*SCREECH*
I try and reach out to push them out of the way. Once again, my hand passes right through them.
"JUST MOVE!"
I close my eyes as the car speeds towards me and I hear the audible thump of an impact. I could never keep my eyes open when this part happened.
Opening my eyes again, I was looking over the bloodied bodies of the adults whilst the baby in the pram started wailing. A crowd of people began to gather and my vision slowly dissipated.
My nightmare once again ceases at the exact same point bringing me back to the awake side of the world. I sit up and rub my eyes with my hands. The room was dimly lit as the sun had just begun to rise.
That was the fifth night in a row that I had lived that scene in my dreams. Each time I would be in a different location but a little closer to the adult couple. I wrapped my arms around my body and hunched forward to regain my composure, letting out a few ragged breaths.
'Why the hell am I seeing this? It's bad to see it once but five times?"
The first time it happened was during my sleep with Luna on the week before Hearth's Warming. I brushed it off as a standard nightmare but every night after Hearth's Warming, I'd have the same nightmare again and again. Every time it got more unbearable to witness as I knew I could do nothing to stop what was going to happen.
*KNOCK KNOCK*
"Owen? Are you awake?"
I wiped my eyes again to get rid of any residue that may have gathered. "Yeah, I'm awake. Come in."
The door opened and Twilight slowly walked in looking concerned. "I heard you whimpering. Are you alright?" she asked, standing next to my bed.
"Just that nightmare again..." I said, sighing heavily afterwards. Twilight stood on her back legs and leant on my bed with her front ones.
"I can help, please. Just tell me what you saw." she asked calmly.
I shook my head and stared back at her. "No Twilight. The things I see are not pleasant. I...I just can't, I'm sorry." I look away from her and stand up from the bed. "Look, no need to worry about it. I'll get up, wash, get dressed and then live today like every other day." I said with a half-hearted smile.
"If you say so. But remember, I'm always avaliable to talk."
"I know Twilight, I know. Thanks." Twilight excused herself from my room as I began to undress. I quickly had a shower and re-dressed myself. I walked downstairs and found that Spike was up as well and he had cooked breakfast for us.
"Morning! Pancakes?" Spike cheerfully offered.
"Wonderful. Thank you very much." I replied with honest truth, taking the plate from his grasp and setting it down on the table. I began munching away on my pancakes, only to look up and see Twilight and Spike both giving me worried looks. "What?"
"It's ruining our sleep you know." Spike said quietly. Twilight gave him a stern look.
"What is?"
"Owen, I didn't want to mention this to you but every night, you say you have these nightmares. Well every night, you make noises in your sleep. Whimpers, sobs, shouting even. One of us has to come into your room and comfort you until you stop." Twilight explained.
I was dumbfounded. "I...really? I do that? I thought it was just in my dreams."
"Those noises are quite real. And it worries both of us that you're suffering." Spike retorted.
I brought my hands to my face and rubbed it, groaning whilst doing so. "I'm sorry. I really didn't know."
"It's alright. Just let us help in any way we can." Twilight offered with a smile.
We finished out breakfasts and cleaned up after ourselves. Looking at the time, it was only 6:30AM. Thinking about it, I realised Luna would still be awake at this time. Walking back into my bedroom, I shut the door and pulled out the purple gem and tapped it twice. Before long, a voice answered.
"Good morning Owen."
"Hey. You had a good night?"
"I suppose. Night court was a tad slow but the night went swiftly. How did you sleep?"
"Oh you know...good." I answered hesitantly. Luna picked up on that.
"What's wrong? You sound worried."
I inhaled and exhaled loudly. "The nightmare. It happened again."
"Are you OK?"
"I...I don't know. It was worse this time. I was right next to them and they still couldn't hear me."
"I'm sorry. I wish I could be there with you right now."
"It's alright. I know you're just about to sleep so I won't keep you waiting." I quickly answered.
"It's OK, I can talk for as long as you want."
"Yeah well...I...I'm s-sorry Luna, I've got to go." I quickly tapped the gem to stop the communication. I had to end it - just talking about it made me remember and my mood was quickly changing to distraught. I set the gem down and huffed quietly.
