> Filly Celestia Redux
>  by Gothicfox
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> Chapter One
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Celestia remembered the fillies crying out. The rush and whirl of magic as it enveloped her. Everything was chaotic and desperate. She had become confused about what had started this ordeal. All she knew was that the fillies had to be protected. How many fillies? Just one, right? She promised to protect one filly along time ago. Celestia was startled when the darkness fell, blotting out both sight and sound. Celestria found the darkness oppressive, so much so that it almost made her cry. Part of Celestia’s mind found it silly that the ancient mare would be afraid of the dark. No, she had been afraid of the dark once. Once? She was still afraid of the dark. Something might be hiding under her bed. Wait, under her bed? She had not owned a bed for some time, much less a home of her own. Celestia tried to stop the onslaught of thoughts, her memories crashing into each other with reckless abandon. The mental turmoil Celestia experienced ended as something new emerged from the darkness.  The distraction in the darkness came in the form of an Alicorn stallion. Her heart began race as he roared in rage. The words he said only added to her confusion.

"It did not work!"

The Alicorn faded as the darkness returned. Celestia felt herself falling. Worse, the feeling of something wrapping around her became evident and she began to struggle against it. At first it restricted her movement, but the more frantic her struggles became, the looser the membrane became. Celestia finally found her rear hooves gaining purchase and she heaved herself forward, tearing the membrane away with her. With a squeal, she pushed forward, and light began to appear. Celestia’s head broke free, and she slipped on a plush carpet floor. She paused only a moment before continuing the struggle to get free. One foreleg emerged followed by another, allowing Celestia to pull her hindquarters free and all-but gallop from the heavy grasp of the blanket. Celestia stumbled and landed face first, and it began to dawn on her that she had been attacked by a bed, the bed she had been lying in before she hurled herself out of it in fright. Celestia blushed at her foalish mistake.

Confusion set in, confusion at her surroundings. Celestia took in the room, noticing the golden accents and the symbols of the sun adorning the walls and main doors of the chamber. Part of her confusion was due to knowing that this was not the place she had fallen asleep last night. Yesterday, at dusk, Celestia and Luna had found shelter behind a rainbow colored waterfall. Now Celestia had awakened in an opulent room adorned with gold and many valuable, ancient items. Even the tapestries looked like they could fetch a small fortune. For a moment, all Celestia could do was marvel. From the tea set to the books set in the wall, everything seemed so cared-for, yet well-used.

Overcome with the desire to search the room, Celestia paused at a towering mirror. A filly with pink mane and tail stared back at Celestia with wide eyes. Celestia frowned at herself briefly wondering why everything felt so off with her reflection. "Ah." She said lightly as she began to fuss with the tangles in her mane and tail. Her appearance was so out of place in the elegant room that she desired to at least attempt to be presentable. Celestia huffed as her mane would not obey without the magic of a simple brush. She sat down on her blank flank and looked about for such item but gave quickly when it became evident that a brush was no where to be found. Defeated for now, Celestia opted to continue searching the chambers.

A chirp perked up Celestia’s ears, and she followed the sound into another part of the immense room. She gasped at the sight of the Phoenix perched next to the curtain-drawn window. It looked at Celestia with intelligent eyes, studying her. It showed no hint of fear; in fact, the Phoenix almost seemed welcoming towards Celestia. Quite the difference from other attempts that Celestia and Luna had made to get near Phoenixes in the wild. Celestia remembered that these magnificent creatures did not usually seem to be interested in making friends or having anything to do with the sisters. Luna would moan her disappointment when the Phoenixes would take off. Celestia smiled softly at the memory.

Then it dawned on Celestia that she had been searching this chamber by herself since falling out of bed. 

"Luna?" Celestia looked back to the large bed. She scampered back and tossed pillows aside,searching through the blankets. Finding that her baby sister was absent, panic gripped Celestia. She ran around the room, raising her voice as she called out for her sister. "Luna? Luna where are you? Luna?!"

This was no game now. Celestia knew Luna had been at her side last night. She remembered the whole reason for finding the cave to weather the night was because Luna had been frightened by a group of pegasi flying in the distance. Only Celestia's promise of finding a safe, out of the way shelter had reassured Luna enough for her to venture from her hiding spot in the foliage. Celestia could not fault her sister’s feelings of fear, as run-ins with other members of the pony tribes tend to be curt, if the ponies were not downright mean. They had been angry at the Alicorns, they blamed them-for something. Celestia pressed a hoof against her head as memories of that moment jumble. A stray thought pricked the bubble of memories and Celestia remember she needed to find Luna. Now Celestia had awakened in a strange room, the only thing that mattered in the whole wide world lost to her. With her parents now gone. Luna was not only just her sister, but also her responsibility.

Shouting Luna's name seemed to draw the attention of someone outside the chamber door. Celestia bolted around to the opposite corner of the bed to watch who would come in. To Celestia’s surprise, an earth pony stallion wearing armor stuck his head inside and looked about. Noticing the disheveled bed and lack of an occupant, he called to another, and a second armored earth pony appeared as they enter the room.

"Told you I heard something," the first stallion said.

"Yeah, you told me." The second scanned the room. "Is she hiding?"

"Princess?"

As the stallions continued deeper into the room, Celestia dove under the bed, squeezing under it. She bit her lip to stifle the sounds of exertion and made her way to the other side of the bed, sandwiched between the bed and the floor Then she waited.  While the armored ponies searched the opposite side of the bed, Celestia popped out and ran for the open door, the sound of her running hooves alerting the two guards to her escape.

"She's bolting!"

"Princess, wait!" The first stallion leaped over the bed and took a few quick steps to make a lunge at the filly. Celestia screamed and her horn glowed with a golden aura. She leaped to the side as she grasped the door and pulled it back. An audible crash of metal and pony elicited a yell from the guard as the door closed right in his face. Celestia did not pause and ran out into the large hall, several times larger than any place she had been to before. The same theming as before adorned the area. Hearing the second armored pony nearing the doorway, Celestia slammed the second door shut. She hoped that it would give her a few precious seconds to think.

Had some earth pony lord kidnapped Celestia and Luna? Were they prisoners in his elegant keep? Did the earth pony want their innate powers or to use them in some elaborate power struggle? All that sounded silly, as the two younger alicorns had nothing to their name except their names. Then an intrusive thought popped into Celestia’s head—Luna tied to a spit and being honey roasted. Celestia squeaked an indignant cry and banished that thought. No one, no way, no how would be eating her little sister.

Turning a corner, Celestia ran straight into another set of ponies, a pair of maids. The two mares gasped in surprise and called Celestia by name to ask her to stop. She wondered how so many ponies even knew her name. She also wondered why they kept putting Princess before her name. Celestia figured all these ponies were being silly. Who would make a filly, even an alicorn filly, royalty? As she put distance between the two mares and herself, she spotted a stairway going down. Celestia sprinted down the steps,taking the steps two at a time. Realizing she needed more distance with each hop, she spread her wings. With a hop, she glided gracefully for several steps. Her success with this emboldened her to take even bigger leaps.

Then Celestia flapped her wings and noticed a gain in altitude. Working her wings, she covered the rest of the stairwell, making it to the floor below. All of a sudden Celestia was filled with super experience and flying like a pro. Instincts she did not have the day before kicked in and with two sharp turns, she cleared a second stairwell to land in an open hallway. Normally, the ten year old filly would have needed to rebound off the wall in order to change direction so quickly, but this was way, way, better. However, her elation was stifled as Celestia saw the multitude of ponies in the hall, all of whom were now staring at her.

The large gathering of all the pony tribes blew Celestia's mind. Weren't these ponies suppose to be bickering with each over about grown up things? Some dressed in similar colors to those of the castle. Others wore fancy clothes common to ponies visiting royalty. Celestia spied the familiar armor of the guards as they made their way through the crowd, trying to get to her. Apparently they were also aware that she was supposed to be kept up in her room. Celestia turned and galloped, spreading her wings to take off from the running start.

"Yes!" Celestia cheered with glee as she gained speed. She added a few more feet of height to fly over the heads of ponies in this ornate hallway. The tapestries in the hall  were adorned with sun and moon images and must have been the main thoroughfare of the castle. Celetia again marveled at all the ponies below, all gasping and gawking at the flying filly. Why would an earth pony lord have so many other ponies from the different tribes congregating in his home? Maybe they were friends, but it seemed like he had a lot of them. Then again, maybe they were coming to pay their respects to and gain royal commission from his person. Maybe one of these ponies had found Luna and herself and turned them over to this pony. The things that some ponies will do for their own personal gain...

Down the hall and to Celestia’s left, a set of double doors glowed with magic and swung open wide. A group of earth ponies, pegasi, and a trio of unicorns emerged embroiled in a rather heated discussion. It appeared to center on a purple alicorn mare talking to a rather handsome unicorn stallion with a blonde mane, dreamy blue eyes and an awesome cutie mark. Wait, Celestia was not supposed to like colts, what was wrong with her?

"I have heard my share of disturbing offers, but this takes the cake." The purple alicorn said to the stallion. Her cheeks appear to be burning red from embarrassment or anger or both.

"Perhaps the timing was a mistake," said the stallion. He noticed a few glares from the other mares in the group and quickly added, "and perhaps the place as well. Surely you understand what it means to reassure the masses of the continued stability of Canterlot."

"Surely nothing, I am not marrying you." The purple alicorn snapped back at the stallion. Then she shuddered, almost like she was about to be ill. Celestia could not help herself but let slip a giggle. She realized her mistake as the ponies looked up towards her.

"Whoa-nelly," said an orange earth mare with cowboy hat, "she got loose."

"Oh, princess, come down from there; you might get hurt." said a yellow pegasus mare. Celestia gave her a questioning look as to how a flying pony could hurt herself while flying.

Instead, Celestia responded by blowing a raspberry at the group and flying away. She did not know why the alicorn was here in the castle with the rest of the ponies but-

Then it dawned on the little filly: "Wait, an Alicorn?" Celestia flared her wings to come to a stop. She turn towards the other alicorn and began to slowly return, hesitant to commit. The purple alicorn trotted towards Celestia. Judging by the look on her face, she seemed eager to meet Celestia. When she was close enough, the alicorn paused and beckoned Celestia to come closer to the ground and said softly, "It's all right."

As Celestia approached the alicorn, she started to ask, "Who are you? Is this your castle?" Did the ponies that reside in the castle work for the Alicorn? No, perhaps she was helping the ponies instead. That seem to make more sense. But how did she survive the-

“Twilight Sparkle, I thought you had the guards keeping an eye on her?” the unicorn stallion said. The interruption caused Celestia to stop and focus her attention on the louder pony. “We cannot have her flying around the castle causing an uproar.”

"Blueblood," began the Alicorn named Twilight, "now is not the time for this."

“Yeah.” A  sky-blue  Pegasus spoke up. She had the prettiest multicolored mane. “You are going to scare her.”

"Nonsense." Blueblood stomped and pointed a hoof at Celestia. "Young filly, you come down here this instant."

