//------------------------------//
// Chapter 7 
// Story: The Sun and Moon 
// by BurnedPigeon 
//------------------------------//


Emotions and Mistakes






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As the day comes to a close, lush green leaves drift along with a gentle breeze as orange takes its place, painting itself across the blue sky. The Sun begins to set behind a wall of mountains, covered at the tip with snow, stretching far beneath the clouds. Under the amber sky, rivers of gold pass through a flower field of yellow and orange, spanning miles until meeting the borders of a thick forest, where its rich leaves of green rustle against the evening wind.

Standing with pride, a lone mountain passes through the clouds with a building of silver and gold, sitting on its rocky cliffs. Canterlot Castle; a beautiful structure glowing amongst the vast green land as its silvery walls reflect the orange hue of the amber sky. However, a certain balcony, attached to the side of a gold spiraling tower, shines with a faint yellow light.

"There…" says a mare, sighing. "That should be enough until Luna's turn…"

Upon the mare's head sits a white spiraling horn, wrapped in a yellow light. Slowly, its yellow glow begins to fade away.

Ugh… it's starting to hurt again. Ignore it, just ignore it… thinks the mare, placing a hoof over her head. She shakes her head and puts her hoof to the floor, then unfolds her white feathery wings from her sides, stretching them far and wide into the sky. "I should really go out more. My wings are starting to feel stiff…"

"Well, that's not surprising since you're always in the castle, Tia," says a voice with a laugh.

"I can't help it," says Celestia, turning. Her purple eyes come upon a blue mare with a flowing purple mane. "You should already know how busy I am, Luna."

"But that doesn't mean you should overwork yourself. You really need to relax more often," says Luna, smiling.

"Easy for you to say," says Celestia with a huff.

"You know, Tia, you tend to show your honest self when others aren't around. Only a few ponies know about this, including me," says Luna with a chuckle.

"I can say the same for you. You always appear behind somepony from the most unexpected places," says Celestia.

"Well, I can't deny that," says Luna with narrow eyes.

"Honestly, please stop. I'm worried that you might scare somepony to death," says Celestia, drawing her brows in.

"There you go with the lectures again…" says Luna, rolling her eyes.

"I'm serious about this…" says Celestia.

"Fine. I'll think about it," says Luna with a huff.

"Are you sure?" asks Celestia, raising a brow.

"Maybe," says Luna with a grin.

"Just don't say I didn't warn you," says Celestia, sighing.

"But putting that aside…" says Luna. "Tia, there's something I want to talk about."

"Oh, if you need help with something, I'll be happy to lend a hoof," says Celestia.

"Well, it's not something you can help with," says Luna, rubbing her arm with a hoof. "In fact, it's me who should be helping you."

"Helping me?" says Celestia, blinking.

"I came up here to check on you because I was worried. One of the maids in the castle told me that you sometimes put a hoof to your head on your way here. Are you… okay?" asks Luna, wrinkling her brows.
                
"Oh, but I feel quite fine," says Celestia, puffing her chest out.

"Don't lie to me, Tia…" says Luna, glaring.

"Okay, okay…" says Celestia with a sigh. "I guess you're the only one I can't fool, huh?"

"Well, I am your sister," says Luna, lifting a brow.

"True," says Celestia with a small laugh.

"But please be serious with me, Tia," says Luna with a watery gaze. "You know you can always talk to me about anything, right?"

"I know, I know…" says Celestia, turning. She faces ahead with the orange glow of the sunset in her eyes.

"Tia," says Luna, walking. She comes to a stop and sits next to her sister. "What's wrong?"

"I'm not sure…" says Celestia, putting a hoof to her head. "But I think after meeting Sun and Moon, I started having these… headaches…"

"Headaches? About what?" asks Luna, frowning.

"It's just that… I remembered something that I wanted to forget…" says Celestia, furrowing her brows.

"Do you want to talk about it?" asks Luna, placing a hoof on her sister's shoulder. 

"No…" says Celestia, shaking her head.

"Tia, please. Maybe I can help you," says Luna.

"Well, there is something you can help me with," says Celestia with a small smile.

"Then leave it to me! I'll always be there for you- mmmpphhh!" says Luna. She quickly lifts her head, gasping for air with wide eyes. "T-Tia, what are you doing?"

"Please… please just let me stay like this…" says Celestia, wrapping her hooves around her sister's body. She then closes her eyes and rests her head on the nape of her sister's neck.

"Um… okay?" says Luna with a pinch of red in her cheeks. Wh-what's happening? Why is she acting like this?

"Luna, I'm so sorry…" says Celestia, nuzzling her sister's neck.

"Why are you apologizing? I don't remember you doing anything to anger me," says Luna, blinking.

"Remember when you first came back with me to the castle, you told me to let go of the past and move on?" asks Celestia.

Oh, that's what she meant… thinks Luna, sighing. "Tia, I thought we went over this?"

"But after meeting Sun and Moon, I can't help but remember what I've put you through…" says Celestia. She uses her wrapped hooves and pulls her sister closer to her chest.

"Tia, it's okay…" says Luna, putting her forehooves against her sister's chest. She then gently pushes herself away.

"N-no, it's not okay…" says Celestia, clenching a hoof.

"But it wasn't your fault…" says Luna, drawing her brows in. "I should've-"    
              
"No!" says Celestia, shaking her head. "If only I had thought of something else instead of using the Elements of Harmony, then you-"

"Tia, please remember that I'll never blame you for my selfishness during that night…" says Luna with dull eyes. "It's my fault for letting my emotions blind my sense of reason and turning me into… that thing…" 

"L-Luna…" says Celestia with a shaky voice. "But-"

"Tia," says Luna with bright eyes. "Please don't blame yourself over the past and look forward to the future. There are so many things we can make new and happy memories from."

"Well, if you say so, then I guess you're right…" says Celestia with a small smile. "And let's not forget that Sun and Moon are here with us now. Who knows what the future will tell us."

"Exactly! That's exactly what I was about… to say…" Luna trails off, hanging her head. Why… why didn't I notice this sooner?

"Luna, what's wrong?" asks Celestia, her smile fading away.

"Huh?" says Luna, quickly lifting her head. She then waves a hoof. "It's nothing…"

"No. I can't ignore this when you helped me. This time, it's my turn. Now, what's wrong?" asks Celestia, wrinkling her brows.

"It's just that I… I…" says Luna, biting her bottom lip. "I just realized something from our talk earlier, and I think it applies to some ponies we know…"

"Luna," says Celestia, frowning. "Are you talking about-"

"Yes…" says Luna. She hangs her head, her eyes staring at the stone floor. "It's Moon and Sun…"

"Oh…" says Celestia.

"Th-then, you know…" Luna trails off with trembling lips. "You should know that they went through… a similar p-past as me, righ-"

"Please don't say anymore…" says Celestia with wet eyes. She puts a hoof to Luna's chin, lifting her face up. "It's true that they went through something that nopony should ever experience, but there was nothing we could-"

"DON'T SAY THAT!" says Luna, stomping a hoof as it cracks a part of the stone floor, and her powerful voice echoing through the air. "I know that there was nothing we could do since we didn't know about them until now! But I hate the fact that they suffered more than anypony! Even me-"

"Enough!" says Celestia as her watery eyes pour a river of tears, sliding to the base of her chin. "Luna, I have lived for a long time, learning many things in life, and painfully… what's it like to lose you, my very sister, who I cherish so, so much! But I can't imagine what's it like for Sun and Moon to live that long in solitude, nopony to ever notice their existence in this world, and the fact that they were alive before me, you, or anypony else! Just the thought of going through a life like that is something I can't live with!"

"B-but… but…" says Luna, trailing off with trembling lips. She quickly runs to Celestia, burying her face in her sister's chest, and wrapping her forehooves around her sister. She then clenches her eyes as tears seep through and down her face, soaking her sister's coat.

"Luna, please stop crying…" says Celestia, wrapping a hoof around Luna's body and another on her head, stroking her mane. "It pains me to see you like this…"

"B-but… it's so frustrating! I thought I was all alone up there, but Moon and Sun were there with me this entire time!" says Luna, gritting her teeth.

"And for that, I'm grateful to them…" says Celestia, putting both hooves on Luna's shoulders and slowly pushes her away. She looks down, seeing the brim of her sister's damped eyes in red. She then lifts a hoof to her sister's face, wiping the bits of tears. "How about this? Now that Sun and Moon are here, maybe we can make it up to them?"

"Make it up to them…?" says Luna, blinking. 

"I was thinking that we should try our best to make them feel at home here in Equestria. It's the least we can do, don't you think?" asks Celestia, smiling.

"Tia, it's times like this that I'm truly glad to have a sister like you," says Luna with a small smile.

"You're welcome," says Celestia with a giggle.

"But if that's your idea, then I guess there's something I can do…" says Luna, tapping her chin with a hoof.

"And that is?" asks Celestia, tilting her head.

