//------------------------------// // chapter 1 // Story: Dreams and shadows // by principessaluna //------------------------------// "And of course there are the taxes that need to be", said some nobel unicorn from Manhatten, but Celestia was lost in her thoughts. It was day court, soon done. "Princess, are you listening?", Celestia got out of her thoughts. "Oh yes of course.", she said with a soft smile. "I will talk to princess Luna about what we can do about the taxes.", the unicorn nodded, thanked her and left the room. "Was that all for today?", Celestia asked with a hopeful voice. "Yes princess. You can retire now.", was the reply of Raven. Celestia made her way to the kitchen where she met with Luna for a piece of cake. Or more likely Celestia will eat the whole cake and Luna will be sitting there, watching her sister eat. "Hello princess.", the guards greeted while she passed by. The sun riser gave them a smile. As she arrived in the kitchen, Luna was eating a piece of cake. "How dare you to start without me?", the cake lover asked furious as she sat across her sister. "Not my fault that it took you so long in court.", the younger one answered with a smirk. Both of them laughed. "So..." "Yes Luna?", it got quiet for a moment. "Are we REALLY going to do this?", a laugh came out of Celestia. "Is my little sister scared that Raven will get mad at us for having a bit of fun? After all, it was YOUR idea.", Luna took Celestia's cake away as in reply. "You're evil...", Luna simply stuck out her tongue and gave the cake back. "We're going to do it like we discussed it last night, right?", Celestia asked. Last night in the chamber of Celestia; "Dear princess Celestia, It's really beautiful here in Las Pegasus. You should really come and visit this place with Luna! Today my friends, Spike and I visited Applewood. Can you imagine all the famous ponies we saw! Of course there were a lot of ponies that recognised us. Today I learned how hard it is to enjoy the small things in life, when everyone knows you. You really need to show me that spell where I can transform myself into another pony Your faithful student Your faithful princess Twilight Sparkle P.s: you are my favourite celebrity. ;)" Celestia read out loud to her little sister. "This sounds like fun, why can't we ever have fun?", Luna grumbled. Celestia sighed. "Because we are the rulers of Equestria. We need to look after our subjects." "But this is not fair Tia! WE should BE allowed to have some time off once in a while." Celestia nuzzled Luna's cheek. "I know... But we can't Luna, at least not right now." Luna looked confused. "We can't have fun..?", she thought to herself. "I demand to know why.", Luna said in an angry tone. Celestia shook her head and snuggled next to Luna who was sitting on her queen sized bed. "Luna....", she started... "With all the tax changes, it's been difficult to do anything other. My day court is full with nobel unicorns, complaining about the new tax rules. I always give them the same reply.", Celestia took a deep breath. Luna felt a wave of guilt hitting her, for not supporting her sister properly. "But Tia, why didn't you tell me? I could of helped you. Why did you cancel the night court?", Luna tried not to sob. Celestia stared at the wall. "Because if the night court would be happening, it gives the nobels more time to criticise the new rules. And I didn't want to bother you with that.", Luna slapped her sister with a hoove. "I love you Celestia, and I appreciate what you do for me. But if you keep looking after everyone but yourself, you might end up being all alone and lonely.", Luna replied. "That slap hurt...", the sun riser rubbed her cheek. "You want some cake?", they both smiled at each other and Luna teleported them to Sugarcube Corner. As they entered, they got greeted by the Cakes. "Princess Celestia, princess Luna! What an honour to see the both of you heere!", mrs. Cake said with a smile. "We'd like two pieces of cake please.", Luna ordered and sat down at a table with Celestia. "I apologise that I slapped you Tia. I was just angry...", mrs. Cake brought the cake and Celestia levitated a fork full of cake infront of her. "It's okay, I needed it." It got silent while they both ate their piece of cake. "Las Pegasus sounds beautiful. If Twilight is right, I'd really like to go there.", mumbled Luna underneath her breath. "So do I. Applewood sounds amazing.", Celestia admited. Then suddenly out of nowhere, an idea popped into Luna's head! "How we just run off for a bit. A week trip! I mean we can still raise and lower the sun and moon, and Raven could take care about the taxed!", the younger one said with proud. Celly shook her head. "As much as I'd love to, I don't think this would be a good idea." "Why not?", Celestia had no answer. "What will happen when we're go-", but she got cut off. "Twilight and her friends saved Equestria so many times, I'm sure if we're gone for a week they can handle that too.", the sun riser sighed. "Fine. So how are we gonna od that?", she asked. Luna explained to Celestia that she needs to finish her day court as usual. In the meantime Luna will pack their things and make sure to put them into the backgarden. They'll travel through the Everfree forest until to Manehatten, and then take the train there to Las Pegasus. And Luna added that she'll also write a note to Raven and leave it in the kitchen after they ate their piece of cake like every day. -------- "Yes... it was my idea...", Luna blushed. "You have the note?", the moon riser levitated the note over to Celestia. "Had to re-write it about four times. I usually don't write letters. You're the better one to do that.", she gaver her sister a soft and warm smile. Celestia put the note underneath the plate. "Let's go then, shall we?" They both stood up and left the dining hall. They made their way to the backgarden. As they arrived, they took their bags and started their journey towards the Everfree forest. "I'm curious Celestia, do you think Discord will like this?" "What are you talkling about Luna?", Celestia looked in confusion. "Oh nevermind. As long as he doesn't figure out that we're not around for a while, it should be okay.", Luna smiled. And so, the journey begins, of two sisters escaping their world of work and searching for the world of dreams.