//------------------------------//
// 11. Shadows on the Sun 
// Story: Shades of Grey 
// by Inquisitor M 
//------------------------------//


11. Shadows on the Sun


Twilight yawned. After the day’s activities, she rehearsed theories, formulas, and key fragments of text in her mind, yet her eyes fell shut and her thoughts drifted to a warm bed and a rigorously recalculated sleep schedule.
“Are you tired, my student?” Celestia whispered.
Twilight smiled and forced her eyes open again. “Yes, Princess. I admit I’m looking forward to sleeping properly in a bed tonight, but I think you’ll be pleased with what we’ve accomplished.”
“I’m sure I will. Are you still worried about Rarity?”
“She looks so peaceful, and I trust Luna completely. Now that I’ve stopped panicking, I think it will all be fine, but I’m looking forward to seeing her awake again.”
“Of course.” Celestia stooped to lay down on the thick carpet of the stage’s wing. 
Before them, Amethyst, Spellsong, and Sonata waited behind a table next to a lectern.
Twilight wasted no time in laying close to Celestia. “You’re not going out there?”
“What peace there is will be lost as soon as I walk out, so I prefer to wait in the quiet and collect my thoughts until Luna arrives.”
A wide, natural smile crept across Twilight’s face as she closed her eyes and breathed deeply in the presence of her mentor. Quieting her mind, she tried to shut out the sound of Luna’s pegasi pacing endlessly upon the balconies at the back of the hall, only to flinch at the distantly familiar touch of Celestia’s wing against her back. Looking up to see her smiling warmly, she shuffled sideways to press against her mentor’s side.
“Are you all right, Princess?” she asked softly, snuggling against Celestia’s neck. The last time she could recall such intimacy was years ago, after she’d broken a rare vase practicing levitation. Back then, it had taken a half-hour to console her fears of retribution, but Twilight suspected that this moment would be fleeting.
“I just wanted to thank you for your help. As much as it means to me, it means much more to my sister, and for that I am deeply grateful.” Celestia rested her own muzzle atop her student’s head. “Please don’t be too surprised if this meeting gets much louder than you are used to. Many of these ponies are highly competitive, which always leads to arguments. Believe me when I say this is a very efficient way of getting to the heart of matters.”
Twilight’s eyelids began to droop, and she let out a deep, relaxing breath. “The school staff doesn’t seem that competitive, except maybe Sonata. Are they really that bad?”
“Not bad, Twilight: passionate. I make a point of knowing all the ponies who work for my school, and I know each of their passions; they all care deeply about what they do. In his youth, Spellsong would have chased the truth beyond the borders of Equestria if it had been required of him. That drive has served him well as my proxy at the school.”
Twilight gave up on keeping her eyes open. “And Amethyst wants every pony to understand what makes them special, and to make the most of themselves. Right?”
“That’s right. Sonata, for all her interesting mannerisms, is more like you than you know. She drives herself to learn all that there is to know about magic, to be prepared for whatever challenges she faces. She may not match your magical gifts, but she may be the only pony here who studies more than you do.” She shifted her head to whisper into Twilight’s ear. “Between you and me, I wouldn’t mind if she was a little less rough around the edges.”
Twilight didn’t reply.
“Twilight Sparkle, are you falling asleep on me?”
“No,” Twilight whispered, burying herself deeper into Celestia’s coat.
“Then come. My sister approaches. It is time.”


( II )


Rarity was aware of two sensations in the calm void. One was warmth coming from very close to her, and the other a familiar scent of another pony, mixed with something less pleasant. Any urge to ponder these details, however, was washed away by the bliss of much-needed rest and relaxation—until something moved.
Another pony on the bed. 
She focused a little more on the scent. 
Fluttershy? How did she get here? And… sweat? Did she fly here? 
Shifting her attention, she listened to the soft sound of perfectly rhythmic breathing.
Asleep. Poor thing must have tired herself out.
Rushing to your side, Rarity, while you continue to pretend to be there for everypony else.
Shut up! I don’t want to listen to you anymore!
You don’t have to. You already know it’s true.


