently chastising herself. She should have known it was Twilight, probably looking for her. She quietly stepped from the shadows, trotted over, and sat down next to the pony lost in thought.

“Hello Twilight. We are glad to see somepony enjoying our night.”

Twilight jumped, surprised at the princess being so close. Again the lavender unicorn fell on her back, and quickly righted herself “Ohh hello, Princess Luna!” she stammered, flustered from both shock, and proximity to the dark blue alicorn. She bowed before the princess, doing her best to quickly regain her composure. “Celestia told me to meet you in the garden, and I thought I would stop here for a moment, and then search for you.”

The alicorn nodded, a smile playing across her lips. “Rise Twilight Sparkle. We had come here ourself to wait for thee, and were going to begin looking for you soon.” Luna looked down at the unicorn as he stood, gazing up at the princess. “We, I mean I,” Luna continued, her voice softening as she dropped the royal we, “must admit, I did not believe anypony else knew about this place. It was always my place to hide when I wanted to be left alone. How did you find this place?” the alicorn asked, cocking her head to one side, her mild curiosity showing through.

“Well, I’ve always loved the night,” Twilight began, shifting nervously. “And often times I wanted to read by moonlight rather than candle light.” The princess gave a small smile at this, letting Twilight continue. “So I took to reading out in the garden. However, the guards always bothered me about safety, saying that the princess’ protégé should be inside where it’s safe.” The unicorn rolled her eyes at the memory. “And every night they would shoo me back inside. I didn’t want to stop reading by moonlight, so one day I started searching the garden for a place to read at night. Eventually I found this place, and have spent many long nights reading under the stars.” Nervousness showed itself in every word the unicorn spoke, her gaze falling as she finished. “I’m sorry to have intruded upon your space Princess Luna.”

“It is nothing little pony. It pleases me to no end to hear that you enjoy reading under the moonlight. Though I would like to ask, did you know of the story of my banishment? And why is it the moonlight that you like to read under?” Luna had spent much time looking down over Equestria while the Nightmare had plotted revenge.

“Well, I had heard of the mare in the moon. But the way my brother told it to me, you sounded like a lonely girl, trapped in the moon. I decided I would be friends with you. That’s when I got my love of the night sky. And when I read outside, under your moon, I felt like somepony was watching over me.” Twilight smiled sheepishly as she admitted her feelings to the princess.

Luna was taken aback by Twilights response. It was true that she was lonely, and that she did her best to watch over Equestria at night, but Twilight had wanted to be her friend. To the unicorn, she wasn’t a monster, some dark specter to scare little ponies into going to bed, but a lonely mare, one who needed a friend. Luna sat quietly for a moment, a tear making its way to her eye. Quickly blinking it away, she composed herself. “Thank you Twilight Sparkle. That means much to me.”

“Of course Princess Luna.” Twilight stammered, surprised that Luna had composed herself so quickly. Shifting nervously, Twilight moved closer to the princess, trying to comfort her.

“Please, be not afraid of me Twilight Sparkle.” Luna had seen the apprehension on Twilight’s face as she spoke, and wished to calm her. “I wish merely to speak with you tonight.” The lavender unicorn sighed, relieved that the princess was okay. “Thank you. As I am sure my sister has informed you, I am trying to rejoin society.” Luna quickly moved on, her business like demeanor settling back in. “Your letters on friendship have helped greatly, as I have never been one for making friends. If I am able to make friends with the ponies in Canterlot, I am sure that they will again accept me as their princess, and no longer fear me.”

“Princess Luna,” Twilight began. “I’m not sure if the ponies of Equestria do fear you. Only those in Ponyville at the time of your return saw Nightmare Moon. And all of them were also there for the party Pinkie Pie through for you to welcome you back to Equestria, as Princess Luna. I don’t think they fear you.” Twilight’s voice wavered as she spoke, trying her best to sound reassuring while her nerves finished calming. “And those who weren’t there have only heard of Nightmare Moon in the legends. I doubt any of them fear you, or know that you used to be the same pony. I think they simply don’t know who you are yet and don’t know how they should react to you.”

Luna’s face brightened at Twilights words, taking comfort in them “Thank you Twilight Sparkle. It is nice to know that it is not fear they show towards me, but confusion.” The unicorn nodded in response, hoping that Luna was happy. Confusion was a much easier emotion to work past than fear after all. “Twilight Sparkle,” she began.

“Please princess. You can call me just Twilight.”

Luna nodded as she continued. “Alright then, Twilight. Would you be my first friend? Your brother was right, I do need a friend.”

The lavender unicorns face broke into a massive smile “I would be honored Princess Luna. Though I think Pinkie might be jealous that I beat her to becoming friends with you.”

The alicorn gave a small laugh at Twilights words. “Thank you Twilight, it means much to me. If you do not mind Twilight, I would be delighted if you were to stay here and gaze at the stars with me.”

“I would love to Princess. And, may I call you just Luna?”

The princess had to think for a moment. While it was unheard of to address royalty so informally, she knew it would be much easier for the young mare. And perhaps it would help her readjust to society faster. “Yes Twilight, you may. And Twilight, thank you for loving the night.”

“Thank you Luna, for creating such a beauty for ponies to behold.”

The two ponies sat back and gazed upon the stars and moon, quietly talking about the objects of their view, and the times they were reminded of.

It soon grew late, and Twilight had to leave to return home. “Thank you Luna. This has been wonderful. If you ever wish to visit, you’re welcome any time.” The unicorn smiled, hoping to introduce Luna to the other bearers of the Elements of Harmony, who she knew would love to meet Luna, and who must be wondering where she was.

“I would love that Twilight.” Luna responded, standing with her friend. “However, I wish my first visit to Ponyville to be somewhat more formal that just dropping out of the sky, as it is much easier to explain to the other ponies.” The princess sighed, knowing how nopony ever took a visit from a princess lightly. The look on Twilights face told her she must be thinking along the same lines.

“Well,” the unicorn started, having thought hard for an excuse for the princes. “Then, why not come on Nightmare Night? It’s a celebration of fright and Nightmare Moon. I know you’re not her anymore, but it would still be a good excuse to show up.”

Luna considered the proposition, mulling it over. “That is a splendid idea Twilight. Though I wish to consult with my sister first. I am sure there are preparations to be made.” Twilight nodded and slowly stood to leave. She sighed, having enjoyed talking about the stars. She made a mental note to gaze into the heavens more often.

“Thank you again Princess Luna. I look forward to introducing you properly to the rest of my friends.” The unicorn slowly picked her way back through the bushes, quickly vanishing from sight and leaving Luna alone with her thoughts.

“A pony who enjoys the night. I did not expect that.” The princess said out loud to herself. “I hope to be good friends with her.” She sat back on her flank to look up at her stars more when a voice quietly answered her.

“True, a pony who enjoys the night is rare. However, I believe that Twilight is no ordinary pony.” The voice stated simply. “We must make sure to not lose her.” Luna sprung to her hooves, staring around wildly for the source of the voice.

“Who are thee?” she cried, falling back into her royal voice as she spun around, trying to find the owner of the voice. “Show thineself!”

“Ohh please don’t say you’ve forgotten me,” the voice pleaded, sounding very hurt. “We talked for so very long on the moon. You helped to keep me sane.”

Luna was taken aback at these words, as she realized that they came from her own mind. “Nightmare Moon?” she whispered quietly.

“No, and yes.” The voice sighed, understanding her confusion. “I hope you have not forgotten who I was before being consumed by hatred and jealousy. I was her for a time, but the same elements that banished us to the moon recently cleansed me of my hatred. Please tell me you remember who I am.”

Luna sighed, sitting back on her flank. She knew who owned that voice in her mind, but was afraid to speak her name. It had been over a thousand years since they last spoke, and Luna had no idea how her oldest friend had changed. “Why should I trust you? How do I know you’re not lying to me like a thousand years ago?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She was stalling, doing her best to compose herself and plan out her actions.

“I have no way to prove it to you other than my word. But I remember everything that went on during our banishment, my banishment.” Though Luna could no more see the owner of the voice than the back of her own head, she knew the owner had hung its head in shame. “I very much doubt Celestia knows the true nature of our relationship, for I know that she would never have banished you. It was I who tried to overthrow her, and bring eternal night. Not you. And for dragging you along with me to the moon, I am sorry.”

“I still do not know if I can trust you, even if you are my old friend. You sound just like Nightmare did,” Luna sighed before adding, “and you still scare me. I do not wish for a repeat of a thousand years ago.”

“I understand. But remember that Nightmare sounded just like me. My voice hasn’t changed, only your view of me.” Luna felt the voice sigh, as if it had sat down in the corners of her mind. “Do what you will with me, but please, name me first. I want to know that you remember who I am, and not just who I became.”

Luna stood, not sure of what to do. After thinking it over for a while she decided to hide that other side of her, from everypony. She would do her best to figure out if she could be trusted on her own first. If it seemed like she wouldn’t have the strength, or that her other half was trying to escape, she would go to her sister. “Alright friend, if I can call you that. I will not say I trust you, but I will give you a chance. Until you have proven yourself I will not let you out Nightmare,” at the mention of the name, the voice sighed sadly. “But, if you prove to me that I can trust you, that you truly are my old friend Mare, I will. Not until then.”

The voice in Luna’s head sighed again, accepting her fate. “Thank you for a chance Luna. I will prove myself to you.” Luna felt the presence the voice brought with it fade into the back of her mind, disappearing to where it had hidden itself a few months ago. Luna stood and walked back to her room, silently wondering what she would do with her old friend.

A Talk With a Friend

A Talk With a Friend

Luna slowly made her way back to her room, wondering about what to do with the voice in her head. She slowly walked down the corridors of the castle, passing the tall imposing pillars, and the occasional guard, standing at attention. Each and every one of them bowed to her as she passed, having long since accepted her as their princess. But as the princess was too lost in thought to notice, she walked on without a word or gesture.

Eventually she reached her room, the large black doors, adorned with a splotch of dark blue, and a crescent moon in the center. Seeing their princess lost in thought, the guards at her doors opened them for her, allowing her in without disturbing her thoughts. The alicorn looked up at the open doors and gave her guards a small nod as she walked in, the doors closing behind her.

Though she was a princess, Luna preferred a simplistic layout to her room. It was not near as large as Celestia’s, and she was happy with that. Her round bed, made of a deep, midnight blue, with a full moon stitched into the center, lay centered against one wall. Across from it was a pair of glass doors, leading to her own personal balcony, allowing her to watch the night from her bed. Just to the left of the door were rows of bookshelves, filled with all manner of books. On the far wall sat a door leading to her closet, and further down, another door leading to her personal bathroom. The floor, walls, shelves, and bed were all made of a dark redwood, reflecting the moonlight beautifully.

The princess looked around her room and sighed. She loved her room, it was one of the few places she felt safe. But now she hardly felt safe in her own mind, let alone her room. She trotted over to her bed, climbed into it, and curled up under the blanket.

The night passed as Luna thought, and soon it was time to meet her sister for her dinner, and to change over from night to day. She crawled out of bed and made her way slowly to the dining hall, her plans still in their infancy. Celestia was waiting for her as she walked in, giving her a warm smile. Luna looked up and returned the smile, though a much smaller one. Celestia noticed the trouble in her sister’s eyes and sat next to her, putting a forehoof around her shoulder.

“What’s the matter little sister? You look so much more worn out than usual after a night of guiding the moon. Is there any way I can help?” the princess inquired, trying to probe into her sisters mind.

“Nothing Celestia. Just wondering how some things are going to work out.” The younger sister replied, her head down. She was scared of what Celestia would do if she learned that the Nightmare might still be inside her. Remembering what Twilight had said, she looked up and asked “Do you think I could have this coming Nightmare Night off? I will still raise the moon, but Twilight Sparkle has invited me to Ponyville’s celebration this year.”

Celestia smiled, glad that her sister and pupil were becoming friends. “That sounds like a wonderful idea sister. I will make sure you have the night free, so please enjoy.” Smiling happily, Celestia sat back to begin her breakfast. “And if I may suggest it, why not see if you can enjoy the Summer Sun Celebration in a few weeks with Twilight. I’m sure she would love to spend more time with you. And if all her friends come you can meet them all.” The princess added, smiling up at her sister.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea Celestia.” It would allow Luna to find out what her subjects liked to do in this age, and she would have a guide to the festivities. “I will send her a letter and see if she agrees. Thank thee sister.” Luna gave a small bow, to which her sister laughed.

“Come little sister; let us change over the day.” At this both ponies stood and walked to the nearby balcony. Together they closed their eyes, and their horns began to glow. Luna’s dark blue contrasted against Celestia’s warm yellow as the two changed over the cycle, from night to day. The moon slowly slid out of the sky to the west, as the sun slowly rose in the east. “Thank you Luna. It is wonderful to do this with you.”

“Good morning my sister. I shall see you tonight.” Luna replied wearily “If you will excuse me, I must head off to bed. I have had a long, tiresome night.” And with that, Luna turned around, and slowly left the dining hall. Celestia looked after her, watching as her sister slowly trotted out of the room. Wondering if something was wrong, the princess considered going after her and asking, but decided against it. If Luna was having issues, while she had resolved to talk with her about them, she would also give her the time she needed to sort things out first.

For the next week Luna planned. She wanted to make sure that her meeting with the voice in her head was safe and secure for everypony. Spending many of her Night Courts alone, as few ever showed up, Luna planned. When she was finally sure that her plan was as well thought out and planned as possible, the princess began deciding on a when. She knew it would have to be soon, she couldn’t leave this alone for much longer. Deciding on the following day, Luna made her way to her meal with her sister.

The sisters ate in silence, Luna lost in thought, while Celestia was simply tired. Though nothing was said, the princess of the sun could still see the struggle in her sister’s eyes. Luna finished her meal, thanked the chef, and left without saying a word to her sister. Celestia sighed, knowing something was up, and decided to talk with her the following evening.

Luna quietly walked the halls of the castle, it still being too early for any but the royal guards to be about. She made her way back down the familiar corridors to her room, stopping only to talk to the guards outside her room. “My faithful guards. First allow me to say my thanks for your devotion to your duty.” The guards smiled sheepishly at being thanked by the princess, mumbling something about just doing their jobs. “However, today I have a special request of you. Do not allow anyone in, or out of my chambers today.” The guards looked up, rapt with attention at the change in their princess’ tone. “For any reason. If I have not left my room by midnight tonight, alert my sister, and tell her it is of grave importance that she arrive and help me.”

The guards were taken aback by these strange instructions, staring at each other blankly. But knew they could trust their princess, no matter how odd the request. “As you wish, Princess Luna. What if you wish to leave before nightfall?” one guard asked, speaking for his compatriot and himself.

“I will not. If I say otherwise, or for any reason order you to leave your posts before night has fallen and my moon is high in the sky, alert my sister.” The guards nodded, still confused, though still trusting their princess. “Thank you again,” Luna added, walking into her room, closing the door with a soft thud, shortly followed by a click as the door locked.

Luna sat in the center of her room, gazing out of her window. She had been up late, and had had a trying night, with everything that had come up. Her body screamed for sleep, though her mind reminded her that there was still more to be done. And as she had ordered her guards, she had no excuse to put it off for another night.

“Nightmare,” Luna thought to herself, hoping to talk with the voice that had been plaguing her all day.

“Yes old friend?” the voice replied, though with none of the venom or ice that Nightmare held in her voice. “And please, I beg of you, call me Mare. I am no longer the one who tried to overthrow our sister.”

“That is what I wish to speak with you about. I want to visit you; we need to talk.”

“Please friend, I would love a visit from you. It has been so long since we had a real conversation.”

Luna cantered over to her bed and climbed in, deciding to be comfortable. As she lay down she concentrated her magic, creating a powerful barrier around her room, trapping herself. The spell was constructed so none other than her could pass through or break it down. Hoping it would be enough to contain the nightmare if she tried to escape, Luna closed her eyes, and ventured deep into her own mind.

She opened her eyes to darkness. Not the darkness of a room with no light, but of a room with nothing in it and black walls. The darkness of nothing. It did not frighten Luna though, she was used to this. Anytime the moon was not lit by the sun was as bad as this. “Nightmare!” she called out, deciding to start. “Come out and face me.”

A lone figure strode out from the nothingness to greet Luna. As she approached, Luna took a step back. The figure was the spitting image of Nightmare Moon. Her mane was etheral, blowing in the nonexistent wind, and her pupils were slits like a dragon’s. The figure strode forward until she stood with the princess. “Hello Luna. It is good to see you again.” Though it was from Nightmare’s mouth, and with the same coldness, something about her voice told Luna it wasn’t her old foe. “I would love to talk with you. Shall we sit down?” She motioned to a small table with chairs that had materialized out of the ether surrounding them.

“Alright,” Luna stated simply, letting her voice imply her contempt. “Let us have a civil discussion.” Luna sat across from the mare, relaxing for just a moment before she brought up what she needed to ask. “What happened on the moon during our exile?” She asked, he voice keeping it’s serious tone.

The mare across from Luna stared for a moment, surprised at how quickly Luna got to business. “It was my exile Luna, not yours. And I spent it wandering the moon.” She responded, hanging her head. “At first I plotted my revenge. I had every detail planned out, knew exactly how the battle between our sister and I would go. But I could only plot for so long. I grew bored very quickly. That’s when I first called out to you.”

Luna was taken aback. She knew that if it truly was Nightmare Moon in front of her she would have denied knowing what happened, trying to make it sound as if she was a new mare. But this mare was admitting to everything, taking the blame. It wasn’t at all Nightmare’s style.

“We began to talk. I won’t say that I felt any remorse or sadness at what I had done, not at the time. But I grew to tolerate your presence, as I would have said at the time. You kept me sane, and I’m not sure if I should thank you for that. I am glad to have stayed sane, but at the same time, if I had not been upon my return, my downfall may have gone smoother.” The mare again hung her head, sighing. She looked up at Luna, sorrow in her eyes as she continued. “We talked as I wandered. At a few points I had decided to torture you as best I could, I did still hate you. Those were the times that I let you take control.”

Luna stared across the table, not sure of what to make of the naked honesty. The few times she was able to walk around and stretch her legs had been the best. She had been forced back after a few minutes each time, but had still loved each second she had. Her eyes softened slightly, Luna beginning to believe that it could be The Mare in the Moon sitting across from her, not Nightmare Moon.

“It took me a few times to realize that you loved them, so I stopped. And I began to wander again, talking with you to stay sane. I knew that our imprisonment would not last forever, so I waited. It was dull on the moon.” Mare looked down, a few tears trickling out of her eyes. “Can you forgive me for what I’ve done?” The few tears had turned into a stream, the mare crying quietly across from Luna.

Luna stood and walked around the table to place a forehoof around Mare’s shoulders. “I have already forgiven you. There is no need for me to hold a grudge against you for past actions. Not when they have been dealt with. What I want to know now is if I can trust you.” Mare turned and pressed her face against Luna’s shoulder, crying harder than ever.

“What can I do to prove myself to you? I will do anything, just please accept me. I know the other ponies never will, but I want you to accept me.” Mare hiccupped, her eyes still watery but the tears having stopped as she looked up at Luna. The princess could see the pleading in her eyes, and, knowing that Nightmare would never allow herself to do this, began to trust the mare a bit more.

“Tell me what your plans to take over Equestria were.” The princess took a step back, sitting down again. “Knowing you, you’d have made backup plans in case you didn’t succeed when you returned.”

Mare thought for a moment, piecing together the memories still half buried in her mind. “I was going to regain my strength. I knew that if the Elements of Harmony were used to defeat me again that I would need time to recover.” The black alicorn spoke quickly, trying to get it all of her chest as quickly as she could. “Then after I recovered I would have figured out a way to trick you into letting me out for just a moment, and then fight you if I needed to. I was determined to rule the land.” Luna stiffened at her words, wondering what would happen next. “I’ve dropped those plans now. I don’t want to rule, not if it causes strife between us and our sister. I just want to be accepted.” The alicorn hung her head, ashamed of herself.

