The Truth

by Blue Turtle

The Truth

The Truth: Chapter 5

Twilight yawned and got out of bed.

Guess I overslept. Twilight thought. She quickly realized her friends were no better as she came out of her dark room.

Rainbow Dash was still asleep while Rarity and FlutterShy were in a bathroom washing up. AppleJack sat on a couch in the sunny room. The room looked like any other. It had white walls and a tall ceiling. There were three windows facing the courtyard with one in the middle being the largest. The couch faced another one opposite to it with a coffee table in between. six cups of tea had been situated with three turned right. Probably for AppleJack, FlutterShy and Rarity who had been awake. Twilight took her cup and sipped it.

"Good tea." Twilight said before putting it back down. She sat down and looked over to AppleJack.

"So. How'd you sleep Twi?" AppleJack asked.

"Good. The bed was nice. What about you?" Twilight said as she lifted her tea cup up to her mouth. She looked at AppleJack and waited for a response.

"Not bad. Pretty good room for being last second you know?" AppleJack said. Twilight nodded and sipped her tea.

Twilight looked out the window. It was odd to watch the city being rebuilt.

"I think we should help." Twilight said setting down her teacup.

"That's a great idea!" Pinkie pie excitedly said as she bounced into the room. She smiled at her friends. Rainbow Dash groggily came through the door.

"Gosh dang it. It's too early to wake up." Rainbow Dash gruffly said. Rarity looked at her.

"Dear we're going to help." Rarity said. Rainbow Dash's ears perked up.

"That's not a bad idea. Here; Let me and Pinkie eat and we'll get to work." Rainbow Dash said with a soft smile.

"That sounds like an excellent idea." Celestia said from behind them. The ponies in the room immediately looked at her.

"Oh good morning Princess. Didn't see you there." AppleJack said. She seemed surprised.

"It's quite alright. I came here to check up on all of you. You seem well rested." Celestia said looking directly at Rainbow Dash. The blue pegasus nodded with a embarrassed smile. After carrying on a small conversation the tall alicorn left. The six friends ate and left for the busy day of reconstruction. With the sun slowly beginning it's journey across the sky behind them they walked out of the castle and into the street. Eventually they split up; Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie went to the west Canterlot District while Twilight, FlutterShy and AppleJack went towards the east District. Both Districts were damaged. Twilight arrived at one building that needed to be torn down before it became "un-sound" as one pony put it. It was more difficult than it sounded however.

"We can't tear it apart with one large spell. That'd be just as bad as leaving it the way it is." Twilight heard one pony say.

With that Twilight and other unicorns carefully took off the roofing and worked their way down. Ponies moved about; hauling away wood and stone. Debris was everywhere and had to be moved as well. On the west side they weren't have any luck as well. One of the buildings had collapsed under it's own weight as it was being taken down (Luckily no pony was harmed.) but the day went forward. The sun reached it's peak at noon and it was time for a break. Some ponies grumbled they should get more done. Then again those were the ones who weren't working.

"I suggest if you are going to complain about the work going on you should be working with us." rarity said. Her tone was not quite rude but it definitely made the complainers uncomfortable.

A blue pegasus along with several other pegasi heaved up a load of wood and steadily carried it off. The ropes held firm but holding them was a different story. Thankfully there was lot a lot of wind. Then again it made it all the hotter as the sun beat down on them. The bell chimed and the pegasi set it down. Rainbow Dash glided down and landed near Pinkie. A silhouette formed in the shape of an alicorn above them. As it swiftly glided down it's wings beat against the air. Twilight landed.

"I don't ever understand how you can get tired of that." Twilight said extending her wing.

"Who said I got tired of it." Rainbow Dash confidently said with a smirk. Pinkie Pie bounced over to Twilight.

"Are we gonna eat or what? I'm starving!" Pinkie Pie said. A low gurgle came from the mare's stomach and the three burst out laughing.