Celestia pouted at the demanding unicorn, crossed her forelegs and turned away from them saying, "No! Where's Luna? Where are you ponies keeping my sister?"

"Oh for ponies’ sake," Blueblood said. His  horn glowed and the resulting aura surrounded Celestia. “Children should obey when commanded.”

Celestia squeaked as she became weightless and floated in the telekinetic spell. She took a major dislike to Blueblood. Did he not understand that all Celestia wanted was her baby sister. She did not understand why Blueblood was dismissive to alicorn Twilight when he should be happy to have an alicorn around. Ever since that horrible night...

Panic filled Celestia mind and she closed her eyes. Celestia’s horn ignited with a golden light and pulsed with energy.

“Uh, you might want to let her go, Prince.” Twilight said as her eyes widened.

“I will notaaaooowww!” With a crackle of explosive energy Blueblood reared back on his hind legs and fell. His spell dispelled by a little filly who should not be able to wield such fantastic power. The spell energy rebounded back into Blueblood so hard that he writhed in pain as if someone had bucked him in the head.

Celestia brought a hoof to her lower lip and started to regret using the spell. Even though the bully stallion had tried to capture her, the last thing that Celestia wanted to do was hurt other ponies with her magic. Her parents would have been most disappointed with her right now. Did this count as using drastic measures to protect herself and Luna?

A rush of wind was felt and Celestia reacted as the sky blue mare attempted to grab her. Celestia dove down low, scattering the group of ponies. She almost knocked off the orange mare’s hat in the process, but she was quick enough to dodge. Celestia could regret her mistakes later. Right now she had to find Luna and escape this castle. Perhaps later they could sneak back and try to learn something about the alicorn, Twilight Sparkle.

Celestia looked over her shoulder to see the rainbow mane Pegasus mare flying after her. Celestia, surprised at the mare’s speed, began to juke and dodge attempts to be grabbed. "Wow, you are fast," the filly said.

"The fastest flyer in Equestria." The mare grinned wide. "Rainbow Dash, wrangler of misbehaving fillies.”

"Oh no you're not." Celestia let her horn glow bright and whipped her small head around at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash gasped and peeled off to dodge a bolt of magic. It never came though as Celestia used the light show to buy herself precious seconds and space to maneuver around the library. The interior was a grand place with rows upon rows of book shelves extending as far as the filly’s eyes could see. This vault of knowledge made Celestia’s heart skip a beat at the grand opportunity for learning: new things, old things, anything even. Yet another reason to sneak back here after finding her sister. 

Celestia dove close to the floor among a row of bookcases with the hope of losing her pursuer. She spotted an empty spot in one of the floor shelves and packed herself inside. A moment later, she could hear Rainbow Dash fly overhead looking for Celestia. Celestia allowed herself a soft giggle at her own cleverness. Then she checked the row for anypony. While the way was clear for now, Celestia could hear others walking about. Some even called out to her and implored her to come out of hiding. That was not going to happen.

A quiet teleport, and she could leave them in here looking for her while she escaped back to the halls outside. Wait, why would Celestia think she could teleport? No one had ever taught her that spell, and Celestia had never attempted anything that complicated in her young life. Celestia winced as pain shot from the back of her head. Bringing her forelegs up, she bit her lip hard to keep from crying out. It felt like her head was about to split open from the raging pressure building up. Images danced before her eyes of a great mare doing wondrous things with magical might and cunning wisdom. She seemed so familiar. almost... almost like her...

“Mother?” Celestia whispered. She gritted her teeth and tried to get her breathing under control. Saying something seemed to release the pressure and it deflated just as quickly as it started. Celestia let the thoughts of high magic go away as well and focused on playing a very serious game of hide-and-go-seek with Twilight Sparkle and her friends. She was just a filly—a filly on a mission to recover her little sister from these unfamiliar ponies. Once they were away from the castle, Celestia would try to ponder what the images meant.

Once Celestia recovered from the headache, she scooted out of her hiding spot and tip hoofed down across the floor towards the end of the huge bookcases. So far this section was free of anypony, including Twilight friends. Celestia trotted across the floor to the next set of bookcases. The carpet floor provided enough soundproofing to keep her small hooves from being heard. It did nothing for the bigger ponies as a set of hooves could be heard coming Celestia's way. A quick look around scored Celestia a potted plant to hide behind as the yellow pegasus with pink mane paused at the end of the bookcases. Celestia squeezed herself close to the floor as much as she could as the yellow pegasus looked up the aisles for the disappeared filly. She seemed like a kind pony, but nevertheless, a pony that sought to catch her. The yellow pegasus made a distraught sound of worry and continued to another section. Celestia waited for a few moments before coming out of her hiding spot and continuing her direction towards a handy exit.

After several close calls and some creative use of the bookcases to avoid the ever-present overhead search, Celestia must have been close to the main doors; Though the familiar voices of Twilight and the others could be heard. The angry Blueblood must have found his voice again, since he was talking with Twilight.

"Really, Blueblood, you need to learn to be more gentle with children." Twilight said. "You scared the wits out of Celestia grabbing her like that."

"Why are you admonishing me?" Blueblood used an irritating whine that increased with each word he spoke.

"Should we start at the top of the list or randomly pick a topic, your majesty?" said the white unicorn mare with undisguised sarcasm.

Blueblood ignored the slight, turning to Twilight."Why haven't you made any progress into what or who did this to Princess Celestia?"

"Prince Blueblood, My friend and I just arrived in Canterlot after we received word of the attack." Twilight said with a tone of exasperation. She took a deep calming breath before continuing with, "And most of that time has been spent with you, consoling the noble houses, which, I might point out, you insisted that I do. A good idea except you tried to, to-"

"Twilight, darling, do not get yourself worked up again." The white unicorn mare said.

"Yes," Blueblood cut in, "we would not want you to run out of the room and retching into another potted plant because of a simple suggestion-"

"Urp."

"Oh come on!" Celestia could hear Blueblood backpedaling away from Twilight Sparkle.

After a few moments of deep breathing, Twilight said, "Stop bringing it up. I am stressed enough."

Celestia wanted to giggle  but put both hooves against her mouth. She was having a hard time believing that these ponies could have evil intentions towards her sister and her. Even though they had separated Luna from Celestia, as far as she was concerned they had no right to do so.  

Before Celestia could process the absurd situation,, a very pink earth pony popped out from the second row shelf, scattering books. "Hi! Are we still playing hide and go seek?"

Not knowing how the pink pony could stuff herself into the bookcase like that, Celestia realized it was time to run once more. She jumped from her hiding spot and darted down the row of bookcases to get away from the new pony pursuer.

"Oh, are playing tag now?" The pink pony giggled as Celestia rounded the corner. "I'm Pinkie Pie. How about we play a differen—waaait, come back!"

Not likely. Celestia’s legs were pumping again as she ran away from Pinkie Pie and ducked into another row of shelves. Celestia panted, as keeping up this pace started to wind her. Spotting an alcove with a bust on a wooden stand. Celestia ducked behind it to catch her breath. Ears held high to pick up sound of her pursuers, Celestia almost stumbled over when something landed on top of the stand. Looking up, Celestia gasped as Pinkie Pie sat perfectly balanced on the bust with all four hooves. Looking down at her, Pinkie Pie said, "Aren't you tired of all this running? Wouldn't you like something nice to drink? maybe a snack? Oh, you're running again, guess you're not tired yet..."

Celestia’s eye twitched as she put distance between herself and Pinkie Pie. Moving on pure adrenaline, Celestia did not stop till she was several bookcases away and sure that the strange pink pony could not find her so easily. It was not until her rear collided with the corner of a bookcase and sent her spinning to the floor that she stopped.  Groaning, Celestia rolled onto her back. She felt worn out from the pursuit, from all the ponies that had chased her since she first opened her eyes in this strange castle. Celestia blinked as a book appeared overhead.  

"Look, I found a book you might like." Pinkie Pie looked down at her again, almost nose to nose with her. "How about you let Auntie Twilight read to you?"

Celestia inhaled deeply and screamed. Okay, enough was enough. How this pink pony was able to keep up or find her so easily was more than Celestia wanted to think about. Pinkie Pie must have powers that Celestia had never encountered in her ten years of life. It appeared that Alicorn Twilight Sparkle friends were quite formidable.

Still, Celestia did not believe Pinkie Pie could fly and took a running leap into the air to get away from her pursuer.

"But it's a picture book with really cool pictures..." Pinkie Pie cried out from the floor.

Celestia flew above the tops of the library bookcases and sighed in relief. Her elation only lasted for a few seconds when she heard the whine of magic powering towards her. Celestia dropped low and pumped her wings as the chase began once more with Rainbow Dash in pursuit of her.

"Leave me alone  you big bully!"

"We're trying to help you, princess." Rainbow Dash pulled up next to Celestia and tried to grab her.

"I don't want your help, I'm not a princess, I don't want to be here!" Celestia’s voice became more desperate and so did her actions. Instead of pulling away from another attempted grab by Rainbow, Celestia flew right into the larger mare to throw her off balance. Hearing a startled grunt, Celestia peeled away and tried for the opening doors.  "I just want my sister back." Another close dodge and Celestia dived to the floor. The other ponies by the door looked like blurs till something heavy collided and force Celestia to the ground. The filly screamed out and tried kicking with all four legs at the orange attacker.

"Ow, ow, quit that youngin'." The orange mare said, trying to pin the unruly Celestia to the ground.

Celestia gritted her teeth and her horn began to glow again. She was not kidding this time. If these ponies were not going to leave her alone then she would make them. Celestia did not know where the attack spell came from but it came at an opportune time to blast the earth pony. She heard  Twilight scream out a name, but the spell was charged and ready-

"Celestia!"

The room filled at once with the sound of a regal pony shouting—no, booming out Celestia’s name. The magic spell drained away and Celestia snapped her head towards the open library doors. She glimpsed the midnight blue alicorn that stood there. Celestia picked up quickly that this was a far older alicorn, many centuries Twilight’s senior. Quite a few conclusions jumped out at Celestia as ice gripped her stomach. Maybe Twilight Sparkle was not in charge of this castle. Maybe all these ponies might be servile to a far elder alicorn, an alicorn who knew well enough that alicorn fillies were not allowed to use their magic so carelessly against other ponies.

In other words, Celestia was in big trouble.

Celestia pulled herself into a tight ball, or as much of one as she was could manage. The earth pony got off her as shodded hooves stepped over to Celestia’s quivering form. Fetlocks covering her eyes, Celestia could hear the alicorn breathing next to her ears. There was no running away now. Running would just get into even more trouble. Celestia flinched as the alicorn spoke softly with a stern voice.

"You know you are not allowed to use your magic to hurt other ponies, young filly," the Alicorn said. "That was the first thing your parents taught you. You could have killed Applejack, lashing out like a wild animal."

Celestia continued quaking in response. Maybe the Alicorn would see that as a sign of understanding.

The alicorn stomped the floor with her shodden hoof, causing Celestia to squeal.

"I'm sorry," Celestia said, "but they would not leave me alone. They kept trying to grab me and hurt me."

