"Longing"
Equestria Noir
Side Story
“Longing”
Perspective: Twilight Sparkle
“For although the Elements have long been artifacts of Equestrian history their origins are largely unknown” I read to myself from the book I was reading “Their mysterious power has led to many theories about them. Some, such as Starswirl the Bearded, have even gone so far as theorizing there was a seventh element which bound them all together.”
I closed the book and tossed it onto the ever growing pile of books. I spent all day researching the chanting that Private was able to conjure. So far, my efforts to find out what exactly he was able to do with my element had proven as fruitless as giving Spike a bath. This whole thing was frustrating, I’ve never heard of a pony able to allow elements to share their power with others.
I was able to perform magic with almost no effort when Private used his power. Private…
He was in Manehattan now; he said he was going to stay there for a couple of days to put flowers on his mother’s grave. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t long for him.
I sat down on the cushion. I was supposed to be here in Canterlot to visit Princess Celestia; but she was busy right now getting the sun to set for the evening. She wouldn’t be here in Canterlot’s Library for at least half an hour.
I eventually gave into the temptation to look into Private’s “Chanting”. I knew it had something to do with the Elements but so far nothing. My brain felt like it was fried from all the work I put it through.
I rolled onto my belly and closed my eyes. I realized the only reason I was really doing this was because I missed him. I leaned my head on a hoof and sighed as I thought of him. We’ve been together for nearly two months now but it feels like I’ve always been with him.
I found myself daydreaming…
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We were lying together on our bellies by the fire.
A book was in front of us and I looked up at him.
“You done with this page, Private?”
He looked at me with those beautiful grey eyes of his and pushed the book aside
“I think I’m done reading.”
I smiled a little as he scooted closer to cuddle up with me.
I gazed into his eyes and nuzzled him on the cheek, “Private, I miss you.”
“I know, Twilight,” he whispered in my ear, “but I’m always with you.”
“Don’t ever leave me,” I said softly as our lips moved closer. “I want you with me forever.”
“Well, you’re only here for a couple of days, Twilight”
“What?”
“Twilight, why are your lips puckering?”
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I snapped out of my daydream and realized I was puckering my lips in front of my mentor and mother figure, Princess Celestia. I flushed bright red and fell back in surprise “Princess Celestia!!” I shouted as I fell on my back.
She gave a small laugh and looked down at me, “Daydreaming are we?”
My flush stayed and I buried my face in my hooves “Yes, Princess….”
I felt magic grip me and I was righted by an aura of gold magic. I looked up at Celestia feeling embarrassed over the whole thing.
Celestia wasn’t clad in her usual regalia and crown you see her in. Her white coat was bare and her multicolored mane flowed freely despite there being no wind. Her violet eyes showed a little spark of mischief at catching me daydreaming “There’s no need to be embarrassed, Twilight,” she said with a small smile, “I simply caught you at a bad time”
“Yeah,” I replied, rubbing the back of my head in embarrassment, “I thought you were going to set the sun.”
“I was,” she said, taking a seat beside me, “but Luna insisted that I spend some time with you, and offered to set the sun tonight.” She looked over at me with one violet eye “So, tell me what you were daydreaming about?”
I was about to give a half-baked excuse, but I knew that wouldn’t work on Celestia. She knew me far too well and she’d see right through any lie I’d try and pull. I sighed and confessed, “I was thinking about Private.”
She smiled a little, “Oh? You must be missing him.”
I nodded, “I miss him, yes, I just miss him being here with me.” I set my head on my hooves, “Maybe I’m becoming too clingy.”
The princess shook her white head and lowered it to my level, “Twilight, you will see him soon, you have nothing to worry about.”
I returned her small smile, “I guess you’re right.” I sat up and curled my hooves under me, “I guess I’m just worried about him, is all.”
“Tell me more about Private,” she asked, a little too curiously. “You spoke of him a lot in your letters, but I’d like to hear the words from your own mouth.”
I flushed in embarrassment. This was worse than talking to my mother about Private. I looked down as my cheeks turned scarlet, “Well, he’s brave, strong, and very caring to Tailspin, his brother. He’s also very sweet and smart, it’s refreshing to have somepony I can talk intellectually with,” I sighed a little, “and he’s very handsome…”
Celestia let out a small giggle; I can’t believe I’m having this conversation with her. She looked at me with that same small smile of hers, “Oh Twilight, is this the same filly who said she would never fall in love because it made her brother act all goofy?”
“I was six!” I retorted
“That you were,” she said, sighing wistfully. “Now here you are, all grown up and finding your special somepony.”
“You sound like my mother,” I said giggling a little.
“Well, I would think teaching you for seventeen years would count for something,” she huffed, in mock hurt. “Besides, I would think I would earn the right of mother figure after I chased away those monsters under the bed.”
“Again, I was six,” I said dryly.
We both laughed. It was odd seeing Princess Celestia, monarch and ruler of all of Equestria, act so normal. Everypony was intimidated by her because of her power and royal status. I found her a little easier to approach, but even I don’t want to disappoint her in anything I do.
Celestia looked at me with a smile, “I really am happy that you two got together.”
