Chapter Four

Stepping out of the shadows

“I wonder if I've been changed in the night. Let me think. Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is 'Who in the world am I?' Ah, that's the great puzzle!”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Twilight Sparkle hummed happily as she gently touched up the flowers she’d collected. She’d bought a simple earthen vase and filled it with flowers from the Canterlot markets. Now she had returned to the palace and had quickly found a seat and started trying to organise them.
“Should I have the orchids first or the roses? What colours would she like? Purple or blue? I don’t wanna get this wrong. First impressions are everything!” she rambled to herself as she glared at the impudent flowers. No matter how much she shoved them around they never looked right.
She wished Rarity were here. Her new friend would know how to make a simple bouquet look breathtaking. Heck she’d probably know what were the right flowers! Twilight had just grabbed some at random. But unfortunately the fashionista was busy picking material for her latest project. Spike having jumped at the chance to show the beautiful mare around the city and Twilight couldn’t bring herself to ruin her little brothers day so had struck out alone.
Still it had to be perfect. The new princess hadn’t seen flowers for a thousand years. Twilight desperately wanted this gift to be just right when she finally opened her eyes.
She found herself, not for the first time, examining the events of the last few days. Princess Luna had been returned to Canterlot and Celestia had straight away ordered a dozen doctors to tend to her. The younger princess was in terrible shape and Celestia was mad with worry for her.
It hadn’t been smooth going. Luna had quickly slipped into a deep sleep, barely reacting to the tests and medication as her body struggled to deal with the shock of her condition. Doctors had been swarming over her for hours to hook up lines and fluids to try and get her rehydrated. All the while Celestia had never left her sisters side.
And that wasn’t the worse thing. Luna’s return had not been taken well by the ponies of Canterlot. The city had only suffered for only a day but the shock and terror was still raw and the nobility and even the guard had made high calls for Luna to be exiled once again.
At first Celestia had taken it calmly, though Twilight could tell her mentor wanted to lash out at the idiots. She knew they were hurt and scared. She thought it would blow over once they saw the state Luna was in and heard the truth about the Nightmare.
It hadn’t gone the way she hoped. With a displeased grimace Twilight found her thoughts drifting to the council meeting scant hours ago. A hearing to decide the fate of Celestias long-lost sister.

Twilight felt deeply uneasy. She fidgeted with her hooves and told herself that she was here to support her teacher but she had been unprepared for the intensity of the meeting taking place.
She peeked at Celestia. The princess had a stern and unrelenting expression on her face, something Twilight had never seen on the gentle monarch. The source of her ire, the assembly of Canterlot shuffled nervously as Celestia glared at them.
“I’ve said it before and I will say it again. Luna is here to stay. She will remain here under the protection of the crown and state. You’re continued arguments do nothing but stretch my already thin temper”
Celestia met the ponies of the assembly with burning eyes and proud shoulders. Her face set like stone as she stared down the nobles and ministers who had called this meeting. To stand against her was foolhardy and even suicidal with the aura of danger she was exhuding right now.
But dare they did. Seated around the royal throne room a dozen ponies gathered, all high ministers and nobles who helped run the government. Mares and stallions all they stared back at their ruler hesitantly, nervously, their defiance a fragile thing.
Their bravery was pure pack mentality and they may have broken under Celestias will if they weren’t being lead. Standing before the high throne a handsome unicorn stallion, tall and regal with striking white fur and a golden mane, met the eyes of his goddess fearlessly.
Twilight had not heard much of this unicorn. She had overheard he was a member of the royal family and had gathered a name for himself for being a strong member of state and business stallion. She had to admire his bravery even if she didn’t like his argument.
“And I have to repeat myself too my Princess. Your sister is an unknown quality. A dangerous threat indeed and her assault on this city forced or not, made it clear how powerful she is. We are understandably wary of welcoming this... stranger, with open hooves” he said matter-of-factly.
“Nobleheart. You continue to base your argument on fear. On ‘maybe’s and ‘what ifs?’ Luna has power. She is an alicorn, the goddess of the moon. Once her potential strength was rivalled only by my own. But having power and the will to use it are two different things. That she is strong does not mean she is dangerous” Celestia said coldly.
The unicorn Nobleheart turned and nodded thoughtfully, his azure eyes gazed at a portrait of Celestia musingly, “That is true. Power does not make one a villain. You yourself taught us that with your benevolence. In a thousand years the people have never suffered under your rule”
“But what of Lunas rule?” he asked quietly.
Noble turned and approached another stallion. A pile of paperwork rested on the table before him and the associate passed a sheet to Noble calmly. His eyes looked bored over his thin spectacles.
“And the dark princess did wage war on the ponyfolk she had sworn to serve. Great was the devastation as the ruler forced eternal night upon her subjects. And in the darkness and fear of that terrible age ponies learnt the meaning of fear” Noble read aloud.
“A transcript from the journey of a royal guard. A solar knight of your own ancient knightly order Princess. A young warrior by the name of Shining Wing his is just one of the many articles of history depicting the devastation wrought by your sister”
“Thats not right!” somepony argued. All eyes turned to Twilight and she blushed as she realised she had shouted aloud.
“Do you wish to add something young lady?” Nobleheart asked kindly.
“I...I just, Twilight looked to Celestia uncertainly and saw the princess watching her intensely, Twilight swallowed and steeled herself, those crimes were done by Nightmare Moon. Luna was not in control of her actions during that war”
“My student speaks true. The monster that is Nightmare Moon forced Luna to commit those acts. Your argument is invalid Nobleheart” Celestia said coldly. She caught Twilights eye and smiled slightly before returning to the stallion that had began pacing.
“I cannot deny that nor do I wish to. The point I wanted to make is not that Luna committed those willingly... but that she could be manipulated into doing so”
Noble stopped pacing, “My Princess. No one here will know what happened all those centuries ago. But it seems clear to me that the very reason this ‘Nightmare Moon’ was able to even threaten the realm is because Luna was emotionally unstable”
“Be careful with your words minister” Celestia whispered.
Noble stood his ground unflinchingly, “I know it’s difficult to hear this. And please believe me my Princess I find no joy in this either. But the question must be asked. A thousand years ago Luna was tricked into allowing another to possess her body. A body that is capable of untold devastation. And now she has returned. Even more damaged and broken then before. Is it truly safe for the people to keep such an unstable power in our city? Is it safe for the thousands of stallions, mares and foals living within the city limits right now?”
That had struck a sore note with the assembly. The ponies were starting to lose their reluctance to offend Celestia as they murmured to each other about this point. Even Twilight had to admit it had some merits. Celestia took a step forward and all eyes immediately shot to her.
“You raise good points Noble. And I understand your fears but you are becoming entrapped within your own reasoning’s.”
“Please enlighten me your majesty”
Celestia sighed and her eyes held that deep guilt that Twilight had only seen in the last few days. Everypony leaned forward; instinctively concerned about their rulers sadness.
“You fear that Luna is a threat to Canterlot. You fear she may dispose me and rule this nation with an iron hoof. But that is quite impossible... for Luna is no longer the powerful goddess of legend”
Celestias face was set like stone but Twilight, haven known her for so long, could see the tell tale signs that the princess was deeply distressed. The alicorn looked to a figure in the crowd and nodded for him to come forward.
An older unicorn stallion in a bright doctors coat and with a severe expression stepped forward to stand before Celestia. He nodded respectfully to her before casting a flinty gaze across the gathered assembly. His long white mane and lined face was well weathered and he clearly was not pleased with the ponies before him.
“This is Doctor Greymane. He is the senior physician of Canterlot General and a respected expert in his fields”
“You don’t need to sell me to them Princess they’ll soon be pissed at me” the aged stallion growled. He glared at Nobleheart, “How dare you lad. And all you’re lackeys huddling behind you. This is our Princess. You should be giving her your full support not trying to undermine her. This girl has long lead us wisely and honourably and she should have your complete trust”
Noble didn’t pat an eyelid, “This is not a dictatorship as our Princess would be the first to tell you sir. We are well within our rights to question our rulers’ judgements. If our trust was nonexistent then this meeting would be moot”
“Got a funny way of showing trust lad”
“Doctor please” Celestia said.
Greymane huffed but straightened his jacket and coughed, “I and my team have been ministering to the new princess since she was placed in our care two days ago and the results of our diagnosis are troubling”
He lifted a scroll from his coat and unfolded it before him, “Her injuries, as far as we can tell include, severe malnourishment. Extreme dehydration. Muscle atrophy. Wings stripped of feathers and pinions; recovery is uncertain. Cracked and damaged horn. Repeatable broken and healed bones. Intense scarring. Fur loss-“
“That will do I believe Doctor” Celestia cut in with a cracked voice.
Greymane noted her trembling tone and nodded in sympathy. He put away the scroll and glared at Nobleheart, “And you think she’s a threat? I’m astonished she’s even alive right now”
The unicorn was silent for a moment before bowing his head, “I was unaware she had such extensive injuries... I assumed she would quickly recover due to her deity status”
“A thousand years trapped without food or water? Even we alicorns are not so resilient Minister” Celestia said with glacial bitterness.
Nobleheart still looked pensive, “And what of her mental condition Doctor?”
Greymane shrugged, “until she awakens we have no idea about the state of her mind. Doubtless she will require a great deal of counselling”
“And will she be... aggressive?” Noble asked softly.
“I believe the good doctor made it clear she will be no threat to Canterlot Nobleheart” Celestia interrupted angrily. Twilight too didn’t like the bland expression on Nobles face.
“I’m no longer questioning her danger to Canterlot but now her danger to the ponies around her”
“You’re really pushing it lad” Greymane spat.
“Doctor! By your own prognosis Luna has undergone a level of torture unheard of by ponykind. In your professional opinion is there not a chance that Luna will be violent and aggressive to those around her as a result of what she has suffered? Can you honestly say nopony is in danger around her?”
Greymane opened his mouth to shout... and reluctantly closed it. His brow furrowed as he considered Nobles impertinent but no less relevant question.