*BEEP*
I couldn't answer it. I just couldn't talk to her in my state. I quickly gathered my boots, coat and hat and quickly put them on, ignoring the continuous beeping of the gem. I exited the room and walked downstairs.
"Where are you going?" Twilight asked.
"I just need to clear my head. I'll be back later."
"Do you need some company?"
"No. I just need to be alone." I said, opening the door and walking out into the winter air. I was met with a cold wind as I trundled through the snow. I started walking away from the library, uphill, towards the acres. It was there that I knew I could find a place to be alone.
Twilight had her face in yet another book as she was researching for something. Spike walked in carrying a duster in his hand and strolled up to Twilight.
"Heya Twilight. The lab's all dusted." he happily said.
"Hmm? That's great Spike." she replied in a monotone voice.
Spike peered at the book Twilight was reading and began scanning the pages. "Night terrors, nightmares...are you researching this for Owen?" he asked.
"I really want to help him. You could see that he was upset on his way out. I'm trying to find out if there is a solution for his nightmares. Besides..." She turned to him to show bags under her eyes. "I don't think either you or me wants to be woken up in the middle of the night again."
"Oh boy...you can say that again." Spike replied, shuddering at the thought of it. "But how are we gonna help him?" Twilight didn't answer. Her face was one of realisation as she kept reading a sentence in her book over and over. "Twilight?"
"I know just what to do. Spike, take a letter for Princess Luna."
I had walked for about an hour now. An hour, trundling through the thick snow that lay on the grounds of Sweet Apple Acres. The trees were devoid of their fruit, making the area look so much different. After a while, I managed to find an Evergreen tree with a hollowed out section in the bottom.
I crawled into the space and sat down inside. The space was just big enough for me to get into and it left a little space to stretch. The tree above me restricted the light from filtering through.
As I sat there, contemplating my thoughts, the wind blew in through the gaps in the trees, chilling me to the bone. I shufled my clothing closer to me and hugged myself to keep the body heat flowing.
"Why is this happening? Surely there must be a reason for it."
I closed my eyes and tried to think happy thoughts. But all I got was the screech of the car and the thumps of the bodies. No matter what I did, the sounds and memories would not go away. I needed to let go. I needed to vent my frustration.
"WHY ARE YOU SHOWING ME THIS?!" I screamed, before holding my head with my hands and took long, heavy breaths.
"Because this is part of your reward."
My head jolted upwards at the sound of a voice. It sounded familiar. "Who's there?"
"No-one. I am here. Within you."
"What?" I thought about it for a second before recognising that voice. "It's you isn't it? The one who saved me."
"Once again, I must correct you for it is you who saved me."
"Right...why are you here?" I asked in annoyance.
"To guide you. Do you remember what I told you when we parted before?"
"Um...you thanked me and said I would be rewarded."
"Correct. Are you understanding it?"
"Understanding it? I was given two titles within the royal family and I've had it explained to me. Apart from that, there's nothing more that I know."
"I do not mean that. Do you understand your dreams?"
"My dreams? My..." My anger flared as I realised what it meant. "YOU? These nightmares are your doing?!" I shouted.
"Nightmares? My dear, those are visions of your home world."
"Yeah I can see that. Why do I see those people's deaths? WHY?"
"This is all to help you. When you were in my domain, I examined your very existence. I saw everything. What you see in those nightmares - you will understand eventually. Please try to figure it out."
"What are you talking about? How can this help me - seeing a couple's death over and over? Trying to help me become traumatised? Because that's what it's doing!"
"I'm sorry. I cannot tell you. This is something you have to figure out on your own or with help from a friend."
"Great. So I'll keep having these nightmares until I understand what they mean...fantastic."
"I believe your friend Twilight is trying to help you. Maybe you should accept her help."
"Wait, are you telling me or asking me to accept it?"
The voice chuckled. "And there it is. Good luck Owen."
"Wait!" No answer. The voice in my head ceased talking. "What do you mean? Come back!" Still no answer. "Shit..." I leant back on the base of the tree, thinking about what the voice meant. It was responsible for the nightmares and they were for a reason. It also said that Twilight was trying to help me and I should accept her help.
"I suppose it's right. She's just looking out for me."