“Did you expect us to fall in love?” I asked curiously, tilting my head. “You did assign us to work together during that case three months ago”
She shook her head, “I assigned you together because I figured you would learn to apply your knowledge in a new way.” She smirked a little, “I didn’t expect you to want to stick around for more than just honor and duty.”
I blushed a little and giggled.
“Though…” She said tapping a hoof on her chin
“Though what?”
“He did fire you that one time”
“That was over mistakes on both sides.” I explained.
“I could make him…permanent” She said a hint of mischief in her eyes. I hated that look…
“What do you mean?” I asked nervously.
“As monarch, I could force Private to marry you and you will never have to worry about losing him again.”
A silence fell over the room as my brain processed what she just said. My face grew true scarlet and I leaped into the air in surprise, “MARRY PRIVATE?!?”
She laughed, “I was only joking, I didn’t think you would take it so seriously”
“Princess! You don’t just joke about that!” I exclaimed, feeling my cheeks burning. “It’s a very personal decision for me to make!!”
She giggled gleefully, “Look at you, getting all flushed over the prospect of marriage.”
I buried my face in one of the cushions, hiding it. I felt so embarrassed about all of this. I can’t believe Princess Celestia would just casually joke that I should marry Private! Not that I would object…
I felt a nuzzle on my back and looked up at the Princess. She looked back at me apologetically, “I’m sorry, Twilight; I didn't mean to embarrass you.”
I shook my head “It’s okay. I just didn’t expect to have this sort of conversation with my mentor…”
She smiled again, “I just want to be sure that Private is making you happy.”
“He is,” I said firmly. “When he and I are together… everything just clicks. I feel safe, but at the same time I feel like he depends on me as well.”
“That’s the sign of a good relationship,” Celestia said with a nod, “Mutual trust is a thing more couples should have.”
“You sound like you're speaking from experience,” I observed. “Do you have a special somepony, too?”
She got quiet all of a sudden. Her violet eyes turned to the setting sun and frowned, “I should get going; it was nice talking to you, Twilight.”
I felt a little guilty for bringing up a probably sore subject. I smiled and nuzzled my teacher on the chest in comfort, “Thanks for putting me and Private on that case together.”
She nuzzled my mane in affection, “Just remember, I only want you to be happy.”
With that, she left without another word. It really dawned on me how little I really know about her. Celestia was immortal and lived longer then anypony alive. I decided to let these thoughts go for the night and set about reorganizing the library.
Still, she got very quiet when I mentioned a special somepony….
__________________________________________________________
Perspective: Princess Celestia
I sat on my bed reading yet another friendship report. This one was from the Changeling Swarm about how he learned so much from Pinkie Pie. How strange to receive a letter from a species that a few months ago put me in a cocoon.
Life sure knows how to put you in odd situations.
What Twilight said earlier still plagued my mind. I guess it was just her inquisitive nature that drove her to dig in that area of my life. I couldn’t blame her for being curious about me.
Fifteen hundred years… has it really been that long?
I set the report aside and walked to my vanity. My horn glowed gold and the drawer containing my regalia opened. I got several of these necklaces as gifts from other nations hoping to gain favor. I sifted through the many pieces I had placed at the top, to hide the only one I truly valued.
I reached the one I desperately searched for and held it in my hooves. It was a bright gold like my other regalia but this one held a ruby and an amethyst entwined with each other. To make such a design took a lot of work and hours of magical manipulation. But the product of such hard labor was a beautiful piece of jewelry that now a days would be worth millions.
It was worth far more to me.
Memories of that time filled my mind….
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1,500 years ago….
I sat in the shade of my favorite tree. I finally got a break from the birthday party father had thrown for me. Lately he’s seemed anxious and uptight, far from his normally reserved self.
It’s been almost 5 years since Voidera and I defeated Discord together and rescued Luna. Since then, we’ve become something of a pair of celebrities among the ponies of the Alicorn Kingdoms.
Voidera was promoted to father’s personal warrior and advisor. Voidera’s combat experience, and sharp mind have made him invaluable to father. My best friend was finally getting the recognition and use he deserved.
I was happy for him, but it meant I saw him far less than normal. Between my royal duties, and his duties as Father’s personal advisor, it’s been hard to find time together.
I miss him…
My ears perked up as I heard the bushes move. I turned to see a black Alicorn emerge from the bushes. His white mane was long and fell over his red eyes. His dragon like wings were tucked at his sides as he smiled at me…they were holding some kind of package.
“Tia, I’ve been trying to get away and see you,” he said in that deep bass voice of his.
I smiled upon seeing him and threw my forelegs around him. His red slited eyes gazed at my own violet ones and he smiled sheepishly. I returned his smile, “Voidera, it’s been far too long.”
“Happy Birthday, by the way.” he said, as I let him go.
“Thank you,” I said, unable to stop smiling at him. “I’m happy that you’re here today!”
“Tia,” he said flushing a little, “I got you a present…” He unfolded his wing and set the package between us. It was small and tied with a bright blue bow.
I looked at Voidera bemused, “You didn’t have to give me a present. I’ve already got far too many from nobles trying to earn my favor.”