"Well, it has something to do with Moon, but the rest is a secret," says Luna with a chuckle.

"Oh? Then let me guess… is it a date?" asks Celestia with a smug.

"Y-you… I hate it when you tease me like that!" says Luna, stomping a hoof as her face turns red as a cherry.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It's just so adorable when you're embarrassed!" says Celestia, placing a hoof over her mouth.

"Ugh! And I'm guessing you have something better in mind for Sun!" says Luna, pointing a hoof.

"Of course! I was planning to… to…" says Celestia, trailing off as her brows draw closer. "I-I don't know…"

"Oh…" says Luna, narrowing her eyes.

"Luna, what should I do?" asks Celestia with distant eyes.

"I-I'm not sure. But, knowing you, I'm sure you'll figure it out," says Luna, placing a hoof on her sister's shoulder.

"I guess so…" says Celestia.

"Then I'll be going now. Are you sure you'll be all right?" asks Luna, stroking a hoof against her sister's cheek.

"You worry too much, Lulu," says Celestia with a small smile.

"Don't you ever call me that…" says Luna, pouting with a shade of red in her cheeks. Turning around, she stomps her way to a doorway as her spiraling horn shrouds itself in a blue light. As she stomps through the doorway, a windowed door, covered in a similar blue light, shuts itself as the glow fades away.

"Now then, I guess I should think of something for Sun…" says Celestia, letting out a sigh. She then lifts a hoof, placing it over her head. It's starting to hurt again…





________________________________________





Somewhere in Canterlot Castle lies a spacious room, tiled in spotless white as it gleams in the faintest of light. Within the room, statues of ponies, sculpted in different figures; an earth pony holding a vase in its forehooves, pouring a calm stream of water, while another statue shows a pegasi standing on one hoof and holding a harp, spewing water from its mouth into a large pool as steam rises from its surface. Looking closely, three shadows appear faintly, moving in the midst of the hazy room.

How did this happen? Why am I teaching two full-grown stallions how to wash themselves? thinks a pegasi, his white coat soaking wet up to his neck. He closes his eyes and puts his forehooves together, scooping a small amount of water from the pool and splashes it over his face. Shaking his head, he opens his eyes, revealing a dazzling green as he slumps his shoulders. I know that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna trusted me with this. But… why does it feel like I'm losing something more important? 

"Highwind, thou seem to be troubled. Is there something wrong?" asks a voice.

"Huh?" says Highwind, turning his head. His eyes reflect another stallion with a white coat and blond mane, hanging to the side of his neck while his amber eyes stare at him. He then quickly waves a hoof. "I-it's nothing, Sun- I mean, Your Highness! But instead of me, how's your bath?"

"'Tis a pleasant experience, I suppose," says Sun.

"I'll just take that as a yes…" says Highwind, sighing. He turns his head, his eyes coming upon another stallion with a blue coat and an ice blue mane. "Prince Moon, is the bath to your liking?"

"I do not know," says Moon, lifting a hoof above his chest. He drops it over the steamy water's surface, causing it to splash upwards into his eyes, which he quickly lifts his forehooves to rub them.

"A-are you okay?" asks Highwind, frowning.

"I am fine…" says Moon, blinking. He then turns his head. "Sun, thou shouldst try this."

"Aye," says Sun, lifting a hoof above his chest. He drops it over the water's surface, causing it to splash a large amount of water into his eyes. He quickly uses his forehooves to rub his eyes and blinks them. "Strange…"

It's like they're learning this for the first time… thinks Highwind, rubbing his head with a hoof. Whatever, at least they're enjoying themsel-

"Um, excuse me! Are you g-guys almost done?" asks a meek voice.

Oh, I guess it's about time we get out, thinks Highwind. He faces the hallway at the end of the hazy room and puts a hoof to the side of his mouth. "Yeah! We're almost done!"

"Okay!" says a frisky voice. "Oh, and Princess Celestia and Princess Luna asked us to bring you guys some towels!"

"Thanks!" says Highwind. He then turns his head. "Well, Your Highnesses, it's about time we leave."

"Aye," says Moon while Sun nods.

"Then follow me," says Highwind, standing up as he lifts a hoof, taking big steps through the water. He reaches a staircase, climbing his way up onto the white marble floor, and turns around. "Oh, right…"

"Is something wrong, Highwind?" asks Moon, tilting his head.

"Well, sort of. It's just that if we go out now, we'll make a mess since we're all wet," says Highwind.

"Wet?" says Sun, blinking.

"Just look at yourselves, then you'll see why," says Highwind, pointing a hoof.

Moon and Sun lower their heads, seeing their chest dripping large amounts of water on the floor. They also turn their heads, seeing their soggy tails on the white marble floor, leaving a trail of water in its path.

"I see…" says Sun.

"What task must we fulfill for this?" asks Moon.

"Just follow my lead," says Highwind. He spreads his hooves apart from each other and shakes his head and body together, causing droplets of water to fly from his mane and tail onto the marble floor. "Now, you try." 

"Interesting…" says Sun, which he and Moon spread their hooves and quickly shake their heads and bodies. 

"Uh-oh…" says Highwind. His eyes begin to shrink, seeing a barrage of water droplets flying straight at him.

"Now then, shall we move on?" asks Sun.

"Highwind, art thou feeling well?" asks Moon, tilting his head.

"Oh, don't worry, Your Highnesses. I feel great…" says Highwind with a huff. He lifts a hoof and pushes soggy strands of red hair to the side of his face. "Anyway, just follow me…"

Highwind turns and walks to the hallway at the end of the room, while Sun and Moon face each other, blinking. As Highwind turns a corner, he frowns at the sight of three mares wearing a one-piece dress, colored in a black with a white trim, covering their necks to the dockings of their tails.

"Hey, Highwind, over here!" says a yellow mare, waving a hoof.

"Oh, it's you guys…" says Highwind, clicking his tongue.

"Wow, is that how you always say hi to somepony?" asks a lime mare, huffing. "Look, we didn't come here just to see your face. We came because Princess Celestia and Princess Luna asked us to bring some towels. Oh, and we also wanted to see how the princes look like, that's all."

"Yeah, I appreciate it, Truce," says Highwind, rolling his eyes. He stops, standing in front of the mares, and puts out a hoof. "Can I please have my towel now?"

"I didn't like the way you said that…" says the yellow mare, glaring. She lifts a hoof with a towel over it and drops it over Highwind's hoof. "Oh, and we left your armor back in your room, jerk."

"Great, thanks, Vera," says Highwind, huffing. He sits on the red carpet floor, placing his towel over his head, and using his forehooves to move it from side to side.

"U-um, Highwind, sorry to bother you, but where are the princes?" asks a blue mare.

"What are you talking about, Risky? They're right behind me," says Highwind, turning his head. He quickly darts his eyes about at the empty hall. "But they were here with me a second ago…"

"M-maybe something happened to them?" asks Risky, biting a hoof.

"Hey, don't joke about that kind of stuff!" says Truce, stomping a hoof. "If something did happen to them, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna would probably blow their bits off!"

"Will you both be quiet!" says Vera, flaring her nostrils. "I thought I heard something from the hallway until you blockheads started blabbering!"

"Wait, I think I see them…" says Highwind, squinting his eyes. He then waves a hoof. "Your Highnesses, I'm over here!"

Sun and Moon turn their heads, seeing Highwind at the end of the hall. They walk together as Sun's blond mane glitters in the light, hanging to the side of his neck, while Moon's blue coat shines with his long blue mane, hanging to the side of his face.
 
"H-hold on a second… that's them?" asks Truce, blinking her eyes.

"Of course it's them," says Highwind, putting a hoof to his face.

"Wow, they look way better than what I imagined…" says Vera with her mouth hanging.

"More like too much, if you ask me," says Truce, tugging a hoof at the neck area of her dress.

"Uh-huh…" says Risky with wide eyes.

Ugh, mares… thinks Highwind, rolling his eyes. He then walks up to Sun and Moon. "Your Highnesses, where did you go? Did something happen?"

"Ah, Sun and I decided to stay longer in the bath," says Moon. He stops walking, towering over Highwind and the mares.

"Forgive us," says Sun, standing next to Moon.

"Well, it's fine," says Highwind, smiling. "But please let me know next-"

"Whoa, and here I thought ponies couldn't get any bigger…" says Truce, lifting her head.

"I think they're taller than Princess Celestia…" says Vera, tapping her chin with a hoof. Her eyes move from Moon's head to the tip of Sun's spiraling horn.

Annoying… thinks Highwind, frowning.

"E-excuse me, Prince Moon!" says Risky, her legs shaking.

"Ah, dost thou require something of me, little one?" asks Moon, tilting his head. 

"N-not really! I'm just here to g-give you this!" says Risky, lifting a shaking hoof with a towel over it.

"Strange…" says Moon. He then points a hoof. "Forgive me, but what task must I fulfill… with this?"

Great, they don't even know about a towel… thinks Highwind, putting a hoof to his face.