"Hurt you?" The Alicorn scoffed. "These ponies were trying to keep you from hurting yourself, Celestia. Did you not see Twilight Sparkle? Did she not beseech you to behave yourself?" The Alicorn must have raised her head to speak over Celestia. "Of course, you knew better than the adults."

Celestia bit her lips at the scolding until the elder Alicorn mentioned Twilight Sparkle, then she exploded. "I don't know her. I don't know you! All the others are gone. Why are you still alive?"

The throb in Celestia head began again. Pounding from the back to the front as images played in closed eyes. That familiar white pony with the multicolored mane. Celestia paid little attention to the elder Alicorn as she gasped in surprise and took a step back. A whimper escaped Celestia muzzle as she rolled to her side and curled up tighter.

All those bodies. Celestia thought she had forced those images from her mind. All those familiar bodies...

Celestia snapped from the seizure as a hoof was gently place against her shoulder. The elder alicorn’s muzzle was close once more to her eyes as she quietly shushed Celestia. For a moment all was quiet till the elder alicorn said, "Be still Celestia. You need not relive those memories again.”

Celestia sniffled and tears squeezed from her closed eyelids. "I just want my sister back. Please, Matron, I promised her I would take care of her. Please? I promise I will behave."

"I know." The elder alicorn whispered. Then with a louder voice she said, "Open your eyes, Celestia."

Celestia pressed her fetlocks tighter against her eyes. She felt she was still going to be punished for her actions. Another stomp on the floor made Celestia flinch once more. She knew the elder Alicorn expected to be obeyed. With a soft inhale, Celestia rolled to her belly and looked up with her eyes opening. They grew wide as surprise shook the core of her small being.

The midnight blue Alicorn stood tall and regal, an ethereal mane of the night flowing from her head and neck. Her mane had to be made of the night as small sparkles of light twinkled in the darkness, surrounded by the translucent blue dusk. The mare was beautiful physically, but her eyes showed her age. Those familiar teal blue eyes that Celestia had recently looked into only a evening before.

"Lu... Lu...?" Celestia stop trying to form the words, her mouth falling open in surprise.

"Yes, sister, it is I." Luna said. She smiled down at Celestia. "I have been safe all this time. If only you were not so quick to react.  You would have known."

"But, but, you're so old now."

Luna laughed softly, her eyes growing moist. "Yes, Cele', I grew up while you slept. Well and healthy, as are you."

Celestia studied Luna's eyes looking that she was lying to her. The deeper she look the more Celestia realized that this mare was Luna. With a soft whimper, Celestia rolled to her feet and leapt at Luna’s barrel. The surprise at finding her sister so much older now was replaced with relief that Luna was all right. Celestia had not failed in keeping her promise. "Oh Luna, you weren't eaten or married off to some weird pony."

As Celestia nuzzled her sister fur coat, she miss the cockeyed look Luna made. Then Celestia sniffled and clutched Luna tighter.

"I don't like it here, Luna." Celestia said. "I don't like this place at all."

Celestia felt Luna return her nuzzle as her sister's wings enveloped her. In the warm shadows of her sisters wings, Celestia heard Luna whisper, " It will be all right, sister. These are good ponies who will earn your trust. In order for them to explain what happen to you, you must trust them."

Celestia shuddered, her head began to ache again but somehow it was not as bad as before. Something about what Luna said seem to resonate in her soul. After such a long time in the forgotten wilderness of this land had the last of the alicorns finally found a place to call home?

****    ****

As Princess Luna comforted her diminutive sister, Twilight Sparkle looked on with her gathered friends. Twilight had not known the depth of the results of the attack against her mentor and friend. Seeing Celestia as a filly would have made for an amusing story, but Twilight knew Celestia had been reduced to this form only after fighting a fierce battle with an alien monster. A monster that had been hell-bent on attacking Celestia.

Twilight felt a hoof on her shoulder and she smiled at Applejack. She looked to each of the others —Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie—in turn. Twilight managed to find her voice to say to them, "Well girls, it looks like we’ve got our work cut out for us this time."


> Chapter Two
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight mopped her forehead with an already damp fetlock. She needed the utmost concentration for the precise connections she was making to the panel, else the work of the entire afternoon would be wasted.  Done, she sat back to observe as the circuit board lit up and the mesh of wires carried power from the magitech power source. She took a moment to look over the living room. It had the appearance of a battlefield with all the leftover parts not used. The parts for the hastily designed and built scanning device had come from all over the castle. Some were even from the School of Gifted Unicorns. For what could not be found, Twilight had made do with improvised substitutes. It was not pretty by any stretch of the imagination. The exterior of the scanner currently resembled something from a Frankenpony novel. Twilight was happy Princess Luna had granted her permission to build it inside Celestia's room.

Twilight's friends had proven to be the biggest help in getting everything together. Once they had the general idea of what Twilight was trying to do, they eagerly went about their scavenger hunt. Pinkie Pie's efforts had turned up a gyroscope, a foal's toy, but afterwards she got too carried away. Twilight found herself getting complaints from all over the castle about the pink party pony's over enthusiastic antics. Twilight had to give Pinkie an 'A' for effort, but for the peace of mind of everypony else, she had to sideline her friend. Luckily, she had found another task that was more up Pinkie's alley—namely, babysitting Princess Celestia and keeping the filly out of trouble. It was a mission that Pinkie was all too happy to take up after realizing that she had scared Celestia half to death during their game of hide and seek in the library. Pinkie felt that she needed to make amends with the filly princess by having the bestest fun in the world. As long as they stayed in Celestia's quarters, she figured not much could go wrong

Once Twilight had everything she needed. Rarity and Fluttershy had excused themselves to a guest room in order to nap. Their emergency dash to Canterlot, the mad chase to catch Celestia, and the scavenger hunt left them both tired out.

"Plus, if I am going to be in the presence of Prince Blueblood," Rarity had said. "I am going to need all my mental strength not to lose my temper with him."

Twilight had to agree. Blueblood was not just a bore at social  events; he showed he could not handle a crisis very well. His claim to marry Twilight Sparkle was an ill-conceived plot to mollify the grumbling nobles. Blueblood over-reaction came about because one noble made a baseless accusation that Luna could not handle Celestia's duties. He even came close to accusing Princess Luna of being the culprit behind the attack. That really threw Blueblood off his game and had led to the embarrassing scene. Twilight did not consider herself an expert on Princess Luna, but the nobles were being extremely silly. Sure, if something had happened to Celestia before Luna's return they would have something to worry about. Now, she was back and healed from the Nightmare, they could easily fall in line with her to keep Equestria from falling apart. She wondered if ponies ever thought ahead in case of events like this. Twilight wondered if she was the only pony, besides the Princesses or her friends, who ever took necessary precautions.

Giggles pulled Twilight from her musings. With three of her friends either resting or playing, that  left Applejack and Rainbow Dash, who decided to keep her company while keeping her focused and not worrying about her mentor. As she worked, they began to slip into quiet, mirth filled giggles. At first Twilight thought they remained in order to take up her suggestion of broadening their horizons about magitech. She pointed out that such devices could do wonders in their respective fields of flight and farming. It dawned on Twilight that the two were becoming deeply amused as she worked. Curiosity was building, but she had to get the device finished first. Still, they proved to be helpful, as both mares were eager to fetch anything for Twilight when she needed it.

Now that the device was running, Applejack and Rainbow seem ready to pop from barely contained laughter. Twilight adjusted another connection and then put the panel in place. She looked at her friends with an annoyed expression and said, "Okay you two, you have been giggling over there  all afternoon. What is so funny?"

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to answer first, but then put a hoof against it to keep from bursting out laughing. Applejack inhaled deeply, wiping away tears. Instead of trying to say something she pointed to the nearby ornate, full-size mirror for Twilight to take a look.

Twilight looked into the mirror, and her confusion turned into embarrassment. The residual magical static energy had frizzled Twilight’s mane to the point that it stood on end. She looked like she had electrocuted herself (a familiar experience). Twilight had to blame being too focused on her work and missed feeling her hair standing up.  She must have carried a heck of a charge to give herself a mohawk.

"Oh my gosh." Twilight squeaked and tried to smooth her mane down. She thought she had succeeded in taming the wild mass but it shot right back up. Twilight gasped and worked harder, but Rainbow Dash and Applejack reached their limit. They fell against each other, braying out with laughter. Frustrated, Twilight let out a sigh and waited for the two to calm down. That proved to be a considerably longer wait, as another look would send her friends into additional fits of laughter. "Come on guys, it's not that funny," Twilight whined. 

"Oh yes it is." Dash sobbed. "The look on your face, priceless." She snorted with laughter again, burying her face into Applejack mane.

Applejack’s laughter had died too amused guffaws, and she patted Dash on the back. "Gosh, Twilight, Ah didn't know ya' were into those fancy hairstyles from Rarity's magazines."

Twilight scrunched up her face and looked for a piece of metal to burn off the static charge. An unused metal plate served the purpose of getting the charge out of her mane and got it mostly back to normal. Now, instead of standing on end, it flattened into a messy heap over her head and neck. 

"Next time I build an invention I'm going to make sure to send you two out for parts far, far, away."

"Ha, lighten up Twilight." Rainbow wiped her eyes. "We needed a good laugh." Applejack agreed wordlessly nodding her head.

"I know. Today has been nerve-wrecking." Twilight sat on her haunches and stretched. The ligaments in her lithe body popped and crackle  giving her a joyful rush of blood through her tired muscles. "Tomorrow isn't going to be any better."

"How come?" asked Applejack.

"Tomorrow we start looking for whoever or whatever attacked the School for Gifted Unicorns." Twilight said while raising to all four hooves. 

"Then we kick the guys around for what they did to Celestia." Rainbow flapped her wings, fueled with excitement to find the culprits and give them a good, stiff, beating.

"To bring them to justice." Twilight reminded her friend. She shook out her mane and walked towards the sleeping area of Celestia's quarters. She heard a new set of giggles as she entered and paused. She watched as Pinkie Pie and Celestia played a board game. It was a simple foal’s game, but Celestia seemed to be enjoying herself. It looked like she had already forgotten all the trouble she had caused during her rampant flight through the castle. They seemed to have eaten already, as empty plates were set off to the side, half eaten vegetables and cupcake wrappers adorning them. The sight of the two playing brought a smile to Twilight's muzzle. Celestia looked so sweet and innocent, nothing like the ancient matron that ruled Equestria for a thousand years.

Another pony shuffled on the nearby bed, catching Twilight's attention. Luna had taken up a quiet vigil on the bed. She had spent the whole afternoon watching her sister and Pinkie Pie play. Twilight knew Luna was serious about protecting her sister. Something had attacked her and might come back to finish her off. In her current form and mind, there was little chance she could fend off the creature again, especially a creature powerful enough to reduce an elder alicorn to a filly. If Twilight had to guess, it would be that Luna was having fits behind her barely contained stoic mask. Worry began to creep into Twilight's thoughts. She wondered if the princess of the night was entertaining angry thoughts—thoughts about what she would do to the perpetrators of this crime. Rainbow Dash was eager to just rough the culprits up. Luna was fully capable of doing much, much, worse to them.

