Chapter 25
Welp, it’s taken all morning, but between the three of us, we’ve finally reduced the Everest sized paperwork mountain to just a few mole hills.
On the opposite side of the desk to me, Twilight’s eyes were yet again darting across another piece of paper work. I will admit that I wasn’t sure about having her help us out, but the little unicorn works really efficiently. She worked through her share almost twice as fast as me and Luna combined, before moving onto my own stack. She really should get a job in an office somewhere; she’s wasted as the Pony town librarian.
While thinking that, I raised a cup of tea to my helmet’s wearer’s lips. She then began absently sipping it for me, as she pretended to concentrate on her own pile. Turns out, even with the two of us helping her, Loony still hates paperwork. To be fair, a country’s ruler really shouldn’t have to deal with such minor problems, as a pay-out for a pony’s fence blowing down. They keep distracting her from the more important documents, which I really wish she’d look at.
Everything was proceeding pretty smoothly for the three of us, until our new intern suddenly gasped out, “Oh no! I’m late!”
That brought Loony back from her probable day dreaming. “Is something wrong?” A hint of concern tinting her voice.
The unicorn had already jumped up from her seat while exclaiming, “I’m supposed to be meeting my parents today! This work was just too absorbing. My mum isn’t going to be happy.” She then looked over to Loony and asked, “I’m free to leave, right?”
Luna smiled and nodded in response, “of course, thy help has been a great boon to us both. Go and see thy family.”
“Thank you Princess,” Twilight said as she bowed to Loony. She then turned to my helmetless body and genuinely said, “thanks again for earlier, it means a lot.” Her horn then started to glow, while she began concentrating.
Before whatever spell the small unicorn was casting could occur, Luna made a sudden request, “Twilight, wait a moment.” While raising a hoof towards her.
Luna’s distraction ended the rooms newfound purple glow as suddenly as it began, leaving us with a slightly impatient unicorn, who probably wanted to teleport away. “What is it, Princess? Do you want me to describe how the requests have been categorized?” she said, while her eyes quickly darted to the rooms clock. “That might be a little time consuming. Eclipse seems to understand the system well enough.” That’s because I coined it a couple of hours ago.
To the annoyances surprise, Loony casually shook her head, “Nay, We just wished to ask if Eclipse could come to thy night celebration next week?” Night celebration? Is that at a night club? Wait, when did they organise a night out? More stealth communicating with Twilight I presume.
This was probably a pretty unexpected question for the unicorn, due to the way her eyes quickly flicked to my helmetless torso and then back to Loony. “Erm,” she began before licking her lip in a conflicted manner, “sure… I don’t see why not.” She seems a little tense. “That is if you want to spend some more time with my friends.” Oh, now that makes sense.
Before I could deny the clearly placating question, Loony removed my helmet and flipped it around to look me in the eyes. “Thou would love to go to a party with Us, nay?” Wow those eyes are really full of hope.
Does she really want me to spend the night with a group of ponies who flat out don’t like me? Let’s see, we have Rainbow who openly dislikes me and there’s Apple who distrusts me, but is polite about it. Fluttershy is a bit of a wild card, the only times I’ve seen her were during a few disasters. The other two seem okay with me. Pinkie and Rarity are pretty nice. Rarity has actually asked me to come visit again. Yeah, seeing them again would be nice but apart from that, it’d be a tense evening.
Refusal is clearly the best option, if I didn’t have those pony eyes burning into me so deeply. Dammit Luna, at least I can hide in the crowd or something. “Sure, I’ll go to a night club with you. Someone has to stop you getting too drunk,” I said in an attempt to show willing.
“We are perfectly capable of holding our alcohol thank thou,” Loony said playfully before continuing, “besides, We have been led to believe there will be no such beverage present within Twilight’s abode.” She then released my helmet allowing it to float back into its proper place.
Wait, I thought we were going to a night club? As if to answer my unasked question, Twilight sighed and said, “the slumber party guide doesn’t mention any alcohol being involved.” Wait, this is a sleepover? Oh, this gets worse. “Okay, I’ll let the girls know you’re coming along. Everything will work out. I’m certain.” The way her eye twitched a little didn’t fill me with hope. She’d even started taking notes of some sort. Probably plans to stop Rainbow assaulting me during the night.
Seems I’ve got to kill some dreams. “Huzzah, We cannot wait to see how modern ponies celebrate our night,” the dream holder said, while happily bobbing her head.