“My friend, I thank thee. You have begun to prove yourself. Now, I must go. It would not do well for Celestia to begin worrying.” Luna stood and gave her friend one last hug. “I shall speak with you again soon.” The princess closed her eyes, pulling herself back out of her mind. Mare’s eyes grew heavy with tears, though these ones being of joy. Luna was gone with a small flash, and Mare began wandering again, the last few tears dropping to the unseen ground.

Luna opened her eyes to see the sun almost down below the horizon. Not knowing so much time had passed she stared at it for a moment, confused at how low it was. As the realization that she would have to raise the moon shortly hit her she ran to her balcony, only to be bounced back by her own spell. “Right,” she said to herself, shaking her head slightly. She left the wall intact, knowing her guards were still under orders to alert her sister if she seemed to be trying to escape. Though they had only been with her for a little less than a year, they would still recognize her magic disappearing. Her horn glowed slightly as she quickly raised the moon on the far side of the sky, not wanting anypony to worry over her lateness.

She knew her guards would alert her sister if she tried to leave too soon, and so had to wait. Slowly, she became aware of a musty smell and began searching for its source. It took her but a minute to discover it was her, that she had been sweating during her entire visit to her mind. Ashamed at her filthiness, the princess of the moon ran into her bathroom for a quick shower.

Sitting under the spray, Luna let the water wash through her fur, slowly cleaning herself. She let the water cascade over her, feeling its warmth as she began thinking about what Mare had said, still confused from the conversation. It wasn’t like her old foe to admit to such things, or to accept defeat like that. But what was the strangest was the lack of any attempt at freedom. “There was no way that could be the Nightmare,” she said to herself. The princess continued to think as she cleaned herself, getting ready for another night.

The First Night

The First Night

Luna opened her door quietly, having removed the magical wall, intent on informing her guards that they could stand down. “Thank thee faithful guards.” The unicorn and pegasus gave a small start, not having expected their princess, nor having heard the door open. Luna gave a small laugh before continuing. “I assure thee, all is well, and there is no need to alert my sister tonight.” The guards gave a bow as they watched Luna retreat back into her room.

Striding over to her balcony, Luna sat down, her mind buzzing with worry. She didn’t know what to do with the voice in her head, but couldn’t leave it unchecked. Knowing she had to tell somepony, her mind raced, trying to decide who. Celestia was the first to come to mind, but Luna quickly shot the thought down. She had no idea how her sister would react to the news that Nightmare Moon was still in her head. For all she knew, her sister could very well banish her to the moon again, to keep her darker side from threatening Equestria again.

But if not her sister, then who? Luna knew very few ponies well enough to trust, let alone with this kind of information. She sat wondering when it hit her. Twilight Sparkle. If Celestia trusted her enough to have her as her personal student then she was very trustworthy. And as Luna’s first real friend she would be somepony to talk to. Even if she couldn’t admit all of her feelings to the mare, she could at least talk with her, and get some help with knowing what to do.

“If she is Celestia’s student, then when you tell her, she’ll just report it to Tia. Can you really tell Twilight?” Mare’s voice wafted in, shocking Luna.

I… I don’t know. You do have a point. Luna realized. But if not her, then who? Mare didn’t respond as Luna slowly paced. Well, though I can’t tell her exactly what is troubling me, perhaps in talking with her I can better deal with this. Her resolve set, Luna faced her window, her course of action set.

She quickly cast out her spell to check if Twilight was awake, and to her delight found that the mare was. Stretching her wings briefly, Luna took to the sky, flying towards Ponyville. She had watched the unicorn enough times to get a general idea of where she lived. Having pieced together everything she saw, Luna had determined that the unicorn lived in the library, and that it was built out of a tree. She figured that this would be enough to find her house.

As Luna approached her destination, she was greeted with an unexpected sight. Though it was night, every citizen of Ponyville was awake and gathering at the town hall. The light spilled out from the building, illuminating the ponies as they flooded inwards. Luna soared around the village, trying to avoid being seen. Seeing what she assumed was Twilight’s library, she flew in, landed, and made her way to the door, as quietly as she could. As she approached the door she listened for voices, and was glad, and a little disappointed, to hear none. She let herself into the library, not wanting to intrude, but also not wanting to be seen and cause an uproar.

Luna looked around and was greeted with the sight of hundreds of books. She loved books. A smile grew on the princess’s face as she gazed around the room. The princess loved books of all kinds, from a juicy romance to a chaotic adventure. Pulling a book down at random, taking just enough time to read the title on the cover before opening it, Luna began to read. She was quickly lost in the story, letting the flow of the words pull her in, wrapping her mind inside its little world. So engrossed in her story was she that when Twilight returned home, with a sleeping Spike on her back, she failed to react.

Twilight walked into her house, preparing to go to sleep when she noticed a light blue coated mare sitting on one of the couches, head buried in a book. All Twilight could do was stare at the alicorn sitting on the main couch of her library, reading happily. It had never occurred to the unicorn that the princess’ would find such simple things as enjoyable as any other pony.

She quickly recovered, and, not wanting to disturb the princess or her sleeping friend, trotted up the stairs. She set Spike down in his basket, pulling the blanket over him to keep him warm, and then sat down. Having no idea how to process what she had just seen, Twilight simply sat, running over the facts. Princess Luna was sitting in her library, reading a book. And she was so into her book that she hadn’t responded as Twilight walked in the door.

The unicorn had no idea what she should do, and so sat there, confused. After a few moments she began wondering why Luna was in her library. Surely if she was simply after a good book she would have gone to the Royal Library. It was a far vaster store of knowledge than her home, and Twilight missed its halls very much. If she was here in Ponyville, then she had a reason beyond just reading.

Luna was finishing her book as Twilight made her realization. She put the book back and was about to grab another as she heard hooffalls on the stairs. The princess looked up to see a confused Twilight walking slowly down the stairs. Her eyes were fixed on the princess, full of confusion, and a slight hint of worry. “Ohh hello there Twilight. We are sorry for intruding, but we did not wish to be seen by the villagers. We did not wish to cause a stir.” She commented flatly.

“It’s quite all right princess,” Twilight stammered. “Though may I ask what you’re doing in my library? I must admit I wasn’t expecting you.” Twilight was obviously still confused as she made her way down the stairs to greet her guest. “But it is an honor to have you here,” she added, bowing low before the princess.

“We thank thee, Twilight. Might we talk for a while? We are a bit lost, and in need of somepony to talk with.” Luna’s response was short, though her falling tone made it clear something was wrong.

“Gladly princess. What is it you wish to talk about? And if I may, why did you choose me to talk to? Isn’t your sister closer to you?”

“Yes Twilight Sparkle, We are much closer to our sister than thou. However, we are worried about what our sister would do should we bring this to her attention. We are sorry to admit it, but she scares us still. She could easily banish us if she so choose. Or throw us in the dungeons.” Luna’s voice wavered as she listed the possibilities.

Though Twilight could see the fear in her friends face she couldn’t help but add under her breath “or banish you and then throw you in a cell in the place she banishes you to.” Luna looked up, hearing Twilight mutter something and gave her a quizzical look. “Ohh nothing.” The unicorn said dismissively. “And please trust me when I say, Celestia is your sister. If there’s a problem she would want to know and help.”

“Not this problem.” Luna’s voice began to waver. “She could banish us at the mere mention of it.” The alicorn fell to her flank, her face in her hooves.

“Will you tell me what the problem is, Luna? I will do anything to help a friend in need.”

“No Twilight, we cannot tell you. We do not believe it is something we can tell anypony about.” As Luna broke down further her voice waved more, the tears began to slowly flow down her cheeks.

Twilight stepped forward and wrapped her forehoves around the crying mare, doing her best to comfort her. “Would you like to read some more Luna? You were so into that book earlier.”

“We would enjoy that Twilight Sparkle.” The alicorn said, hiccupping. “Though we ask that thou stay up with us. We would love some company.”

Apprehensively the unicorn nodded. She didn’t want to upset the princess further, but she also knew she couldn’t stay up much later. Helping Luna to her feet, Twilight led her over to the couch and sat her down. “I’ll be right back with a book.” She assured Luna.

Luna sat on the couch and tried to pull her thoughts together. She needed to talk with Twilight, but she didn’t want to scare the unicorn. It was a fine line she was trying to walk, and she didn’t know how much longer she could keep it up. Twilight walked back into the room, carrying a few books with her magic over to the princess.

“Here. I didn’t know what type of books you like so I grabbed some of everything.” The unicorn set the books down on the table in front of Luna. “May I join you?”

The alicorn nodded absent mindedly, looking through the books in front of her. Twilight joined the princess on the couch, using her own magic to float her book down from her room. It was a sappy romance novel, but well written and enjoyable. As her book reached her Luna pulled a book out from the stack, also a romance. The girls sat back on the couch, levitating their books, and settled in to read.

It was just past midnight before Luna set her book down. She looked over and saw that Twilight had fallen asleep, her book having fallen to the couch, her head onto her forelegs. A trickle of drool was escaping her mouth and dribbling down her chin. Luna gave a small laugh, thinking how cute Twilight looked. She stood and put the books away, doing her best to place them back correctly. She left the unicorn’s book out, not wanting to invade the mare’s room.

Walking back into the room where Twilight lay dozing, Luna gazed silently at her. Looking her up and down for a moment, she thought to herself, She is showing great signs of health, I am glad to see my subject are in much better condition that they were a millennium ago.

“She’s sexy and you know it Luna. Don’t try to deny it.” Mare’s calm voiced wafted from the back of Luna’s mind.

What are you insinuating Mare? Luna shot back. I am a princess-

“And I will not succumb to such base instincts and wants.” Mare finished with a high pitched, mocking tone. “Please Luna, you know you find her very attractive.”

Mare! How dare you?

“I’m just saying. You try to deny it, but I know you like her. That sexy, curvy flank, her long tail and mane… She’s exactly what you want in a companion.”

Luna stammered for a moment, trying to organize her thoughts. She hadn’t expected Mare to come right out with such blatant vulgarity. I, I will admit, she does have many of the qualities one would look for in a mate. She is what most would consider, sexy. Luna shuddered as she thought, unhappy at thinking such things.

“She is very sexy Luna. And if we want, she’s all ours. We have that kind of power.” Mare voice dripped with lust as she spoke, her eyes focusing on Twilight’s semi exposed flank.

Luna gave a small eep as the cold, perverse voice of her friend spoke. The unbridled lust was beginning to scare her. At the small noise Twilights eyes flew open, and she leapt to her hooves.

“I’m so sorry princess. I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you!” The mare exclaimed, bowing before the alicorn.

“Ohh Twilight. I am not upset. You are awake during the day.” Having calmed down greatly from reading, Luna dropped the royal we, wanting to talk on a more personal level with Twilight. “Neither my sister nor I can easily stay awake for a day and a night.” Luna’s soothing voice washed over Twilight, calming her down. Before she continued she thought to the voice Mare. You will be quiet about Twilight, no matter how attractive she may be! Having received a mental nod from Mare, Luna continued. “I would like it if you stayed up with me though. I do know a spell that will wake you up, and allow you to make it through both the night and the following day.”

“So, are you going to tell her about me?”

Luna faltered a moment. Taking deep calming breaths, she thought No. I can’t burden her with such knowledge. And you’re right, she would go straight to my sister. However, I do feel that I can at least talk with her. Perhaps I can learn something about ponies these days.

Mare sighed. “It’s always work with you isn’t it?”

Twilight looked at Luna questioningly, confused by her sudden silence. When the princess opened her eyes again, Twilight nodded, signaling that she was ready and willing. The princess smiled and closed her eyes, focusing her magic. After a moment a silent beam shot from the alicorn’s horn and enveloped the unicorn. It lasted only a moment before blinking away, leaving Twilight looking refreshed and happy and Luna slightly drained.

“So why isn’t that spell common knowledge? It would allow ponies to do so much more, and stay on top of things better.” Twilights curiosity had been sparked the moment Luna mentioned a spell she didn’t know. Feeling fully refreshed she sat in her chair, her attention focused on the alicorn of the night.

“Well,” Luna began, recovering her strength. “The spell is useful. However it does not replace sleep. The body still needs to sleep or the mind stops working.” Luna sat herself down across from Twilight, glad to have a rapt audience as she talked about magic. “Also, the spell either drains the user’s magic, or their awakeness. It is not very easy on the caster. Since my return I believe Celestia has only used it for the Gala.”

Twilight nodded as she listened, paying attention. “So what would happen if I tried to use that spell?” Though she understood the drawback, she saw a massive potential for good. And she was simply curious. She had spent most of her life studying, and she never passed up a chance to learn.

Luna admired the young unicorn’s thirst for knowledge, making a small mental note to always have something to talk with Twilight about. “Well Twilight, as far as I know, it would drain you completely. Celestia and I both have large reserves of magic, and it always takes a chunk out of our reserves. While you may be able to cast it, the spell would likely drain both your magic, and your awakeness.”

Twilight continued nodding as Luna spoke, having summoned a quill and parchment to write notes on. She thought for a moment, going over what she had just learned when a thought hit her. “What happens when somepony casts it on themself?” she asked. “If it restores energy, but drains their energy, what happens?”

“Weird things.” Luna responded promptly. She thought back to the few times she had cast it on herself, shuddering at the memories. “The pony would become very giddy first off. On top of that though, almost everything about them is amplified. The best relation would be to a pony who has forced themselves to stay awake for near two days.”

Twilight stared at the alicorn, surprised. If those were the results of a pony using it on themself, then it was better to just force yourself to stay awake. Finishing her notes she sent the parchment to her desk to be sorted later. “So princess, what shall we talk about now? I’m awake, and would love to talk with you.” Twilight bounced in her chair, eager to continue learning.

Luna game a small smile, enjoying seeing how happy the young mare was. “What would you like to talk about Twilight?” she asked, face calm and collected, with her pain and worry buried deep. It had been over a thousand years since she last had a close friend. She was happy to spend time just talking.

Twilight came out of her studious mode, looking at the princess with worry. “Princess, I know there is something wrong. And I understand that you do not want to talk with me, or anyone, about it. However, I want you to understand, I will always be here to talk with you.”

Luna was taken aback by both Twilights sudden shift in tone, and how well she got to the point. It was true that Luna felt she couldn’t talk with anyone about Mare, but she still needed to talk. “Twilight, I thank thee for being willing to talk. I do not wish to discuss this problem tonight, but I would love to simply talk with you.” Twilight smiled at these words, glad that the princess was starting to open up to her. “Twilight, would you like to discuss the stars with me?” Luna asked, knowing how much the young pony loved them.

Twilight’s eyes lit up at the idea. “I would love to!” she exclaimed. “I’ve always wanted to talk with you about their creation and meaning.” The unicorn sat beaming at the princess, waiting for the princess to start the discussion.

“Then let us sit outside, it is better to view the stars unhindered.” The ponies left Twilight’s home, looking for the best place to view the stars. They soon found a quiet hill, away from the town, and sat down. Though it was not winter, it was still a cold night, and Twilight soon began shivering against the cold. Luna silently wrapped a wing around her, sharing her warmth with her young friend. And like this they sat, the alicorn’s wing wrapped around the unicorn, for the entire night, talking about the stars.

Waiting for the Sun to Rise

Waiting for the Sun to Rise

“Twilight, I thank thee. Tonight has been wonderful.” Luna rose from her spot next to Twilight, stretching her wings. “But sadly, I must return to the castle. It is almost time for me to change over the day with my sister.”

Twilight nodded, giving the alicorn a warm smile as she did. “I understand princess. Thank you for teaching me about the stars. I would love to spend more time with you if you don’t mind.”

Luna returned the smile, giving the young mare a gentle nuzzle. “Well, Celestia did give me an idea.” The princess sat back, gazing calmly at Twilight. “She has invited you and your friends to the Summer Sun Celebration in Canterlot in two weeks.” While Luna wasn’t sure how such a short celebration in the morning would translate to very much time spent with the ponies who had freed her, it was still time.

“That sounds wonderful princess!” Twilight exclaimed. “Though we would have to arrive the day before so we can stay up all night. Oh! And we’ll need to find a place to stay in case we want to. And we’ll need…” Twilight trailed off, her mind buzzing as she planned everything out.

Luna laughed softly to herself as she watched the young pony plan everything out. She silently shook her head, sighing. “Twilight!” she called, bringing the mare back to earth. “Why don’t you go check with your friends, make sure they’re free in two weeks. Sadly, I have to leave now, so I will see you at the celebration.” Luna took to the sky, quickly disappearing into the sunrise.

“Welcome back sister. I trust your night went well?” Luna had barely landed in her room when Celestia spoke, giving her a small shock.

“Why yes, I did enjoy my night. I visited your pupil, Twilight. I was in need of somepony to talk to.”

Celestia tilted her head, gazing quizzically at her sister. “Why didn’t you come talk to me? You know I’m always available for you.”

“I didn’t want to wake you,” lied the princess, thinking quick on her hooves. At this point, Luna had walked over to her sister, and they shared a quick hug. “However, Twilight was awake, and as I have been wanting to talk more with her, I figured she would make a wonderful companion for the night.”

Luna left her room, hoping to end the conversation. However, Celestia quickly followed, so the princess of the night directed herself towards the kitchen.

“You know I have no problems being awoken by you sister.” Celestia said warmly, walking alongside her sister. “However, Twilight is awake during the day. I hope you did not keep her up all night, and expect her to stay up today.”

By this point the sisters had reached the kitchen, entered, and sat down to eat. “I gave her the sleepless spell sister. I hope you do not mind.”

Celestia stopped mid-chew. She knew how much her student would want to learn that spell, and just how bad it would be if she did. “Please tell me you didn’t teach her that spell Luna.” The princess mumbled around a mouth full of food.

“It’s not polite to speak with your mouth full,” Luna chided. She loved being able to get the upper hoof on her sister. “And no, I did not teach her. I told her about the spell, what it does, and the risks, but nothing of how to cast the spell.”

Sighing deeply, Celestia swallowed her food before continuing. “Well sister, I trust you. And I can tell that something has been bothering you the last few days. Will you tell me what it is?”

Luna was taken aback. She had not expected her sister to have noticed anything. Much less confront her about it. “Something has been bothering me sister.” Luna sighed, deciding to trust in her sister’s love for her. “However, I do not wish to discuss it with you, or anypony. I am having a problem, and need to solve the first step before I can ask for help.” Luna stood, having finished her own meal, and smiled. “Shall we change over the day now?”

Sighing deeply, the elder princess rose. She needed to talk with Luna about what was going on, but didn’t want to press it. “Alright sister,” she replied. The sisters lowered their horns, each aglow, and caused the changing of the day. “Well, good morning sister. I trust you wish to sleep. But please know, I am always here to talk with.”

Luna nodded her reply and left. Slowly she walked to her room, winding through the halls. “Are you going to tell her? Or anyone?” The soothing voice of Mare wafted from the back of Luna’s mind. Though she hadn’t been expecting it, the voice no longer scared her. “I’m here for you, but you can’t keep me from them forever.”

“Why not?” Luna thought back. She was tired from her night with Twilight, and somewhat irritable from Celestia. “You’re my voice, in my head. If I want to keep you to myself, I can.” Luna snapped. “And if I can trust you, why should I share you?”

“Because you need to. I’m here for you, but you still can’t keep me inside. It’s not good for you.”

Luna sighed, knowing her friend was right. “Alright, fine. But not until you’ve earned my trust.” Slowly trotting into her room, Luna lay down on her bed, curling up. Her night had been long, and filled with much thought. She quickly drifted off to sleep, dreamily pulling her blanket over her as she did.

Her eyes slowly opened, blinking to adjust to the bright white of her surroundings. Shakily she rose to her hooves, still squinting against the whiteness. As her eyes finished adjusting to her surrounding, Luna began looking around. No matter which way she looked, everything was white.

“Let’s see” she thought to herself. “Could I be dreaming? I suppose it is possible. Dead? No, I am a princess of Equestria, immortal. I can not die.” Continuing to ponder over her current state, Luna heard the soft pattering of hooves behind her. “Ah, somepony to talk to. Perhaps they can tell me where I am.”

Spinning around to face her visitor, Luna was greeted with the form of Mare. “Why hello there friend. I wasn’t expecting you to join me.” Mare’s voice was gentle and calm, like a cloudless night sky. “Though while you’re here, shall we have tea?”