"H-huh?" says Risky, blinking.

"Your Highness, that's a towel. You use it to dry yourself like this…" says Highwind, sitting on the red carpet floor. He then grasps his forehooves at the ends of the towel on his mane and quickly moves it from side to side. "Now, you try."

"Interesting…" says Moon. He picks up the towel from Risky with a hoof. He then sits on the carpet floor, holding each end of the towel with his forehooves before placing it on his mane, and moves it from side to side.

"Your Highness, you can stop now," says Highwind.

"Aye," says Moon. He stops and pulls his towel away from his mane with a hoof. "Now then, is there other tasks I must fulfill with this towel?"

"No. That's all you have to… do…" says Highwind, trailing off with an open mouth.

"Mmph!" says Vera, quickly putting a hoof over her mouth.

"Oh my…" says Risky, placing a hoof over her mouth.

"Mmmppphhhhh!" says Truce, her eyes tearing up with both hooves over her mouth.

"Strange…" says Sun, pressing a hoof against Moon's mane. He tilts his head as the hole within Moon's mane springs up.

"Bwahahahahahaha!" says Truce, falling on her back, rocking back and forth, and clutching her stomach with her forehooves.

"No! I-I shouldn't laugh!" says Risky, falling on her side, and curling herself with a hoof over her mouth.

"P-Prince Moon, I don't mean to sound rude, but… your mane looks like a giant furball! Ahahahahaha!" says Vera, falling on her stomach, and pounding her hooves on the floor.

"Hey! Don't laugh at his ma- mmph!" says Highwind, quickly putting a hoof over his mouth. His face begins to turn red as his cheeks puff out. He then falls on his back and kicks the air with his hind legs. "Gahahahahaha!"

"It looks like everypony is having fun here. Do you mind if I join?" asks a voice.

Vera, Risky, and Truce quickly stop laughing as their bodies freeze in place. Craning their heads to the familiar voice, they make an audible gulp as sweat runs down their faces, seeing a blue mare with a half-lidded frown.

"P-Princess Luna! Good afternoon!" says Vera, jumping to her hooves. She grins while Truce and Risky hides behind her.

"Good afternoon, girls," says Luna. "Now then, what-"

"Ahahahahaha!" says Highwind, flailing his hooves in the air.

Ugh! That doofus! thinks Vera, putting a hoof to her face. She then puts a hoof next to her mouth. "Highwind! Highwind! STOP LAUGHING, YOU FEATHERBRAIN!" 

"H-huh? What's going on?" asks Highwind, blinking. He then lifts his head and glares. "Hey! It's your fault that I'm doing this!"

"I don't care! Just look up!" says Truce, pointing a hoof.

"Why?" asks Highwind, rolling his eyes up. "Uh-oh…"

"Uh-oh indeed," says Luna. "Hello, Commander Highwind."

"P-P-Princess Luna!" says Highwind, his face dripping with sweat. He quickly rolls onto his hooves, pushing himself up. "Wh-what are you doing here?"

"Why am I here?" says Luna, raising a brow. "Well, I was heading to my room to prepare for the night. But I heard a lot of noise coming from this way, so I decided to see what's causing it. And what do I find? You four enjoying yourselves with our guests," she says with a smile. 

S-scary! I forgot how scary she can be! thinks Highwind, his hooves shaking.

Luna… thinks Moon, smiling. He begins to walk towards Luna as a towel over his hoof falls to the floor.

With the sound of a thud, Sun's ears twitch as he casts his gaze to the red carpet floor.

"Strange…" says Sun, his eyes on the towel below him. He then uses a hoof to pick it up and places it on his mane.

"Greetings, Luna," says Moon, smiling.

"O-oh, hello, Moon…" says Luna, blinking. "It's nice to see you…"

"The same to thee," says Moon. He then tilts his head. "But thou seem to be unwell. Is something troubling thee?"

"Y-yes…" says Luna, pointing a hoof. "What happened to your mane?"

"Ah…" says Moon, rolling his eyes up. "Highwind was showing Sun and I the uses of… a towel."

"Really?" says Luna. She faces the said pony and lifts a brow. "Is that true, Commander?"

"U-uh… glad I could help?" says Highwind with a grin.

"It's a good thing I'm here…" says Luna, sighing. Her horn begins to glow in a blue color, which a similar aura shrouds Moon's mane, causing a bright flash that quickly fades away.

"Luna, was that perhaps magic?" asks Moon, stroking a hoof over his mane.

"Yes," says Luna, blinking. "But why do you ask?"

"If I am not mistaken, can magic only be used by unicorns?" asks Moon, tilting his head.

"Yes. However, there is another that can wield magic as well," says Luna.

"Alicorns," says Moon.

"That's right," says Luna with a smile.

"Ah, 'tis unfortunate, but Sun and I do not know much about magic…" says Moon, hanging his head.

"Moon," says Luna, putting a hoof to Moon's chin, and lifting his face. "If you want, my sister and I can tell you both about it."

"Nay," says Moon, shaking his head. "I do not want to trouble Celestia and thee any further. Thou hast aided Sun and I in many ways we cannot hope to repay." 

"Moon, as I said before, you and Sun are not troubling my sister and I. We just want to help you both in any way we can," says Luna, smiling. 

"Then, if it does not trouble thee, 'twould be of great help," says Moon with a smile.

"It's no trouble at all. But, Moon, there are some things that I must finish first, so are you willing to wait for me?" asks Luna. Well, I was planning to have a talk with him tonight, but I guess this is fine…

"Aye," says Moon, nodding.

"Then I will talk to my sister later about this regarding Sun. Now then, I must be going," says Luna, turning her head. "Commander Highwind, I shall entrust you to show Moon and Sun-"

Luna cuts herself off, her mouth hanging with wide eyes.

"Huh?" says Highwind, blinking. "Princess Luna, what's wrong-"

"Psst, Highwind!" says Vera.

"Ugh, what now?" asks Highwind, turning his head. He then raises a brow. "Wait, why are you guys laughing?"

"Just look," says Vera, pointing a hoof. She then places a hoof over her mouth.

"Th-this is too funny," says Truce with a snicker.

Risky nods her head with a hoof over her mouth.

"Why? Did something happen- mmph!" says Highwind, quickly putting a hoof over his mouth.

"Strange…" says Moon, standing next to Sun. He uses a hoof and pushes down on one of the spikes sticking out from Sun's mane. He then tilts his head as the spike quickly springs back up.

"Ahahahahaha!" says Truce, falling on her back while flailing her hooves.

"I-I'm sorry, but I can't hold it in any- gahahahaha!" says Vera, falling on her back, and rolling from side to side.

"He looks like a porcupine," says Risky with a giggle.

"That's enough, everypony," says Luna with a huff. 

Luna's horn begins to glow blue, shrouding a similar light around Sun's mane, causing a bright flash, and revealing his smooth and spiky mane.

"Aww!" says Vera, Risky, and Truce, hanging their heads.

"Is there a problem?" asks Luna, lifting a brow.

"Nope! Nothing!" says Vera while she, Risky, and Truce grins.

"Good. Now then, Commander Highwind," says Luna, turning her head.

"Yes, Your Highness?" asks Highwind, saluting.

"As I was saying, I shall entrust you to show Moon and Sun their rooms. Oh, and did Vera and her friends inform you about their rooms' location?" asks Luna. 

"U-um…" says Highwind, glancing to the side, seeing Vera, Risky, and Truce with their faces dripping in sweat. "Y-yes, Your Highness!"

"Good. Then I must be going now," says Luna, turning and walking.

"Ah, Luna," says Moon.

"Oh, what is it, Moon?" asks Luna, turning her head. "Did you need something-"

As Moon lightly presses his lips against Luna's cheek, her eyes begin to widen at the sudden touch.

Watching from the side, Sun smiles, though Highwind quickly looks away with red coloring his cheeks, while Vera, Risky, and Truce's mouths fall to the floor.

Moon pulls his head away and smiles. "I forgot to thank thee earlier."

"O-oh, you're welcome…" says Luna, placing a hoof on her cheek. 

"Luna, thou seem to be unwell again. Art thou sure thou art feeling well?" asks Moon, drawing his brows in.

"Y-yes, it's just I was a little surprised…" says Luna, rubbing her arm with a hoof.

"Surprised?" says Moon, tilting his head.

"N-nothing!" says Luna, grinning. "U-um, well, I-I'll be going now! M-Moon, I'll tell you more about magic later, so please wait for me!" 

Luna turns and trots quickly down the hall before turning a corner. She then puts a hoof to her chest, quickly panting between each breath with her cheeks flushing red. Letting out a sigh, she removes her hoof from her chest and lifts it up to her face. 

"Moon, it's me who should be thanking you for being here…" says Luna with a small smile. She then puts her hoof down and begins to walk, disappearing into the hall's shadows.

