Hellooo everybody!
I’m finally back with a new chapter and I apologize for the long absence. The writers block was strong this month and the amount of times I’ve had to delete and rewrite this chapter is unbelievable.
Most important thing I wanna mention is how much I appreciate your likes and reviews  seriously they are amazing and It’s a wonderful feeling to hear you guys give feedback. Honestly been so long since I’ve ever done any kind of writing that knowing I’m able to give at least a halfway decent read for you guys really makes it all worthwhile. Writing is, for sure, one of the more rewarding hobbies out there.
Soo! Here’s hoping you enjoy this chapter too. I’ve tried my hand at more drama here rather than action so lets see how I do.
And now the disclaimers: MLP belongs to Hasbro and the wonderful Lauren Faust and the fantastic lyrics of Daft Punk do not belong to me either. Though I will do some shameless marketing and suggest you buy their latest album Random Access Memories as its awesome.
Ok here we go!

Chapter Five
The calm before the storm

Touch, I remember touch
Pictures came with touch
A painter in my mind
Tell me what you see
A tourist in a dream
A visitor it seems
A half-forgotten song
Where do I belong?

Tell me what you see
I need something more

Kiss, suddenly alive
Happiness arrive
Hunger like a storm
How do I begin?
A room within a room
A door behind a door
Touch, where do you lead?
I need something more

Tell me what you see
I need something more
Touch, sweet touch
You've given me too much to feel
Sweet touch
You've almost convinced me I'm real
I need something more
I need something more

Daft Punk – Touch (feat. Paul Williams)

Happy Tails was a very nervous pony right now.
Carefully pushing a heavy trolley laden with food she bemoaned that she had been picked to go to the southern wing this time. While nothing had happened to any of the maids sent to feed their newest princess all of them had found themselves spooked by the recent changes to the wing.
For one thing it was dark, not quite pitch blackness but the candles that sparsely littered the halls kept the wing in a state of constant dusk. The windows had been covered by heavy tarp to block out the sun and not a soul wandered the halls. Celestia had made it clear that this whole section of the castle was to be empty of guard or servant until stated otherwise.
Happy yelped as something silken flittered across her nose, she backed away, wiping her face furiously and glaring at the cobwebs overhead. Without any maintenance the wing was quickly becoming infested by dust and grime. She didn’t like it.
Still it was Celestias’ decision and like all ponyfolk she loved and respected her princess. Though she couldn’t stop her pace quickening in a desire to escape this place.
A few more halls and she came to the ‘door’, a simple corridor with a stately wooden door at the end. Quiet and unassuming but the sight of it drew a gulp from the young mare. She steeled herself and crept closer, the squeak of the trolleys turning wheels unnervingly loud in the silent passage.
Beside the door another cart rested. This one left by the previous maid. Happy knew her task well and carefully placed her cart before the door she went to take yesterdays trolley and get the buck out of here.
She paused to lift the covers over the plates of the mornings cart. She grimaced when she saw the food had not even been touched. She hoped the staff didn’t get blamed for that.
Something made a noise behind the door, a skitter of hoofs shifting weight that made Happy freeze. She stared with wide eyes at the door, mouth dry and fighting the urge to bolt.
She couldn’t hear anything else now but she could sense something behind that door. Like when playing a game of hide and sneak and somehow feeling somepony creeping up on you. The hairs on her neck rose with fright and she swallowed thickly.
“H-hello? A-are you there princess?” she called hoarsely. She licked her lips and against her better judgement drew closer to the door. She felt like something was holding its breath on the other side.
Driven on by frightful curiosity her trembling hoof reached out and lay on the door handle. It slide open a crack, a line of pure darkness visible along its side, and wondering where she got this courage Happy gave the door a hesitant push and it swung open fully with a loud creak.
Happy stood at the edge of a terrifying realm. Around her was the dim light of dusk but through that portal nothing but blackness existed. Her eyes struggled to make sense of the darkness but she couldn’t see anything beyond the door. Just an empty void where nothing existed.
She was wondered what to do when something flickered in the darkness. Her eyes drew wide as saucers as two blue orbs appeared in the shadows. She realised with a bolt of terror that they were eyes looking back at her.
Reason went out of the window. Happy screamed and turned to run, and immediately slammed into something large and unyielding.
She actually bounced back and stars danced before her eyes. She groaned and shook her head to clear the dizziness and looked up at what she had run into.
Princess Celestia, steward of the sun, stood tall and radiant before her. Happy felt relief at first but when she saw her princesses stern eyes she wanted to run and hide.
“What are you doing here my little pony?” Celestia asked coldly. Her normally gentle tone gone and now sternly judicial.
“I-I was just-“ Happy started to say.
“I gave strict instructions that this wing was not to be disturbed” Celestia cut in sharply. She hadn’t raised her voice but the steel in her words made Happys’ knees shake.
“I-I’m sorry princess! I’m sorry!” Happy wailed fearfully. She blinked back tears, unaccustomed to seeing her princess angry.
Celestias’ gaze softened as she saw how much the young mare was struggling not to cry, “I’m sorry young mare. I didn’t mean to scare you. But please explain yourself” she said gently. She tucked back her wings realising they had been arched threateningly over the smaller pony.
“I-I heard a noise. Something behind the door... and I.... I wanted to look” Happy said weakly.
“Even after I ordered all ponies not to disturb my sister?” Celestia pointed out.
Happy hung her head, “I was curious. I’m sorry”
She heard a weary sigh from her ruler, “What is your name young lady?”
“Er... Happy Tails?”
“Happy Tails, listen closely. I can forgive your curiosity this time, I understand ponies are curious about Luna, but you must not enter the wing without permission. My sister needs her peace to recover. Do you understand me?”
Happy nodded her head quickly, “Yes princess!”
Celestia smiled at her, “Thank you Happy Tails. Now run along dear, I’m sure you have many tasks to do today”
Happy smiled back and made to rush off, apologised for forgetting the left over cart she bowed and hurried away. Despite her forgiveness Happy could still feel Celestias eyes upon her and for the first time in her employment she wanted to be away from her princess.

Celestias smile vanished once Happy was gone. For a moment she closed her eyes, tension visible on her face before she breathed deep and reclaimed her mask of serenity.
She had actually lost her temper. For a brief moment she had been on the verge of lashing out at the young mare. Not in any physical manner of course, the thought of actually striking one of her subjects filled her with disgust, but spitefully commanding the girl to leave and never come back here.
She had to get a better hold of herself. The last month and a half had been taxing in the extreme and releasing all her anger on a poor young mare who didn’t know any better was not acceptable.
There were plenty of other ponies more deserving of her anger.
Her horn glowed as she lifted the plate covers to examine the meal prepared for Luna and herself. Her own meal, a delicious looking platter of spiced potatoes and stuffed vegetables, was pure perfection. Lunas on the other hoof was a flat and unappealing gruel that made Celestia grit her teeth in sheer fury.
Little slights, vicious rumours and the like had circulated the castle ever since her sister had first taken residence. Once Luna was healthy enough to eat solid food Celestia had been eager to share meals with her sister again and show her the delights of modern equestrian cuisine.
The first meal prepared by the kitchens for Luna had been so foully inedible Celestia had excused herself from her sister to storm down to the kitchens and throw the head chef out on his tail. It had been immensely satisfying and she had made it quite clear, in the thunderous royal voice she hadn’t used for years that her sister was to be treated as the royalty she was. She had hoped that would be the end of it.
But judging by the bare bones gruel the new staff served they still weren’t willing to forgive and forget yet. Again Celestia wanted to rant and rage but she kept herself in check. She had promised Luna after all.