"Owen?!"
Someone was calling my name. I didn't answer as I wanted to focus on what the voice said. Like when it said that these nightmares were trying to help me. How can a nightmare help?
"Owen? Come on partner, ah know you're out here."
Now I recognised who it was. Not wanting to worry any of my friends, I slowly crawled out of the tree and stood up with AJ noticing me. "Hey AJ."
"There ya are! What in tarnation are you doing out here by yourself?" she asked, walking up to me.
"I needed to be alone for a while and I figured there'd be no-one out here. How did you know I was here?"
"Ah saw ya walking out here earlier. Ah wanted to let you know that Twi's lookin' for ya."
Maybe I should accept it. "Thanks AJ. Sorry for worrying you."
"Think nothin' of it. Now come on, get back indoors before ya catch somethin'!" she ordered.
"Yes Ma'am!" I saluted. We shared a laugh and I followed AJ back through the acres towards her home. We talked for a while - mainly about how we both were. I kept the nightmare information under my imaginary hat and mentioned how I was loving all of my Hearth's Warming presents. Soon enough, we reached the Apple household.
"Ah got some fresh apple fritters if ya fancy 'em." she asked.
"As much as I'd love to, I better not keep Twilight waiting. You know how she can be." I said with a laugh. I parted with the southern pony and started walking back towards the library.
Walking back through the town, I once again thought about the inner conversation I had with the voice. I was thinking about it so much, I actually started thinking whether I was going mad. Maybe it was my own thoughts saying those things. Maybe my head is just making me hear what I want to hear. Considering my sanity, I dismissed these thoughts as I quite clearly remember talking to the voice in that limbo realm.
I reached the library and walked in, shaking off any loose snow that was on my boots. "Hey Twilight. I'm sorry about earlier but I--" I was cut off by a tackle from the unicorn.
"Where were you? I was worried!" she said loudly, glaring at me.
"Wow, you're strong. I just took a walk and had a think about what's been happening."
"Well...alright." Twilight got up off my body and stood up. "I have good news. I have found a way to help you with these nightmares."
"I accept your help." I quickly say.
"But...you don't know what I'm going to do. Why accept so quickly?"
I thought carefully about what I should say. "Let's say I had an epiphany. I need your help Twilight."
She smiled and put a hoof on my chest. "Thank you. I promise to do my best. Spike?"
Spike entered the room from the kitchen. "Yeah Twilight?"
"Can I trust you to look after the library until tomorrow evening?" she asked.
"Of course Twilight! I can do it!" Spike happily responded.
"Good. Now Owen." she said, turning back to me. "We are taking the train to Canterlot to visit the Princess. I may have found a solution to your problems and the Princess agrees."
"Right...OK then. When do we leave?" I ask.
"Due to the snowfall over the past few nights, the train has to travel at less than half of it's normal speed. We are taking the 8PM train and we should arrive in Canterlot at around Midday the following day." she stated.
"Wow...a fifteen hour journey? Damn..."
The train started it's journey, 8PM on the dot. Me and Twilight had gotten a cabin to ourselves as this train included sleeping berths. They were bunk beds. Reminds me of my childhood. I took the bottom bunk whilst Twilight took the top one. I brought along a Daring Do book to help pass the time.
"So, how are you feeling?" I heard Twilight ask.
"Good I suppose. A tad nervous." Truth be told, I didn't know how I was feeling. I was happy because we were trying to find a solution to my nightmares and that I was going to see Luna again. I was nervous because I knew I would have to talk about it and I really don't want to.
"There's no need to be nervous. I'm sure the Princess will help you as calmly as possible. She knows of how upsetting these nightmares are making you."
"Yeah...but..."
Twilight leant her head over her bunk to look at me. "But what?"
I sat up and stretched my limbs. "I had a conversation with something today. Something that knew about my nightmares."
Twilight hopped down from her bunk and landed on mine. "Something? What do you mean?"
"The voice. The voice spoke to me in my head."
"When did this happen?!" she said with alarm.
"When I went out this morning. The voice said I was seeing these nightmares for a reason but it wouldn't tell me why. It also said it's rewarding me with these nightmares. How can this be a reward?" I explained.