"Weird, I've never seen Princess Luna like that before," says Highwind, blinking. He turns his head with his eyes upon Moon who was speaking to Sun with gleaming eyes, the latter, nodding with a smile. Maybe things will be much more lively, now that they're here…

"Hey, Highwind!" says Truce.

And there goes the mood… thinks Highwind, narrowing his eyes. He then turns his head. "What do you guys want now?"

"W-well, it's about the thing with Princess Luna and Prince Moon…" says Risky with red cheeks. 

"What thing?" asks Highwind, lifting a brow. 

"Ugh! I swear you're so dense sometimes…" says Vera, rolling her eyes. She then rubs a hoof on the floor in a circular motion. "It's about, you know, Prince Moon k-kissing Princess Luna…"

"O-oh, that…" says Highwind, rubbing a hoof behind his head. "I'd rather not say it…"

"Oh come on! Tell us!" says Truce as she, Vera, and Risky inch their faces closer to Highwind's.

"Okay, okay! Not too close!" says Highwind, putting out his forehooves, and making a gap between him and the mares. He then coughs into a hoof. "Well, the thing is, Prince Sun and Prince Moon do that when you help them with something…"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," says Truce, lifting a hoof. "If I'm hearing this right, then you're saying that if I were to give them a towel, they'll just straight up and give me a peck, just like that?"

"When you put it like that, yeah," says Highwind, blinking.

"Are you serious!" says Truce with a wide smile. "Be right back! I'm going to-"

"And just where do you think you're going?" asks Vera, raising a brow.

"Well, duh!" says Truce. "To get a freebie from the two most handsome ponies in Eques-"

"Highwind," says Sun.

"Huh?" says Highwind. He turns and lifts his head. "Oh, Your Highnesses, did you need something?"

"Aye," says Sun, nodding. "Moon and I require thy aid."

"But thou seem to be tending to other matters. Are we perhaps… interrupting?" asks Moon, frowning. 

"N-no!" says Highwind, waving a hoof. "We were just talking about something, that's all…"

"Yeah, about that," says Truce, licking her lips. "Can you both give me a quick peck-"

"What she's trying to say is that we're about to go now," says Vera with a hoof over Truce's mouth.

"Mmmm!" says Truce, shaking her head from Vera's grip. "Hey! That's not what I was going to-"

"Oh, and she hopes that you both enjoy your stay here in the castle," says Vera, pressing a hoof against Truce's mouth. "Isn't that right, Risky?"

"U-um, yeah!" says Risky with a grin.

"So, we'll be going now!" says Vera.

Vera's horn begins to glow yellow, which a yellow sphere surrounds Truce, causing her to float in midair.

"Wh-what? No!" says Truce, flailing her hooves. "Let me down, Vera!"

"Nope," says Vera.

Oh, right, magic! thinks Truce. She grins as her horn glows green. "Time to bust out of here!"

"That's not going to work," says Vera with a smile.

"And how do you know that?" asks Vera, lifting a brow.

"Look at your horn," says Vera, pointing a hoof.

"Huh?" says Truce, rolling her eyes up, and seeing a blue glow around her horn. She quickly turns her head and glares. "Risky, you traitor!"

"S-sorry…" says Risky with a small grin. "But we still have a lot more places to clean in the castle."

"No!" says Truce, flailing her hooves. "That can wait after I get my-"

"Did you already forget what we're supposed to be doing?" asks Vera, raising a brow.

"Like what!" says Truce, baring her teeth.

"Truce, Lyrical is coming back tomorrow. You should know how scary she gets when we slack off…" says Risky with a shudder.

"Oh, right…" says Truce, blinking. "But still, I can't miss this chance!"

"Yeah, yeah," says Vera, rolling her eyes. She then turns her head. "Hey, Highwind, thanks for covering for us earlier."

"Y-yeah, Princess Luna is much scarier than Lyrical…" says Risky, chattering her teeth.

"No problem," says Highwind, waving a hoof.

"Oh, and before I forget, you can find the rooms in the far back of the castle. Prince Moon's room is on the first floor and Prince Sun's room is on the second. They're pretty close, so you won't miss them," says Vera. She then turns her head. "Come on, Risky, let's go!"

"Okay!" says Risky, nodding.

Vera and Risky begin to walk down the hallway while Truce pounds her hooves against the yellow sphere surrounding her.

"Just give it up, Truce," says Vera. "We have to finish by the end of today."

"I know, I know. But can I please just get one peck from them?" asks Truce, putting her forehooves together.

"Nope," says Vera.

"I thought you guys were my friends!" says Truce, pointing a hoof.

"We are," says Risky with a smile.

"UGH! YOU BLOCKHEADS!" says Truce, her voice echoing as she and her friends turn a corner down the hall. 

"Sun, they resemble the Crusaders…" says Moon, blinking.

"Aye…" says Sun. He then turns his head. "Highwind, are they perhaps always like this?" 

"Most of the time, yes," says Highwind, sighing. And you wouldn't believe the kind of troubles they get themselves into…

"Ah, I forgot to thank them for the towel…" says Moon, furrowing his brows.

"And ask for their names as well…" says Sun, hanging his head.

"Oh, don't worry, Your Highnesses. You'll see them again. Anyway, what did you both need help with earlier?" asks Highwind, blinking.

"Ah, 'twas to ask thee to lead Moon and I to our rooms," says Sun.

"But, Highwind, there is something that troubles Sun and I…" says Moon.

"Well, if it's something I can do, I'd be happy to help. So, what is it?" asks Highwind with a smile.

"What is a room?" asks Moon while he and Sun tilt their heads.

I should've seen that coming… thinks Highwind with a sigh. "Please follow me and I'll show you…"

Nodding their heads, Sun and Moon follow Highwind as they make their way through the hallways of the castle. Along the way, Sun and Moon tilt their heads as they walk down a hall with large windows attached to the side. They come to a stop, their eyes gazing through the windows as the city of Canterlot comes into view; towers with spirals of gold, giving off a soft amber glow, and rooftops of purple that glitter under the sunset. 

However, Sun and Moon's eyes come upon the snowy mountains on the horizon, watching as the sunset disappears into the dark. The darkness did not last long as light comes from behind the mountains, covering the city of Canterlot in a white hue. Soon, the very Moon rises above the snowy mountains as pieces of light cover the once dark and empty void into a sea of stars, glittering across the night sky. 

"Sun, what dost thou think of this world?" asks Moon, his eyes growing soft with an inner glow.

"I do not know…" says Sun, his weightless gaze reflecting a light that shoots across the night sky. "However, Moon, there is much to learn about this world, and words cannot describe how grateful I am to walk upon it."

"I agree," says Moon.

"Your Highnesses!" says Highwind, waving a hoof. "Are you coming?"

"Aye," says Sun. He then turns his head. "Moon, let us move on," he says with a smile.

Moon nods, smiling. I truly am grateful to be here as well…





________________________________________





As a cold chill hangs in the air, moonlight passes through a clear array of windows, filling a hallway with a bluish glow. In the distance, Highwind appears from the shadows while Sun and Moon trail behind. Soon, they come to a stop in front of a lone door, giving off a silvery glow from its wooden surface.

"Here we are," says Highwind, placing a hoof on a gold doorknob and twists it. He then pushes the door as it creaks across the floor before standing to the side of the doorway. "Prince Sun, Prince Moon, please have a look inside."

"Very well," says Moon. "Sun, let us go."

"Aye," says Sun, nodding.

Walking through the doorway, Moon's eyes begin to widen from the interior of the room, seeing its walls in a spotless white to a red curtain threaded in gold, hanging on the back wall. He turns his head, his eyes coming upon the corners of the room, furnished with a lamp with a gold base, giving off a faint light as it sits on a round table of redwood.

"Highwind, is this… a room?" asks Moon.

"Yes," says Highwind, walking through the doorway. "Well, not just a room. It's your room," he says, smiling.

"Strange…" says Sun. He then points a hoof to a large object, hanging from the ceiling. "This emits stars to the surface above it."

"Oh, that's a chandelier," says Highwind, standing next to Sun. 

"Chandelier?" says Sun.

"It was made in the Crystal Empire and was given to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna by Princess Cadance. There's another one in your room as well, Your Highness," says Highwind. Well, the truth is that the princesses received too many from Princess Cadance, and didn't know what to do with the rest. So they asked some of the maids and guards to help place them everywhere in the castle…

"Forgive me, but who is this 'Cadance' thou speakest of?" asks Sun, tilting his head.

Oh, I forgot that they haven't met her yet… thinks Highwind, sighing. "She's another alicorn like you. But don't worry, I'm sure you and Prince Moon will meet her someday."

"I see…" says Sun. He then walks to the walls in front of him, placing and stroking a hoof against it.

And here I thought he would ask more about her… thinks Highwind, rubbing a hoof behind his head. Well, whatever. I just hope I don't have to explain more to them by the end of the day.

"Forgive me, Highwind, but what is this?" asks Moon, pointing a hoof at a large white object, layered with gold around its frame.