A few ponies gave them odd looks but it didn't really matter. Pinkie Pie bounced over, told them a joke or three and they soon burst out in laughter as well. They all may have looked like fools but they looks like happy fools. Pinkie chatted up the two and got to know them both. A pale white earth pony and a fiery blue pegasus. The earth pony seemed very quiet but would always listen while the pegasus seemed polite but not quite quiet. Pinkie Pie seemed to like them at least. Twilight walked over with a few cups of water floating around her in a purple aura.

"I see you make friends quickly Pinkie." Twilight said as one floated over to QuickWit and BurningNight.

"Yup!" Pinkie Pie answered excitedly.

Twilight examined the two mares. QuickWit was a fiery blue pegasus with white curls in her mane. Her cutie mark resembling a book. However it could mean anything really. BurningNight was a pale white unicorn with a cherry red and blue mane. She was quite pretty actually. Though her cutie mark was a bit dis-concerning; It was a a scroll on fire. Hopefully what it meant was what Twilight hoped it wasn't. Twilight shook her head and smiled softly and the two.

"Twilight Sparkle, pleasure to meet you." Twilight said extending her hoof. QuickWit gave a firm hoof shake while BurningNight was a bit a more delicate.

"I'm QuickWit, this is my w- friend BurningNight." QuickWit said. She caught herself halfway through her sentence to glance at BurningNight then back at Twilight. Pinkie Pie smiled brightly at them as they chatted. Twilight enjoyed their company every bit as mush.

"So you're Luna's assistant?" Twilight asked as she carefully lifted the spoon full of soup to her mouth.

"Yes. Though only for five days now. Luna let me help clean up the city while she had some other things to get to." BurningNight said calmly. They sat in the shade of a building. There wasn't really a table just the dusty ground they sat on. There was a box they moved to keep their food off the ground (Dust doesn't taste very good now does it?) QuickWit set down her cup and looked upwards.

"Jeez. If today gets any hotter we're gonna have to ask Princess Celestia to turn down the sun." QuickWit joked. Pinkie Pie laughed gleefully and Twilight chuckled. BurningNight smiled and glanced at QuickWit warmly.

"So where's FlutterShy?" Pinkie asked before looking around.

"Oh yea. FlutterShy went back to the castle to look after Spike." Twilight said calmly.

"Okey-dokey!" Pinkie Pie said as she chugged her water. QuickWit giggled as she spoon dove into her soup boil. The soup wasn't amazing but it was filling.

"I heard one of the buildings collapsed on the west side. I hope everypony's ok." BurningNight said thoughtfully. Twilight looked at Pinkie with a concerned look.

"Something wrong?' QuickWit asked as she set down her spoon.

"Not yet at least. Three of our friends are helping out in the west District." Twilight said. Concern oozing from her being.

"Hm. Then let's go." BurningNight said. He got up, set down her bowl at the counter of the soup kitchen and looked back at her newly found friends. Twilight and Pinkie Pie were surprised at first but sooner rather than later they were following BurningNight.

"Don't worry guys. BurningNight knows the streets of Canterlot like her own hooves." QuickWit said confidently. Twilight nodded. They got quite far through the winding streets. But eventually they came to a part where they weren't allowed through.

"Please sir. Some of our friends are on the other side." Pinkie Pie pleaded.

"No can do miss. Sorry but their clearing up that building right now." The guard said. Pinkie Pie opened her mouth to say something but closed it.

"What do we do now?" BurningNight asked. The question hung in the air.

"Hm. This is crazy but why not fly over it?" QuickWit said as she extended her wings.

"Yea! Wait don't we need wings then." Pinkie Pie asked.

"No. Why don't me and Twilight fly you over." QuickWit said. The guard eyed her like she was crazy.

"Ma'am hate to break it you but I doubt that's possible." The guard said. Twilight thought for a moment.

"We might as well try." Twilight said.