“How dare they!? I’ve turned the other cheek to everything else, I was serious when I said I wouldn’t force ponies to accept my views, but this is going too far!”
“It’s just food sister” Luna said calmly as she watched her elder pace about angrily.
“That’s not the point! They are deliberately testing me now. I won’t have my sister... BULLYED like this!”
Plans and ideas were churning in Celestias mind. She’d give them a final warning and if they persisted she’d fire the lot of them. And the next staff. And the next until the message got across.
Her pacing was cut short by a pair of glowing blue eyes; she leaned back in surprise as Luna stood before her.
“Doctor Greymane said that I can only eat this... ‘porridge?’ for the next few months until my body can safely digest richer food. So really it’s not all that bad” she said soothingly.
“It’s still an insult Luna. I won’t tolerate it”
“Yes you will. Because it has to be this way” Luna replied sternly.
Celestia frowned at her, “What do you mean sister?”
Luna averted her gaze, “I did bad things to them Celly. To be honest I’m amazed they’re making me any kind of food”
“None of that was your fault Luna!”
“Yes it was. I was too weak... too foolish to resist the Nightmare. And even when I returned I caused a great deal of devastation. Canterlot square is still being repaired is it not?”
“You were driven to that Luna. My guards forced you to act” Celestia hissed. Her eyes still smouldering with anger at the memory.
Lunas wings rustled, instinctively trying to hug herself but the slender appendages were still too damaged to obey. Celestia felt her chest constrict painfully as Luna looked at her withered wings sadly.
“Regardless the ponies of equestria view me with fear and suspicion. If I am to regain their trust I must accept their anger... their prejudice. Refusing to lash out is the only way to prove I am different to Nightmare Moon” Luna said, her words tinged with misery but surprisingly resolute.
Celestia simply stared at her sister, her face twisted with frustration before she sighed heavily and slumped her shoulders, “Very well. I understand your reasoning sister... I just...”
“I know. You want to protect me”
Celestia looked up with surprise to see Luna gently smiling at her.
“I don’t want to see you hurt”
“You must get used to it Celly. I am a long way from being ‘ok’. But I feel better knowing you care for me”
“Of course I care for you” Celestia whispered and acting on instinct stepped forward to embrace her sister. She realised her mistake too late as Lunas eyes drew wide with fear and she scuttled back out of reach.
For a moment the two sisters stood like statues. Celestia with one hoof hovering in the air and Luna staring back uncertainly.
Celestia lowered her hoof, “I-I’m sorry... I didn’t-“ she began to say.
“It’s ok...” Luna said curtly.
“I just wanted...”
“... I know”
Luna stared at the floor, her features tight with frustration and shaking slightly. The sight again pulled at Celestia to embrace her sister but she resisted the impulse.
“I’ll control myself better next time” she said quietly.
Luna flinched at Celestias miserable words, “I can’t... I can’t yet Celly. I’m not there yet” she hissed.
The sisters stood in silence. The distance between them mere feet but it felt like miles.
“The foods getting cold. We should eat” Luna whispered.
Celestia looked at their meals and an idea crossed her mind. She carefully picked up both plates in her magical field and held Lunas meal out to her. The other alicorn looked at it for a moment then at her sisters encouraging smile.
With a slight tremble to her hooves she took the plate from her sisters hold. Celestia sighing slightly as she felt the ghostly sensation of Lunas hooves touch her magical field. Luna quickly tucked into her food, Celestia chuckling at her ravenous feeding before daintily picking up a knife and fork.
It was a small step forward but it was a start.

Celestia came back from her memories with a tender smile on her face. Yes the anger still warmed her blood but it was manageable now.
She wanted to chuckle at how mature her sister had been back then. To think that Luna would be more calm and logical then she was a happy thought. That good feeling propelled her to push the cart into Lunas wing and hurry into the darkness. She wanted to see her sister.
The door creaked shut behind her allowing darkness to blanket her. The pitch black would make it next to impossible for a mortal to find their way but Celestia had the light of the sun behind her eyes and she saw the world clearly in rich twilight. She picked her way down the halls past empty rooms and quiet dining halls. The wing was very large but hadn’t been used for a long time. The rich furnishings and old decorations were coated in old dust.
As she drew nearer to Lunas rooms she started to see the stars. A few hung sparsely from the ceiling but as she travelled they grew more numerous above her, glinting and shining dully as they caught faint rays of light that seeped from shuttered windows. The odd faintly glowing crystal shared its light with its companions.
Not long after Luna had got settled into the wing she had started her project. She begun by smashing any mirrors or glassware she found in the old wing and hanging them from the ceiling. She had tried to enchant some to glow and provide light but her magic was still recovering so Celestia had cast the spells herself. Pretty soon a faux night sky had sprung into existence in the dark halls.
The effect was beautiful and she was pleased that Lunas artistic flare hadn’t withered and died in her exile. Celestia had never been able to make the night sky as beautiful as Luna could. But she was uneasy that her sister had created this landscape for her to live in. It wasn’t healthy for her to stay in a copy of her prison, however crude, and Celestia had tried to talk her out of it.

“I want it this way sister. I want to be reminded of my prison everyday. I don’t want to live in the sun like the rest of the world”
“But Luna you don’t have to stay in the dark like this. You can stay with me in my towers with the sun and gentle breeze. I know you enjoy watching ponies going about their lives. Up there you could get to know ponies again”
“No sister. I can’t take that risk. It’s too dangerous”
“Why?”
“because... one day I’ll wake up... and I’ll be back on the moon where I never left. I want to be ready so I’m not completely destroyed by the event”
“Luna that’s not going to happen! You will never be banished there again!”
“I want to believe that Celly... but It’s difficult”