I spoke too soon… thinks Highwind, frowning. He walks and stops next to Moon. "That's a bed."

"A bed?" says Moon, tilting his head.

"Yes," says Highwind. "Put a hoof on it and get a feel of what it's like."

"Aye," says Moon. He lifts a hoof and places it over a white surface. "It feels… strange."

"Well, it does feel weird at first, but once you try it, you'll grow to like it," says Highwind. "Oh, try and lift it, Your Highness. Just put your hoof on it again and move it to the side while lifting it."

"Aye," says Moon, nodding. He puts a hoof on the white surface and drags it across, scooping it into his hoof before lifting it up.

"Interesting…" says Sun, standing behind Highwind and Moon.

"Oh, you came at a right time, Your Highness," says Highwind, turning and lifting his head. "I'm guessing that you don't know about a bed as well?"

"Aye," says Sun.

"Okay, it's really simple," says Highwind. He puts a hoof on a white puffy object and pulls it to himself. "This is a pillow," he says, holding it out with his forehooves.

"A pillow?" says Moon, blinking.

"Yes, and it goes to the top of the bed like this," says Highwind, putting his forehooves in front, and placing the pillow below him. "You'll be putting your head on that when you're sleeping."

"I see," says Sun.

"Oh, and one more thing," says Highwind, facing Moon. "Your Highness, do you remember what I told you to lift before?"

"Aye," says Moon.

"That's a blanket. Always remember this simple task. When you're about to head to bed, just lift the blanket like this," says Highwind, grabbing the blanket with a hoof. "After that, place it on yourself, and it will always keep you comfortable."

"Ah, thy aid is much appreciated, Highwind," says Moon.

"Thou art yet another pony that Moon and I cannot hope to repay…" says Sun, furrowing his brows.

"Oh, don't worry about it. I'm just glad I could help," says Highwind, rubbing a hoof behind his head.

"But is there a way that Sun and I can show our gratitude to thee?" asks Moon with narrow eyes. 

Ugh, I know I'm going to regret this… thinks Highwind, sighing. "Well, I guess I can accept your thanks. But first, give me some time to brace-"

Sun and Moon press their lips against Highwind's cheeks as his eyes quickly widen from the touch. They then pull their heads away, seeing Highwind with his eyes moving in a circular motion.

"Ah, forgive us, Highwind…" says Sun, frowning.

"We did not mean to startle thee…" says Moon, drawing his brows in. 

"I-it's okay!" says Highwind with a grin. He quickly shakes his head with his cheeks burning red. Geh! Now I know how Princess Celestia and Princess Luna felt! 

"Highwind, art thou… feeling well?" asks Moon.

"No! I-I mean, yes!" says Highwind, coughing into a hoof. "Um, Prince Moon, I'll be showing Prince Sun his room now, so please make yourself comfortable."

"Once again, thank you, Highwind. I truly am grateful to thee," says Moon with a small smile. 

"Y-you praise me too much…" says Highwind, rubbing a hoof behind his head. 

"Nay," says Moon, shaking his head. "I speak only the truth."

Okay, seriously, stop! I'm starting to feel weird! thinks Highwind with red cheeks. "A-anyway, Prince Sun, please follow me!" he says, turning and trotting through the doorway.

"Moon, it seems we must part ways," says Sun, his brows gathering in.

"Sun, know that our situation is much different from our time within the stars," says Moon, frowning.

"True it may be, but the thought of parting ways with thee is… discomforting…" says Sun, hanging his head, and closing his eyes.

"Sun, do not worry…" says Moon. He puts a hoof to Sun's chin, lifting his face, and presses his own head against his. "We will be together again. But for now, thou shouldst follow Highwind to thy room to rest," he says, smiling.

"If thou hast no complaints, then I shall fulfill thy request," says Sun. He opens his eyes and stares into Moon's with a smile. 

"Thank you," says Moon, pressing his lips against Sun's cheek. 

I can't believe it… thinks Highwind, peeking an eye from the side of the doorway. He quickly turns his head and presses his back against the wall. He then places a hoof over his chest as his breathing grows heavy while his face turns red from his chin to his ears. I know they're just saying their goodbyes, but if other ponies saw this, they'd probably get the wrong idea!

"Highwind," says Sun.

"EEEP!" says Highwind as his voice shrieks throughout the hall. He then falls on his back with his hooves in the air.

"Forgive me. 'Twas not my intention to cause thee such a startle…" says Sun, wrinkling his brows.

"N-no! It's okay!" says Highwind. He rolls onto his hooves, pushing himself up, and quickly waves a hoof. I thought my heart stopped for a second there… he thinks, letting out a sigh. "A-anyway, Your Highness, are you ready to leave?"

"Aye," says Sun. He then turns his head, staring through the doorway. "Moon, I bid thee farewell." 

"And I bid thee the same," says Moon with a smile.

Sun smiles and turns his head. "Highwind, let us be on our way."

"Yes, Your Highness," says Highwind. He then turns and walks ahead while Sun follows behind.

As Sun disappears from view, Moon's smile fades away with distant eyes, staring at the opened door in front of him. 

How long has it been since I felt this way? thinks Moon, closing his eyes and placing a hoof on his chest. Ah, I remember now. 'Tis the same as I once wandered through the stars…

As Moon opens his eyes, he casts his gaze to the red carpet floor. He furrows his brows as his eyes come upon a sphere, threaded in gold and attached to another half of the sphere, threaded in silver. Slowly, Moon lowers himself and rests his body upon the carpet beneath him.

Sun, I hope thou art well… thinks Moon. His eyes begin to grow heavy as he rests his head upon the gold sphere below.

Lurking in the shadows, a small dark figure appears from the side of the doorway. It scurries across the floor with each step as light as the air, covering the gap from the doorway to the carpet floor in seconds as it heads straight to Moon, lying in the center of the room.

Strange… thinks Moon, feeling something pressing against his nose. He slowly opens his eyes, seeing a round pinkish orb with two black beads, tilting its head at him. "And whom might thou be, little one?"

The strange creature presses its pinkish nose, moving it to certain areas of Moon's face. It then climbs upon Moon's muzzle, scampering upon his face and into his mane, disappearing from view.

"Thou art strange, little one…" says Moon, rolling his eyes up, and seeing his guest's head popping out from his mane.   

"He's taken a liking to you…" says a voice.

Moon focuses his eyes ahead, noticing a dark figure with turquoise eyes, staring from the doorway. 

"And whom might thou be?" asks Moon, blinking.

"I did promise to have a talk with you, didn't I?" asks the dark figure with a chuckle. It moves closer, revealing itself as its purple mane glitters under the dim light of the lamps within the room.

"Luna…" says Moon with wide eyes.

"Good evening, Moon. But… it looks like I'm disturbing you. Did I come at the wrong time?" asks Luna.

"Nay," says Moon, pushing himself up with his hooves. "'Tis good to see thee," he says with a smile. 

"It's good to see you too," says Luna, smiling.

"But… dost thou require something of me?" asks Moon, tilting his head, while the small creature in his mane tilts its head as well.

"Moon, did you already forget our promise?" asks Luna, furrowing her brows.

"Promise?" says Moon, blinking.

"Moon…" says Luna, sighing. "I promised that I would tell you more about magic, remember?"

"Ah," says Moon with an open mouth.

"Ah?" says Luna, tilting her head.

"Forgive me…" says Moon, hanging his head.

"Go on…" says Luna, twirling a hoof.

"For not remembering our promise…" says Moon. 

"Apology accepted," says Luna with a snicker. She walks to Moon, putting a hoof to his chin, and lifting his face. "I'm sorry, but I just wanted to have a little fun with you," she says with a smile.

"Fun? What is this 'fun' thou speakest of?" asks Moon, blinking.

I can't believe how much he reminds me of my old self… thinks Luna with her mouth hanging. "A-anyway, Moon, how is your stay in the castle so far?" she asks, placing her hoof on the floor.

"'Tis quite pleasant, I suppose. Especially the bath Sun and I have taken earlier," says Moon, smiling.

"Well, I'm not surprised since a bath is the best way to make you feel better," says Luna with a giggle. 

"But, Luna, there is something that troubles me…" says Moon.

"Oh, then maybe I can help," says Luna.

"This," says Moon, pointing a hoof.

"Hmm?" says Luna, lifting her head. "Oh, I forgot you were there…" she says with her eyes on the creature in Moon's mane, crossing its arms. 

Using a hoof, Luna lifts it to the creature in Moon's mane, allowing it to scurry across her hoof to the nape of her neck, and sits on her head.

"Strange…" says Moon.

"Well, he is a strange one," says Luna with a small laugh.

The creature lifts a paw, patting Luna's head.

"Don't worry, I'm getting to it," says Luna, rolling her eyes. "Moon, let me introduce you to my faithful companion, Tiberius."

Lifting a paw, Tiberius pats Luna's head again.

