It's been four years since I've first met my mother. Now we're happily living together with Twilight. Surely nothing could go wrong. Right?
It's been fours years since Solstice had met her mother, Sunset Shimmer. She tries to forget everything that happened in the past, but it still haunts her to this day. Will she be strong enough to face the trials that may arise? Or will she crumble and fall to the evil that threatens her?
Wedding bells. The strong sound of ringing bells. They rang throughout Equestria, joyously. I stood before the altar beside my mother, watching Twilight walk down the aisle. The smile on her face made my heart melt with happiness. Sunset was melting too, I could tell by the love-struck look plastered upon her face.
Twilight walked up to us and half smiled at me. There was something off about her, I could tell. Perhaps she was nervous. She then put her hoof around Sunset and kissed her before Sunset whispered in her ear.
“I love you, Twilight. With all my heart,” she said.
Twilight smiled even wider as she pulled back, gazing into Sunset’s eyes. She bit her lip, in a seductive way then I heard Sunset sharply gasp suddenly.
I was confused at first, but then watched in utter horror as she pulled away from her, revealing a dagger buried in below Sunset’s lower neck, burying itself into her heart.
“Oh, my darling. If only there was somepony that loved you.” Twilight cooed.
Sunset crumpled to the floor, using her magic to try and pry the knife out of her chest. I couldn't move to her though. I wished so desperately to, but the shock was too much for me. Blood ran down her chest as she glanced at me, fear in her eyes.
“Run,” she whispered before she fell over.
I snapped out of my shock and looked at Twilight. This couldn't be her. Could it?
“Twilight?” I asked, cautiously.
Twilight’s eyes rested on me, suddenly flashing with a dark green magic. She spread her dark wings, standing before me, her teeth growing longer and sharper, turning into fangs. Twilight’s magic exploded from her body and a dark cloak overtook her body, replacing the beautiful white dress that she wore.
My jaw dropped to the floor as Twilight’s now glowing eyes rested on us. She lifted her head and laughed with all her might then she let the dark magic wrap around her.
“Hahaha! I shall take everything from you, my love. Then you'll have no choice but to return to me.” Twilight grinned.
My heart sunk to the floor the minute I heard her voice. No… I know that voice all too well.
“No! No! Help me!" I screamed as I ran from her.
Her musical laugh rang through the room, into my ears. I suddenly smashed into a wall that appeared in front of me. I turned and backed into the wall, covering my ears, trying to block out the sound of her laugh. It was hideously beautiful, as she slowly walked towards me.
“Haha! Run and hide, my dear. It shall not matter where you go,” she chuckled.
“No!” I screamed.
Twilight spread her wings ready to take off and pounce upon me, but suddenly a flash of lightning distracted her. Twilight looked up, as did I.
A swirl of magic appeared and it morphed into the form of a dark alicorn. She hovered in the air then landed in front of me, spreading her own wings, making herself seem more intimidating. Her eyes glowed with magic as she faced off Twilight, who didn't seem concerned whatsoever by the Princess that stood before her.
“Stand down, foul creature, before we send thee to the depths of Tartarus.” Princess Luna spoke in a calm yet firm voice.
“Ah, Luna. What a nice surprise.” Twilight chuckled. “Brings back such memories. Don't you remember when we used to do this together before you fell to your sister?.”
Luna blinked; unfazed by what she said. “It is true, we have changed for the better. Thou would benefit if thou would do the same.”
She raised an eyebrow, her dark green eyes a bit smug.
“You mean it would benefit, you; do you not?”
Twilight paced in front of us, her dark cloak dragging behind her as she did so.
“How fun this is, Luna. To think that you encouraged me to do this, years ago. You were my inspiration back when you were your true self.”
“Silence!” Luna yelled in her royal Canterlot voice.
Twilight smiled. “Let me have the child, Luna. That is all I want.” Her eyes rested on me as she spoke these words. I cringed.
“Begone with you!” Luna charged her horn and shot a beam at her, trying to disintegrate her.
“I will come back for you! I always come back!!” Twilight's voice rang in my ears.
“Luna!” I screamed one last scream as her laugh grew louder, practically unbearable.
Luna immediately lay over my body, protectively then put her horn to my forehead. Make it go away! Please make it go.
I suddenly woke up, gasping for breath in a cold sweat as I clutched my bed sheets tightly. Sweet Celestia. It was only a dream...
I breathed a sigh of relief as I glanced around my pitch black room.
Well, screw sleep then I guess.
I huffed in annoyance as the bright morning sun suddenly greeted my closed eyes without warning as somepony threw open my curtains, forcing me to awake.
I lazily opened one eye and peeked through my messy mane, which was covering my face, to see who in the wide world of Equestria was brave enough to mess with me when I had fallen back asleep barely three hours ago. To my surprise I saw Rarity bustling about my room, moving some of my furniture around and pulling in makeup bags as well as other beauty supplies into my room.
“Come along now, darling. You must get up,” Rarity urged as she set up her beauty accessories onto my dresser as well as my vanity.
I groaned heavily before I grabbed my pillow with my hoof, smashing it over my face, trying to block out the excessive light. Oh sweet Celestia… I just want sleep.
Rarity would not be discouraged so easily though. She grabbed the covers from my bed with her magic and yanked them off of me. I shivered as the sudden cool air hit my fur, but I stubbornly stayed put.
“Solstice Shimmer! You need to get up! If you desire to look presentable at the wedding this afternoon, then you must let me begin my work.” Rarity chastised.
I huffed in annoyance, but then a slight memory of what had been discussed last night came back to me. Oh yeah. Wedding. Right.
Still that didn't mean that I wanted to get up. I was simply exhausted, my body felt as if I had been through a war half the night. It wasn't a war though, it was the nightmare.
I shuddered at the very thought of her. The nightmares that haunted me were horrible, each one worse than the last. Thank Celestia Twilight asked Princess Luna to watch over me while I slept. But I knew that she couldn't afford to watch me every single night. So I asked her to only come when the nightmares were simply unbearable. She complied to what I asked, but there were many nights that I didn't dare sleep out of fear that she might be in my room, waiting to take me from my home.
Which is what happened most of last night. I decided to stay up and read instead of sleeping so I wouldn't be a bother to Princess Luna. Sleep then decided to overtake me which then confirmed my fears. So much for that idea. Now I'm paying the consequences.
It would be a bit easier if I still lived in Canterlot, but Twilight had me move into her castle with her and my mother, Sunset.
I didn't mind moving in with Twilight, but it was a bit difficult to live with the fact that I had given up my chance to be the youngest student ever to go to Crystal University. Well, if I was honest with myself I hadn't given it up, I simply didn't wish to go at such a young age. Besides it would have been strange, and perhaps a bit unhealthy for me.
As reluctant as I was to leave what used to be my warm bed before Rarity ridded me of my quilt, I forced myself to rise from my bed and walk towards my vanity like a lamb for slaughter. Except for being killed, I was handing myself over to Rarity’s beautifying mercy.
Rarity gently brushed the tangles from my mane, as I closed my eyes, trying to zone myself out for the time being. I had tried to ignore the fear and sleep last night, but they had become so much more aggressive the past few nights, it was beginning to worry me.
Sure I hadn't seen... her in over four years, but still… she did say that she would come back for me.
Was it true? Or am I simply being paranoid?
“Solstice, is there something bothering you?” Rarity abruptly asked, interrupting my thoughts.