“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.” Dammit, my will is too weak. Wait a second, didn’t Twilight need to be somewhere? “Erm, Twi, don’t you have somewhere to be?” A little nudge should give us some peace and quiet.
With that, the unicorn’s once worried eyes shrunk to pinpricks, before her horn again started to glow. “SorryPrincessIhavetogo,” escaped her in a sudden burst just before she winked out of existence. Knew that was a teleport, unless she just disintegrated. Wouldn’t that be a shame?
Not seeming to notice Twilight’s exit, Luna turned to me and giddily asked, “dost thou think Celestia would wish to join us? Our sister used to love our late-night games.” At least she’s looking forward to going.
“Sure,” is all I could say, while trying not to laugh at the thought. Don’t think many girls would want their parents to attend their sleep over. At least she doesn’t have to go far to visit them. Celestia’s room’s right down the corridor. That teleport was probably over doing it a little.
Wait a minute, she said parents, didn’t she? Parents suggests there’s a dad involved in the visit. Hmm, that makes me wonder who Celestia is married to. Shame Twilight isn’t here to ask.
“It will be fun to engage in some family fun like that, dost thou not agree?” said Twilight’s aunt who probably also knows Celestia’s husband.
“Yeah, it’ll be great,” I replied before formulating my question, “erm, Luna, I’m curious. Who’s Twilight’s dad anyway? I’ve never met him.” Who better to ask than the sister-in-law?
“Twilight’s father?” Loony said inquisitively, clearly taken off guard by the question. She then tilted her head in thought and began scratching her chin, “hmm, We believe Our sister once said his name was Light of the Night or something similar. We approved of his name regardless.”
“Yeah, it’s very erm, night themed.” Wow, I really can’t believe Celestia hasn’t introduced her husband to her sister yet. She seems to at least talk about him though. “So where does he live? He doesn’t seem to live in the castle.” Otherwise, I’d have met him.
My line of enquiry seemed to pique the pegacorns interest as she asked, “Why would he live in the castle?”
“Tooo be near Celestia?” I said no longer sure of myself. It seems like an obvious reason to me.
From the way Luna immediately forgot about her paperwork, a pretty easy thing for her to forget, I was clearly missing something. “Why would he wish to be near Our sister?” Loony said a little to carefully, no longer full of her earlier glee. Oh no, they’re divorced, aren’t they? Wow, that was a landmine just waiting for me. Ah, it’s better I stand on it with Luna than Celestia. It would probably have soured Sunny’s day.
If my theory was correct, Loony’s next line made little sense, “Granted many stallions would love to be near Our sister. Many of them seem to think the day is quite pretty to behold.” Her ears then steadily folded down in maybe fear or worry before she said, “Is this an attempt at displaying thy feelings towards her?”
Okay, who laid this mine field? Everything was fine until Twilight showed up. Bet it was her. “Erm, I think Celestia is a, erm, lovely mare. She’s one of my closest friends.” For some reason, that made Loony’s shoulders sag, giving me a strange sinking feeling in my hollow stomach. Okay, my favourite pony is having her day flipped upside down. “But erm, she isn’t errmmm well…” okay I don’t know what to say. I need to say something, that’s obvious. Okay here goes, “Look, the day can’t rival the night in beauty.” There, that makes sense, right? There’s so much more going on in the night sky.
From the way Luna just stared at me, I was starting to think a third land mine had been triggered. Way to go Eclipse, ruining your friend’s day after it was turning around. I was going to say something else, when she ended her motionlessness. She slowly moved towards me and gently nuzzled the end of my helmets muzzle before moving back. A familiar Rosey colouring to her cheeks.
In response I put a shoe to my helmet. Huh, that was unexpected. “For a second there, I thought you were going to be mad at me.”
For a long moment, my favourite pegacorn started to look back at her paperwork, pretending to read through the same sheet she had for the past half an hour. Hopefully it’s an important one. After a moment to recompose herself, she coughed into a hoof before asking, “so… why dost thou wish to know about young Twilight’s father?” The colouration to her face steadily fading back to dark blue.
Alright, don’t say anything to ruin it again. “Well, I’ve never met Celestia’s husband. I was starting to wonder if she was hiding him or something.”
A strange sound, similar to a squeak, escaped Loony’s lips before she held her mouth shut in a steadily expanding smile. When her smile stopped holding her mouth hostage, she said, “So, thou art wondering who Our sister’s husband… Twilight’s father is?” The strange smile threatened to enlarge with every word.
As I wasn’t quite sure what was wrong, I said, “yeaaah… that’s not a stupid question is it?”