The doctor looked at Celestia apologetically, “No... I can’t say that. He sighed heavily; the evidence suggests that Luna will have, at the very least, deep suicidal issues, depression and anger. Also a great deal of fear of a new and unknown world. I can’t say for certain how she will react to others or whether she will lash out or not”
The unicorn straightened his back determinedly, “However these fears only stiffen my staff and I’s resolve to help her. Any creature that has clearly suffered so much deserves full support and understanding”
Noble nodded, “Your compassion for your patient does you credit. But I guess I will wrap up to my final plea now. I don’t wish to oppose Luna’s recovery. In hindsight it seems this council acted rashly and we see no danger to the realm. We should all do what we can to help our monarchs sister recover”
The ponies of the council nodded and mumbled approvingly. Twilight slumped back in her chair in relief. She’d been so tense for awhile now but it looked like the ministers weren’t going to cause anymore trouble. Though she doubted very much Celestia would even care if everyone of them shouted for Luna to be bucked out of here. But Twilight was glad no incident occurred between her dear teacher and her own government.
“But, Noble said and Twilight groaned in frustration, it does seem prudent that members of the royal guard keep a close eye on Luna for her own protection as well as the safety of the staff around her”
Nobleheart didn’t even wait for Celestia to shout at him, he casually turned looking for another in the hall, “I’m certain the Captain of the Guard has already assigned stallions to watch over our sleeping princess?”
All eyes turned to the main door where a young unicorn stallion stood at attention. Tall and strongly built, but with grace to his form, his multi-toned blue mane and handsome features drew admiring glances from every mare in the room. His armour gleamed brightly and it was clear he was a proud member of the royal guard.
However the young guard ruined the image by stepped back in startled surprise as every eye looked at him. Twilight facehoofed as the stallion quickly stood to attention under the amused eyes of the council.
‘Way to go there bro’
“I regret that Captain Stormcloud is indisposed right now. Lieutenant Shining Armour here able to answer any questions you have Sir” Shining answered confidently after overcoming his initial stage fright.
Noble raised an eyebrow in surprise, Twilight thought it somewhat false, “Oh my. Why could the Captain of the Guard not make this important summit? What is he doing right now?”
Shining glanced at the princess and back at Noble. His face set in stone, “I’m sorry Sir but it is a private guard manner”
“This is a meeting of Equestrias governing bodies Lieutenant. Nothing is private here”
“Leave the lad alone Noble. He’s only following orders” Greymane interrupted with a growl. Noble gave him a flat stare before looking back at the rigid guard.
“Very well I will make this easy for you. I can understand you are reluctant to disobey orders and it’s unfair of me to force you to do so. But if I perhaps guess the answer first then you haven’t done anything well”
He tapped his chin thoughtfully, “If I was to hazard a guess... I believe that the good Captain is not here because he is already watching Luna closely for signs of danger. He doesn’t believe she is harmless does he?”
Shining Armour didn’t answer but his eyes flicked between Celestia and Noble agitatedly. Twilight felt for him as he cared for Celestia almost as much as Twilight did. The Sparkle family had always been close to their princess.
“He is running important drills with the guard. After the assault by Nightmare Moon he is determined to improve the guard further. He takes security very seriously” Shining answered. His words spoken solemnly but the lie was all too clear on his honest face.
“I see. Even so his absence here speaks volumes. Do all the guard feel the same way as he does?” Noble asked slyly.
“Stop pestering him! You’re just using him to get your way!” Twilight yelled. Everypony looked to her in surprise but the young mare didn’t care. She wouldn’t see her brother bullied by this creep.
“It’s ok Twiley, Shining said with a smile. He met Nobles eye determinedly, the guards duty is to protect the citizens of Equestria and the royal family. ALL of the royal family. It is our solemn duty and that will never change” he fiercely declared.
“Thank you for that lieutenant” Celestia said kindly. She had remained silent for now but her silence ended as she stepped down from the dais of her throne and approached Nobleheart. The stallion had the decency to look nervous as Celestia stared down at him emotionlessly.
“I’ve heard your arguments and twisted words for over an hour now Noble. You continually try to paint Luna as a dangerous outcaste or worse a villain and I have been patient. As you said Equestria is not a dictatorship and its subjects have the right to speak their fears”
“However. You have no fear do you Nobleheart? Your furore and fear mongering have done wonders to heighten the hysteria of your fellow ministers but not yourself. Indeed you seem to be delighting in the panic you are creating”
“Princess I only-“
“Do I sound like I’m finished? Celestia said with the hint of a snarl. Noble quailed under the intensity of her eyes, you raise good issues and I would be foolish to ignore them. Yes Luna is a potential danger to those around her. Yes I will be keeping a close eye on her. But you forget something. I’m not doing this just out of fear for my subjects’ safety”
Celestias eyes blazed with ferocity and to the ponies watching her they expected flames to burst from her glare at any moment. She licked her lips and took a deep calming breath.
“Luna is my sister. We grew up together. Nothing will keep me away from her. Throw all the arguments and objections you want at me and I will ignore them”
She lifted her head to glare at the assembly, “If you push this then I will be forced to pursue the only avenue to me. Equestrian is not a dictatorship and I will uphold that legacy. If you truly want Luna gone fine, I will take her from here and care for her away from Equestria. I will raise the sun and moon but for the governing of the state I will resign to the council”
“Princess you wouldn’t leave!” a minster shouted in alarm.
Celestia was unmoved, “If that is the only option you leave me then it is what I must do. It’s as simple as that” she replied flatly.
The members of the council quickly exchanged alarmed looks; Nobleheart watched them carefully and schooled his features. He coughed politely, “It seems I did push things too far my Princess. Believe me I had no intention of incurring your anger I only had the wellbeing of my fellow citizens in mind”
“As have I” Celestia said icily.
Noble bowed his head, “This council withdraws it’s... worries Princess. As ever we place our trust with you”
He raised his head and met Celestias eyes for a moment. The two figures assessing each other silently before Noble turned and trotted out of the hall unhurriedly. With sideways glances at each other and respective bows to Celestia the rest of the council filed out.
Soon all that remained with Celestia was Twilight and the royal guards. The princess of the sun called Shining Armour over and he bowed before her.
“Yes my Princess?”
“Shining Armour. Please find Captain Stormcloud and tell him I wish to speak with him.” Celestia said tiredly. Twilight drew close, worried by the way Celestias shoulders were slumped with fatigue.
Shining nodded. He smiled at his sister, who returned it weakly, before hurrying off. Celestia sighed and rubbed her eyes with clear weariness.
“Princess are you alright?” Twilight asked.
Celestia looked down at her pupil and smiled, “I’ll be fine Twilight. You don’t have to concern yourself with my wellbeing”
She turned and approached her throne. Twilight watched with deep unease at the way her monarch slumped into her chair and folded with a sigh. Twilight couldn’t help herself from drawing closer.
“Princess?”
Celestia looked at her with dim eyes.
“I... I’m here for you Princess. I-If you wanna talk I’m here” she said in the smallest voice ever. She was staring at the floor flushed with fear and embarrassment but she had to try.
It hurt to see her dear teacher so wracked with pain.
Celestia stared at her intensely, “Guards would you leave us for a moment” she ordered. Twilight looking up in surprise as the pegasus around the room filed out silently.
Celestia motioned for Twilight to sit beside her and the young mare eagerly settled there. The princess smiled at Twilight and gently laid a hoof on her shoulder.
“My dear Twilight... you have already done so much for me. You freed my sister and you have supported her without fear these past few days. You have already done so much for me my faithful student” she said proudly. Twilight beamed at the attention but some instinct made her frown reluctant to vanish.
“But there’s still something bothering you Princess. More than just Luna still being asleep”
Celestia looked away and closed her eyes. Her mask cracking for a moment revealing the deep hurt she felt. Twilight wanted to reach out to her but decorum made her stay still.
“You know... my mother she... she said that when you’re hurting it helps to talk to people. To someone you trust. It’s always made me feel better talking to you Celestia. Y-you could talk to me too. I-if you trust me” she mumbled nervously.
Celestia looked back at Twilight with wide eyes, she laughed musically and leaned down to nuzzle Twilight, “I’ve always trusted you Twilight” she whispered.
Twilights smile could have lit the darkest cave. Celestia grinned at her ruefully before shaking her head.
“I am unsure where to begin Twilight, she chuckled shyly, even after over a thousand years of life I still struggle to express myself”
“Why not just start at the beginning?” Twilight suggested.
Celestia nodded, “sound advice my student. Very well let’s see-“

“Miss? Are you alright?”
Twilight snapped out of her memories with a rather unintelligent “Bwuh?” The guard who had stepped over to her eyed her strangely.
“You were kinda out of it for awhile there. You ok?”
Twilight blushed fiercely, “I-I’m fine! Just really deep in thought that’s all. No worries sir” she said with an embarrassed laugh. The guard smiled at her slightly before nodding and returning to his post.
Twilight shook her head and quickly gathered up her bags and the flower vase in her magical grip. Now was not the time to dwell on that meeting. She had important duties to do today.
She hurried on towards the secluded wing of the castle that Luna had been staying in the last week. High in the castles upper reaches it had been the perfect place to care and hide the younger royal. Only Celestia, a few doctors and guards, and the bearers of the elements themselves were allowed entry.
It was quiet and beautiful, a grand history saturated the ancient halls but while it had always been quiet it had never been this quiet. Twilight had been walking for a few minutes now and nopony was in sight.
‘It’s very odd’ she wondered idly as she paused to admire a wonderful sculpture of an armoured unicorn mare. She supposed everyone was on break or something. After the first few days Luna had settled into a steady recovery and doctor Greymane had confidently declared her to be out of danger.
‘When she wakes up is a different matter I’m afraid’ he had said solemnly to a tearful Celestia.
Twilights ears pricked up as a heavy crash caught her attention. She looked around in startled surprise as she heard shouts and loud banging.
The sound seemed to be coming from all around her. The twisting and looping corridors of the old wing distorting the shouts. She took a step forward uncertain whether to race to the source or rush for help.
‘Luna...’
Twilight shook her head. She had to investigate. Celestias sister could be trouble. There was no time to waste!
Rearing up in determination she charged ahead following her ears as best she could. The sound grew louder the deeper she went into the wing. She quickly realised that she was drawing closer to Lunas’ hospital room and hurried ever faster.
An especially loud ‘bang’ like a thunder clap echoed in her ears as she turned a likely corner that was smoking heavily. She skidded around and her eyes widened in shock as something flew out of the thick smoke right at her.