Then, to add to the pressure of the day’s events, Blueblood had told Luna about the meeting with the nobles. That could not be helping Luna by heaping more concerns on her shoulders. How could they demand that she have to prove herself capable of ruling in Celestia's stead. This was Princess Luna, Mistress of the Night, younger sister to Princess Celestia. This pony was not Nightmare Moon, or trying to cast the world into eternal darkness. It was not fair that Luna had to prove herself—in this case, to prove herself able to set the sun. It amounted to no less than Luna having to prove her worth. Surely she had done so hundreds of times throughout the centuries. Twilight guessed that her credentials of facing the likes of Sombra and Discord were now little-known footnotes in history books. Luna had proven she could rule beside her sister after returning from the moon. Granted, stepping back into a different world needed a little adjustment. What did Luna have to do to get through their hyper-critical skulls that she was ready to rule? Numerous, less-than-desirable suggestions popped into Twilight's tired brain. She quickly banished them with a shake of her mane.

Luna already once regretted letting her emotion get the best of her. Ponies who knew her history would be right to be concerned if she would slip again. Twilight knew better; she would not let that happen again. Not while she had the means and will to protect both sisters with her friendship. She trotted over to the bed and climbed on. She laid on her belly next to Luna and joined her in watching Celestia and Pinkie play.

"Finished with your project, Twilight?" Luna asked, eyes still on Celestia.

"Everything is all set." Twilight watched Luna in her peripheral vision. "Just need Celestia for the next part."

"Will this show what happened to her?"

Twilight shook her head, "No, I have a few theories about that but I need to go to the school to verify anything. This experiment,—erm, test is to see what is going on in her head."

Luna set her jaw for a moment. Twilight saw her grinding her teeth. The feeling passed in a moment and she said with a slight edge, "Are you sure that is a wise use of your time? We have assassins lurking in the shadows and no clue as to their identity."

Twilight swallowed lightly as she saw the rage boiling inside her. She needed to proceed delicately and hope she did not set Luna off. She said, "I want to know why she had her seizure. I think it might something to do with the preliminary investigation by the royal guard about what happened."

"Some creature attacked my sister with a temporal spell." Luna said, adjusting her wings anxiously. "A level of high magic that few have mastered save for Star Swirl the Bearded and my sister and I."

Luna’s statement piqued Twilight’s curiosity, "Really? How much do you know about Star Swirl’s temporal magic?"

"Enough to know that no one should use it carelessly, lest something such as this happen."

Twilight nodded, remembering the time she had used one of Star Swirls time spells to resolve a problem, which, in fact, she herself created using the time spell. That revelation alone boggled her mind for days after. Twilight resolved that she was going to need extreme study into the theories of temporal magic before she would be ready to cast it. She suspected she would be ready to do so in the next century or so, give or take a decade. “So you have no knowledge of a creature that can manipulate time?"

"None. This was a strange event, even to us," Luna admitted; then she sighed and lowered her head to her fetlocks. "Celestia may have had some idea, as she was able to best it. Yet..."

Twilight nodded her head and turned her attention back to Celestia. The filly shook a pair of white dice in her magic field and tossed them gently across the game board. She nudged her game piece across the allotted number spaces and giggled. "I got a event card." She picked up the card and her eyes fell back. "'Bad luck, a dragon has stolen the crystal heart and sent you back five spaces.'" Celestia pouted and adjusted her piece backwards. "Stupid dragon."

Pinkie Pie giggled, "Aww, don't pout, little filly. You'll get your crystal heart back."

"From a dragon?"

"Duh, of course." Pinkie Pie hopped on her hind legs and punched one fore hoof at the air. "Sir Pinkamena will take on this quest for the young princess to restore her missing spaces."

Celestia giggled into her hooves, "Silly, you can't be a sir. You're a filly."

Pinkie gasped and dropped back to her stomach, eye level with Celestia. She whispered conspiratorially, "Really? Then don't tell the other knights, okay?"

Celestia laughed and nodded her head vigorously.

Pinkie smiled and scooped up Celestia onto her back. She trotted over to the bed where Twilight and Luna rested. "Can you watch Celestia? This filly needs to powder her nose. Hup." She kicked her back side up and popped Celestia into the air towards the two princesses.

"Okay, Pinkie," Twilight said, catching the airborne filly with her magic. As she lowered her to the bed, Celestia kicked her legs out and flapped her wings, trying to get traction. "C'mere you."

"Aw, come back soon, Pinkie Pie." Celestia called after Pinkie as she trotted out of the room. She looked to Twilight then to her sister. She proceeded to bounce over to Luna and throw her legs around her sister's neck. "Aw, poor Luna looks so grumpy today."

Luna smiled and briefly lifted her head. She settled it back down on top of Celestia, smushing her into the bed. "It was because I missed my favorite pillow."

Celestia squirmed and flailed her legs, "No, Luna, I'm not for sleeping on."

Luna laughed and released Celestia. The filly huffed and walked around the edge of the bed then crawled over Luna,to squeeze in between the adult alicorns. Twilight adjusted her wing to allow Celestia to get a bit more comfortable. Once Celestia had settled in, Luna laid a wing over both, covering Celestia and part of Twilight. This seemed ideal for Celestia, as her eyes began to droop. They remained quiet as Celestia’s breath softened. In no time she was asleep.

Twilight smiled as she watch her former mentor sleep without a care in the world and said quietly, "So this is Celestia as a filly."

Luna nodded her head. "No different from any other filly in the land. I am sure it is a rather disappointing revelation to those who deify her."

"Yes... I once imagined she was a spontaneous creation from a solar event." Twilight saw the cocked eyebrow from Luna. "I was a filly at the time I came upon that conclusion."

"Ah." Luna said and nodded her head. "I suppose you would have thought I would have been born of the ethereal powers of the night. Poetic really, not like the messy process of natural birth."

"I suppose some ponies need a reminder that the two of you are flesh and blood like everyone else." Twilight inhaled deeply and looked down at Celestia. The filly’s wing twitched as she continued to slumber. Twilight gazed up at Luna. The regal princess was looking away with and felt distant. A question popped into Twilight's head and she hesitantly asked, "I suppose, you two had parents."

Luna’s eyes shifted to look at Twilight. She only answered with a perceptible nod.

"What were they like?" Then Twilight realized the boundary she was crossing and quickly added, "I mean if you don't mind answering that question, Princess."

Luna pursed her lips as she regarded Twilight. Then she too looked down at Celestia and watched her sleep. "You do understand what I tell you..."

"Will never leave my lips." Twilight said. "Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye."

"I am being serious." Luna said.

"I am too," Twilight countered. She let a smile that would have impressed Pinkie Pie cross her muzzle.

Luna cocked her head at the smiling Twilight. After a moment, she chuckled and smiled. "I see you have learned a few things from Pinkie Pie."

"Just doing what I can to cheer you up, Princess." Twilight said as she moved a wing to touch Luna's back. "I can only imagine what your feeling right now."

"You are perceptive and kind, Twilight Sparkle." Luna bowed her head in respect. "I will endure, at least until this is undone and those responsible are punished."

Twilight nodded her head and waited. Luna shifted her gaze from one object in the room to another. For a moment Twilight thought that Luna was trying to dodge answering the question; then she started to speak.

"I was very young, so I only remember vague details about our parents," Luna said. "Celestia would be the best to ask, after she is returned to normal." Luna closed her eyes to help her focus. "I remember mother—she was white with a red mane and smelled like cinnamon. I wonder if it was because she baked, or if it was a type of perfume."

Luna rested her head on a fetlock before continuing, "I remember she would sing lullabies for us, and she had such a warm and caring voice. I think it's something Celestia tries to emulate when dealing with the populace. Considering the results, I think she pulls it off rather well."

“Father was dark as the night. Save for his eyes, which I sparkled with starlight." Luna frowned. "It's hard to remember his face after so long." She smiled, "I remember that he towered over me. Granted I was a foal, so everyone towered over me."

Twilight giggled.

"It's from him I learned that stamping your hoof was a sign of disapproval. He never raised his voice at us. That one solid stomp would cause my sister and I to stop whatever it was we were doing. I do not think we got into much trouble, at least, no more trouble than any other child could get into."

"Were you treated like royalty?" Twilight asked.

Luna shook her head. "Those times were different. We were just ponies. I do not think there were many other alicorns, but I think the other tribes did not live with us. If they did I do not remember. Perhaps the other alicorns preferred the isolation from the others."

"Because of your long lifespan?" Twilight asked.

"I would imagine so," Luna said. "It could be off-putting living in a village filled with ponies who would outlive you several generations over."

"I'm guessing such isolation gave everypony time to develop different types of magic." Twilight moved closer to the Luna as she began to speak faster, the questions lining up to be asked. "Were your parents powerful magic users?"

Luna leaned back from Twilight, then let an amused smile crossed her muzzle. Twilight stopped her questions at the expression, then she felt a few kicks from Celestia before the filly popped her head out from under the wings. 

"I can't breathe, move over!" Celestia cried indignantly.

"Whoops," Twilight said. "I'm sorry Celestia.” She gave the irritated filly some room.

Celestia grumbled and rose to her hooves. She climbed atop Luna’s back and flopped. With her head rested against her sister's neck, Celestia began to doze off again. Luna rolled her eyes and sighed as her sister took over her back as personal bed space.

"I guess bigger sisters are for sleeping on?" Twilight gave Luna a wide smile.

"I suppose so," Luna said in agreement. She continued to watch Celestia as she slept. "Twilight, can your test wait till the morning? Celestia is exhausted after today events."

Twilight thought and nodded, "Of course. After what happen at the school and running around the castle she must be drained." Twilight tried to fight off a yawn but it forced its way out, "Goodness, my apologies. I guess I'm just as tired."

"Another reason to put off your test till tomorrow," Luna said. She shifted her wings and cupped Celestia to make her more comfortable. "Go rest, Princess. I shall let Pinkie Pie watch over her while I sort out the court of the night. I suppose they will need to know its presider will be taking over Celestia's duties till she gets better."

"Affairs of the kingdom don't stop, even when one of the Diarchs gets turned into a filly."

"Indeed." Luna nodded her head. "Go rest, Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight open her mouth to gladly oblige then stopped to consider for a moment. "Actually, if you don't mind, I'd like to go outside with you."

Luna quirked her brow then began to frown.

"No, no, wait that's not what I meant," Twilight said quickly adding, "I have nothing but faith in you to do your sister's job. I just, you know, want to be there to cheer you on."

"Ah, Twilight," Luna’s frown turn into a light smile, "I do not doubt your intent. Just it reminds me of the reasons this 'test'"—Luna said the word with a tone of disgust—"carries so much importance for no reason."

"Not everyone doubts you, Luna," said Twilight. "My friends and I know you're capable of taking over for your sister."