The purple alicorn stood up and lifted Pinkie Pie over to her. The pink mare sat on her back confused for a moment. BurningNight hung on tightly as QuickWit slowly took off. Twilight was not too far behind as the four lifted off. QuickWit struggled to fly a little but soon they were passing over the toppled building. Twilight breathed heavily as she beat her wings harder in the air. QuickWit kept to gliding but that only worked so well. But once again the lack of wind brought sweet relieve. Ponies gasped as the four finally landed. QuickWit let out a sigh of relieve as her hooves hit the ground. She skidded a bit with the extra weight. Twilight hovered and then fell onto the ground. Pinkie Pie ontop of her head.

"Cafgh you gefef off of me?" Twilight's muffled voice pushed through.

"Oh yea!" Pinkie Pie said as she got off. Twilight rubbed her neck and sighed.

"Well. I won't say I'm graceful." Twilight said as she heard (and felt) her neck crack.

"What the hay are you guys doing here!" Rainbow Dash called out from the corner of the street. She ran up.

"Looking for you guys!" Pinkie Pie said with a hop. Rainbow Dash blinked.

"Oh um ok." Rainbow Dash said. She motioned for the four to follow her. Rarity and AppleJack were sitting in the shade of a building. They immediately perked up when they saw Twilight and Pinkie.

"Oh hello girls." Rarity said quietly. She motioned them over.

"Hey!" Pinkie Pie enthusiastically said.

"So who are those two?" AppleJack said pointing to QuickWit and BurningNight.

"Oh this is QuickWit and BurningNight. They helped us find you guys." Pinkie Pie said. The two came closer and all seven sat in a circle.

"It's a pleasure to meet you all." BurningNight said. Her eyes traveled across the group. And so another conversation was started. Slowly but surely they got to know each other a little bit. The bell rang again.

"Well I guess we should all get back to work. See you guys later." Rainbow Dash said. She and QuickWit took off to move debris again. BurningNight and AppleJack went off to help. Twilight and Pinkie stood for a while. Pinkie Pie smiled lightly.

"They're so nice." Pinkie Pie said calmly. She glanced at Twilight.

"Yea. Anyway I guess we should get to work too." Twilight turned to Rarity who seemed puzzled.

"Hm. I suppose so." Rarity said. She shook her head and soon the three got back to work. It was a long day and hot but a peaceful one nonetheless.

__________________________________________________________________________

High above in Canterlot Castle Celestia looked over the land.

Aurinko. Have I failed yet? Celestia thought.

No my child. you have done well actually. I apologize for Mira however. She did not see reason as we hoped.

Yes... Celestia thought. Her heart felt heavy inside her chest. Was it guilt? Despair? Had she truly failed?

Do not fear Celestia. This time the power is already inside of you. You have unlocked your true power from the depths of despair that has choked you for so long. Now nothing will stand in your way.

You're right. Thank you once again. Celestia thought once more. The pitch black disappeared from her eyes and her pupils returned to normal.

I suppose you'd like a little boost to help with reconstruction?

No. I think the power you gave me will be fine. Celestia thought with a smirk.

Heh. That's the spirit. Go on. Tell your ponies you can help. You may want to ask them to move out of the way

No no. I an maneuver everything just fine. Celestia's smirk grew wider. Aurinko was a bit surprised. Celestia's horn lit up. Golden magic went around the city. Putting everything into place perfectly. No pony was hurt; Not even a little bit. The magic simply lightly pushed ponies out of the way. In about an hour the city was as good as new (Granite all the dust)

Wow. I must say I am surprised. Aurinko was truly surprised. She blinked in the inky blackness where she resided.

See? I told you I could handle it. Celestia thought. She wiped the sweat off her brow and turned to see a crowd of ponies had been watching her. At that moment Celestia was glad she hadn't said anything and that Aurinko was only a voice Celestia could hear. The tall alicorn blinked.