"I'm not sure." she said, bringing a hoof to her mouth. "But the Princess will be able to explain it further."
"I hope so. Because it said that I'll keep having the nightmares until I understand the meaning behind them."
"Understand them? What do you suppose it meant?"
I sighed. "Not a clue. Maybe it's trying to show me something."
Twilight nodded and returned to her bunk. The sound of pages turning filled the room as I lay back down and immersed myself in the Daring Do book.
A couple of hours later, I put down the book and looked out of the window into the night. The train was moving at a very slow pace. Looking out, I saw that the vast fields and trees that illustrated the lands were blanketed in snow. A beautiful sight.
I sat back on my bunk and realised, even though it was only 10PM, I was quite tired. "Hey Twilight. I'm gonna go to sleep. You don't mind do you?"
"Of course not. Have a pleasant rest."
"Thanks." I got under the covers and lay my head on the pillow. "Oh and Twilight? I'm sorry if I start making noises."
She poked her head over the edge into my view - she had a very heartfelt smile. "It's not problem. I don't mind one more night."
"Thanks. Night."
With that, I closed my eyes to hopefully have a peaceful sleep.
I opened my eyes to see that I was in a void of nothing. "Huh? Where am I?" A bright light shone in front of me. The light that looked familiar.
"Hello again."
I grit my teeth. "You. What do you want now?"
"Such anger in your voice. I am preventing your nightmare for tonight. You should sound pleased."
I sighed and rubbed my eyes. "Sorry...I am. And please don't think I'm not grateful for you making me live again. I can't thank you enough for that. It's just these past few nights have been horrible."
"I understand. Please believe that this is for your own good. You will learn a great deal when you understand what the visions mean."
"But how long will that take? I really can't re-live that same dream every night."
"You are close. The Princess will guide you. From her, you will understand."
"You mean it's tomorrow? I'll finally get it tomorrow?"
The light dimmed and the world turned dark again. "This is the last time I will speak with you. I wish you the best but remember this. Although it will make sense to you, you may not like what you see. Farewell Owen, ambassador of the human race."
I felt my eyes begin to droop as I slowly became drowsy, if that was even possible in a dream. "Thank you."
The gentle rocking of the train woke me up. Opening my eyes, I caught sight of light outside. I sat up and stretched my arms and legs before slowly getting off the bed and standing up. I glanced over to where Twilight slept and found her reading once again. She turned to face me and gave a heartfelt smile.
"Good morning Owen. How did you sleep?"
"Brilliantly. No nightmare at all. Did I make any noises last night?" I ask.
"Not to my knowledge. I slept through the night, not waking up once."
"Great! What time is it?" She pointed her hoof at a clock on the wall. "Holy sh...sugar. 11:30? I've slept for over twelve hours!"
"You looked so peaceful so I didn't wake you."
I reached up and pulled Twilight into a small hug. "Thanks Twilight. You're a good friend."
Twilight broke the hug and stared back at me. "The train will be arriving in fifteen minutes. You may want to get dressed."
"Right, right." Following her instruction, I quickly got myself dressed in yesterday's clothes. I mentally cursed myself for forgetting a change of clothing. To be honest, more important things were on my mind. I put on my communication gem around my neck. Rarity had done me a wonderful favour as she fixed a chain around the gem so it could be used as a necklace. "Whatcha reading there?"
"More information about nightmares. Funny really because I never read into in before until now." she replied.
"Well let's hope that the information that you and the Princess found help me."
Before long, the train pulled into Canterlot station and we disembarked the train. When we got off, a couple of armor-clad unicorns approached us.
"Her Highness asked us to escort you to the castle. Please follow us." they both said in unison. Not wanting to disobey their orders, we both followed them whilst they led us through the busy streets of Canterlot. Passing through some of the market stalls, some of the ponies would part like the Red Sea for us to walk through. I still didn't like that. I'd rather be treated like a normal person, not like a higher member of authority.
We soon reached the castle where the guards led us through the windy halls and towards the throne room. At least, that's what I thought. They led us through a side set of doors into a large open room with a few tables and chairs scattered around it.
"Please wait here. The Princess will be with you shortly." one of the guards said before they both exited the room. I turned to Twilight who was examining the room.