“I wanted to give you something” He said earnestly “It’s your birthday and I want you to have something special, from me.”
I looked into his ruby eyes and saw the longing they had in them. He obviously wanted me to have this gift badly. I didn’t know what it could possibly be but I was excited to find out.
I used my magic to untie the bow carefully, Voidera was watching me anxiously. I lifted the lid off the present and my violet eyes grew wide.
Inside was a regalia, it was gold with a ruby and an amethyst entwined with each other. I stared at it and then lifted it from the box carefully. “It’s beautiful, Voidera, where did you get this?”
“I made it myself,” he admitted shyly.
“You made this?” I asked with genuine surprise. I knew Voidera was an excellent crafts pony but I didn’t expect this.
“Do you like it?” he asked, his ruby eyes looking at me expectantly.
“I do, Voidera!” I said excitedly. I hoofed the regalia to him and turned around, “Put it on me!”
He walked to me and moved some of my pink mane off my neck so he can easily put the regalia around my neck. His red magic levitated the chain around my neck and clicked it in place. I ran to the nearby pond to look at myself. I smiled at my reflection and looked over at the dark stallion. “Voidera, thank you, this must’ve taken you a long time…”
“Anything for you, Tia,” he replied, with a shy smile.
I walked to him and looked into his ruby eyes. Many were afraid of those eyes because they were slitted like a dragon’s. I’ll admit I was afraid of Voidera at first, but now I’ve found a strange beauty in him.
He gazed at me and reached a hoof to touch the regalia that I showed prominently on my chest. “Listen Tia, I’m sorry I haven’t been able to get away lately.”
“I know you're busy with all your new duties,” I said trying to offer comfort
He lowered his head and turned from me “I miss the days when we were traveling together. I wake up at nights and find myself looking for you when you aren’t there.”
I felt my heart flutter in my chest. Here was my best and only true friend saying he missed me like I missed him. I suddenly felt self-conscious and worked at my pink mane to make it a bit more presentable.
He turned to me his red eyes betraying his pain “I miss you, Tia.”
“I miss you, too," I said walking closer to the dark stallion. I pressed my head into his neck and he tensed up a little. “Voidera, I want you to stay here with me.”
“You don’t mind what I am?” he asked almost stuttering.
I looked at him and shook my head “I care for you not for what you are, but who you are."
He moved in and in a very bold move pressed his lips to mine. My heart was beating like a drum in my chest as I returned the kiss.
Voidera, I love you…
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I opened my eyes and realized that I was crying…
I reached up with a hoof to wipe my tear stained eyes. 1500 years and I still thought about him. I still longed for him.
I still longed for him after he had to leave...
_____________________________________________________________
Voidera!!
Celestia!!
Come back!
The portal is collapsing!! I have to go and stop Lunard!
I don't want you to leave!
Remember me Tia! I'll always be there for you!! I'll come back to you!! I promise!!!
I know you will!!!
___________________________________________________________________
I heard somepony opening the door and quickly hid the regalia back in the drawer. I put on my usual face and turned to look over to see Luna enter.
Luna had grown quite a bit in such a short amount of time. She was already taller than the average pony with a beautiful midnight blue coat and the lovely teal eyes of our mother. Her mane had changed to its ethereal form only a half a year ago. Right now though her teal eyes showed only concern for me.
“Tia, we have heard thee crying” she said still in the same refined speech of ancient times. Not everything could be fixed by the Elements of Harmony, I guess.
I gave a small smile, “I’m fine, Luna, really.”
She shook her angular head and frowned, “Tia, thou art a horrible liar. We know what we heard,” she gestured with a hoof towards my regalia drawer “and what that drawer contains.”
I looked at my sister and narrowed my eyes, “Have you been looking in my drawers, Luna?”
She looked at me sheepishly, “Forgive me, but did you honestly expect me to ignore my sister crying over the same drawer every time? I looked one day to see what you were crying about… Its Voidera’s, isn’t it?”
I was about to scold her but then I relented. Luna was wrong to snoop but she did only out of concern for me. I sighed, “Yes, it is. It was the regalia he gave me before…”
“Tia,” Luna said as she walked to me and pressed her muzzle to my chest in comfort. I let go of my pride and set my head down on my sister’s head. “I know you miss him, but it’s been fifteen hundred years. Do you really expect him to come back?”
“I will wait another fifteen hundred years if it means I can see him again,” I replied firmly.
Luna reached up her hooves and pulled me into a hug. I wrapped my forelegs around my little sister for comfort.
“Sister, I will try to make the wait bearable.”
I looked down at my sister and gave a small smile, “I’ll be fine Luna”
She looked up at me with those bright teal eyes of hers “I know what it’s like to lose somepony important and to be so long without them. Tia, know you aren’t alone”
I smiled at my sister and simply said, “Since when did you become the comforting sister?”
“Must simply be the power trip from setting the sun tonight,” she said with a small laugh.
We both laughed a little. I was truly lucky to have so many wonderful ponies around me.
Just not the one I miss the most….
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Perspective: Voidera
Longing,
I long to see her again.
I will come soon, Tia.
I will come.
I will be there with you again.
I love you…