The memory brought a wince of pain from the princess. Despite her best efforts Luna still had an air of fatalism about her and nothing she did could assuage her sisters fears.
Celestia reached Lunas door and took a moment to collect herself. In Lunas presence she was cheerful and calm, a mask she wore to prevent her sister from worrying about her, but outside this wing she fretted constantly about her sister. It had even started to bleed into her dreams, horrible yet vague nightmares of failing her sister and due to this sleep had become extremely difficult.
Rubbing the tiredness from her eyes she took a breath and knocked on the door, “Luna? Are you awake?”
She waited patiently and soon got a reply, “Yes Celly! Er... just a second!” Celestia cocked her head as she heard Luna mutter to herself before she yelped and a loud thud echoed from the room.
“Luna!” Celestia shoved open the door and burst into the room.
“I’m fine sister” Luna grumbled from the floor. Celestia hovering over her worriedly as she looked between the wincing alicorn and the step ladder fallen beside her. She sighed and drew her wings back to her side, “You fell off the ladder didn’t you?” she said with a smile.
“... maybe”
Celestia chuckled as Luna glared at her petulantly. She stepped back as the younger mare climbed to her hooves and limped to the fallen ladder.
“Let me help you” Celestia said as she moved to assist.
“I don’t need help!” Luna snapped. Celestia stepped back as if stung and Luna immediately looked guilty. She looked away for a moment, “leave her alone” she muttered under her breath before she gave Celestia her attention again.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped. I can do this sister”
“...of course Luna” Celestia answered quietly. Luna gave her an apologetic smile before setting the ladder up. As she carefully climbed again Celestia looked around her bedroom distractedly.
Lunas room was strangely messy yet sparse at the same time. At some point Luna had torn the room apart, the furniture and decorations all pulled down and ripped up before being piled in the four corners of the room. The massive bed had likewise been broken to kindling and Luna had taken the mattress and covers and made a nest in the centre of the room. The only area still functional was a small attached kitchen to the bedroom, a much more recent addition to the architecture.
It was a worryingly familiar sight and one that Celestia had been adamant Luna shouldn’t be living in. The bed in the centre of the room, empty ground all around and stars overhead, the comparison with the moon’s surface was just too distressing.
“There you go... all pretty now...” Luna crooned as she fitting another ‘star’ to her ceiling. Celestia watching with pained eyes as Luna reached out to spin and touch the shards hanging around her.
‘I still don’t like this’ Celestia thought wretchedly. As she watched her sister smile and whisper to herself she thought back to Greymanes argument for Luna.

“It has to be this way princess... at least for now” Greymane said, his words surprisingly adamant towards his ruler.
Celestia stared down at him from her throne, “My sister is currently filling her halls with her ‘night sky’. I wanted to free her from the moon not stand by as she recreates it in her home. She should be in the sun and sky with living ponies not figments of her imagination”
“Is that truly your concern or do you want her to show ‘you’ more attention princess?”
Celestia couldn’t stop her snarl, “Watch your words doctor! What I want is for my sister to get better nothing else!”
Greymane didn’t even flinch under her outburst, “Then if that is the truth she needs to be allowed to make her moonscape”
“And how is that supposed to help her!? Living in a fantasy world is not going to help her deal with reality!”
“Tell me princess what happened the first time we tried to introduce her to reality?” Greymane asked softly.
Celestia leaned back with a grimace. How could she forget that disastrous experiment?
“I admit I acted rashly then. Trying to force Luna to leave her hideout caused more damage than recovery. But we can’t just let her retreat back into her shell!”
“She’s still not talking to you then?”
Celestia closed her eyes painfully, “No she isn’t... she’s angry with me”
“She’s afraid. Of the outside. Of ponies... of you” Greymane noted Celestias flinch with a sympathetic look, “We have to give her time to grow accustomed to others again”
Celestia chuckled bitterly, “Time... I learnt to have patience with it as I waited for my sister to return with me and now she is here I find myself becoming short with it again. Time is no longer pleasant to me doctor”
“Then you will have to learn patience again Celestia as it’s the only way to get through to Luna now. It’s not ideal but Luna has to believe she is safe before she will open up to us. Once she knows she can trust others then we can entice her outside. Eventually curiosity will drive her to step out of the shadows princess”
“I fear losing her Greymane, Celestia admitted in a small voice, I worry that she will be lost within the moon of her mind and never come back to me”
Graymane met her saddened eyes with his own resolute ones, “That won’t happen Celestia. I may have only known her a short time but I can see your sister has a strong spirit. She will not let herself be caged again. I promise you”

