Over a thousand years later...
Sunlight streamed into the reading room, filling the space with a warm, golden glow. Luxurious carpeting covered the floor and several tapestries hung from the walls, the adornments giving the room a regal atmosphere. Through the windows, the golden spires of Canterlot Castle could be seen towering above the mountainside city below. All along the walls, shelves filled with books and scrolls lined the circular space.
At the center of the room, three ponies sat upon rather plush looking cushions, each reading something.
To one side, Princess Celestia lay, reading a gilded book of considerable size. Her brilliant, multicolored mane and tail gently billowed, sparkling and shining. Her golden chestpiece and tiara reflected the sunlight beaming in, only adding to her regal presence.
To the other side, remaining beyond the sunbeams, was Princess Luna; who was reading an old looking scroll, her piercing gaze ruthlessly dissecting the text in front of her. Her mane and tail sparkled with dozens of points of light, looking as if stars had been taken straight from the night sky and placed there in a dazzling array.
Between the two princesses lay Twilight, whose head was nearly enveloped in a book. Her smaller stature and relatively dull mane contrasted greatly from the alicorns alongside her, almost making it seem as if she did not belong alongside such regal company.
The three sat reading in near silence, only making sound with the occasional turning of a page, a change of posture, or a subdued sigh.
For Twilight, it was the perfect atmosphere for reading, as could be indicated by a small, neatly stacked pile of completed books standing alongside her. While the two sisters were quite relaxed, Twilight was visibly excited, her eyes and mind swiftly taking in all the knowledge she possibly could.
After a while, she finished the book before her, and her thoughts instantly shifted to what book she should start next. Without thinking, she slammed the finished book shut, sending out a resounding thud around the once quiet chamber.
She cringed, all but certain that she had disrupted the Princesses. Slowly, she turned her head towards Princess Luna, hoping that she somehow didn't take notice.
The princess, however, was gazing right at her, irritation indicated by her narrowed eyes and clear frown.
Twilight felt her stomach twist. So much for her not noticing.
'Eh, hehe…' Twilight quietly laughed awkwardly, giving an equally awkward grin. 'Uh, sorry.'
Still frowning, Luna sighed, rolled her eyes, and turned back to her scroll.
Twilight then looked to Princess Celestia, hoping that she was not annoyed like Luna. As she looked to her mentor, she noticed that the princess was also looking directly at her.
However, a gentle smile was on her face, and her eyes showed no indication of irritation. Twilight relaxed somewhat, now knowing that she was not irritated at all. In fact, she looked perfectly happy.
'Is that another book done, Twilight?' Celestia inquired. 'That makes five since we started.'
'Well, I hope you didn't expect anything less from me.' Quipped Twilight, having been put at ease by her mentor's easygoing manner. 'You had to have known that I would go into overdrive when presented with such an opportunity.'
Celestia playfully glanced upwards, putting a hoof to her chest in mock surprise. 'Why, how could I have possibly expected that Equestria's most avid reader would have gotten excited about having a whole morning to read from the Royal Sisters' private collection?'
Twilight giggled, fully understanding that she knew very well just how amazing it was for her to be given such an opportunity.
Celestia resumed a more relaxed posture, and continued.
'However, if I am being honest, this was the least that me and my sister could do before you return to Ponyville tomorrow. After how you saved Princess Cadence and Shining Armor's wedding, and overcame Chrysalis, you deserve some time to unwind.'
'Indeed, young Twilight.' Luna added, looking at her with a far less intimidating expression than before. 'Understanding your affection for reading, we came to the conclusion that thou would enjoy a day amongst our favorite selection of literary works.'
Twilight nodded, reflecting on the events of the past few days. It was all such a frenzy; finding out about the wedding, calling out Chrysalis, helping to defeat her, and taking part in the wedding itself. She did need a break before going back home, and the sisters' decision to allow her access to their collection of books was an excellent way of showing thanks.