"Do you know where we are?" I asked.
"Of course. This is the training chamber. I used to practice my spells in here but judging by the state of the room, I guess it hasn't been used for a while." she said, looking around.
*BEEP*
Both Twilight and I looked down at the beeping gem on my chest. I smiled at Twilight and tapped it twice. "Hey you. I thought you'd be asleep by now."
"I normally would be but something came up. Something important."
"Oh? What's that?"
The door to the room opened up to reveal both Celestia and Luna. "My lover was suffering." Luna said with a smile. I walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. We held the hug for a while before I rested my head on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry about yesterday. I had a bad moment." I glumly said.
"I understand." She broke the hug and looked me in the eyes. "We all have bad moments in our lives. And we are going to help you during yours." She leant forward and planted a kiss on my lips.
"Thank you." I turned to Celestia who was hugging Twilight. "All of you. I really appreciate this."
"It is our pleasure Owen." Celestia replied. She led us to the centre of the room where several cushions were placed in a circle. We all sat down, with me sitting next to Luna. "We understand you are having repetitive nightmares."
The moment that word left her lips, I frowned quite heavily. "Yeah...that's right. You've seen the nightmare haven't you? I remember you looking at it."
"That's correct. It wasn't a happy sight at all." Celestia replied.
"Has anything changed during these nightmares?" Luna asked.
"Well, each time I'm at the same scene but I move a little closer to where it actually happens. But apart from that, it's still the same."
"Is there anything else you can tell us?" Celestia said.
"Tell them about the voice." Twilight interjected.
"The voice?" Luna question.
"Yeah, you know, the voice which spoke to me and fixed time?" The sisters nodded. "Well, yesterday morning, I walked around trying to find a quiet place to be by myself. I needed time alone. It was then that the voice started speaking to me, in my head. It told me that it was responsible for the nightmares and apparently, they are trying to show me something. It also said that I'd keep having these nightmares until I understand why what they are supposed to be showing." The sisters both looked at each other with a worried look. "The last thing it said to me was that the Princess will be able to show me the answer but I won't like what I see. So...that's what I'm hoping you can do."
Luna shuffled on her rump and turned to face me. "Owen. Turn and look at me." I did so. "Why do you think Twilight asked me for help?"
"That answers my next question. She just said 'Princess'. Um...I don't know really." I quietly said.
"Let me explain. Celestia rules the sun and the day whilst I rule the moon and the night. What do most ponies do at night?"
"Um...sleep?"
She nodded. "Yes. Whilst Celestia has powers that can help ponies whilst they are awake, I have powers that can help ponies when they are...?"
"Asleep. You know about dreams!" I said in realisation.
"That's right. If you will allow me, I will see your dream and help you understand what it means."
I nodded vigorously. "I'll do anything. Please, do what you have to."
Luna lowered her horn and pointed it at my forhead. "Sister and Twilight, you may view what I am able to see but you cannot interact." Her horn shone bright and I soon found myself feeling drowsy. My eyes drooped lower and lower and...
"Hng...uhhh...huh, what?" I opened my eyes to find I was standing on pavement. I looked around to see that I was here again. Back in the nightmare. "No. NO! Luna?!"
"I'm here!" she called from behind me. I turned around to see her standing there, marvelling of the world around her. "Your world is very different."
I began to panic. "I-I don't want to b-be here!" I shouted at her - ragged breaths making their way out. She pulled me to her body with one of her wings and held me close.
"It's alright, it's OK." She nuzzled my cheek affectionately. "Just remember, this is only a dream."
I stood back from her. "Then why do I feel like I'm here for real? I mean, look!" I stomped my foot on the pavement and it made an audible clack. "I can feel the floor."
"That is my doing. I am able to re-live a creature's dreams as if it were real life. I can also control the dream. Like so." Her horn glowed and the world around us stopped. Trees were frozen in place, birds were stuck in mid-air and leaves were caught in a frozen breeze.
I slowly walked around, looking at the frozen scene. It wasn't long before I bumped into something solid...but there was nothing there. I was on the corner of the road and I could not walk any further. "What is this?"