“Sister?”
Celestia blinked and stepped away from the mirror of her memories to see Luna watching her. Her little sister bore a look of concern and Celestia couldn’t help but smile at her, “I’m fine Luna. Just daydreaming”
Luna tilted her head, “Daydreaming. A funny phrase” she shrugged and came down from the ladder to stand beside her sister.
“I have been negligent. I have not welcomed you or enquired on your health” Luna said. Her tone was idle and lacking emotion but not malicious. It was just how she was sometimes.
“It’s alright Lulu I can see you are distracted” Celestia nodded towards the new star above them.
Luna glanced up, “It’s not finished yet” she said distantly.
“It is still beautiful”
A smile graced Lunas lips, “Thank you. Now would you like a coffee? I know how much you like that drink you partake in”
“It’s more than a drink believe me Luna” the larger alicorn said with a chuckle. She took a seat on some plush cushions as Luna busied herself with the kettle.
Greymane and his staff had understandably been reluctant to allow Luna anything to harm herself with, even a simple tool like a kettle, but after the first week he and Celestia had been confident that Luna had no suicidal inclines and had stocked a kitchen for her use in the wing.
Luna had been suspicious of modern technology at first. The idea of using a machine and not magic to perform tasks had confused her but she had quickly come to appreciate the convenience and versatility of modern appliances.
And the books too. Celestia was pleased to note a bookcase hadn’t been torn apart like the rest of the room. History books, modern literature, fictional works all kinds of documents had been gathered for Luna to examine and Celestia was pleased that Luna enjoyed them so much. She couldn’t be here all the time, as much as she wished otherwise, and these books were the best thing to occupy her sister until she was ready to leave the tower.
“Huzzah! The coffee and tea is done”
Celestia giggled as Luna brought over their drinks. Luna had not fallen in love with coffee like her sister had but she had become enamoured with herbal tea.
The two alicorns sat in silence for a moment as they sipped their drinks, both watching the other, seemingly happy to just share their company.
“So sister, Luna took a small sip, how has the day faired for you?”
Celestia daintily sipped her own coffee to conceal the disquiet she felt, ‘Fighting to convince my subjects to accept you. Like I have for the last month’, “Nothing too strenuous Luna. The usual boring bureaucracy and disgruntled nobles” she answered.
She smiled tenderly, “If it wasn’t for these dinners with you or Twilights letters I’d be ready to climb the walls”
The dropping of her students name caught Lunas attention like she knew it would. The younger alicorn looking over her cup at Celestia with renewed interest, “How is she doing?”
Celestia grinned, “Well just recently I sent her tickets to the upcoming Gala. As is customary I sent two tickets for herself and a partner to visit. But within the day she had sent the tickets back and an apology. It seems her first thoughts had turned to her friends and having to choose between the six of them had worked her into quite the state”
“Apparently they had all competed amongst themselves to garner her approval. Bribes with food, clothing, parties and spring cleaning in summer, Celestia laughed, pretty soon the whole of ponyville was chasing my young student across the town for the tickets”
Luna frowned as she sipped her tea, “That doesn’t sound very nice Celestia. It sounds to me that she was being unfairly hounded”
“I know sister. To be fair it wasn’t very nice. But what made me happy was how they worked it all out in the end. Apparently they realised the pressure they had put Twilight through and all of them swore off the tickets for her. But in the end it was Twilight who decided that she did not want to be anywhere without all her friends and sent them back to me”
“So what did you do afterwards Celly?” Luna asked with rapt attention.
“I sent her six tickets and told them all to come as my guests of honour, Celestia looked away fondly, those young mares friendship is so new yet I can tell it will stay with them forever”
“Yes... forever...” Luna said softly.
The elder looked across at her sister fretfully. She could see Luna was being drawn into dark thoughts of her own situation.
‘It’s so hard not to hold her’ “You could meet them Luna”
Her sister looked up with alarm, “They want to help you just like I do” Celestia said confidently.
Luna shook her head, “Can’t face them... not after what I did”
“Luna they know Nightmare wasn’t your fault-”
“No not that, Luna interrupted with a hiss, the dragon... Twilights little brother”
“Oh” Celestia hesitated here, “I gave them both your apologies and they understand you didn’t mean to harm him. It was all a misunderstanding”
“... he was scared I’d hurt the mare. He didn’t even think about himself. I just saw the dragon and assumed he was a beast... just like ponies assumed that of me” Luna whispered, her whole posture wretched.
Celestia could see the black depression settling on Luna and had to derail it quickly, “Luna he was out of the hospital in a day with no lasting harm. He doesn’t blame you for it”
‘Mostly because he had his new found friend Rarity fussing over him’ she thought fondly.
“And Twilight?” Luna asked hopefully.
Celestia found herself caught out. She wanted to lie. To spare her sisters feelings... but...
‘No... I can’t do that. It hurts but honesty is better for the long term’
“Twilight is... well she understands you weren’t thinking clearly. But you see she sees Spike as family. He is her little brother in everything but blood. She is understandably protective of him”
“She doesn’t forgive me” Luna said dully.
Celestia remembered Twilights determined eyes. Her adamant tone. The one and only time she’d ever argued with her princess.
“She wants an apology from you”
Luna drew back from that and Celestia watched her as she turned her back on her sister. A few moments later the whispering started, as it always did when the dark alicorn was under stress.
“We should do it. It is her right to demand an apology from us”
“They’ll all be there though. Can we handle being stuck in a room with all of them?”
“We have suffered more than that dragon did! We shouldn’t have to apologise!”
“No. It’s the right thing to do. We promised ourselves we would try to be a better pony this time”
“Luna...”
The dark princess turned at her sisters call. Her glassy eyes told Celestia that it wasn’t just Luna paying attention to her.
“I could come with you? Be by your side if you want to see Twilight” Celestia said softly.
Luna stared back distantly, “We’re not ready yet. Luna needs time” she said flatly.
The larger alicorn couldn’t stop her frown of displeasure and had to snap her wings back before they swept up aggressively. Now was not the time to hiss at one of Lunas ‘friends’.
“Luna you promised remember” Celestia reminded her with a stern tone. Luna blinked and shook her head breaking free of her trance.
She hugged herself for a moment, “Sorry sister. I know you don’t like that” she whispered.
Celestia sighed and stepped closer to Luna. She couldn’t hug her sister so being closer would have to do.
“Luna... you don’t have to hide behind them with me. I want it to just be us. You and me. Nopony else”
She swallowed thickly finding her next words difficult to express, “I... I don’t want you to be scared of me”
Luna met her sisters eyes wretchedly, “It’s not you that I’m scared of. It’s who you remind me of”