Luna gazed at the mare before her, very confused. “Is this a dream? Or am I in my head again?” she asked, eyes never leaving the mare before her.

“I don’t know Luna.” Mare responded. “All I know is that this is where I find myself when I’m not speaking with you. I think it may be somewhere between dreaming and your mind. It is peaceful here though.”

Luna nodded at Mare’s words. Though she didn’t have much to go on, what she had said make sense. “Tea would be lovely Mare.”

The black alicorn smiled at her name, whispering a small thank you. She served them tea at their small little table. “I hope we can have a pleasant talk.”

Luna smiled in return, joining her friend. “That sounds wonderful.” She responded. They enjoyed their tea, sipping and chatting.

Eventually the tea was finished and Mare cleared everything away. When she turned back to Luna though, her face was serious. “Luna, would it be possible for me to stretch my legs? I’ve been in here for almost a year now, and I would like a chance to actually move around.”

At this Luna seemed to snap back to reality. Her suspicions of Mare returned, though somewhat softened from their conversation. “Maybe. I’m still not sure I can trust you. But you are much closer. I will want some assurances though.” Mare sighed in response. She had expected as much. Nodding her acceptance, and smiling at her friend, the alicorn of dreams walked away. Slowly the world around Luna dissolved into black and Luna was falling.

With a start she awoke, panting for breath. While it was still early for her to be up, it was late enough to not be worth trying to go back to sleep. Blinking the sleep from her eyes, her dream already forgotten, Luna began her waking routine, beginning by combing her mane. It lay unkempt around her face, her light blue curls doing their best to hide her face. She gave a small chuckle as she combed, slowly pulling every strand back, neatening each one.

As she lay the brush down a voice drifted into her mind. “Please consider my offer,” Mare asked. Luna gave a jump, her dream returning to her in one giant rush. She blinked in surprise, and then sighed. Giving a small nod, she returned to her evening routines.

The next two weeks passed without much incident. Many letters passed between Twilight, Celestia and Luna, all in preparation of the upcoming celebration and get together. And every day, as Luna slept, she would talk with Mare. And over the two weeks Luna came to trust in her old friend, finally accepting her. She still wouldn’t let her out, still wanting to have some assurances first. But she resolved to, within the week following the Celebration, and under the watch of her sister.

Soon, the day before the celebration had arrived. As Luna had just finished her royal duties, she took her chariot down to Ponyville to collect her friends. Though Luna had told Twilight she would be there early, she hadn’t expected the six ponies to already be prepared to leave; much less barely an hour after dawn had risen. Yet the lights were on in the library, and Luna could hear the tired conversations of drowsy ponies.

Smiling to herself, Luna walked up to the door and gently knocked. The sounds from inside for immediately quieted before the door was wrenched open to reveal a bouncing pink mare.

“Ohh my gosh, hello Princess! I’ve been waiting to meet you ever since Twilight mentioned that you wanted to spend the Summer Sun Celebration with us, and I said that I would love to! I always love making new friends, and you’re going to be my newest friend! I mean, I know everyone in Ponyville, and now I get to be friends with a princess, I mean, how can I miss this chance am I right? But anyways, we’re-” The pink pony exclaimed in one breath, before being dragged back by the tail and silenced by Twilight’s magic.

“I’m sorry princess, Pinkie is just being Pinkie.” Luna stood staring at the place Pinkie Pie had been, slowly razing her gaze to Twilight, who had just spoken, and Pinkie next to her. She gazed at Pinkie Pie a moment longer, wondering how any pony could speak for so long without taking a breath.

She shook her head and smiled. “It is quite alright Twilight. We simply were not expecting it. Please, if you would follow us to our chariot, we can leave at once. Celestia wishes to greet you all before she has to begin her royal duties.” Luna beckoned the ponies to her chariot. Though she knew she could trust in Twilight, and considered her a friend, she was still unsure of the others. The ponies lifted their bags and made their way to the chariot of the princess of the night.

After an hour long trip, the chariot descended onto a platform jutting from the side of the royal palace. Luna thanked her chariot pullers as she climbed out, motioning for the ponies to join her. By now the ponies had woken up and, after grabbing their bags, quickly followed the princess.

Luna led the six ponies through the castle, navigating its many halls with ease. Each guard the group passed bowed before the princess, and gave a small nod towards Twilight. Soon, they were outside the throne room. Luna opened the door, and motioned them inside.

The six friends walked in, all giving a bow before Princess Celestia. The princess looked up from the paper, breaking into a large grin as she saw the bearers of the Elements of Harmony. “My little ponies!” she exclaimed, happy to see her student and friends. “I’m glad that I’m able to see you all before royal duties call me away.”

The six girls stood, smiling warmly at their princess. “We are always happy to see you princess,” Twilight spoke up. “How have you been?” Luna quietly exited the hall, slowly making her way to her room. Her night court had been busy for once, for which Luna was grateful. Even though it was nice to be busy, she was tired. She had sat through hours of bickering nobles, and still hadn’t determined what they wanted.

She sighed to herself, opening her door. “Morning guards.” Her faithful guards nodded to her, opening the door for her. “Gentlecolts, should Twilight Sparkle or any of the other Elements of Harmony come to visit, please allow them in. If it is the pink one, calm her down first.” The guards bowed, closing the door behind their princess.

Luna climbed onto her bed, worn from a long night. “I hope that the seven of us can find time together. Sometimes I hate being nocturnal.” The princess of the night pulled a blanket over her and, with a yawn, curled up and fell asleep.

Luna spent most of the day sleeping, awakening a few hours before nightfall. She yawned, stretching as she climbed out of her bed, groggily getting to her feet. Levitating a comb over, she brushed slowly through her mane, getting it untangled from her face. “There we go, now I can see.” She mumbled to herself, turning to leave.

“Shall we go visit Twilight, Luna?” Though Luna wasn’t expecting her newest friend to speak up, it still didn’t surprise her.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea Mare. She should still be awake, and we can make plans for tomorrow.” Luna smiled as she made her way to Twilight’s room, glad she had decided to stay in her old room. Slowly making her way through the halls, Luna contemplated what to ask the young student. Deciding that she would simply ask where to meet the girls the following morning, Luna reached Twilight’s room. She knocked lightly, wondering what Twilight was up to.

The door was pulled open slowly by a blue glow, revealing five of the girls sitting happily, while the sixth bounced around. As soon as they saw who was at the door they bowed, Pinkie bouncing up almost immediately to tackle Luna in a hug. “Hey Princess! We were wondering when you were going to show up! We wanted to invite you to stay up all night with us! But we weren’t sure if we should wake you, or if you had royal things to do. So Twilight said she would go and see if she could talk with you, and Rarity wanted to go with her but Twilight said that it should be just her as she’s the closest to you. So me and Applejack nodded in agreement while Rainbow just snoozed up on the ceiling.”

Luna gently lifted the pink mare off her, levitating her to the ground. “Well, we are always up through the night, though we have royal duties to attend to. Sadly, we don’t believe we will be able to join you in this endeavor. We however do wish to know why thou are staying up all night.”

“Well, it’s been a tradition as far back as anypony remembers,” Rarity spoke up. “Everypony stays up the night before the Summer Sun Celebration to watch Princess Celestia raises the sun. Though to be honest, I don’t know how it all started.”

Luna looked at the Element of Generosity with curiosity. While she originally hadn’t thought about the origins of the celebration, she now did. She couldn’t remember it ever occurring before her banishment, so it must have started after. She shrugged, not bothered much by the information. “Well, we would love to spend the night with you, however, we have royal duties to attend to. We came simply to inquire as to the plans for tomorrow. Where shall we meet you?”

“Well, if it’s alright with you princess, would we be able to help you with your royal business?” Twilight responded. “It would help us to stay awake, and give us more time to be with you. That is the main reason for this trip after all.”

The princess smiled at the thought. She would love to have company as she sat on her throne, so few ponies ever showed up. Sadly, as she could not predict if any would, the girls wouldn’t be able to join her. “Luna, let them come.” Mare advised Luna. “Yes, they may not be the best to accompany you, and they may have to leave at some point, but it would make the night much more enjoyable.”

Mare, they are barely more than foals. On top of that should a single pony show up I would have to ask them to leave, for the privacy of the pony outweighs my enjoyment of company. Luna responded calmly.

“Even so, you must admit, it is highly unlikely that anypony will show up.” Though Mare’s words stung, Luna knew them to be true. “And sitting there alone would be much worse than having them around to talk with. Have some fun for once.”

Luna sighed to herself, knowing the truth in her friend’s words. “Alright, that sounds like a plan,” Luna said aloud. “However, should anypony come with concerns to me, we must ask you to leave. The pony’s privacy comes above all else.” The girls nodded their understanding, following Luna as she left.

The group soon found themselves in the throne room, lounging around. Luna sat on her throne, her new friends around her. Twilight’s head lazed on the hoofrest, Rarity dozed on a cushion to the side. Rainbow slowly flew about the room while Fluttershy curled up at Luna’s feet. Applejack was the only active one, working on tying up Pinkie. It had taken the pink mare seconds to notice the bored mood, and only a second more to decide to throw a party. Luna had quickly put her hoof down, saying that while she wouldn’t mind one, the throne room was no place for one. It had ended there, until Rainbow noticed Pinkie pulling out her party cannon. That was when they decided to tie her up.

Applejack trotted back to her friends, giving them all a calm gaze. “Ya know, Pinkie’s right. Y’all are looking as lively as a bunch of hay stacks.” The others looked up at their farmer friend, surprised.

“Well, what should we do?” Rainbow shot back, slightly annoyed from boredom. “Nothing’s happening.”

“Still, we need ta do something.”

“Well, we could spend the time talking.” Rarity piped up “I’m sure there must be things for us to discuss.”

“We do have a few questions for thou, if thou doesn’t mind.” The five ponies looked at Luna, surprised.

“We would love to answer anything we can princess.” Twilight quickly replied. “What do you wish to know?”

“First, we would like you to address us as… Luna.” The princess blushed slightly at the informality. The girls nodded, smiling at their princess. “We, erm I, wish to know, what is so important about the Summer Sun Celebration? I don’t remember it ever existing before now.”

The girls looked stunned, never having considered her question before. Rarity recovered first, responding “I must admit, I’m not sure prin-, Luna. I don’t know why it is so important. It’s the longest day of the year, and it starts with Princess Celestia raising the sun. I’m not sure why it became such a big thing, or when.”

The others nodded in agreement before Twilight spoke. “Luna, I must admit, thinking back through pony history, I can’t think of any mention of it starting, or why.” The lavender unicorn looked down at the floor, ashamed at her lack of knowledge. “But, as the princess never let me read any of the history surrounding the few years before and after your banishment, and I can’t think of it before then, I must assume it started around then.”

Luna was taken aback. First that her sister had banned all text on the war she had waged, but more so that the ponies had created a holiday to celebrate the sun, right after her banishment. She knew it had never occurred before the war with her sister, and if Twilight said it was around immediately following that war, then it was created right after. That must have been why it became so important to them. The days were chaotic during the war. The ponies must have decided to celebrate the sun afterwards.

“Well, I must admit, I believe it started the year after my banishment. And Twilight, please, do not look into that piece of history. It is better left forgotten.” Though Twilight was confused, she quickly agreed.

A Tale not Told

A Tale not Told

“Well, if you don’t mind, my next question is, how did you six meet?” Luna continued. The six ponies before her were so close, they must have known each other for years. “You seem like such good friends.”

“Well, ta be honest, it’s kinda a long story.” Applejack responded. “Rarity and Ah have always been in Ponyville. We’ve know each other for as long as I can remember. Went to school and everything together. Had our share of fights, and, ta be completely open, we’ve never been on the best of terms. She cares for little more than prettifying, and Ah try to get the big work done. We’re good friends though. Ah wouldn’t trade the time I’ve spent with her for anything.”

“I must agree with her there.” Rarity interjected. “While she and I may have different interests and priorities, we get along well enough. I’ve often gone to her when I need help with Carousel Boutique. She’s the only pony I know well enough to discuss the ups and down of business. Many times she has helped me balance my books, find the minor errors, and in general help me. Our friendship was cemented though when she trekked through the snow to deliver an order for me.”

“Ya, Ah remember that. She had gotten an order finished for a client over in Manehattan. Thing was, the pegasi had decided we needed a freak blizzard. Still don’t know what happened.” Applejack shot Rainbow a quick glare before continuing. “But anyways, Rarity needed the dress delivered, but there was no way she would be able ta make it. I’ve walked ta Manehattan before, and Ah knew Ah could do it again. Once the snow stopped falling Ah showed up at her shop, let her know Ah could get the dress over.”

“How did you know she needed a dress delivered?” Luna inquired, interrupting Applejack. “If you weren’t the best of friends how would you have known when she needed help?”

“Ohh, that’s easy.” Applejack continued, taking the interruption in stride. “Everypony knew she had an order. She hadn’t shown up in town all week, and she was always a regular at mah apple stand. The last day she showed up in market before vanishing she told me she had recently received a wonderful order. Ah wished her luck. Didn’t see her for a week. But anyways, Ah got ta her house, told her Ah could get her order delivered. She didn’t seem happy about asking me to do such a thing, but she was a friend. Maybe not the best, but still a friend.”

“So Ah grabbed to package, and Ah walked to Manehattan. It was a long trek, but Ah knew Ah could make it. Before this trip, I thought Rarity was a bit stuck up, never doing any actual work. Then Ah met her client.” Applejack visibly shuddered at the memory. “Never in all mah days have Ah met a more stuck up, self-entitled, prissy little mare. Ah don’t think she’s ever lifted a hoof to help herself in her life.” Applejacks voice clearly dripped venom as she spoke, her displeasure with said mare quite apparent. “Ah stayed respectful, knowing that this was an important client, or at least in her eyes. Told her I was there to deliver a dress she had ordered, as Rarity was unable to make it through the snow. She scoffed, clearly offended that Ah was in the same room as her. Don’t know, and don’t wana know what her problem with me was. Ah collected the payment, and hurried out of there. While Rarity doesn’t do near the physical labor Ah do on mah farm, she more than makes up for it with dealing with those stuck up ponies. Ah gained a great amount of respect for her after that.”

“Why thank you darling.” Rarity said sweetly. “I must admit I have always admired the work you do on your farm, your apples are always delicious. And thankfully, that mare was a special case.” Rarity’s voice slowly turned sour as she spoke. “One of the most annoying clients I have had to deal with. And I still thank you for delivering that dress Applejack. She would have made it very hard on my business had she not gotten it.”

A slight pause hit the girls as Rarity reminisced about the past. Applejack took the moment to think, figuring out who was the next pony to come to Ponyville. “Ah think it was later that month that Fluttershy showed up.” Applejack said slowly, trying her best to determine if Fluttershy or Rainbow arrived first.

“Actually darling,” Rarity put in, “The first time I saw her was while you were off delivering that dress. She showed up at my boutique, obviously quite scared from all the snow. I immediately offered her a place to stay while we waited for the snow to clear. She was shyer than she is now. I don’t think I got a clear word out of her the entire time. When I asked where she was staying she just gestured in the direction of her house.”

“Um, excuse me.” Fluttershy’s quiet voice drifted, being heard in Rarity’s pause. “May I say my piece, if that’s alright with you.” The others nodded, giving their shy friend a smile. “I had been living in my house for almost a year when that storm hit. All my little animal friends scattered the day before, without a word to me. Then when the clouds rolled it, I knew something bad was going to happen. I walled up my door, and tried to just ride it out. I didn’t want to impose on anypony in Ponyville. I had grown enough food in my garden, and knew what wild plants to pick, that I was able to get through the few days while it snowed.” Fluttershy’s voice slowly grew in volume as she spoke. Gathering her confidence, she continued, her voice strong. “But, by the time the blizzard ended, I was almost out of food. I needed to get into town and buy something. But I didn’t have any bits. I quietly flew into town and saw Applejack leaving Rarity’s. I thought she would be able to at least give me some food.”

Sighing, slightly embarrassed, Fluttershy continued her tale. “I gathered all the courage I could and flew down, knocking on her door. I could only shiver from the cold and fear as she opened the door. Thankfully she took me in, gave me a warm bowl of soup, and housed me. The only thing she asked of me the entire time was to be a model for her.”

“Well, she is simply the perfect model.” Rarity chimed in. “So many ponies strive for a tall, regal look that it has become very fashionable. They see the princess and strive to be like her. I had been unable to find any who were tall enough and were willing to model for me, making it very hard to know how a dress sits on them. The height changes so many of the measurements for a dress. When I saw Fluttershy I simply had to ask her to be my model.” She turned to give the yellow mare a warm smile, but instead was confused as to why her friend was curled up in a ball. It then occurred to her that Fluttershy was likely surprised and a bit scared at being interrupted. “Oh, I’m so sorry dear. I didn’t mean to scare you.” She quickly trotted over to her friend, wrapping a hoof around her. After a short exchanging of words, Rarity nodded, giving her friend a small nuzzle.

“Well, to continue from where Fluttershy left off, she spent a few days as my model. When the snow had finally melted enough I sent her on her way. She took the bits I gave her in payment for being my model, and enough food so she could last until her garden was back in order. She’s been helping me as a model for years now,” Rarity finished with a smile, staying next to her friend. “It took her awhile to finally be ready to come out of her little home and meet the rest of Ponyville. I think it was Rainbow showing up that gave her the confidence boost. Those two seem to have known each other forever.”

“I must’ve been the next to arrive then,” Rainbow put in, picking up the story.

“You showed up just over a week after I met Fluttershy darling.” Rarity confirmed.

Rainbow nodded before continuing, “I had just dropped out from flight school and needed a job. It was my goal to join the Wonderbolts, even then. When I applied though they said I was too young. Said to come back in a few years.” The mare with a chromatic mane rolled her eyes at the memory. “Knowing I would come back, I left for Ponyville. I had heard Fluttershy was living there, and hoped she would let me stay with her while I found a job and place to stay.” Taking a deep breath, Rainbow continued. “I found her quickly, she’s the only pegasus I know that stays on the ground. After a short talk with her she agreed to let me stay until I had a place of my own.”

“The next day a huge storm came in.” Rainbow continued. “Something had gone wrong up in the cloud factory in Cloudsdale, and a huge storm was rolling in. I’m guessing this one followed the previous one that dropped so much snow. I later checked with the factory and found out a grey pegasus with a blond mane had leaned on a lever. Turned the snow production into overdrive. I think that’s what caused that first blizzard. I hope they’ve gotten rid of that lever. Anyways, the other pegasi around Ponyville were trying to clear it out, but weren’t doing so well. I flew up, building as much speed as I could, and hit the cloud. I don’t think I made a Sonic Rainboom but I think I was close. I managed to split the cloud into smaller chunks, which the other pegasi quickly cleared out. Though I’m the best flier in all Equestria,” Applejack gave a small snort at Rainbows boasting, “blasting apart such a huge cloud took it out of me. I don’t remember leaving the cloud to be honest, must have blacked out from the impact.”

“I awoke a few hours later in the hospital, barely able to move. I had broken most of the bones in my forelegs and wings. Shortly after I awoke a steel gray pegasus came in, Clear Skys. He was the head of the weather team for Ponyville back then. He offered me a job clearing the skies, and informed me of an open cloud home just outside Ponyville. I quickly took both.”

“Yes, that certainly was an impressive feat Rainbow.” Rarity chimed in, taking over the story. “I must say, word spread quickly of her achievement, and I’m glad to say she’s been clearing the skies ever since. She has done a most wonderful job. Pinkie was the next to arrive to Ponyville I believe.”

At this Pinkie bounced over, having somehow freed herself from the ropes. She sat down with her friends before beginning her part of the story. “Yep! I left the rock farm I grew up on a few years before I arrived in Ponyville. I traveled around a lot, trying to find a place that needed my parties. But nopony seemed to like them. I couldn’t figure out why. I mean, why wouldn’t somepony want to smile? Then I remembered the Cakes in Ponyville. I’ve known the Cakes from way back, and they quickly agreed to let me stay with them, as long as I helped out in the bakery. I may be a party pony but parties have cakes, and cakes need to be baked, so I’ve been a good baker for years. Then, when I realized no-one knew who I was I knew I had to throw a party so ponies would get to know me. So I threw my first Ponyville party, a ‘Welcome Pinkie Pie’ Party! Everypony in town showed up, at least I think they all did, and I met each and every one of them. I’m just so happy everypony in town likes my parties so much!” The ponies stared at Pinkie as she rambled, never taking a breath.