"That... was amazing.." One news pony said. And that was that. Within about all of five seconds Celestia was up to her knees in questions. Celestia like always was patient and listened to every one of them. She answered carefully; Making sure she did not even mention Aurinko or the sudden power increase. Aurinko giggled inside of Celestia's head.

See Celestia? They have no reason to fear you now. As long as no one breaks away this form you don't have any need to worry. Just remember... don't push yourself too hard.

Celestia nodded and answered another pony's question. After about three hours of questions, most not pertaining to the reconstruction after the first forty-five minutes, the crowd thinned and left. Luna walked around the leaving ponies and smiled at her sister.

"That was a good idea Sister. Who would have known how long it would have taken to rebuild so many buildings." Luna said. Her eyes looked around.

"I hoped no pony would get hurt. It seems everything seems alright." Celestia said thoughtfully. She took her time with each word.

"I haven't got any reports. Anyways so I was hoping after the doctor checks up on you we could have some dinner. I can imagine you're starving." Luna said. Celestia took a moment to think.

"It's not like I have anything else to do. I haven't been given anymore paperwork so I suppose we could." Celestia said with a light smile. The two walked together until they finally arrived ta the infirmary. It didn't take long seeing as the doctor found nothing wrong with her.

"You seem quite healthy for what's happened in the past few days." The doctor say, eyeing her carefully.

"Are you implying something doctor?" Luna asked. She seemed slightly offended that the doctor was notioning something.

"No. I find it odd that one day she's barely breathing and a few days after she's able to fix the whole city." The doctor said. He and Luna glared at each other for a while

"He might as well no. Luna mind demonstrating to the new doctor why I've healed so quickly. Nothing major though." Celestia said. She hopped off the bed. Luna nodded. Luna walked over to the medical tray and took a scalpel. In one movement she cut across her hoof. The doctor looked at her like she was crazy.

"What the heck are you doing!" The doctor said. He ran over to get the bandages but Celestia stopped him.

"There's no need." Celestia said. The doctor watched as a few blue tendrils moved around the cut. Flesh grew back and the tendrils dove into the cut before it closed up. He blinked and rubbed his head.

"I forgot about that. You guys heal quickly." He said.

"It's quite alright. Next time however do not question our healing process." Luna said. She walked away on the previously injured hoof as if nothing had ever happened. Celestia caught up to her as they walked through the hallways into the dining room. Celestia took a deep breath and went to each window. She closed one after another just as she had done since she'd been allowed to eat in the dining room.

"Remember when we were little and Levier would eat our alfalfa for us?" Luna asked. Celestia smiled.

"But of course. I remember 'Alfalfa monster' as well." Celestia said with a smile, closing the last window. Luna giggled at the memory.

"Oh! And that one time you and me snuck into the kitchen and stole some cookies?" Luna almost jumped when she remember this. She laughed.

"Oh yea! And the paper hats we wore!" Celestia said as she sat down.

"Do you still have it?" Luna asked. Her eyes lit up.

"I believe so. I kept them in our chambers actually." Celestia said. Luna smiled brightly.

You love your sister quite a bit don't you Celestia?

Yes. More than anypony will every know. Celestia thought. The two conversed about old memories, they felt no pain in any memory; whether it be with their parents or with Levier. Even with Mira and many other friends.

"Remember when you first raised the moon?" Celestia asked.

"But of course! I remember you watching me do so. I must say I loved the attention as well as getting my cutie mark." Luna said with pride yet her voice was not stern. More excited.

"Indeed." Celestia said. Dinner was brought in; Steamed carrots with lettuce sprouts. Beets as well as other vegetables made a delectable dinner.

"Though I do like simple food I will say I do love Canterlot's cuisine." Luna said. Her magic aura floated a fork with a carrot stuck though it to her mouth. Celestia smiled and ate with her sister. Fond memories drifted across the room comfortably. It was a nice evening to be together. Celestia finished and pushed her plate away.

"I'll be in our chambers if you need me." Celestia said. Her loose mane hung down oddly.

