//------------------------------//
// Realization 
// Story: 20 Years, Celestia 
// by StarSwirl12 
//------------------------------//

Celestia woke to the sounds of laughter. She opened her eyes. Everything was a little fuzzy at first, but it cleared. Luna and the others were gathered at the table, along with Discord, Trixie, and another pony, one that Celestia didn’t recognize.

“And then he said, ‘No, please, I didn’t choose to work for Her, she made me! Please, let me go! Show some mercy! Please!’ What an idiot. I killed him,” The pony said, who, judging for their back was to Celestia, was an earth pony. The voice sounded feminine, but gruff.

“I do kinda feel bad for him though. Poor Clyde,” Luna replied.

“I can’t believe my father sided with Her,” Pinkie said.

Celestia sat up. Luna saw, and smiled. The Sun goddess walked over to the table and stood over the ponies.

“Alright. I have some questions. Where is Twilight Sparkle? Who is ‘Her?’ How long was I gone? What are those black pegasi? How did he get out of his prison?” Celestia glared at Discord. “Why is Equestria in ruin?”

It was silent for a long time. AppleJack and Fluttershy looked away. It was Luna who answered.

“You were gone for 20 years. The pegasi aren’t real. They are slaves to Her. I summoned Discord. I was in prison. Tortured. By Her.” For the first time Celestia noticed the long scars running down Luna’s arms and back. “There was a war. Well, is a war. its still going on. Started sometime after...after you disappeared. The barrier went down, and the Changelings invaded. Equestria isn’t the same”

“What about Twilight?”

Celestia’s question was met with silence.

No. She can’t be. Celestia took a step back. How could she be dead? Her magic, her potential...

“Twilight...Twilight is Her. She sent you that spell, the forbidden spell. Time travel. During the search, we found remains of paper. We were able to find out the spell. Somepony cast it, and disappeared. We have not heard of them since,” Luna said.

This was even worse. Twilight betrayed her. Sent her a forbidden spell. Tears pricked at Celestia’s eyes. Luna walked over to her side. Celestia drew away from Luna’s outstretched hoof. Luna put her hoof down, her face unreadable. Celestia sat down, stupefied. How....how could this have happened...how could I have been so stupid? Luna motioned for everypony else, including Discord, to leave.

After they did, Luna crouched down to Celestia.

“I know it’s hard. How do you think I felt when I found out that you were gone? I thought you were dead.”

Celestia didn’t reply.

“Big sister.” Celestia looked up at Luna. “I’m glad you’re back.” Luna smiled, eyes brimming with tears. Celestia smiled back. The two alicorns hugged.

“Are you ready?” Luna asked, getting up.

“For what?”

Luna started walking to the entrance of the tent. She looked over her shoulder. “For the announcements.” Celestia got up and walked over to her sisters side. Luna and her beloved sister walked out to the center of the underground camp. Ponies were scattered everywhere, there were even some buffalo and dragons.
“Attention, everypony!” Luna said in the Royal Canterlot Voice. “I have some news!”