Luna’s smile widen and she said, "Thank you, again, Twilight. It is a deep honor to have friends such as yourselves by my side. This goes for my sister too.."

Twilight patted Luna’s foreleg before slipping off the bed. "I'll meet you at the observation tower  then." As she moved from the bed, Twilight began working the kinks out of her body. She watched Luna magically slip Celestia off her back and onto the bed. She pulled the blankets over the sleeping filly, tucking her in.

"Now, this time, stay in bed." Luna quietly ordered her sister. Then she gave her a soft nuzzle and a kiss. Celestia unconsciously responded by grasping at Luna's muzzle and giving it a squeeze in return. Then she whimpered and turned over onto her side to get comfortable. Luna watch her sister settle in for much needed sleep, taking in a shuddering breath. She whispered, "Please be all right, Cele.'"

Twilight had to blink her eyes hard and moved to leave the room. This was a personal moment, not between Princesses, but sisters. Sisters that seemed to have gone through much in their younger lives. Twilight believed in her heart they would get through this as well, only this time they would not be doing it alone. This time they had her and her friends to help them. She hoped she would do her mentor proud by helping return her to normal. Twilight mused that she was chipping away at the unpayable tab she felt she owed to Celestia for everything.

With another partial yawn, Twilight trotted back to the living room, where she chuckled at her two friends. As physically fit Applejack and Rainbow Dash were, fatigue had finally caught up with the two mares. Applejack lay with her legs folded under her body, hat tipped over her eyes. A common position for Applejack when she would catch a quick nap on the farm during lunch break. Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, was flopped on the floor using Applejack’s flank as her personal pillow. Twilight added that cavert to her mental rolodex about her friends: Rainbow Dash could sleep anywhere on anything and now anyone.

"Hey," Twilight said, "wake up and go to bed."

Applejack lifted her head and tilted her hat back. She started to roll her neck but stopped halfway to frown at Rainbow. Rainbow Dash had only opened her eyes when her friend said, "Seriously, RD? Ya' sleep in my trees, on top my barn, now yah gonna sleep on me?"

Rainbow Dash smacked her lips before answering. "That's because you don't know how comfortable your rump is, Applejack."

Twilight laughed into her fetlock as Applejack rolled her eyes.

"C'mon, lazy bones," Applejack said. She stood up, letting Rainbow Dash’s cheek hit the floor. With a smug smile and nod, she said, "we still got work to do."

"Yeah, yeah," Rainbow Dash said, rubbing her cheek. She flapped her wings to follow Applejack and Twilight as they left the room. The trio departed from the royal quarters and through several hallways to reach the guest quarters. The late afternoon found less of the castle’s inhabitants traveling through the halls. Instead, more of the Royal Guard stood watch. Their patrols had become noticeably more frequent..

"Princess Luna isn't taking' any chances tonight," Applejack said as they passed their third patrol.

"As long as whatever attacked Celestia continues to remain free," Twilight said as she nodded her head to the patrol, “no one is going to be relaxing."

"How is Princess Celestia doing?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"About as well as can be expected. From just observing her, she is just as healthy as a normal filly," Twilight frowned. "I just don't understand why she can't remember anything about today. Why would she only remember her life when she was ten years old?"

"Maybe she's got that amnesia thing?" Applejack suggested.

"Possibly." Twilight mused for a moment as they turn into the hall where their rooms were located. "I only skimmed the reports the Royal Guards were able to collect from eye witnesses about the battle. It could have been traumatic enough to regress Celestia’s mind to a simpler time."

Rainbow Dash stopped and hovered as they others walked. "Wait, wouldn't that mean that whatever it was she was fighting could be really powerful? I mean, Princess Celestia is not a slouch when it comes to fighting."

Twilight open her mouth to answer but stopped herself.

"C'mon, Twi, I'm thinking the same thing too," Applejack said.

"What?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Applejack sighed and looked at her friend. "Chrysalis."

"Oh." Rainbow Dash made a face of disgust. "That."

"Yes," Twilight said. "That was the first time I've ever seen her fight another. We know why she choose not to fight Nightmare Moon. Chrysalis was one of the few times in this century that Princess Celestia had to resort to violence to resolve a conflict."

"So what ya’ sayin, she a little rusty," Applejack said.

"Pretty much," Twilight said with a nod. "She mentioned after the incident that she was going to start sparring with Princess Luna to get whipped back into shape."

"So does this count as a win or a loss?" Rainbow Dash asked as she stroked her chin. She then looked ahead as they neared the doors to their rooms. She let out a disgruntled snort. "Look out, Twilight, your prince of dubious quality is back!"

Twilight looked up to Rainbow Dash then down the hall. She groaned inwardly as Prince Blueblood approached them and felt her trepidation grow. He had disappeared since Celestia’s little romp through the castle. Now he was back with a distinguished grey earth pony who wore a top hat and monocle. Blueblood's eyes were on Rainbow Dash as they walked up. He tore his gaze away to flash Twilight with a brilliant smile.

"Good evening, Princess Twilight, and ladies." Lifting a foreleg to the other stallion he said, "With me is Caeser." He focused on Rainbow Dash, "You might remember him from the Grand Galloping Gala when you assaulted him."

Rainbow Dash appeared ready to answer with a snarky remark, but the memory of that moment took the sail from her wings and she chuckled nervously. "Right, sorry about that. No hard feelings?"

"Quite all right, miss." Caesar said as he adjusted this monocle. "I had a keen interest in your career since that night. I happen to know the locale military leaders of the E.U.P. military..."

"Oh yeah?" Rainbow Dash's interest was piqued.

"Yes," Caesar said, his demeanor becoming shark-like. "I had thought about having you expelled from the reserves. However, Blueblood here made the case that your presence with that venerable organization had significant importance."

"What?" Rainbow Dash’s tail flicked, her face going from surprise to anger. "You wouldn't-”

"I would have," Caesar said. He adjusted his monocle before he said, "It's not wise to ruffle feathers needlessly in Canterlot, Ms. Dash."

Twilight was just as surprised as her friends. She knew that commenting on the attempt to take away her lifelong dream would light Rainbow's fuse. To then lecture her, would make it burn all the faster.

"Now, Caesar," Blueblood interrupted smoothly, perhaps noticing the deepening scowl of the insulted mare, "I am sure Ms. Dash is not interested in Canterlot politics, nor is this the time.”

"Oh I'm very interested now," said Rainbow Dash her tail flicking back and forth to show her anger.

“Calm down, Rainbow,” Applejack said. The orange mare approached Rainbow Dash from behind.  

Caesar set his jaw, looking ready to continue. Blueblood looked to Twilight to deal with her good friend. Twilight had to admit she felt angry too. Celestia was in a bad situation and Twilight's friends were getting into a fight with Blueblood's friend. She was glad that the prince was trying to be diplomatic, but the bull was out the gate now. It would be difficult to get it back in if nopony was going to back down. Twilight was game to try though and opened her mouth to ask Rainbow to calm down. Just as Twilight was about to say something to Rainbow Dash, the pegasus was yanked backwards. She disappeared so fast that Twilight had to turn to see where she went. 

"Hey! Applejack, what are you doing?" Rainbow Dash flapped her wings harder trying to pull against the force pulling her tail. The orange earth pony had a mouth full of Rainbow's tail and was pulling her backwards down the hall. Apparently, Applejack had a full grasp of the situation and knew a better way to reign her friend in. No matter how embarrassing it might be for everyone present.

"Nuh-uh, led's go." Applejack said as she continued to pull.

"Leggo', I can walk, see, I'm following you. Ow! Let go!" Rainbow Dash whined all the way till both mares rounded the corner into the next hall. They scuffled out of sight before a harsh whispered conversation started. It continued to fade as they left for another part of the castle well away from Caesar.

Twilight and the stallions stood in the hallway. Twilight felt embarrassed by the whole ordeal but pushed it aside to lock her gaze on Caesar. Time to set some ground rules while she and her friends were here in Canterlot. "Was that really necessary?"

"Necessary? No," Caesar said. "Now if you were to ask if it were fun..."

"Caesar, really," Blueblood said to his friend.

"Fine, fine, I apologize, Princess Twilight." Caesar sat back and took off his top hat. "Perhaps I went too far. It's the stress of what happened to Princess Celestia. It has risen my ire. I hope you are able to find those responsible for this despicable act.” 

Twilight sensed that the stallion was being insincere with his apology. However, calling him out on it would be in poor taste and start another argument. Twilight had to accept that he was apologizing for his behavior. Not to mention, having a pony of some considerable standing angry with her would not help in the investigation. She sighed inwardly, reminding herself why Celestia and Luna both disliked the political dance.

"Don't worry, Caesar, I will find out who did this and bring them to justice," Twilight said. "I also apologize for my friends’ actions. I hope we can take the opportunity to smooth things over. I'm sure once you get to know Rainbow Dash, you can appreciate why I consider to be one of my best friends."

Twilight winced at the look Caesar gave her—like she had stepped on his top  hat. It sent a small shiver down her spine; the look told her that he had no intentions of ever making friends with anyone. A faux cough from Blueblood and the look vanished as Caesar plastered on a fake smile. "Of course, Princess Twilight, perhaps, one day." He replaced the top hat on his head and looked to Blueblood, "I think I shall go find Fancypants and see where he will be to watch the sunset."

"Of course, Caesar," Blueblood said. "I shall catch up with before long." Blueblood did not put on a smile as Caesar left. He wanted him to know that he disapproved of his actions. Caesar kept his dignity and trotted away. Only when he was around the corner did Blueblood sigh loudly.

Twilight watched him. She thought she saw something different in the prince standing before her. It was a moment, then the guise snapped back into place. He continued to look away, letting the silence hang in the air. Blueblood had the look of a pony with a lot on his mind. A question occurred to Twilight: who did Blueblood talk to about his problems? Her guess would be Celestia, seeing as they were family. Now that she was out of commission, what about Luna? Just how many friends did Blueblood have? None of these questions were going to be answered just standing here looking at the stallion prince. Twilight hoped that Rarity would understand that she was reaching out to him in the name of Friendship.

"Interesting friend you have there, Blueblood," Twilight said.

Blueblood opened his eyes slightly, acting as if he was expecting another kind of response. He took a moment to formulate his answer and said, "When you live in this castle, one has to  take what friends one can find. Even if you know they have ulterior motives." He looked at Twilight fully. "Not all of us are so blessed to have a colorful cast of friends as you do, Princess of Friendship."

Twilight thought she heard Rarity’s voice in the back of her head commenting that maybe he would have more friends if he was not an insufferable jerk—not a helpful comment. "It wasn't the case that day I went to Ponyville for the Summer Sun Celebration. To tell the truth, everypony thought I was a spy for Nightmare Moon at first."

"But everything turned out well for you, did it not?" Blueblood inhaled deeply as he ran a hoof through his blonde mane.

"Well, I guess, it did," Twilight said meekly. She did not want to get into the subject about her Ascension not right now before she had to be outside with Luna. "So are you friends with Fancypants?