"Yes, yes, I know," says Luna. "Moon, he wants you to call him Tibbles instead," she says with a huff. I still can't believe he prefers that name over the one I gave him…

"Greetings, Tibbles. My name is Moon," he says, smiling.

Tibbles lifts a paw and waves.

"So, what do you think of him, Tibbles?" asks Luna, rolling her eyes up.

Tibbles points a paw to Moon. 

Oh, so he's very gentle and caring… thinks Luna with a small smile. 

Tibbles pats Luna's head with a paw.

"Huh?" says Luna, rolling her eyes up again. 

Tibbles points a paw to Moon, then points at Luna.

"Wh-why, you… you have some nerve saying that you prefer him over me! If that's how it's going to be, then you're not getting your favorite strawberry cheesecake from now on!" says Luna, glaring.

Tibbles quickly puts his paws together as his eyes turn watery. He then puts a paw on Luna's head, stroking it.

"Hmph!" says Luna, turning her head, and closing her eyes. "Instead of apologizing, why don't you go to Moon? I'm sure he will take good care of you."

Tibbles slumps his shoulders and turns to face Moon. However, he wrinkles his brows upon the sight of Moon staring with distant eyes. Using a paw, Tibbles pats Luna's head. 

"Not listening," says Luna. "I'm quite angry with you, so don't bother me."

Tibbles puts a paw to his face and drags it down. He then uses his paws, grabbing a strand of Luna's purple mane, and pulls it.

"OW! Tibbles, what was that for!" says Luna, glaring.

Tibbles frowns, pointing a paw.

"What is it now?" asks Luna, turning her head. She then furrows her brows as her eyes soften with a small glint. "Moon?"

"Ah," says Moon, averting his gaze. "Forgive me. I did not mean to worry thee…"

"Moon, if there's something on your mind, you can talk to me about it," says Luna.

"I do not know," says Moon. "As I look at Tibbles and thee, I begin to feel… discomfort…"

"Why?" asks Luna. She walks before coming to a stop in front of Moon. "Did Tibbles and I do something wrong?"

"Nay," says Moon, shaking his head. "'Tis a strange feeling, but when I look at Tibbles and thee, I am reminded of my parting with Sun…"

"But Sun is still here. He hasn't left you. Well… he did, but still, he's close by," says Luna.

"Thou hast some truth in thy words. But the thought of it still troubles me…" says Moon, furrowing his brows.

Moon, please… please don't make that face… thinks Luna, stepping closer with her face inches away from Moon's.

Tibbles blinks his eyes, looking down as Luna raises a hoof. His eyes quickly open wide, losing his footing as he falls from Luna's head. He flails his paws, darting his eyes about as the red carpet below grows closer. Turning his head, his eyes come upon Moon's horn and stretches a paw at it. Gripping the horn tightly as he dangles in the air, Tibbles lifts a paw and wipes away the sweat from his brows. He then grips the horn with both paws and closes his eyes while pulling himself up. Lifting his head above the horn, he opens his eyes as they widen at the view in front of him. 











"Luna," says Moon with wide eyes. "What art thou-"

"Don't say a word. Just close your eyes," says Luna.

"Close my eyes?" says Moon, blinking.

"Yes. Just close your eyes," says Luna.

"If thou sayest so…" says Moon, closing his eyes. 

"Now then…" says Luna, stroking a hoof over Moon's mane.

"Luna, I feel… strange…" says Moon.

"Strange? What do you mean?" asks Luna.

"I do not know. But my thoughts have ceased…" says Moon.

"That's a good thing," says Luna, placing her forehooves on Moon's shoulders, and slowly pushes him away. "Moon, I understand what you're feeling is not something that you can forget. But please remember that you're not by yourself anymore, and there will be others to stay by your side," she says, smiling. Because I went through the same thing with Tia…

Strange… thinks Moon, lifting a hoof and placing it under his eye. He pulls his hoof away, seeing a small droplet sliding down his hoof. "Luna, what is this?"

"Moon, you're crying…" says Luna, drawing her brows in. She then lifts a hoof, wiping the tears from Moon's eyes. "I thought you knew about it?"

"Nay," says Moon.

"Then do you remember when I cried?" asks Luna, placing her hoof on the floor.

"Ah… I remember now. 'Tis during when Sun and I met thee and Celestia, correct?" asks Moon.

"Yes," says Luna, nodding. "But know this well, Moon. Crying is but a way to show that you're feeling hurt yourself," she says, placing a hoof on Moon's chest. "There are many ways to express yourself when you're feeling this way, and you will come to know this in time."

"I see…" says Moon, frowning. "Is there any means to prevent one from this?"

"I'm glad you asked," says Luna with a smile. "Moon, you can't prevent yourself from this since there will be times when something happens to make you feel this way. But… if you find yourself lost, you can talk to somepony about it. If you do, I'm sure they will try everything they can to help when you need it the most." 

"As thou hast done the same?" asks Moon.

"Yes," says Luna, closing her eyes with a chuckle. "I talk to my sister or Tibbles whenever I feel something is troubling me. But I guess asking an opossum for advice would be ridiculousssssssssss!" she says, quickly opening her eyes upon Moon pressing his lips against her cheek.

As Tibbles climbs down the base of Moon's hind leg, he tilts his head, seeing Luna with a wavy smile, and her eyes circling about.

"Ah, forgive me, Luna. I did not mean to startle thee…" says Moon.

"N-no! I'm q-quite fine!" says Luna, waving a hoof. "Y-you were just thanking me, right?" she asks, rubbing her arm with a hoof. I thought I was going to faint there for a second!

"But art thou sure thou art feeling well?" asks Moon, wrinkling his brows.

"No! I-I mean, yes! I'm fine!" says Luna. "A-anyway, Moon, would you like to join me for a walk?"

"A walk?" says Moon, tilting his head.

"Y-you asked me to tell you more about magic, right?" asks Luna.

"Aye," says Moon, nodding.

"Well, since it's such a wonderful n-night, I was thinking about telling you more about it during our walk. B-but… if that's fine with you?" asks Luna, her cheeks turning scarlet.  

"Of course," says Moon, smiling.

"Th-then I'll lead the way," says Luna, grinning. "Oh, I almost forgot! Tibbles, do you want to join us?" she asks, turning her head about. "Tibbles, where are you?" 

"Luna," says Moon.

"Y-yes?" says Luna, craning her head.

"Tibbles is here," says Moon, pointing a hoof.

Luna lifts her head, her eyes coming upon Tibbles waving a paw from inside Moon's mane. 

"Oh, there you are. Are you joining us?" asks Luna.

Tibbles nods.

"Then follow me!" says Luna, quickly turning and trotting through the doorway.

"Forgive me, Tibbles, but dost thou know if Luna is well?" asks Moon, rolling his eyes up.

Tibbles lifts a paw to his chin, scratching it, and shrugs.

"'Tis fine if thou dost not know. Now then, let us be on our way," says Moon, walking through the doorway.

Leading on through the moonlit halls, Luna walks with her head hanging, while Moon trails behind with Tibbles poking his head out of Moon's mane.

I can't believe I behaved so foolishly in front of Moon… thinks Luna, sighing. He must be thinking that I'm weird-

"Ah…" says Moon. He rolls his eyes up, seeing Tibbles pointing a paw. "If thou art curious, then I-"

"Moon, do you understand what Tibbles is saying?" asks Luna with wide eyes.

"Aye," says Moon. "Sun and I were able to speak to similar inhabitants of the Everfree Forest."

So, they're both able to talk with animals, just like me. Well, including Fluttershy, but… wait a second… thinks Luna, blinking. "Moon, did you just say… the Everfree Forest?"

"Aye," says Moon. "Why dost thou ask?"

"Moon, the Everfree Forest is a dangerous place! Why were you and Sun there?" asks Luna, frowning.

"Forgive me, but I do not know much. When Sun and I had awoken, we came to know that we were upon this world, thus meeting the inhabitants within the Everfree Forest. They have also spoken that Sun and I came to be from a sphere of light," says Moon. 

"What? But that doesn't make any… never mind…" says Luna with a sigh. "Moon, just promise me that you and Sun will never set a hoof in that place again."

Moon tilts his head. "But why dost thou-"

"Please…" says Luna with a watery gaze.

Moon blinks his eyes. "If thou so wish it, then I shall fulfill thy request," he says with a smile.

"Thank you…" says Luna, smiling. She then turns and faces ahead. I just want you and Sun to be safe…

"Now then, Tibbles," says Moon, rolling his eyes up. "Thou were asking my thoughts on Luna, correct?"

Tibbles nods.

Huh? thinks Luna, twitching her ears.

"'Tis a strange question thou hast asked of me, but… Luna is somepony I have longed to meet," says Moon.

Longed to meet… m-me? thinks Luna, her cheeks flushing red.

"Ah, and whom I truly enjoy being with," says Moon with a smile.

E-enjoy… being with? thinks Luna, her face brightening as red creeps from her chin to the tip of her ears.