I suppose after all that's happened in the past few days she doesn't feel quite so well. Luna thought. She took another bite of her dinner.

After all after exerting as much magic as she did anypony would be tired. Thankfully Night Court is taken care of the council on even days. I doubt she'd be able to stay up very long. Luna thought as she ate the rest of her dinner. She sighed with relieve and pushed away her plate.

She got up and walked towards the doorway, with a small spell she was on her way up the stairs to their chambers. As she went upstairs she felt something was slightly off. She wasn't sure what but something just felt... wrong. Luna shook off the thought and rose up the stairway. Celestia was sitting in her bed writing a letter. The fire crackled. Luna always liked their room; It was nice and homey. Not too big or extravagant; It was warm and inviting. Her bed was right next to her sister's. Not too far away form the fire yet not too close. Luna let out a sigh and smiled. Celestia looked up and smiled back.

"So. Who's receiving a letter now?" Luna asked as she sat alongside her sister.

"Oh. One of the officials in Manehatten was giving me a report." Celestia said. Luna nodded

"So Sister, What exactly did happen on the day of invasion?" Celestia asked. With a quick spell the paper turned into magic and it went out the window. Luna began to explain everything; some things that had to be kept private other things she could tell anypony. Celestia listened carefully;noting everything Luna said.

Sounds like Mira had been planning the surprise for quite some time.

"It seems the invasion took quite planning. Thankfully not enough to take Canterlot." Celestia said. Luna took a moment to think and nodded. Luna sat down right next to her sister. She rested her head on the soft bed.

"I wish we could have helped Mira." Luna said. Celestia put her arm around Luna and hugged her close.

"In a way I feel I've made the same mistake too many times." Celestia let out a sigh. Luna looked at her in confusion.

"I've failed to notice the ponies I care for when they're hurt." Celestia said. She looked directly into her sister's eyes.

"You know sister, You've gotten better at seeing when they become corrupted. I remember seeing you walk right up to Mira when she first snapped." Luna said. She looked around Celestia's eyes. Her sister seemed to soften.

"And what happened with Chrysalis and the changelings wasn't your fault either; Chrysalis posed as somepony you cared about." Luna said. Celestia smiled.

"You're right. Thank you Luna." Celestia said. She closed her eyes and let out a sigh of relief.

"I doubt we'll have an easy time in night court tomorrow though." Luna said. She seemed less than pleased about having to sit around all her beautiful night.

"Why don't we do this; Instead of both of us sitting around, I stay on the throne and you can walk around the castle." Celestia said thoughtfully. Luna's ears perked up.

"I don't suppose I have anything to lose. Alright." Luna said. Celestia pulled her hoof away and Luna rolled over.

"I suppose it's time for us to bring night forth." Celestia said. She stretched and go up, Luna rolled back over and stood up. A yellow aura opened the balcony doors. The sun hung over the western horizon waiting to be let down. The moon waited patiently. Luna's horn glowed and the silver disk rose up into the sky slowly. Celestia lowered the sun. A numb pain spread around her shoulder but she ignored it. The sun slowly went under the horizon. The orange and red sky filled with blues and purples as the sun finally disappeared behind the horizon. Celestia sighed and looked at Luna. The blue alicorn flew back down. The alicorn's eyes looked towards the moon.

"Sister, promise me this. Please do not fall into darkness." Luna asked. She closed her eyes. Celestia blinked and gave a somber look.

"I promise." Celestia said quietly.

__________________________________________________________________________

Luna yawned and stretched. She'd been sitting in her throne so long she'd remember the summer Sun Celebration was going on in Canterlot again. Two days had passed since their fight with Mira and Celestia's mane seemed to hang there. Luna sighed again. The door into the large Throne room was slightly open to let air in there without leaving them all the way open. Luna liked to sit with her sister in private in the morning after all.

At least Sister was able to use that much energy in the first place. I wouldn't be surprised if she's tired. Luna thought. She glanced over to her sister who was as busy as could be with paperwork. Celestia glanced to her sister.