( II )


Luna drew the attention of the entire room as she strode through the main doors, flanked by two more pegasi. “Vindicator! Glory! To me!”
Twilight looked up at Celestia. “Vindicator? Is that some special guard name?” She watched her mentor nod silently without shifting her attention from Luna; there was an intensity to the princess’s stare, but Twilight knew from experience that she would never be able to penetrate the mask that was Celestia’s practiced grace and composure.
The two pegasi leapt from their balconies, but followed only as far as the back of the pews. The audience fell silent as the burly guards snorted and whinnied while Luna and her other guards took positions on the stage.
Behind the lectern, Spellsong cleared his throat. “Esteemed colleagues, as you likely know, this meeting is to disseminate information provided by Twilight Sparkle to help us all in the project set by Princesses Celestia and Luna.
“The information gathered today represents a significant shift in focus; therefore, if any ponies haven’t brought proper materials for extensive notes, I suggest you make arrangements now for resupply or ask us to arrange some for you. We are going to be here for a while.”
Twilight heard murmurs from the crowd, and a moment later a few ponies broke off and hurried out of the hall.
“If everypony else ready to get started?”
Sonata raised a hoof. “There is one thing I don’t have, Master Spellsong.”
“Well that didn’t take long,” Twilight whispered, looking first at Princess Celestia, then at Luna. Neither reacted to the interruption.
“Pay attention, my little pony,” Celestia said quietly.
Spellsong turned and frowned. “I think all of us have had enough of your antics today, Sonata. What it is you could possibly need at this precise moment?”
Sonata ignored the question, waltzing casually to the front of the stage. The audience murmured again as she faced the lectern. She turned to Celestia first. “I believe we are all missing one vital piece of information that may render much of what we have been working on obsolete. I believe I can sum the error up in one simple question, if you would indulge me, Princess?”
Celestia nodded.
“Your initial report clearly states that our stallion in question, Stormcloud, was born an earth pony. So I ask you, Princess, how did you know he was an earth pony?”
“There was an entire village that watched him grow up, Sonata. Everypony questioned said that he had always been an earth pony and showed no indications of anything abnormal.”
“Of course.” Sonata lifted the Encyclopaedia of Forbidden Magics from the table in front of her and shifted her attention. “Princess Luna. I have been studying this book all day. There are a number of passages and annotations attributed to you. It only recently occurred to me that much of this tome is your writing, but under pen names. Would that be correct?”
“Not quite,” Luna said in her formal voice. “When my sister compiled that book, she changed both our names, but much of it is, as you say, my work.”
“I see. Then I must sincerely apologise to you, Princess Luna. As many have, I made some assumptions about Princess Celestia’s long-lost sister that were unwarranted and unfair. If I may be so bold as to say, Princess, you are a genius, and I am deeply ashamed not to have seen it earlier.”
While Luna wilted under the praise, Twilight saw her mentor crack a proud smile. “I agree wholeheartedly,” Celestia said.
“Now I am feeling besieged.” Luna narrowed her eyes. “Tell us why this is so important to the proceedings.”
“As you wish, Princess. You wrote a study of physical and magical trauma on unicorn physiology. It was immensely helpful, but raises another question: if a unicorn was to lose their connection to magic completely after removal of said unicorn’s horn, how would you know the subject was a unicorn at all?”
Luna hummed, tapping a hoof to her chin. “Even if a deep wound healed perfectly, which would be unheard of, there would be detectable bone structure on the forehead, and probably some latent magic. Assuming the unicorn’s memory is not sufficient proof, naturally.”
“And so,” Sonata continued. “If a unicorn were to lose their connection before they were even born, and never grew a horn to begin with, could you know then?”
“I do not believe so. However, there would also be no way to know such a thing had ever occurred, and thus the implication is moot.”