'You were correct to reach such a conclusion, Princess Luna.' Agreed Twilight. 'I cannot thank you both enough for this!'
'Please, Twilight.' Celestia responded. 'This is our way of expressing thanks.'
Twilight nodded, and she felt thankful that she had a mentor who knew her so well.
She was practically flawless in Twilight's eyes. After all, she was the very embodiment of goodness, light, and unity! She banished Nightmare Moon against all odds, and led Equestria by herself for an entire millenium! Her achievements and feats were both numerous and legendary. There was also the fact that nopony could quite match her immense regality and dazzling beauty. Truly, nopony could hope to compare to the unique and legendary Princess Celestia!
Yet, she was far more than a ruler to Twilight. She was also a teacher, wise and knowledgeable in many matters. She was a mentor, understanding and engaged in Twilight's development. She was a role model, disciplined and always striving for excellence.
Most of all, though, she was a friend. Sure, she was also a princess, deserving respect from Twilight, but they both shared a special bond that exists only between a caring teacher and a reverent student.
The princess never lied to her, nor did she ever do anything to hurt her. Twilight knew that she could trust her with her life. It was because of this trust that Twilight had gotten so far, and she felt ease knowing that trust would never be breached.
Then Twilight felt a distressing thought come to mind. She could make a very, very long list of all of her own shortcomings. When compared to Princess Celestia, she was deeply flawed.
Why did the princess even take her on as a student to begin with? She had no hope of ever matching the princess' perfection.
Without intending to do so, Twilight's thoughts began to run out of control, spiraling into a maelstrom of anxiety and self depreciation.
She remembered one time when Celestia told her that the goal of any good teacher is to help their students become better than them.
How could she hope to be better than her? Would this mean that she would disappoint Princess Celestia by not meeting her expectations? Would she make the princess feel like a failure?
'Twilight? You look troubled; what's wrong?'
Celestia's question interrupted her sharp spiral into heavy thoughts. In a silent panic, Twilight realized that she would much rather keep her thoughts to herself, and came up with a lie.
'Oh! I was thinking about Queen Chrysalis, and if she could possibly be reformed.' Twilight blurted, hoping that her diversion had worked.
Princess Celestia tilted her head a bit, as if she were shifting her train of thought. A brand new fusilade of worries assaulted Twilight. Did the princess buy her bluff?
After a few agonizing moments, the princess spoke. 'Well, I wouldn't say it's likely to happen at the moment.' The princess remarked. 'But who's to say that it can't?'
Twilight felt a surge of relief, then an immense curiosity. Despite the fact that she had only brought up the changeling queen as a diversion, she felt an urge to see what the princess' thoughts were on the subject. After all, she didn't want to dwell on her inevitable failure to surpass the princess.
'You think it's possible?' She asked, immediately coming to the realization that she had perhaps come across as being skeptical. 'Uh- I mean, I think it can be done, but how?'
'Well, it would require somepony to show her unconditional love, for one thing.' The princess answed.
Twilight nodded, understanding. 'Like Fluttershy giving Discord a second chance and giving him the benefit of a doubt when nopony else would?'
'Yes, something like that.' Celestia said, taking on a thoughtful expression. 'Although I would expect that she would require both a lot more time and a much more drastic action.'
'A more drastic action? Like what?'
'Well, forgiveness for instance.' Celestia explained. 'It is a very powerful thing, capable of allowing both the offender and the victim to heal and move on.'
'Hmm.' Twilight murmured, thoroughly engaged in the subject now. 'I somehow doubt Shining and Cadence would be willing to do so right now.'
'Well, you can't force anypony to forgive, although I think that with time, they will find it in their hearts to do so.' The princess explained. 'That is one of the things that makes forgiveness so special; it is meant to be completely unconditional. When given in a genuine manner, it is one of the greatest acts of unconditional love that can ever be performed, capable of healing even the most grievous of wrongs.'
'Like how we forgave Princess Luna?'
