“Luna,” Celestia choked out. Her voice overflowed with relief, and she ran to her sister. Nightmare moon was finally gone, joy and hope bubbled up from the bottom of her heart. “You haven’t aged at all have you” she said softly. Celestia looked up and down at her sister’s tiny frame. She looked so young. Guilt knawed at her mind, she sent her to the moon so little...
Luna sat in place where the dust had settled, and looked up at Celestia. As she went to stand, she felt her legs wobble with fatigue. The fight with the holders of the elements of harmony had drained both her magic and her energy. Without the tantibus clouding her vision and mind, she was able to think clearly for the first time in ages. Her eyes widened as reality set in, “It’s been a thousand years....” She said softly. It’s been so long, what have I missed in all this time? Regret and sorrow slowly filled Luna’s heart. She wanted to wail, to cry, anything to release the horrible feelings of loss, but she forced herself to keep her composure, it wasn’t proper to show weakness, and she’d already made a fool of herself. Luna tried to hide the tears that had already welled up, and she grew red with shame at the thought about everything she had done, to her subjects, her friends, and most of all, her sister.
“Let us return home little sister.” Celestia said gently, breaking through Luna’s apprehension, a loving smile traced her cheeks, though her eyes betrayed a sadness behind them that Luna did not understand. She nodded, and Celestia gathered Luna's small wing in her own like they had done when they were little, “We have a lot to discuss.“
Luna hesitated, but followed her sister onto the chariot, reluctant to leave the Castle, the only home she’d ever known. She glanced at the other young ponies as the chariot rose, and saw their smiling, triumphant eyes. She couldn’t meet their gazes. Then, she turned to her sister, “I’m sorry…” Luna started, “for everything that happened...” her voice trailed off into silence as the words got caught in her throat, her mind filled with the foggy memories of an eternal night and the cruelty she inflicted while under the influence of Nightmare Moon. Celestia gave a shallow nod, but otherwise remained quiet, and tightened her grip on Luna’s wing. The air was cold and it blew through the sister’s manes as they flew, silently home.
When the mares arrived at the castle in Canterlot, Celestia helped Luna out of the chariot and led her inside, past rows of dumbfounded guards and astounded workers. Everything was quiet, aside from the clattering of their hooves in the corridor. Celestia took the lead and directed Luna through the winding halls, adorned with gold trim and beautiful pAintings. As the two walked, it was easy to see how a pony could get lost without a guide, and Luna felt grateful that Celestia was still keeping her safe, she seemed to know the way, like she always did, and that reassured her enough. Though she tried as they walked, Luna couldn’t seem to read her sister’s emotions, she felt distant. When they reached a dark blue door adorned with Luna’s cutie mark, Luna smiled, a bubble of happiness floating to the surface of guilt and shame that had been clouding her thoughts. It was a room built for her. Celestia had always meant for her to come home… The older mare opened it and led Luna in, locking the door behind them, and turning on the lights as they drew towards the center.
Luna looked around the room, feeling overwhelmed with joy and surprise. The walls and ceiling were painted a dark blue and had constellations and galaxies moving gently across them in intricate detail. Every star, and every galaxy was intimately designed one by one, as if someone had painstakingly drawn it to scale. The floor was a soft shag carpet in a pale blue, with speckles of different shades to show depth, and all of the furniture was dark mahogany, or panted midnight blue with silver accents. Luna smiled with wide eyes and began to tear up again, this room was everything she could have ever dreamed of and more. She turned to her sister and wanted to hug her, but if she was anything like the Celestia she knew, it wouldn’t be welcome. “It’s beautiful,” She said quietly trying to hide the quiver in her voice.
“I’m glad you think so,” Celestia said gently, looking at her with soft eyes. Her voice paused, and it was clear that she hesitated to continue. “Now though, it’s time to discuss the terms of your reform…” Celestia said slowly, reluctantly, as she stood over Luna. The younger mare seemed to falter and she looked up. Celestia sensed the burning tension, and felt a pang of guilt and apprehension. She knew Luna would hate what she’d have to do next, but she also knew it would be the best way to undo the damage that had already been done.