“Perhaps, Princess Luna.” Sonata turned back to Celestia. “So I ask you again Princess, how do you know, supposition aside, that Stormcloud was born an earth pony?”
“I do not imagine I could, Sonata. Though I wonder if this is the most appropriate time to bring this up?”
“I appreciate your concern, Princess, but do you have any idea how difficult it would be to get the two of you in a room together to discuss it? Besides, as I said, it has taken some time to verify my observations, and you have made it clear that time is precious to us.”
“Point conceded,” Luna said. “I am interested in where you are going with this. Please proceed with haste, if possible.”
“The point, Princess Luna, is that you trust your sister too much.”
The words sparked a wave of dissent from the audience behind her. Spellsong, still leaning on the lectern, raised the loudest objection. “You will mind your tongue, Sonata. I will not abide anypony—”
“Spellsong.” Celestia’s voice rang out clearly, silencing the hall. “I think I understand what she means. If you are content to let her continue, Sister?”
Bright-eyed and attentive, Luna nodded emphatically.
“I do appreciate your indulgence, Princesses.” Sonata lifted all of the books from the school’s desk and set them aside. After floating the desk itself into the space between stage an audience, she continued. “Princess Luna, your work has evidenced to me that you are fully versed in the methods of research and examination, yet this one thing you did not think to question. Your instincts and love for your sister may have blinded you to the inaccuracy of the very problem itself; one will not uncover the truth after assuming a faulty premise.”
“You have yet to prove that premise to be false, Sonata. But the question is an interesting one, no doubt.”
“Then, no doubt, you would be willing to assist me in making my case?”
Luna whole body sagged. “What is that you require?” she asked, eyes half lidded.
“The nullification spell, if you please.” Again, a wave of discussion rippled through the audience, and even Celestia frowned. “Just a small one, and only for a few minutes at most.”
“You are aware that spell is discussed in the book of forbidden magic, yes?”
Sonata didn’t flinch. “I am, but it is necessary to conduct my experiment, and no ponies need be near it.”
“You have my blessing if you wish to proceed, Luna,” Celestia said.
Luna sat in silence as the widespread murmurs continued. Eventually she straightened herself up. “Vindicator, Glory, establish a perimeter from the desk to where you are now. Spellsong, Amethyst, please get behind Celestia.”
No-pony needed telling twice. When the pegasus guards moved to usher ponies away from the centre, they were already moving away rapidly of their own volition. Most moved much further away than had been implied was necessary.
“This may take a few moments,” Luna said, narrowing her eyes. “It has been a long time since I have performed this spell.” She pursed her lips as her horn lit, and a small sphere of pale blue light appeared just above the top of the table.
The globe began to undulate like water being forced into an unnatural shape, and Twilight looked to Luna. Knowing a little about the energies involved, she expected the princess to be straining; instead, Luna took a deep breath and the lines of her face relaxed as the magic obeyed her will. Once stabilised, the globe sank into the table and the blue glow expanded in all directions, the light thinning until it was no longer visible. 
“It is done. Be quick.”
Standing inside the perimeter, Sonata looked up at Twilight. “Miss Sparkle. I assume you are still versed in a number of light-producing spells? I would like you to try and create one above the table.”
Twilight frowned at her ex-tutor, but brought her light orb spell to mind. After a glance at Celestia for confirmation, she began casting, her brow furrowing as the orb failed to manifest. Twilight gritted her teeth and began again. Her horn fizzed and spat as she forced more magic through it.
“This is… really… hard…” she said, grimacing. Suddenly, a blinding flash flooded the hall. Ponies cried out in fright and panic as they shied away from the blinding glare.
Startled by her own spell, Twilight stopped channelling, and the spell vanished just as quickly as it had manifested.
