407th Year of the Diarchy
Two days err Nones, Fausry
"Princess, please. Stop running, your parents want your company for a formal dinner!"
A small blur of reds and oranges blast through the halls of the Castle of the Two Sisters, frantically twisting through the hairpin turns her aunt had insisted were necessary for defense. As far as the eight year old filly was concerned, they were nothing but hassles in her bid to escape the dreaded chief steward. Sundered Jolly certainly lived up to his name, sapping every bit of joy out of her day.
Turning the last corner, Sunset smiled as she could see the castle gates. It was pretty much a straight shot before she reached the more open courtyard, so she began to pump her tiny wings even harder to get that last burst of speed from them.
"Mother's Sun and Aunt Luna's Moon should be switching roles any second now..."
If there was one thing that Sunset truly enjoyed, it was hues of blue the world was dyed in as that magical ceremony took place. It didn't matter to her that it was nearing the end of winter, with a soft sheen of pure white snow still covering the castle grounds. Nor did the cold air bother her one bit, her inherent tie to the sun allowing her some semblance of added warmth on the coldest of days. Just as she was about to exit the halls, however, three large pillars of black smoke appeared suddenly in her vision. The sudden surprise caused her to stop quickly, landing on all four hooves with a grunt.
"Come along, my little Sun. Your Mother is waiting for you." Crown Prince Sombra's cyan eyes glinted with amusement as Sunset puffed out her cheeks.
"No fair, Daddy. I almost made it outside this time! Couldn't you have just let me have a few moments to enjoy the sunset?"
Sombra just shook his head slowly, careful not to upset his black and teal mane too much. "I'm afraid the Kirin delegates are very insistent that this time is the most important for meals and business dealings. Your poor Aunt has to handle the whole changing to the sun and moon on her own tonight because your Mother is already in talks." He took note of how her frown just seemed to grow in distaste at the thought of a formal dinner meeting. Those could go for hours, really cutting into her time to study under the stars. "Besides, weren't you the one looking forward to asking the Kirin about their... what was it again?"
Sunset's frown instantly vanished, replaced with a grin and eyes as wide as saucers. "Do you think they'll tell us the secrets of their vocal portals?!" Then, before Sombra could say another word, Sunset was off again, headed deeper into the castle. "Sundered Jolly! Captain Firefly! Have Mane Aspect meet me in my room! I need to get ready for dinner an hour ago!"
Sombra chuckles to himself. "At least now she'll attend the dinner."
"We trust the meeting went well, Sister?" Luna smiled as her sister's family approached, Sunset nestled onto Sombra's back. "We are terribly sorry that Our duties kept us occupied and unable to attend, but you know just how troublesome your Sun can be when it comes to being laid to rest for the night."
Celestia chuckled at the double meaning. "We're afraid that Our little Sun managed to wear herself out asking questions of the Kirin ambassador. She seems to have taken after you and Mother, with a love of studies and magical tinkering. We do hope dear Star Swirl will be able to temper that and calm her down some as she ages, lest she became a magical prodigy that uses her spells to fix everything.
Sombra nuzzled his sleeping filly's cheek. "It truly is a shame, as well. I know she was hoping to spend a few hours studying out under your stars this evening as well, as we have no major plans before court tomorrow. I realize this is asking a bit much, Princess..."
Luna held up a hoof. "Sister or Luna, please. None of this 'Princess' nonsense when we are alone, Sombra. You've been married to my sister for nigh on a decade now, how have you not picked up on this yet?"
Sombra just blushed, bowing his head slight and running a hoof through his mane. "Apologies, Prin- Sister. Some of Empress Amore's lessons on Statecraft are just a little too hard to break, even when only among family. But, if it's not too much trouble, could you make a particularly beautiful star show sometime soon? The ones that use the shooting stars, I mean. I know Sunset would enjoy it."
Luna beamed. Even if no one else enjoyed her night, the thought that her niece actively sought it out brought her such joy. "Of course, dear Brother. I'll keep an eye out for when she's out studying next."
22nd of Saddle (9 Days til the Midwinter Moon Festival)
Canterlot Castle - Royal Museum
I pulled my hoof off the painting with a small yelp. She'd had it all, the version of me from this universe, that is. Loving parents, the horn and wings, the title that went with them. It was only flashes, glimpses into her life that were hard to focus on at best and a complete blur at worst. But, somehow, just touching this painting had given me so much insight into who I was born to be... I came here looking for revenge, looking for a way to get back at my Celestia and rule. But, maybe, there was another way... The life I wanted was here, after all. It was almost handed to me on a silver platter. The only thing that truly held from me from it was my desire to return 'home'.
I looked over to the Princess-General, finding my vision a bit hazy from the warm tears. There would be no turning back if I replaced this universe's Sunset... but if even Celestia, overpowered with grief, crystal magic, and dark magic, was unable to get her back, I doubt nothing will. So, I let out a sigh and took the plunge. "I want to remember... I want to remember it all. C-Can you help me?"
Twilight smiled back at me, with a barely perceptible nod. "Of course, cous. I'm sure Mother would love any excuse to reminisce about your time at the old castle. Frankly, it will probably do her some good."