"Is that a suitable answer to thee, Tibbles?" asks Moon.

Tibbles nods with vigor.

"Can I ask thee about thyself?" asks Moon.

Tibbles nods.

Ugh, I shouldn't have brought Tibbles along… thinks Luna, sighing.





________________________________________





What should I do? thinks Highwind. Turning his head, he furrows his brows as his eyes land on Sun, hanging his head. He's been like that ever since we left Prince Moon…

Highwind stops and turns, facing Sun as he stops as well.

I should probably say something to cheer him up… thinks Highwind, rubbing a hoof behind his head. "Um, Your Highness, I know it's just for tonight, but don't worry. You'll be able to see Prince Moon again in the morning."

"Aye…" says Sun, frowning.

Ugh, I think I just made him feel worse… thinks Highwind, putting a hoof to his face. He then takes a deep breath and lets out a sigh. "Your Highness, I know this may sound personal, but can I ask you something?"

"Aye…" says Sun.

"I heard this earlier from Prince Moon. He said that you both now have a different situation than from your time within the stars?" asks Highwind.

"Aye, but why dost thou ask?" asks Sun, lifting his head.

"Well, I… I guess I just thought asking you would let me hear your problems, that's all," says Highwind, rubbing his arm with a hoof.

"I see…" says Sun.

"Actually, just forget I asked that," says Highwind with a small laugh. "Let's just go and get you to your room-"

"Then I shall answer thee," says Sun.

"U-um, okay…" says Highwind, blinking.

"As for what thou hast asked, Moon is the only being I have known throughout my years within the stars," says Sun.

"O-oh…" says Highwind, narrowing his eyes. He's only known Prince Moon…?

"And, in turn, Moon has known only I. 'Tis why it troubles me to part ways with Moon…" says Sun with distant eyes.

That's why they're so close… thinks Highwind. "But, Your Highness, Prince Moon is not the only one now. There are others that will be there for him and you, like me."

"Ah… thy words have much meaning, Highwind. Thou hast aided me once more. And for that, I am truly grateful," says Sun, smiling.

"O-oh, you're welcome," says Highwind with a grin.

"Perhaps I should thank thee again," says Sun.

"NO! I-I mean, there's no need to thank me! I just wanted to help, that's all!" says Highwind with a small shade of red in his cheeks. I had enough for one day!

"If 'tis thy request, then I shall fulfill it," says Sun.

"U-uh, yeah! Anyway, please follow me!" says Highwind, turning and walking ahead.

"Aye," says Sun.

Walking through the dim hall, Highwind and Sun notice another white door in the distance, bathing in a bluish glow under the moonlight. Coming to a stop next to the door, Highwind places a hoof on a gold doorknob, twisting it, and pushing as the door creaks across the floor.

"Go in and have a look, Your Highness," says Highwind, pointing a hoof at the doorway. "It's the same as Prince Moon's room, so you won't notice any difference."

"Aye," says Sun. He walks through the doorway with his eyes glancing left and right at the interior of the dim room. He notices a glint in the corner of his eyes and lifts his head. "'Tis true. There is another chandelier here as well." 

"Now that we're here, Your Highness, I'll be taking my leave now. I need to get up pretty early tomorrow," says Highwind, yawning with a hoof over his mouth. "But before I leave, is there anything you need?"

"Nay," says Sun. 

"Well, goodnight," says Highwind with a smile. He turns and leaves through the doorway, pulling the white door behind him with a hoof.

"Highwind," says Sun.

"O-oh, what is it?" asks Highwind, turning his head.

"What is this 'goodnight' thou speakest of?" asks Sun.

Highwind smiles. "It's just something we say to each other when we're about to rest for the night."

"I see…" says Sun. Perhaps I should tell Moon about this.

"Well, goodnight," says Highwind.

"Goodnight," says Sun, smiling.

As Sun stands in the middle of the room, he watches as the door creaks across the floor. With an audible thud, the door comes to a close, leaving Sun in the quiet of the night. Looking down, Sun's eyes come upon a sphere on the red carpet below, threaded in gold while attached to another half of the sphere, threaded in silver.

Forgive me, Highwind… thinks Sun, furrowing his brows. He lowers himself on the carpet floor and rests his head over the silver half of the sphere. It still pains me to leave Moon… 

As time moves on, Sun's eyes begin to grow heavy as he closes them. However, his eyes quickly open to the sound of a woody rattle of knocks. Sun lifts his head and turns to the abrupt sound, facing the closed wooden door in front of him. He tilts his head as the door rattles again in a constant tap before coming to a stop.
    
"Sun, are you awake?" asks a motherly voice. 

"Celestia?" says Sun with wide eyes. 

"Yes, and I'm glad you're awake…" says Celestia with a sigh. "Did I come at the wrong time?"

"Nay," says Sun.

"Then, if you're not busy, can I speak with you?" asks Celestia.

"Aye," says Sun, pushing himself up onto his hooves.

"Please excuse me…" says Celestia.

Sun blinks his eyes as the door's gold doorknob glows in a yellow light before twisting itself, causing the door to creak across the floor. As the door opens in plain view, Sun's eyes come upon a dim white glow, coming off from Celestia's pure white coat while her rainbow mane glitters in the midst of the dim light.

"Good evening, Sun," says Celestia with a smile.

"Greetings…" says Sun, his eyes moving up and down.

"U-um, Sun, it's not polite to stare…" says Celestia with red cheeks.

"Ah, forgive me…" says Sun, frowning. "Thou dost not resemble our first meeting…"

"What do you mean?" asks Celestia, blinking.

Using a hoof, Sun puts a hoof over his chest and places it on his head behind his spiraling horn.

"Oh, you must mean my necklace and crown," says Celestia.

"Necklace? Crown?" says Sun, tilting his head.

"It's just something I wear to fulfill my duties during the day," says Celestia. "But why do you ask?"

"I do not know. But thou seem to be… different…" says Sun, smiling.

"O-oh, well, thank you…" says Celestia, averting her gaze as her cheeks turn into a shade of scarlet.

"Celestia, art thou feeling well?" asks Sun.

"Y-yes!" says Celestia, coughing into a hoof. "Anyway, are you enjoying your stay in Equestria?"

"Equestria?" says Sun, blinking. "What is this 'Equestria' thou speakest of?"

To think he was watching over our world this entire time… thinks Celestia, her mouth slightly open. "Sun, can I ask you something?"

"Aye," says Sun.

"How much do you and Moon know about this world?" asks Celestia.

"None," says Sun.

That's what I thought… thinks Celestia, sighing. However, she notices a bluish light in the corner of her eyes. "Sun, can you wait here for a second?"

"Aye," says Sun.

"It won't be long," says Celestia with a smile. 

Walking past Sun, Celestia stops in front of a red curtain. Her spiraling horn begins to glow in a yellow light, shrouding the curtain in a similar aura. The curtain moves to the side, revealing a large window door behind it as the moonlight casts its glow through it. Celestia's horn glows brighter as another yellow light appears around the door's gold doorknob and twists itself. At the sound of a click, the door creaks across the floor as the yellow light around Celestia's horn fades away. As the door stops, Celestia walks through the doorway before stopping in front of a white stone railing.

"Sun, please come here. There's something I want to show you," says Celestia, turning her head.

"Aye," says Sun, walking. Through the doorway, he lifts his head with wide eyes and an open mouth.

"Speechless, right?" asks Celestia with a small laugh.

"Celestia, is there any meaning in showing me this?" asks Sun. 

"Yes. Sun, when you asked about Equestria, I was thinking it might be best to show you instead," says Celestia. She then points a hoof. "Take a look around and grasp the scenery before you. This is Equestria, a land that is a part of this vast world you and Moon have been watching over for so long."

Sun gazes at the horizon, his eyes brightening upon the Moon hovering as small lights glimmer in the night sky. He slowly turns his head, his eyes coming upon a river, covered in the reflection of the stars above to a field of flowers of yellow and blue, casting its vibrant glow before meeting vast shadows of trees in the distance.

"So, what do you think?" asks Celestia.

"'Tis quite the view," says Sun with a smile.

"I'm glad you like it," says Celestia with a chuckle. She then points a hoof. "Oh, and if you look closely, you can see Ponyville from here. Do you see it? It's a small patch of lights in the distance."

"Ah, is that it?" asks Sun, pointing a hoof.

"Yes. Oh, and if you look over there, you can see… the…" Celestia trails off, blinking. "Sun, what are you looking at?"

Celestia's question is met with silence as Sun's eyes were looking down. She follows his gaze as her eyes widen upon two blue figures below, walking along a stone path through a garden filled with flowers of blue, green, and purple, glowing under the moonlight.

Oh, so that's what Luna had in mind. It's no wonder the Moon is much closer than usual, thinks Celestia with a small smile. She then squints her eyes, noticing a small creature sticking out of Moon's mane. Ah, so Moon met Tibbles as well.

"Celestia," says Sun.

