Celestia smiled at her younger sister. "Im so proud of you," she said, giving Luna a pat. "Happy birthday!"

"Thanks," Luna beamed. This would be the first birthday celebrated by Luna after the Nightmare Moon transformation. Throughout Canterlot, and all of Equestria, the citizens admired Luna, too. Nightmare Moon was just another moment in history that was soon forgotten. She felt proud of herself, too in a way.

Lanterns were floating up in the night sky. Everything was lively, even though it was nighttime. Every pony was just as awake as the daytime. Celestia also lit a lantern with the magic from her horn. The sisters watched as it drifted up, and up, joining everybody elses. The moon was full, a pearl in a sea of lights. It peeked out above all the floating lanterns. Luna sighed, looking down at her sister and hers kingdom. Festive music played and ponies, pegasi, and unicorns danced together.

To think, just last year, everybody was cowering in fear at the sight of me! Luna shuddered at the thought.

"Well, lets eat!" Celestia led her sister into the dining room. "Its your birthday,eat as much as you'd like,"

Luna let out a childish giggle. "Okay, Cel!"

As she feasted, as the guests chattered away, Luna felt a wave of happiness- true happiness travel down her spine. Not happiness at the sight of ponies in fear. Not happiness at defeating her foes and inching towards world domination. The easygoing, jolly type of happiness.

~

"Princess Celestia! Your majesty," Twilight Sparkle bowed down before her tutor. "My birthday wishes to your sister,"

Celestia laughed. "No need to be so formal, Twilight,"

How can you be informal in front of a princess? That goes against proper etiquette, too! Twilight thought to herself. "O-Oh yes, your maj- Celestia,"

"Are your friends enjoying the festivities?" Celestia inquired.

"Why yes! Even Pinkie Pie," both chuckled, remembering her panicking of seeing Luna.

"Good," the princess smiled gently. "Lets hope this peace and unity lasts,"

Twilight looked up encouragingly at Celestia. "It will," she replied. "The elements of harmony are...at harmony, and you and your sister are ruling the kingdom together."

Change

999 years have passed...Equestria manages to pass through tough times, natural disaster, and bad economy and prospers to celebrate another millennium of a great land, of rich history, and magic.

~

The city of Canterlot was bustling with chatter and noise, everybody preparing for the Summer Sun celebration. The sky was pitch black, waiting for the sun. The children all danced and sang, the adults conversing about boring, typical, palace gossip. A chorus of birds chirped away. Just another Summer Sun Celebration.

Luna gritted her teeth. Even though Equestria was at peace, her relationship with her sister, Celestia, was tense. Well, its not easy getting along with your sister for almost 1000 years, right? But it was more than that. Every day, a storm swirled at the bottom of Luna's heart. Hatred and envy built up at every glance at her "perfect" sister. The one every pony looked up to.

Im tired of being "Celestias sister." I want to be Princess Luna.

But as she approached her older sister, Luna plastered on a smile. "Good luck, Cel,"

"Thanks," Celestia smiled, stepping out to the balcony. The crowd cheered. The sun rose out from below, painting the sky in a beautiful red.

Luna watched as the sun rise. She wanted to drag it out of the sky, but it was too late. There it stood, cheerful and bright. Everybody cheered for Celestia. "Hoorah," she muttered. Summer was here, every pony was happy. Luna clapped her hoof on the ground, mouthing a cheer. More hatred accumulated.

Next year.

A bitter seed was then planted in her. You cant let that incident happen again, Luna! What are you do- the voice inside her head, the good one, slowly died. Nightmare Moon rose up, yawning from her almost thousand year nap.

~

Luna turned to her sister. "Great!" she smiled, patting her sister on the back. "Heres to another wonderful summer!" *clink.*

Celestia took a sip of her crisp apple cider, straight from Ponyville. Inside her, too was a seed- a seed of suspicion and distrust. What if it happens again...?