Sonata looked unaffected. “Very good, Miss Sparkle. Princess Luna, you may unravel the spell now.”
Luna blinked and shook her head, caught as unprepared as anypony else. Nevertheless, the table glowed again, and the pale blue light dispersed. With the spell ended, the braver ponies started creeping back towards their benches, and more trickled after them.
“What exactly have we learned with this experiment, Sonata?” Celestia asked, appearing unfazed.
Luna forestalled the tutor’s reply. “If you will permit me some speculation, Sister? If Stormcloud were subject to a similar magic draining effect before he was even born, he would have no connection to his own magic, and never grown a horn.”
Sonata nodded, prompting Luna to continue.
“The nullification field has a high rate of absorption, until it becomes full. At that point, the absorption rate drops to only what stored magic it can dissipate, meaning that it can be overloaded. If something similar happened inside Stormcloud, he could suddenly awaken to be a full-blown unicorn with the tremendous power my sister and I have witnessed.”
“And so,” Sonata said, “the question would not be how an earth pony managed to turn into a unicorn, but why he wasn’t a unicorn to begin with. All your investigations were distorted by the very fact that your sister was, with good justification I should add, simply wrong. Unfortunately, this avenue of investigation raises one additional problem that you aren’t going to like.”
Celestia nodded slowly. “You believe that if your ideas are correct, then Stormcloud poses a threat. Your worst-case scenario.”
“A high probability, at least. Given Miss Sparkle’s interpretation of your stallion’s account, the same reasoning I have demonstrated would apply to the cause of his awakening. Princess Luna’s nullification nexus needed to be strong enough vent a continuous flow. If it can no longer vent enough, the overflow might have interrupted his stasis. An appropriate analogy would be a pot of water brought to the boil. I’m afraid the pieces simply fit together too well to be dismissed, and we must consider the likelihood that the water is still boiling.”
Twilight felt her chest tighten; You have no idea what it will do to Luna, Rarity had said before collapsing. She studied Luna’s face, and while it was not as futile as studying Celestia’s, it only revealed a vacant stare that confirmed that something was going on in her mind, not what.
After a long pause, Luna whispered to one of her guards, who then moved centre stage. “Princess Celestia. Your sister would like to extend her apologies, but she wishes to take care of matters elsewhere. She has also asked if she might avail herself of your pupil’s attention for a while?”
Subtlety wasn’t a skill Twilight had ever mastered. She looked to her mentor for some hint of what had gone unsaid, but right before her eyes, one set of muscles relaxed and another tightened, turning a warm, natural smile into a fake one. If she didn’t know that face as well as she did, she could never have seen the crack in the princess’s facade: Celestia was sad.
When the princess looked down, the slip was already gone. “I think Twilight can answer for herself.”
“Oh. Well, yes, of course.” Twilight stared up into her mentor’s eyes, finding only the serenity she would normally expect. “Princess? Might… would it be okay to talk to you in private first?”
Looking to Spellsong, Celestia spoke clearly enough to carry across the entire hall. “It seems that you have much to discuss, old friend. I will be retreating to my private chambers, but please let me know when you have compiled a new report. Sonata, your studiousness is appreciated, as always. Perhaps next time a little less grandstanding would be in order?”
Then came the din that Twilight had been warned about: well-intentioned researchers all tried to discuss their ideas at once. She walked out alongside Celestia, pausing only to glance back at Luna. The princess’s face was tight, and she avoided looking at the ponies that scampered out of the way of her rather large and intimidating guard.
Sonata was lost amongst the commotion of noise and movement as the princesses left the hall in opposite directions. She put her legs up on the desk, rested her head on a hoof, and sighed a long, irritated sigh.