Recovering first, and deciding to ignore how Pinkie got free, Rarity spoke up. “How could we not love your parties Pinkie? While Ponyville was nice before, it got so dull at times. Your parties help to liven up the town.” The others nodded, smiling at the pink party pony.

“I guess it was a few years later that I arrived.” Twilight said, knowing her introduction to the group was next. “To be honest, I arrived the day before we had our fight with Nightmare.” Twilight proceeded to tell Luna how she met each of the others, and how they became friends. From the feast at the Apple family farm to the all-night party Pinkie threw, all the way to the challenges they faced, Twilight explained how she had joined the group, cementing their friendship forever.

“I must say Twilight, you six became fast friends.” Luna commented, smiling at the tale. “Those obstacles Nightmare threw at you must have pushed you together very quickly.”

“They did Luna. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have made my closest friends.” Twilight smiled as she joined her friends for a group hug. Luna grinned inwardly, surprised that she had helped Twilight make her closest friends. For the rest of the night they continued to talk, only interrupted once as one of Luna’s assistants came in to deliver some news.

A Day at the Fair

It soon became time for the ponies to leave the throne room, in order to watch Princess Celestia raise the sun. As they stood, stretching, a thought occurred to Luna. “Girls, would you like to watch my sister raise the sun from my balcony? I believe we would have a clear view of her as she raises the sun, and a much clearer view of the horizon.” I truth, Luna merely wanted to delay venturing out into the crowd as long as possible. The ponies thought for only a moment before nodding, following Luna out of the room.

They quickly made their way through the castle, arriving at Luna’s room. She silently opened the door, trotting inside happily. All of the girls except Twilight oohed and ahhed as they entered. Twilight remained calm, smiling knowingly at her friends. She remembered her first time in Princess Celestia’s room. Rarity especially seemed taken aback by the simple elegance of the chambers. Twilight followed Luna over to her balcony, motioning for the others to follow. They sat, gazing out over the garden where Celestia would raise the sun. The garden was full of ponies waiting, milling about as they waited for the yearly celebration to begin.

“Thank you for giving us such a view Princess.” Rarity spoke, amazed at what she was able to see from the balcony. The others nodded as well. They happily gazed down upon the festivities, waiting for their princess.

They didn’t have to wait long as Celestia soon strolled out onto the dais. The garden was silenced by her mere presence, all eyes turning to watch. The princess of the sun strolled calmly to the center of her dais, flashing a quick smile to Luna’s balcony. Unseen by the others, Luna silently lowered the moon on the far side of the horizon. Stretching her wings out, the princess leapt into the air, her wings pushing her up steadily, the sun raising over the horizon behind her. A cheer went out among the crowd as the ponies began their celebrations.

Luna’s balcony however remained silent. The six friends gazed in awe at the raising of the sun. The lone alicorn smiled sadly, wishing such a cheer would go out as she raised the moon. Her smile was quickly replaced with a look of confusion as she saw her sister walk off and disappear in a small flash of light.

“Why hello there everypony. I hope you enjoyed the show.” The seven girls spun around, surprised to have been greeted by Celestia. The alicorn walked over and sat across from them, smiling warmly. “I assume you will be joining in the festivities?” The girls smiled. “Well, I don’t want to keep you from them.” The girls quickly stood, making to leave. “However,” all seven stopped, turning to face Celestia. “I must speak with Twilight, alone.”

Luna, though the most surprised, recovered first. “Well, Twilight, why don’t you meet us at the castle gates?” Twilight nodded, watching as the others left the room.

The six remaining made their way through the grand halls of the castle. Though it was a long walk, the eventually made it to the front gates. The remaining Elements sat down, waiting for their friend, chatting amongst themselves. Luna stood a ways away, concentrating. Slowly her coat began changing from light blue to a silvery gray. Her wings disappeared in a small flash of light as her cutie mark changed from her crescent moon to the Orion constellation. Her coat finishing its change, she shook herself out, removing the lingering feeling of magic.

Twilight raced around the corner moments later, skidding to a halt at her friends. “Hello Selene,” she called in Luna’s direction.

Luna nodded as she strode forward, joining the rest. “Why hello Twilight. I hope this will allow me to go unnoticed.” The other five stared at Luna, confusion etched onto their faces. Noticing their confusion, Luna sighed. “If I went out looking like myself I would either be mobbed by fans, or attacked by those who still fear me. It does not sound at all pleasant.”

When the girls confusion didn’t abate, Twilight spoke up. “Ms. Selene here is Princess Luna. As she said she needs a cover so she can go out in public.” Finally understanding, the girls nodded. “So, Ms. Selene, what is your cover?”

“I am one of the royal librarians.” Luna began, very matter-of-factly. “I am in my early thirties, and have been happily working in the palace for ten years now. I got my cutie mark when I was six, staring up at the night sky and seeing all the different constellations. Though I love the night sky, I work as a librarian so I can spend time in the library. It is always full of knowledge, with whole sections dedicated to the stars.”

The Elements blinked. Luna sounded so mechanical to them, as if she was reading her little explanation off a notecard. Nodding slowly, Rarity responded. “Well, Ms. Selene, shall we make our way to the celebrations?”

Luna nodded quickly, following the Elements out the door. Though the streets were packed they were able to quickly make their way to the center of the festivities. Good, Luna thought to herself. Now I can observe my subjects and determine what it is they like. This shall be of great benefit as I rule alongside my sister.

Mare sighed in the back of Luna’s mind. “Luna, you’re not here to work. You’re here to have fun. Just enjoy the time with the others.”

As a princess of Equestria I have no time for fun Mare. There is also no reason for me to be having fun. Luna quipped back in her mind.

“Please Luna.” Mare hung her head as she realized Luna was set on her plan. As an idea occurred to her, she spoke back up. “Luna. What better way to find out how your subjects have fun than to have fun yourself? Since fun isn’t something you can quantify, you need to experience it yourself.”

Luna stopped for a moment as she considered. You do have a point Mare, she responded. I shall try this fun. Mare smiled happily, relaxing back in Luna’s mind. Realizing she was falling behind, Luna quickened her pace, quickly returning to the others.

The group reached the festivities soon after. Staring out across the streets lined with games and shops, Luna found herself amazed at the sheer size of the spectacle. She slowly turned in place, taking in everything she could from her location. “Come on Selene. The fun’s that way!” Pinkie exclaimed, bounding off.

Knowing there was no point in trying to control the party pony, the others let her bound off. She would no doubt find them all at some point, and would definitely join them for lunch. “Alright girls. Let’s stay together. We have to make sure to show Ms. Selene here a good time.” Twilight called to her friends over the roar of the crowd. Nodding the six set off.

They rode the rides, from the massive roller coasters to the smaller train rides. They played the games, which ranged from stall games involving tossing rings onto bottles to the larger ones, including the bell buck. They ate the food, though none of it could be called healthy in any way, and saw the performances, all of which depicted some point in Equestria's history. Soon lunch rolled around and the girls decided to have a nice meal together. Just as the six of them were sitting down to eat, Pinkie bounded over. She landed in an open seat by her friends and immediately launched into her tale of what she had done. Luna calmly ate her food as she listened to the party pony regale them with her exploits. Somehow the pink mare had managed to engage in every activity the girls had, which had taken all of their time, along with quite a few more rides and games.

Slightly confused, Luna looked down, trying to sort things out in her mind. As she did, she noticed that Pinkie had managed to eat her entire meal as she told her tale. Looking back up Luna opened her mouth to speak, only to find Applejacks hoof on hers. Looking over at her, Applejack simply shook her head, silently telling her not to bother.

“Well girls, lunch was wonderful.” Rarity interjected into the short silence. “However, there are a few shops with designs from Hoity Toity that I simply must browse.”

“That’s sounds like nice, safe fun Rarity.” Fluttershy’s quiet voice interjected. “I’d like to join you. If that’s okay with you that is.” Rarity smiled at her shy friend, nodding.

Both Rainbow and Applejack shuddered. “Well, there are a few games I need to challenge AJ to.” Rainbow responded.

“Ohh, is that so RD? You’re on.” Applejack quickly responded, flashing her friend a challenging smile.

“And there’s still so many rides and games and shows for me to try out.” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Well then girls.” Twilight calmly pulled her friends attention to her. “Let’s split up for the afternoon. Let’s meet up back at the castle at before sunset.” They all nodded, smiling at their friends before going their separate ways. “Well Ms. Selene. How are you enjoying the festival so far?”

“I must admit, I am not finding it all that enjoyable.” Twilight and Mare groaned in unison. Both, though unbeknownst to the other, simply stared at Luna. “I can understand why you all would derive pleasure from this, but I do not myself. It seems trite and inconsequential.”

“Well, in a way, I must agree with you Selene.” Luna looked up, puzzled by Twilight’s response. “This whole thing is a celebration of Celestia raising the sun. She does it every day. What makes today so special?”

Luna nodded in agreement. “I agree. However, I do believe I know why this festival was started, a thousand years ago.” Twilight looked up expectantly, the prospect of knowledge causing her eyes to glow. “But I will not explain here. Follow me please.”

Twilight hopped up and followed Luna as she slowly made her way through the crowd. Though it took them awhile, they were eventually able to find a quiet, secluded place, away from the roar of the crowd. “So, Ms. Selene,”

“Please Twilight, call me Luna. There are no other ponies to disturb us.” Luna replied somewhat sadly.

Twilight blinked a moment before continuing. “Well, Luna, why was this festival started? And how do you know? It was started after your, umm…”

“After my banishment, I know. The reason I know is simple. I know how ponies act.” Twilight nodded, noticing the slight hint of sadness in Luna’s voice. “I will tell you a secret Twilight.” The unicorn’s ears popped up at this, her eyes growing wide. “It was no small battle between my sister and I. It was a war. And I waged it over the course of years.” Twilight’s jaw dropped at the revelation.

“Princess,” She began.

“No Twilight. I will not tell you the tale. It is something I would rather put behind me.” Luna interrupted, her voice heavy with regret. The young unicorn slowly nodded, her mind abuzz as she tried to understand this revelation. “During the beginning of this war Twilight, I fought daily with my sister for control over the sun and moon. I pushed to have my moon grace the skies as she fought to keep the cycle normal. Near the end I finally gave in, allowing the pattern to flow as normal.”

Twilight simply stared at Luna. The idea of such a war astounded her, and that the daily cycle would be so chaotic scared her. “So, what does this have to do with the Summer Sun Celebration?”

“Everything. The war ended the day before the longest day of the year, a thousand years ago. I was defeated, and banished to the moon. I can only assume that the next day, after news spread of Celestia’s victory, a celebration was held, one that would eventually become the Summer Sun Celebration as it is today. I can only thank my sister for eradicating the original meaning of the festival.”

Twilight stared a while longer, her mind slowly processing what she had just heard. After a minute she nodded. “I assume you wish me to keep this a secret?”

“Please Twilight.” Luna hung her head in shame. “It happened in the past, a very long time ago. I want ponies to remember me for what I have done since my return, not the acts of my past.” Twilight nodded solemnly. Standing, Luna walked off, Twilight following close behind her. “So, is there any fun you still wish to have today Twilight?” Twilight nodded, and the two set off.

“I’m proud of you Luna.” The calm voice of mare drifted from the recesses of Luna’s mind. “You opened up to somepony. That’s an important first step.”

You and your plan Mare. What if I don’t want my emotions back? Luna quipped back. What if I want to stay like this?

“You and I both know you can’t Luna. To do such a thing would destroy you.”

Luna sighed. Fine. I’ll agree with that. What do you want me to work on next? What’s the next step?

“You promised me something Luna. I’m holding you to it.”

Yes, of course.

Confessions

“Sister,” Luna spoke flatly. “I have something to discuss with you.” Celestia looked up from her desk as her sister spoke. Luna had walked into Celestia’s study, just under her room. It was warm and inviting. Twilight sat across from Celestia at her desk, a small stack of papers between them.

“What is it Luna?” She smiled warmly, glad to see her sister.

“Please sister, this requires that we be alone.”

Celestia looked to Twilight, who gave a small shrug. “Well, certainly.” Celestia’s voice wavered with slight confusion. “Twilight, stay down here. Luna and I will head upstairs.”

“Alright Princess.” Twilight nodded, returning to her books after watching her mentor leave up the stairs.

The sisters arrived in Celestia’s chambers. While Luna’s chambers were dark and cool, Celestia’s were warm and bright. Her great windows looked out over most of Equestria. The evening sunlight flooded into the room, casting long shadows. The Princess of the Sun sat on her bed, the Princess of the Moon standing across from her.

“So, what is it Luna? You seem very worried over something.”

Luna paced for a moment, her jaw working slowly as she tried to find the words. Sighing as she discovered she couldn’t find the words, she lowered her head. Her horn glowed in its pale blue glow, growing in intensity. A buzz filled the room as Luna’s spell grew, encompassing the entire room. As the glow faded, Luna looked up with a sad smile. “Sister, I know you have noticed something wrong with me these last few weeks. I would like to explain.” Luna’s tone was sorrowful, her words quiet. “It requires a bit of history first.”

“Luna, why did you feel the need to seal the room? Neither of us can get out until you remove it.” Celestia stared at her sister confused, wondering what was going on.

“Because of what this is about. It is not something for anypony else to hear.” Luna let her eyes fall, unable to look at her sister. “This is about Nightmare Moon, and where she came from, and where she is now.”

Celestia’s body tensed at the sound of her old foe. “Luna, what do you mean, ‘where she is now’?”

“She has always been a part of me Tia. You can no more destroy her then you can destroy me. Please, relax.”

“I will relax when I feel it appropriate sister. Now, explain.”

Luna sat down, a sad smile on her face. “I’m sure you remember what happened years ago, when we discovered our talents. You changed from your old, smaller self into what you are now. When I discovered my talent much the same happened with me.” Luna squirmed slightly at the memory. “And I am sure you remember what I looked like.”

Celestia looked down, ashamed of the memory. “Yes, I do. You terrified me. Nightmare Moon was the spitting image of your other form.”

“No sister. Nightmare Moon was my other form.” Celestia’s eyes widened. “But she was not always Nightmare Moon. She originally called herself ‘Mare in the Moon’. And she is still with me.”

Celestia slowly stood, tensing her muscles into a battle stance. “Sister, if Nightmare is still around I have to help.”

“No Tia. Mare is not evil. She has always been my closest friend. Please let me explain.”

Celestia stayed in her battle stance, though relaxed. “Alright Luna. But I want you to explain everything. This is important to me.”

Luna nodded, sitting down. With a deep breath, she began her tale. “After the first time I raised the moon, as you remember I discovered my other form. I knew that we both would have our mortal and goddess forms, but never thought it would be that.” Luna hung her head. “So after that day, I hid my other form. I didn’t want to scare the other ponies. And for a while everything was fine. We ruled together, the ponies loved us both, and life was fun.”

“But I slowly began to notice how the ponies loved your day more than my night. And it hurt, knowing that the ponies loved you more than me. But I also knew I couldn’t allow that to affect me. So I buried my pain and hate and jealousy. I never allowed those emotions to get to me. I buried them in the same place I buried my goddess form.”

Luna paused, not sure what to say next. “Luna? What happened after that? There must have been something between then and our, well our war.”

“There was.” Luna continued. “Slowly, Mare came to exist. She was just a part of me. The negative, hateful, vengeful side. I don’t know if she was always that way, or if she slowly became that. I don’t think I ever will. But she tried to help me. At least, I think she was trying to help.” Luna let her eyes drop, unable to face her sister.

“Luna, please, continue. I know this must be painful for you, but I need to know.” Celestia relaxed further, sitting across from her sister. “Please.”

“She tried to help me deal with the ponies not loving me. But nothing worked. She tried so many things, for so long. Eventually though, I gave up. In what I thought was a last ditch effort, though now I’m not sure, she offered a very long night. Force the ponies to enjoy my night, and to see how wonderful it was. I couldn’t agree. I thought it would just make the ponies hate me more. So she offered to do it.”

“What do you mean Luna? Just how separate are the two of you?”

“Very Tia. We’re two minds, two sets of memories, trapped in the same body. We can each have control over the physical form, but only if the other willingly gives it up. I figured her plan could work, so I gave her control. We had both agreed it couldn’t be eternal night, that would kill every living thing other than us. We wanted the ponies love, and we need them alive for that.”

“But I wouldn’t allow you to keep it night.” Celestia remarked. “I thought you were trying to make it eternal night. I was scared of you.”

“We did advertise it like that. Figured we could get more ponies on our side by saying eternal, rather than really long. We never intended to keep it night, not for more than a few days. So when you forced your sun into the sky, we fought back. And well, I think you know what happened during our war.”

Celestia nodded, thinking to herself. “But what happened at the end? You gave yourself up so easily.”

“I knew it was a lost cause. I knew we couldn’t keep up the war. Mare and I were tired of fighting. After agreeing to give up, we let the celestial cycle return to normal, and then, gave ourselves up to you. Her anger and hate regrew while on the moon though. You didn’t seal us in the moon, Tia. You sealed us on the moon. We wandered the surface, lost and bored and scared. I can’t describe how horrible it was.”

“Alright. I will admit, that explains a lot of what happened a thousand years ago. But what does that have to do with now? And why did you say that she is still here?”

Luna stood up, facing her sister. “Mare is still within me Tia. I feel that she has proven herself reformed. When the elements hit her, they cleansed her of her hate and pain. But they also split the two of us further. I got the business, royal side. All I can bring myself to care about is my duties. The things I have to do. Mare got the emotions. She cares about things and ponies. She wants to have fun, while I just want to work. We both know this won’t work for much longer, we need to, whatever it’s called. Become one pony I guess.”

Celestia sat, staring at her sister. Her jaw worked slowly as she tried to find the words she needed. “Luna, I… I don’t know what to say. I can understand how this would have been bothering you, but something confuses me. Why did you come to me? You’ve seemed to be getting better.”

“And I think I am Tia. But I made her a promise. I told her that if she proved herself, and only in front of you, I would allow her a chance to exist, to stretch her legs.”

Celestia immediately sprang back up, landing back in her fighting stance. “Luna, you can’t be saying-”

“I am Tia. I made a promise, and she has kept her end of it. It is time I kept my side of the bargain.” Luna closed her eyes, retreating deep into her mind. Alright Mare. We are with Tia. Go ahead and meet her.

“Thank you Luna.” Luna took her seat in the back of their shared subconscious, watching as Mare walked forward, ready to take control.

Mare slowly opened her eyes, looking around. She blinked a few times before turning her head to look at herself. Her coat was a light blue, while her mane and tail were a slightly darker shade. “This isn’t me,” she said to herself. With a shudder, she changed. She grew in height, her coat slowly darkening to black. Her mane and tail changed from a dark blue to vapor, drifting about her, twinkling like the stars. “That’s better” she added, her voice now much colder, almost icy.

Looking up, she saw Celestia standing across from her, her mouth agape. She stared for a moment, not sure of how to react. Then Celestia let out a scream of terror and rage. “Tia, please calm down!” she shouted over her sister’s scream. Turning to face the door, she checked on Luna’s spell to make sure it would contain the sound. Spinning back to Celestia, she found herself face to face with a bolt of magic. It knocked her back, sending her flying into the wall.

“Give me back my sister you monster!” Celestia bellowed, levitating Mare into the air. The black alicorn quickly built a bubble around herself, cutting off Celestia’s magic. “Monster! What have you done with my sister!”

“Luna is fine! Please listen to me Tia! I just want to explain!” Another blast of magic assaulted Mare, and though it didn’t penetrate her bubble, it did send it flying against the wall once again. “Please Tia, let me explain!”

“Give me back my sister, you, you thing!” Celestia roared, sending another bolt at Mare, sending her flying into yet another wall. Blinking her eyes, Mare found herself staring at the stairs leading down. Standing atop them, outside Luna’s bubble, was Twilight. Her eyes were wide with terror, her mouth open in an unheard scream.