With a loud shriek she dived for the ground as the object flew over her head and smashed against the wall behind her. She blinked and shot back to her feet, shock and adrenaline making her body tremble, and whirled around to see what had barely missed her.
Slumped against the floor, having left a sizable crack in the wall, an armoured unicorn stallion groaned in pain. Small sparks of electricity sizzled over his smoking fur and Twilight gasped as she recognised his burnt, but still impressive moustache.
“Captain Stormcloud!”
She rushed over to the fallen soldier looking him over worriedly. He was moaning with pain but other than some small burns and bruising he didn’t seem to be mortally injured. His armour protecting him from the worse of the impact.
‘What did this to him?’ she wondered.
A blue glow lit up the corridor and she heard a hoofstep behind her. Twilight caught a flash of movement at the corners of her eyes before she was bowled over and knocked to the ground. The hard crack of her head striking the wooden floor making her head spin.
A heavy hoof pushed down on her chest pinning her to the floor. She looked up blearily, her eyes struggling to focus. She could hear heavy breathing and smell sweat. Her eyes finally uncrossed enough to gaze at the pony holding her down and she gasped in fright.
Princess Luna, Mare of the moon, was hunched over her like a ravenous wolf. Her lips pulled back in a terrifying snarl and her mane hanging over Twilight like a deadly shroud. A single eye, pupil shrunk to a pinprick, stared at her madly through the thicket of her hair. Twilight was helpless to do anything but stare back in terror.
The princess was panting heavily and was covered in thick bruising but it only made her look more dangerous. Like a cornered animal that had nothing left but to strike one last time before it was torn apart. Her glowing blue eye was filled with a heady mixture of sadness, pain, rage, and borderline madness.
Twilights mind was frozen in total panic. Every equine instinct she had screaming at her that she was trapped under a predator and about to be devoured. Flight or fight was impossible as all she could do was stare back at the monsters eye.
Luna opened her jaw, (a detached part of Twilights mind noting the sharp fangs she still possessed) to hiss loudly at the young unicorn trapped below her. The shrill sound finally snapping Twilight out of her funk as she screamed like a foal and hid her face in her hoofs. The young mare crying as Lunas breath swept over her so close.
‘pleasesomeonehelpmehelpmepleasepleasepleasehelpCELESTIAPLEASEHELPME!’
Twilight couldn’t stop her tears and when the hoof lifted from her chest her instinct was to curl into a ball and continue sobbing. The heavy presence of Luna didn’t leave but her menacing breathing died off and silence fell. After a few moments of nothing happening Twilight hiccupped and fearfully peeked between her hooves.
Luna was still standing over her but the princess had stopped hissing and was just watching her. Twilight sniffed and stared back uncertainly. Lunas’ gaze was no longer hostile but... saddened...
Luna licked her lips and tried to speak but nothing but a weak croak came out. She closed her eyes in frustration and coughed as Twilight stared wide-eyed with surprise.
“D-don’t... cry. I-I’m sorry. Sorry...” she rasped with tremendous effort.
Twilight blinked with surprise and lowered her frightened hooves slightly. The princess and the mortal stared at each uncertainly.
Luna turned her head and hunched away from Twilights eyes. The young mare realised with a flash of insight that the powerful princess was nervous. Afraid even. She raised herself into a sitting position, the presence of the princess over her no longer so scary.
The alicorn snorted and edged away, unsettled by twilights scrutiny. The young mare swallowed thickly to overcome her nervousness.
“Luna?” she whispered.
The princess flinched at the mention of her name and looked to Twilight in shock.
“Y-you... know. Me? Element of magic.”
“Yes! And you’re sister too” Twilight said happily. Luna stepped back with a jolt, clearly struggling to process this information. Twilight hopped to her feet and carefully approached the shaking alicorn. This time Luna didn’t dart away from her.
“So much... changed. So much has changed” she said hoarsely. The alicorn cocked her head and turned to something on her right flank.
“Don’t feel. Like trap” she said uncertainly.
Her head switched quickly to the left, Twilight looking on in confusion, “She said sister. Celle is here!” she shouted roughly.
“Luna... who are you talking to?” Twilight asked quietly.
Luna gave her a confused look and gestured at her sides, her empty sides, “Friends. My friends”
“Oh... oh you poor thing” Twilight whispered. She sniffed and rubbed at her eyes as the alicorn watched her uncertainly. Now was not the time to cry and freak the princess out. She had to handle this situation carefully.
“Luna it’s ok now. You’re safe and hav-“
“TWILEY!”
Both mares jumped and spun around. Down the corridor Shining Armour and a group of guards stared in shock and outrage at the princess. Shining himself was wide-eyed with fear and panic.
Twilight looked around and at last noticed the unconscious pegasus guards all around her. The smoke had dissipated and the unicorn realised these guards must have fought with Luna. It explained all her bruises but fortunately the guards themselves just looked unconscious not drastically injured.
Still she realised how it must look. She looked between Luna and her brother with mounting panic as they both squared up for a fight. No no no!
“GET AWAY FROM MY SISTER!!” Shining roared.
“Wait brother it’s not what you think!” Twilight yelled but it was too late. Shining had already charged and the mob of guards had quickly joined him.
“Too many. Can’t win”
Twilight looked to Luna as the alicorn watched the approaching soldiers grimly.
“Too risky to fight, Luna glanced at Twilight worriedly, pretty little mage could get hurt”
Twilight blushed at the ‘pretty’ label but her eyes widened in panic as Luna closed her eyes and gritted her teeth, her horn sparking and glowing as she focused her magic.
Twilight could easily feel the structure of the spell and sensed it to be a teleportation spell. But it wasn’t that Luna wanted to escape that panicked her. The alicorn was fighting back tears and whining in pain. Twilight quickly discovered the reason as she looked towards Lunas horn.
The alicorns horn was in the worse state Twilight had ever seen of a horn. Cracked and pitted along its entire length raw magic spilled from its damaged structure and to the unicorns horror she could see rivets of blood trickling through its cracks, the ruby fluid staining Lunas mane a coppery brown where it met her blue fur.
“Luna stop! It’s too dangerous!” Twilight screamed in desperation. But her cries went unheeded and with a scream of agonised defiance Luna vanished in a bright flare of blue light.
Twilight stared at the spot Luna had stood; her horn quickly glowing with energy as she frantically followed the faint magical trail of the princess. She barely noticed as Shining Armour screeched to a halt beside her.
“Twiley are you ok?”
The mares eye twitched as she fought down her anger. She refused to reply as she searched for Lunas location. The princess was so weak... she couldn’t have ported far. To try and go further then a mile in her damaged state would be to court death.
‘She already tried to commit suicide once. Would she try it again through incomplete teleportation? It would be a horribly painful way to die... surely she’s not that broken?’ Twilight thought hauntingly.
“SPREAD OUT! FIND LUNA AND CONTAIN HER!” Shining ordered his guards. Twilight whirled on him, “YOU’VE DONE ENOUGH!” she screamed.
Her brother stepped back in shock, “what?”
“I WAS GETTING THROUGH TO HER! SHE WAS JUST SCARED AND LOST AND THEN YOU AND YOUR THUGS SHOW UP AND DRIVE HER AWAY! DAMMIT SHINING THIS IS CELESTIAS SISTER!”
Shining flinched under her heated words but quickly recovered, “She took out the captain and the guards watching her. And it looked like she was gonna attack you. I’m sorry Twilight but how else was I to react?”
Twilight glowered at him, “She hurt the guards but none of them have been seriously harmed. I’m sure she did that on purpose. And she was only talking to me Shining”
Shining shook his head, “This city holds thousands of innocent citizens. We can’t take the risk of giving her the benefit of doubt. She could kill hundreds before we could stop her”
Twilight thought back to the look of fear and uncertainty on Lunas face. The way she was so nervous and hesitant to speak to her, “She wouldn’t do that” she said confidently.
Shining sighed, “This is getting us nowhere. I have to search for her and contain the threat. I promise you Twilight I’ll try and resolve it peacefully but I have a feeling she won’t come back quietly”
“Shining don’t do-“
“Twilight. You’re a greater magic user then me. I’m sure you’ve almost traced her. Find her and get her to come back peacefully otherwise I don’t know what’s going to happen” Shining told her with an edge of command. Twilight sighed and nodded reluctantly.
Shining raced off with some pegasus swooping around him, she was gratified to hear him ordering them to alert the princess and keep their distance from Luna if they found her but it wouldn’t last. The guards around her were slowly waking up as was the captain. Judging by their scowls and angered words to each other they wouldn’t soon forget their defeat.
‘Ignore that now. Come on, focus on finding Luna Twilight’ she told herself.
Free of distractions it took just a few moments to find Luna. Twilight smiled in relief that the alicorn had only ported a short distance away but her smile was soon replaced by a worried expression as she realised that Luna was in Canterlot square. The central market of the city.
“Oh no” she whispered before she concentrated hard and vanished with a flash of light and a pop of displaced air.

Spike Dragon Sparkle, to use his full name, was the happiest dragon in all of Equestria. While walking for hours through a busy Canterlot market carrying a dozen boxes across his back wouldn’t normally be his idea of fun, right now there was one singular reason why his heart was beating blissfully and a happy smile graced his face.
The unicorn Rarity, the most beautiful mare in the entire world, hummed happily to herself as she examined several rolls of fabric from a brightly coloured stall. She lifted a few into the air with her magic and examined them with an appraising pout, the young dragon sighing affectionately at her gorgeous gesture.
“Hmm... I am uncertain which of these would suit my new dress Spike. One should look her best when meeting royalty, but would the princess of the night prefer her guests dress in shimmering silver or velvet sapphire?”
The unicorn twirled and placed the fabrics over her shapely flank, alternating between the two uncertainly, “Spike dear which one do you prefer?”
Spike barely heard her so infatuated was he with the curves of her body and the pristine diamonds adorning her flank. He blinked as she called him again and looked up at her knowing gaze and rueful smile. He blushed deeply as she winked at him.
“Now now Spike. While a lady is always pleased that she has an effect on a gentlecolt such as yourself she also likes to be listened to” she teased lightly.
“Er I’m sorry Miss Rarity. I was just deep in thought, yeah! About which material is better!” he rambled embarrassedly.
Rarity smiled warmly before she eyed the fabrics again, “So which one do you like Spike?”
Spike only had to glance at the fabrics to know what to say, “The velvet blue”
“And why this one?” the unicorn asked curiously.