( II )


“Awww. Ain’t that the cutest thing.”
Even with her eyes closed, Rarity could sense the light in the room had faded and that Fluttershy was still lying next to her.
“Can we wake them up now?”
She didn’t immediately recognise Pinkie’s voice, sluggish as her mind was. Her desire to rise and greet her friends grew, but her body didn’t seem to be getting the same message.
Don’t panic Rarity, it’s just a spell. Silverlight? Luna? Are you there? Applejack, help me!
“I’m under orders to let her sleep until Princess Luna returns.”
Not good enough. I’m going to have to do this myself, aren’t I. Focusing every ounce of her will, Rarity managed to lift her head from the pillow.
“Ah think Rarity might have somthin’ to say about that.”
“What? Woah! That isn’t supposed to happen! Stay back while I unlock the spell.”
It had been warm under the bedsheet the whole time, but it was as if she just hadn’t noticed it until now, just as she hadn’t noticed the feel of plush pillows, cool evening air, or the tilt of the mattress caused by the pegasus sleeping next to her. Above that yellow coat, the heads of Silverlight, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie peered down as she forced her eyes open. She fell back into the pillow and blew out a deep breath, stretching out a hoof to stroke Fluttershy’s thick, pink mane.
Thank you for being with me.
“Are you all right?” Silverlight asked, his calm voice betrayed by his wide eyes.
Fluttershy stirred at the touch, and Rarity reached out to gently embrace her. A small squeak and a flinch were no surprise, but as soon as the pegasus raised her head and their eyes met, she gasped and returned the hug tightly.
“Thank goodness,” she said, pressing her muzzle against Rarity’s crest. “I was so worried!”
I love you. I love you so much...
Rarity closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again, she was drawn to Silverlight’s face staring back at her. His eyes were still wide and his breaths short, and she was sure that he was trembling slightly.
“Yes, Silverlight,” she said as Fluttershy pulled away. “I feel fine now. No need to worry.”
Applejack glanced at Pinkie’s broad grin. “Like Ah said, cutest thing ever. Princess Luna asked us to come on over—sent us a chariot and everything. Spike said Fluttershy went flyin’ off in a panic, an’ we found her here just as plum tuckered as you were.”
Spike. I left him behind without a word. I didn’t tell any of them what was going on. That was selfish. 
Rarity squeezed Fluttershy again. It was unusual for her to accept it so shamelessly. 
She must have been terrified.
“Luna said somethin’ about you bein’ ill and needin’ your friends, so here we are.” Applejack walked around to where there was more space and put her forelegs up on the bed. “Whatever you need, you just let us know. Okay, Sugarcube?”
AJ’s erstwhile support triggered a flash of memory from the tunnel two days before. 
I was simply horrid to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. 
“Is Rainbow Dash here?”
“Ahh,” Silverlight said. “I believe Seeker and your rainbow friend may have exchanged several boasts after they arrived. They’re probably chasing each other’s tails somewhere.”
“Well that certainly sounds like Rainbow Dash. Pinkie, dear, you’re being very quiet. Are you all right?”
“Sure!” Pinkie said. “I was just thinking that this would be even better if AJ was all cuddled up like Fluttershy.”
Rarity and Applejack looked at each other, then frowned at Pinkie.
Pinkie wore her most sorrowful pout. “Pleeeeeeeeease?”
“Alright, fine, but if anypony pulls out a camera, Ah’ll do something they’ll regret.”
Silverlight edged away from the bed. “I, umm, think I should probably be leaving now.”
“Oh no,” Pinkie said, returning a broad grin. “You should definitely watch… this!” She leapt into the air towards the bed, stretching her legs wide.
“Wooo!” screamed Pinkie Pie, flying through the air.
“Noooo!” screamed Rarity, clinging to Fluttershy.
“Crack!” screamed the bed as Pinkie landed.
The supports gave way, collapsing the mattress and four mares to the floor and it took only a few seconds before all four mares joined together in raucous laughter.
Silverlight backed out of the door without making a sound.
Amid the scrum, nopony noticed Rarity switch to hugging Pinkie Pie.
Oh, Pinkie. You couldn’t hold it against me if you tried, could you? Your troubles are only ever one laugh away from being forgotten.
That’s not the point, Rarity. You’re still failing them: Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Twilight, Fluttershy, now Spike too. How long until you fail Applejack? Luna may be happy to have you here, but how long before she notices you’re just a needy old nag with a jealous streak?


( II )


Twilight stood in the private lounge, looking at Celestia.
“You look troubled, Twilight.”
Twilight closed her eyes and summoned the will to speak. “Princess, things aren’t right between you and Luna, are they?”
“Is that what has you so worried? I do not think it is as bad as you seem to suspect. My sister needs time to find herself again. Until she does, I will remain strong and be there for her, whenever she needs me. I do not want her to have to bear the weight my desires, so I have made it quite clear that I want her to take as much time as she needs. I can wait. Perhaps it is all I can do.”
Twilight tried to imagine what she might say to lighten her mentor’s burdens—she tried to remember things Celestia had said when the roles were reversed. All she could think of was a broken vase, being comforted and nuzzled by the princess, and Rarity’s sudden breakdown only hours ago. “Princess...” she said, but nothing followed it. Instead, she stepped forwards and pressed her neck against Celestia’s until the quiet words came. “Please tell me there is something I can do.”
“Thank you for your concern, Twilight,” Celestia replied softly, “but I assure you that you do not need to worry about me. Just as it brings me great joy to read your letters when you are far away, having Luna back brings me a happiness I can barely contain. Opening our hearts can leave us vulnerable, but I have never been more content to be as vulnerable as I am where my sister is concerned. I think it is Luna, however, that will need your strength before the night is through.”
Twilight took a step back to look at the princess’s face. “She will? Is that why she wants to see me?”
“If I know my sister at all, then yes. I believe she will act tonight, and I think she will need your help. I have my suspicions, but all you need to know is this: I trust my sister’s judgement... and yours. Follow your heart, Twilight Sparkle. Have faith in yourself.”
Again, Twilight could see only tranquillity in the princess’s eyes and a warm smile across her face. “You can count on me, Princess,” she said, but instead of the upbeat sound she had imagined, her voice was small and weak.
Celestia didn’t reply, but as Twilight stared into her eyes she could feel the infection nature of that smile—the radiance of love and trust that warmed her deep inside. Her smile widened without effort, until she eventually said in a firm voice, “You can count on me, Princess.”
She allowed herself one last moment of contact, and Celestia draped her longer neck over her student in return. For a whole minute, neither of them spoke.