“You can’t let her get away Mare! She will grab the other elements and send us back to the moon!” Luna bellowed from the back of Mare’s mind.

Alright Luna, hold on. Mare thought back, closing her eyes. With a slight shake of fear, she dropped the bubble protecting herself from Celestia, building another outside Luna’s to trap Twilight. “Celestia, wait! Look around you. You know I can’t make two of those.” Mare teleported a few feet from where she was, avoiding yet another bolt of magic. “Luna’s barrier traps both of us. I can’t pull it down.” Celestia stopped her attack, staring angrily. “Mine is trapping Twilight. I don’t want to go back to the moon.”

Mare’s words were enough to give Celestia pause, her sides still heaving with anger. “Alright, thats true. And the magic of those barriers are different, leaving you just as trapped as me.” She admitted hesitantly, not dropping her guard. Glaring at Mare she added, “That doesn’t mean I trust you.”

“I knew you wouldn’t Tia.” Mare responded. “I’ll switch back to Luna, and she can let Twilight in. You can have her set up another barrier to trap us all if you want. But I need to talk with you. Please Celestia, give me a chance to explain myself.”

“Fine, just give me back my sister you monster.” Mare shuddered at Celestia’s words.

Closing her eyes, Mare returned back into her mind, sitting with Luna. “Will you do it Luna? Please.”

“Of course I will Mare.” Luna promised.

“Why not just let Twilight go? She doesn’t need to be in on this.” Mare responded, raising an eyebrow.

“I know, but she’s seen you. Either she freaks out and runs to her friends, or she has everything explained to her.” Luna sighed, knowing the gravity of the situation.

“She is still a very beautiful mare, even when she’s trying to kill us.”

“Oh shut it Mare. Perhaps one day I will pursue a relationship, but not today.” Luna rose from next to Mare, walking to the front of their mind.

“Alright, monster, I said I want Luna back. You have till five to return her.”

“Tia wait!” Mare’s cold voice called out. Slowly she changed back, her coat lightening, her mane and tail returning to their less ethereal form. “Please Tia, calm down. It’s me.”

“Prove it.” Celestia’s voice was cold and angry. It made Luna shudder.

With a solemn face, Luna lowered her head, her horn aglow. Slowly, the barrier keeping Twilight out fell, allowing her to rush into the room. As soon as it was down Luna raised another, this one just outside Mare’s barrier.

Twilight stood by her mentor, unsure of what to do. “Princess, what’s going on? Why couldn’t I teleport a moment ago? And why was Nightmare Moon back? I thought my friends and I had defeated her a year ago.”

“As did I Twilight. Hopefully, we will be getting some answers soon. And it was a very powerful barrier that kept you in. Only the one who created it can remove it. Otherwise, everypony is trapped on the side they started out on.” Celestia turned to face Luna as she finished talking to her student. “And Luna, why did you allow her out? You know the trouble she has caused.”

“That was Nightmare Moon, Tia, who caused all the problems. The pony she became after being corrupted by my hatred and jealousy.”

“Wait, I thought you had become Nightmare Moon, Princess Luna.” Twilight spoke up, her eyes full of confusion, but eager to learn.

“In a way, yes Twilight. Perhaps another time I can tell you the whole tale. But not today, for today Mare needs her chance to speak.” Luna turned from Twilight to her sister. “Please, give her a chance. You know she can’t escape, just as much as the two of you can’t.”

“Fine, bring her back. I guess she should face justice for her crimes.” Celestia retorted, her voice acidic.

Cringing, Luna once again swapped with Mare, their shared body slowly transforming to Mare’s preferred form. “Hello Celestia, hello Twilight. Please don’t kill me.”

Twilight shrank back, still in slight terror of the black alicorn before her. “And why shouldn’t we? It may not be what we wanted to do a year ago, but if it keeps you from coming back and taking over Princess Luna again, why not?” Twilight’s voice shook with rage and fear, her body trembling.

“Because killing me would kill Luna at the same time. We are interconnected. You can no more kill me than her.” Mare hung her head, tired. “Please, allow me to explain.” Grumbling, both Twilight and Celestia agreed, sitting down across from Mare. “Thank you, thank you both.”

Mare launched into her tale. From her creation, slowly forming in the back of Luna’s mind from her suppressed feelings and emotions, to her slow corruption from the hate and jealousy Luna was suppressing. Her story matched with Luna’s, just from the other side of the divide. She stopped when she reached the war, not wanting to relive it.

“Alright Mare, suppose we believe you. Why are you still here?” Twilight spoke up, voicing her and Celestia’s feelings. “Why can’t Luna just let you fade into the past? If she’s not suppressing her emotions, there’s nothing to keep you alive, or in existence, or, whatever it is.”

“Because Luna has no emotions. She is incapable of feeling anything. Beyond a mild curiosity, I don’t think she can feel any emotion. I, on the other hand, feel those emotions. I see what she sees, and put in my own two bits, telling her my emotional reaction.”

“I know she’s felt emotion Mare. She was terrified of Celestia a few weeks ago when she came to my home.” Twilight retorted, trying to pick apart Mare’s story.

“I noticed. And her reaction did surprise me. But there was so much less emotion in that response than should have been. Her reason for freaking out was that if she’s back on the moon, she can’t serve her subjects as their princess. It had nothing to do with personal freedom, or genuine terror to returning to the moon. It was all about her duty and her role.”

“So what is it you want Mare?” Celestia asked, focusing their attention. “What plan do you have?”

“I want Luna to heal.” Mare stated, matter-of-factly. “For some reason, likely because I was created from her pain, the thing I want most is for her to be happy, and whole. She isn’t right now. Somehow, Luna and I need to reform, become one pony again. I have no idea what will happen when we do, or if Luna as you know her will remain. I do know though that it will likely kill me. Or destroy me; I’m not sure of the right words here.”

Celestia and Twilight looked at each other. “If what she’s saying is true, Then she’s going to need a lot of help Twilight.”

“True. But what if she’s lying? How can we trust her? How do we know she doesn’t have Luna under her control?”

“I don’t know Twilight.” Celestia sighed. “But I don’t think she is. I fought Nightmare for a long time. While this is a plan worthy of her craftiness, she would never stoop to this level. She would be much more brash and forward.” Looking to her student, Celestia smiled. “I have to conclude that this is no longer the mare I fought a thousand years ago. Mare! I will believe you, so long as you do nothing to make me think otherwise.”

“Thank you Celestia. Is there anything you want from me?” Mare smiled, happy that she was being accepted.

“Yes, I want you to talk with one of the psychologists. Perhaps they can help you deal with this, perhaps even accomplish your plan.”

“But Princess, who would be willing to do that?” Twilight commented, thinking fast. “I don’t think there’s a single pony who is comfortable enough to psychoanalyze a princess.”

“She does have a point Celestia. I don’t think anypony would ever be willing to do that for any of us. And most of them would be terrified of me.”

Celestia sat, thinking for a while. Slowly, a grin spread across her face, an idea occurring to her. “You both have good points. So, Twilight,” Celestia turned to her student, giving her a slightly evil smile. “Would you be willing to do this?”

Twilight stared at her teacher. “Me? But I’m hardly qualified-”

“I know Twilight, but I can’t trust anypony else with this.” Twilight sighed, knowing her mentor was right. Slowly she nodded her head, accepting her newest job. “Thank you Twilight. I hope you get started very soon.”

“I’ll go get a book.”

A Session with Twilight

Luna patiently sat in her room, waiting for Twilight to arrive. Though the sun had just risen, and it was normally the time that she would be going to sleep, she and Twilight were planning to meet. Today was going to be their first session as doctor and patient, and although Twilight had studied tirelessly, Luna couldn't ignore her doubts. While she had no issues with Twilight being the one to do this, it didn’t make it any less worrying. Her nerves getting the better of her, Luna rose to her hooves, and started pacing around her room.

“Luna, can you calm down? I never thought you’d be worried. But it’s driving me up the walls in here.” Mare quipped as Luna rose. “And you also know just how much your emotions bleed off into me.” Mare slowly shook her head. “You know I have no way of handling these raging emotions.”

“Well you’re doing well enough right now.” Luna snapped back, her voice cracking as she spoke. “I’m just worried about this. How do we know this will help us at all? And what good can she do? It’s not like talking with her will help put us back together!” Luna continued her pacing, her frenzied hoof falls starting to scuff the polished floors.

“I have no idea Luna. All I know is that Celestia wants it, and I don’t see how it can hurt.” Mare quickly responded. “Look, this might help. Who knows. But we should give it a chance.”

Luna sighed, shaking her head. Turning to make another trip of her pacing, her head flew up as she heard her door open slowly. Twilight Sparkle, a pair of thin glasses upon her muzzle, and a clipboard floating behind her, walked in.

“And that’s sexy. Very sexy.” Mare thought, staring at the purple unicorn.

“Yes, yes it is.” Luna slowly responded, her own eyes never leaving Twilight as well.

“What was that princess?” Twilight looked at her charge, slightly confused. “Oh, talking with Mare are we? Well, what did she say?” The unicorns face lit up with genuine curiosity, staring at the blue alicorn.

“Oh, nothing important.” Luna quickly responded. “Just saying that your look is new.” And sexy Luna mentally added to nods from Mare. “So, what do you plan to do today?”

“Well, the problem I’ve had is that I want to talk to both you and Mare, at the same time.” Twilight sat across from Luna, motioning for her to join her. As Luna sat, Twilight continued. “So I talked with some experts in the field, asking for help. After many dead ends, one of them told me of a spell. It will place the target pony into a hypnotic state, which should allow you to talk with Mare. But from what I understand, you already can. Then I remembered that you can enter other ponies dreams. So I thought, why not cast it on both of us? Then you and Mare come to my mind, and we can all talk there.” Twilight clapped her hooves as she finished, excited with her plan.

“I assume you would like us as separate ponies, so that you may talk with both of us?” Luna asked after going over Twilight’s idea. While it was a novel concept, logically, it would work.

Quickly nodding, Twilight sat down, her horn beginning to softly glow. “It’s going to take me awhile to charge the spell properly, so please, relax Princess.

“Lets hope Twilight is as bright as Celestia says.” Mare commented, relaxing back in preparation for the spell.

Luna nodded to herself, sitting down. “Alright Twilight, we are ready when you are.”

Twilight nodded back, smiling. Her horn continued to glow, growing in intensity, as Twilight finished charging her spell. She let it loose, casting her hypnosis spell across the room, in a bright flash. As the light died away, Luna and Twilight were revealed to be laying on the floor, sound asleep.

“Well, that was bright.” Mare remarked as she rose to her hooves.

“Yes it was.” Luna responded, rising to her hooves as well. “I believe we need to pop over to Twilight’s dream now?” She shook her mane out, letting her blue strands fall about her face.

“Yes, I believe we must. Follow me Luna.” Mare walked off into the white, Luna following close behind. “I hope you don’t mind invading her dreams. She is likely in a very nice dream. We will have to bring her lucid, without waking her. That shall be fun.”

Luna thought to herself for a moment, continuing to follow her friend. “Is there anything we can learn from her dreams? Anything about her?”

“What is it you want to learn about her Luna? Her dreams for the future? How to win her heart?” Mare asked jokingly.

“Perhaps Mare, perhaps.” Luna responded thoughtfully, much to Mare’s surprise.

The pair continued walking for a bit, before finding themselves in a warm office space, complete with a few couches and a wingback chair. Sitting in the wingback chair was Twilight, sitting happily, her glasses still on her muzzle. “Ah, glad you two could make it. And I’m very glad to see there are two of you. And yes, I am fully lucid.” Twilight stated happily, relaxing in her chair. “Please, take a seat, both of you.”

The alicorns did as requested, relaxing on their couches. “Glad to find you lucid Twilight. How did you manage it? And may we have a cup of tea?” Mare asked.

“Certainly,” Twilight responded, gesturing to a table that rested between the couches, bearing a kettle of tea and a pair of cups. Luna nodded with a smile, pouring a cup of tea for herself and Mare. “Now, I would like to begin if you don’t mind.” Both alicorns nodded, with a gentle smile from Mare. “And I want to know, Mare, how shall I address you? Are you Princess Mare, or would you rather just Mare?”

Mare gave a small chuckle. “Just Mare please. I am no princess, nor would I want to be called one if I was.”

Twilight nodded her understanding before continuing. “Alright. Well, on to my questions. First, Luna, why do you trust Mare? After she got you banished, how could you ever trust her again?”

Luna rolled her eyes, laughing softly. “Fair enough Twilight. First though, you need to understand, while she will take all the blame for the banishment, I don’t blame her. It was her idea to start the long night, and I let her. And in the end, I went to Celestia to end the war. I honestly expected her to kill me to end it. But she banished me instead. And while Mare had become corrupted with hatred and jealousy, it was my hate and my jealousy. She had to earn her trust back, yes, but she did. No matter what happened since we returned, she has done nothing but gain my trust.” Luna let out a small happy sigh. “She has earned my trust back.”

Twilight nodded slowly, processing the load of information given her. “Wow. Well then. So she has your complete trust?”

Luna nodded. “Yes. That’s why I let her meet Celestia a week ago. She had earned my trust.”

“And I thank you for that Luna. While Celestia did try to kill me, and I’m not surprised, I’m glad to have gotten to see her again.” Mare smiled, slowly sipping on her tea.

“Well, I’m glad to hear Mare has your trust Luna. But Mare, do you trust Luna in return?” Twilight turned in her chair to face the black alicorn, smiling expectantly.

“Yes. She has been nothing but good to me, and has done her best to keep me from harm.” Mare smiled at her friend. “She has done nothing to break my trust.”

“Something I’ve been wondering.” Twilight slowly responded, choosing her words carefully. “Where did you get the idea for an eternal night? Or even just a really long one?”

Both alicorns looked to each other, raising an eyebrow. Twilight tried to hide in her seat, worried she had upset the pair of them. Luna was the first to speak, asking “That’s a good question. Where did you get the idea Mare?”

Mare hung her head, looking sheepish for a moment. “It’s was something that just came to me. I was working on a way to get the ponies to at least view your night, rather than sleep through it. And I thought, well, why not bring out the night during the day? When everypony is already awake, make it night. Then they have to see it eventually.” Mare sighed deeply, shaking her head. “I also knew they would run and hide the moment the sun went down. I knew it would have to stay night for a while to force ponies to accept it. I didn’t think of how they would hate it, or how Celestia would react. I only thought of showing our night to the ponies.”

“Still Mare,” Twilight responded. “And please don’t take this the wrong way, but that sounds, well, cruel. Why not find the few ponies who did enjoy the night?”

“There weren’t any Twilight.” Luna responded sadly, raising a hoof to stop the inevitable retort from Twilight. “I looked. We looked. We couldn’t find a single pony who ever stayed up to view the night for simple pleasure. A few ponies were awake, but they were lost, using the stars to find their way home. Back then, there were no astronomers, everypony saw our night as something evil, something to be feared.” Luna hung her head in sorrow, a few tears dripping down her cheeks. “It hurt to be so excluded.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up painful memories.” Twilight quickly responded, jumping up, wrapping both Luna and Mare in a hug. “I was just curious.”

“We know that Twilight.” Mare responded. “I just don’t like thinking about that time, and I don’t think Luna does either.” Luna slowly shook her head in agreement. Slowly the alicorns calmed down, smiling. “Thank you Twilight.”

Twilight nodded as she took her seat again. “So,” she began, trying to steer the conversation to happier topics. “How does the coexistence work? When Luna is in control, what  do you see Mare? And same to you Luna. Where do you go? How do you switch back and forth? Can you communicate easily? And why does Mare have the emotions, and Luna the business? And princess-” Twilight was starting to bounce in her seat as she rattled off the questions, stopping only as Mare raised a hoof.

Luna chuckled quietly as she heard the eagerness in Twilight’s voice. “It’s simple actually. For me, there’s an empty white space in my mind where Mare normally sits. Nice place.”

“Very strange though.” Mare picked up. “It’s a part of our subconscious, and so we both can control it. And we can manipulate it as much as we want. It’s like being in a lucid dream.”

“What do you mean by that Mare?” Twilight inquired.

“Well, it’s like here. When we asked for a cup of tea, there was a kettle and cups waiting for us on the table. And it’s not so much that they appeared there, so much as they were always there, we just hadn’t noticed them. That’s how it works there. If we need something, from tea to a couch, it’s there. The mind will go to extraordinary lengths to rationalize everything.” Mare explained, sipping her tea.

Twilight gave a thoughtful smile as she went over the new information. “Well, interesting. But what happens in that space?”

“Nothing really. You could say it’s like the backseat of a carriage.” Mare explained. “I don’t have to look out the front window, and see what Luna see, but I can if I want to. And when I do, I see it as if I were the one standing there, looking. Otherwise, I just sit back and relax, letting Luna go about her business.”

“So how do you communicate? I know you can, but how does that work?” Twilight asked, sitting on the edge of her chair, taking notes on a clipboard.

Luna gave a laugh at Twilight’s eagerness. “Imagine a little voice, nagging you about everything. That’s how Mare talks to me. She says something, I hear it. I then can think back to her. The strange, and annoying, part is that her voice sounds like it’s coming from outside me. I know it’s from my mind, but at first I thought she was somepony who had snuck up on me.”

“Yes I am sorry for giving you such a start. I only meant to comment on the events of the Gala.”

“So you first returned at the Gala Mare?” Twilight interjected. “Luna didn’t seem at all distressed when I spoke with her. And why did it take you so long to return?”

Mare gave a small, sad smile. “I didn’t speak up until after your conversation. I didn’t want to bother Luna before then. And I had been blasted by the Elements of Harmony. While they did cleanse me of the hatred and jealousy, that was what made up most of me. It took some time for me to recover.”

“What did you two talk about? If you don’t mind telling me.” Twilight asked, ears perked.

“As I remember, your first comment was to tell me to pursue a romantic relationship with Twilight, and not two minutes after she left.” Luna remarked thoughtfully.

Twilight sank into her chair, trying to hide as best she could while blushing a deep crimson. Mare meanwhile had placed her head in her hooves, slowly shaking it. “Ohh look at what you’ve done to her Luna!” Mare chastised. “Please relax Twilight. I merely commented that you are a very special pony. You were the first pony we met that enjoyed the night.”

Twilight slowly nodded coming back out of her chair. Luna sat pondering for a moment before shooting back “Oh, like she can trust you in this. When I visited your house a few weeks later she said, and I quote ‘she’s sexy and you know it.’”

Mare stumbled over her words, trying to come up with a response. “Did you actually say that? Do you really think that of me?” Twilight asked, her cheeks flushed. “Nopony has ever said that about me before.”

Now it was Luna and Mare’s turn to blush. They both stammered, trying to think of a response to Twilight’s question. “You are a very beautiful mare Twilight. I’m surprised you haven’t had suitors lining up to ask you on dates.” Luna responded, coming up with a suitable excuse to get the pair of alicorns out of that mess.

“Well, Rarity has said the same before. Though I think the reason I haven’t had any is that I spend most of my time holed up in my library.” Twilight sheepishly answered.

Luna and Mare looked to each other, a wondering smile on the formers face. “Well, I guess that might explain the lack of suitors,” Mare chuckled.

“So when you want to switch, how do you do it?” Twilight asked, moving the conversation away from such embarrassing topics.

“Well, whoever is in control returns to the whitespace, as we have taken to calling it, and the other steps forward.” Mare remarked simply, changing topics just as quick as Twilight.

“As a small side note, we can’t force the other out.” Luna added, looking off into the distance as she worded her thoughts. “To use the carriage metaphor, we are both sitting behind the reigns, but there is only one set. We can both see what’s going on, though if we don’t have the reigns, we don’t have to pay attention, and can talk to each other. But the reigns cannot be taken, they can only be given. So if I’m in control, only by giving control to Mare can she get it.”

“Alright, alright.” Twilight responded, sitting with a thoughtful expression. “So, why do you have seperate magic? I noticed that when we all talked a week ago. And why does Mare have all the emotions while Luna has the more business side?”