Spikes mouth was desert dry but he licked his lips quickly and plunged on before terror froze him solid, “It’s beautiful. And it matches your eyes... they’re both perfect for each other” he said with a tremble.
Rarity looked at him with surprise before she gave him a wide smile. She turned to the clerk, “I’ll take the blue good sir” she said beatifically and the stallion quickly wrapped up the material and passed it to her.
Spike stared at the ground, his heart hammering in his chest and his scales itchy. By Celestia he’d never felt so nervous and scared. Rarity trotted over to him lightly and he looked up ready to collect her bag.
He wasn’t prepared for the radiant sapphire eyes inches from his own or the small beautiful smile on her perfect lips. The mare leaned down and pecked him on the cheek and it was all Spike could do not to die and go to heaven right there and then.
Rarity giggled at his dumbstruck expression and couldn’t resist giving him a playful nuzzle, “You’re such a gentlecolt Spike. Thank you so much for helping me choose and being so charming while doing so”
“I-it’s my p-pleasure” he squeaked.
Rarity laughed and settled her purchase in her own saddlebags. She grinned at Spike and nodded for him to join her as they left the stall and continued into the market.
“Well Spike we have made some wonderful purchases today and I feel my darling little assistant needs a reward for his hard work”
Spike cocked his head curiously as he hefted the bags across his shoulders, “What do you mean miss Rarity?”
The older mare grinned at him, “Dinner of course! A hard day’s shopping deserves lunch and ice cream I feel. For both of us! My treat”
Spikes stomach rumbled and he blushed as Rarity covered her mouth with a hoof and giggled lightly. Spike smiled bashfully before he coughed for attention.
“As a gentledragon I should pay for dinner. It’s only right for a lady such as yourself” he said as regally as he could. He closed his eyes and struck a dignified pose for a moment before peeking with a single eye.
Rarity was staring at him with an open jaw and he worried if he’d upset her. The next second she squealed and pulled him into a hug, “Spikey wikey you’re so cute!” she cried with delight as luggage tumbled around them.
Spike blushed but he still had some manly pride, “Hey I’m not cute I’m handsome!” he pouted defiantly.
Rarity laughed and bopped him on the nose, “Yes you are dear Spike but you’re also cute”
Spikes face was burning as he quickly untangled himself from Raritys grip. “Urg. The bags are everywhere” he grumbled half-heartedly as he quickly gathered them up.
Rarity moved to help but Spike shook his claw at her, “It’s ok I’ve got this”
“Spike are you certain you’re ok carrying all that? In my excitement I seem to have bought much more then is fair for you to carry” she said worriedly.
Spike merely grinned at her concerned face, “trust me miss Rarity this is nothing. Twilight’s made me carry much more when she’s cramming for a test” he added darkly.
Rarity shook her head, “Boys, she said with a chuckle, still my young helper you have earned dinner and I won’t hear of you paying. That is that”
“But-“
Rarity fixed him with a surprisingly powerful stare, “Is that clear?” she asked frightfully.
Spike gulped and saluted, “Yes marm!” he squeaked even as his bags hit the ground again.
Rarity giggled behind her hoof as Spike blanched and scrabbled to pick up the purchases. Once he was settled she trotted casually, Spike at her side, as she chatted about the various restaurants of Canterlot.
“There’s just so many Spike! Golden Harvest, Cest Cuisine, Fruity and Sweet, Divinity! And those are only the ones I’ve seen so far! Which sounds good to you Spike?”
“Er, Spike racked his brains, well me and Twilight went to Cest Cuisine a few weeks ago for her birthday and it was really great there. They do great salads and even some gems for dragons”
Rarity beamed at him, “Then to Cest Cuisine it is!” she breathed deep of the sweet air and sighed happily as she trotted along. Her eyes drinking in the hustle and bustle around them while Spikes were shyly riveted on her.
He’d never felt more happy then he did right now. It wasn’t just because he was in the company of a beautiful mare. It wasn’t just cause his big sister was safe and sound after battling the Nightmare, (Though he was definitely relieved she’d come through that unscathed) but it was something more than that.
He was a dragon in a world of ponies. While he had been accepted as no threat to the populace of Canterlot he’d found it hard to make friends. Twilight and Shining Armour were the only ponies who’d accepted and played with him as he grew up and it was probably because of this sole connection that explained his desire to help and support his sister as much as he could.
But here and now he was with another pony who, until a few days ago, he hadn’t even known existed. This gorgeous mare that had no fear of him and was even treating him to dinner without asking for anything in return. Her generosity was quite frankly amazing to the young dragon.
So... this is what it felt like to have a friend.
“Miss Rarity...”
“Yes Spike?” Rarity asked over her shoulder as she examined a map of the city.
“I... I just wanna...”
Spike choked and screwed his eyes tight as he summoned all his will. He opened his eyes to see Rarity looking at him with open concern.
“Spike darling what’s wrong?”
‘Be brave’ “I just wanna say... thank you. Thanks for buying me dinner and thanks for letting me hang out with you. It’s been one of the best days ever miss Rarity”
He trembled openly after baring his soul like that and a cynical part of him waited for his companion to scoff and dismiss him.
He wasn’t expecting Rarity to yank him towards her with magic and hug him tightly. He choked as she crushed him against her warm chest but he didn’t really care about the lack of oxygen right now.
Rarity must have noticed his bug eyes because she released her death grip and nuzzled him instead. He blushed as she looked him over with teary eyes. Wait had he upset her?
“Spike darling you have nothing to thank me for. It has been just as delightful for me to spend the day with you. A charming young dragon such as yourself has been the most wonderful company”
She nuzzled him again and he sighed softly, “And you are also a most wonderful friend Spike” she said quietly.
Spike smiled and ducked his head, “Thank you miss rarity. I’m glad we’re friends”
A delicate white hoof gently lifted his chin, Rarity tilted her head slightly and grinned at him, “Now now Spike. As we are friends you no longer need to call me ‘miss’ all the time. Please. Call me Rarity”
Spike blinked in surprise then beamed at her with a wide smile, “Ok Rarity!” he laughed happily.
Rarity chuckled and ruffled his head spines affectionately, “Ok Spike lets go get something to eat. I don’t know about you but I’m famished!”
“After you Rarity”
The unicorn bowed her head with a cheery giggle before taking the lead. Spike chuckled and followed her with a wide smile.
‘This day just couldn’t get any better’
He had barely finished that thought when he it happened. His first clue that something was wrong was a powerful shudder that racked his body. Like a sudden static shock after touching something charged.
The only comparison his mind could draw was the sensation he got whenever Twilight teleported. The wave of magic as she ripped open reality for a microsecond always made him tingle if he was close to her.
So it was instinctive for him to gaze ahead in relaxed anticipation for his big sister to appear before him. The static sensation grew more heated until his scales itched uncomfortably but he still didn’t feel any fear.
He’d never felt the need to feel fear.
The world was torn apart as a terrible blue light flooded his eyes. He shrieked and raised his claws to protect his eyes and this left him wide open as a powerful wave of force like the mightiest winds picked him up and threw him back.
Dirt, rock and wood whirled around him as the stalls, the buildings and the very earth was ripped apart and thrown away with violent dismissal from whatever had teleported in. Spike experienced a horrible moment of vertigo as he was thrown head over tail before he smashed into a cart and reduced it to splinters.
He gulped in a breath and then he was crushed back into the wreckage as an earsplitting screech of sound smashed into him. The roar of displaced air rushing back into an empty space making him scream in wordless terror. He braced himself as he was caught between two powerful forces, the outwards explosion of the initial re-emergence of the teleporter and the crushing pressure of gravity and air rushing back into the temporary vacuum.
As quickly as it started it was over. The whole experience haven lasted a matter of seconds but its effects would last for days. Spike panted and trembled as he stared out at the wreckage around him with wide eyes, his body aching and bruised and a little cut up in places.
‘What? What just happened?’
His unbelieving eyes looked around him in shock. Smoke billowed from a dozen fires that had flash burned around him and the ground was ripped and cracked everywhere. Broken structures and smashed wood lay all around him and everything was still covered by the strange blue glow.
Groans and crying slowly filtered into his ringing ears and he noticed others in the wreckage. All around him ponies were calling for help or moaning with pain. Spikes eyes went wide and he quickly pushed the debris off his as he shot to his feet.
He shrieked as his left leg folded under him. He looked down with confusion and went pale as he saw the shard of wood that stabbed into his calf. It was small and didn’t look deep but the sight of his blood made his head swim.
But he couldn’t fall. Not now.
“RARITY!” he screamed. He forced himself to hobble forwards, having to resort to crawling on three limbs as he looked around him in a panic.
‘She was right next to me. She couldn’t have gone far’
“RARITY WHERE ARE YOU!” he screamed again, his words slightly strangled by his fear. Ponies were starting to move and help each other and some of their panicked words he picked up.
“WHAT WAS THAT!?”
“THE NIGHTMARES BACK! RUN FOR YOUR LIFES!”
“MY DAUGHTER! HAVE YOU SEEN MY DAUGHTER!?”
“RARITY!” Spike yelled hoarsely and struggled on. He breathed deep and through the stinging smoke he caught a faint sniff of a familiar perfume. The sweet scent of his unicorn friend.
Right now he was so grateful he was a dragon. Without his improved sense of smell he doubted he’d ever be able to find Rarity in this chaos. Hurrying as best he could on his damaged leg he found himself drifted closer to ground zero of the explosion.
The glow was stronger here but Spike didn’t care. Through the dimming smoke he caught sight of a familiar white coat and hurried ahead yelling her name.
“RARITY! RARITY ARE YOU OK!?”
“spike...?” a weak voice called for him.
Ignored his pain he dashed the short distance and slide to her side. The unicorn was lying on her back, bruised and dirty but not bleeding fortunately. But a thick beam from some ruined building had fallen across her and now the beautiful mare was trapped.
“Rarity! Are you hurt! Speak to me!” Spike begged her as he carefully laid his claws on her. Her body was shaking with shock and the dragon felt tears prick his face as the unicorn weakly opened her eyes.
“Spike? Is that you?”
He laughed with relief, “Oh thank Celestia you’re ok!” he said with tears streaming down his cheeks.