Celestia smiled, nodded, and looked at her younger sister. 'Yes, and that has enabled her to put the past behind her and heal, isn't that right Luna?'
Luna, who had resumed reading her scroll, immediately stopped and looked at Celestia with a peculiar expression.
'Oh, um… Yes, of course.' She said hesitantly, putting the scroll back down. A bit of sadness flashed in her eyes before she glanced downwards towards the floor.
It seemed to Twilight that Luna didn't seem entirely convinced by her own answer.
'Do pardon me.' Luna sighed. 'It is getting to be rather late for me, and I must retire to my chamber.'
'Of course, sister.' Celestia replied, looking as if she had realized that she had said something that she wished she hadn't. 'I did not intend to keep you up so late in the morning.'
'It is of little consequence, sister. I enjoyed my time here with thou and young Twilight.' Luna said as she strode towards the door.
When she got to the doorway, she stopped, looking as if she had forgotten something. She looked back at Twilight after a moment, giving a barely visible smile.
'Pray, don't worry about the slamming of the book. I can understand your excitement.'
Twilight visibly relaxed, bowing her head. 'Thank you, Princess Luna.' She chimed, relieved to see that the younger princess didn't actually seem to think much of the disturbance earlier.
'Go get some rest, Luna. I’ll see you at sundown.' Celestia added, to which her younger sister nodded.
Upon bidding the two farewell, Luna turned back around and walked out. As she left, she gave a subdued sigh, her smile turned into a frown, and her gaze fell to the floor. Twilight noticed all of this, pondering why she looked so meloncholy after appearing in relatively high spirits mere moments before.
A few seconds after Luna disappeared into the hall outside, Twilight looked up at the remaining princess. 'Princess Celestia, can I ask you something?'
The princess nodded. 'Of course.'
'Is it just me, or does Princess Luna just become more…'
Twilight’s question trailed off as she got stuck, trying to summon the word she was looking for. However, Celestia replied before she could finish.
'Saddened?'
Twilight nodded.
'I'm afraid so.' Celestia sighed. 'Why do you ask this?'
Taking a moment to pause, Twilight thought of her response.
'I guess I just wanted to confirm that I was not the only one who noticed.'
'I noticed as well.' Celestia replied somberly. 'I fear that she still fails to grasp the true nature of forgiveness, and that nopony is truly beyond being forgiven.'
'Is that because of her time as Nightmare Moon?' Twilight asked, looking somber as well. 'But I thought that she learned that her subjects loved her last Nightmare Night! I thought that had helped her grapple with her guilt.'
Celestia nodded again. 'Dealing with that much guilt is not quite that simple, I'm afraid. True, I remember how oddly upbeat she was following that night. I can only imagine how much it meant for her to finally see her subjects love her for who she is.'
She sighed again, turning to one of several tapestries hanging on the walls, looking upon its depiction of Celestia and Luna flying in harmony, balancing day with night. Twilight saw deep sadness in Celestia's eyes, and she felt her own heart sink as the princess continued.
'But despite that, the guilt she carries is not going to completely disappear. She has suffered much, grappling with what has happened in the past. Stars above, she has suffered…'
Twilight and Celestia both fell into a thoughtful silence, with the former breaking the silence.
'But she must be healing though, right? Surely her improving spirits indicate that she is moving on.'
Celestia shook her head slowly, looking back at her. 'I don’t know for sure, Twilight. I’m not the best at hiding my emotions, unlike her.'
Twilight nodded and sighed sadly. She wanted to believe that Luna was doing fine and was healing, but if Celestia wasn’t certain that she was actually healing from her painful past, how could she be as well?
'Excuse me for asking,' Twilight requested, feeling another question arise; 'but what was she like before… Well, before her fall?'
Celestia glanced at Twilight with a peculiar expression. She was not prepared for such a question.
'Well,' The princess began, 'she was a lot more energetic. She looked forward to every night, eager to perform her duty and look after her subjects.'