Another similar higher pitched squeak followed my question. Something definitely isn’t right. Is it the phrasing? In an apparent attempt to reassure me, Loony said, “of course not… why would Twilight’s mother not live with Twilight’s father?” She then snorted and put a hoof to her muzzle.
“You know, your words say one thing and yet your face says another,” I said in an attempt to point out her failed effort to conceal my possible stupidity. One thing’s pretty clear, I’m getting better at reading ponies.
Unable to hold it in any longer, my best friend burst out laughing. Even going so far as to bang her hoof on the desk. All I could do was sit and watch the display of amusement happening before me. At least I can make her happy. I’m not sure what I did, but still.
After the laughing began to subside, Loony wiped a tear from her eyes before looking back in my direction. “Thou may have to ask Our sister about him. She is the expert on her own marriage,” Loony said with a smirk.
The way she’s saying it has me a little worried. “Hmmm, I’m starting to think this is a touchy subject. They’re not divorced, are they?” She’s probably trying to prank Celestia.
Loony immediately shook her head, “Nay, Our sister has never been divorced in her entire long life. Neither have I for that matter, or been married. We are both in fact quite single.”
Now that is confusing. “Single? How could Twilight have been made if Celestia has never been married? Unless…” It’s one of two options isn’t it. Either Celestia did some naughty things out of wedlock or… she isn’t Twilight’s mother at all.
Looking at the laugh once again threatening to explode out of the pegacorn caused me to groan. “Okay, I get it.” This opened the flood gates, once again allowing melodious laughter to fill the room. If it was any louder it would be shaking. Wonder what the guards thinks going on? “Please don’t tell anyone about this.” It’s embarrassing enough with just Loony laughing at me.
As the laughter began to die for hopefully the final time, Luna ran a hoof across her muzzle. “Fear not, Our lips are sealed.” Thank goodness.
A light sigh escaped me. “Well, this is one of the most embarrassing moments I’ve had in Equestria.” I’m just glad I can’t blush.
“Do not worry thyself,” Luna began warmly “Twilight and my sister have always been very close. We can see how thou would make such an assumption.”
She’s saying that because I’m a dumb cloud of mist that doesn’t know how fleshies work. Ah well, what’s done is done. “Can we please change the subject now?”
“Of course, we can. What would thou wish to converse about?” Luna replied after a graceful nod.
How about getting back to the paperwork, so we aren’t stuck in this office for too long? That’s never going to happen at this rate. Ah well, at least she isn’t going to mock me for this. What can we talk about? Oh, I know. “Erm, so, do you think I should organise a day of research with Twilight?” She didn’t seem too optimistic about it before.
From the way the warm atmosphere faded slightly, her opinion was likely unchanged. The pegacorn considered my question before saying, “Look, We do not think it would be such a grand idea.”
“But… you were the one who wanted me to make up with her.” This doesn’t make any sense. Luna definitely likes the little nuisance; she’s even going to a slumber party with her.
“Yes, and We are glad that thy makeup was a success,” Luna said genuinely.
“Do you think she’ll harm me?” That’s the only explanation. Suppose it is a genuine concern. Ah well, seems like Luna will be pulling the plug on the experiments. That’s fine by me. Still wish I knew what those shadow things were.
“We believe none of Twilight’s further experiments will harm thou in anyway. Twilight Sparkle is one of the most honourable mares We know. She will certainly keep her word.” Luna informed me in a neutral tone.
“Then, what’s wrong?” If there is no negative to the research, maybe a little research would do some good.
Rather than answering immediately, Luna paused and clearly thought about how best to word her misgivings. “‘tis Our belief… that even though Twilight has the best of intentions, having other ponies find out thine origin, could cause thou some unneeded strife.” The pegacorn then smiled after successfully passing on her worries about me.
“Why? Do you think there might be something, wrong with me?” I couldn’t help but let my tone fall at the end.
My question caused her ears to flop back in sympathy, “Nay, thou art clearly a sweet and loving individual. We would prefer no other being to be by Our side.”
“Buuuut?” Maybe I don’t want this answer.
With a quick throat clear Loony said, “’tis apparent that some things may be best kept between the two of us. Right up until We know they are safe for public knowledge. Everypony has secrets that they keep to themselves. We have the contents of Our diary, Our sister has hers and even thou. Granted thy memory hides those secrets even from thou, but those secrets still exist.”
Looking away from my friend I said, “but you were fine with Twilight trying to find my origin before.”