Rarity blinked slowly and dazedly looked down at the beam holding her down, “Hard to breath” she said tiredly and a quite out of it. Spike prayed she didn’t have a concussion.
Spike didn’t waste a moment as he grabbed the beam and braced his legs. He tried to move the beam but the moment he started to lift the pressure on his torn leg made him scream and collapse.
Blood pooled around his claws as he clasped his bleeding limb. He gritted his teeth against the pain as Rarity moaned and weakly pushed at the beam but it was clear to him she wouldn’t be able to move it.
“Buck it” he hissed and grasped the heavy wood again. Rarity watched him with unfocused eyes as he strained to lift it but she blinked rapidly and came out of her funk as he shrieked with pain.
“S-spike! What are you doing!? Stop or you’ll hurt yourself!” she pleaded.
A red mist had fallen over his eyes and the pain from his leg made him feel like he was going to die. He managed to lift the beam a few inches but his leg finally gave out on him again and this time the crack of pain made him think it was more serious.
Rarity choked in pain as the beam fell back on her. Spike collapsed beside her gasping and hiccupping in pain and tears.
“I-I’m sorry. I... (pant, pant) I can’t lift it” he whimpered.
“It’s ok Spike” she whispered back and smiled gently at him.
Spike shuffled closer and raised himself on one elbow as he checked her over. Ok. She was trapped but it didn’t look like she was in mortal danger.
So he’d panicked and messed up his leg for no reason. Nice one Spike.
Spike groaned and clutched at his eyes, “Ok... I’ll... I’ll go and get help. That’s what I can do”
“But Spike your leg! Oh my goddess your leg!” Rarity shrieked at a fever pitch. Her eyes wide and mouth agape as she saw the torn flesh and pooling blood around Spikes leg.
The young dragon gave his leg a glance and quickly looked away. Yes he wanted to scream and cry at the sight and pain but he couldn’t right now. He had to be brave.
It’s what Shining and Twilight would do.
“It’s alright Rarity. I’ve got two arms and another working leg so I’ll be fine. I’ll get help and be right back” he said confidently.
“Spike...”
He reached out and gingerly patted her shoulder, “It’ll be ok”
She nodded and sniffed tearfully. Spike grinned and with a choked wince carefully stood up.
‘Ok. I can do this. Just hobble for the nearest pony and ask for their help. Simple really, should have done it before. Why didn’t I? Cause you’re an idiot Spike’
“I need to stay out my head” the dragon grumbled to himself.
“Be careful” Rarity begged him. He nodded and breathed deep searching for the closest scent.
‘Hang on...’
He sniffed and frowned. There was a scent close by. Very close. But it didn’t smell like anything he’d meet before. It had hints of pony to it but it was too exotic, too sickly sweet.
The closest scent he could compare it to was being in the presence of Celestia.
His thoughts were derailed as the blue glow flared brightly and a scream rent the air. Rarity yelped with fear and Spike fell back on his butt with shock. A glowing figure was weaving drunkenly through the smoke and the two friends watched it draw closer with fearful stares.
The smoke parted and to Spikes shock an alicorn stumbled towards them. Unkempt and looking ‘extremely’ malnourished the strange alicorn was shrieking in pain and clutching at its head.
Spike followed its grasping hoofs and gasped at what he saw. The alicorns horn was glowing red hot with magicial backlash. It was cracked and torn and the tip had even split after excessive magical use. Spike had only seen such damaged horns in medical books never in real life.
The smell of sizzling blood wafted through the air and Spike recoiled with a horrified gag. He couldn’t even imagine the pain this strange alicorn was experiencing.
But just who was this mare? Was this Luna, the long lost sister of Celestia? Twilight had told him the story of course of the mare trapped in the guise of Nightmare Moon, and of the connection between her teacher and the alicorn.
But the princess was meant to be unconscious in a hospital bed! What was she doing here attacking ponies!?
His fright intensified as the alicorn stopped before them and stared at them madly. Her eyes wild with pain and anger and Spike didn’t like the way she snorted and looked between the two of them.
“Princess?” Rarity whimpered. The alicorn looked down at her but little to no recognition flashed in those eyes. She looked towards him and hostility flared there. Indeed the way her lips drew back in a snarl and she scratched at the ground with a forehoof made Spikes heart jump with fear for himself and Rarity.
Maybe she was just confused by the pain but he wasn’t going to take a chance. He lurched forward and stood unsteadily between Luna and Rarity. He heard Rarity gasp behind him but paid little attention.
“S-STAY AWAY!” he yelled and flung his arms out to shield his friend.
Luna stepped back in surprise before she hissed back. Her eyes flickered between his claws, his fangs and his bright scales and he didn’t doubt she saw him as a threat.
Her ragged wings swept out and over to make her look bigger and she crouched low and bared her teeth at him. Spike gulped as the alicorn prepared to pounce at him and his mind raced for a solution.
What was he to do? This is Celestias sister would he get in trouble for fighting her? Heck would he even be ‘alive’ to be in trouble for fighting her. What should he do?
“Spike run away!” Rarity yelled behind him.
Her shout only galvanised him further. Luna snarled and lunged for him and his mind went cold with crystal clarity.
What would Twilight do?
“I WON’T LET YOU HURT MY FRIEND!" he roared. That welcomingly familiar blaze of heat swelled in his chest and he fought back with the birthright of a dragon.
Blinding green fire erupted from his snout as he bellowed the largest fireball he’d ever performed at his enemy. Luna shrieked in surprise as the wave of fire rushed towards her.
The explosion of heat and fire swept away the smoke around them and made Spike blink rapidly to clear the spots in his eyes. The fire quickly abated and nothing but empty ground remained.
Spike stared dumbly at the empty spot that Luna had once occupied. Had he completely vaporised her or something?
“Twilights gonna kill me...” he groaned.
“SPIKE LOOK OUT!”
Spike whirled around just in time to see a hoof crack him a fierce one across the jaw. He did a full spin in the air before smashing to the ground with jarring force.
He’d blacked out at the first punch but landing on his injured leg brought him screaming back into consciousness. He curled into a ball bawling loudly as he clutched his leg.
He hiccupped and looked up weakly. Luna stood over him growling menacingly. Her fur was slightly singed but she looked unharmed.
He tried to breathe a fireball at her but his attempt at defiance came out as a choked cough. The pain was just too distracting for him to summon his fire. Luna stepped closely and smashed a hoof into the ground an inch from his face in warning. He whimpered and looked away and his eyes found Raritys.
The unicorn was unnaturally pale, even for her, terror darkened her eyes and she was trying desperately to escape and come to his aid.
“Leave him alone! You leave him alone you fiend!” she yelled as she pushed at the beam holding her.
His eyes softened and he sniffed wetly. Wow... she was really trying to help him.
He looked back to Luna who was staring at Rarity uncertainly. He coughed and she glanced back at him suspiciously.
“Please” he begged. Lunas eyebrows drew up in surprise.
“Please don’t hurt her... just leave her alone.”
“She’s my friend” he said with a hiccup and closed his eyes waiting for the end.
Silence.
Then, “She’s... friend?”
Spike opened his eyes with surprise meeting Luna perplexed gaze.
“You care. For her. Not eat her” Luna said slowly as if trying to wrap her head around the concept.
Spike grimaced, “Of course I won’t eat her! I’d never eat a pony!”
Luna eyed him suspiciously, “He could be lying” she said aloud.
She turned to glance at her side, staring at something intently before nodding, “Ok I’ll ask”
She abruptly trotted away from Spike and stopped beside Rarity. Both unicorn and dragon stared in frightened confusion as Luna shifted from hoof to hoof nervously.
“Er... Hi element pony. Is the little dragon your friend?” she asked Rarity.
Rarity’s jaw was hanging in amazement at the strange situation but she quickly snapped it shut as her outrage was rekindled, “Yes he’s my friend! And how dare you attack him without reason!” she yelled.
Luna pawed the ground, “Though he’d hurt you” she said sheepishly.
“What made you come to that conclusion!?”
“He’s a dragon” Luna said matter-of-factly. Spike winced.
Rarity only grew even more incensed, “And so what if he’s a dragon? I’ll have you know he’s the sweetest, kindest young dragon I’ve ever met! He has done nothing to deserve your attack or your... your... racism!”
Luna started to hug herself, “But dragons hurt ponies” she whispered in confusion.
Rarity huffed, “The only thing that has hurt me is you Luna” she said coldly.
Luna looked away and sniffed loudly, “Didn’t mean to hurt you”
Spike and Rarity exchanged uncertain looks as Luna quietly sobbed. ‘What should we do?’ Spike mouthed at her to which the unicorn shrugged awkwardly in reply.
Luna suddenly shot to her hooves, “Must help pony” she declared and quickly darted to Raritys side. The mare squeaked in fear as Luna reached down with her hooves but to her surprise the princess picked up the heavy beam and effortlessly threw it aside.
“You’re free now” Luna declared with bright eyes. Rarity stared for a moment in speechless surprise before a groan from Spike caught her attention.
“Thankyougottago!” she yelled and rushed to the dragons side. Spike sluggishly looked up at the unicorn cradling him. Clear thought becoming difficult very quickly.
“Feel sick miss Rarity” he said weakly before closing his eyes.
“Its going to be ok Spike! And what did I tell you about calling me miss?” Rarity barked as she looked around frantically. Her eyes alighted on some scattered fabric nearby, her very own purchases as fortune would have it, and she quickly grasped them in her magic.
With quick focused motions she ripped and tore the satin material into long strips that she hastily used to bandage Spikes still bleeding leg. The dragon whined in pain as the fabric was tightened across his torn flesh.
“I’m sorry darling but it has to be tight to stop the bleeding” Rarity whispered soothingly. She finished the tourniquet quickly and tenderly placed a kiss upon the young dragons head for good measure. Spikes eyes fluttering open slightly at the gentle touch of her lips before falling shut again.
“He needs help”
Rarity looked up in surprise as Luna stepped closer. The alicorns eyes were fixed on the injured dragon in Rarity’s grip and the intensity of her gaze took Rarity’s breath away.
“I don’t know healing magic” Luna said with a curse.
“Perhaps there is a clinic nearby?”
“Would there be time to get him there before the soldiers caught us?”
“We must teleport them then! There is no time to lose!”
“Have you seen the state of our horn! Besides we don’t even know where to transport them to!”