Celestia sighed, and after a moment of looking at the tapestry once again, she resumed. 'Of course, that changed as time went on, but that was not her fault…'
Her voice trailed off, and she fell silent. Then she stood up, towering above her student as she strode to a window, looking at the golden spires outside. The sunlight reflected off of her, amplifying her already brilliant coat, mane, and tail.
Twilight stood up as well, and looked at the tapestry, deep in thought. She felt no small amount of sympathy for both Celestia and Luna, wondering if it would ever be possible for her to truly understand the pain that the sisters had undergone.
Princess Luna, despite her outward stoicism and occasional harshness, was very much caring of her subjects. After all, she watches over all ponykind as they sleep every night, guiding and looking out for them. In some ways, she seemed to understand more about their innermost feelings and emotions than her older sister did. Not only that, but in spite of the tension that occurs between her and Celestia, Luna clearly loved her sister dearly.
It had to have hurt Princess Luna deeply to grapple with the fact that she both failed her subjects and tried to do away with her own sister as Nightmare Moon. Despite everypony coming to forgive her, Luna definitely still felt great guilt.
Was it because she struggled to forgive herself?
Celestia then spoke, interrupting Twilight's train of thought and sounding far less saddened.
'You know, I think that your brother and Princess Cadence would enjoy seeing you one more time before you go back. You should go visit them later.'
Twilight's face became a little flushed. She still hadn't quite gotten entirely used to the fact that her brother and her former foalsitter were on their honeymoon. After pushing some awkward thoughts out of her mind, she mustered the clarity to speak.
'Um… Are you sure they would be open to visitors? I mean, hardly anypony has seen either of them since the reception.'
Celestia smiled reassuringly. 'They've had a few days to themselves. I think it would be fine for you to go over to see them.'
Twilight nodded and took a breath.
'Right. Uh… Yes. Of course, they would be happy to see me before I go.'
Just then, Twilight's stomach audibly growled. Hearing this, Celestia looked a little concerned.
'Goodness! It must be lunchtime already. Perhaps you would be better off eating before you go visit.'
Twilight almost looked disappointed, glancing at the unread books surrounding the room. This likely meant that she would have to leave all these interesting looking books indefinitely. At that moment, she wanted nothing more than to remain a little longer. She hadn't read any of these books before, and the allure of them was quite intense.
But, after taking a moment to get her priorities in order, she looked back to Princess Celestia.
'Yes, I should. As painful as it is to part ways with these books, I would much rather eat and see Shining Armor and Cadence again.'
Celestia nodded in agreement, and Twilight turned to walk out, expecting the princess to follow. However, she paused and looked back when she didn't hear the princess following her. Instead, Celestia had moved to Twilight's pile of finished books, and was in the process of putting them away.
'You're not coming?' Twilight asked, sounding a little confused.
Celestia shook her head.
'I'm thinking of taking a nap, actually. You go on ahead, Twilight. I'll eat later.'
Twilight tilted her head, narrowing her eyes. This prompted Celestia to wonder what was going through her mind.
'Is something the matter?'
'I'm not sure.' Twilight mused, before a wry smile played across her lips. 'Are you saying that the Princess of the Sun actually takes naps? Are you sure you're Princess Celestia?'
The princess relaxed, now smiling again as she thought up a witty reply. 'Well, give it another fifteen to twenty years. You'll come to understand how magical a power nap can be.'
Twilight nodded. Although Celestia was being humorous, she had a point. Even for an alicorn, Princess Celestia was not young. She was unsure exactly how old the princess was, but she had the characteristics of a pony who had grown out of being middle aged, but was not close to being considered elderly; not unlike Twilight's own parents.
'Now go on,' Celestia chided, making a shooing motion with one of her hooves. 'before you get any hungrier.'
Twilight nodded and began to walk out, her thoughts having now drifted towards how much she was looking forward to sleeping in her own bed at the library once more, with her friends only a stone's throw away once again. She felt her mind slow down as these relaxing thoughts soothed her soul.
