It took surprisingly little time for the six mares to get a working spell together. Twilight sent for Sunset and Starlight as soon as Rarity was on her way. If they were going to get this working, she’d need them, along with all of their notes.
Twilight finally glanced up from the scroll they had just completed. Around her were exhausted but alert mares. They were some of the best she could have ever asked for. Surrounding the scroll were the remains of the fast food they had shoved in their mouths between debating equations. Each mare had yelled something unflattering at least once, and Twilight was rather impressed at the range of volume they all had.
Coffee had helped them to stay awake while intermittent tea helped soothe feelings.Twilight licked her chapped lips as she blinked swollen eyes. “Th-this is it… We’ve done it. This will create a portal to arrive within one mile of Celestia.” A laugh escaped her as all hugged, laughter and tears coming in intervals. After three days locked in this small room, they had done it.
After several minutes of embracing one another, they pulled back as Cadance wiped the tears from her eyes. “And now we have one last problem. Who is going through to bring her back?”
The six mares slowly looked between one another, until Rarity finally spoke up. “I’m afraid I am forced to decline such an honor. Working on the spell to bring back our beloved Princess was well worth the time it took, but I fear I may have already lost customers. And as a business mare I am responsible for those within my employ.” She brushed a bit of dirty mane from her eyes. “I am sorry.”
Luna shook her head. “No, you have naught to apologize for, Lady Rarity. And do inform any customers you fear you have lost that I will personally replace any of them with ponies far more deserving.” Luna smiled at Rarity, who blushed and stammered. “It is the least I can do in thanks for the assistance you have given to us all. I am truly in your debt.” With that said, Luna prostrated herself on the floor in front of Rarity, touching her horn to the floor. “Anything you desire within my power, consider it yours.”
Rarity continued to stammer, until Twilight gently shut her mouth with magic. “Why don’t you head home and take a shower before you think any more on it.”
Rarity blinked and smiled. “Yes. I think I’ll do that, Twilight. Ahem, Luna? I don’t suppose I’d be able to get a ride home, would I?”
Luna smiled as she stood and walked Rarity outside, directing one of the guards in a quiet voice.
Sunset stood up and stretched her legs and back.“I have to decline as well. While I’d love to go and get Princess Celestia, I don’t think I’m who she’d most want to see.” She gave Twilight a light punch on the shoulder.
“Yeah, gotta decline for the same reason, Twilight. She likes me well enough as I’m your student. But the first pony she has seen in ten years shouldn’t be me.” Starlight stood up next to Sunset, smiling at Twilight. Both mares shared a knowing smile as they followed after, Luna also hoping to grab that ride back to Ponyville.
“Cadance? You’re her niece,” Twilight started as Cadance shook her head, standing up from the table and stretching out her wings.
“Ow! I should have done that a few times when we took short breaks. Flying is going to suck… Sorry, Ladybug, but it can’t be me that goes. Not to bring her back.”
“But, I don’t understand…” Twilight trailed off as Cadance’s joyful laugh filled the room.
“You will. Remember, I can see Auntie’s heart.” Cadance rested a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “This is between you and Aunt Luna. Only one of you can go. Now, I’m about three days late from getting home, so I’m going to take a shower and head out before your brother decides you’ve decided to foal nap me.” She kissed Twilight’s nose, causing her to swish her tail in irritation.
After a few moments, Luna rentered the room and took her seat across from Twilight. They were silent for several moments, simply staring at the completed spell on the table between them.
“I take it that Cadenza declined as well?” Luna finally stated, seeing Twilight nod. She tapped her fore hoof upon the table top. Both continued to sit in silence, battling their thoughts. Each waited to see if the other would speak first.
Twilight finally caved.“Cadance said it had to be either you or me. No other pony. She told me to remember that she could see Celestia’s heart.”
Luna snorted and shook her head. “But of course. And who better than my beloved niece to understand a pony’s heart…”
Both mares chuckled before falling silent again. Spike was softly snoring, curled up on a abandoned cushion beside Twilight.
Luna finally sighed and stood up to gaze down at Twilight.“Twilight Sparkle...You recall our first meeting, I would hope?”
Twilight nodded. It had been one of the scariest but greatest moments of her life.
Luna licked her lips. “I doubt that you remember, but… you reached your hoof to me. When you were directing the Element’s power towards the Nightmare, I saw you reaching out to me to welcome me back, to show I was welcome.”
“I-I don’t remember. But If I had been able I know, I would have.” Twilight smiled, a strand of her mane falling out of place as it sparkled.
“As I said, I did not expect you would recall. But I treasure that memory, Twilight. You were the first thing I saw when I was released from my madness, even before Tia. And that is why… Twilight Sparkle, you will be the one to use this spell.” Luna placed her hooves on Twilight’s shoulders, tears running down her cheeks as she smiled widely at her first friend.
“Bring my sister home, Twilight Sparkle.”