Rarity watched with a mixture of fright and fascination as Luna argued with herself. She didn’t even know what profession could deal with the psychosis she was seeing played out before her.
But in the end it didn’t matter. Spike needed help, and Luna seemed sincere in wanting to help him. Most of her at least.
“Canterlot general is about a mile that way if you can take us there” Rarity said shakily as she pointed with a hoof. Luna followed her outstretched limb and frowned at the distance.
“It is a long way”
“Bah. We moved the moon thousands of miles everyday”
“That was a long time ago” Luna said with a heavy sigh. She gazed at the wounded dragon and Raritys pleading eyes for a moment before steeling herself.
“We have no choice. Brace yourself unicorn and prepare for a rough landing” she ordered sternly. Rarity nodded fearfully and held Spike closer.
Luna braced her legs apart and channelled magic to her damaged horn. The instant her horn glowed she screamed in pain but quickly stifled it with a fanged grimace. Magic swirled around her and quickly gathered around Rarity and Spike in dark ribbons of energy.
“It will be alright!” Luna shrieked as Rarity hugged Spike close in fear. The glow of magic became blinding to look at as the three of them were covered in a bright white light.
Luna let out a final roar of effort and with a searing flash and a slap of air Rarity and Spike disappeared. The alicorn collapsed and panted for breath as blood trickled down her forehead. The hot fluid burning her as she fought to control her tears.
She looked ahead to see figures carefully making their way through the heavy smoke to approach her. The smoke parted under armoured figures, flames flickering off their gleaming armour as they drew closer.
Their eyes were hooded with malice and Luna shakily picked herself up and prepared herself to face them. The royal guards were deadly silent as they surrounded her in a tight circle of armoured bodies.
“Never free... never to be free” Luna whispered.

Twilight Sparkle shuddered as she reappeared in the material world. The act of teleportation took less then a second to complete but it always left her feeling cold afterwards.
She shook her head clear of the nausea and looked around wildly. Her eyes alighted on the slumped form of Luna nearby and she gasped as a ring of soldiers drew close to her.
“Stop! STOP!” she yelled and raced forward.
“Miss you must stay back!” an armoured pegasus moved to warn her off but the young mare was having none of it. She tossed him aside with a flare of magic and an angered “HEY LADY!” and spun to face the rest of them. Behind her Luna raised her weary head and watched her.
“THAT IS ENOUGH OUT OF ALL OF YOU!” Twilight shouted at the top of her lungs.
“YOUNG LADY GET AWAY FROM THE ALICORN NOW!” one of the mob shouted back.
“This is our princess’ sister! How dare you threaten her!” Twilight growled.
Another unicorn stepped forward, “How dare we threaten ‘her’!? Miss have you seen the state of Canterlot Square? She attacked all these innocent ponies!”
Twilight hesitated at that. Now that the adrenaline was wearing off she was taking in her surroundings and the devastation was quite horrifying. Behind the ring of soliders scared citizens of Canterlot watched the drama while hugging their loved ones.
Twilight looked back at Luna, “Luna? Did you really hurt all these ponies?” she asked with a tremble.
Luna gazed back with tear filled eyes, “Never meant to hurt them. Never wanted to hurt them”
She snarled and looked away, “She won’t believe us. They all see us as a monster” she hissed before she shook her head, “Accident. Surely they will believe us that it was an accident?” she said in a much calmer voice.
The alicorn suddenly bawled and hugged her chest tightly, “Just want it all to stop! Please make it all stop!”
Twilight just stared with eyes like saucers at the split conversation taking place. She didn’t even know where to begin to deal with this. Goddess what should she do? She could feel herself starting to freeze and hyperventilate as her mind raced for a solution.
Lunas crying snapped her out of it thought. That primal part of a ponies psyche telling her that a creature was suffering and she had to do something about it.
To the protests of the guards she slowly trotted closer to Luna until she was standing beside the weeping alicorn. “Luna? It’s going to be ok” she whispered.
Luna sniffed and looked up from beneath her mane. Her eyes wary and confused as Twilight smiled at her.
Hesitantly the small mare reached out with a hoof and carefully tucked a lock of Lunas mane back over her ear. The alicorn gasping at the touch and stared with wide eyes at Twilight.
“It’s going to be ok. You’re safe now. I promise” Twilight said as softly as she could. Luna continued to stare at her dumbly and Twilight couldn’t help herself from drawing closer and tenderly hugging the other mare.
Luna stiffened in shock at the first touch but quickly went limp in Twilights embrace. She didn’t hug back but she did relax somewhat as her crying settled into short sniffs. Her shoulders slumped and after a moment she rested her head on Twlights shoulder.
Twilight smiled and rubbed Lunas back as the alicorn rested against her. She looked past her to the guards still milling around, “Now you boys be sensible and stay back ok” she ordered sternly.
The guards exchanged panicked looks, “W-what do we do?” one asked another.
“Do I look like a captain mate? Where’s an officer when you need one”
Twilight rolled her eyes. Shining would be here soon hopefully and he’d keep the area calm and ordered until Celestia could get here. She wondered how long it would take her monarch to get here. Granted this whole escapade had barely lasted an hour but surely the council weren’t taking up ‘that’ much of Celestias time.
She thought of Nobleheart and unbidden a frown crossed her face. With ministers like him she was sure they’d delight on wasting Celestias time with bureaucracy.
Twilight was drawn from her musings as Luna pulled back from her hug and looked around fearfully.
“Luna what’s wrong?” she asked worriedly.
Lunas eyes were bright with fear, “The monsters coming” she whispered.
Twilight wondered what she meant. What monster? She froze as she felt a powerful presence wash over her and instinctively a smile graced her lips.
The warmth and strength of the magical aura belonged to only one being. Twilight eagerly looked up as a bright flare of golden light burst into existence above them and when it faded her dear princess hovered above them.
“Princess!” Twilight called happily.
“Nonononono...” Luna rambled as she squirmed out of Twilights grip.
“Princess Celestia” the guards bowed as their monarch gracefully touched the earth. Her eyes were surprisingly hard as she examined the damaged area around her with a critical gaze.
“Guards of Canterlot. Withdraw from this area and evacuate the citizens to general and shelters. I want to be alone with my sister and my student” she ordered tersely.
The guards eyed each other, “Princess we’re not sure we should leave you alone with-“
Celestia stamped a hoof so hard the stone cobbles cracked under her shoe. The guards all jumped and drew back in startled fright as Celestia glared at them.
“You have done enough damage already” she hissed and such was the barely restrained fury in her words that everypony trembled in terror. The soldiers wisely saluted and rushed off to obey. Yelling at civilians to clear the area and sheparding the injured to the hospital.
Celestia watched them for a moment with narrowed eyes before she turned and approached Twilight and Luna. Her gaze, more angered and shadowed then Twilight had ever seen, softened slightly as they fell on her young pupil.
“Twilight...” Celestia said with a tired smile.
“Princess!” the young mare called and rose to meet her teacher.
A pair of dark blue hooves grabbed her and Twilight blinked with surprise as Luna gently, but firmly, pushed her back behind her. The alicorn placing herself between Twilight and Celestia.
“Run little pony run” she growled, her eyes fixed on Celestia. The older alicorn stopped and regarded her sister sadly.
“You really don’t know who I am do you?” she said bitterly.
Luna cocked her head and frowned, “Faster. Stronger. Better. Enemy” she spat.
“I’m not your enemy sister”
“Why do you think she’s your enemy Luna?” Twilight cut in nervously. Luna glanced back at her with an incredulous expression.
“Alicorns are monsters. She is an alicorn”
Twilight gaped at her, “But... but you’re an alicorn!”
Luna nodded, “Yes. I am a monster too” she said so matter-of-factly.
Both Celestia and Twilight drew back in amazement. Lunas way of calling herself a monster as a fact of life was just so... sad...
“Luna you are not a monster and neither am I” Celestia said firmly. She drew a little closer as Luna considered her words.
“Luna did terrible things. Things only a monster would do”
“Hunted and killed ponies!”
“We did such bad things to them...”
“I DIDN’T WANT TO HURT THEM!” Luna finished with a scream as she tore at her mane with her hooves.
Celestia tried to run forward, to embrace her suffering sibling and comfort her like her heart begged her to do, but the flash of movement broke Lunas wails and she lashed out with a blast of magic. Celestia crossed her wings before her as the dark energy struck.
“Princess!” Twilight screamed.
Celestias wings gingerly unfolded to reveal her unharmed. “I’m fine Twilight” she said soothingly as Luna gripped her burning horn in pain. Guards that had still lingered in the distance raced to join them seeing Celestia under attack.
“I SAID STAY BACK!” Celestia roared. Luna looked towards the ring of ponies with increasing panic.
“Too many. Too strong. Can’t escape” she babbled fearfully.
“Luna please! I am Celestia! I am your sister! I’m not going to hurt you!” Celestia yelled in desperation.
“Please listen to her Luna” Twilight begged.
But the tortured alicorn only shook her head as she rambled to herself, “Can’t escape, can’t escape, we’ll be slaves again, again and again and again, don’t want to be taken again, won’t be taken again-“
Celestia drew back into a fighting crouch as Luna suddenly stopped her rant and glared at her sister.
“I WON’T BE TAKEN AGAIN!” she screamed in a horrible mix of terror and finality.
Her horn blazed like a star and everypony covered their eyes at the light. Twilight wondered if Luna was attacking them but only Celestia saw her true motives.
‘She’s going to burn herself out! Commit suicide through magical overuse!’
Quick as lightening Celestia summoned a small object with a flash of light, a strange stone ring of dark obsidian, and launched it at Luna with a hard nod. The ring slashed through the air and swept upwards and down to land on Lunas horn.
The ring settled on the bleeding bone with a chiming click and strange runes glowed brightly on its surface. Luna gasped and stumbled back as her horn instantly shorted out and all her magic was locked within her.
“No... NO!” Luna screamed. Her pupils shrunk to pinpricks and she started to pull at the ring on her horn in panic but it refused to budge.
“I’m sorry Luna but I won’t let you destroy yourself!” Celestia said with her own hitched words. Luna shook her head and looked around wildly for an escape as Celestia approached her again.

“She won’t stay away!” Anger screamed as the monster drew closer. Apathy and Filly just hugged each other tight as the powerful alicorn drew closer. Her amethyst eyes so intensively fixed on them.