The larger alicorn had to fight the urge to snarl at the comparison. Her tense posture made Luna watch her carefully and she stepped back from the impulse to shout.
“I will never hurt you like she did Luna” she forced out. Filling the words with all the sincerity and love she had for her sister.
Luna nodded, “I know Celly. It’s just difficult sometimes. It’s not your fault. Know that ok?” she pleaded.
Celestia glared to the side and she snorted in frustration when she saw the trolley was still in the hallway.
“Every time I come here to have a pleasant meal with you I somehow find a way to make you sad Luna... just once can I know the right things to say and do without frightening you” Celestia said mournfully.
Lost in her thoughts she jumped as Luna touched her shoulder with a hoof. Celestia staring in surprise at her sister who gave her a faltering smile.
Her hoof was shaking on her elders pristine white fur but Luna held her ground, “You’re here Celly. You haven’t left me. That’s all I need from you”
Celestia smiled back and raised her own hoof. She noted Luna watch it warily so she kept her movements slow and careful. With tender care she placed her hoof over Lunas own giving it a gentle rub.
“Thank you Lulu”
Luna blushed and ducked her head in embarrassment. For a moment they held their comfortable hooveholding until Luna regretfully drew her hoof back. Celestia missed it the moment it left.
Luna coughed and pawed the ground nervously, “Sister. It is coming close to dusk is it not?” she asked lightly.
“Yes it is Luna. May I ask how you know that?”
“I can feel the moon calling to me” Luna said. She didn’t sound pleased by it.
Celestia however was ecstatic. The flow of day and night, sun and moon were built into her and her sister. Ever since Celestia had first raised the sun she had always been aware of its place in the sky even when hiding from its light or a measure of time. She always knew when it was time for it to rise or set and make way for the moon.
This sense Luna had as well... in the distance past at least. Since returning her connection to the moon had been withered and non-functional but now it seemed that part of her alicorn nature was starting to recover.
“This is wonderful news Luna! It is a sign that you are recovering! Soon you will be able to retake your rightful place as steward of the night”
A flash of unease danced in Lunas eyes for a bare second, so quickly that Celestia missed it in her joy, but the younger alicorn merely took a deep breath and smiled back at her sister.
“I am not yet strong enough to take control of the moon” she reminded.
“Of course. I wasn’t going to ask you to take over now Luna!” Celestia said with a laugh.
“Glad to hear that. But I wondered... maybe we could... eat outside? And I could see you usher in the night?” Luna asked coyly.
Celestia almost tripped over herself, “Yesofcoursewhatagreatidea!” she said in a rush as her magic grabbed the cart and she flung back the curtains at the far wall. The heavy drapes parting with a flourish and bright ‘blinding’ light filling the room.
“AHH! CELESTIA!” Luna shrieked as the sudden bright light made her eyes sting. She instinctively retreated into the shadows from the light.
Celestia smiled sheepishly, “Sorry” she said while rubbing the back of her head.
Luna shook her head with a smile at Celestias excitement. She looked up and nervousness overcame her.
Beyond the shadows she hid in the brilliance of her sisters sun reached out for her. The glass doors to the balcony glowed with pure white light and bathed in its radiant stood her sister. Regal and powerful in her element.
Luna felt very small as the much larger alicorn waited for her. She shuffled on her hooves as she tried to work up the courage to step into that light. To join her immortal partner.
“Luna...”
Celestia gracefully extended a hoof towards her sister. Her smile beautiful and her eyes filled with the loving warmth of the sun, “Join me Luna. Join me in the sun” she softly asked.
Luna gulped in terror but couldn’t resist the others call. First one hoof, then another, she slowly stepped into the light. The rays of the sun so alien on her midnight fur yet the warmth was something she found to be soothing. A whole month spent in the dark and a thousand years before had ill-prepared her for how good sunlight could feel. She had been too panicked and scared last time to really enjoy it.
Mustering her courage she took her sisters hoof, Celestias smile growing ever wider in delight as she gently lead Luna out onto the balcony. The smaller alicorn alternating between huddling close to her sister frightfully and drawing back as her own neurosis forced her to.
“Just dinner Luna that’s all. You can go back inside anytime you want ok?”
Luna licked her dry lips, “Ok...”
Some pillows held in Celestias magical field settled on the balcony and she gestured for Luna to take a seat. The younger mare looking around with growing enthusiasm as Celestia set plates and cutlery between them.
It was coming up to evening and far below them the city of Canterlot could not be more lively. Many ponies had finished their jobs and were spending time with friends and family across the cities many attractions. Young stallions and mares laughing and joking, foals played with their parents and young couples walking together in bliss. The city alive with the happiness of its populous.
Luna quickly left her seat and leaned over the balcony guardrail to stare at the ponies below her. Her eyes wide and joyful as she followed their movements.
Celestia chuckled at the sight, “Now Luna they aren’t going anywhere. Have something to eat and then we can both enjoy the view”
“Five more minutes” Luna said quickly without taking her eyes of the ponies, Celestia sighed, “Luna” she called sternly. The younger mare tore her eyes away to pout petulantly at her big sister.
“It’s important for you to eat properly to help you recover. You haven’t eaten since yesterday. You need to eat now”
“I had breakfast this morning” Luna replied edgily.
Celestia frowned at her, “No you didn’t Luna. I saw the trolley in the hall. You didn’t touch your meal sister”
“Wasn’t hungry”
“Luna, Celestia held a hoof to her face in annoyance, you promised me you would eat your meals”
Luna kicked a stone idly, “You weren’t there to have breakfast with me” she said quietly.
“Luna... I can’t join you all the time. As much as I wished it wasn’t I have my duties to attend to” the elder sadly replied.
Luna looked away with a heavy scowl. Celestia wondered if she would have to argue with her sister further but after a moment her sister huffed and sat across from her, picking up her cutlery and examining her food with a critical eye.
Celestia shared that less then pleased expression, “I know it’s not very appealing Luna but you’ve made wonderful progress and I’m sure in no time you’ll be able to eat better foods” she said persuasively.
Luna didn’t answer. Instead she sunk a spoon into her ‘gruel’ and wolfishly shovelled it down.
“Luna!” Celestia was aghast. Her sister looked up from mid-bite, porridge staining her lips, and smirked at Celestia, “It may not be the best Celly but after a thousand years anything is a banquet sister”
“You will not be eating with others until I teach you how to be a lady again Luna” Celestia said in deadpan. Luna cocked her head and stuck her tongue out cheekily before chowing down again. Celestia hid her smile and daintily started her own meal.
“Well then sister what shall we discuss today?” she asked brightly.
Luna swallowed and mulled this over before she grinned evilly, “Do the ponies of equestria still know the legend of Trollestia?”
Her sister simply stared at her.