Luna paused, and her eyes now radiated confusion. The smile Celestia had when they arrived was weaker now, replaced with a look of gentle discomfort, and Luna became uneasy.
“I spent a thousand years on the moon sister, was that not enough?” She asked incredulously. Luna felt a wave of despair building in her chest and she felt suffocated.
“Unfortunately no…” Celestia explained in an awkward but firm voice, “Though it was an adequate punishment, punishments are valueless when not paired with reform,” she continued with a note of disappointment. “Your crimes caused so much havoc, and your mental state was so compromised that the only way I was able to convince Equestria to allow you to return at all was to swear upon a reform program. The purpose of which is to ensure that you remain well cared for, and loved so that those terrible string of events will never come to repeat themselves. Consider it as a cleansing of your heart and soul. Though, I expect you’ll resist at least to begin with...” Celestia explained, and with her discomfort and anxiety, she began to pace, circling Luna whose eyes grew wider with dread and anticipation. “…I’m sure eventually you’ll come to enjoy yourself regardless. It took me quite a while to figure out what kind of reform would be accepted by the court, and also be adequate to accomplish the intended goals, but I eventually settled on this. Your actions before and after the influence of Nightmare Moon were a result of jealousy, envy, and a lack of love. I neglected you before. Now, I will be better. We will re-live your childhood, better, happier, and more cared for.” Celestia’s gaze and tone radiated a mix of happiness, righteousness, regret, and hope for things to go smoothly.
Luna sat down as her world felt like it was falling away from her. She wished she could say that it didn’t make sense, but everything her sister said was crystal clear. “What do you mean, re-live my childhood...?” she asked quietly, not at all liking where this conversation was going, but knowing she was nearly powerless to stop it without starting another fight. Her hooves fidgeted with nervous energy, and her cheeks prickled with the damp remnants of her runaway tears.
Celestia watched the confusion and dread wash over Luna’s face and her heart felt heavy, despite coming to the same conclusion she had before. This would be good for her, it would help them bond, and Luna would forgive her for the embarrassment later. “Well, the biggest component of your reform is that you are to be diapered, and the rest we can leave for after your nap” Celestia said after a small pause. “Now, would probably be the best time to get started with that, so we’ll still have some time left in the evening.” She explained matter-of-factly, speaking quickly to avoid more incredulity.
Luna was dumbfounded. A diaper? She must be joking, it was ludicrous, and humiliating, and... Luna felt a sinking feeling in her chest. She sensed the righteous determination from her sister and knew it would be fruitless to try. Nonetheless she clung to the last remnants of her pride. “Sister you can’t be serious, I’m not a filly!” Luna argued as her voice raised slightly in volume and pitch. She stood up quickly but anxiety made her feel unsteady on her hooves.
Celestia’s smile died completely, and she looked at Luna with a moment of hesitation, and let out a small sigh. “Luna, this needs to happen. You’ll be alright, it’s just a diaper.” She countered taking a step towards Luna, her voice almost seemed irritated. Celestia didn’t really want to have a struggle but if it came to it she was prepared. “If you cooperate, this will be much easier.” Celestia’s horn began to glow as she summoned a large thick diaper, periwinkle blue and covered in stars, to the floor next to her. She looked at Luna with a pang of sadness and displeasure. Celestia felt bad, this wasn’t her first choice and she knew Luna would’ve wanted something else, but it was the best solution. She was determined to do what she knew was best for Luna, and determined to keep her sister safe and protected..
“I'm not a filly!” Luna shouted at her sister. The irony of her petulance was not lost on her, and her face grew red as she realized she sounded just like a disobedient foal. Luna’s eyes widened and her ears dropped, and when the diaper revealed itself she took a step back not sure where to go. She began glancing around for an exit, but she knew that she was unfamiliar with the building and it seemed like the only way out was the door she saw her sister lock only moments ago. “Please don’t do this Celestia, I’m perfectly fine going to the bathroom like normal.”