However, these serene thoughts ended when a harsh crash reverberated from well beyond the doorway, followed by frantic cries.
'Hey! Halt!' 'Catch it!' 'It's too fast!'
Twilight froze in place, and looked to Princess Celestia with an expression of confusion and general alarm. The princess stiffened, her eyes fixed on the doorway as she calmly yet firmly gave an order.
'Twilight, get behind me.'
She did not hesitate to obey, immediately sheltering behind the princess. Her mind was racing, dozens of scenarios rushing through at a time.
Did something breach the castle? Was it a remaining changeling? Was it something worse? This possibility sent chills down her spine, and her breathing grew more intense as overwhelming thoughts ran through her mind.
'Twilight, take some deep breaths. Whatever it is, we'll handle it.' Celestia instructed, having noticed her anxiety.
Twilight looked up, and saw Princess Celestia gazing back at her, her very presence exuding an atmosphere of confidence and regality. As instructed, she took a few deep breaths, regaining some composure. Whatever was coming, the most powerful alicorn in Equestria's history was ready to shield her from it. What did she have to fear?
The commotion grew even louder, and Celestia lowered her stance, ready to defend against the cause of the disturbance if need be.
Then, a small metallic streak entered the room with a whir, and Celestia's horn instantly began to glow, ready to meet the intruder.
The streak came to a swift halt, revealing itself as an odd looking object hovering in front of the princess.
Twilight immediately peered out from behind Celestia, and began to visually inspect the strange object. It appeared to be some sort of flying machine, only a bit larger than one of her hooves. It was metal in construction, and consisted of a spherical main body, with four small arms protruding out, each ending in an upwards facing propeller. There was no magical aura around any of its mechanisms, meaning that the device was not powered by magic.
Both she and Celestia stood still, staring at the machine with apprehension. Each was unable to fully understand how to react. It was so strange, and neither pony had quite seen anything quite like it before.
Then, mere seconds after the thing had flown in, three guards came crashing in, exhausted and looking a bit battered. For the first time since the machine came in, Princess Celestia turned her attention away and shot an irritated look towards the guards.
'Well?' She asked. 'What is going on?'
The three guards snapped to attention, still breathing heavily and looking ashamed at the realization that they had failed to keep the object away from the princess.
The highest ranking one, a pegasus, bowed and spoke. 'A thousand apologies, your royal highness. This- This thing appeared at the gate, and demanded an audience with you and Princess Luna. We told it you were not available at the moment, and that it had to wait. Then it just flew in and led us on a chase around the castle until it found you. It was so small and fast, we could not catch it. It even evaded our magic spells, somehow.'
'Hm.' Celestia murmured, now looking less irritated and more perplexed. Just like Twilight, she was trying to process this strange occurrence.
After a few seconds, she spoke. 'You said it wanted an audience?'
'Er- Yes your highness. But if you desire, we can arrest it instead.'
Celestia paused, and Twilight could tell that she was weighing her options. After a few moments of deliberation, she spoke.
'That won't be necessary at the moment, lieutenant. If it broke into my castle for an audience, then it probably has something important to say. Besides, I don't know how you would even go about arresting something like that.'
Twilight silently applauded the extraordinary display of patience and thoughtfulness by her mentor. Even after having been interrupted from a rest by an intruder which bypassed the royal guard, she still was calm and considerate enough to hear what it had to say.
'The floor is yours,' Celestia said to the machine. 'say what you must.'
The object then spoke, its voice sounding like it belonged to a male.
'Very well.' It said, sounding angry with a mechanical undertone. 'What do you have to say for yourself?'
This opening remark by the machine caught all present by surprise. The guards shot surprised and angry glances at it, while Twilight felt no small degree of indignation on the behalf of the princess. What in Equestria was that remark for?
'Excuse me?' The princess asked calmly.
'Don't play dumb.' The machine continued, its voice laced with a disturbingly calm, cold, and hateful tone. 'You know damn well what you did.'
