//------------------------------// // She's Safe // Story: Luna's Daughter // by KayeStar //------------------------------// Luna returned from the dream realm later than usual this morning. She took extra time to keep an eye on Selene's dream, though she did not interfere this time, and the moment her dream began to fade away, Luna exited the dream realm to return to Melodía's and Ivory's house. Both ponies were awake and let her in, and she made it to Selene's bedside mere moments before she started to fully awake. "Luna?" Selene mumbled as she she rubbed her eyes. "Good morning. Did you sleep well?" "I didn't have a bad dream. But I don't remember if it was a good dream..." Selene then looked around and realized she was in a bedroom. It was nothing like her old room, but with its light blue walls and a few toys she could see pouring out of a toybox in one corner, she still thought it was a nice room. It took her only a second more to notice she was in a bed, smaller than her old one, but no less comfortable and so much better than a dark alley. "Where am I?" Selene asked, though it wasn't as fearful of a question as it sounded. "The place you didn't want to go," Luna answered. At that point, Melodía and Ivory appeared in the room's doorway. "And they are the ones who will look after you." "Good morning, little one," Melodía said gently. "I'm Melodía and this is my friend, Ivory. We're the ones in charge of this house. When little ones like you need a place to stay, you come to us." "Are there other fillies here?" Selene asked. "Yes. Several," Ivory answered. "You are our newest guest. Would you like to join breakfast and meet them? We've told them about you." Selene clung tightly to her blanket. "Umm, I don't know." Luna placed a comforting hoof on her back. "All will be okay, dear Selene. Go on." It took a few moments, but Luna's assurance eventually got to her and she agreed. Selene climbed out of the bed, taking her blanket with her, and walked toward the two ponies, but paused when she saw Luna wasn't following. "Are you coming?" Luna shook her head. "No, it's time for me to leave. I came because I didn't want you to be scared when you woke up. Now that you're in a safe place, I must go." "But... but..." Selene ran back toward Luna and hugged her forelegs. "You can't leave!" she begged with tearful eyes. Luna's heart suddenly felt heavy and a sad expression also came over her face. "You will be in good care here. Melodía and Ivory will take care of you until you find a new family, dear Selene." That was no comfort to the little filly, instead only making her hold Luna tighter. "No! You can't go! You can't! I'll never see you again!" "Yes, you will," Luna told her. Still holding tightly, Selene looked up at her with sad eyes Luna swore tore a piece of her heart. "Remember, I look after everypony as they slumber. You'll see me in your dreams." "Promise?" "...I promise." Luna spread her wings and enveloped Selene in a hug, and Selene spread her own little wings in return. Luna suddenly felt some tears of her own threaten to build, but for Selene's sake, she fought against them. After a few moments that felt too quick, Luna finally let go and Selene slowly did too. "Goodbye, dear Selene." "Bye-bye, Luna." Luna teleported away, disappearing almost instantly right before Selene's eyes. The little filly stared at the spot the dark blue mare once stood and sniffled for a little longer. Melodía and Ivory waited a while before one of them spoke to her again. "Selene?" Melodía whispered. "I'm coming." She slowly walked over to them, still bringing along her blanket. She looked back one more time before walking out of the room with them. Outside, just beneath that room's window, Luna lied, finally shedding the tears she built up. She had to spare herself another glance at Selene or she wouldn't go. Yet, at that moment when she had leave, she could only teleport out of Selene's view instead of to the castle. She wanted to help Selene and she did. She had done what she was supposed to, so why did it feel so hard? She just... hadn't expected that. Luna knew she had to go now, or she would stay under that window forever and make it harder for herself and Selene. She closed her eyes, thought about Selene one more time, and teleported away to her chambers. Luna heaved a heavy sigh as she climbed into her own bed to sleep for the day. She didn't even care about having breakfast for herself. She pulled her comforter tightly over herself and, thankfully, fell asleep quickly.