I opened my eyes and looked into the mirror, meeting her dark blue eyes. I forced myself to smile at the unicorn. She and I had become rather good friends through the years, especially when I met my first colt-friend when I graduated. It was rather strange for me to feel the way I did around another pony so I went to her for guidance. Twilight had always told me how much of a romantic she was, so I decided to go to her, feeling that it may be a bit awkward if I went to anypony else.
Rarity was sympathetic to my feelings and told me how she believed I should handle the situation. It was rather funny, how he and I acted, but in the end we didn't work out. After my first breakup, I thought life was over. I thought that I would never fall in love ever again! I believed it was the worst moment of my life. Now that I think of it, I laugh at myself. I was such a drama queen.
After that ordeal she and I would talk every now and then. Sometimes she would even force me to come to her boutique, to fit me for some new dresses. That didn't really attract me all the time, but she had been good to me in my time of need, so I complied to her wishes.
Now as I sat there, troubled with thoughts that she would surely not understand, I wondered if I should tell her. But in the end I wiped off the wavering worry and simply kept my fake smile.
“I'm fine. Just nervous for the wedding,” I said.
Rarity rolled her eyes. “It's not even yours, dear. But I understand a bit of excitement. Oh! This is such a wonderful time! To think, my best friend is getting married!” She squealed with excitement as she fluffed my mane, which she had put in a delicate updo.
I sighed. It was indeed a wonderful time. Mom’s proposal to Twilight was the most adorable thing I had ever seen. She, of course, told me of what she planned then asked for my assistance in lighting some magical fireworks. I was thrilled to help, and could barely keep the secret from Twilight, but somehow I managed.
It was beautiful. Sunset took her to the Canterlot Castle’s gardens, where they walked through the newly blossomed trees and lush green grass, talking as they went. The sunset in the distance as they continued walking then, Sunset led the unknowing Twilight towards the castle until they reached the bridge which overlooked the courtyard. They gazed upon the sunset together, as I patiently waited in the gardens, waiting for the signal.
Sunset then got down on her forelegs, bowing before Twilight and presenting the ring to her. I flashed my magic, busting the fireworks into the air.
Twilight didn't know what to say at first, it was overwhelming for her, but once what had happened set in, she basically screamed in uttermost joy, “Yes!”
Ah… it was a lovely. Now three months later, here we were. In Canterlot once again for the wedding.
I snorted to myself as I closed my eyes, letting Rarity put eyeshadow on my face. I got everything I could ever wished for. Two loving mothers that gave me a loving supportive home, where I felt safe, cared for, and wanted. It was as if I were living in a dream.
Rarity pulled me out of my deep thought, sighing deeply in content. “There, darling! I must say you look gorgeous, simply gorgeous!”
I gazed at myself in the mirror, seeing Rarity’s masterpiece in which she had made me.
“I tried to not use too much makeup, since you already have a beautiful complexion. So I simply used more to bring out your eyes, but still give a bit of a mysterious look to your lovely face. As for your hair, I was going for a bit of a mix of Audrey Hoofburn and Jeweli Andrews. It was a bit difficult, due to your hair being a bit longer than theirs, as well as the color, but I think it'll do.”
I fluffed my blonde mane gently, admiring her work. Rarity glowed with pride as she gazed into the mirror along with me.
“Thank you Rarity. This is wonderful.” I smiled then hugged her.
She hugged me back then laughed. “Go along now! You must get dressed. I still have to help Twilight.”
I nodded then leaped of the chair, trotting over to my closet. Inside of it lay my dress. It was of Rarity’s making, of course, and it was exquisite. It was a light pink dress, the skirt flowed like a lily petal to my hooves and it had a brown belt around the waist. Simple yet one of the prettiest dresses to have for a best mare.
I put the dress on then followed Rarity to where Twilight’s room was. A few of the other beauticians were assisting Twilight with her hair as well as her makeup. When they saw Rarity enter the room, they backed away immediately, allowing the mare full access to the Princess.
“Time for the final touches, Twilight,” Rarity warned as she levitated her supplies towards her.
Twilight turned her head to look over her shoulder and caught my gaze. I was in awe when I saw how she looked. Her mane was put up in a delicate bun with flowers weaved into it, her bangs now swooped to the side, as two soft curls of hair rested on either side. Her dress was almost as beautiful as she. It had gold lacing along the edge of the skirt and ruffles dressing the rest. The top was smooth, without any ruffles, only having long sleeves that were made of an elaborate lace. The only hint of color in her outfit was a sapphire jewel which hung from a small golden chain around her neck. A gift from her mother, if I remember correctly.
“You look beautiful,” I said with a smile.
Twilight smiled as she pulled me into a hug.
“As do you.”
“Thanks.” I blushed. “Rarity is to thank for that.”
Rarity scoffed. “I do not create beauty, darling. You already have that, I simply add a few touches to achieve perfection. As I have done…” - she stuck her tongue out and bit onto it as she completed her work - “Now!”
She stepped back from Twilight then shimmered her magic from above to show off her brilliance in proper light.
Twilight truly was magnificent. I sighed as the emotions ran over me. To think that years ago I had met this pony when she was still a unicorn and became good friends with her, coming to soon see her as a motherly figure, then later I had traveled into such a strange world with this alicorn, to meet my mother. Now she was marrying her.
Twilight smiled then turned to me.
“Well, Solstice. Looks like this is it.”
I nodded. “Are you nervous?”
“A little bit. But it's only a wedding, what could go wrong?”
I rolled my eyes. “Oh I don't know. You could trip walking down the aisle, Rainbow Dash could accidentally blow up the castle when performing her Sonic Rainboom, Shining Armor could object to the marriage, Sunset could decide that marrying you is a crazy idea and run away…”
Before I could continue, Twilight shoved me playfully.
“Alright alright! Stop,” Twilight said, a tad annoyed.
I laughed. “Don't worry. I'm sure it'll go fine.”
“I hope you're right.”
“Oh, I am.” I gave her a smug look before I laughed again.
“Girls!” Rarity called.
We both looked to her and saw that she was dressed in her bridesmaid’s dress and was waiting for us at the doorway. How in Equestria did she get ready so fast?
“Come along! It's almost 2:45!”
“Oh, dear! I can't be tardy for my own wedding!” Twilight spoke quickly as she hurried out the door along with her bustling servants, that were trying to hold up her skirts with their magic, so it wouldn't stain on anything.
I ran along with them quickly. I had to get to the wedding and stand by my place, before it was too late! I stopped Twilight with my magic then hugged her quickly, giving her a peck on the cheek.
“See you there.” I said then let her go and teleported to the main hall.
My magic burst as I appeared in the main hallway, where I ran into the room where the wedding was being held. Once there I had a spare minute to examine the beautifully decorated room and see my mother standing at the altar, talking to Princess Celestia. I smiled as I saw Sunset was wearing a beautiful white dress that looked almost like my soon to be Aunt Cadence’s dress did at her wedding, except with a bit more yellow lacing.
I shook my head then quickly went up the stairs where the altar was, bowing to Princess Celestia as she smiled to me.
“Late again, Solstice?” she asked in a kind voice.
I scoffed as I looked up at her. “I wasn't late. I have two minutes to spare.”
Sunset laughed as she put her hoof around me then ruffled my mane.
“That's my girl,” Sunset chuckled.
I fixed my mane, slightly annoyed with my mom, but before I could complain the pianist began to play the wedding march, signaling us all that the wedding was about to begin.
All of us looked to the doors, waiting for the guards to open them. Once they did the flower fillies, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom, walked down the aisle, scattering petals as they went.
Then bridesmaids walked down the aisle. Rarity walked alongside Applejack, Rainbow Dash walked with Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie walked with Pinkie Pie. Whoa… Wait? Another Pinkie Pie?!
