//------------------------------// // Sunshine, Everlasting // Story: For All That We Have Lost // by Darkswirl //------------------------------// Blessed be the one who gives without asking anything in return, they say, as this is the only way to let peace and harmony into your soul. The more you give, the more you will earn in return. But what happens when you give too much? What happens when you're ready to sacrifice every piece of your soul to make the life of your beloved ones better? This is the story of a kind and selfless pony who ruled over Equestria for a few thousand years, bringing the light of hope and happiness in everypony's life. Her life was marked by tragedy, and she always faced it alone, accumulating the scars of loss, one after another. And yet, she was strong enough to kindle the flames of love, hope and life deep within her heart, allowing them to glow and grow, so that her subjects could take in their warmth. And they did. Spark by spark, everyday, for thousands of years...Until there was nothing left, even for herself. This is a story of love and sacrifice, and this is its last chapter... - The night was cool and dark as Princess Celestia trotted out tiredly after her younger sister and onto the balcony. Princess Luna was happy and content, unaware that Celestia knew of her own inevitable demise. "Hurry up, sister! We're late already!" Princess Luna called cheerfully from the edge of the balcony. As Celestia joined her little sister at the edge, she lifted her snout and breathed in the cool, crisp air of her sibling's night. It was a shame this would be her last chance to witness it. "Are you ready?" Celestia asked peacefully. Luna practically bounced on her hooves as she replied enthusiastically. "Yes, yes!" "Let us begin with the premise, then!" Celestia said as a sad smiled crept onto her face. She lifted her glowing horn towards the sky and struggled to maintain her magic. Luna joined her older sister happily, her own horn glowing brightly as a soft hum filled the balcony. As suddenly as it began, the hum stopped, but the moon still hung in the sky. "T-Tia?!" Luna cried out, rushing over to her collapsed sister. "What happened?!" "I....I'm sorry, Luna...I can't do it. It's up to you to raise the sun today..." Celestia replied, closing her eyes and breathing deeply. "B-But I..." Luna began as she realized the immense power needed to do both her sister and her own job. "I'll do my best, I promise..." - When Celestia re awoke, her beautiful sun was high in the blue sky. She struggled to her hooves and stood next to her little sister, whose eyes were wide in amazement as she realized what she just did. Celestia's chest swelled with pride before she realized the tips of her wings and mane slowly began turning into a golden mist. "Ah...The time has finally come..." Celestia whispered to herself, Luna just barely catching her solemn words. "No, sister, no!" she cried. "We have so much to do today! We have to meet Twilight and her friends, w-we have to..." "Don't be afraid, my little sister...You'll do well on your own now..." Celestia interrupted, her body almost completely changed into a golden mist, save for her chest and head. "B-But I don't want to be alone again! Please, don't leave me, 'Tia!" Luna cried, closing her eyes tightly. She felt her sister's warm embrace before a loud clang brought her eyes open again. Before the heart broken princess lay Celestia's golden armaments. "S-Sister...?" Luna whispered in disbelief, softly nosing her sibling's tiara. She turned her head to the sky to see a golden mist swirl around before growing smaller and smaller as it floated further away. Do not fear, my dear little sister...I will always be here with you...