The rest of the meal went by smoothly, (after Celestia pleaded with Luna never to say that word within earshot of anypony) and now the two sisters simply sat watching the city below.
The silence didn’t bother Celestia. Sharing these moments with Luna was a dream come true. To actually be in the presence of her sister... such a feeling... an elation she did not think she would ever stop enjoying.
Luna huddled closer. As the evening drew on the air had become much colder despite the sun’s rays. Celestia had gathered sheets to cover Luna, the younger alicorn not as resistant to the elements as her elder, and scant minutes later Luna had thrown the blanket over her sister too.
It was torture in a way. Celestia wanted to reach out and hold the smaller mare but she knew it had to be Luna that made the first step. Right now she had crept closer and closer to her sister until they were mere inches apart but couldn’t close the final gap.
Still seated together and sharing warmth, watching the ponies go about their lives down below, there was tranquillity here. It had been a long time since Celestia had found the time to observe her subjects in their happiness and being with her sister made it all the better.
Her head tilted as a pressure built inside her. Starting small and ignored by now growing ever more persistent. She gazed at the sun kissing the horizon and knew it was getting impatient to lower and make way for its moon.
She didn’t say anything as she carefully removed herself from the blanket. She felt Lunas eyes on her as she stepped forward and spread her wings and lit her horn.
There was no discomfort, no effort for Celestias task. She had controlled the skies for a thousand years alone and had become quite adept at managing the celestial bodies. She whispered a goodnight to the sun as it sleepily disappeared under the world and reached for the moon.
As ever she held back the wince of discomfort when she touched the moon. For a thousand years it had seethed and raged every time she took control of it. The trapped presence of the Nightmare making it clear that it did not enjoy the sun goddesses touch. But since freeing Luna it had changed. And not exactly for the better.
The moon was icy cold and echoed with pain. It didn’t resist her commands anymore and now felt lost and confused. Following her guidance without complaint not because it approved of her but because it didn’t care enough to resist.
The moon was searching for something and she knew what it was. It was calling for the dark alicorn currently beside her and receiving only silence in return.
With some gentle coaxing it took its place in the night sky. Celestia stepped back to admire it. Without the curse of the mare in the moon scarring its surface it was very beautiful. She said as much to Luna.
Luna merely stared at it, her eyes expressionless and her jaw tight. Without another word she wrapped the blankets around herself and returned to her quarters.
“Luna?” Celestia followed her anxiously, “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing”
“Clearly you are upset. Please tell me what’s wrong”
“It’s not your concern” Luna said curtly.
Celestia frowned at her, “I am your sister. Whatever causing you upset becomes my concern”
“Just drop it Celly” Luna hissed.
Celestia squared herself against her irate sister, “No. Now tell me what’s wrong”
Luna screamed and in a fit of rage tore the sheets off her and threw them away, “My sister! Always butting into my affairs! Always trying to tell me what to do! I DON’T WANT TO FOLLOW YOUR ORDERS CELESTIA!!”
Celestia took a step back from the venom in Lunas words but quickly recovered, “Orders? I’m just asking you what’s wrong Lulu!”
“No your ‘telling’ me to tell you what’s wrong. You’re treating me like one of your subjects! You always have!”
Celestia was shocked at the sudden change over Luna. The smaller alicorn was outright glaring at her with hostility. Where had this come from?
“Luna... if I have offended you in some way I apologise. I am only trying to look out for you that’s all. Like a big sister should” she said tenderly.
Luna was still staring at her angrily, her eyes wild and glassy. Celestia knew that look and dreaded what it could mean.
“You always told me what to do. You always told me it was my place” Luna said. Her eyes glaring into the distance, lost in her memories.
“Luna you need to calm down” Celestia said softly as her sister twitched and muttered to herself. Inwardly Celestia was cursing herself, ‘Never should have let her see the moon. Should have known the memories would drag those other three to the surface. Skies above how do I try and have a rational conversation with split personalities?’
“She thinks she’s better then you” Luna hissed to herself. Her eyes swept to the right and she glowered at something unseen, “How do we know she’s changed? It could all be a trick!”
“LUNA!” Celestia roared. Her yell making the smaller alicorn dart back and snarl at her in defiance.
“Luna... I am not ‘better’ then you. We are sisters. Equals. We were both born to safeguard this world. Together.” She stressed the last part.
Lunas snarl carefully drew back and she approached her sister. Celestia watching her warily as the fierceness of her eyes and the rigidness of her posture made it clear she was still angry.
She stopped a mere pace from her sister and glared up at her. The image almost comical to any observers to see the much smaller alicorn pinning the larger in place with the force of her stare alone.
“Luna?” Celestia asked as the silence dragged on.
The younger mare licked her dry lips and let out a shuddering breathe, “You must prove to us that you do not believe yourself above us” she whispered.
“What do you want Luna?” Celestia asked quietly.
Luna paced around her sister examining her closely. Celestia feeling nervous under her sisters close scrutiny. The younger alicorns eyes were dark and heady with some strange emotion.
“In the sunlight court a millennia ago... we would prostate ourselves before you whenever we spoke to you. Always in front of the ‘nobles’, Luna hissed the word hatefully, and members of the court. You demanded it of us”
“I’m sorry Luna. I never should have done that” Celestia said with true regret.
“Then to prove yourself to us you will bow before us”
Celestia almost spluttered in shock at the demand. Luna continued to gaze up at her with those intense eyes. “Luna I don’t think-“
“DO IT CELESTIA! Luna cut in with a roar, PROVE THAT YOU DO NOT THINK YOURSELF ABOVE US!”
Lunas shout echoed throughout the room, sweeping around the two alicorns and leaving a thick layer of tension between them. The two sisters locked in a silent struggle as they stared at each other, one shaking with anxiety but trying to enforce her will through rage alone, the other quiet as the stars and bearing an unreadable expression.
The silence stretched on to the point of breaking before the unbelievable happened.
With only the smallest shiver Celestia closed her eyes and bowed her head, her sisters eyes widening with shock at the display. It only lasted a moment before Luna frowned at her wordless sibling.
“No Celestia that won’t do. I asked you to bow as I once bowed for you” Luna said coldly.
Celestia shoulders trembled and a slight clenching of her jaw were the only indicators of her unease. She sunk to her knees and bowed fully to her sister, brow resting upon the floor and forelegs splayed in supplication, the bow of a subject to their ruler.
Luna let out a rattling breathe as she drunk in the sight. Her gaze swept over her sisters kneeling form and she rubbed at her eyes as if in disbelief.
“You did it... you actually did it” she whispered in amazement.
Celestia raised her head slightly and met her sisters gaze, “I promised I’d do whatever it took to earn your forgiveness” she answered, her words nervous and uncertain.
“Don’t move” Luna hissed as she slowly paced around her sister. Celestia dug her hoofs into the floor but complied.
Luna examined her sister without a word though she occasionally cocked an ear as if someone was whispering to her. She finally licked her lips dryly and sat in front of Celestia looked down at her with a strangely haughty expression.
“You did as I asked. No... As I told you. I demanded something of you and you obeyed didn’t you sister?” she said silkily.
“Luna I said-“
“Don’t interrupt. This is important”
Luna smiled down at her white furred sibling, “In a thousand years... has anypony ever tried to tell you what to do? Have any of them even dared try and ‘order’ you to do anything?”
Celestia didn’t know what to say but Luna took her silence for an answer. The dark alicorns grin widened.
“Even before my banishment you wouldn’t let anyone push you around. You were a wilful child and quickly grew into a demanding adult. You were a goddess by birth, why should you listen to mortals?”
“That arrogance extended to ordering me around... telling me what to do and say” Luna whispered thoughtfully.
“Is any amount of apologies going to change that Luna?” Celestia asked wretchedly. Her sister noted Celestias painful words and smiled at her serenely.
To the elders surprise Luna placed a hoof on her head and tenderly stroked her mane. The sheer oddity of the notion rendering her speechless.
“It’s ok Celly. I don’t care about that anymore. I’ve had an epiphany. Just now in fact” Luna said with a chuckle.
“And what epiphany is that?” Celestia was afraid about asking. Lunas smile was far too eccentric and this whole situation had taken her completely out of her comfort zone. She didn’t feel threatened but just... off. Her breath caught in her throat as Lunas hoof left her mane and tenderly stroked her cheek.
“I understand now why you were like you were Celly. You are a goddess. Your first instinct isn’t to listen to anypony. You only treat your subjects like equals because you’ve learnt to show such empathy”
Luna leaned closer and flashed a grin; sharp teeth twinkled in the dark as Luna sighed rapturously.
“But I... I am the only other being in this world that you cannot ignore. My right of birth as your sister means you have to listen to me. You cannot push me around like you can the mortals”
Her fangs flashed again and a slender pink tongue flicked out to lick them, Celestia watching the action raptly as her sisters hoof left her cheek to rest on top of her head just below her horn.
“We are the only true equals in this world my sister. Nothing else can stand beside us. And we will remain equals until...”
Lunas words trailed off and a frown marred her face. Her ears tilted as she listened to something and she shook her head in censor. She looked towards her hoof; its gentle motions over Celestias mane and with a reluctant sigh drew it back to her side.
“Well. Until one of us forgets” she said to herself. She drew back from her sister and sat a short distance away staring at her hooves with a faraway expression.
Celestia slowly climbed to her hooves. Near silent she approached her sister till she stood beside her. She opened her mouth to speak but didn’t know what words to say so settled for watching her sister with an anxious expression. Her presence drew Lunas attention however and the younger alicorn looked up at her, blinking in surprise before a stricken look crossed her face.
“I didn’t scare you just now did I?” she asked fearfully.
Celestia shook her head. In truth she hadn’t felt any threat from her sister but she was shaken by what had just happened. Luna had seemed to take control of her for just a moment and it had left her extremely confused. Should she be angry? Annoyed? Upset?
Something had just happened and she wasn’t sure what it was. It seemed like an argument blown out of proportion but she felt something had changed here.
She closed her eyes and marshalled her thoughts, “I’m sorry I demanded you tell me what was wrong... and the times before that I ordered you to do what I say” she apologised. Trying to clear the air between them seemed the right move right now.
To her relief Luna smiled at her, “It’s ok Celly. I know you’re just being a concerned big sister. It’s probably only a matter of time till we argue again but I know it’s only cause you worry about me”
She laughed, “To think if I knew I could argue with you a thousand years ago I might not have kept everything bottled up for Nightmare to use!”
“Yes. If I only you had known” Celestia said dryly. Her flat stare earning a grin from Luna.
The other alicorn quickly sobered, “I’m sorry that I snapped too. I just... I’ll tell you what’s bothering me later. It’s too soon now”
Her sister was quiet for a moment, “Is it the moon?” she whispered.
Luna lips pursed and she almost glared before regaining control, “I’ll tell you when I’m ready” she said firmly.
Celestia nodded before a yawn cracked her jaw. The action soothed the air as Luna giggled at her, “Is it past your bedtime?” she asked cheekily.
“Oh hush you” the white mare answered with a stuck out tongue. She stretched languidly only now aware of the tiredness that had seeped into her bones. It was always difficult to stay awake after raising the moon. It just wasn’t her nature to be alert at night.
Luna watched silently, her bright blue eyes intent on her sibling, “Sister... you must sleep soon”
“I’m a big girl Luna I can stay a while longer with you tonight” Celestia replied with a tired smile.
Luna ducked her head with a smile, “I-I meant... you don’t have to go to your chambers. You could stay here tonight...”
Celestia blinked in surprise, “Stay here?”
“Yes”
“Sleep in your bed?”
“Um yes?”
“Together?”
The younger mare appeared to space out for a moment before she shook her head, “No. I mean... I don’t sleep much anyway... you can probably guess why. But you could take the bed and I will spend the night catching up on my reading. I have the newest Canterlot Post arrive today and I haven’t had the chance to peruse it yet”
“Gossip magazines. Luna most of their...‘columns’... are nothing more than rumour and slander”
“Only because the last issue had that picture of you with the ice cream” Luna replied with amusement.
“I already told you I hadn’t had any for a long time and it caught me by surprise how good it was!”
“Of course sister, Luna rolled her eyes, but as I say if you require rest... my wing is always open to you”
Celestia couldn’t refuse Lunas offer. The hopeful look on her face was too precious to ruin.
“Very well sister... I admit it has been some time since I had a slumber party”
“...What’s a slumber party?”