I nudged Sunset’s shoulder run urgently then whispered in her ear.
“Is that who I think it is?” I asked.
Sunset glanced over to where I was motioning and nodded. “Pinkie has always wanted to come here, so when she found out about the wedding, she insisted that she come. I warned her that it may not be a good idea, but you know Pinkie.”
I glanced back at Sunset’s Pinkie, who was bouncing down the aisle, squealing much to the other Pinkie’s confusion. “But what about everypony else? Aren't they gonna freak out? When they see two Pinkies?”
“Don't worry. Princess Celestia charmed her so only a select few can see her for who she truly is. Other see her as some random pony instead of a clone.” As she spoke, Sunset used her magic to cloud my sight so I could see as the other ponies did.
Sure enough the other Pinkie disappeared and was replaced with a blue pony with a red mane.
I sighed with relief then looked to the door again anxiously waiting to see Twilight. Once the guards opened the great doors with their magic and she appeared there was a collective sigh of happiness and awe.
Rarity held her head up with pride as Twilight entered the room, walking gracefully down the aisle, her father Night Light walking alongside her.
The crowd that stood in the room spoke in hushed whispers of the beauty of the Princess as well as of Sunset. I held my head a bit higher, proud that the two mares were none other than my parents.
Twilight Velvet was tearing up as she hugged her daughter. Twilight hugged her back then walked up the stairs to Sunset’s side.
Sunset smiled as her beautiful bride nuzzled her father affectionately before he offered her to Sunset in the traditional passing of the bride.
Princess Celestia smiled at her two former students then gazed at the crowd of ponies that were before them.
“Dearly beloved, friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer.
“True marriage begins well before the wedding day, and the efforts of marriage continue well beyond the ceremonies end. A brief moment in time and the stroke of the quill are all that is required to create the legal bond of marriage, but it takes a lifetime of love, commitment, and compromise to make marriage durable and everlasting.
“The exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual support; it brings stability to our society. For those who choose to marry, and for their children, marriage provides an abundance of social benefits, as well as obligations.
“Love should have no other desire but to fulfill itself. But if your love and needs must have desires, let these be your desires: To melt and be like a running stream that sings its melody to the night; To wake at dawn with a winged heart, giving thanks for another day of loving; To rest at noon and meditate love's ecstasy with one another; To return home at eventide with gratitude; Then to sleep with a vision of the beloved in your heart and a song of love on your lips.
“May you always need one another, not to fill an emptiness in your hearts, but to help each other know your fullness. May you succeed in all important ways with each other, and not fail in the little graces. May you have happiness, and may you find it in making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it in loving one another.
"Ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Two ponies who love one another must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, how much risk they are willing to take. Commitment may be a fearful gamble. Because it is in the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created, such that as we come together in marriage, we become a new creature.
"Sunset and Twilight, today you choose each other before your family and friends, to begin your life together. For all the days that shall follow, you shall choose each other over and over again, in the privacy of your hearts. Let your love and friendship guide you, as you learn and grow together. Remember to treat each other with great respect, to remind yourselves often of what made you fall in love with one another. Take responsibility for making the other feel safe, give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. Experience the wonders of the world, even as patience and wisdom calm the restless nature. Through your partnership, triumph over the challenges that may cross your path.”
Princess Celestia looked upon Sunset, pride in her eyes as she smiled. I knew this meant so much for her. It made me want to cry as she began to speak again.
“My dear Sunset Shimmer, do you choose Twilight Sparkle to be your partner in life, to support and respect her in her successes as well her failures. To care for her in sickness and in health. To nurture her, and to grow with her throughout the seasons of your life together?"
Sunset lifted her head with pride as she gazed into Twilight’s violet eyes.
“I do.”
“Then please repeat your vows, my little pony.” Princess Celestia knew that she had written her own and wasn't about to mess with that.
“I, Sunset Shimmer choose you Twilight Sparkle to be my wife, to respect you in your successes and in your failures, to care for you in sickness and in health, to nurture you, and to grow with you throughout the seasons of life. I pledge to you endless strength that you can count on when you are weak. I'll be your music when you can't hear, your sunshine when you can't see. You'll never need to look further than me. I'll be your days and your nights when you need them filled, your spark of life in the darkness, and your hope when you're down.”
I swear, Twilight and I about broke down into tears when she spoke those words.
I glanced over at the girls and saw that Rarity was indeed crying, wiping her tears with a small hankie as Applejack tried to console her.
Princess Celestia then looked over at her star protégé, pride in her eyes for her as well.
“Twilight Sparkle, my former protégé, do you accept Sunset Shimmer as your life mate and one true love? To trust her and respect her, to cherish your union and lover her more every day, promising to share in all that life offers and suffers, to be there for her in times of need, to soothe her in times of pain, and to support her in all endeavors, big and small?”
Twilight took a deep breath before she forced herself to speak her vows.
“I do.” she choked.
“Your vows if you would?”
“I, Twilight Sparkle, take you Sunset Shimmer to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hoof, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live,”
“I promise to be faithful and honest in every way, to honor the faith and trust you've placed in me, to make you laugh and to be there when you cry, to care for you in sickness and in health, to softly kiss you when you are hurting, and to be your companion and your friend, on this journey that we make together.”
Rarity slyly handed me a handkerchief, for she noticed that that I was full on crying at this point. I took it gratefully and wiped away my tears. This was simply too cute!
“May we have the rings, please?” Princess Celestia smiled to little Spike, who walked toward her to offer the rings to her.
“These rings say that even in your uniqueness as our cutie marks show, you have chosen to be bound together. Let these rings be a symbol that love has substance as well as soul, a present as well as a past, and that, despite its occasional sorrows, love is a circle of happiness, wonder, and delight. May these rings remind you always of the vows you both have taken here today.”
Princess Celestia looked down at the two once again as they took each others’ rings with their magic.
Sunset held Twilight’s ring, which was a small gold one with diamonds embellished around it.
“I give you this ring as a visible and constant symbol of my promise to be with you, for as long as I live. This ring is a token of my love, gratitude, and friendship. For we both know I would not be standing here if it weren't for you. I marry you with this ring, with all that I have and all that I am. Let it be a reminder that I am always by your side and that I will always be a faithful partner to you.” Sunset gently slide the ring around Twilight's horn as she spoke.
That's when Princess Luna caught my eye and gave me an apologetic smile before she had to leave the room, because the emotions were simply too much for her. Heck if I wasn't a part of the ceremony, I would have ran out with her. But I was, so I had to let everypony witness my tears as I let them fall.
Twilight now held Sunset’s ring, which was gold as well, with a dark red ruby on the top of it.
“I have for you a golden ring. The most precious metal symbolizes that your love is the most precious element in my life. The ring has no beginning and no ending, which symbolizes that the love between us will never cease. I place it on your horn as a visible sign of the vows which have made us.”
Twilight let the tears fall as her breath hitched from the small sobs that were escaping.
“I accept you as my wife now and for all time. I give you this ring, as I give to you all that I am, and accept you, for all that you are. I bestow upon you all the treasures of my mind, heart, and hooves.”
The two ponies put the rings onto each other's horns. Princess Celestia wiped away a tear then lifted her voice so that all of Equestria could hear her words.
“I now pronounce you mare and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Sunset didn't hesitate one bit as she wiped away her tears and kissed her passionately. Happiness spread across the whole kingdom as the bells began to ring with all their might and all of our friends and family cheered for the two as they walked down the aisle with the girls and myself following them.