Princess Celestia shook her head, expressing confusion. 'I'm sorry, I fail to understand. What did I do to deserve such harsh words?'
'I told you to quit playing dumb, princess. The truth will come out soon enough, despite your best efforts to bury the evidence of your tyrannical ways.'
Twilight saw Celestia stiffen a little at this statement, as if the machine had struck a nerve. She still maintained a calm aura, but Twilight could see that it was no longer completely genuine. She couldn't blame her.
'Tyrannical?' Celestia asked, not missing a beat. 'Are you not from around here? I'm afraid you are quite mistaken.'
The machine scoffed. 'I was born and raised in Equestria, albeit against your whims. No, there is no mistake.'
'What in Equestria was it going on about?' Twilight wondered. 'Why is it being so hostile?'
The princess took a silent, yet deep breath. It was clear to Twilight that she was trying to think of a way to deescalate this. What was the machine trying to accomplish by insinuating this to begin with, anyway? The very thought that Princess Celestia was ever a poor ruler, much less a tyrant, was ridiculous! Twilight had been over the entire history of Equestria again and again, including the life and times of Princess Celestia. All throughout her lifetime, the princess had never once acted as a tyrant. Whatever the machine was on about, surely it was false.
She began to feel an urge to speak up and make an effort to perhaps dissuade it. Maybe it was confused or simply misunderstood something.
'Um, excuse me, but I'm afraid there is a misunderstanding here.' Twilight interjected, stepping sideways away from the princess.
Princess Celestia glanced down at Twilight, and the machine turned towards the younger mare as she continued.
'You see, Princess Celestia's conduct has always been admirable, and that is a proven fact in many authoritative history records and books. If you think that Princess Celestia has abused her power, I'm afraid that you may have been getting your information from a faulty source.'
Celestia smiled slightly, and nodded at her student, silently thanking her for stepping up. Twilight smiled back, and looked at the machine, awaiting a response.
'There are things that can overrule even the most reliable books.' The machine replied bluntly.
Twilight's eyebrows sunk a little, showing her skepticism as the machine continued.
'Even the most authoritative records cannot convince me that what I have seen with my own eyes is false.'
Twilight pondered what he was saying. Was he claiming to have personally seen Celestia acting like a tyrant in the distant past? Such a statement seemed entirely preposterous, and the princess seemed to think so as well.
'I fail to see how you can back up that claim.' Celestia said in a matter of fact manner. 'Who are you, that you claim to have seen me rule in such a way?'
'Somepony whom you thought was disposed of.' The machine answered.
With a whir, the machine then shifted towards a nearby wall. Then, a small but intense light was projected by it, and an image appeared on the wall.
Celestia gasped, and took a step back. Twilight watched as her expression immediately turned to that of sheer shock.
Then, she looked at the image herself, wondering what it was that had shaken Celestia so badly. The image was that of an armored pony, entirely encased in shining, metal armor. Plates of metal covered his limbs and body, and an inner layer of segmented armor covered what the larger plates did not. Two metal wings lay folded at his sides, triangular in shape and divided into two sections each. However, the most striking feature of all was the helmet. It concealed his entire head, and two glowing visors covered his eyes. They glowed with an intense green hue, almost reminiscent of Queen Chrysalis.
Twilight shuddered, remembering the whole debacle with Chrysalis that had happened only a few days prior. But at least she was a living, breathing thing; Something that was somewhat natural. The visage being projected hardly seemed alive. It was hard for her to explain why. Perhaps it was the fact that she could not tell if the armor even contained a pony within, or the lifeless visors staring soullessly at Celestia.
Regardless, the thing that unsettled Twilight the most was Princess Celestia's reaction. Clearly, she was experiencing genuine surprise. In fact, she almost appeared fearful.
After a few moments, Celestia quietly stuttered a singular word.
'W-Warden?'
'Yours truly.' The armored pony replied in a dry manner. 'It must be surprising to see me again, considering the lengths you went through to get rid of me.'