Luna was in a full blown panic attack right now. Her magic was gone, she was trapped with no escape and she couldn’t fight.
“Always fight Luna” Anger hissed.
The alicorn was just a few meters away, “Luna please just calm down” she said with a teasing smile.
“Now, now Luna. Just stay calm. Where can you run to on this moon anyway? Just be a good girl and behave” Nightmare said with a leering smile.
“I WON’T BE YOUR SLAVE!” Luna screamed and picked up a length of metal piping from the wreckage around her. The alicorn stepped back in surprise as she hefted it menacingly.
“Luna stop she’s you’re sister!” the pretty unicorn screamed again. Luna frowned for a moment but shook it off.
“Wonder why she keeps saying that?” Apathy remarked idly.
“We should listen to her Luna she’s trying to help!” Filly yelled.
“She’s been tricked. It’s what alicorns do. It’s what we did” Luna spat. The unicorn drew back in hurt and Luna felt a twinge of regret but she shook it off. She had to save the little mare from herself.
“Luna. Don’t make me fight you. Please don’t make me do this!” the alicorn said with a sneer. But... with tears in her eyes?
Luna blinked rapidly and stared at her adversary in confusion. One moment she was sneering at her and eyeing her like a tasty morsal... but in the next her face was filled her heartbreak and crushing despair.
Which one was true?
She hesitated and the pipe lowered slightly in her grip. The alicorn let out a shaky sigh and smiled at her tearily, “Luna...” she said softly.
‘She has such a pretty smile’ Luna thought in confusion.
“You have such a pretty smile Luna. Come on... smile for me, Nightmare grinned lustily; you know it always makes me laugh when you pretend I’m her”
Luna screamed. The sudden memory and flash of terror goading her to attack. She lunged for the alicorn swinging her weapon with all her might.
A magnificent wing slapped the pipe from her hoof and another knocked her to the ground. She looked up in horror as the alicorn held the pipe in her magical field and crushed it to flattened scrap with force alone. Luna scrambled back as the alicorn followed her.
“No more Luna. This ends now” the goddess hissed.
Luna stood up weakly as the alicorn towered over her. Her eyes stared her down and Luna hung her head as her mind went fuzzy and long indoctrinated training took over.
She had lost. She was still too weak. A much more powerful alicorn had come and conquered her.
There was no escape. So there was only one thing left to do.
What was expected of her.

Celestia frowned at the stillness of her sister. Luna was standing before her but her shoulders were slumbed, her head was bowed and her mane was hanging over her face. Her whole image screaming abject defeat but she was still tense and Celestia was waiting for something to happen. Another desperate attack maybe?
What she was not expected was Luna to turn around, lower herself to the ground and lift her haunches into the air. Celestia was left staring at the small curved rear of her sister that was being presented before her and the monarch was at a loss for what was happening.
She gasped and stepped back with surprise as Luna lifted her tail and her pink marehood was displayed for all to see. Or rather for her to see?
“Oh my”
Celestia quickly glanced behind her to see Twilight staring with a hoof over her lips and a deep blush on her cheeks. Behind her the royal guards that had lingered close by were all staring too with slack jaws and a fair amount of drool.
A surprisingly powerful anger flooded through Celestia, “ALL OF YOU LOOK AWAY RIGHT NOW!” she roared. With squeaks of fear everypony in earshot ducked their head and examined the floor with intense interest.
“S-sorry princess. I-I didn’t mean-“ Twilight babbled while keeping her eyes closed.
Celestia sighed and rubbed her eyes, “It’s ok Twilight. Just... just stay there ok”
Celestia uncovered her eyes and stared down at the... rather pleasant sight before her. She knew she should feel repulsed and awkward, and yes she did feel uncomfortable, but mostly she couldn’t help but admire the beauty before her. Even so weak Luna was still a goddess and as such was perfect... in every detail.
She’d forgotten just how perfect.
Celestia closed her eyes and swallowed thickly. Skies above she was acting like a young mare filled with hormones not an ancient goddess.
‘Though it has been quite some time since you’ve seen such a nice sight right?’ a sly little part of her whispered. Celestia didn’t dignify that with a response and shook her head clear of her strange thoughts.
Luna was still just standing there. Though now that Celestia was giving her a... closer look... she could see that she was trembling with obviously fright. If she was so scared why was she doing this though?
With a trembling hoof Celestia reached out for her sister. Her outstretched hoof lingered for a moment over her sisters ma... over Luna. Before she gently took hold of Lunas tail and carefully lowered it over her marehood. Pink hidden again by dull blue.
Now Celestia was shaking just as much as Luna but the elder quickly shook it off. She threw a nervous glance behind her but fortunately everypony was still staring at the ground and not at her.
The white alicorn carefully sat beside her sister. She reached out with a hoof and carefully lifted Lunas head until her sister met her eyes. The smaller mare regarded her with clear uncertainty.
“Luna. You don’t have to do this. I could never hurt you” Celestia whispered. Luna continued to stare without words and Celestia choked back her tears.
“I’ve missed you so much” she said with a hitched sob.
The dam broke and she couldn’t stop her tears. With a quiet whimper she gently lifted Luna and pulled her into a hug. Her sister freezing solid at her touch but Celestia didn’t care. Right now she just had to hold her sister and cry... for both of them.
Celestia clutched her beloved close like a doll and bawled openly, heedless of the damage she was doing to her image as all powerful monarch. The pain of the last few days too much for her to contain. The knowledge that she may never be able to reconcile with her dear sister too heartbreaking to hold inside.
Her crying had compelled Twilight to open her eyes but the young mare couldn’t bring herself to interrupt this moment between the two sisters. Although her heart begged her to try and sooth her teacher the logical part of her knew Celestia needed to get this all out now with her sister.
She noticed Luna shift and turn her head to regard her sister and Twilight pleaded under her breathe for the younger alicorn to please just talk to her.
After a few moments silent staring Luna asked “... who are you?”
Celestia stuttered in shock and pulled back; staring with frank surprise at the smaller mare she was holding in her hooves. Luna looking back at her openly, her fear gone from her face and curiosity given full rein.
“What did you say?” Celestia asked dumbly.
Her sister tilted her head, “Who are you? Why do you cry over me so much? Why aren’t you hurting me?”
Celestia sniffed and rubbed her eyes, “I’m your sister”
“No you’re not”
Celestia frowned, “Yes I am”
“No you’re not”
“Yes I am!”
“Celly did not look like you” Luna argued.
Celestia couldn’t stop her grin, “Nopony’s called me Celly for a thousand years”
“You are not Celly” Luna spat.
Celestia leaned closer, “It is me Luna. It’s been a thousand years of course I’ve changed. I’ve grown”
Luna looked her up and down, “Her mane was pink”
“It became ethereal once I fully matured. As yours would have if... if you had grown up properly” she said sadly.
“You were the same size as me” Luna pointed out.
“I was always bigger then you Luna! I’m just twice your size now rather than a few inches”
Luna shook her head, “This could all be tricks. Tell me something only Celly would know”
Celestia looked away thoughtfully for a moment before a smile graced her lips. She stared ahead with a faraway expression as a fond smile crossed her face.
“Do you remember the first time you were able to fly?” she asked quietly.
Luna frowned, “I... I do. Vaguely”
“You were about six. Maybe seven? I was twelve by then and had been flying for a few months... it took longer to learn to fly for us. Alicorn bodies are so different to a pegasus”
She looked down at her sister who was staring back with rapt eyes. Celestia gave a watery smile, “You were jealous of me. You wanted so much to fly. To meet me in the sky. But you couldn’t take off the ground, your wings hadn’t grown strong enough. But you wouldn’t let that stop you and kept trying everyday”
“One day your teachers were telling you about how some young birds would be dropped from their nests by their parents and fly. The pressure of the live or die moment giving them the drive to succeed. So you decided to copy them. But instead of jumping of a tree... you leapt off the roof of the castle”
Celestia shook her head with a chuckle, “Only you would be crazy enough to try such a stunt. Of course while birds have hardwired instincts we don’t and the instant you started to fall you panicked and your wings locked”
She smiled and leaned close to Luna with bright eyes, “But I had been watching you little sister. I always had. I was proud of how hard you would work and I always watched you try and fly with a smile my dear”
“So when you fell... I was there. I swooped down and caught you. Hah you clung to me so tight! And after that I made a promise with you. I would teach you. I would fly with you and I would be the one to drop you from the skies and see if you could fly... and I would always be there to catch you if you couldn’t”
Celestias eyes were full of pride as she drew a tender kiss on her sisters’ cheek, to her delight Luna didn’t back away, “And then just a few days later I dropped you from the sky like normal and this time your wings stretched forth and you flew so gracefully. From that day on you were always beside me in the skies”
“My beautiful sister. Always at my side” Celestia finished. Her voice catching at her last words.
Luna simply stared, her eyes glistening with tears and her expression unfathomable. She licked her lips and let out a rattling breathe.
“You... are... Celestia?”
The elder nodded quickly, “yes”
“You are my sister?” Luna said with a distant look. It seemed she was checking some mental checklist.
“Yes I am” Celestia repeated with a pleading smile.
Luna continued to stare for a moment. Her eyes deeply conflicted. She hung her head and her shoulders shook violently as she struggled with some powerful emotion.
“My sister...” she hissed.
“Luna?”
Luna whipped her head back up and Celestia leaned back in alarm from the hatred in her eyes. Luna drew her lips back in a snarl as she sucked in angry breathes.
“YOU LOCKED ME AWAY CELLY!” she roared.
Luna lunged for Celestia, the elder rearing back in surprise as Luna smashed her hooves against her. Screaming and cursing as she forced her back with heavy pounding to her face.
“YOU SENT ME TO THAT HELL! ALL ALONE! WITH HER!! HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO ME CELLY!”
“Luna I couldn’t-“
Luna didn’t give her a chance to speak further. She sunk her teeth into Celestias smooth neck and bit down hard. Her prey yelling in pain as Luna tore at her until blood welled between her teeth.
“Princess!” Twilight screamed and moved to race forward.
“S-stay there Twilight! Do not interfere” Celestia pleaded as Luna gnawed at her. Her eyes begging her student to stay back.
Twilight hesitated, pacing back and forth as Celestia struggled with Luna. A low whine escaped her lips as she watched the scene unfold.