I smiled as I heard the cheers, then seeing the whole city of Canterlot in the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal couple on the balcony. I stood next to Princess Celestia as my mother's now waved at everypony, smiles on their faces.
“We have truly come a long way, haven't we?” I asked, looking up at her.
Princess Celestia looked down at me with her wise eyes. Eyes that had seen these two mares that she had just married grow up from young fillies. Eyes that had seen the betrayal of one of her students. Eyes that had witnessed the crowning of her prize pupil. Eyes that had forgiven the one she called her own.
She sighed deeply then nodded. “Indeed we have, my child. We have.”
The reception was rather quick for a wedding. Everypony congratulated Twilight and my mother for their marriage as well as me for gaining such a wonderful family. I was gracious to everyone, simply nodding politely or saying a “thanks” here or there, other than that I didn't say very much during the reception.
It was really pretty in the Canterlot gardens that night. The trees were decorated with little lights along with flowers of all sorts. The tables, which had white tablecloths and glass vases filled with small flowers arrangements, were arranged in a small circle around the dance floor.
Fluttershy and I sat by one another at our dinner table when the dancing commenced on the dance floor. Everyone else was excited as DJ-Pon3 played some sick beats to dance along with, but I wasn't really in the mood to dance. Besides, half the ponies here I didn't know, so why embarrass myself? I had partied in the past, may have even gotten into a bit of trouble, but I tried to stay away from doing activities like that nowadays. I'm sure nopony would be happy to bail me out of jail.
I was happy to see Twilight and Sunset happy though. It was amazing to see the two waltz alone in the floor, mesmerizing everyone that watched them. It made me proud to say that I had any relation to them at all. Here they were, the most popular couple, second to Shining Armor and Aunt Cadence, and I was a part of that.
Hmm. How times have changed. A few years ago I had no family name, no reputable ties, nor anything to live up to. Now I had more than anypony could ever wish for.
“Well, if it isn't Solstice Shimmer.” A voice spoke, breaking me away from my thoughts.
The voice struck me as quite familiar, so I turned, a bit surprised to see a dark brown unicorn with a neat blonde mane and blue eyes looking back at me. It took but a split second to recognize who it was.
Oh no. Ethan.
He looked rather handsome tonight in his suit and top hat that he wore, but I tried to ignore his unfortunate good looks and not be led astray. This jerks looks were completely deceiving.
“A pleasure to see you, my lady.” He said with a smile.
I nodded, trying to force myself to be a bit polite. “I assure you, it's not mutual.”
He laughed wryly, an obvious look of slight annoyance on his proud face.
“Seems that you haven't changed.”
I gave him a look. “Something we have in common for once.”
“Ha. Indeed,” ,he said, knowing that I wasn't going to be wooed into anything.
“Solstice, I was wondering, oh!” Fluttershy was returning to our table with a couple of slices of cake. “Who is this?”
I was about to introduce him to Fluttershy, but the young snob stepped in front of me and bowed to her.
“I am Ethan Drakescale. Son of Lord Drakescale.”
She smiled shyly, allowing him to kiss her hoof.
“Well, it was nice to meet you, ma'am. Solstice.” He nodded in my direction before he walked off.
I nodded back at him, putting on the fakest smile I possibly could. Once he was gone I groaned.
“Are you alright?” Fluttershy asked as she sat back down next to me. “He seemed to be a bit, well um...that is, he seemed to be acting a bit rude to you.”
I sighed. “We met during my senior year and dated for about six months, which I have no idea how I even lasted that long. He acts like he's the best pony in all of Canterlot, just because of his family name. Honestly the only reason he wanted to date me was because of my own family ties. Anyway I grew tired of his snobbish, cruel ways and broke up with him.”
“Oh. I see,” Fluttershy whispered.
“It's alright. No need to dwell,” I said.
“Come on girls! Let's get dancing!” Pinkie Pie yelled as she dragged the two of us on the dance floor.
Once the reception was over the two went off to their carriage, where they would be headed off to their honeymoon. They both turned, waving to the crowd again as Twilight threw her bouquet into the air into the waiting hooves of Derpy. Twilight glanced to the crowd again and saw me, lurking in the back of the crowd. She beckoned at me to come closer.
I left Fluttershy's side and walked up to her.
“Will you be alright?” Twilight asked.
Of all things, on her wedding day even, she was worried I wouldn't be able to sleep at night because of some silly nightmares.
I rolled my eyes and hugged her.
“I'll be fine, Twi. Go have fun.”
Twilight hugged me tightly and kissed the top of my head.
“See you in a few days.” She whispered before she stepped up into the carriage.
I stepped back from the carriage, looking up at Twilight as I did so, suddenly startled on receiving a hug from Sunset that I did not expect.
“Try not to get into jail while we’re gone. I'm sure Princess Celestia has better things to do than bail you out,” she joked as she ruffled my mane, much to my annoyance.
“I'll be good,” I said, rolling my eyes.
“I mean it, filly. No partying, no drinking, and no boys.” Sunset gave me a suggestive look as she winked.
“Mooooom! First; I don't have time for boys. Second; I'm 18 years old, I'm not a filly anymore.” I groaned.
“What?! Did somepony just say ‘No parties’?!!” Pinkie yelled in the distance.
Sunset laughed then kissed my cheek. “Love you, baby girl. See ya!”
“Bye,” I said, chuckling.
She jumped into the carriage alongside her partner and they waved at everypony as the drove off into the beautiful sunset.
Once they left I waved goodbye to everyone else, giving a few slight words of thanks to the girls, then I walked through the courtyard up the castle to the eastern wing before walking up the spiral staircase and snuck back into my room where I began to pack my bag. As I walked I looked up into the bright night sky, admiring the moon as Princess Luna slowly rose it into the sky. I breathed in the cool night air before I sighed. This was something I missed when I moved away from Canterlot, not seeing the moonrise as closely as I used to. It's a bit...depressing.
The minute I got into my room I started to pack up my bags, hoping to slip away before anypony could notice my absence.
But before I could sneak off back home like I had originally planned, I was surprised to see Princess Celestia standing in my room’s doorway.
“Oh, Celestia! I'm ugh...well, there is a situation that,” I stuttered in hope of finding some sort of excuse to leave.
Princess Celestia smiled warmly, chuckling a bit as she walked towards me.
“Calm yourself, Solstice. This isn't the Academy you know,” she teased.
I groaned, a bit annoyed that she remembered the trouble I constantly got myself into before. Of course she'd know that I had a way to charm my way out of a few bends.
“I'm sorry.” I lowered my head in a slight bit of shame.
It caught me off guard when Celestia’s gentle aura of magic surrounded me as she lowered her head and moved my mane away from my eyes.
“No need to apologize. You’re in no sort of trouble,” she said with a smile.
She glanced over at my overflowing saddlebags then gazed back at me curiously.
“May I ask what you are doing?” she wondered.
I knew there was no point in lying to her, she'd already caught me, and I acted so guilty earlier.
“I was just headed home,” I said.
She gave me a look that practically peered into my soul.
“By yourself?”
“Of course.”
She raised her head then looked around my room.
“Walk with me?” she asked in a soft tone.
She wants to walk with me? Ponyfeathers. I hope she doesn't lecture me about anything. “Sure.”
We left my room and walked calmly down the long hallways. I walked close to her, wondering what on Equestria she wanted as I quietly admired the decor of the castle, from the long royal purple drapes, to the freshly picked flowers from the garden, it was all simply perfect.
Princess Celestia then looked down at me, her wise eyes, filled with love as she smiled.
“Solstice. You do know that you don't have to be this way anymore, right?” she asked.