Celestia took a shaky breath as she tried to find the focus required to speak coherently.
'Wha- You're alive? How did-'
Celestia fell into a stunned silence, and glanced down at her student for a split second. Twilight saw an expression in her eyes that she had never seen from Celestia before.
It was that of helplessness.
Twilight felt herself go a bit numb. She immediately understood what her teacher was feeling, having felt just as helpless during Chrysalis' incursion.
However, the realization that Princess Celestia, the single most powerful pony in all of Equestria, was at a loss for what to do was far more disturbing. Her reaction spoke volumes. This 'Warden' must certainly be far more than some inconsequential foe, Twilight reasoned.
After a few more seconds of stunned silence, the princess' mouth curled into a steely frown, and a bit of determination flashed in her eyes. Celestia stood up straight, stared down the projection, and took a step forward.
'What do you want, Warden? Why all the hostility?'
'Isn't it obvious?' He asked. 'You know what I want; for you to receive justice for enabling Nightmare Moon to do what she did.'
Celestia fell silent, and Twilight wondered if he was suggesting that Luna fell because of her. She knew that the sisters' relationship was strained back then, sure. But to insinuate that Celestia deliberately forced Luna to succumb to Nightmare Moon was ridiculous.
After a few seconds, the princess spoke again. 'I banished her after she fell, like you told me to. It was what needed to be done, after all. Since I never saw you after our last encounter, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that you never found out.'
'Hm. Being legalistic about this, aren't you?' The Warden asked scathingly. 'As if adherence to our deal changes anything.'
'I thought we agreed to move on from this!' She exclaimed. 'Do you not remember?'
'I do.' He replied. 'But you violated my trust in a way that only a power hungry coward would do.'
'What?' Celestia asked. 'I did what I had to do! I never turned back on our agreement!'
'Stop trying to save face in front of your naive protégé.' Said the Warden, motioning towards Twilight, who felt some indignation at being referred to in such a way. 'You can't escape the consequences of your past. You might as well own up while you still have the chance.'
'I have nothing left to own up to.' Celestia retorted, beginning to sound angry. 'My past is behind me, and I have grown far wiser since then. The same can be said for Luna. We are not deserving of such hostility.'
'As if that claim entitles you to escape justice.' The Warden growled. 'Just because you have supposedly changed does not mean that either of you are any less deserving of punishment.'
She saw Celestia's jaw become set as she struggled to suppress her anger.
'Don't drag my sister into this.' She uttered, taking a deep breath. 'Princess Luna bears the burden of what she did, and regrets what happened that night. She does not deserve any further punishment.'
'Regret is meaningless if responsibility is not taken.' The Warden snarled.
Celestia's eyes narrowed again, seeming to pierce into the projection as her anger showed yet again. 'I don't think you understood. She is trying to move on. She has been accepted by her subjects, and has been forgiven for her past misdeeds.'
'That's irrelevant.' The Warden said bluntly. 'I will see to it that the penalty for her evil is exacted as well.'
Twilight saw Celestia's eyes widen in barely repressed fury. It was understandable, for Twilight also felt no small degree of anger stirring within herself now. His accusations were cruel, to say in the least, especially considering how much Luna was struggling with her guilt.
'What is this punishment, anyway?' The princess asked scathingly.
'Death for both of you, obviously.'
'What!?' Celestia gasped, a mixture of fear, anger, and despair evident in her voice. 'You dare to take the roles of judge, jury and executioner, then have the gall to threaten us for misdeeds which have been forgiven? The only pony here that deserves to be punished here is you.'
'Oh, quit your idiotic charade already!' The Warden barked. 'You are just as hypocritical as you were back then. You both did the exact same thing to me, and you think yourselves immune because you think of yourselves as being forgiven? Unbelievable.'
Celestia fell silent, not giving an immediate reply. When she did speak next, her voice was furious, yet subdued, a combination which practically made Twilight's mane stand up straight. She had never heard this tone from her in all the years that she had known her. Princess Celestia was actually struggling to keep her anger under control.
