Princess Luna stood at her window, watching the clouds. As she stared at the sky, she looked back on her life...

She and Celestia had once been inseparable, working together to bring harmony to all their subjects. It was only after several centuries that she had begun to grow jealous of her big sister. The more she looked back on it, the stranger it seemed that she had become angry at the daytime. She knew now that both day and night were needed for Equestria to function. Despite Celestia being older than her, they were both equals.

Turning around, she looked in the mirror at herself. A mid-blue pony with a dark blue mane and a patchy black cutie mark. Underneath her tiara, the only things that made her special were her horn and her wings. Luna knew that would change if she had her magic back. Her mane would become starry, and she would grow, looking more like her sister and more like a true princess.

But at what cost?

There was a reason she shied away from her responsibilities. Power corrupts. She had already explained that to Celestia, the fact that Nightmare Moon could not come back without her powers.

But then again...

She looked back through her window, at the bustling city of Canterlot and the green fields beyond. Silently, she made a decision, and went to find her sister.

***

Princess Celestia smiled as she saw her sister walking up one of the many corridors of the castle to meet her. From the mask of determination on the younger pony's face, it was clear that she had made up her mind.

"Sister, I wish to have my magic back." Luna announced loudly, possibly because she was trying to convince herself it was the right thing to do.

"I knew you would realise how much all of ponykind needs you!" said Celestia joyfully. But then her smile slipped. "Unfortunately, there is no way I can just give you your powers. I wish I could. But you must claim them yourself."

Luna looked troubled.

"But...I don't know how!"

Celestia took a deep breath.

"And neither do I, sister dearest."

This did nothing to ease her younger sister's worry.

"Well then, all is lost! I cannot raise the moon if there is no way for me to do so!"

"Do not fret so much, Luna. There is a way. However, everything is down to you. The only way to find your magic is to follow your heart."

Princess Luna stared at the floor for several minutes. Everything was quiet. When she looked up again, there was understanding in her eyes.

"I know what I have to do"

***

The Canterlot Library was entirely deserted by the time Princess Luna walked in. It was almost sundown, dusky orange light mixing with shadows as it shone through the open doorway of the building. As much as she enjoyed the feeling of the cool evening breeze, Luna shut the door after her. She had research to do.

It wasn't long before she found the right book: Flora and Fauna of the Everfree Forest.

She came to one particular chapter, then stopped. Chapter 10 dealt with some of the more unusual plants allegedly seen in the expansive woodlands; leaves with special medicinal properties, wood that contained naturally-occurring magic...and the Moonflower. This was what she had come looking for.

Long ago she had heard the story of a young colt who became lost in the forest. He had wandered for hours, night had fallen, and he had lost hope of ever finding his way home. But then, apparently, he came across a flower, one that glowed just like the moon above him. It shone through the darkness, illuminating a path out of danger and back to his house.

At the time, Luna had not believed the legend, but now she saw the colt's face once more, eyes shining as he recalled the tale. Perhaps he was telling the truth.

And if he was, she could find the Moonflower. Clearly, it had some sort of magic that allowed it to help ponies. It could help her find her magic! She rushed back to the castle, eager to begin her search.

"I am so proud of you, sister," said Celestia after hearing Luna's plans. "You must set off as soon as possible!"

Luna galloped back to her room to start preparations for the adventure to come. Her sister smiled briefly, then turned her attention to the sky.

Princess Celestia slid the sun below the horizon easily, and willed the moon to appear. But it did not. Worriedly, she increased her focus, her horn glowing brightly. She could feel the moon pulling against her magic, and glanced upwards at her horn. Sparks were flying off it now, shining as they hit the floor. Something gave way, and slowly she tugged the moon into position. Celestia ended her spell just before her legs gave way under her.

As she sat on the cold polished stone, she saw a dark figure dashing out of Canterlot, cloak flapping. Luna. She closed her eyes, and willed her little sister not to fail in the task that so many ponies' lives depended on.   Next Chapter: Meetings Estimated time remaining: 18 Minutes