I raised a brow, unsure by what she meant.
“You know exactly what I mean,” she said as if she had read my thoughts. “You've always been such a guarded pony, Solstice. There's no need to be anymore.”
“I know,” I said.
“Do you?” her voice sounded a bit stern.
I grew a bit irritated by her as I slowly turned my gaze into a slight glare. Why on Equestria did she think that she could talk to me this way?
“Of all ponies, you should know why I'm such a secretive pony. Must have gained it from my elders.” I rolled my eyes, a hint of sarcasm in my tone.
When I looked back up at her I noticed that Celestia's eyes seemed to show a bit sadness. I bit my lip, a bit uncomfortable in the situation that I had put myself in.
“I'm sorry, I-”
“I know I have hurt you in the past, my child.” Celestia spoke in a soft voice. “I did not tell you of your mother because I thought it was best for you. But now I see that I probably should have told you sooner, before Twilight took the initiative to find out herself.” Her eyes rested on the low hanging curtains as we reached the end of the hall, staring up at the beautiful full moon.
“I suppose this is another thing I must learn. To know a pony’s strength instead of assuming that you could not handle the information,” she sighed. “When I saw of your behavior in school and saw the signs of you beginning to rebel, I should have told you then. Perhaps that would have soothed your anger a bit, made you a happier pony. But I did not. I left your anger to boil inside of you, eating away at your very heart. Now, you are paying for my mistake...as have many before you.”
A heaviness filled me as I felt sympathy for the alicorn. Of course, what she did was not the best thing, but she believed it was, which is why she did it. I couldn't blame her for the rest of her life for one simple thing could I?
“I'm fine. You don't have to be sorry. I-”
“Solstice. To be honest, it was not just the possible danger of meeting your mother when she was not in the right state of mind that I feared.” She looked back down at me, a seriousness in her expression. “I feared that you would be as your mother was. A proud, power hungry unicorn that wished for nothing but her own desires. I saw bits and pieces in your mother in you as you grew, but as you became older I saw something that Sunset never had when she was your age.”
“What's that?” I asked.
“A reason to fight,” she said, simply. “Your mother became more angry after she was taken advantage of by that stallion, but then she was driven completely over the edge when she had to give you up. She wanted nothing more than to keep you safe from him, from everyone. That's when she lost her mind. Sunset believed that power would give it all to her, that if everypony feared her, that they would never dare to touch you. I wish more than anything that she would have come to me, asked for my help, but she was much too proud to do such a thing. That's why I always kept an eye on you. To make sure that your were safe, that you had everything Sunset would have wanted for you. All I wanted, ever since I knew of you, was to keep you safe.”
I gazed up at her, admiration simply dripping from me as I let her words sink in.
“Solstice. With this new chapter in all of our lives, I just wanted you to know that no matter what, no matter when, if you ever need me, I'll always be there for you. Okay?” Princess Celestia brushed my mane away from my face again as she wrapped a hoof around me.
“Okay.” I smiled.
Satisfaction was clearly on her face as she nodded before letting me go.
“Good night, sweetness,” she said, walking off towards her own bedchambers.
I started toward the direction of my room, smiling after her.
“Good night, Celestia,” I said then trotted back to my room.
I opened the door with my magic then entered my room, noticing upon entering that a couple of maids were in there, cleaning and organizing the suite. I smiled, when they both turned their heads to see who had entered the room.
“Oh! Oh dear. Our apologies, ma'am,” one said as she stumbled over a couple of books she was dusting.
I chuckled then picked up the books she had dropped with my magic, placing them back into the shelves. “No worries. I'll go out to the balcony so you two can finish.”
I stepped out onto the balcony that overlooked part of the courtyard. It was a bit chilly, but it felt nice, the cool wind blowing through my mane. I sat down and looked up at the sky, mindlessly looking for a few constellations in hope to pass some time.
“‘Tis fascinating, is it not?”
I jumped slighting at the sudden voice that broke me out of my thoughts, but I relaxed when I saw that it was only Princess Luna, flying down her own tower’s balcony to join me. Well, seems that all the Royalt want to see me tonight, hmm? Next will probably be Cadence. She smiled as she landed softly on the ground.
“Princess. You startled me.”
“I apologize.” She lowered her head a bit before she walked towards me, taking a seat next to me.
“It's fine. I'm easily scared,” I said. “What's up?”
“Oh. Nothing worth mentioning,” she said. “Could I ask you, ahem, ‘what is up’?”
I chuckled under my breath. “Sure.”
“Well, I have seen your dreams, dear Solstice,” she said. “And, I do wonder; you truly believe that she will return?”
I gave her a grave look. “Why wouldn't she?”
“Well, I suppose she does have reason to, but-”
“She just wanted to use me, Luna. All she's wanted is to gain the perfect child, and I guess that's what she saw in me.”
“But she has failed in manipulating you, hasn't she?”
“It doesn't matter. I know she'll come back. That look in her eyes, the sound of her voice...that promise. It was more of a threat than a promise.”
Princess Luna sighed as she looked up at the moon.
“Solstice. I'm worried, about you. I feel as if you are going to drive yourself to insanity with this fear. You need to relax for a time, take your mind off things.”
“I don't need to-” I began to argue.
“I have seen what fear can do to ponies throughout my lifetime, my little pony,” Luna interrupted. “You are no exception to this, I am sure.”
“But, Princess… I-”
“What ever is the matter? Do you not have friends you could associate yourself with?” she asked, curiously.
I pawed my hoof on the ground, a bit nervously before I answered.
“Of course. I have Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow-”
“No, no.” Luna cut me off once again. “Not your parents’ friends.”
“What do you mean? They are my friends,” I asked, confused.
Luna shook her head, giving me a look that made me feel as if I were a filly being scolded for some reason.
“Solstice, do you not think that you need friends your own age, perhaps?” Luna asked. “It helps many ponies to be around ones that they may be able to relate to.”
“Well… maybe, I see your point. I guess, I do have my old friends from school, but I haven't seen them in a while.”
“Do you think they would be pleased to see you here in Canterlot?” she asked.
I thought to myself for a second.
Hmm. It had been quite a long time since I had seen them. Besides, me being here around town and all, I could go see them.
“Maybe.”
Luna smiled a bit as she rose from her sitting position to stand in front of me. “It is settled then. Tomorrow you should go see them.”
I smiled. It had been a long time, maybe they would be happy to see me. Of course, things were quite different back then, I was an arrogant young teenager that was only concerned with my studies and drinking myself stupid when I wanted to take my mind off things. Who knows, had they changed as much as I did? No. There's no way anypony could have had a life changing experience close to mine. “Perhaps.”
Luna nodded in approval before she looked to the stars again. They seemed to be calling to her, beckoning her to come and do her work.
“I have to go.” Luna said. “I have a night to tend to.”
“Alright.” I nodded then looked over my shoulder, seeing that the maids had left my room..
Luna hugged me gently, smiling.
“I'll watch for your dreams. Ok?”
“Ok.” I pushed my mane away from my face, trying to not think of the nightmares that may come to me in the night.
“Goodnight, Solstice,” Luna whispered as she flew into the night sky.
“Goodnight, Luna,” I whispered back before I rose and walked towards my bed.
As Princess Luna had advised the night before, I decided to go and see some of my old friends. Being as ahead in my studies as I was meant that whenever I was required to participate in any classes or attend a few lectures in the Academy I had to be in the company of ponies that were much older than me. So, of course, not many of my classmates wished to associate with me, because of age difference or simply thinking I was an arrogant know-it-all.