After a brief explanation, (Luna had remarked that the two of them weren’t enough for a proper slumber party but decided to roll with it) Celestia had found herself lying on her side in Lunas nest while the darker alicorn sat beside her reading out the latest news from Canterlot. The intrigues and scandals of the city stars and nobles didn’t much interest her but Luna was engrossed in it and seeing her sister grin and animatedly read the magazine brought a smile to her face.
“-and then it turns out she’s been seeing Windchaser in private! Oh she says here it’s for a photoshoot but if that’s true then why was she leaving his home in the morning after the whole night there?”
“Hmm hum” Celestia nodded sleepily.
“And then Blossomtree has been seen looking through Foals Accessories. Maybe there’s some truth to the rumours she’s been putting on weight recently?”
“Maybe” Celestia yawned.
Luna paused in her reading noting how drowsy her sister was becoming. She smiled sheepishly, “Sorry Celly I didn’t mean to keep you up”
“It’s ok you keep going” Celestia said fighting back her eyes urge to close.
Luna shook her head and put the magazine down. Against her sisters mumbled protests she drew the blankets around her, tucking her in and gently laying the sheets over her large wings.
“Go to sleep sister. I will be here when you awaken”
Celestia couldn’t resist the lure of sleep any longer and she murmured a good night as her eyes lost their battle. The blankets surrounding her were warm and soft and the scent of her sister surrounding her was surprisingly soothing. That scent, once forgotten now quickly becoming familiar, eased her heart and it felt so right to rest here.
She dimly felt a hoof running through her mane and a pair of lips caress her brow in a faint kiss. The touch making her smile as she curled into a ball and fell into a deep peaceful sleep.
For the first time in weeks the nightmares weren’t waiting for her and instead she saw beautiful blue eyes and a smile waiting for her in her dreams.