“Well, those are somewhat related.”Mare responded calmly. “As I said a week ago, I was formed in the back of Luna’s mind as she suppressed her pain and hate from the world. And I slowly began to come to be. She couldn’t get rid of her emotions, so in a way she created me to hold them. And all Luna was left with is the business stuff. Stuff that she needs to do, none of the stuff she may want to do. So when the Elements of Harmony blasted me, they did nothing more than cleanse me of the hatred and jealousy. I still hold Luna’s emotions.” Mare slowly shook her head. “And, while I was created from her, I am not her. And as magic comes from the heart, from what we feel, I can’t have the same magic as Luna. We feel different things, seeing as how Luna doesn’t really feel at all.”

Twilight slowly nodded as she filed away the information. After a moment of thought she asked, “So, what’s your plan now? What do you mean by heal? And what’s in it for you Mare? Why are you doing this?”

It was Mare who answered first. “I’m not sure. I’m not sure how to go about doing it. But as we stand now, with the split between us as it is, we won’t survive. Neither of us is whole enough to survive on our own.

“Living as we are now wouldn’t harm us physically, but mentally. The divide in our mind that separates us, giving me the business side, caring about work, and Mare the emotional side, caring about fun, will drive us insane. In a way, though the split wasn’t as strong, that’s what happened a thousand years ago. We both lost it, and spiraled down throughout the war. It wasn’t until the end, after we lost many good ponies, that we came back to our senses. Nightmare Moon had actually fallen on that day, about a week before the official end. I came in and gave it an official end.”

Twilight looked on, shocked. She hadn’t realized how serious the situation was. “So what are you going to do?”

“One of us needs to become the dominate force. One of us needs to take over. And then, they need to accept back into themselves the side the other got.” Mare said quietly. “I told Luna it has to be her. I would never be accepted. She has to take control, full control, and start feeling her emotions again.”

The three sat quietly for awhile. None of them wanted to break the heavy silence that had fallen upon the room. Eventually, Twilight asked the question that needed asking. “So what happens to you Mare, after Luna, ‘heals’?”

“I have no idea Twilight. I may cease to exist, I may stay as some voice in the back of Luna’s mind. Luna and I may fuse together, and the new mare has both our memories, and is someone entirely new. I just don’t know.”

Perilous Times

Luna slowly awoke, glanced out her window, and watched as the sun neared the horizon. As the bright orb finally began to disappear her horn alit, bringing the moon up on the far side of Equestria. Luna smiled as she rolled out of bed, stretching. She yawned as she quickly brushed through her mane, combing it into something presentable. Now that I look at it, I believe my mane is getting darker. Luna looked down at her coat, noting it’s darkening shade as well. With a shrug she stretched before exiting her room, intent upon some food before her night court.

Sitting in the small dining room, reserved for just Celestia and Luna, the sisters idly talked about their plans. “Well Tia, I am glad to hear the Ponyville children will be coming up next month. Where will they be touring through? There is so much in the castle to see.” Luna asked, taking a sip of her tea.

“Well,” Celestia responded thoughtfully. “I was planning for them to tour the gardens, they’re always nice this time of year. And I was also hoping they could visit the Window Hall.”

“Ahh yes.” Luna settled back into her chair, munching slowly on her toast. “The gardens are wonderful in late summer. And the Window Hall is beautiful, in either the morning or afternoon, when your sun passes through the windows just right. I do hope they enjoy it.” Luna smiled as her sister rose, yawning. “Good night sister. I shall see you in the morning.” And with that, Celestia left, retiring to her chambers for the night.

Luna slowly and calmly made her way to the throne room. She sat on her chair, relaxing happily, waiting for the first petitioners to arrive. The night slowly wore on, and yet nopony arrived to talk to her. Luna’s smile slowly faded as she waited, and still nopony arrived. Well Mare, it looks like another quiet night. What shall we do? Luna thought to her so far silent companion.

“...” Luna sat, waiting for a response. When none had come after a few minutes Luna began to panic.

Mare? Are you okay? Still there was no response, Mare was staying as silent as the grave. “Guards! I need a moment of privacy.” Luna cried out, starting to panic. “Do not allow anypony into this room for the next half hour!” Her guard quickly scurried about, following the order of their princess.

The captain of her guard, Dusk Shine, ran over bowing low. “Princess, if I may ask, what’s wrong? Is there anypony you wish to speak with?”

“Nothing is wrong Captain. I just, I need a moment with my thoughts.” Luna responded, doing her best to stay calm. As Dusk Shine bowed away, an idea came to Luna. “Captain wait. I would like you to call my sister. Tell her,” Luna stopped, not sure how to inform her sister of what may be happening, without worrying the guard. “Tell her I need somepony to talk to.” Dusk Shine nodded, still slightly confused, before spreading his wings and taking off, flying out the window.

Luna closed her eyes and began to retreat into the depths of her mind, into the white space. Though she was able to make it, it was harder than ever before, harder than just a few days prior even. It was a struggle for Luna to bring herself from her consciousness, her mind trying to blink itself awake, like an awake pony trying to fall asleep in a bright room. Eventually she was able to enter the place inside her mind, and was immediately hit with a wave of claustrophobia. The space was smaller, somehow less infinite in magnitude.

Turning around, Luna began to frantically search for Mare. It didn’t take her long to find her, laying on a small bed, asleep. She sprinted over, shaking her frantically awake. “Mare! Please wake up. I need you. You can’t just leave me like this!” As Mare failed to respond, Luna fell, resting her head on the bed, her tears beginning to flow.

Mare slowly opened her eyes,  groggily taking stock of her surroundings. Sitting up, she placed a hoof around a scared, and slightly weeping, Luna, holding her close. “What’s wrong Luna? You okay?” She asked slowly, still obviously tired.

Luna head jerked up, her body leaning into her friend’s embrace, smiling. “I thought you were gone. I was scared. I’m not ready for you to go just yet.” Luna gave a small hiccup as she calmed, wrapping her hooves around her friend.

“I’m sorry Luna. I’ve been worn out lately.” Mare explained. “It’s been getting harder and harder to just be.” The two mares sat in silence for awhile, holding and comforting each other. “I think you’re healing Luna.” Mare eventually said. “You’re starting to actually care.”

“I do not want you to leave Mare. You have been my closest friend.” Luna rested her head on Mare’s shoulder. “And I do not know how to feel. I do not know what to do with these emotions.”

“You’ll have to figure that out Luna. I can only guide you so much.” Mare slowly stroked Luna’s mane, trying to calm her down. “I’ll stay as long as I can. I promise you that.”

Luna slowly smiled, nodding her approval. “Thank you Mare.” They sat a moment longer before a thought drifted into Luna’s mind. “Shall we call in Twilight? I think we should talk with her. Maybe she can help us figure this out.”

“Agreed.” Mare quietly responded. “Send for her. Talking with her has always been good. Now, do you need to return? You’ve been here awhile.”

Luna gave a small laugh, giving Mare one last hug. “I guess you are right. Thank you Mare, for everything.” And with that, Luna blinked, snapping her mind back to reality, finding herself face to face with Celestia. “Ohh, hello Tia. Glad to see you got here. How long was I out?” Luna asked cheerfully, trying to mask her inner worry.

“Almost an hour.” Celestia sighed, her body relaxing as her sister finally opened her eyes. “I was getting worried. Is everything okay?”

“Oh, sorry. I did not mean to be gone that long.” Luna sheepishly admitted. “And no. I need you to call Twilight.” Luna added in a whisper. “Mare is starting to fade it would seem. I am scared.”

Celestia nodded, smiling at her little sister. “Alright Woona. I’m glad to hear progress is being made, even if it’s faster than you were expecting.” She chided. “I’ll get Twilight. Knowing her, she’ll be here tomorrow, ready to talk with you. Would you rather talk morning or night?” Celestia gave her sister a hug, holding her.

“I would rather talk with her in the morning. Though if she is willing to stay up all night with me, that would be much appreciated.” Luna returned the hug, though quickly pushed away. “And do not call me Woona.”

Celestia laughed, letting go of her sister. “Alright, alright. I’ll send a letter to her right away. And take the night off. I don’t think anypony is going to be showing up if they haven’t already.”

As much as it stung Luna to hear her sister say that, she knew it was true. “Alright Tia. I will be in my room. I need to talk with an old friend.” Luna rose from her throne, spread her wings, and took off into the night, flying towards her room. She made her way slowly around the castle, winding around towers and flying through archways, trying to distract herself from the reality creeping up on her. Eventually, unable to ignore it any longer, she turned, descending towards her room.

Alighting on her balcony, Luna gave a small shiver of fright. Her future had just sped up, the end she dreaded looming on the horizon. She silently entered her room, climbed onto her bed, and curled up. Once again she fought her way into her mind, slowly relaxing as she entered the familiar area within her mind.

“Mare!” Luna called out. “Where are you? We need to talk.” She began wandering, hoping to find her friend amongst the white.

“Over here Luna.” Mare’s voice was soft, but not weak. Luna turned and sprinted off, quickly finding Mare. “I’m tired. I’d like to stay here if I can.”

“That is fine Mare. Rest.” Luna sat next to her friend, wrapping a wing around her. “Tia has called Twilight here. We can talk with her tomorrow.” Mare slowly nodded. Luna’s face fell, her eyes betraying her sorrow. “Is there anything I can do?”

Mare slowly shook her head. “No. Not without destroying all the progress we’ve made.” Mare took several deep breaths. “We knew this had to happen Luna. You knew I would have to go away.”

“I know Mare, I just was not expecting it so soon. I don’t know how to deal with what I’m feeling. I don’t know what these emotions are even called.” Resting her head on Mare’s shoulder, Luna began to silently weep. “I still need you Mare, you can’t go yet.”

“I’m not going anytime soon Luna.” Mare responded, wrapping a hoof around Luna. “And I promise to work with you on your emotions. I won’t just leave you alone.”

“Thank you Mare.” Luna whispered, her tears slowly stopping. “I need some help.” The princess gave a small shiver. “I am scared. And I hardly know what fear even is!”

Mare chuckled. “Alright. Fear is a normal reaction. It comes from when we need to get away from something bad. Usually fear comes from pain. Nopony wants to be hurt, and so we try to push pain away. Fear is our mind’s way of warning us of pain.”

Luna slowly nodded. “So, is it okay to fear you leaving? To fear being alone?”

“It’s perfectly natural Luna.” Mare held her other half close. “But you won’t be alone. You’ll always have Celestia. And as I’ve said before, if you want Twilight, you can have her. Or anypony for that matter.”

Shaking her head, Luna gave a small laugh. “That’s another thing. I don’t know how I feel about her.”

“Well, how do you feel when you think about her?”

“Calm. Whenever my thoughts turn to her I calm down.” Luna looked down at her hooves as she thought. “I feel light and warm when she’s around. I am always sad to see her leave. What does that mean?”

“You’re starting to fall in love with her.” Mare answered. “And there is much about her to love.”

Luna turned to Mare, puzzled. “What is love? Why do ponies love?”

Mare chuckled, sighed and shook her head. “Love is many things Luna. Everypony you ask will likely give you a different answer. Some would say love is the natural reaction to the fear of being alone. By having somepony by your side, loving you as you love them, you’re never alone.” Mare tilted her head back, staring into the distance. “Some more cynical ponies would say that love is a reaction in the mind, designed to lead to mating, and eventually the propagation of our species.” She rolled her eyes as she spoke. “I say those ponies are the ones who have never felt love. But me, I say love is joy. Love is when you’d rather be with a pony than anywhere else. When you’re willing to give up yourself for them.” She took a breath, smiling at the thought. “Love is the most wonderful thing in the world.” Mare turned to look at her friend, still smiling. “I hope that explains love.”

“Mare?” Luna asked after thinking for a moment. “Is this love I feel for her mine, or yours? The only place my emotions are coming from is you. What if the love I feel for her is just your love spilling into me?”

“I don’t know Luna.” Mare answered, thinking. “I think some of it is from me. But I also think that you may be starting to develop feelings for her as well. You’re creating your own feelings, not just feeling mine. But when I’m gone, you’ll need to figure out if it’s your love or mine you feel.”

“I don’t want you to leave Mare.” Luna whispered, curling up slightly.

“I know Luna. I don’t plan to yet.” Mare whisper reassuringly, stroking Luna’s mane.

“Can we get back to you teaching me about emotions?” Luna asked, wanting to get away from the harsh reality looming over her. “I don’t know any other emotions, and I need to.” The black alicorn nodded, giving her other half a hug. They talked for hours, Mare imparting everything she could about emotions, and feeling.

“Luna!” Celestia called down the hall. “Twilight is here!”

Luna sat up in her bed, rubbing her eyes sleepily. She had been having such a nice talk with Mare. She looked at her clock and found that she had not only slept through the rest of the night, but also the following day. With a small chuckle she climbed out of her bed and trotted to her door. Slowly opening it she found Twilight standing on the other side, a smile on her lips, and her glasses on her muzzle.

As Twilight saw Luna however, her smile faltered. “Princess Luna, are you alright? You look, well different.” The purple unicorn tried to stay tactful as she commented on the princess’s looks.

Luna looked down at herself, slightly puzzled. As Twilight’s comment finally made sense, she laughed. “It’s nothing Twilight. Yes, my coat is darker, along with my mane. Nothing more than me growing. As I’ve said, an alicorn’s magic is tied very closely to their emotions. And it is our magic that keeps us young, and so controls how we appear. When I returned, all of my emotions were gone, and so my coat and mane reflected that. Very light, almost empty. Now that they have started coming back, my body has changed to reflect it. Please come in.” Luna stepped to the side, allowing Twilight entrance.

“So Princess Luna-” Twilight began, walking in.

“Please Twilight. Call me Luna. No need for formalities between friends right?” Luna interjected, sitting on her bed, motioning for Twilight to join her.

Twilight hesitantly climbed up next to Luna, frightened at being so intimate with the princess. “Well, Luna, is this sudden shift in your emotions why you called me? Is something wrong with Mare? Celestia wouldn’t say when I asked her.”

Luna nodded slowly, a small smile on her lips. “Tia would leave you in the dark like that.” Luna chuckled to herself, idly wrapping a wing around Twilight. “Mare is starting to fade Twilight. And I’m scared. Her emotions have started rushing into me.” She stated, barely a twinge of fear in her voice.

Twilight’s eyes went wide at Luna’s quiet response, her jaw dropping open. “So quickly? But, we’ve been meeting for weeks now. She’s never been this bad. And just last time she was fine. Are you sure?”

Luna slowly nodded. “Yes Twilight. She’s been tired and worn out lately. I have also been having trouble getting to our space together to talk with her.” Luna’s voice was small and scared as she continued. “I don’t know what is happening.”

“Shall we all talk? I’m sure if I cast the hypnosis spell you’ll get to her.”

From the back of Luna’s mind Mare’s voice drifted in, saying “No. I would love to, but I’m in no state to. The two of you talk.”

“Mare has just said that she would like to, but can’t. She has told me to talk with just you.” Luna reported quietly, scared for Mare. Twilight sadly nodded, understanding. “So, Twilight, where would you like to begin?” Luna asked, her voice on the verge of cracking.

“Well, I’d like to try and figure out what changed.” Twilight quietly replied, picking up on the distress in Luna’s voice. She quickly wrapped a hoof around Luna, trying to comfort her. “If we know what changed in your mind, what caused this sudden shift, we can try to slow it down, make it more gradual. We may even be able to reverse it a little, give you even more time with Mare.”

Luna smiled at the idea, calming down greatly, and quickly. Though she knew it wouldn’t work, it still calmed her. “Thank you Twilight. That would be wonderful.” Resting her head on Twilight’s as she spoke, Luna continued. “What would you like to start with?”

“Well, I note that you’re feeling more emotion that before.” Twilight remarked, slowly stroking Luna’s side to keep her calm. “Do you know what started this?”

Luna shook her head. “No. I have noticed it myself. Back when we first met, I don’t think I felt anything beyond curiosity at the world. I’ve always enjoyed learning, and suddenly I found myself in a world where I could learn about everything. But that’s all I could feel.” Luna’s voice was solemn and tired, as if thinking back to that time hurt her. “After Mare first spoke up though, I started to feel. I think when she finally returned, the emotions started to bleed back into me.” Luna sat back for a moment, thinking of an analogy. “Think of Mare and I as being connected by a pipe. Through the pipe flows the emotions. And the emotions can flow in either direction. It had been tipped such that everything flowed to her. But now, the pipe is tipping back, so the emotions are starting to flow into me. However, it is only those emotions that make up Mare. So as they start to flow back to me-”

“Mare starts to fade.” Twilight finished, beginning to understand. “Then the only way to help stabilize her is to go back on your emotions. Force them back to her...” Twilight trailed off, realizing what that would mean. “We would have to undo the progress you’ve been making. And then she’d reach this point again. It wouldn’t help in the long run, just prolong the inevitable.”

Her head hung, her eyes closed, Luna began to silently weep. “I know Twilight. We can’t undo this. I’m just so scared. I don’t know what to do with all these emotions.” Luna’s wings curled in, hugging into her body. “I am so scared Twilight.” She whispered.

Twilight’s hoof came up, slowly, and began stroking through Luna’s mane. “I understand Luna. The unknown frightens everypony.” She leaned in, gently stroking Luna’s cheek. “I think the best way to go from here is to keep moving forward.”

“Do you think there’s a way we can slow it down? I don’t want her to disappear by the end of the week.” Luna asked hopefully. The pace was starting to scare her.

“I don’t think we need to Luna, even if we could.” Twilight responded after thinking for a moment. “To use your pipe metaphor, before yesterday, the pipe was still mostly tipped to Mare. So while some of her would spill over into you, almost everything went to her.” Twilight took a breath, choosing her words carefully. “Sometime yesterday though, it tipped a little more to you, changing the balance. Now, instead of you draining into her, she is draining into you.”

Luna’s face fell, as Twilight’s words hit her. “So there is nothing we can do?” The unicorn shook her head. “So all I can do is let it happen? And hope it goes at a reasonable pace from here on out?” Twilight nodded. Luna sighed deeply, not liking Twilight’s answers. But it’s not like I can do anything about it, is there? She thought to herself. “What else do you want to know?” Luna asked, shaking her head. “Let’s move on. I don’t want to keep thinking about this.”

Twilight nodded, sitting back from Luna. Luna’s head trailed slightly after her receding friend as she tried to delay their separation. “Well Luna, something that has started bugging me is some issues surrounding your banishment.” Twilight spoke slowly and calmly, trying to not upset her charge. “You said that Mare fell a week before the banishment, and that it was you who was in control when Celestia used the elements. How did Mare regain control?”

Luna chuckled. “Ah yes. I didn’t explain that. Well, when the Elements banished me, Tia meant to use them to trap me in the moon, so I wouldn’t notice the passing time.” Luna hung her head as the memories began to flow. “And she did, partially. My body was trapped on the moon, my mind in the moon. However, a portion of me stayed in my body. But, since I could no longer control our body, Mare took over again. She let me walk around a few times, but I couldn’t stay for long before I had to return.” Luna gave a small shudder. “It was weird Twilight. I didn’t like it.”

Twilight stared at Luna in surprise. She hadn’t expected that answer. “Oh. Sorry to bring it up.”

“It’s okay Twilight. Please continue asking your questions.” Luna smiled at her friend. “They’re distracting me from what is happening.”

Twilight nodded. “Well, these emotions you’re feeling, are they yours, or are they spill over from Mare?”

Luna smiled. “I actually talked with her about that earlier.” Luna lay down on her bed, staring at her ceiling. Twilight laid back and gasped. She hadn’t noticed before that the ceiling was a perfect representation of the night sky. It was as if there were no roof at all. “She believes that some may be spill over, but that they are also mine. I know my fear of losing her is mine, but I don’t know how much of my other emotions are mine.” Luna stretched out a wing and pulled Twilight closer.

Shifting uncomfortably at the sudden closeness, Twilight soon relaxed against Luna. “Wow... I hope you can figure that out.” Luna nodded before Twilight continued. “What emotions are you feeling? And how are they?” When Luna stared slightly puzzled at Twilight’s questions, she clarified. “Do they feel right? Do you think you’re feeling the right emotions at the right time?”