It didn't bother me much, honestly at the time, but after a few months of this I did grow a bit lonely. My old classmates no longer spoke to me since I no longer attended any of their classes, which upset me a bit at first, but Princess Celestia assured me that they were only jealous of the fact that I was smart enough to understand things they were not able to comprehend yet. That made me feel a bit better, for a time, but it didn't last. Soon I wished to at least have somepony to study with from time to time. Even though I hated to admit it, I didn't like to be alone. It made me feel worthless.
That's around the time I began to hang out with Tanya and Meril. They weren't really good friends of mine, but they were all I had whenever I wanted to get away from my studies and let loose at a party, so I thought that it might be nice to at least see them again, for old times’ sake.
First I tried to find Tanya at her house, but she was nowhere to be seen. Part of me knew where she may be, but I wanted to deny that unfortunate truth as much as I could. But I didn't want to give up without at least trying, so I headed off towards the bar.
It took a bit, but I soon reached the small pub that sat in the middle of Canterlot. It was a really nice place, honestly, but unfortunately I knew that most of the ponies that went in there were anything but.
I pushed the door open, and a strong gust of alcohol, hayburgers, and a hint of bleach hit my nose the minute I entered.
I forced myself to ignore the smell and searched the small crowd of ponies, hoping to find Tanya. Sure enough, I saw a young brown unicorn sitting in a round booth with a beer in her hoof, sitting along with a blue unicorn who was finishing braiding one side of Tanya’s dark mane into small cornrows.
I shook my head at the scene before me before I walked towards them.
Tanya’s cold dark brown eyes caught my own for a second, a challenge in them as I walked closer. Then realization of who I was hit her and she smiled.
“Holy Celestia, if it isn't Solstice Shimmer!” she practically yelled as she pulled away from Meril and leapt up from her seat to hug me.
I stumbled over a bit, surprised by her sudden weight on me, but I managed to return her hug, rolling my eyes as I did so.
“Hello Tanya.”
“Hello?” She pulled back and looked me in the face, her breath reeking of beer to the point I had to resist the urge to wrinkle my nose a bit. “Five years, of absolutely no contact with your bestest of friends? And alls you gotta say is ‘hello’?”
I half smiled as I gently pushed her away. “Actually, Tanya, it's only been three years.”
She waved her hoof dismissively. “Three years, five years, same thing. Don't matter, you’re here now.”
I rolled my eyes a bit as I looked over at Meril.
“Seems not much has changed.”
Meril nodded in agreement. “You have though.”
“Yup. New parents, new home, totally clean record, it's simply wonderful. Now I can totally save you guys’ arses if I need to.” I smirked.
Meril half smiled as she got up from her seat and hoofbumbed.
“Glad to see you still got your sense of humor, bud.”
“As always,” I chuckled.
“So what brings you to our neck of the woods?” Tanya asked as she sat back down.
I sat in front of them as I raised an eyebrow, smirking.
“Your neck of the woods? This isn't actually the bums of Canterlot, Tanya. You'll have to go a bit further for that.”
“You know what I meant.” Tanya shook her head as she took a sip from her beer.
“Nothing much really.” I sighed. “I was just in town and thought that maybe we could catch up or something.”
Tanya glanced over at Meril before she laughed wryly.
“Aww, Solstice is getting all sentimental. Have you seen your sorry excuse for parents yet? Wait, I forgot! You ditched them!” she laughed. “Decided that you needed to be up higher in status huh?” she asked.
I clenched my jaw a bit when she said that. Tanya always knew how to push my buttons back in the day, but I kinda forgot how heartless she can be at times.
“No.” I spoke a softly as I could, hoping to keep my temper under control.
Tanya scoffed. “Please! You always wanted to be better than all of us. Looks like you finally succeeded! Getting into the home of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Along with her traitorous lover, who is it again? Ah! Sunset Shimmer?”
Keep it cool, Solstice. Keep it cool. I breathed evenly. She was really pushing it now.
“My mother is no traitor. She's changed,” I spat.
“Mother?” Tanya raised an eyebrow in confusion before two and two clicked in her mind. “Oh, you're actually related to the mare? Bloody hell. That explain a lot!”
“What's that supposed to mean?” I asked.
“Well, things were never good enough for Sunset. And things were never good enough for you. No matter how great things were for you, you'd turn a blind eye to it. Drove us all freaking insane.” Tanya laughed again halfheartedly as she took another drag from her beer. “Must be why Sunset gave you up, hmm? You must have not been good enough for her.”
That is when I totally forgot about playing it cool.
“Shut the hell up, Tanya! My mother loves me! And you have no right to tell me she doesn't! Besides you shouldn't throw stones at me, when I know that you've got plenty of things I can pick on. Didn't I hear that you just dumped a rich stallion last month?” I asked.
That took her by surprise as her chocolate brown eyes bore into my own. I half smiled a bit; I believe I had hit a sensitive subject.
“Handsome fellow wasn't he? One of the most powerful nobles in Canterlot? By what I hear he doesn't just date anypony. Must have been really special to him.” I leaned in a bit closer, my eyes staring daggers into her own. “Perhaps more than special.”
Tanya breathed heavily while Meril simply sat back and watched the scene before her.
“What ever did you do to lose him? Perhaps, you,” I leaned in closer, a smile smirk on my face, “were giving your specialness to somepony else instead of him?”
Tanya smashed her bottle on the ground then stood up on the table, glaring down at me as I sat there, looking back up at her with the same confident smile on my face.
“The bastard cheated on me, ok? I did love him, but he decided I wasn't good enough. So you back away before I get really pissed off.” Tanya’s tone sounded oddly cool even though I saw how irritated she was.
“Is there a problem here, ladies?”
Tanya and I both turned to see a young guardspony standing next to us, his dark green eyes stern as he watched us carefully.
Wait...I froze as I stated at him...those eyes.
I blinked about ten times, praying that I was just seeing things. Thankfully when I looked again I say that they were more of a sea green. Phew! I breathed a small sigh of relief as my heart restarted in my chest. Thank Celestia.
“Ma'am?” he gave me a confused look as he stepped a bit closer. “Are you alright?”
I nodded quickly. “Yes. I'm fine. We're fine. Right?”
Tanya glanced at me before she rolled her eyes. “Yes, officer. We were just leaving,” she said as she jumped off the table.
Tanya drank the last bit of her beer then threw a small purse of bits on the table, as Meril rose from her seat.
“Hey,” she spoke but I didn't turn to face her. “Just saying if you want a drink you can put it on my tab, for old times sake.”
I nodded, not daring to look at her.
“See ya, Solstice.” She didn't look at me either as she walked away.
Meril lingered behind as she put her hoof on my own, patting it gently before she put her lips to my ear.
“Listen to me, I know she's a bit of a jerk at times, but if you ever say another word about him again, I might have to knock your ego down a few floors.” Meril’s hoof gripped mine tighter as hissed her warning in my ear. “Got it?”
I nodded.
“It was good to see you.” She patted my hoof again then left.
Solstice, what the hell did you just do?
It was rather rainy that day in Canterlot. I walked through the street while everypony else ran through the rain. It was rather nice, the thunder roaring in the air as lightning ripped across the sky, raindrop falling gracefully around me, soaking my mane and fur. I sighed. With nothing else to do I decided to go to the only place I knew. The library.
Walking silently through the large doors, I was thankful to be out of the pouring rain, and shook the water from my fur as I made my way towards the fireplace.
I sat quietly in library, curled up in a chair next to the grand fireplace deciding to reread one of my old favorites, ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’. I was a bit tired from staying up so late the other day so it was hard for me to concentrate on the book as my eyes kept drifting closed every few seconds.