"Y-yes?" says Celestia, turning her head.

"Hast thou once felt… discomfort?" asks Sun with distant eyes.

"Discomfort?" says Celestia, drawing her brows in. "What do you mean?"

"I… I cannot describe it. I know that Moon and I will not be apart for long. But as Highwind led the way to our rooms, it soon came to where I had to part ways with Moon. 'Twas… discomforting…" says Sun, placing a hoof on his chest.

Oh, now I understand… thinks Celestia. "Sun, that means you miss Moon…"

"I… miss Moon?" says Sun, tilting his head.

"It means you long to meet him. To stay by Moon's side. And it's something I once felt long ago as well…" says Celestia, frowning. "And a memory I'll never forget…"

"Art thou saying thou once parted… with Luna?" asks Sun.

"Y-yes…" says Celestia, hanging her head.

"How did Luna and thee part ways?" asks Sun with narrow eyes.

"I'm sorry…" says Celestia, shaking her head. "But it's something I don't want to talk-"

"Celestia," says Sun with a watery gaze. "I do not know what has happened between Luna and thee, but thou seem to be troubled as of now. If thou art willing to speak thy concerns, then I shall gladly listen to thee."

"Sun, thank you, but you don't have to trouble yourself over this…" says Celestia with a small smile.

Sun closes his eyes and slowly shakes his head. He then opens his eyes, showing a radiant glow within them. "Celestia, what Luna and thee have done for Moon and I is something we truly cannot hope to repay. That is why if I am able to be of some use to thee, then I shall aid thee in any way I am capable of."

"Sun…" says Celestia with wide eyes. She then lets out a sigh. "Well, to begin with, Luna and I were living our days together, guiding ponies throughout the years in Equestria. Everything was fine, and I thought it would continue to be that way. But I failed to notice that there was something wrong with Luna, the one pony I had been together with for so long…" she says, clenching a hoof. 

Sun stares with an inward gaze.

"Sun, you might not know this, but the reason Luna changed and why we were separated was because of you and Moon…" says Celestia.

"Moon and I?" says Sun, blinking.

"Yes, but I will not blame you both for my own past mistakes. You see, I was entrusted to raise the Sun, and Luna, to raise the Moon. On this world, mostly everything tends to move about during the day, but when night came, it was time to rest. It was then that Luna misunderstood that ponies tend to favor the day over the night. I tried to reason with her, but she wouldn't listen, and I didn't know what else to do…" says Celestia, frowning.

Sun's eyes begin to soften.

"Luna lost control of herself, and… I had no choice but to send her to the Moon…" says Celestia, her breathing growing heavy. "I-I thought I did the right thing, but as time passed, I began to wonder if I could've done something different…"

"Then dost thou still consider thy past discretion a mistake?" asks Sun.

"Of course I do! There's not a single day where… where I wished I had done something different! Something that would've prevented us from being torn apart! But no! I-I was too naïve!" says Celestia, gritting her teeth. She quickly puts a hoof over her head. It hurts! It hurts so much just thinking about it!

Sun wrinkles his brows, while Celestia places another hoof against her head, clenching her eyes shut with a groan. Using a hoof, Sun puts it to Celestia's chin and lifts her face up as he presses his head against hers.











"Sun…" says Celestia with red cheeks. "Wh-what are you doin-"

"Art thou feeling well?" asks Sun.

Huh? Wait, my head doesn't hurt anymore… thinks Celestia, blinking. "Yes…"

Sun smiles and pulls his face away. "Celestia, forgive me if I caused thee such discomfort." 

"N-no…" says Celestia, shaking her head. "I'm the one who should apologize for my behavior earlier."

"'Tis fine," says Sun, nodding.

"But why were you so close to my… face?" asks Celestia, her cheeks burning red.

"Moon and I have recently done the same. It has helped ease my thoughts before I parted ways with Moon," says Sun.

"O-oh, I see…" says Celestia. Her face begins to redden from the base of her chin to her ears. That must mean Sun and Moon's faces were close to each other…

"But now I understand what it means to miss somepony. Perhaps it truly was fate that Moon and I had met within the stars…" says Sun, gazing up at the night sky.

Wait, that doesn't make sense… thinks Celestia, blinking. "Sun, I thought you and Moon were together from long ago?"

"Nay," says Sun, shaking his head. "'Twas only I that watched over the world."

How… how could anypony go through that? thinks Celestia, frowning. "Then… you were by yourself all this time?" 

"Aye, but that is until Moon appeared…" says Sun, smiling.

"What do you mean?" asks Celestia.

"Even I do not know, but Moon came from unbeknownst the stars and was bound to thy world, given the same fate as I," says Sun.

"You're saying that Moon was by himself too…" says Celestia, wrinkling her brows.

"Aye," says Sun, nodding. "And for a time, Moon and I could not speak."

"Then… how did you and Moon learn it?" asks Celestia.

Sun smiles. "'Twas Luna."

"Luna?" says Celestia, blinking.

"If I remember, there was something that resembled a pony on Moon," says Sun.

It can't be… thinks Celestia with an open mouth. It must be the time when I sealed Luna away with the Elements of Harmony…

"In time, Moon and I learned to speak from Luna," says Sun.

I can't believe it… thinks Celestia. "But, Sun, how are you and Moon able to speak without raising your voice?"

"Raising… my voice?" says Sun, tilting his head.

"When you first came into the castle, do you remember when Twilight spoke in a similar way? Luna did the same thing when she did not believe Moon was… well, the Moon," says Celestia.

"Aye, I do remember. But I do not know…" says Sun, frowning.

"It's fine. But can you please continue?" asks Celestia with a smile. But it's amazing how you and Moon are able to speak it so naturally…

"Aye," says Sun, nodding. "If I remember, the image of a pony on Moon disappeared along with Luna."

That must be the day when Twilight and her friends faced Nightmare Moon… thinks Celestia. "Sun, what happened afterward?"

"I do not know…" says Sun. "But Moon and I came to be in a place named the Everfree Forest."

Celestia's eyes shrink. "Sun, were you and Moon hurt?"

"Nay," says Sun, shaking his head. "Moon and I spoke with the inhabitants of the forest, allowing our arrival in Ponyville."

"Then are you saying that you and Moon are able to talk to animals?" asks Celestia.

"If that is how thou describe the inhabitants of the Everfree Forest, aye," says Sun.

Amazing. They're like Luna and Fluttershy… thinks Celestia. "Well, I'm just glad that you and Moon are both safe. But since you arrived in Ponyville, I'm guessing the ponies there helped you?"

"Aye," says Sun with a smile. "'Twas interesting meeting the ponies there."

"Hmm…" says Celestia, tapping her chin with a hoof. "Sun, did Ponyville give you a proper greeting?"

"A proper… greeting?" says Sun, blinking.

"I guess that's a no," says Celestia with a chuckle. She stands firm before bowing her head. "Sun, on behalf of everypony, I welcome you and Moon to Equestria."

Strange… thinks Sun, placing a hoof over his chest. "Celestia, I feel strange…"

"Are you okay?" asks Celestia, drawing her brows in.

"I… I do not know. But it puts me at ease…" says Sun, smiling.

"That's a relief…" says Celestia, sighing. "I thought you were-" 

Celestia quickly opens her eyes, feeling a warm touch pressing against her cheek. She stares with an open mouth, while Sun pulls his lips away, gazing at her with half-lidded eyes.

"Celestia, please know that thy past discretion is how Moon and I came to be. For that, I truly am grateful to be able to meet thee. Thank you…" says Sun with a smile.

"Y-you're welcome…" says Celestia, her cheeks flushing into a rich color of a rose.

"Celestia, art thou sure thou art feeling well?" asks Sun.

"Y-yes! I'm fine…" says Celestia. She then places a hoof over her chest. Calm down. Just remember that he's only showing his thanks… 

Celestia turns her head, facing away from Sun. Her eyes roll down, seeing Luna and Moon in the distance, sitting on a lone hill, surrounded by a field of white flowers, glowing faintly under the moonlight. 

To think that Luna and I would be next to the very things we dedicated our lives to… thinks Celestia with a giggle.

"Celestia," says Sun.

"Yes?" says Celestia, facing Sun.

"Forgive me, but is there more of thy bread?" asks Sun.

"Bread? Oh, that bread," says Celestia with a small laugh. "Did you take a liking to it?"

"Aye," says Sun with a smile.

I guess banana flavor is something Sun and I have in common, thinks Celestia. "I'm sorry, but I don't have any at the moment."

"Ah, I see…" says Sun, hanging his head.

"Sun, don't worry. I promise there will be more tomorrow morning," says Celestia, smiling.

"If thou sayest so," says Sun with a smile.

Celestia then lifts her head, gazing up, only to glance to her side. Her eyes come upon Sun with his eyes reflecting the multiple lights, flickering in the night sky. Sun, thank you. I thought I would never forgive myself. But now, I'm glad that my loss was able to help you and Moon in return… 




To be continued…