"Yes?" Celestia said quietly.

"Sister... I have  a question. You don't have to answer but..." Luna said slowly, planning her words carefully. She didn't want to upset Celestia but she also needed to know.

"Go ahead. Sorry I'm just a bit busy with all this work." Celestia said with a small smile at the end. Luna relaxed a little bit. Thankfully her sister was in a good mood... almost thankfully.

"Well you see... I wanted to know if... If you'd ever become Radiant again." Luna said. Her lip quivered. She remembered every single bit of that awful experience. Celestia was caught off guard however. It showed clearly in her face that was utterly mortified. Luna kept her gaze but only barely. Thankfully no pony was in the room.

"No. I would never. Please Luna I don't want to talk about this right now. Not with the Celebration tomorrow." Celestia said quietly. Though the was no calm in her voice. It itself seemed to shudder at that name. Luna nodded.

"Don't worry sister. Our secret is safe remember?" Luna said, trying to cheer up Celestia. Celestia gave Luna tired smile.

"You're right then. Let's just hope the day goes to plan. I doubt I could handle anymore stress on my shoulder. It never healed right..." Celestia let out. Luna chuckled and smiled at her sister. After a brief glance at each other they continued their work for the day. They didn't notice the pair of eyes that had been listening to them to the entire time. The eyes wer terrified of what it had heard. The owner of those eyes ran back to it's room where five other ponies sat.

"What's the matter Twi?" AppleJack asked as she had another spoonful of cereal.

"Celestia- Luna- Discord!- Radiant Malovance! Sun!" Twilight gasped in between heavy and quick breaths.

"Dear you need to sit down and calmly tell us." Rarity said. Twilight shakily moved onto the couch. Her wings trembled at the thoughts that raced through her head.

Celestia is Radiant Malovance?!
Why?
Why wouldn't she tell me?
Why would she hurt Lun?!?
Why didn't Discord tell me!
Why wouldn't she tell anypony else?
Why!

Rainbow Dash rubbed Twilight's back trying to comfort her.

"You look like you've seen a ghost or something..." Rainbow Dash said. She was worried about her friend. Last time Twilight dissolved into hysterics she made everypony want some toy. If the fear in her eyes told Rainbow Dash anything that meant it was serious. after a few minutes of sitting and waiting for Twilight to stop breathing so fast.

"Twilight...? The Princesses wanted to see you. They said it was important." FlutterShy said in her normally quiet voice as she entered the room. Twilight stared at her and she shivered and slowly got up.

"Please come with girls. I'm not sure how this will turn out." Twilight said to them. They only nodded and followed her as she quickly walked to the throne room. Celestia and Luna were busy doing work but looked up to them.

"Good morning everypony." Celestia said in her normal regal voice. The five respectively bowed to her and Luna. Twilight's knees shook.

"Something wrong Twilight? You seem scared." Celestia asked as she approached her student.

"Yes. Something is." Twilight said as she turned from Celestia. Celestia was confused.

"Did I say something?" Celestia asked in confusion. She looked to Twilight's friends who were all as confused as her.

"Don't give me that you monster." Twilight said annoyed. Celestia blinked.

"This is about the healing thing isn't it?" Celestia asked, ready to answer Twilight's questions. She loved Twilight and cared for her. To see her so angry with Celestia was unheard of. Celestia gave Twilight a pained expression.

"Stop." Twilight said.

"Just stop. You don't need to put up the act. I already know what you are freak..." Twilight said angry. SHe glared deeply into Celestia's eyes.

"Twilight I don't understand. What are you talking about?" Luna asked as she walked closer to the purple alicorn. Twilight shot an angry glance at Luna.

"Don't act like you don't know either!" Twilight snapped as she pointed directly at Luna. Her friends looked at Twilight like she was crazy. Her knees still shook and her wings trembled but she was still able to glare angrily at the two ponies who loved her so much.