“ALL THOSE YEARS OF PAIN! ALL THE LONELINESS! IT WAS ALL! YOUR! FAULT!!” Luna screamed. Sheer rage giving her the strength to knock her sister to the ground. Before celestia could rise again Luna dropped down on her middle, sitting atop her sister as she punched and swiped at her. Celestia raising her forelegs to shield herself and just took Lunas attack stoically.
“WHY CELLY WHY!?” Luna sobbed, tears streaming down her face. She quickly exhausted herself and let her forelegs hang at her sides as she panted heavily. Below her Celestia parted her hooves and looked back at her with an equally mournful face.
“I never meant for it to happen. I was trying to free you Luna. I was always trying to free you” she whispered.
Luna hiccupped and sniffed wetly, “Then why? Why send me away?” she asked pitifully.
“I didn’t have a choice. I had to use the elements... I made a wish to free you and Equestria from the monster Nightmare Moon. But the elements made their own decision and locked you away rather than separate you. I couldn’t do anything to stop it”
“I wasn’t strong enough to free you on my own” she said brokenly.
Luna looked away with a hitched breathe. Staring into the distant as she marshalled her thoughts. She jumped as Celestia lifted a hoof and gently stroked her thigh.
“I never stopped trying to free you, she said pleadingly, I left Equestria... and spent over a century trying to find a way to break you out... I didn’t care if it let Nightmare out too I just wanted you safe”
“But it couldn’t be done. The spell that the elements created was just too powerful. All I could do was wait for time to erode it. And for you to find your own way out”
Luna looked back at her with tired eyes as she absorbed all this, Celestia sat up, Luna unresisting as the elder held her in her lap closely, “I know you have no reason to believe my promises... or to trust me, she whispered softly, but I swear on all your beautiful stars and my sun that I have never stopped missing you and I have never stopped regretting my mistakes”
“It was my entire fault that you were drawn into Nightmares trap. I forced you to start on that dark road because I failed you. I broke my promises to you and ignored you instead of treasuring you as the beautiful and wonderful sister you are”
“Don’t ask for me to forgive you. Don’t do it” Luna cut in with panicked eyes.
Celestia shook her head fiercely, “Never. I don’t have that right. No amount of begging is enough to undo the damage I’ve done to you”
She hesitated for a moment, “...but I will ask for something else” she said fearfully.
“What?” Luna asked with a whimper.
“Give me a chance. Just one chance... let me take care of you and guide you. Stay with me and get well again. Once you’ve recovered then... you can leave if you want... and I can be happy knowing you are going to be alright”
Luna looked way, trying to appear angry but the tears marred her stern expression, “Stay with you? After your soldiers have chased and harried me all day?”
“Believe me Luna there ‘will’ be repercussions for their hasty actions today” Celestia promised with tight anger.
“You can’t even control your own guards!” Luna spat, clearly still incensed by her treatment.
Celestia sighed and rubbed her eyes, “Since our separation I have been wary of enforcing my rule through sheer power Luna. I no longer rule with an iron hoof and Equestria is now a democracy. I have no desire anymore to force my wishes on others”
“You don’t have total rule anymore?” Luna asked curiously.
“I never want to go back to the way I was before Luna. It took the most horrible of tragedy’s to teach me that power can corrupt if the powerful are not also humble”
“What tragedy?”
Celestia smiled sadly at her, “Why losing you of course”
Luna blushed in embarrassment, “Ah. Of course. Should have realised”
The two sisters were silent. Luna looking away with a pensive expression while Celestia just watched her. The elder drinking in the sight with clear enthusiasm.
“I still can’t believe you’re here. In my hooves after so long” she whispered in amazement.
Luna smiled grimly, “Me neither. Still not sure if this is real”
“It’s real Luna! Believe it!”
Both sisters stared in surprise at Twilight after her outburst. The unicorn shrinking back with a blush at the scrutiny.
“S-sorry didn’t mean to interrupt” she mumbled.
“No pretty mare don’t be afraid” Luna called to her. Celestia raising an eyebrow at Lunas pet name.
“We would hear what you suggest we do regarding our sister?”
“You’re asking me?” Twilight asked, her eyes going wide with apprehension.
Luna nodded and Celestia also looked towards her student curiously. Twilight felt her mouth go dry as she the two goddesses watched her intently.
“I... I think, she gulped painfully, I think you should give her a chance Luna. Celestia has changed. She’s loved by everypony as being a fair and kind ruler. She’s never harmed anypony and in the last eight centuries there has been peace throughout Equestria thanks to her”
“Although there was the gryphon wars of twelfth century and the dragon incursions of the fourteenth but that was outside attacks not due to her. Actually the history books, though they could be falsified I guess, tell of Celestia fighting on the front lines and in the thickest battles to preserve pony lives”
“Twilight my dear you are getting off topic” Celestia politely interrupted with a smile.
Twilight blushed, “Sorry. But I guess you should give her a chance because... she cries for you Luna... she hasn’t stopped blaming herself for what happen and she wants nothing more then for you to get better again”
“We all do really” she finished with an embarrassed smile.
Luna absorbed twilights words carefully though her eyes were still pensive. She looked away from Twilight and Celestia and stared at an empty spot beside her.
“What do you guys think?” she asked softly. Celestia flinched and closed her eyes, nuzzling Lunas mane sadly as the alicorn listened to ponies only she could hear. Twilight also sharing her unhappy expression.
After a few moments Luna nodded and lifted her head to met Celestias eyes, “We have demands” she said firmly.
Celestia inclined her head to Luna, “Name them”
“I will not be ordered around by mortals anymore. Only you have the right to ask things of me and even then they must be reasonable requests.”
“Will you agree to listen to mortals requests too if they are reasonable?”
Luna nodded, “As long as they show respect and do not try to push me around I will hear them out honestly”
“I agree to that then sister”
“Secondly, Luna pointed towards the castle overhead, I want my own room and wing within the castle. Nopony is to bother me or intrude on my domain without my permission. Again only you may come and go as you please”
“I ask that at the very least you agree to regular check ups and examinations by a doctor . You still have a great deal of recover to make Luna”
Luna drew back nervously, “I don’t need examinations”
“Now Luna-“
“I don’t want anypony touching me” Luna said quickly, fearfully. Celestias eyes softened and she gently stroked Lunas cheek, “Luna... it will be alright”
“Any persons who come into your domain I will be present with them. I will not let anyone hurt you I swear it. But you are so weak my dear sister... I only want to help you get better”
“I don’t know” Luna whispered.
“One doctor. Just one trusted pony will see you. And I will be there to hold your hoof all the way Luna” Celestia promised.
“I don’t need my hoof held. I’m not a child” Luna grumbled.
“Well maybe it is I who would like to hold your hoof sister. Besides you have not removed yourself from my hold now have you?” Celestia said with a wink.
Luna blushed and glanced down again at their close proximity. Celestias lap was warm and very soft... and she wouldn’t admit it but having the much larger alicorns wings and hooves wrapped around made her feel surprisingly safe.
“I haven’t had a comfy place to sit for a long time” she admitted.
Celestia laughed, “Well I am always happy to be your seat little sister”
Luna coughed and tried to look stern through her reddened face, “My last demand Celestia”
Her sister grinned at her, “You’re so cute when you blush Luna, she giggled when Luna spluttered at her, ok what was the last thing sister?”
Luna pointed a hoof at the stone ring still locked on her horn, “You take this off right now” she spat.
Celestia stared at Luna intently, her playful expression gone and now full of seriousness, “On one condition Luna”
“What is that?”
“You must not use magic until your horn is recovered. And you must never use your magic to harm a pony again. I will not tolerate my subjects being harmed by you Luna”
Celestia expected Luna to rail against her but the younger alicorn actually shrank back from her steely expression. She looked deeply sad.
“I... I will agree to that. I never want to hurt a pony ever again”
She sniffed, “It all happened so fast and I was so scared. I never wanted to fight but they wouldn’t leave me alone! They all kept attacking me Celly!”
Her words were so stricken that Celestia quickly pulled her into a tight hug, “It’s ok. I know you weren’t thinking clearly. I forgive your rash actions and believe me I know it wasn’t all your fault. I just had to make sure you see, she sighed, mortals are so fragile Luna”
Luna chuckled bitterly, “So am I Celly”
“Then I’ll help you become strong again. And I’ll show you all the things you’ve missed in this new Equestria Luna” Celestia promised.
“Ok”
“Is that all your demands Luna?” Celestia asked hesitantly. In her wings Luna nodded tiredly, “I’m done. I just wanna sleep now” she muttered as her eyes slid shut.
“In a bed or on me Luna? I’m already a chair after all?” Celestia chuckled.
“Heres good. You’re so soft” Luna mumbled sleepily. Celestia blushed at the comment but smiled none the least.
“Then rest Luna. And tomorrow our lives begin again. For both of us”

Twilight watched the two alicorns with a stupidly sappy smile plastered over her face. Skies above this whole scene made her feel like she’d eaten a dozen bags of sugar. She couldn’t stop her heart going ‘awww’ at the sight of the two sisters reconciling.
“Twiley!”
Twilight turned with surprise as Shining Armour ran up to her, a deeply confused look in his eyes. Behind him a squad of soldiers followed but their expressions were just as confused as her own brothers.
“What. What’s happened? Is everything ok?” he asked looking uncertainly at Celestia and her entwined sister.
Filled with sibling affection Twilight leaned over and pulled Shining into a hug, ignoring his blushing objections as she buried her head in his neck.
“Twilight is everything alright?” he asked in concern.
She laughed and nuzzled him happily, “everything’s fine BBBFF”, she looked at the two alicorns and a thousand watt smile grew across her face.
“Everything’s going to be alright”

Annnnd end!
Of the chapter!
Oh my god that took forever! It was meant to be a lot shorter then this but every time I got close to an ending it didn’t feel right so added more. And more. And more! Gods perfectionism is damn annoying. Maybe I have some kind of writing OCD? Can you even have that?
Whatever.
Anyway I just wanna say thank you all for reading this chapter I really hope you’ve enjoyed it as giving you guys an interesting read is the whole point of fanfiction and I’m glad to be a part of it. And I’m glad for everyone of you who has read this 
So now I’m gonna rest up before my fingers fall of and I’ll get to work on the next chapter soon. Till next time!