Blueblood seemed to lighten up slightly, but the look fell as he started to walk. "As much as I would love to talk about myself, I think auntie is getting ready to set the sun. Hopefully it will end this idiocy about her capabilities."

Twilight frowned gently. She reviewed the conversation, wondering what she said wrong. She had found something they had in common, but Blueblood was deflecting. He had a friend, why not share that with her? "Prince Blueblood-"

"Have a good evening, Princess Twilight," Blueblood said brusquely as he followed the same route that Caesar left by. His hoof falls retreated down the hall, leaving Twilight in the quiet hallway. The only sounds remaining were the distant march of the guards as they traveled their designated patrol routes. With a quiet whisper Twilight said, "Oh come on..."






Twilight hurried to the observation tower where Luna would set the sun and raise the moon. She put the incident with Blueblood and his friend onto her  list of things to figure out later.  Right now she needed to be the best supporter ever for Princess Luna. The run had left her panting as she arrived outside. She took a moment to adjust her wings to make herself look presentable. 

Luna was there speaking with the guards. The armored stallions nodded to their Princess as she finished giving their instructions. They excused themselves as Twilight stepped up next to Luna. Twilight noticed that Luna was nervous, her wings twitching. A habit that Twilight acquired herself after gaining her pegasus wings. There was still a few minutes left before Luna would do her sister's duties An idea germinated in Twilight's mind and she said, "It can't be any worse than my attempt to raise the sun, Princess."

Luna stopped adjusting her four hooves and looked at Twilight. The stoic look began to melt as she started to smile thinking about that day the younger alicorn was in such a hurry to raise the sun. "I was mortified that morning when I saw both heavenly bodies zipping through the sky. I honestly thought you were going to crash them together."

"I'm still sorry about that." Twilight rubbed a hoof behind her head looking sheepish. 

"Do not concern yourself, Twilight Sparkle," Luna said. The smile grew wider. "Your mentor thought it was quite amusing."

Twilight blushed having wonder what Celestia thought about her first attempt to use her magic. Another question pressed in and she asked, "What did Cadance think?"

"She prayed that you did not try to use her magic. She feared you might wed yourself to a door knob," Luna said matter-of-factually. 

Twilight gasped and began to pout, "I'm so telling her off the next time I see her."

"Your wedding," Luna grinned. "Though I suggest the door knockers outside your castle. They seem so handsome."

"Ugh." Twilight sighed with defeat. Perhaps cheering up Luna worked a little too well She looked up with a smile. "Ready to show the world your stuff?"

"Yes, let us put this farce to rest." Luna stepped forward till she reached the rails of the balcony. Twilight watched her gaze out over the beautiful city of Canterlot which was bathed in the light of the setting sun. She closed her eyes and her horn began to glow. Despite popular rumor, there were no gestures, no uttered words, no arcane strain when dealing with the sun or the moon. The spells used required immense power, which only Celestia and Luna commanded—power that had grown from so long ago when they were still young alicorns. History pointed out that teams of unicorns could cast the same spells but at terrific cost to their personal magic, leaving them forever drained.  The only time the sisters put a theatrical spin on the raising and setting of the sun and moon was during the Summer Sun Celebration, for the benefit of the ponies that would come to watch. 

Luna was not in the mood to put on a show to prove her ability to rule in her sister's stead. It was enough to show them that she can do it and go take charge until the time Twilight grew her mentor back to being an adult. Ears flicking, Twilight mused that considering the pony in question that might be easier said than done. 

Luna spell grew in power and the aura became brighter. Twilight felt a small thrill as the sun responded and began to descend into the horizon. "Yes," Twilight said. She blushed as one of the guards behind her quietly laughed. She was not the only one who had faith in their Princess. Twilight thought to say something to cheer Luna. 

The sun stopped moving. 

Twilight's pupils shrank as the sun stopped. She looked to Luna and her mouth gaped as she saw the elder alicorn struggling. The magical glow of her horn even more vibrant as she put more power into the spell. She ran to Luna's side, "Princess Luna, what's happening?"

"Another has cast the spell." Luna said through gritted teeth.  Her wings unfurled and spread wide to regain her balance. "Somepony is trying to take the sun away from me."

"No!" Twilight shouted. "That can't be possible."

Luna snarled and gave Twilight an angry side look. "It is, and it is happening now. It feels like my sister is trying to take over."

Twilight looked to the two guards and ordered, "watch her while I go check on Celestia." She did not wait to hear their reply as she lept over the rail and spread her wings. Her mind raced. It was entirely possible that Celestia could be casting the spell. There was so many uncertainties about her situation at the moment. Did the filly suddenly remember or did a repressed memory compel her to start casting the spell? Would there be side effects on a pony so young to be casting a spell of this magnitude. Twilight leveled out as she spotted the balcony to Celestia quarters. A quick flick of magic and the doors were flung open to let Twilight land inside. 

"Twiiili-" Pinkie Pie was quick to scold Twilight. She stopped when she noticed the look of fear on Twilight's face. Both looked to Celestia as she slept fitfully in the bed.  The filly was not casting any magic. 

"No, no, not good, not good at all." Twilight turned and flew out of the room and to the observation tower. The sun was visibly showing the struggle between Luna and the mystery caster. Was it the creature again? Was it showing that it now had the power of the Princess of the Sun? "Princess Luna."

Luna was glowering, matching her temperament as sweat poured down her body. Twilight landed close enough to the Princess to see her eyes glowing magical power. "Pray tell is my sister having a nightmare?" Luna's voice wavered from the intense focus she poured in keeping her spell. 

"Celestia is not responsible," Twilight said. "Somepony else is casting the spell." Twilight expression changed to confusion as she saw a smile spread across Luna's muzzle. "Luna?"

"This is good then. I have no more reason to hold back." Luna reared back onto her hind legs, wings flapping. She rose up casting several spells in rapid succession. So quickly that Twilight could barely register which spells Luna cast. She could feel the power building up around Luna as she hovered mid-air, allowing the magical power to hold her aloft. She began to speak, her words like thunder. "Hear me monster. I am Luna, Princess of the Night. You think because of your cowardly attack on my sister you think yourself my superior. Now, you dare try to steal the very sun she is responsible for. Neigh, your ego has given you a false sense of confidence. While I still draw breath you will fail. As my heart continues to beat you will never harm her again. With my greater command of the forces of magic; You. Will. Not. Beat Me!"

With the last proclamation, Twilight swore she thought she heard glass shattering. A bright flash of silvery light forced her to close her eyes. A tremendous impact caused her to wobble and stumble. The wave of magic surged around her and away along with a forceful wind. For a moment she feared she might actually take flight and be flung over the railing. She felt her backside bump against the rail then the magical wave relented. After a moment the light faded and the magic dissipated all together. Twilight blinked her eyes and gasped. Luna was back on the ground, but now standing in a depression of pulverized stone. She was panting with sweat dripping down her lowered muzzle. Her eyes met with Twilights and nodded her towards the horizon. Twilight twisted around just in time to witness the descent of the sun. 

"Oh thank goodness," Twilight said. 

"Indeed." Luna smirked. "I won." She staggered out of the depression, using her wings to shrug off the guards who came to help her. "I am well, just winded. I have not had reason to cast magic like that for a while..." While the guards complied, they stayed close. 

Twilight bounced over to Luna and threw her forelegs around her neck to hug her. Luna chuckled  at show of affection and she returned it by hugging Twilight around her barrel. “Were you worried, Twilight?”

“Yes,” said Twilight. “Even more now than ever. Someone else can control the sun.”

Luna snorted. She let go of Twilight as she cast another spell, this one to raise the moon. “You give them too much credit. It is true they tried to take it by surprise, but it was an amateur attempt at best.” Luna snorted steam. “A true coward that waits to strike from the shadows, no doubt drunk from its victory over my sister. It dares think I would not expect him to try something with me?” Luna barked a sharp laugh, but there was no amusement in it.

Twilight made a mental note of what Luna said. It was actually quite comforting to think that whatever this creature was, it was not yet a threat to the sun. Yet.. There were too many unknown variables that could turn the next attempt into a win. The creature was an amateur at magic now, but how long would that last? With that in mind, she stood back to watched Luna raise the moon, waiting for something else to happen. "It might try again..."

"Perhaps," Luna said. "Before I ended its spell, I managed to tie a small amount of feedback into it." She preened a ruffled feather back into place. "No doubt it is reeling from the headache. Let it be a reminder that I am the superior spell caster here."

Twilight frowned, "Not to spoil your victory, Princess. Don't you think you're sounding a little cocky?"

Luna gave Twilight a sharp look. Twilight held her gaze, her stomach shrinking to the size of a small hoof. Then Luna looked away. She preened a few more feathers before she looked to Twilight again. "You intend on spoiling my fun."

Twilight shrank a little but nodded.

Luna sighed and said, "As you should. I still need to be on my guard for my sister's sake." She raised a wing and hugged Twilight’s neck. "Thank you for being here, Twilight."

Relieved, Twilight smiled at the princess. "You know I'm always here for you and Celestia." She gripped the larger mare's neck feeling Luna relax. The moment did not last long as she heard hoof steps of more guards arriving at the balcony. The most prominent was a bat wing pony wearing the armor of the captain of the guard. 

"Your highness, we saw the magical eruption," the captain said. "I think every pony in Canterlot saw it."

"There was an issue with the setting of the sun. How bad was the damage?"

"A lot of the upper towers lost windows and some debris fell to the grounds below." The captain looked relieved. ”Though no injuries have been reported. Though a lot of ponies are wondering what happened."

Luna noded and released Twilight. "Of course, I shall go down stairs now and address the situation. Though I will leave out a few details till you are done with your investigation." Luna added the last comment with a look to Twilight. 

Twilight nodded her head and watch the group leave. She turned to look over the dusk-covered city and wondered where this was going. An acute worry formed about this creature. Was it growing stronger? If so, she hoped for everypony’s sake that they found it before it became too powerful. She lined up her thoughts, making a mental list of things to do tomorrow. Only the call of a familiar prince below stopped her mental calculations. Wondering what Blueblood had gotten into now, she spread her wings and took off in the direction she heard the voice. Through one of the broken windows she spotted his white coat and teleported into the hallway.

Blueblood almost jumped out of his skin with the surprising flash of light and almost dropping Caesar to the floor. 

"Oh my gosh, are you two alright?" Twilight asked. Blueblood stumbled with Caesar and laid him into a chair and began to fan him with his top hat. . 

"I found him staggering in the hallway," Blueblood said. "I had been looking for him all over the place."

"Ugh, i was looking outside and there was a blinding light," Caesar said. His eyes were hardly focusing on anything at the moment. "Did something hit the castle?"

Twilight scrunched her face for a moment then said, "Not quite. I think Princess Luna wanted to put on a show for everypony and got carried away." She hoped Luna would forgive her throwing the princess under the carriage. She cocked her head and frowned when Caesar snorted with derision.

"Do the diarchs do anything simply, or safely, anymore?"

"You are cross, my friend," Blueblood said, with a slight edge. A surprising change to Twilight. "Let us get you to the infirmary."