“Yes, We were,” Luna said evenly, “however, that was before certain aspects of thine origin were revealed to us. If not given in the correct context, thine origin could cause the little ones to fear thou even more.”
Still looking away from my friend I asked, “Where do you think I’m from?” Does she think my origin is so terrible?
Without skipping a beat, she simply said, “the void.” That’s where I always say I’m from. For some reason when she says it, it makes me feel a little… off. She doesn’t think I’m one of those crazy ghosts that tried to kill her too, does she? I don’t want to hurt anyone.
After a few seconds of staring at the desk in thought, a gentle hoof was placed upon my pauldron. “We preferred the earlier conversation. Thou remembers, yes? The one where I was single and Twilight was Celestia’s daughter.” Came the accompanying warming voice.
“Me too.”
“Do not worry thyself. When we find thy true origin, it will be a great day regardless of the result,” Loony continued prompting me to look up at her. What met me was a very welcome kind smile. At least she doesn’t seem to think any less of me.
Before anything else could happen, a golden aura surrounded the rooms door knob, thankfully interrupting the heavy atmosphere that plagued the room. Said aura swung open the door, admitting a familiar giant pony to the room,
Luna wasted no time in greeting her, “ah, sister, We are glad to see that thou art out of bed.” Thank you, Sunny. She may have arrived a little late to interrupt the gloomy atmosphere, but this’ll be a nice distraction from the left overs.
“Hey Sunny, nice to see you.” I said, my voice still containing a slight taint of gloom.
Thankfully Celestia clearly didn’t notice, as she held her usual warming smile, “thank you, it is good to be back. A little bed rest is good for you, but my legs were starting to get a little stiff.” She then followed up by stretching one of her rear legs behind herself.
Poor Sunny, it can’t have been nice for her being confined to bed for the past few days like that. Hopefully she isn’t traumatized by her experience with Discord.
Luna seemed happy to capitalize on the change of pace Celestia’s presence could bring. With a cheeky smile, she asked, “hast thou come to join us? We have nearly finished and could move on to preparing thy schedule for tonight.” Tonight? Nothing’s going on tonight.
With a curious tilt of her head, Celestia said, “I am not quite sure as to what you are referring to sister.” Clearly, she’s in the dark just as much as me.
Luna’s smile only widened as both her ears stood to attention, “are We sure sister? Thou dost not remember thy promise? Why else would thou have come here so quickly, after escaping thy prison?”
A moment of realization seemed to dawn on the sun pony as she only just held back a cringe, before clearing her throat, “ahem, no no, I am here to borrow your favoured advisor for something quite important.”
Why would she possibly want me. “Me? Sure, what’s up?”
“I am currently working on something and I believe your opinion would be invaluable.” The sun pony explained, while avoiding Luna’s gaze.
“Okay, I can take a quick look.” This paperwork can wait another ten minutes. It’s already been waiting since Twilight left.
Celestia seemed to brighten slightly as she half turned back towards the doors. “Excellent, I believe it will only take a few hours of your time.” A few hours! I can’t just ditch Luna like that. She hates paperwork too much to be left to its mercy.
Surprisingly, Luna only flicked her ear in thought before saying, “a few hours? If thou wishes to foalnap Our advisor for that long, thou will definitely have to come tonight for reparations.” As she finished, her cocky smile returned.
On the other shoe, Celestia only sighed before looking to me with a thoughtful expression. “Okay, that is fair enough. So, Eclipse, what do you say?”
Is she really asking me? She’s in charge and can probably just order me to come. Welp, if Luna is okay with it, there isn’t any reason to refuse. I just hope she gets through all the important paperwork. “Sure,” was all I said before standing up. “I’ll see you later Loony.”
“Excellent,” the sun horse said, before turning and gesturing for me to follow with a wing. “Sister, we shall see you later.”
“Oh yes, tonight will be most enjoyable.” Loony said while waving a wing. She then turned to me and said, “Eclipse, thou will not wish to miss the show tonight.”
That caused Celestia to misstep slightly, as I followed her out of the room. Wonder what they’ve got planned?
As the door clicked closed behind us, I began following Sunny to her quarters and asked, “So, what am I going to be reviewing? I’ve gotten pretty good with paperwork.”
“It will be something much more intere…sting,” Celestia started to say, before pausing for a second when she looked at me. She stopped walking just long enough to rub a hoof on the end of my helmet. “Huh, I did not think you were the type of pony for wearing blue lipstick.” She said with her patented smile, before continuing along our path.