//------------------------------// // Confrontations // Story: The Lost // by Lux //------------------------------// Chapter 9 – Confrontations The scene reformed into Princess Luna’s spacious bedroom. The distraught princess was lying on her bed sobbing uncontrollable. Suddenly she heard a familiar voice on the other side. “Sister, can I please come in,” Celestia’s voice was heard, “I need to tell you something.” “Go away,” Luna called through her crying. The door opened and Celestia walked over to her sister. What she had to say clearly overruled privacy. “Sister, we need to talk. Please, look at me.” “How could you do that?” Luna said she turned around to her sister with an angry gaze that would strike fear into any pony’s heart, “You know that I love him. I came to you with full confidence and asked if it was ok. You even gave me your blessing and said that you would help me! And then you turn around and start loving him for yourself? How can you take Twist, the pony that I love away from me like that?” “Luna, Twist doesn’t love you like you love him.” “Oh sure -- you’re probably saying that because you want him all to yourself!” The words struck Celestia like a blast of magic. Her eyes became pinpoints at the seething anger that her sister expelled. Celestia appeared as if she was about to break down and cry, but she held herself together and made one more attempt to try to fix things. “Luna, have you ever know me to be a liar?” “N-no,” Luna said as she continued crying. “Have I always been truthful to you and all other ponies, even to the point of being bluntly honest?” “Yes.” “So I’m going to tell you the truth now. Then, you can believe it or ignore it and do what you will with it. First of all, know that I love you, sister. I would give my crown, my magic, and even my life for you. Second, know that I have always had your interests at heart in helping you to court Twist. Now I know you are not going to like this, but I am telling you the truth. I’m sorry, but Twist chose to love me. I don’t know how or why, but that was his decision. I do not love him, Luna -- I never have, and I never will. My heart is not fixed on him.” “Then what did I see in the study?” Luna said more confused than angry. “We were having a lighthearted moment when suddenly he kissed me. I told him no repeatedly, but he would not stop saying that I was only playing with him. He thought that I was in love with him, no matter what I said.” “So… he does not love me then,” Luna said. “I’m afraid not, sister,” Celestia said sitting on the bed, “but you know something? There are other ponies out there that will love you and care for you, so don’t be heartbroken about this. Twist chose whom his heart belonged to, but he doesn’t seem to know that love is a mutual bond -- just like the bond between us.” “But it’s still so hard,” Luna said, “I’ve never loved another pony like this before!” “I know sister, I know. But we cannot change who other ponies love or how much they love another, nor should we. Love is the strongest magic around, and cannot be molded around the whim of others. You will have many chances at love in the years to come, and you will feel again that pull on your heart like you did for Twist.” “I guess you are right,” Luna said with a sigh, “Thank you, Celestia.” “Are you sure you are ok?” “Yes, I just need some time to think, but I’ll be fine.” “Very well, if you need anything, I’ll be here. I have to talk to Twist now, but I will return shortly.” “Ok sis,” Luna said as Celestia walked out the door, leaving Luna to her thoughts. The scene changed back to the study. Twist was sitting in the same seat with a proud smile on his face. Twilight felt a shiver down her spine as she watched the scene unfold, as it was that same smile that Discord had when he mercilessly played with her and her friends for his amusement. It was that smile that indicated that he knew what he was doing, that he knew it was wrong, and that he had not one shred of regret or remorse for what he had done. “You’re back, my love,” Twist said to the younger Celestia, “did you miss me?” “Twist, we need to talk,” Celestia said with a stern look on her face. “Oh but what’s the fun in talking? We were getting along so well when we weren’t, you know, when our lips were locked in that passionate kiss.” “Enough,” Celestia said, her normally calm persona starting to crack, “Twist, I am going to say this only once, and I hope that you heed it well. I cannot, nor will I ever be in love with you. You are just a student, nothing more. Now, I have shown some leniency with you, and indulged in your mirthful ways, but you have crossed the line. You have tried to force me into a relationship that I ddo not want. Even worse, you upset my sister who actually had feelings for you.” “Oh, but who cares about your bossy sister,” Twist said, “It is you I have feelings for.” “I care because she is my sister,” Celestia said, “I even agreed that it was a good idea for her to try and court you. I can see that this was a mistake. So now, I am giving you this warning, not just as a friend but as a dear sister and as the ruler of Equestria. You may stay in the castle and be our student for as long as you wish, providing that you do not try to engage either of us in a romantic manner again. Having said this, I suggest that you take some time and seek out a mare within Ponytopia. There are many fine mares that might suit you as a companion.” “But I don’t want just another mare,” Twist protested, “I want you.” “That is not an option. Now, I will speak no more of this. I have made my decision. I suggest that you take heed to my warning.” Without another word, Princess Celestia turned and walked out of the study, leaving a distraught Twist alone with his thoughts as the scene faded to black once more.