“Ah. Well, I’ve felt fear, joy, sorrow, and I think maybe a bit of love...” Luna’s voice quickly dwindled to a whisper at the end, just loud enough for Twilight to know something was said.

“What was that Luna? I didn’t catch that last part.” Twilight leaned in, genuinely curious as to what she said.

“I said, maybe a bit of love.” Luna repeated, her voice just loud enough for Twilight to hear.

“That’s wonderful Luna!” Twilight exclaimed. “Who’s the lucky stallion?” Luna blushed, mumbling something about not wanting something. “Luna,” Twilight sighed, still happy. “You need to speak up.”

“I said I don’t want to talk about it.” Luna shot back, giving Twilight a jolt. “Not yet.”

“Oh, okay.” Sensing it was a touchy topic with Luna, she decided to move back to safer questions. “So how are the emotions?”

“Strange.” Luna answered, thinking back. “I think they’re much too strong, and fluxuating much too fast.” Twilight slowly nodded, understanding what Luna meant. “I’ll be fine one moment, in tears the next, and bouncing with joy after that.” Luna shuddered. “It’s weird, and it somewhat scares me.”

Twilight nodded. Noticing that Luna didn’t want to continue talking about it, the purple unicorn decided it was time to move on. “So, I understand that Mare holds the emotions, and you hold the business side of things. Or at least that’s how it started.” Luna gave a small nod, confirming Twilight’s comment, glad to be away from her love life. “But what does that mean? What is it that you have? What do you care about? And what does it mean to you?”

Luna was stunned. She hadn’t thought much about that. Luna spoke slowly as she formed her thoughts. “Well, as I’m sure you know, there is more to running this country than just my nightly royal court. There are forms to fill, petitions to consider, and sometimes sign, international diplomatic relations, and nobles to placate.” Luna’s eyes narrowed as she mentioned the nobles. Shrugging , she continued. “That’s my job as princess Twilight. The ponies may just see Tia and I when we make a public appearance, but our work goes far beyond that.” Luna’s voice quickened as she talked about her work. “That’s what I cared about. And nothing else. It’s still what I mostly care about. At first I couldn’t understand why anypony would want to go out and do anything other than work. If you had asked me to join you for lunch, I would have declined in favor of a stack of paperwork. The things I’m supposed to do as princess were the only things I wanted to do.”

“What about now Luna? Has that changed?” Twilight rolled over to stare at her friend as she asked.

“Somewhat.” Luna continued to stare at her ceiling as she answered. “I understand the value of enjoying myself outside of work. And I know how to go out and have a good time. But to me, I still see it as a way to keep my mental health up. I want enjoyment in life, but not to the degree Mare does. All she wants is fun. To me Twilight, I am defined by my work. If I’ve done well, I’ve been a good ruler. If not, then I could’ve done better.” Luna hung her head. “I know I should care about having fun and enjoying life, but I just don’t.”

“That’s okay Luna.” Twilight calmly replied, giving her a hug. “For the longest time I just wanted to study. I was invited to parties and stuff all the time, but I turned them all down in favor of my books.” She gave a small shrug, as if saying ‘oh well’.

Luna smiled at Twilight’s words. So she used to be like me, a shut in, she thought to herself. I think some of my love for her is actually my own. She thought happily.

“That’s always good to figure out.” Mare calmly replied, sitting up in Luna’s mind. “If she has a question for me, now is the time to ask it. I’ve managed to gather enough strength. You’ll have to relay my answers to her though.”

Luna nodded quickly, explaining to a confused Twilight “Oh, well then, I’ve got one for both of you. What do the ponies of Equestria mean to you? How do you see your relationship with them?”

Luna allowed Mare to respond first, knowing her time was limited. She nodded slowly as she listened before relaying Mare’s answer to Twilight. “Mare says she still sees them as the ponies who hated us. She knows that it’s been a thousand years, but the pain is still there. I don’t think it will ever go. But despite all that, she loves them. However begrudgingly, they have still accepted us back, and she couldn’t ask for more at this stage.” Luna smiled sadly giving an inward hug to Mare. “She’s happy with how things have turned out.”

“And you Luna? What about you?”

Luna looked away, unable to face Twilight. “I’m not sure. They are my subjects. It is my duty as their princess to serve them as best as I can. I want them to like me. I can’t say anymore than that.”

Twilight looked at Luna stunned. Luna had seemed so calm and happy to her. She hadn’t thought that she couldn’t feel any love for her subjects. “Wow... I know that it’s not that you don’t care, so much as you can’t. But still. Wow.” Twilight leaned back, thinking for a moment before an idea came to her. “What about on an individual level? Are there any ponies you care about specifically?”

Luna slowly nodded. When Twilight stared expectantly, she answered “I said I won’t say who Twilight. Not until I know for sure.”

Twilight’s face fell, but quickly perked back up again. “Okay. Well, if Mare can, I have one last question for her.” And a pause and a nod from Luna, Twilight continued. “Why do you want to recombine with Luna? You know it’s going to destroy you, in some sense, so what do you see in it for you?”

Luna closed her eyes as she listened to Mare’s response. Slowly her eyes began to water, a smile growing on her face. “She says it’s because she cares about me above all else. While she wants fun in her life, she cares so much more about me. She knows it will destroy her, but she doesn’t care.” As Luna explained, Twilight’s eyes began to tear up as well. “To her, the most important thing is to make sure I’m happy and okay. That’s what’s in it for her. She doesn’t need more than that.” Closing her eyes, Luna allowed her tears to flow freely. Twilight wrapped a hoof around her, holding her close.“I think it’s because she came from me. She’s a part of me, so she has to look out for me above herself.” Luna rationalized between breaths.

Twilight chuckled, recognizing Luna’s failed attempt to stop crying. With a smile she comforted Luna, nuzzling her neck. “I promise to stay as long as you want me to Luna.” Twilight whispered softly.

“Forever.” Luna whispered back instinctively, too quiet for Twilight to hear.

Of Empty Hearts and Missing Minds

Luna sat up in her bed, yawning. How are you doing this evening, Mare? Luna asked, slowly getting out of her bed. Though she received no reply, it hardly worried her. She had gotten used to Mare’s almost constant silence over the past month. Still though, she didn’t like it. Mare’s silence always worried her. Having finished her evening routines, she looked at her calendar, wondering why she had awoken so long before the sunset. Ahh, yes, it’s Nightmare Night. She remembered. I believe I have a date with Ponyville. And with that thought, Luna trotted off to breakfast.

She met her sister as usual, smiling happily to herself. “Good evening Tia. How was your day?”

“Slow and boring.” Celestia replied curtly. “Your son came in, petitioning again for some cruel change or another.” The sun princess rolled her eyes idly, and angrily munched on her salad.

Luna stared for a moment, confused. “My son? Oh, Blueblood. Right.” Luna’s face fell. She was just as annoyed by that brat of a pony as her sister. She only called him son because she had given birth to one of his great ancestors. Many ponies were able to call themselves relatives of the sisters, and yet few others did. “I’ll tell him off sister. But, it will have to wait until tomorrow night. I have plans for tonight.”

Celestia’s face perked up at the mention of Luna having plans. “Ah yes, you’re visiting Ponyville tonight for their annual Nightmare Night festival.” Luna nodded, her mouth full of corn flakes. “Remember sister, the Voice has fallen out of tradition. I never use it anymore. Don’t scare them.” Smiling happily, and with a small chuckle from Luna as she finished her bite, the sisters continued their meal in peace.

Soon it was time for Luna to leave. “Good night sister. Make sure you get some sleep.”

“I plan to.” Celestia waved her sister off, chuckling to herself. As Luna climbed into her chariot, a thought popped into her head. “And Luna?” She called out.

“Yes sister?”

“Try to have fun.” Luna nodded, smiled, and climbed into her chariot. As it sped off into the distance, Celestia quietly added to herself,  “Please, Lulu. Have fun. I miss the old you.”

=======================================================================

Luna chuckled with Twilight, following her home. “I’m glad this went as well as it did Twilight.” Luna exclaimed, a grin plastered on her face. “It had its bumps, but it worked out in the end. Your idea for me to scare them worked out in the end.” Luna’s face quickly turned puzzled. “Still not sure how...”

“Yes it did Luna, yes it did. I guess we just had to give them what they were expecting.” Twilight responded, opening her door and following Luna inside. “And Luna, don’t you have to get back to the castle? Isn’t there work waiting for you?”

Luna shook her head, her grin staying. “Not tonight Twilight. I canceled my Night Court, and Tia said she would cover any paperwork that needed doing.” Luna quickly sat down on the couch, smiling. “I have the night free to do what I want.”

Twilight smiled happily, though a hint of worry flashed across her face. Joining Luna on the couch, she remarked, “well, I had just thought you would want to be doing your work.”

“Not tonight Twilight. I’d rather spend it with you.” Luna sighed, leaning back happily. “Is that strange? Please tell me it’s not strange. I’ve been trying so hard tonight.” Luna’s face fell. “Ohh, it is strange isn’t it? Darn, and here I was- what’s so funny?” Luna demanded, a hint of panic in her voice as she wondered why Twilight had just burst into laughter.

“Nothing Luna, nothing.” Twilight managed to breath between laughs. She slowly sat up before continuing “Just, I wasn’t expecting you to worry about being strange.” Luna thought for a moment before joining Twilight in her laughter. They laughed together for quite awhile before Twilight managed to recover. “I’m glad to see you having fun Luna. It’s wonderful to hear you laugh so honestly. But I need to ask, what was with all the yelling? I thought you were past needing the Voice.”

Luna looked down, a sheepish smile on her face. “I panicked,” Luna mumbled. “I didn’t expect so many ponies to be there as I landed, so I kinda defaulted back to the Voice.” She admitted.

Twilight laughed, wrapping a hoof around her guest. “Well Luna, my guest of honor for the night, what shall we do?” She asked, grinning widely.

“The night is still young Twilight. And much of my magical strength comes from the moon. And so I return your question in kind. Is there anything you wish to learn from me?” Luna answered, somewhat cryptically, somewhat playfully. She knew Twilight loved to learn, and wouldn’t be able to pass up a chance to learn even a small piece of knowledge, especially one forgotten to time. While she just wanted to be with Twilight, she more wanted to make sure Twilight enjoyed herself. That was why she was there after all.

Twilight stared on for a moment, her mind reeling. She hadn’t expected Luna to willingly open herself up to questions. Eventually she decided, giving Luna a small, nervous smile. “I know I’ve seen your, well, other form.” Twilight began, trying not to upset her guest. “But why do you have it? And, other than your appearance, what is so different about it? And can you show it to me again?”

Luna was taken aback. Nopony had willingly wanted to meet her other side. Luna herself was still scared of the reaction it brought out in others, and didn’t want to drive Twilight away. “I, I can explain it, but I don’t know if I can show you...” Luna trailed off, somewhat scared. “And I’ll have to ask Mare. It is her body after all. I feel horrible about using it without asking her earlier.”

Twilight nodded, understanding. “Take your time Luna. And you don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

“Alright. Well I’ll try to answer your questions first.” Luna began, curling up, leaning lightly against Twilight. “I first gained that other form when I first moved the moon. It moved under my control, and I got my cutie mark. As I turned to Tia though, I noticed I was much taller, and Tia seemed somewhat scared. I asked her what was wrong, and she just led me to a pool of water. I stared at my reflection for a long time. Eventually I managed to shift back to this side of me.”

Twilight stared. She didn’t know what to say, and so let Luna continue. “Tia and I came to call the larger forms we had our goddess form. While we are not true goddesses, many ponies back then called us that. We were still young, and we believed them. We were barely over a few thousand years old when we took over the sun and moon. After that, Celestia stayed in her goddess form, almost constantly. I can hardly remember what she looks like without it. She had a pink mane though, I remember that. On the other hoof, I almost never used mine. I didn’t want to scare my subjects.” Luna shivered. “And I guess you know enough of the rest to figure it out from there.”

Twilight slowly nodded, understanding just a little more of the mare next to her. “So, why do you two have them? What’s so good about them?”

Chuckling lightly, Luna answered. “Power. In our goddess form, we are much more powerful. They are the physical representation of our alicorn magic. We have our unicorn, pegasus, and earth pony magic, but there is also the alicorn magic. In that form, rather than our extra reserve of magic being used to heal our bodies, keep us alive indefinitely, it is used however we wish. As I said before, it affects how our bodies appear. And I can only guess that it affected how our goddess forms turned out. I was full of fear when I went to move the moon. I was terrified I would fail. So my goddess form was built upon fear. Not just my fear, but creating fear in others.” Luna closed her eyes, a few tears slowly escaping them. “I can only assume Celestia was full of confidence when she first moved the sun.”

Twilight smiled, amazed at how much she had learned from such a small question. “Thank you Luna. It means so much to me to learn all this from you.” The young unicorn wrapped a hoof around her friend, smiling as she pulled her into a close hug. “And, I know you may not want to, and you don’t have to if you don’t want to, but I’d like to get a good chance to see your other form still.” She quietly added. “Your goddess form seems so elegant to me.”

Luna nodded in return, sitting back. “Alright Twilight. I will ask Mare. And, thank you. Nopony has ever said that about it before.” With a smile she closed her eyes, working her way into her mind. After a minute of struggling, her eyes snapped open, revealing Twilight’s living room around her. She stared puzzled at first, wondering why the space in her mind had changed so drastically. “Mare?” she called out, very confused.

“No, Twilight.” Twilight responded, confused. “Why are you asking for Mare? You’re still here with me.”

Luna’s expression changed from one of confusion to one of sheer panic. “I can’t get in Twilight. What’s going on?”

Twilight expression dropped in kind, her body tensing. Though, while Luna’s expression was of fear, Twilight’s was of sorrow. “Luna, could it be because there isn’t anywhere to go to?” She asked, trying to slowly get at the truth she was starting to believe.

“Why would there be no space? Mare has to have a place to exist in my mind when I’m in control, doesn’t she?” Luna retorted, confused as to where Twilight was going.

“Well yes, but, what if, and this is just hypothetically, Mare was gone?” Twilight tenderly asked, trying to prevent Luna from freaking out.

“Then I guess there would be no need for the space.” Luna answered slowly with a shrug. “Why do you ask Twilight?”

“Well, and this is all hypothetical of course, what if during this past evening, with everything that happened at the celebration, Mare faded away?” Twilight asked tactfully, treading the fine line between honest questions and Luna’s mental breakdown.

“Well, I suppose that is possible, but I don’t think that’s what happened.” Luna calmly retorted, not willing to believe what Twilight was implying. “Sure, she has been very quiet recently, and she hasn’t said anything today at all, and the games... were..... fun..........” Luna’s eyes widened in horror as the realization finally struck her. “Twilight. Cast that spell. Now! Please!” She exclaimed, turning to face her friend with tears in her eyes.

Twilight nodded sadly, having already begun the preparations. With a small smile she let the spell loose, directing it all at Luna. Luna slumped over into Twilight’s lap, who began slowly stroking her mane, whispering soothing words to her unconscious friend, a few tears slowly dropping off her muzzle and into Luna’s mane.

=======================================================================

Luna’s eyes flashed open, her mind reeling with renewed panic. She jumped up, looking around, expecting the claustrophobic whiteness, and for Mare to be laying, sleeping, nearby. Instead, she was greeted with seemingly organized chaos, which she quickly recognized as a dream. I’m dreaming. Why am I dreaming? She thought, walking around the constantly shifting landscape. Where is Mare?

Luna continued walking for a bit, not sure of her destination. Eventually getting tired of the shifting world around her she sat down on a couch floating by, focusing her mind on her room. Slowly the world around her settled, falling into place, becoming the room she loved dearly. She smiled, glad to see she was still in control. She turned to climb onto her bed to think, stopping as she noticed the slowly rising and falling of the lump that was present. Somewhat confused, wondering how something she hadn’t planned into her room had appeared, she willed the blankets to pull back, and gasped as they revealed Mare, laying in her bed.

Mare slowly sat up, turning to face her waker groggily. “Ah, hello Luna.” She replied slowly, motioning for Luna to join her.

Luna hesitated for a moment, then leapt up, tackling Mare, pulling her into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re not gone Mare!” She exclaimed, tears streaming down her face. “I was so worried. Twilight was suggesting that because of what happened this evening that you had faded. I didn’t want to believe her, and I’m sorry I started to.” Luna let go, staying next to Mare as she continued rambling. “I’m not ready for you to go yet, there’s still so much for me to learn and-”

Mare gently shook her head, pushing Luna away. Luna blinked, confused. “I’m sorry Luna. I’m not Mare.” Luna stared, confused. “I’m just a part of your subconscious. Just a part of this dream you’re having. I’m just here to deliver the message.”

Luna face fell as the truth sank in. “So Mare really is-?” She asked, her voice cracking.

The phantom nodded. “Yes, I’m afraid Mare is gone. I’m sorry. I know no more than you do as to why, or where, she went.” The figment wrapped her hooves around Luna, holding her close as the princess lay down in her lap, sobbing. “The best you can do is remember her. Let her memory live on in you.”

Luna nodded, staring up at her ethereal visitor. “But, I’m not ready. I still don’t know what to do. I just followed Twilight’s lead today, did what she told me to do.” Luna’s head turned, the princess of the night unable to face the phantom whom looked like her lost friend, her eyes filling up with yet more tears.

“Silly Luna.” Twilight’s voice drifted from above Luna. Her head snapped around, staring at where Mare was sitting. But instead of Mare, she found Twilight sitting there, slowly stroking her mane. “All you need to do is follow me. No matter what happens. I promised to always be there for you, didn’t I?” Luna slowly nodded, her eyes now full of tears of joy. “Now, Luna, I think it’s time for you to wake up.”

Luna stared up at Twilight, wondering what she meant. She blinked once, confused, and the world around her started to shimmer. She bolted up, sitting next to Twilight. The world she had built around her bed had started to fade. Luna blinked again, sure her eyes were tricking her, and the world crumbled further, leaving just her, the bed, and Twilight. The unicorn chuckled softly, reaching up to stroke Luna’s mane again. “Don’t worry. As I said, you need to wake up.” Luna turned around, to respond, but felt herself overcome with sleepiness. The world started to shimmer again as she fell over, her head softly landing in Twilight’s lap. As the world faded around her, everything turning black, only Twilight remained, softly humming as she stoked Luna’s mane. And slowly, Luna closed her eyes, not knowing, and not caring, what waking would bring. After all, she was laying in Twilight’s lap. What more could she want?

=======================================================================

Luna’s eyes slowly opened, taking a moment to adjust to the brightness around her. The first thing she noted, after her eyes snapped back into focus, was that she was laying down. In somepony’s lap. And that somepony happened to have a violet, or perhaps purple, coat. The next thing she noticed was that whomever owned the lap she was in, was also stroking her mane, slowly and gently. Luna turned slowly, looking up at her caretaker. Twilight was staring off, a few tears in her eyes, and many more having matted the fur on her cheeks, humming a small tune to herself.

The unicorn noticed as Luna turned however, slowly stopping her tune, turning to face the mare in her lap. She gave a small smile, not fully registering that Luna was awake. As the information finally processed in her mind though, she jumped up, pushing Luna into a sitting position as she scooted away. “I’m so sorry Luna.” She cried out, embarrassed. “You fell over, right into my lap, and I just-”

Luna held up a hoof, pulling Twilight back next to her before laying back down in her lap. “Please, continue. It was very nice.” Luna whispered. “If you don’t mind that is.” Twilight quickly returned to stroking Luna’s mane, smiling sheepishly. The two mares stayed like that for awhile, Twilight slowly stroking Luna’s mane, Luna resting comfortably. Eventually, Luna spoke up. “She’s gone Twilight. Mare is gone.”

Twilight nodded solemnly, understanding. “I figured as much. I’m so sorry Luna,” she whispered, a few more tears dropping off her muzzle and into Luna’s mane. Neither mare cared though, both content to stay as they were.

“Twilight, there is something I must do. Come with me.” Luna whispered, slowly rising from Twilight’s lap.

“What is it Luna?” The purple unicorn asked, standing next to her friend.

“Something I think you’ll enjoy” Luna responded cryptically, her head hanging as she exited Twilight’s house. Quickly following, Twilight trailed Luna to the hill where she had last watched the stars with her. Her horn aglow, the princess of the night calmly sat down. “Watch the skies Twilight.” Luna whispered, a few tears slowly escaping her eyes.

