Celestia looked towards the sky, towards the moon. It still shined as brightly as ever, but where was her sister?
TIA! TIA WHERE ARE YOU?!
Luna’s piercing scream came from inside Celestia’s mind. Mind? Celestia knew that only adult alicorns could communicate telepathically, so how could she hear Luna? The princess didn’t know how her sister was doing this, or how she was accepting the telepathic message, so Celestia just screamed upward.
“I’m here, Luna! I’m here! I’m sorry, I’m so sorry!” Celestia collapsed to the ground and sobbed. She screamed and yelled with pain and sorrow, her sister was gone. She didn’t know how long, but it didn’t matter. She had brought pain to her sister, and Celestia felt she couldn’t live with herself.
Tia, I-I don’t know what’s going on. Where am I? How did I get here? How did-
Luna’s sentence was cut off by another scream. Celestia yelled in frustration. She didn’t know how to communicate telepathically, but she had to try.
Luna…I…am…here… Celestia mentally pictured those words traveling upward to Luna’s mind.
Oh, thank goodness you’re okay! Where are you? I can’t see anypony anywhere! Maybe we should-
Once again, Luna’s screams interrupted her words. What was happening to Luna?
Tia, what are they doing to me?
Who?
I…I don’t know, they look like alicorns, but I can’t seem to recognize their faces. They’re using some kind of magic, Tia, but it hurts…
Celestia remembered her mother’s words. Getting the evil out takes a whole lot of time and magic.
The older alicorn didn’t know what to say. How could she say this in a way that wouldn’t panic Luna?
Luna? The little alicorn’s voice quivered.
Yeah, Tia?
Mother and father, er, told me to help you. The only way was to, um, give you some time to yourself while the magic works itself out of you. But don’t worry, you’re ok. Does that make sense?
Kinda. But why do I have to be alone?
Celestia collapsed to the floor and broke down once more.
I DON'T KNOW WHY! I SHOULD KNOW WHY! MOTHER AND FATHER SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME!
The alicorn stared straight at the sky.
"WHY, MOTHER, WHY? WHY CAN'T I BE UP THERE WITH HER? WHY?!?!"
You know very well why. You have a kingdom to lead. Luna has a responsibility of her own.
Somehow Celestia's mother's voice inside her head didn't bother her as much as it did before. Celestia realized she must face the awful truth. She must stay in Equestria and leave her sister, alone.
T-Tia? If you're still there, I just want you to know I'll be fine. Please don't be scared. It just makes it worse for me.
Luna, you're right. I'll pull it together, for you.
Thanks, big sis.
Celestia was sure that where ever on the moon Luna was, she was smiling at that moment.
Um, also, how long will I have to be here for? It's getting pretty lonely up here.
Celestia remained silent. The truth was, she didn't know how long. So she just waited for her sister to drop the question, but of course, Luna remained curious.
Tia? How long is it gonna be until I see you again?
To be honest? I don't know. But it's not going to be very long, I assure you.
But what if it IS a long time? What if it's forever? Celestia heard the panicked worry in her little sister's voice.
Luna, there's something I want you to know. Even if you are alone up there for a very long time, I promise I will come out here every night and comfort you. I promise, I will be by your side the whole time. I will always be here to guide you and help you through this. And I know more than anypony else that you are an extremely brave alicorn. Braver and stronger and tougher than any other pony I've met. You can handle this.
Tears ran down Celestia's face as she awaited Luna's response.
I-I love you, Tia.
I love you too, Luna. Just remember, you are never alone.
THE END