Authors note/rant
I am not strictly speaking a Brony/Pegasister, as much as I am the more-or-less enthusiastic older sister of one. This fanfic is written by someone who probably doesn’t know what she is doing in the least, and is relying heavily on memory and MLPwiki for her research. It’s not my first fanfic, but it is my first MLP-FIM fanfic.
This AU is a complete rewriting of the second season finale, where Twilight is the only child, never had an Alicorn baby-sitter, and Princess Luna plays a bigger role than having a line that most NPC’s would be ashamed of. The Changelings are still there though, since they are by far the best thing about the finale. ’
Oh, and one last thing. I’m not even going to try to write out most accents, because I’m afraid I’ll butcher it completely. Apart from Luna, who will still speak ye-old-butchered-English!
End of rant.
A one year celebration
Dedicated to my brother: Mr Antefjant, thank you for listening to all my nerdy rants.
Chapter one: An invitation to Canterlot.
”I can not believe the Princess gave us a personal invitation to the summer solstice celebration in Canterlot this year!” Rarity was practically dancing as the 6 friends waited for the train that was going to take them to Canterlot.
”It is the one year anniversary of the return of Princess Luna.” Twilight pointed out. ”So, it’s kind of a big deal I suppose.”
”You suppose? Can you ponies imagine the party?!” Pinkie Pie was jumping around them in excitement. ”It’s going to be so much fun! It’s like a birthday! But better!” She stopped abruptly. ”Wait a minute, what if they will have presents, like ‘welcome back from evil for a year’-presents! But I don’t have one!” She started looking around, darting from one end of the station to the other, looking for something to use as a gift.
”Pinkie! Calm down sugar!” Applejack stopped the pink earthpony by putting her hoof strategically down on the other mares tail. ”I’m sure it’ll be fine, you’ll have time to get one in Canterlot if nothing else.”
”I hope the animals aren’t too upset with me.” Fluttershy mumbled, looking down on the ground. Rainbow Dash just sighed, having heard this just about a hundred times since they had got the invitation.
”Oh for the love of Celestia!” she groaned. ”Get over it already, they have probably already forgotten about that!”
”You know, Rainbow is probably right.” Twilight said, walking up next to Fluttershy. ”I’m sure they have either forgotten about last time, or they will certainly forgive you for it.” She gave her friend a gentle buff with her muzzle.
”Here comes the train!” Applejack called just before the train rolled into the station, stopping with a hissing spitting sound of hot steam.
-.-.-.-.-.-
”Welcome back my faithful student.” Princess Celestia walked down the stairs towards the 6 ponies who bowed as she approached. ”I’m so delighted you could come, and I’m sure my sister will appreciate you being here, since it is thanks to you all that we are even able to celebrate this joyous occasion.”
”We are honoured to be here Princess.” Twilight answered, straightening up. She looked over at her mentor. The beautiful white alicorn seemed as brilliant as ever, but was it Twilights imagination, or did Celestia look a little.. worn? Then again, it was just an hour after dusk, and lowering the sun might be harder than it looked. Twilight decided to dismiss the whole thing.
”I’m afraid my sister won’t join us for a few more hours.” Celestia said. ”She is currently performing her duty to raise the moon. I would like for you to join me in the dining hall in the mean time. Dinner will start in just a few minutes.” She smiled gracefully and turned to walk ahead of the six ponies down one of the castles many corridors.
”Are you ok there, Twilight?” Applejacks voice was quiet as she walked up next to her friend while they followed Celestia and the others. ”You looked a little out of it back there..”
”Yhea. I’m fine.” Twilight smiled, shrugging of her suspicion completely. ”I’m just hungry that’s all.”
”If you say so sugar-cube!” Applejack said, returning her smile as they entered the large dining hall.
-.-.-.-.-
Luna arrived just as they had finished dinner. The dark Alicorn landed on the edge of the balcony and walked inside where the others were waiting.
”Welcome back sister.” Celestia greeted her. ”It was a beautiful moonrise tonight, we watched it from the dining hall. ”
”I thank thee dearest sister.” Luna bowed her head ever so slightly, then she looked over to the mares standing behind the princess of the sun. ”Ah, the elements of harmony.” She smiled, but it didn’t quite seem to reach her eyes. Twilight managed to stop the frown from reaching her face. What was going on here? Both of the sisters seemed strange... Suddenly Celestias worn look from before wasn’t so easy to dismiss. ”If you excuse me.” Luna bowed her head again. ”I have other duties to attend to yet this evening.” Celestia nodded and Luna left without another look at the 6 friends.
”I apologise if she seems a bit short.” Celestia sighed a little. ”There has been some unsettling rumours of late, and she has been taking it very personally for some reason. That and I suspect she might be a little bit nervous for the celebration.” She offered them a small smile. ”Perhaps we should all retire for the night? Tomorrow will be a long day after all.”
As the 6 friends started to walk down towards the rooms that had been assigned to them Twilight stopped and looked back towards Celestia for a moment. The Sun Princess was still standing by the open balcony doors, staring up towards the night sky. Now, when her expression was more unguarded, Twilight could see the strain in her beloved mentors face. Something was wrong here, and Twilight was determined to figure out what.