Far below in the city the rhythm of life changed with the setting of the sun. In the bustling metropolis the night didn;t stop business or pleasure, and under the light of the moon and stars the ponies were just as busy and animated as they were in the day. Maybe even more so as many partied in the night and laughed at the shadows together with their friends.
High above them the princess of the night watched and found herself pleased by this change in the present. Modern ponies no longer shunned the night and instead lived it to the fullest. While she wasn’t certain what the bright lights and flashing strobes of the many buildings they visited meant she was just happy to see so many enjoying the night as much as the day.
Still... such happiness was overshadowed by the events of the past few hours. She leaned against the guardrail, crossing her forelegs and resting her chin on them as she stared into the distance. She was trying to come to terms with some of the revelations she had had today.
She was also fighting to stay under the moons light. That baleful orb hanging high above sang to her constantly and it took all her will not to return to her bedroom and hide from it. She knew one day she’d have to overcome this hatred and fear. But right now she wanted nothing to do with her former prison. Scared duty or not.
She shivered as she heard light hoofsteps behind her and another mare took position beside her. The newcomer didn;t speak, and her face was hidden under a long ragged mane but Luna knew she was being scrutinised. She repressed a long sigh of frustration.
“I told you all to leave me alone for a while” Luna said coldly.
“They are at your beck and call not I”
“Then all the more reason for me to be firmer in my orders. I have no desire to speak to you at all”
The other mare chuckled sinisterly, “No desire? But my dear Luna your desires are all that concern me”
“Nothing about me is your concern. I never asked you to be here” Luna snarled.
“And yet here I am. And it seems fickle of you to denounce me so quickly. My advice has been useful these past weeks has it not?”
Luna turned to glare fully at the other mare, she hesitated as she always did when she saw the others gaunt and skeletal frame, “After what happened today I’m starting to distrust your advice” she said after a pause.
“Didn’t realize you’re so touchy Luna” the blue mare said blandly.
“I am not touchy! You took advantage of me in my angered state!”
“No Luna... I only did what you wanted me to do. That’s what all of us do”
Luna hesitated at the others bold words. Her companion leaned over the rail to more closely observe the ponies below.
“Do you remember what you were like when you first came here?” she asked quietly.
Luna grimaced, “I don’t care for your questions”
“You jumped at every shadow. Hid from anypony that came to see you and huddled under your sheets as you listened to the city below”
“You were so afraid” the mare said thoughtfully.
“I got over it” Luna hissed.
“Yes, the mares voice dropped to a whisper, but only once I came to help you”
Luna opened her mouth to bark a retort, and promptly closed it. She didn’t actually have an argument for that.
The other mare casually continued to speak, “When Filly, Apathy and Anger were pulling you in a dozen different directions and generally being a panicking nuisance I was the one who cut through the chaos. I was the one who told you to hold your head high. That you are a princess. A goddess. And you deserved to be treated as such”
“I remember”
The mare chuckled, “The change certainly impressed your sister and the doctor. One day you cowered in a corner whenever they approached and the next you stared them in the eye and demanded their attentions. Though you still carry a few neurosis. Your aversion to touch being one”
“What’s the point of this?” Luna drawled.
A sigh from behind that ragged mane, “My point, dear Luna, is that you made some fantastic headway today and I can feel you start to slip back. I won’t have such progress ruined just after it flowered”
“You made me fight with my sister!”
“No I advised you to stand up to her. You were the one who pushed it further”
“I scared her though. I... I made her bow to me”
“Yes, the other mare paused to lick her lips, and how did that make you feel?” she whispered huskily.
Luna looked away. Her eyes traced the darkness mixed with anger and doubt. She didn’t know how she felt about the battle of wills between her sister and herself.
“Bad... I felt bad” Luna said uncertainly.
The other mare hissed, “Lie to others Luna but don’t lie to yourself. You enjoyed her beneath you. You enjoyed the power over your sister”
“She is the elder...”
“And?”
“She’s supposed to rule”
“No! the other mare slammed a hoof against the rail, you are equals Luna! Don’t take a step back!”
“But I... I don’t know if I want that... I... I think I want more?”
The other mare was silent for a moment before she turned to face Luna. From beneath her mane a pair of blue eyes regarded her. They were the same as the alicorns but wider, more drawn and tinged with the light of madness. Pain, anger and dozens of negative emotions rested their barely kept in check through iron will.
“When you think of Celestia... what is it you feel?” she softly asked.
Luna hesitated but soon found her eyes drawn back to the bedroom. Inside wrapped in blankets she could see the silent form of her sister sleeping peacefully. Unbidden a smile curled Lunas lips.
“I love her. I want to be at her side... I don’t ever want to be parted from her again” she admitted.
“And them?”
Luna frowned as she followed the others outstretched hoof to the city below. The hour was late and most of them were starting to go home. They were still beautiful to watch and immeasurably fascinating but as ponies themselves...
“Nothing... I care nothing for them.” Luna said nervously. She was shocked by this revelation.
“Why?” the other pressed.
“Because... trying to get their love and adoration just went so wrong last time. Trying to get them to love me like they love Celestia lead to nothing but pain and misery”
“And if they were to try and keep you from your sister again?”
The memories of the royal guard chasing her through the castle flashed across her eyes and Luna bared her teeth.
We will not stand for this again.
She realized she’d been gripping the rail hard enough to warp the metal when it screeched. She stepped back taking a deep breath to contain her anger.
“It won’t come to that. Celly promised we’d never be parted again” she said firmly.
“You’ve seen the fear and mistrust they have for you Luna. Felt their dreams in the night. They still believe Nightmare and you were one and the same. They won’t allow you to sully their pristine goddess”
“They have no right to keep me from her!” Luna roared. She froze as she heard a mumble from Celestia and quickly looked behind her to see if she’d awoken.
Fortunately the alicorn had just rolled over in her sleep though her peaceful face held a slight frown. Luna sighed in relief before fixing the other with a glare.
“Get to a point soon. Right now it seems you’re intentionally making me angry”
The other mare stepped back from the rail and approached her. Her eyes stabbing from her thicket of a mane.
“If Celestia has to chose between you and her subjects what do you think will happen?”
Luna bit back the rising panic. Such a thought had been tormenting her mind for some time now though she’d done her best to ignore it.
Two weeks ago she’d regained her ability to visit the dreams of ponykind though she’d kept it secret from her sister. The dreams of her subjects had been nice and interesting but every time the subject of herself came up their dreams always degenerated into a miasma of fear and distrust.
It seemed she was still a source of terror to the ponies of equestria. Despite the fact she was no longer the monster Nightmare Moon.
It had been the reason she’d hidden her growing power from her sister, and stayed in this tower so long. If Celestia knew she could dreamwalk again she’d want to know how it went. And Luna could not lie to her.
“Last time I was possessed by a monster. The same scenario won’t come up again” Luna forced out.
“No... but you need to face a fact here Luna”
“And what’s that” Luna snapped.
The other mare stared at her and the light in her eyes grew ever more intense, “You are insane Luna” she whispered.
The alicorn stepped back, “W-what?”
“You possess four separate beings in your head now Luna. Celestia knows and doesn’t like it. You remember she asked you to keep them under control, that she would only talk to you not us. Do you think the rest of equestria will be as forgiving when they find out? They won’t stand for a princess whose mind is shattered into so much broken glass”
“That’s not my fault! I... I needed them, you, all of us! It was the only way to survive up there!” Luna rambled fearfully.
“They won’t care Luna” the other sighed heavily.
Luna trembled and pawed the ground. Her mind raced as fears of isolation and rejection flashed past her eyes. Ponies yelling and raging against her. Doctors shaking their heads and calling her a lost cause.
Celestia... walking away from her...
“I won’t let that happen” she growled.
“Oh? Then what are you going to do about it?”
Luna licked her fangs in agitation, “I’ll make them accept me. I’ll be strong again. I don’t want their love but I will have their respect!”
Her partner was silent but her eyes radiated approval, “Good Luna... very good” she said silkily. She waited a moment then said, “And Celestia?”
“What about her?”
“Will you... make her accept you too?”
Luna stared at the other mare. She scowled as she digested the words, “What do you mean?” she asked warily.
“Well... in the past she ruled and you did as you were told until you couldn’t take it anymore. Now though... you just made her obey earlier and you’re not even fully recovered. What happens when you regain your strength?”
Lunas scowl deepened, “I don’t like where you’re going with this”
“I’m merely saying what you want Luna”
“I don’t want to control her”
The other mare smirked, “Liar” she sing-songed.
Luna flushed and quickly shook her head, “We were meant to rule together, she said insistently, equals over the sun and moon. That’s what I want”
“Yes. You want that. But there’s more Luna. You want something else”
Luna threw her hooves up in exasperation, “And what is that?”
The other mare shrugged, “I don’t know. I’m pushing you because there’s something unresolved. A revelation you need to have. I thought it was standing up to Celestia but there’s more to it”
Luna sighed and rubbed her eyes. She was starting to get really tired, “You are not helping me much here”
“I can only voice what you feel Luna. What you want and keep secret from yourself. And then only as in the heat of the moment. If you are not aware of your desires then neither am I”
The two mares were lost in thought for a while. Luna trying to decided what exactly she wanted or where to go from here while the other mare kept her own thoughts.
“You need to sleep” she spoke suddenly.
Luna snorted, “Just realized that eh?”
The other mare smirked, “I am your desire. It’s my function to know what you want”
Luna shook her head and turned away. She paused at the doorway to her room and slumbering sister.
“I’ll think about what you said but you need to stop popping up without the others against my orders. I will not lose control of my own mind. I am the master not you” she said without turning.
“It was not rebellion that made me appear Luna. You needed to have this conversation so I came to you. What you conscious self wants is irrelevant”
“You make my subconscious sound like a selfish jerk” Luna smirked.
The mare known as Desire laughed, “It is my nature to be selfish Luna. After all I’m all about getting you what you want”
Luna shook her head and shut the door. She drew the curtains back hiding Desires intense gaze and tiredly trotted to her sister.
Celestia was curled into a white and feathered ball in the middle of Lunas nest of sheets. The sleeping princess was amazingly cute and Luna smiled and watched her for a moment. She’d never seen Celly so at peace and vulnerable. In sleep the powerful goddess was stripped away leaving the mare she was in place instead.
Not wanting to disturb her the darker alicorn lay on her side across from her. The floor was cold and hard but she didn’t care, a thousand years of sleeping on moon rocks in freezing space had well conditioned her, and she lay silent as she watched her sister.
Slowly, fearfully, she extended a trembling hoof and gently touched it to one of her sisters own hooves. She sighed at the contact, the knowledge that she was really here with Celly had not gotten old or less joyous in the last month and a half.
Celestia muttered and pressed back against the hoof she touched. The action bringing a smile to Lunas lips. She lay there admiring her sleeping sibling until the need to sleep pulled at her eyes.
Even though Celestia was fast asleep the younger alicorn felt she had to saw something, an affirmation for herself as much as her sister. She curled their hooves together and licked her dry lips.
“I won’t let anypony come between us again Celly... I won’t leave you... and I’ll prove myself to you no matter how long it takes... I promise”
After that declaration she lost the battle with sleep and surrendered to her bodies needs. Happy that for the first time in a thousand years she was holding her sisters hoof again.
She swore she’d never let go.

Annd thats a wrap! God this took forever, had to go over it so many times in my paranoia.
But more importantly I want to thank you all for reading this. I hope it’s been entertaining for you and I promise that I’ll start the next chapter soon. Just got so many projects going on right now its a nightmare managing my time.
Anyway as ever please like and leave a review if you could. It makes all the difference to me and I love to here your opinions of the story. Any problems with it you let me know hopefully my grammars improving a bit.
So once again thank you very much for reading this and I hope to have the next one out soon.