CHAPTER ONE
“Come on, Luna! You have to try this!” Celestia flew all around the edge of Equestria Peak effortlessly, while a smaller, younger filly watched meekly from down below. She shifted uncomfortably.
“No thanks, Tia, I think I’m fine down here.” Luna crouched, hoping her sister would just ignore her words and leave her be.
“Luna, if you’re want to be a REAL alicorn then you have to learn how to fly sometime!”
Luna stood. Real alicorn! What is THAT supposed to mean?
Luna shook her head, and leaped up in the air, beating her wings as hard as she could. Unexpectedly, Luna felt a rush of wind through her sky blue mane as she shot up and struggled to keep her balance.
“Yeah! Go Luna!” Celestia cheered from the side and flipped in the air.
“Pshh! This is easy!” yelled Luna as she floated steadily. In a way, that was the truth. She had thought flying for the first time would be difficult.
“Wait until Mother and Father hear about this! They’ll be so astonished!” Celestia grinned.
Luna rolled her eyes. “Why do you have to use such big words, Tia? Surprised would have worked just fine.” The older pony lowered down to the ground, Luna followed.
“I’m trying to use as regal words as I can. Mother always stresses using formal language when addressing the kingdom and its subjects. Otherwise, nopony takes you seriously.”
Luna frowned. “So now I have to use big words too?”
Now it was Celestia’s turn to roll her eyes. How could this pony not understand how important it is to be formal around here! We ARE princesses! I guess I can’t blame her. She is my younger sister, after all.
“Well, eventually.”Celestia tried her best to explain this concept to her sister, “It’s not all about using a large range of vocabulary. It’s about acting poised and professional. Remember Luna, we are royals! It is our mother and father’s duty to maintain harmony in Equestria. And someday it will be OUR responsibility! We need to-Luna! Are you even paying any attention to what I’m saying?”
Luna snapped awake. She had dozed off during one of her sister’s many lectures she gave on a daily basis. “Wha? Yeah, I’m paying attention! Yeah…uh…” Celestia gave her sister a dirty look. Luna blushed, embarrassed.
Celestia took a deep breath. “Luna, I am not angry with you. I just want you to know what lies ahead. I’m trying to help you. Mother and father said-“
“I KNOW!” Luna yelled. Celestia reared back, surprised. Luna realized what she had done. “Look, Tia, I’m sorry I’ve been acting like this. It’s just, I don’t think I’m ready for all this responsibility. That’s all.”
Celestia sat down next to Luna, giving her the warmth of her long pink mane. ”Oh, Luna. You’re more than ready. You are the most talented pony I know.” Celestia pointed her hoof towards the capital city of Equestria. “See all those ponies? They love you, and respect you. They know that you are more than ready to handle your royal duties. Mother and Father know that more than them. But nopony knows that more than I do.”
Luna sniffed. “Really?”
The white alicorn wrapped her wings around her little sister. “I can guarantee.” Luna blinked lovingly at her sister. Tia can be a pain sometimes, but I can always rely on her to make me feel better.
“Now, let’s go see mother and father. It’s getting late.” Celestia looked at Luna. “Father told me he’s going to teach you how to raise the moon tonight.”
Luna beamed with happiness, then leaped into the air. “Yes yes yes yes yes! Really? Are you serious?” Celestia nodded, and chuckled at her sister’s excitement. “Yay!” Luna danced around her older sister and skipped all the way back home.