Twilight did as asked, slightly confused. A bright twinkle caught her eyes, causing her to turn to the east. There, a new constellation was forming, stars gently realigning themselves. Twilight stared transfixed as the constellation slowly became the outline that had been upon the moon until a year ago. A few tears dropped out of Twilight’s eyes, joining Luna’s on the grass beneath them. While many would think it was Luna’s way of signing her masterpiece, her greatest work of art, Twilight knew what it really meant. It was Luna’s way of immortalizing the memory of her closest friend.

As the glow around Luna’s horn slowly dimmed, she wrapped a wing around Twilight. “Twilight,” Luna whispered. “I wasn’t ready for this.”

Twilight looked down from the skies, turning to Luna, a small, sad smile on her face. “I know. And I’m so sorry it happened so suddenly. Is there anything I can do?”

Luna gave a small, knowing smile. “Well, you promised that you’d stay with me, right?”

“As long as you feel you need me to Luna. I’m here for you.” Twilight responded happily. Luna let out a small sigh as she realized Twilight hadn’t quite gotten her point.

I love her. Luna had realized. She’s done so much for me. She led the charge to free me from myself. She’s been by my side whenever I needed her. She’s the first pony I’ve known who has actually loved my night sky. Luna looked down at the mare she had fallen for, smiling. I’m happy when I’m with her. And over the past two months, she’s helped me deal with all the changes I’ve felt as Mare started to fade. Tonight, she stuck with me while everypony else was terrified of me. She’s seen my other form, and not only wasn’t scared, but found it elegant. And even though Mare is gone, and her work is technically done, she is still staying by my side. How could I not love this amazing, beautiful mare? “Thank you Twilight.” Luna replied, wrapping her hooves around Twilight, pulling the mare she loved tight against her barrel before adding, quietly enough that Twilight couldn’t hear, “thank you my love.”

Epilogue

“Twilight?” Luna asked, wrapping a wing around her guest. The purple unicorn had come up for the night, joining Luna as she worked. Though it was Luna who knew how the stars needed to be moved, Twilight helped by taking notes, tracking the changes, and recording them.

“Yes Luna? And, you just moved Eris-b31 off its course by 5 degrees to the north, correct?” Twilight asked, checking her notes.

“No, Eris-b32. Pay attention.” Luna chided innocently, a gentle laugh escaping her lips. Twilight hastily scratched out her line, correcting it “Twilight” Luna began again, looking down at her. “I need to ask you something.”

“Yes Luna?” she asked, looking up at her host. Though she was just doing clerical work, she was still glad to help out either princess, no matter what the help may be.

“Will you....” Luna mumbled quietly. She couldn’t bring herself to ask that question. It was the look in Twilight’s eyes that broke her resolve the most. It was a look of intellectual curiosity, without a trace of caring or emotion in them. ‘Will you be my marefriend?’ How can I just ask her? Pulling her wing back, Luna sighed deeply.

“What was that?” Twilight asked, looking up, slightly confused.

She shook her head. “Nevermind.” Luna couldn’t bring herself to admit her love for Twilight to her. She couldn’t bring herself to risk being rejected.

“Luna, please, tell me what’s up.” Twilight begged, unaware of what Luna had tried to say. “If I messed up with the notes-”

“It’s nothing Twilight. Your notes are fine. Shall we continue?” Luna asked, trying to push past it.

Shaking her head, Twilight pressed the issue. “No, what’s up? Please, tell me.” Luna could tell by the look in her guest’s eyes she wouldn’t let this drop. “I’m here for you if you need to talk. I always will be.”

The princess sighed, her resolve to not ask crumbling. “Alright. Twilight. Will you be my marefriend?” The words rushed out of Luna’s mouth in one breath, her voice fading to a whisper at the end.

Twilight stared, shocked. Her horn’s glow faded, her quill falling into the inkpot. While her mouth slowly moved, Twilight’s mind rushed through what Luna had just asked her, unable to believe it.

Tears welled up in Luna’s eyes as Twilight failed to respond. I knew I shouldn’t have asked her. She’s not ready for it, or she’s found somepony special already. Luna’s mind continued listing the possibilities until she reached one that scared her the most. Or she’d rather be with Celestia. And she just sees me as a patient, at most a friend.

Luna jumped up, unable to stay next to the mare she loved. Her heart felt like it had just been ripped apart. She burst out her window, jumped off her balcony, and flew off, tears streaming out of her eyes. Twilight called out after her, but her words fell on deaf ears, Luna blocking out every word she said, unwilling to hear her say no. Slowly Luna circled the castle, clearing her mind. She flew for hours, doing everything she could to clear Twilight from her mind. But as hard as she tried, the purple unicorn, her three toned mane, and her starburst cutie mark kept floating back into her mind.

As dawn approached, and Luna knew she would have to land to sleep soon, she made her way back to her room.  She landed on her balcony, surprised to find the glass doors closed. She gave them a small tug with her magic and was again surprised to find them locked. A quick scan showed that it was Twilight who had locked them. Luna raised an eyebrow, wondering why Twilight had tried to lock her out. With a shrug, she began inspecting the lock. Luna found the spell to be powerful, and complicated, but nothing that could hope to keep her out. Is she trying to keep everypony else out? She knows this is my room, and that she couldn’t possibly lock me out Luna thought to herself.

With a flash of her horn she undid the lock, strode in, and closed the door behind her. Still puzzled, she looked around her room, noticing a figure curled up in her bed. “I knew you’d come back eventually.” Twilight mumbled, her voice slow and tired.

“Twilight, what is the meaning of this?” Luna’s voice shook with pain as she tried to stay calm and collected. Why is she still here? Did she feel the need to say no in person? Doesn’t she know how much that will hurt me? A few tears dropped off her muzzle, falling silently to the floor.

Twilight sat up, staring at Luna. “You left before I could give you an answer.” Twilight climbed out of Luna’s bed, slowly making her way over. “Honestly, it takes a mare more than two seconds to make up her mind about something this important,” she continued indignantly. Luna’s head fell, her mind fully expecting Twilight to say no. She started quickly running through her possible reactions as Twilight reached her. With a chuckle, Twilight leaned up and kissed Luna on the cheek. “Yes,” she whispered, leaning into her marefriend, nuzzling her side. “Gladly. Now, I’m tired, I stayed up waiting for you, and I’m sure you are too.” Twilight yawned, emphasizing her point. “Let’s go to bed.” Twilight added, turning around, slowly returning to the bed.

As what Twilight had just said and done fully sank into Luna’s mind she broke out into a massive grin. SHE SAID YES! Luna wanted to jump around, screaming her joy to all of Canterlot. Looking over, she saw her love slowly making her way to the bed, obviously ready to sleep. With a small evil chuckle, she launched into the air,  grabbed Twilight and landed with her in the bed. Holding Twilight close, Luna nuzzled her love while stroking her mane. Twilight, though shocked at being grabbed so suddenly, relaxed in Luna’s embrace. She quickly fell asleep in Luna’s arms, a single foreleg draping across her marefriend.

As Luna herself drifted to sleep, her horn briefly flashing to lower the moon, a voice drifted through her mind, uttering a single word. “Congratulations.”

Chapter i

BONUS STUFF!!!!

Alright, so this is the original chapter 10. It was written before chapter 9, around the time of chapter 8. As I worked through 8 and 9 though, I realized the story would be going somewhere else, so I pulled this out. I kept it together though, as I felt it was an interesting piece of writing. You should be able to tell who says each line, though I kept it short as it was supposed to show where in the show the story had reached. Most of the story takes place between season 1 and 2, with it ending on Nightmare Night.

So, the original chapter 10:

-----

“Sister, what happened? And why have you been messing with the celestial cycle?”

“Calm yourself Luna. Discord has escaped.”

“HE ESCAPED!? HOW CAN YOU TELL ME TO BE CALM AT A TIME LIKE THIS? WE MUST GATHER THE ELEMENTS-”

“LUNA! Discord is in Ponyville. He is long gone from here.”

“THAT’S EVEN WORSE; WE MUST PROTECT SUCH AN INNOCENT TOWN!”

“Luna, calm yourself. I had hoped that the girls would be able to subdue him here Luna, but they were unable to. You and I can do nothing against his power. You know this.”

“Then what do we do sister? There must be something we can do the stop him.”

“We make sure the elements can defeat him. I will admit sister, I am worried. When they left something felt wrong. Even now I feel that there is something wrong with Twilight.”

“What has happened Tia?”

“I believe she has lost faith in the magic of friendship. I don’t know what to do.”

“… Send her the friendship reports. Remind her of everything she has learned.”

“That’s a wonderful idea Luna. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a few letters to send.”

“You care about that town don’t you? Or is it Twilight you care about?”

“I… I don’t know Mare. While I know it is horrible for Discord to be let loose in any town, the fact he is in Ponyville scares me even more so.”

“You’re beginning to care again.”

“Perhaps I am friend. Perhaps I am.”

“I hope this won’t affect our plans for Nightmare Night.”

“I trust Twilight. She will solve this. I am sure of it.”

“Time to make my entrance to Ponyville. I hope they have not forgotten about my arrival.”

“I hope so too Luna. You always have such dramatic entrances… And why did you make yourself all pretty? I thought you didn’t want to look all regal.”

“I am greeting the entire town, I must look like a princess.”

“Luna, why the clouds?”

I like the clouds. Make it much more of a grand entrance.

“WE HAVE GRACED THY TINY VILLAGE WITH OUR PRESENCE, SO THAT YOU MIGHT BEHOLD, THE REAL PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT!”

“Luna, I thought you dropped the Royal Canterlot Voice.”

I am addressing many of my subjects. I shall use the voice. I like the voice.

“Sigh…”

“Very well then. Be that way. We won’t even bother with the traditional royal farewell.”

“Ohh, you don’t want them getting in a line to kiss your hoof?”

Shut it Mare.

“What? Just saying.”

I was hoping to spend time with the Elements, especially Twilight Sparkle.

“Yes, I would like to spend more time with her.”

Ohh… Whatever. Damn these times. Why must society have changed so much in a thousand years?

Oh, look. A statue of you.

“So it is. So it is.”

“Princess Luna?”

“Twilight does have a point. You may have scared them. You are yelling most of the time with the Voice.”

Sigh… While I hate to admit it, you’re right. Why didn’t Tia warn us of this?

“Because she’s a total troll, why else?

Fluttershy seems very frightened…

“Well she is scared of everything. And you don’t look much like you did the last time they saw you.”

This will be interesting.

Was that a pig squealing?

“Yes, yes it was. I have no idea why.”

“NAY CHILDREN, WAIT! I mean, nay children, wait.”

“Smooth going Luna.”

Oh, buck it all.

“Come on Princess. Time for plan B”

“Good thing there is one. Plan A just failed spectacularly.”

Mare…

“Loosen up, play some games, have some fun.”

“Fun? What is this, fun, thou speakest of?”

“This is going to be interesting.”

“Thou hast failed, Luna! HAHAHA!”

Mare, shut it. Now.

....

Okay, that was fun, I admit it.

“Ha Ha! The fun has been doubled!”

“Glad to see you’re having fun Luna.”

It is fun, these games. Much better than those silly stalls set up at the Summer Sun Celebration.

“I ask that thou call us, me, Luna, fair Applejack.”

“Glad to see you lightening up too. It’s always good to be calm and happy around your friends.”

“Tis a lie! Thy backside is whole and ungobbled thou ungrateful whelp!”

“And there goes the fun.”

“Fair villagers, do not back away. Let us join together in, Fun.”

“The fun is gone Luna, it’s not coming back.”

“You know Luna, most ponies have, at least in some form, arachnophobia. Living spiders crawling over them isn’t going to work well.

“We decree that Nightmare Night shall be canceled. FOREVER!!!!”

“Well, if they liked you before, they certainly don’t now.”

They never have Mare. And this holiday insults me… Damn. I had hoped this would go better.

“You’re not feeling sad, are you?”

So what if I am Mare? I think I’m allowed to be in this situation.

Damn that pink mare. And here I thought things would be going well.

“I think we can blame Rainbow Dash as well.”

Oh yes. We shall get our revenge.

“Luna, don’t be evil. We’re trying to get rid of that image.”

..........Fine.........

“They like being scared?”

“I know it sounds strange, and well, it is. But that’s the point of Nightmare Night. They want to be scared.”

“So you want me to transform into Nightmare Moon, and scare them?”

“Yes! Play along with the script that they’re expecting, you eating the candy instead of them, and they’ll love it.”

“This doesn’t make any sense Twilight.”

“No, no it doesn’t. But that doesn’t mean it won’t work.”

Again, why did you break off our fangs Mare?

“You know how the ponies would react to them.”

Still...

“WOAH! You’re my favorite princess ever!”

Ha! Take that Tia!

“Calm down Luna.”

Hehehe…

-----

From here is stuff that happened, but wasn’t around Luna. Some stuff I feel should be in the story, but as Luna wasn’t a part of the scene, wouldn’t fit in the narrative.

This first one happens the day after the first session between Mare, Luna and Twilight.

-----

“Twilight, what’s going to happen to Luna and Mare at the end of all this?” Celestia asked, sitting across from her student.

The unicorn sighed deeply, resting her face in her hooves. “I don’t know princess. From what they explained to me, the plan is for Luna to slowly recover her emotions, Mare to fade, and life to continue going on.” Twilight looked up, her face full of confusion. “But that’s just speculation on their part. The Luna we know may be gone when this is over, some new mare, who looks like her, talks like her, has her memories and everything, taking her place. We could get Luna, just her emotions are in her. I don’t know.”

It was Celestia’s turn to place her head in her hooves. Thinking for a moment, she asked a question Twilight wasn’t prepared for. “Do you like her Twilight?”

“Well, yes, I mean-” Twilight stammered.

“No, I mean, in a romantic way.” Celestia’s head stayed in her hooves, her eyes tearing up. She had noticed how Luna looked at her student, saw the love growing in Luna’s eyes. She had to know if Twilight was going to break Luna’s heart eventually.

Twilight stared, stammering. “I, well, that is, ummmm.....” Celestia smiled to herself. She did enjoy watching Twilight struggle to answer a question, reminding Twilight that she still had more to learn. “Maybe.” Celestia’s eyes shot open, though her head stayed down. “I mean, I like her. A lot. She’s fun to be with, and I’ve learned so much from her. I definitely feel something for her, but I don’t know what.”

Celestia smiled. Maybe Twilight won’t break Luna’s heart after all.

-----

So, this next part takes place with just Twilight. It’s during the epilogue, but the time during which Luna has flown off. I feel you should get it.

-----

Princess Luna, the ruler of the night, just asked me what? Twilight stared, her mouth working slowly as her mind fired off faster than she thought possible. She’s the princess! How can she ask me? How can I be worthy of such honor? Twilight watched, without registering, as Luna bolted off her balcony. As what happened sank in, she jumped up, running to the balcony, yelling after Luna. “WAIT! LUNA! PLEASE DOn’t run.....” her voice trailing off as Luna’s dark blue coat blended in with the night sky.

Slowly Twilight returned, her face glum. Sitting back at the table, she looked over her notes, making sure she had gotten everything. Occasionally she looked back up at the ceiling, checking the perfect representation of Luna’s masterpiece. With a sigh she returned the quill to its holder, sitting back. Well, I’ve avoided it long enough. How do I feel about her? Twilight thought. I can’t say I’ve ever been in love before. And Luna has been my friend. But, I feel different when I’m with her. I know I didn’t love her at first. Twilight decided, slowly working through her feelings. She was my connection to the night sky. Through her, I learned so much.

Twilight’s thought continued as she lay back, staring at the ceiling. I always wanted to know more about the night. It was the only thing Celestia wouldn’t teach me about. It intrigued me so much, simply because Celestia avoided it. Twilight reached out with her magic, pulling the view on the ceiling out, allowing her to see all of it. And then Luna came back. And who better to teach it to me than the mare who created and maintains it? But then, all I wanted was to learn. Twilight’s smile faltered, slowly fading. But then, she needed me. I had to help her through so much. And, I didn’t want to leave her after each session we had. Not because I wanted to learn more about how her mind worked, but because I was happy with her. I still am happiest when I’m with her.

Twilight looked up, smiling. Do I love her? She asked herself. No. I won’t say I love her. Not yet. But that’s not what she asked. Do I want to be her marefriend? With a smile Twilight decided. Yes. I want to be with her. I’m happy with her. Happier than my friends make me. Twilight stood, quickly trotting over to the door. She knew what she had to do. “Guards,” she began, sticking her head out. “I regret to inform you that Luna has spontaneously left. I plan to wait for her, but sadly, we have personal matters to discuss. I shall be locking the doors and windows, though I expect she will be able to easily enter. Please, allow us time to talk when she returns.” The guards nodded, having complete trust in Twilight.

Pulling her head back in, she closed the door, and gently lit her horn. With a click, the double doors locked. She turned her head to the doors to Luna’s balcony. She’ll probably return through here, she thought. With a smile and a click, the glass doors locked as well, tinting to block out all light. Twilight climbed onto Luna’s bed, staring up to watch the heavens slowly shift. She has to return eventually. And then, I’ll tell her.

-----

My editor suggested this one. Grab some tissues, there’s two parts.

-----

I slowly opened my eyes. Everything was white. Shakily raising to my hooves, I took a good look at myself. Same black coat, same cutie mark. What happened? I wondered groggily, trying to piece my memories together. I was on the moon. The stars were aligning... I thought, working through things in order. I escaped. I know that. Wound up in some village on the edge of the forest. The forest that grew around where I was banished. Shaking my head, I pressed on, the memories thick like oil. Lets see. Celestia didn’t interfere. The whole town was gathered for something. A unicorn called out to me, naming me. The village was terrified.

I sat down, the memories getting harder to press through. It felt as if I was trying to push through a brick wall while remembering them. Next, I... I went to our old castle. My old castle. Those six ponies tried to follow me. I, I think I tried to stop them. But it didn’t work.  The sheer act of remembering what had happened was starting to hurt. I felt as if my mind was going to explode. But I pressed on, needing to know what happened. They got the the castle. They, they found the elements. I cried out in pain, trying to force the last of the memories to the surface. Why is this so hard? They, what did they do? They..... They used the elements on me? Yes, that’s what they did. And that’s who I am. HA! I cried out triumphantly, the pain receding. And I fell over, unable to stay conscious any longer. My last thoughts before the white faded to black were I am the Mare in the Moon, once known as Nightmare Moon. I tried to take over Equestria for Luna, and plunge it into eternal night. May the world never forget me, nor the crimes I have committed.

-----

Again, I slowly dragged myself to a sitting position. Every movement was getting harder. Looking out through Luna’s eyes I saw Ponyville. Such a nice small town. I found myself thinking. A bolt of pain raced through me like a jolt of charge. She’s getting closer. She won’t need me soon. Though it hurt, I knew I had to let it happen. I was happy to be fading away. I just didn’t expect it to hurt like this. I laughed quietly to myself, shaking my head. Just because I was dying didn’t mean I could try to prevent it. Not that I wanted to. This was exactly what I had been hoping for over the past year. Thank you Luna. I’m sorry to leave you, but I have to go. I watched as Luna healed, the pain slowly building as I faded. Soon I could only stare through Luna’s eyes, watching as she finally had fun, playing the games and scaring the ponies. I could barely see. I was having to force myself to stay in existence just a little longer. I knew I couldn’t hold out for much longer. But I had to say goodbye to Luna. I couldn’t leave it like that. But I knew I wouldn’t last long enough to say goodbye myself. I tore a piece of myself off, casting it into the depths of Luna’s mind. She’ll find it when she goes looking for me. Thank you, and goodbye. I thought. I summoned the last of the energy I had, putting all of myself into whispering one word.

“Congratulations” Mare whispered, fading away, secure in the knowledge that Luna would hear her. Perhaps not that day, perhaps not for weeks. But one day, when the time was right, the word would make it’s way up through the layers of Luna’s mind, whispering itself to the princess.

Sequel (ish)

So, there is a semi sequel to this story. It's over here. *shrug* That's all I have to say.