"We cannot leave the vision of your dream. Only what you see is what we can explore." I nodded and walked back to her. "Do you want me to start the dream?"
I shook my head. "I can't watch it. I never have. I always close my eyes." I nervously said.
Luna put her wing around my shoulder. "Then close your eyes. And hold your hands over your ears. I will watch it."
I did what she asked and waited. This was horrible - knowing my partner was watching the death of two random people. I wanted to stop her but I knew she wanted to help and this was the only way. After a while, she spoke to me in my mind.
"It's OK. I have seen it. If you open your eyes, nothing will happen."
I did so and saw that the dream had reversed a little to show the two people with the pram waiting on the side of the road. I looked back at Luna who looked upset. "I'm sorry you had to see that. I haven't had the guts to watch."
Luna blinked slowly and rested a hoof on my shoulder. "Come with me." she said quietly, almost solemnly. She led me over towards the couple with the pram and stopped about ten feet from them. "I watched what happened and was deeply shocked. That thing you call a car didn't even stop!"
"Yeah, it's called a hit-and-run." I looked at the couple then back at Luna. "What are trying to show me?"
She looked in my eyes. "Owen, please listen. After watching and studying the scene and the humans involved, I understood why you would see this. And the voice was right, I'm sorry but you will not like it."
I placed a hand on her shoulder. "Please Luna. What does it mean?" She took my hand with her hoof and led me over to the couple, stopping in front of the man. "Owen, look at this human." I stood in front of him and looked at him, observing his clothing and his style. "What do you see?"
"Um...he's an average guy. Early twenties, average build. His style's a bit odd, looks kind of 80's."
Luna placed her hoof on my shoulder. "Owen...look closer." I did so and began to observe him more thoroughly. He was quite tall, he had short hair, he had a mole on his neck...
I raised my hand and felt my neck where a large mole has been for most of my life. "Luna..." Luna walked in front of me and summoned a mirror, holding it up next to the man's face so I could see my reflection in it. I looked at my reflection, then at the man, then my reflection again. The similiarities were plentiful. "He...he looks like...me." I said in a whisper.
Luna nodded and put the mirror next to the woman. "Now look at the woman." I did so and examined her. Shorter than the man but something was similar. I looked down and saw that she had large feet. I studied her face and saw she had green eyes...like mine.
I stood back and shook my head - my emotions building. "Luna...wh-who are these people?" It couldn't be what I thought. It just couldn't.
"I know what you are thinking and I'm sorry but your thoughts are correct." She stepped besides me and put a wing on my shoulder. "You know who these people are don't you?"
My bottom lip quivered as I couldn't bring myself to say those words. Those two words. I shut my eyes to prevent the tears from falling but they seeped out through my eyelids. I looked up at Luna and tried my best to hold my emotions inside. "M-my...my pa..." I couldn't do it. The floodgates opened and I held my hands up to my face to cover my tears. I felt Luna pull me close and hold her wings around me.
"You have to say it Owen. You have to speak the truth." she said in a calm tone.
I pulled away from Luna and approached the two adults, looking at both of them. "Mum...Dad..." A smile formed through my teary disposition. I turned to look at the pram to see a very young baby inside, sleeping soundly. Luna walked up to me and peered in the pram, observing the young child.
"You did it. Well done." she said, leaning on my shoulder. "He is adorable isn't he?"
"Y-yeah." I said through ragged breaths.
"There is one more thing you have to do. To fully accept what you have learnt, you have to watch what happens."
I stood up sharply at the absurd request. "WHAT? You want me to watch my parents die?"
"It's not just that! Something else happens that will make you feel respect for those you have lost." she offered. I tried to come up with an excuse not to watch but I knew she would make me. I nodded slowly before she led me back to the pavement. Her horn glowed and the dream started again.
*SCREECH*
There it is. I turned to see the car skidding around a corner at speed. It sped past us at a high speed. I wanted to close my eyes but I knew I had to see this for it to be finally over. I watched as the couple, who were already halfway across the road, saw the oncoming car and realised they were in trouble. There was no time for them to get out of the way so they pushed the pram away at the last second before the car hit them.
I gasped as I watched their bodies topple to the ground whilst the car sped off around the corner. The baby in the pram started crying. So that's what she wanted me to see. I leant my hand on her neck and looked in Luna's eyes.