"Twilight calm down. Whatever you're so freaked out about doesn't have to do with them." Rainbow Dash tried to point out.

"It has everything to do with them! If you knew who Celestia was you wouldn't be so comfortable around her either." Twilight said in anger. Celestia blinked.

"Twilight you have to tell us. We're not psychic." AppleJack said flatly. Twilight scoffed.

"If I have to then I will." Twilight shot and angry glare at Celestia and Luna who were both confused beyond what was thought to be possible. It showed in their face as well.

Celestia is Radiant Malevolence.

  Her friends stared at her. Twilight glared deeply into Celestia's wide purple eyes.

"Twilight you can't be serious..." Rainbow Dash quietly said. The fear in their eyes told Twilight everything.

"Why Celestia? Why would you? I don't understand how you can live with yourself." Celestia heard them say. She could only stare at the ground. No words.

Stop it... The static blared inside her head. A long with a thumping or beating sound. 

The ponies i the room yelled and screamed at her. Luna tried to defend her sister as best she could but to no avail. Celestia would never tell her what she saw that made her snap. Their voices felt distant. But she could hear it quite clearly. Almost like her ears were plugged except static and large thumps mixed in. All the color had drained out of her face, the ponies could easily see that. She would only stare at the ground.

"Answer me!" Twilight shouted in her face. She looked up though her brain was a buzz with thoughts. She couldn't hear Aurinko nor anypony else so why could she hear Twilight?

"I do not answer to static."

"What does that have to do wit anything?!" Rarity said as she slapped Celestia. Celestia turned towards her.

"I do answer to static."

The ponies stared at her as she got up.

"What the hay are you talking about?" AppleJack asked in confusion. Before she knew it Celestia was in her face.

"Shhh..." Celestia hushed. Her eyes twitched and she sat down on the ground below Twilight. The ponies stared at her, most in anger and hatred but one was somber. The ponies yelled at her again. They yelled at her and told her she a monster. Just like the others did when she first was healed.

"Why is she even here? She should be executed!"

"She could have destroyed the world!

"And Discord isn't even defeated!"

"Does she even care?"

"I doubt it. That freak wouldn't know love if it hit her in the face."

The ponies laughed and scoffed at her. She could hear them though. It was like they didn't care about her feelings. It was like they didn't even acknowledge the fact she had been controlled and it wasn't her fault. Like they didn't know that she couldn't control herself and fought the beast the whole time. Why didn't they care about her feelings? She didn't know. She just knew that her parents weren't there to comfort her. They knew all to well about the Sun. But no pony else did. Not even Luna. Luna still loved her though so that was ok. But no pony else did.

And now they were doing it to her again. It wasn't like she wanted to become a monster. She just wanted to protect those she loved. What's so wrong about that? Why wasn't she allowed to love and protect her loved ones? Did they not want her to love them? Or did they not care about her? Twilight didn't seem to. Nor did the others. They didn't care. They just saw her past and focused on that. What about all the good she'd done? Why didn't they remember that? Why didn't they care that she loved them so much? Why didn't they understand she wanted to protect them? Why did they hurt her? Was it because she couldn't die? Or because they didn't care? Her blood was on their hooves really. They hadn't hurt her too bad but it still hurt. Why did they call her a freak? They hadn't done that to Luna. Luna had been consumed by envy. Celestia had been consumed by desperation. Why was that so wrong? Why didn't they get that? Celestia could only hear the sounds they made. Not the words. Just their meanings. She heard the word "ashamed" and "monster" a lot. As well as "demon" and "freak". They don't know the definition really. Twilight slapped her again and she snapped her head up. Her tired eyes peered into Twilight's to look for any love. Sadly she found none and hung her head down again. Luna tried to pull them away but she couldn't seem to. Maybe Celestia was talking maybe she wasn't. She didn't know really. She was moving her mouth but she didn't know if any sound came out. She couldn't hear anything really. She wished she could though. She wanted to defend her actions but her mouth wouldn't make any sounds. Maybe a whisper or two but nothing anypony could hear. Celestia stared up and saw their faces. She felt tired. Maybe she didn't wake up. Maybe Luna would help her overcome her fears of losing them. But no it was reality. If it were a dream she wouldn't be able to feel the apin of their hooves hitting her. Celestia raised her hooves up to cover her ears.