"I'd rather we go and get a stiff drink," Caesar suggested. He took back his hat from Blueblood and placed it on his head. "I mean, if it's all the same to you, your highness." There was a definite look of hostility going on between the two stallions. It did not look like they were going to get into while Twilight was standing there with them. 

Blueblood sighed and shook his head," fine, fine, but if you wake up with a concussion do not blame me for not trying to help." He rolled his eyes and nodded politely to Twilight before helping his friend along. Caesar already seemed more steady on his hooves as they trotted away. 

They left Twilight wondering about the prince and his friend. More about Blueblood than anything. There was something different about the prince. Little glimmers of something more that he kept to himself. Was there more to the arrogant prince then what the others assumed about him?  He did keep odd friends though. She wondered if Blueblood had more friends who were not like the Canterlot elite, maybe it would have a positive effect on him. She saw a different stallion briefly when she asked him about Fancypants. She groaned, realizing this had all the earmarks of a friendship problem. She could not ignore it, but nor could she delegate energy from the current situation with Celestia. Twilight was going to have to figure out a perfect way to balance the two issues. She wondered if the creature would be so kind to give her and the rest of Equestria a break from attacking again till she came up with a solution.

Experience said no, no it would not.  

> Chapter Three
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight stared at her reflection in the mirror. She looked like a mare who slept fitfully last night and with reason after the events of yesterday—Celestia reduced to a filly, Luna challenged for control of the sun, and Blueblood with a friendship problem. Then there was the creature that started it all, a creature that could physically and magically challenge the two alicorn sisters. Twilight’s attempt at research had come up short on information. There was nothing on a creature that could manipulate time to the extent the attacker could. It made her wonder if it had been a pony that carried out the act of terror against Celestia. Starlight Glimmer had been adept at altering a spell belonging to Starswirl the Bearded for her act of revenge. Could there be another pony be as brilliant as her? That prospect had made Twilight worry, forcing her to continue the search for information until midnight when her body demanded rest.  As her mind was only as sharp as the rest she gave herself, Twilight finally turned in, only to toss and turn and jolt awake as concerns encroached on her mind.

She stuck her tongue out at the reflection and ran a brush through a bed mangled mane. With the glow of the sun lighting up the room Twilight figured Luna had no problems with raising the sun. At least,the guards had not needed to beat her door down to alert her to another magical altercation. The only pony Twilight had seen so far was the maid, Dusty. She inquired if Twilight would come to breakfast with Princess Luna. Twilight mumbled a yes and let the maid go about her business. Twilight had to admit she was feeling a touch grouchy having to get up so early, but there was so much to do if they would solve this mystery. Meaning, it was time to get organized. She turned her head towards the bedroom. 

“Spike, I- oh wait you're not here.”

Spike and Starlight Glimmer had remained behind to reschedule appointments so Twilight could hurry off to Canterlot. They were supposed to join them later today. Starlight’s insights concerning time travel might help in determining what they were dealing with. At least, she could help form a plan of defense against a creature capable of using temporal magic. Thinking of another whose skills might be useful on the case, Rarity came to mind. Twilight only recently became aware of the fashionista's powers of observation and deduction. It was an amusing discovery as her friends continue to surprise in new ways. Today she was eager to see Detective Rarity in action. 

The sun outside grew brighter and continue to wax on. Hunger made itself known to Twilight, and breakfast with Princess Luna sounded like a marvelous idea. With the perfect solution in mind, she trotted out of the room and down the hall. The princesses normally took their breakfast in a room at the base of the observation tower. It allowed them a moment of privacy before affairs of the day separated them. It was more space than either sister needed, so they often used it to have private meals with family and friends. As she navigated the castle halls, the Royal Guard continued to make their presence known. The day shift had taken over and looked just as determined to protect the castle. They looked sure of their duties, which was a good sign morale was high. In returning the salute of a passing patrol, she missed the white stallion rounding the corner from another hall. 

“Ow, watch where-oh it's you... princess,” Blueblood said, rubbing his chest after Twilight accidentally poked him with her horn. He gave her a casual look over before saying, “I trust you slept well, your highness?”

Twilight rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. “No, I barely slept at all. I couldn't stop worrying about Princess Celestia.”

“I understand the sentiment,” Blueblood sniffed. He gestured with his head towards the doors leading to the dining room. “Are you going to see them now?”

“I was planning too, yes,” Twilight said. Then she smiled as a thought popped into her head: “We can go in together if you like?”

Blueblood blinked, again he was unprepared for the act of graciousness from Twilight. He mulled it over for a second before nodding. “It would be, all right. I suppose so. Yes, well, shall we?” He politely gestured for Twilight to proceed him and took up a stride next to her as they headed for the room. "Princess Luna was able to raise the sun with no problems."

"I am so happy to hear that," Twilight said nodding her head. "Maybe whatever tried to take the sun from her yesterday couldn't do it again this morning."

“From what I heard about the incident, the thing might be afraid to try again.” Blueblood smirked and paused at the doors. Twilight started to worry this was about to become an embarrassing moment after what happened with Rarity. Instead, the prince opened the doors for her. "After you, Princess Twilight."

"Th-thank you." Twilight nodded her head and trotted inside. She immediately heard the breakfast conversation at the table. She barely could contain a giggle as Celestia was arguing with Luna.

“Why can’t I have cake for breakfast? I’m a princess,” Celestia said while she stood in her chair. Twilight noticed that few extra cushions had been placed so the filly could reach the table.

"Oh," Luna said," now you want to be princess?"

“If I'm a princess then I can have cake.” Celestia reasoned, sitting back on her haunches and waving her fore hooves to indicate the process of her logical thinking. “Princess equals cake. Work with me Luna.” She smiled meekly when Luna arched her brow at the sass. “Please?” She went all in with the large eyes and pouting lip. Even across the room Twilight felt herself ready to give in to the adorableness. What would it hurt to give the poor child a-

“No.” Luna said decisively, ending the request. The filly frowned at her sister before Luna relented and said, “Look, you can have a piece of cake for lunch.”

The filly sat back and smiled wide at her victory.

“First, you have to eat your oatmeal,” Luna added. A small smirk played on her lips.

Celestia’s eye twitched; apparently Luna’s cruelty was unrelenting. “I liked you better when you didn’t talk…” Her frown reversed as Celestia looked across the room and waved at Twilight and Blueblood, completely oblivious to Luna sticking her tongue out in response.

“Good morning, Princess Twilight, Prince Blueblood,” Luna greeted. “Come and break your fast with us.”

“Good morning, Princess Luna, thank you.” Twilight trotted to the table. “I hope you both slept well.”

“Thank you, Auntie Luna.” Blueblood waited till Twilight was seated before sitting across from Celestia. He quirked his brow as he looked at the filly. Twilight noticed that Celestia looked put out by the remark. 

“Luna’s an aunt?” Celestia asked, tilting her head and trying to put the pieces together.

“Yes, she is,” Blueblood said. “And so are you.” The prince did not hide the smile spreading across his muzzle.

If Celestia was confused before, now he had tossed her for a loop. She looked from Blueblood to Luna, then to Twilight. She repeated that process a few times and Luna began to eat again. 

“Wait, if Lulu’s an aunt, and I’m an aunt, whose…” Celestia eyes locked onto Twilight. “Twilight are you Blueblood's mother?”

Twilight’s eyes went wide and Luna sputtered and coughed out her eggs, laughing. “How did you come to that conclusion?” Twilight asked, blushing.

“Well someone has to be.” Celestia said, defending her statement. “How else is he going to be related to us.” She shoot Luna a look, “Lulu why didn't you tell me you had a daughter?!”

Blueblood lost it at that point seeing the look of shock on Luna’s face. 

“Oh for pony’s sake,” Luna said. “Blueblood is adopted into our family. Twilight Sparkle here has only recently ascended to being an alicorn.”

Celestia looked from Luna to the other two ponies. Blueblood recovered himself and Twilight felt the heat starting to fade from her face. “Oh.”

“Oh, yes,” Twilight sighed. She began to help herself to the lovely breakfast set before them. “I’m not quite ready to become a mother.”

“Well I didn’t know how old you were.” Celestia pouted, poking at the oatmeal with her spoon before she took a bite. She mauled over the new information before looking at the prince again. 

“Cele, no need to bother the prince with more questions,” Luna said.

“C'mon, Lulu,” Celestia complained.

Blueblood rolled his eyes. “Don’t argue with your sister.” He quirked his brow as Celestia made a face and grumbled as she return to eating her oatmeal.

“What was that?” Blueblood asked.

“Nothing.” Celestia ears flicked backwards.

“I hope we’re not going to have a repeat of yesterday, Celestia,” Blueblood said dryly. No doubt he was smarting over the headache she gave him.

Twilight knew there was trouble when Celestia’s ears stood up straight. The filly said, “I thought I lost Luna. I was scared.”

“An understandable reaction, considering,” Twilight interjected. She felt it best to start playing diplomat. 

“More like an extreme over-reaction,” Blueblood said. “I know you are young, princess, but you could learn to listen to your elders.”

Celestia began to pout, “Why? No pony-”

“Because that's what good little fillies do.” Blueblood said with a smile.

Twilight dropped her toast as she saw a change come over Celestia. The filly’s eyes narrowed and her hackles rose, face becoming flush with anger. “I had to stop being a filly when we had to leave home. Maybe the other ponies could have been nicer to us.”

“All children think adults are mean to them,” Blueblood chuckled. "Do not make it sound-"

Twilight gaped as the filly darted from her seat, flying at Blueblood. The stallion recoiled, fore hooves up fearing the child might actually hit him. Twilight was surprised by the filly’s temper. 

“You don’t know, you weren’t there.” Celestia said angrily, wings flapping. “You don’t know what it was like the first year asking, begging, for help and everypony blaming us for what happened! You don’t know what what I had to do to protect Luna. You just want me to be a good filly after that?!”

"Celestia." Luna did not raise her voice, but it was low and husky. It was enough to catch Celestia's attention. "Sit down before you get feathers everywhere." Celestia blinked, her angry eyes going away and leaving them sad. She dropped her head and hovered back to her seat, to sit down and stare into the bowel of oatmeal.  Luna fixed her look on Blueblood and said, "Blueblood, I know you mean well, but I will discipline Celestia when she misbehaves from this point on. You—she, has issues you are unaware of."

Blueblood returned her look with a frown, but nodded silently. An awkward silence descended on the room, making the once fine morning a distant memory. Twilight wanted to ask more questions about what Celestia was talking about, but judging by the look on both sisters’ faces, that was a tender topic. She had been lucky before when she talked with Luna about her parents, but what about the topic they were dancing around? The subject they did not want to talk about. She realized she had to let it go for now and move on to something else. Let everypony calm down for the moment. It was time to move to another topic and get things moving again. 

"So," Twilight said. Everyone looked at her now. "About today, I'd like to run my test on Celestia after I go and check up on the others." Twilight smiled. "To make sure they didn't get into trouble during the night."

Luna snorted a little, the corners of her lips turning, "I have yet to receive any reports of them stealing the royal silverware or raiding the kitchen to make a mess."