'You know, I once thought you could be trusted.' The princess said. 'I guess I am an idiot; An idiot for trusting a wretch such as yourself.'
The Warden seemed to tense up upon Celestia's harsh response. 'Bold words from a pony who has rendered both her and her sister's lives forfeit.'
This was too much for Celestia.
'Enough!' She shouted, swiftly picking up one of her forehooves and slamming it into the floor with a sharp crack, sending reverberations throughout the room. Twilight and the present guards all flinched, the sound of the angry outburst catching them by surprise.
Celestia was breathing heavily now, the degree of wrath in her eyes unlike anything that Twilight had ever seen before. Even her mane and tail, which normally billowed gently, seemed to be moving more aggressively.
After a period of silence, the princess closed her eyes and regained some of her composure. Then, speaking in a chilling, angry voice, she resumed.
'If you make a single move to harm my sister, I will find you again. I've done it once, I can do it again. This time, I know exactly what to expect.'
An incredibly uneasy silence took over the room once again, as the encounter seemed to reach its flashpoint.
'There is no need, Princess.' The Warden said, sounding calmer.
Twilight felt a lot of the tension leave her body once she heard this from him. Could it be that he was conceding? Even Celestia seemed to relax slightly.
'I know where to find you. Canterlot is not exactly hard to find.' The Warden continued, destroying the false sense of relief of the ponies present in an instant. 'I'll save you the trouble and come to Canterlot myself.'
Twilight felt her stomach twist. This was not what she was hoping for at all.
Celestia's ears drooped and her eyes widened for a moment, briefly revealing terror as the Warden went on.
'You have roughly thirty minutes. When I arrive, I will make Nightmare Moon pay in blood for what she has done, and do the same to you for your betrayal.'
The princess once again took on a firm and angry expression, and worked up the courage to speak.
'Then you had better come expecting a fight. As I said before, I know how to fight you now. I will not make it easy, nor will you touch my sister without me fighting you to the last.'
'So be it. It will not be the first time I've dealt a defeat to you.' The Warden said ominously, pausing before continuing. 'Remember your scar?' He asked, motioning to his chest. 'I promised you that I would kill you the next time you crossed me. I am going to make well on that promise. This time, I will end you.'
Twilight saw Celestia put a hoof to her breastplate, and she wondered why her mentor had done so.
The projection then swiftly faded, and the Warden disappeared from view. The flying machine then darted out of the room, zipping past the guards before they could react.
In mere seconds, the exchange was over. In the moments that followed, nopony uttered a single word. As seconds passed, Twilight's mind became increasingly mired in an effort to understand what had just happened. Princess Celestia took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and sat down with a shudder, allowing the stress that had been building within her to finally diffuse. Then, she spoke quietly under her breath as she put a hoof to her face.
'Why is he doing this? How is he back?'
After saying this, she put her hoof down and looked to Twilight, who was meekly looking at her.
'Princess Celestia?' Twilight asked, trying to find some form of reassurance.
Celestia looked straight into her student's eyes, and once again Twilight could see fear in them. She began to feel numb once again. This was not good, judging by the princess' reaction.
The guard officer, who had been standing alongside the other two guards during the entire confrontation, then spoke.
'Your highness, what are your orders?'
Celestia raised her head, and her whole countenance shifted, no longer appearing to be fearful, but rather determined. She stood up to her full height, towering above Twilight and the guards.
'I want all available guards mustered in the courtyard in full armor immediately, and the chariot ready for a flight to Ponyville and back.' Celestia ordered, her voice exuding a commanding aura. 'I also want Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor moved out of their suite and into the safe room until this is over, and for Princess Luna to join them as well. Go!'
The guards saluted in response, and ran back out into the hall as Celestia beckoned for Twilight. 'Come, Twilight. We're getting the elements of harmony.'
Twilight nodded, and the two swiftly exited the reading room, with the princess in the lead.