“Tired, I gather?” a soft voice asked.
I jumped about five feet into the air and dropping my book as I threw my hooves into the air and I swear I almost screamed right there in that library when she spoke. It was just so sudden, and me being as exhausted as I was made it much worse.
With my heart thumping unnaturally fast I looked up, ready to chew somepony out for disturbing me, but when I looked up all my anger left me instantly. Now, I'm not normally a pony to be at loss for words, but as I sat there looking up at this pony I simply could not find a single thing to say.
Standing before me was a white unicorn, with a dark auburn mane that she had tied in a loose ponytail with a few stray strands falling around her face. I was a bit ashamed of my boring blonde mane that I had, thankfully, left down, but I did what I could to slow my heart down so that I picked up my courage as I raised my head a bit, trying to recover myself.
“Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you.” She spoke in more of a hushed tone this time, noticing that the librarian was glaring at us.
“You didn't. I mean, you did, but I'm fine. Just as you said...tired.” I was stuttering way too much! Solstice. Honestly! Keep it together.
She laughed a bit before she glanced at my book, that was now lying on the ground.
“‘Prisoner of Azkaban?’ Good choice.” she smiled. “Although I've alway been inclined towards ‘Deathly Hallows,’ but that's just me.”
“That is a good one. But it was a bit too emotional for me.”
She nodded.
“I understand, but it shows that with good things must come sacrifice. Not everything can be easily won.”
“I suppose. But still.”
“What?” she asked.
“I admire that they were able to overcome it in the end, but it makes me wonder sometimes. If they had to go through so much in order to survive, does that mean we all have to? Will nothing ever be won without sacrifice?”
“There will be no progress or accomplishment without sacrifice,” she said. “It is a fact of life.”
I nodded. She was right. It was a fact of life.
“Why do you ask such a question?” Stargaze asked as she sat in the chair opposite of me
I shrugged as I pulled my eyes away from hers and looked into the flickering flames in the fireplace. “I don't know. I'm worried I guess. If there is to never be any sort of accomplishment without sacrifice, does that mean that I'll have to give something or...someone up in order to set things right?”
“No. It doesn't always mean that kind of sacrifice. Sometimes you have to give up something that is inside of you. Pride for example.”
Pride? Who said I was proud of anything? Nothing I've done is worth being proud of. Absolutely nothing.
“There are many things that we have to give up in order to grow up. When a child grows they must learn to put away childish things and become the adult they are growing into. They must learn to do more than just stand on their own four hooves, they must know how to support themselves as well. Every succeeding mare and stallion started out as simply as any of us. Young, daring and very possibly afraid. Once they lept off into the world and worked for their success they became as they are now,
“‘Every master was once a beginner.’ I find that helps me when I think about a little filly Princess Celestia and Luna playing in the courtyard practicing levitation. It encourages me to go on.”
I smirked. Well I'm happy that works for you, but I'm not sure it'll work for me.
“I'm sure magic is not the thing that is troubling you, though. You graduated, what? Three years ago?” she asked.
I looked back at her, a bit surprised.
“How did-”
“I was a year ahead of you. I noticed you from time to time, but I never really spoke to you. I slightly regret that now,” she said with a smile.
“Well, not many wanted to speak to me anyway, since I was so ahead in my year,” I sighed.
“Nonsense. Everypony admired you, they were just intimidated by you is all. I remember many a time when we would be sitting in the gardens then one of my friend would be like, ‘Solstice Shimmer is in my herbology class everypony! How in the world am I going to pass now? What if the professor makes us partners?!’ Then another would disagree with your brilliance while another defended you until a whole debate would break out.”
“Sounds amusing,” I said.
“Oh it would become amusing at times. Once one of my friends full on fought with a unicorn that said you were sleeping around with the seniors. I stood by and laughed as he was turned into a tree.”
I rolled my eyes. Ponies can be so confusing at times. Besides what evidence would they have to think I was sleeping around? It's so stupid what ponies will do to get attention.
“You were a role model to many of the ponies. They were just too afraid too say it,” she said.
“I doubt that, but okay.” I set down my books into a neat pile as I stood up. “Enough of this kind of talk. I think introductions are in order.” I stood up, holding out my hoof to shake hers. “I'm Solstice Shimmer. I like to read and also tend to change conversations to depressing subjects way too much apparently.”
She smiled as she shook my hoof. “I'm Stargaze. I also enjoy reading and I apparently like to scare ponies without intending to.”
I blinked against the small light that shone in my eyes. When I could see I saw that I stood in a very dark room with not a drop of light except that of a small lantern hanging from what must be the ceiling a distance from where I stood. I was unsure of who or what had just spoken to me, but I wished to find out.
“Are you here?” it asked.
“What?” I peered into the endless dark, hoping to see what it was.
“Mommy? Mommy, where are you?”
I walked closer and closer to the dimly lite area of the room, my blood pulsing so hard that I could basically hear it in my ears. I kept walking until I stood right underneath the lantern. Maybe if it knew I was here then it would see that I meant it no harm.
“What in Celestia’s name…” I looked from where the light was barely bright enough to see and I found myself staring face to face with a younger version of myself.
She stared past me though, as if I wasn't even there, a small bit of wonder behind those cyan eyes. She then smiled at the darkness, her expression sent chills down my spine.
“Don't worry. It'll all be over soon.”
I blinked as I tilted my head to the side in confusion. “What do you mean?”
“Goodbye,” she whispered.
Suddenly the floor underneath my hooves left me and I found myself falling into midair. I waved my hooves madly, hoping and praying I would find something to grab onto, but I couldn't. I just kept falling and falling into the endless abyss of darkness.
I bolted upright in my bed, mumbling unintelligible words as I looked around everywhere.
“Ugh. It was just a dream, bro. Just a dream. Calm down. No need to create a scene,” I huffed to myself as I threw the blankets off of me, feeling as if the room was a hundred degrees.
"Solstice?” A voice called, gently.
My ears perked up as I turned my head towards my door. That's funny I could've sworn. I rubbed a hoof in one of my ears as if to clear it out then perked them foreword, seeing if I was hearing things.
“Solstice.” I heard it again.
"Mom?" I called back. Oh I forgot. I'm home Sunset and Twilight had returned from their honeymoon a few days ago and we were back home in Ponyville in the castle. It was a bit of an awkward journey home for some reason, but I didn't mind. I was just happy they were back. Not that I didn't like staying in Canterlot, it just reminded me of times that were not as great as they are now.
“Are you alright?” she asked.
“Um… I'm fine mom!” I hoped to assure her that I was so I wouldn't be up for the next two hours being interrogated.
“Solstice, come here please.” Sunset was calling me from somewhere, but I wasn't sure.
“Alright.” No use in arguing. So I crawled out of bed and I stepped out of my room then made my way down the hallway.
“Wonder what sort of wild expla-”
I was suddenly cut off from talking to myself as I felt somepony’s magic grab me and pull me back into a room. I looked over my shoulder angrily, adrenaline high as I prepared myself to fight, then noticed in surprise that it wasn't an intruder that pulled me into the room. It was…Sunset?
Well that's funny wasn't she just-?
Her eyes were wide with concern as put her hoof to her lips.
I looked to her right and saw that Twilight was here too. She closed the door slowly with her magic and locked it, putting up what seemed to be protection spells by the look of it.
“Mom, did you just-” I began.
She shook her head, already knowing what I was going to ask.
I felt my heart drop in my chest. If she hadn't called for me…then who or what had? I tried to come up with a reasonable explanation, but everything was blurry. There had to be a reason I heard that voice. It sounded as if it were in the main foyer.