"Well good, I'll herd them up to Celestia's room before we head off to the school."

“Very well.” Luna said going back to her meal.

Blueblood cleared his throat and said, “Princess Luna, you have an appointment with Fancypants later today in the garden.”

A look of annoyance flickered across Luna's face. She exhaled slowly before responding, "I do not remember making such an appointment."

“No, but I took the liberty of asking him to come see you.” Blueblood swirled his glass of orange juice. “He felt bad about what happened yesterday and wanted to make amends for how the others reacted, to make a representation of support from the ponies who believe in you.”

Luna mulled over what he said. She directed her eyes to Twilight and asked, "Advice?"

Twilight swallowed her hay bacon and said, "well, why not? Fancypants seems to be genuine in his support for you and your sister. Rarity speaks rather highly of him." She paused, ignoring the disgruntled noise from Blueblood. "I say go for it."

"Luna could get a coltfriend today!" Celestia spoke up. Luna inhaled sharply and began to choke her food. During her coughing fit she scowled at the filly, trying to get the point across that she did not need a coltfriend. 


****


With breakfast eaten, Twilight found her friends well-rested and in high spirits. Each of them was concerned about Celestia and looking forward to see what Twilight's test would show. Not everyone stayed, though. As soon as Blueblood spotted Rarity in the room he retreated back into the hall, making an excuse of going to do another errand. Twilight made a note to have a talk with Rarity about smoothing the ruffled feathers between them. But that would come later. First science!

"Okay everypony, and princesses," Twilight said, "this little device we built yesterday is going to allow us to see inside Celestia's head."

Celestia blinked at the device of spare parts that were mashed into a random shape, and she slowly backed underneath Luna. Her movement prompted the bigger sister to shield her. 

Princess Luna eyed the device dubiously “It is safe?”

"Of course," Twilight said. She flicked a switch on the machine and lights began to dance as it activated, running through a their pre-program check. The screen flickered and ran through several lines of code before initiating the operating system. More power was added and the whine made everypony fold their ears back from the piercing sound before it settled to a comfortable hum. Twilight pursed her lips in thought, looking to Rarity and Fluttershy she said,  "Hmm, the power source needs a little adjusting. Where did you say you got this?"

Rarity tapped her chin, “Oh, we acquired it from the metaphysical research department in the School for Gifted Unicorns. Two of the colts there thought they were nearing a breakthrough on EK-something or another. I was not paying attention.”

"The third colt with them was very forward,” Fluttershy chipped in.

“The one that was more suited to be a game show host?” Rarity sniffed with disdain.

Twilight turned the others out as she adjusted the machine. Once done she presented the machine to them. "There, all we need to do is strap Celestia in and see what's going on inside her head."

“Uh, sister?” Celestia was tugging on Luna’s leg vigorously and shaking her head no. The filly had made her decision about being checked by the weird contraption. Luna lowered her head towards her sister and said, “surely you are not afraid of Twilight?”

“No,” said Celestia. “Just her machine.”

Twilight turned reassure her mini-mentor when the machine started to power down. With a little kick of her rear leg, the device continued humming along. She sighed as Luna managed to catch Celestia with her magic before the filly could escape from the room. With an embarrassed smile, Twilight gestured for Luna to sit Celestia on a few cushions. “There. Now this device is going to scan the inside of your head—brainwave patterns to be precise. If there are any anomalies, this should pick it up.”

“Oh! Like the machine you used back in Ponyville when you were trying to figure out my Pinkie Sense?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Exactly,” Twilight said with a nod. She levitated a metal colander. Its porous surface was now adorned with tubes and wires. Foam was melded on the inside to fit comfortably on a pony’s head. There was even a strap to keep it secured under the chin. She placed it on Celestia’s head and adjusted a few knobs. A few of the girls giggled as Celestia became a pony turtle. “How do you feel?”

“A little silly,” Celestia grumbled.

“Don't worry this won't take more than a moment.” Twilight turned on the monitor and flipped a row of switches. The lights on the makeshift helmet glowed and pulsed with energy. The machine hummed softly as the screen flickered. As Twilight watched the panel to make sure nothing overheated, Celestia began to fidget nervously. She attempted to look out from under the helmet but Twilight waved her hoof for her to leave it on. "A few more seconds," she said. A few more moments passed before the monitor informed Twilight that the scan was complete and she put the machine on standby. "...and done."

“That wasn't so bad,” Celestia admitted.

“Of course,” Twilight said. 

“Hm, I am also anxiously curious.” Luna stepped forward to look on the screen. She stared for a moment then commented,”As I always expected: empty.”

“Luna,” Celestia squeaked, shaking a hoof at her sister.

A smile curled Luna muzzle, “I mean the screen, silly.”

“Sure you did,” Celestia huffed.

“Okay, okay, settle down.” Twilight gestured for Luna to step back then adjusted the knobs to produce the picture. The screen flickered once again before the sought after scan appeared. As she studied the image intently she missed the growing tension in the room as everypony waited for her prognosis. When Pinkie Pie started to bite her hooves, Twilight said, “Well, this is complicated.”

“Break it to us gently, Twilight,” Rarity said. Every pony looked had a look of concern that Applejack gave the filly a reassuring hug. Twilight looked at her friends. How was she going to explain this inexplicable development? She flashed through previous conversations with these very same ponies over the years they spent together. Keep it simple, keep it positive. This would be a challenge, but she strove on. “As you see on the screen, this is a the brain of a your average alicorn filly. I have an idea what one looks like because, “Twilight extended her own wings. “What is not typical for her age is the amount of activity going on inside.”

“Even for an alicorn?” Applejack asked.

“Yes,” Twilight said. Okay, here was the part that was going to take some explaining. “Basically, it seems she still has all her memories.”

“Hey, that's great,” Rainbow Dash interrupted. “So it is a case of amnesia.”

“Well thank goodness.” Applejack lifted Celestia up to look her in the eye. “Ya’ hear that, you're almost out of the woods.” Celestia only responded to the apple farmer with a wary smile.

“So we just have to wait for her to settle into her new body?” Fluttershy asked.

“Girls.” Twilight said  to head off their jubilation before it got too far ahead. She hope they notice the look on her face was anything but celebratory.

“You have more to say, Twilight?” Luna spoke loud enough to the others attention. As they looked at her, Twilight nodded.

“Yes, while I'm happy that she still has her memories. The problem is how is her brain holding it all in? It's not developed enough to handle all those memories. It—it should be causing her severe neurological problems.” Now the room was quiet. She saw Luna's stoic facade cracking from the worry. “Despite all this, everything else seems to be fine. Though it might better to get a doctor's opinion as well.”

“Agreed, “Luna said.

“I’m still worried this might be the result of the magic used against Celestia. She has too much information for such a small brain to handle.” Twilight blinked when Celestia glared at her. Then it dawned on her what she had said, “uh, no offense.”

Applejack smoothed the filly's mane. “But she's gonna be all right?”

“Of course,” Twilight put on a fake smile. “Right as rain, as you would say. Right?”

“Close enough.” Applejack set Celestia down and asked her. “Ready to head outside for some fresh air?”

“Oh, yes, yes.” Celestia flapped her wings and bounced on her hooves. The somberness of the moment pushed aside. She looked to Luna and asked, ”Can I? Please?”

“May I,” Luna corrected. “Yes, you may.” Then Fluttershy stepped forward. “We can go to the royal gardens. Oh you'll enjoy all the cute little animals there.”

Celestia's eyes went wide and gleamed. She bounced over to Fluttershy and her hugged her foreleg. “Lead the way.”

As the two began to exit the room, Luna called after them, “Be sure to say on your best behavior, sister, and mind Fluttershy.”

“I will, “Celestia called back.

Rainbow Dash with an impish smile called after Fluttershy. “Hey, show her that trick with the animals you did at the Grand Galloping Gala.”

Fluttershy froze for a moment before quietly shooting back. “We're not supposed to talk about that anymore.” She rose her nose slightly to regain her dignity then realized that Celestia was getting away from her. “Oh, princess, wait for me!” With a flap of her wings Fluttershy hurried down the hall after Celestia. 

Twilight closed the door and with a look to Luna, asked, "Guards?"

“Four unicorns are going to be with her at all times,” Luna said. Then the mask was gone and Luna regarded Twilight with worry. “Everything you have said, it is bad.”

"My understanding of this is she should be in a coma right now. I don't how she is able to run around without experiencing more seizures and even hallucinations as all the information collides in her mind. Whatever magic was used on her is still very much in effect."

“So there is a chance this could get worse?” Luna look mortified. 

“Yes.” Twilight confirm watching Luna shuffle her wings. “Yet,  we can minimize this by not subjecting her to anymore mental trauma. As in, not trying to get her to remember her adult life.”

“Really?” Rarity asked. “Shouldn’t we be trying to get her to remember?”

“If this were a normal case of amnesia, yes.” Twilight was quiet for a moment, thinking of a proper explanation. "She has experiences that only an adult can rationally deal with. Not just any adult, but one who has lived for centuries. She has lived through some major events in her life, some she had barely survived. How does a filly process events like Sombra, Discord, or the worst one of them all—having to banish her own sister to the moon for a millennium. All those feelings would be new to her and overwhelming." 

Rarity's ears drooped and Luna looked away, her face full of shame. They both realized that if the child Celestia began to remember things from her adult life, it could far lingering consequences than just seizures. Nightmare Moon was just one in many incidents that Celestia had dealt with. Not to mention that she was also the keeper of dangerous secrets. Secrets that if known to a ten year old could drive her insane. 

“Then what can we do till this is fixed?” Luna finally asked, plea in her voice.

“That will be the easy part.” Twilight smiled, using her magic to turn off the machine. “Keep her occupied and out of trouble. You know how to raise children, right?”

Luna gave Twilight a flat look and sighed. “We have raised quite a few colts and fillies in our time. A few centuries ago…”

“You’ve been doing a good job so far, princess,” Applejack said. “Plus, you’re not the only pony here who's had to raise a sister.”

“Plus, if she keeps getting into trouble,” Rainbow Dash said, “you can throw her into the dungeon.”

Twilight mouth gaped as she watched Luna stroked her chin, considering the suggestion. “Hey, hey, no pony’s going to lock her up in a dungeon.”

“I think Rainbow Dash meant it as a jest.” Luna said with a growing smile. Though the smile did nothing to diminish the concern that shown by her eyes. 

Twilight nodded and trotted to the princess to hug her neck. “We’re going to fix this. We’ll get her back to old self again.”

“I have faith in your abilities, Twilight Sparkle. In all of you.” Luna return the gesture of affection by lowering her chin to rest on Twilight’s neck. “Now I have a guest to attend to and a country to run. Let me know if learn anything new during your investigation.”

“Will do, Princess Luna.” Twilight bowed her head as Luna retreated from the room. Then she look to her friends. An idea popped into her head and she said, “so, who’s ready to go back to school?” She smiled as her attempt at humor was met with groans. “Aw c’mon, that was funny…”