"They...saved me."
Luna nodded and kissed my forehead. "Now you know. Your parents saved your life at the cost of their own." I nodded slowly and leant my head on hers. "Do you want to go back?" I nodded again. Luna's horn glowed and the world around us faded into white before my eyes drooped and I felt like I was sleeping again.
I opened my eyes to see we were back in the practice room. Twilight and Celestia were both teary as they had viewed what had happened. I looked at Luna who had a proud smile on her face. I leant over to her and embraced her, letting out a few strained sobs.
"Shh, shh, it's OK. It's over." she gently said in my ear. I buried my face in her shoulder, letting out a few muffled sniffs. After a bit, I had stopped the waterworks and leant back from Luna. Celestia and Twilight both walked over and sat in front of me.
"I'm sorry." Twilight said. I stretched over and pulled her close to me, giving her a quick squeeze.
"Thanks." I looked over to Celestia and felt a new wave of emotion, only this time it was of relief and joy. "Are you alright?" I ask her.
"I'm fine. I'm sorry for what you saw." she offered.
"Thank you." I said, wiping away my flooded eyes. "To be honest...I'm relieved. This is what the voice rewarded me with. I know about my real parents and what they did for me and I feel closer to my friends because they cared about me in my time of need." The ponies before me all gave huge smiles as a response from my praise. But there was one more thing I needed to say...but it needed to be in private.
"I will have the chefs prepare us a lunch." Celestia said as she rose. We all got up from our seated positions and walked out of the room. Twilight started a conversation with Luna and they both walked ahead from me and Celestia. Perfect. "I am glad that you have uncovered the truth...but I feel sorrow for what happened."
I stopped and sighed, causing Celestia to stop and turn around. Luna and Twilight were oblivious and kept walking. "I didn't want to say this in front of Luna because I felt you would understand more. I am happy that I know this but...I just can't help but feel upset that I know I'll never be able to thank my parents for what they did. If only I could just talk to them...just once."
Celestia opened a door and motioned for me walk inside. I did so and she walked in behind me, shutting the door. "I can tell you are hiding something." she said with a neutral look.
I shuffled my feet and rubbed my eyes. I looked at up at Celestia and found the courage to say it. "Celestia, ever since I came to this world, you have always been there for me. You help me in my time of need, you always know the things to say, you accepted me into this world like I was an Equestrian. You even risked your life to save mine and everyone else's. All of these things you do for me, I feel this bond with you. This...strong bond that I've just realised what it means."
I stop and think about what to say next. "I suppose after all this time, I see you as this kind of...protector. Someone who will always have my back and who will always help and protect me. Something a family member would do. Something...a mother would do. Do you see what I'm saying?"
Celestia nodded and smiled at me. "I do. You see me as an authority figure in your life. A mother figure."
"Yeah...I hope that doesn't sound weird." She laughed softly. "It does, doesn't it? Look forget I said anything." I began to walk away from her, only to be levitated by her magic so I was placed in front of her.
"Owen, that is not weird at all. I know how you feel and I applaud you for admitting your feelings to me." She stretched her wing out and draped it over my shoulder, setting me to the ground. "Everything you've done, the friends you've made, how you have made my sister feel, your sacrifices, your technology, the goals you have achieved here. Owen, I'd be proud to call you my son."
I leant towards Celestia and put my arms around her frame. My eyes began to tear up again at her kind words. "That's one of the most sweetest things anyone has ever said to me."
"Why don't you talk to me like that anymore, sister?"
"HUH?!" I looked down to see that the gem was still glowing. "I didn't turn it off earlier...she heard everything."
"Yes I did. I think what you both said was very moving."
I looked at Celestia who burst out laughing, which caused a chain reaction with both me and Luna. After we stopped belly laughing, we walked out of the room and made our way towards the dining area. "Come on Owen. I can just taste those pastries." Celestia said, drooling.
"Sure. Hold on." I tapped the gem twice and looked at Celestia. "Just to be sure."
*A/N* - This was my first time at attempting a sad chapter. Don't worry, there won't be any more like this...for now. Hope you all enjoyed it!