"Stop." Celestia said calmly. Sadly though they did not. The static got louder than Celestia thought it could.

chika-dee-dee-dee-dee

To keep herself occupied she listened to the bird. The small bird tweeted and fluttered around, singing it's song. She smiled for the bird even as she got smacked around as the ponies yelled at her. Sparks of magic came over whenever the crimson blood came out and healed it. Celestia didn't bleed much but their hooves would tell another story. Luna tried her best to pull them back but she knew she couldn't hurt them. It seems Celestia was right. They did not care how much blood was on their hooves. Celestia knew she cried out in pain. But she couldn't really feel it. Or at least she didn't think she did. Everything felt dull. Even the cold floor under her felt as if it were softer than it was. Or maybe it wasn't. She didn't know with all the static blaring inside her head. 

"Hey Tia wanna do some hoof painting? The small blue alicorn asked. She smiled up to her sister.

"Of course! Why would I turn down that?" She asked happily. Not so much confused by her sister's question.

"Oh well you've been busy with Magic training n' stuff.  Mom's a good teacher isn't she?" Luna asked happily.

"Yep! Now let's go find that paint!" She said happily. She felt her sister hover onto her back and she walked off to find paint and paper.

Celestia felt another hoof bash her head. She yelped. Or at least she though she did.

"Tia wake up! It's time!" Luna said excitedly as she bounced around her sister's bed. The young alicorn grumbled and sat up.

"Oh yea! Where's our hats?" Celestia asked. Luna lifted over two newspaper sailor hats. The bigger one was for Celestia but Luna took it instead. Celestia giggled and put on the small sailor hat. Carefully they snuck down the stairs into the kitchen. There were only the dim lights of the moon to guide their way around the dark kitchen. Carefully placed on top of the ice box was a jar of cookies perfect for consumption. Luna was too small to reach it on her own but maybe if she took off form Celestia's back she could reach the jar. Luna's horn lit up and moved it downwards onto the counter top. Quietly Luna and Celestia stole a few, carefully moving around cookies to make it look like there were the right amount. They slid it back on top of the ice box and snuck back up to their room.

"Mission accomplished!" Luna said quietly yet excited. Celestia smiled and set her hat down. Luna set her's down as well then drifted off to sleep.

The six mares left the room. Still angry. Celestia did not forgive them. She loved them though. They wouldn't be held in court or anything. She wouldn't punish them. Luna's lip quivered as she stared down at her sister. Celestia looked like a broken doll. Something that got left behind after a rough kid played with it. Or group of kids i this place. She walked over to her sister as she regenerated.

"Sister? Why didn't you do anything? Why'd you just sit there and let them hurt you?" Luna asked. The static cleared quickly.

"Because. I love them. I wouldn't be where I am without them." Celestia said quietly, wiping off the blood from her forehead. She stared into the crimson red fur on her hoof.

"But shouldn't they love you too? They wouldn't be where they are either!" Luna cried out. She hated to see her sister in any pain. To see her beaten without a fight upset her.

"I realize that. But they are young. I know that is not exception but that I what I feel." Celestia said calmly. Luna yet the warm tears come down her face.

"I'd like to get some sleep please. I'm tired Luna..." Celestia said. She truly did look tired.

"Ok. I'll take care of the paperwork." Luna sniffled and rubbed her eyes.

"Don't worry Luna. I love you and that's what counts." Celestia said with a faint smile. Luna nodded as best she could and went back to her Throne. Celestia walked to their bedroom; A long walk but a walk nonetheless. SHe laid in her bed and slept.