As I tried to think of an explanation I noticed that I could hear Sunset breathing in my ear. It wouldn't have bothered me at any other time, but this really wasn't the time. It soon became rather distracting to me.
"Mom. Why are you breathing so heavily?" I asked softly, a bit impatient.
She gave me a confused look, shaking her head a little.
"It's not me." She whispered as her mane blew gently to the side as if a breeze had just went through the castle.
My eyes widened with fear, slowing letting the horrible thought sink in. There's no way a breeze like that could have blown through the castle. No way in Equestria. The minute I heard a heavy breathing then a single screech of my name again I scrambled away from the door and ran towards the window.
The breathing grew heavier as I tried to escape it. The feeling of discomfort overwhelmed me, almost sucking away the very light in me.
I panted heavily as I beat against the glass, trying to get out of the room. No! I had to get out! I absolutely had to! I couldn't let her get to me!
Twilight grabbed me with her magic, forcing me to stop, probably afraid I would hurt myself. I heard the breathing again and I saw those horrible green eyes flashing in my mind. It was simply a flash, but it still sent shivers down my spine.
I wrapped my hooves around my head, crumpling into a helpless little ball of fur. No! No! No! I held my breath, fighting the urge inside me as I felt a dark magic wrap itself around me. It was a dark heavy fog swallowing me into its endless abyss. The voices grew louder and louder as they closed in on me, whispering in my ears, tormenting me with the mere sound of them.
"Solstice. Solstice. Come to us. Give in. Solstice. Let us take you," they whispered.
“St-st-st. St-o-o-p. P-le-ase.” I almost couldn't form words as the feeling of sheer panic ran through me.
“You can't win. We are always here. Just give in.”
It's ok. I'm ok. I'm ok. They won't hurt you. I chanted this over and over in my head hoping to calm myself down.
“Come, young one. You belong with us. Embrace your darkness.”
One voice suddenly seemed to come closer to me. It was so soft yet so loud as it whispered in my ear, “You want to give in…Don't you?
NO!!! I screamed at them all. This was becoming too much for me. They had to go!
Suddenly I felt offensive magic fighting against the darkness that was surrounding me. I forced myself to open my eyes to see Sunset and Twilight sending offensive spells, pushing all the darkness away.
It worked for a second, but it fought back against them. It poked and prodded at her shield, as if it were teasing it. They both pushed harder and harder until it finally gave up and exploded away, leaving the room and taking the voices with it.
All except for one.
"Solstice," she breathed in my ear.
I clamped my hooves over my ears, hoping to force the noise to stay out of them.
"Solstice. Have you forgotten so easily what is inevitable?” Raven's voice sounded as sweet as honey, but could recognize the venom hiding behind it.
"No. No. Leave me alone.”
"I cannot. You know I cannot. You belong to me, Solstice. You shall always belong to me.”
Before I could try to scream at her again I felt the air leave my lungs as if somepony had sucked all the oxygen from the room, and the walls seemed to be closing in on me, pushing me closer and closer into a small confirmed place, leaving me no place to escape. The fight in my body left me as well as all my rational thinking, all I could concentrate on was the fact that no matter how hard I tried I simply could not breathe a single breath of air.
Her laugh rang in my ears, flashes of multiple images playing over and over again in my mind as I wrapped my hooves around my midsection.
“Solstice.”
“P-P-Princess Celestia?” I forced myself to examine my surroundings and saw that I was in the Sister’s castle in Canterlot. I then slowly looked up and saw the majestic alicorn standing over me.
I smiled, not knowing what else to do or think. All my mind could do was focus on the relief of seeing her.
“Princess! Thank goodness.” I reached my hoof out to touch hers but she jerked her hoof away from me.
“You are a failure, Solstice. After all the things I've done for you it seems have meant nothing.” Her eyes held the most angry, disappointed look I had ever seen.
I blinked, unsure of what she meant. “Princess, I-”
“Leave. I never wish to see your face again.” She turned away from me and headed for the doors to the throne room.
Utter panic flowed through me as I scrambled to my hooves trying to follow her.
“No! Celestia, please! What did I-”
“Solstice!”
I turned my gaze behind me to see Twilight looking at me. She looked…different though. Her eyes seemed dry and red as if she had been crying for a long time, and her mane was messing, sticking in multiple directions.
She glared at me, her eyes seemed unforgiving and cold as she stared into my own.
“It's all your fault.” She growled.
“M-my fault? Wh-”
“She loved me! Sunset loved me, not you!! It's your fault that she left us! That she left me!!!” Twilight screamed at me as angry tears ran down her face.
I had no idea what to say as she brought her face but a few inches from mine.
“I hate you. Every time I look at your face I think of her. You are such a pathetic little mare! I should never have taken you in!”
Tears ran down my face as I cowered away from her, still looking into her angry violet eyes. How could she? Why?
“You will never be my daughter. And you will never live under my roof again as long as I live.”
“Mom?” I could bareley choke out the word until I heard yet another voice calling to me.
“Solstice,” it said.
No.
I turned my gaze to see Sunset Shimmer, looking down at me with a hard look in her cyan eyes.
“Mama?” I asked softly.
“Don't you call me that.” Her voice was just as ice cold as her stare.
“What?” I reached my hoof out to touch hers, but she pulled away from me.
“I left you years ago,” she said. “I didn't want you. From the minute you were born I hated you. All I wanted was to be rid of you so I could continue with my life. You mean nothing to me, Solstice. You never have and you never will.”
Now I forced all of my tears back and held my breathe as I forced myself to my hooves trying to reach for her, but everytime I took a step toward her, she would take a step away from me.
“B-b-but, I love you, mama. Don't you love me?” I whispered.
She laughed, coldly. “Love? Why on earth would I love such a pony like you?”
My heart dropped in my chest as what she said hit me like a cold iron.
I-I-breathe…I can't… breathe!
It can't be true! It can't!
I fell to to the floor and buried my face in my hooves, hyperventilating so quickly now that I was beginning to feel light headed.
They-they don't love me anymore. I. Am. Worthless.
I'm…I'm nothing.
“You're not nothing, my dear Solstice,” a sweet voice whispered.
I screamed loudly as I jumped to my hooves and shot a beam of magic in no general direction, hoping to defend myself, but all it did was zap whatever energy I had left in me.
“I care about you, my dear girl.” I felt a hoof wrap around my body pulling me closer.
I didn't dare move a muscle. I simply closed my eyes, refusing to even acknowledge her existence.
“Let me back in, child. I will take care of you, if only you let me.” Raven’s beautiful voice sounded like a thousand bells ringing in the air.
I forced myself to breathe steadily trying to prevent my body from freaking out again then pulling whatever strength I had left in me to try and push away the darkness from me.
“No. I won't let you.” I didn't have the energy to yell at her anymore.
“Shhh.” She whispered as I fell to the ground, suddenly feeling something drag me down. “Don't fight it, darling girl.”
Suddenly I felt something else grab onto me. A magical pull yanked me out of the trance I was in and pulled me back into reality.
I slowly opened my eyes and saw a glimpse of Twilight who was standing over me protectively as she expanded a shield of magic around us, then shot a spell in what I assumed to be Raven’s direction.
My eyes cleared up a bit and I could see the faint image of Sunset who stood in front of both of us. I watched tiredly for a second as I noticed the dark mist slowly evaporate from the room along with a laugh that sounded so lovely it practically killed me.
“I will not be dissipated so easily, fools!” She laughed and laughed until her darkness disappeared into the night leaving us there alone once again.