Celestia looked at her sister again and sighed her voice more firm. She felt more confident in her decision despite Luna’s reaction. “This is for the greater good. You’ll see, everything will be better this way,” Celestia’s voice was gentle and resigned but unwavering. Without much more than a flicker of light, a magic blocker appeared around the base of Luna’s horn, and her wings were securely pinned to her frame. “Now will you please cooperate so I don’t have to make this any more difficult?” She asked, clearly not thrilled with this turn of events, despite her commitment. Celestia had hoped, if in vain, that Luna would be reasonable with her, but it seemed to be that it was not to be.
Luna was blinded as she saw a flash and when it faded she felt restricted and to her dismay, her wings wouldn’t budge. When she tried to summon a spell to free herself, she realized with a second wave of dread that she couldn’t use her magic. Her anger and fear bubbled up as she struggled vainly against her sister’s magic. “This has been enough! I am not a filly, please treat me like a mare as I justly deserve.”
Celestia sighed. She wondered briefly for a moment, why her sister had to fight everything. It was for the best, she thought, as her soft coercion slowly evolved into force. “Difficult it is then.” She said with a resigned finality, and with a second flicker of light, Luna was laying on her back on the floor.
Luna felt her vision clear again and she felt the ground beneath her. She tried to move, but found herself tethered there by some magical means. She began to panic, feeling trapped, almost like when she was fully consumed by the tantibus, and she flailed as much as she could with her movement restricted.
“This will make things much easier,” Celestia said, a small smile briefly reappeared before fading. The idea of diapering her little sister brought both old memories and a sense of calm over the situation. She’d be lying if she said that this solution didn’t please her just a little, but it was also not because of it. Luna would see. “Now let’s get you changed.” She said pressing a hoof into Luna’s flank placing her in position.
Luna tried thrashing on her back, kicking at her restraints but she made almost no movement. “Don’t do this Celestia! I’ll show you I’m a good citizen, we don’t need to do this! Nightmare Moon is gone!!” Luna yelled, still trying to get out of this predicament. She was afraid and desperate, but Celestia showed no signs of giving in. She did, however, conjure up an oversized powder blue pacifier which she strapped to Luna’s muzzle muffling her protests. Celestia then lifted up Luna’s flanks, and laid the diaper underneath her. Luna felt something brush her bottom, and her tail weaved through the small hole in the back. She was then powdered, and taped into a much larger version of a foal’s nighttime diaper.
Celestia stood her sister up, and released her from the magical restraints. “That’s much better don’t you think?” She said putting on a soft motherly tone, she smiled sheepishly and went to embrace Luna who pulled away in anger. Celestia felt disappointed by the rejection and tried to brush it off, it was only reasonable for her sister to be a bit upset. No matter, she thought looking at her sister who felt so much younger now. Perhaps if she just dove in, Luna might accept things quicker. “Now is my little Lulu ready for nap time?” Celestia asked, using her sister’s old nickname, attempting to lighten the mood, she sent a bolt of magic towards the bed at the end of the room. Bars appeared all around it and the normal bed transformed into an oversized crib.
Luna kept her eyes on Celestia, but as her bed evolved, as he felt her eyes grow wide with shock and humiliation. She could feel her sister’s magic pick her up and she fought trying to escape it as Celestia lifted her up and into the crib. Luna tried to cry out with disbelief and upset, but only made out some unintelligible garble behind the pacifier. When she no longer felt her sister’s magic, she tried to jump back out however Celestia was one step ahead and had secured it with a magical barrier. Luna’s head bounced off it with a thud and she stared at her sister bewildered.
“Have a good nap Lulu, I’ll be back in a short while,” Celestia said before leaving the room and turning off the lights, hoping maybe this would help Luna get into the right headspace.