( II )


“Hello again, Twilight. Please go right in.”
Silverlight’s cheery disposition arrested Twilight’s concerns about what she would find inside. The door glowed with the guard’s magic and opened to reveal Rarity, stood by a collapsed bed that had Luna perched across one end, hooves dangling off the mattress. Fuelled by the rising worry of several hours waiting, Twilight ran in to give her friend another hug.
Pinkie was bouncing up and down gleefully on the other end of the bed, while Applejack and Fluttershy stood off to one side and Rainbow Dash sat just inside the doorway. All eyes were on Twilight, and all conversation had ceased.
“Are you all right, Rarity?”
“Oh, yes, darling. Aside from a rather rude awakening from Pinkie Pie, I am feeling much better now.”
“Twilight,” Applejack said, “I think Rarity’s gonna get all embarrassed if y’all keep huggin’ her. That or you’ll make RD cry again.”
“Hey! I did not cry!”
A ripple of giggles passed around the room—even Luna joined in with a mute snicker. Stepping back, Twilight looked around to acknowledge the presence of her friends. “What are you all doing here?”
“Princess Luna invited us.” Fluttershy cringed, her ears folding down. “I may have panicked just a little bit.”
“Well I, for one, am very glad you did, Fluttershy,” Rarity said, her voice rising and falling with vitality. “It was very reassuring to have somepony other than Luna’s guards to watch over me.”
“Are my guards not sufficient for your needs, Lady Rarity?”
“Excellent stallions one and all, Princess Luna, but they are just stallions.”
“Ha! Well said, Lady Rarity.” The princess’s voice dropped low, and she regarded each pony in turn. “I must admit it has been heartwarming for me to see you all as well. I appreciate your coming on such short notice, but I have a request to make of you all before you leave again.”
Twilight sat opposite Applejack as the friends waited, and even Pinkie stood still on the bed, leaning forward as she focused intensely on the princess.
“Please believe me, I did not mean to invite you all here under false pretences, but I did have an ulterior motive in mind when I had my sister send the letter to your little dragon. I believe Stormcloud himself suggested that using the Elements of Harmony to replace his seal was a possibility. Given the dangers highlighted by the research so far, I would like to ask you all to consider that option seriously. Twilight Sparkle and Rarity both desire to speak with Stormcloud again, and I believe this can be achieved safely using the Elements of Harmony. They are the tools that created the Nullification Nexus, and they will protect you from its effects.
“I do not know if it will be necessary, but Stormcloud said things were bad for him, and I believe he will want this too, for everypony’s safety. We need more time for our research.”
Dash fluffed her wings as she stood up. “I said he was bad news! Of course we’ll use the Elements of Harmony to lock him up again.”
Rarity pursed her lips and said nothing, but Twilight spoke up. “Rainbow Dash, it’s not like that at all. I think he’s just a pony who needs our help. None of what happened is his fault. Fluttershy already forgave him, and I do too.”
“Ah understand, Twilight, but RD’s right,” Applejack said. “Ah’m not doubting he had his reasons, but he made it pretty clear he was dangerous, and ain’t nopony said nothin’ yet that changes that. Just as long as he agrees to it, you can count me in. Ah think that’s what everypony wants.”
Fluttershy nodded her agreement.
“Pinkie? You ain’t said anythin’ yet. What do ya think?”
Pinkie rubbed a hoof against her muzzle and planted her rump down firmly on the bed. “I just don’t know. I don’t want him to be all sad and lonely, but what if he gets nightmares again?”
“A wise question,” Luna replied.
“Ah’d forgotten about that.”
Rarity finally decided to speak: “Girls, we don’t have to decide what we’re going to do. Luna’s only asking us to consider it, and use the Elements if necessary. We can talk to him first, and ask him what he wants. Don’t you think that would be best, Pinkie Pie?”
Pinkie raised an eyebrow. “Yeah. I guess.”
“That is all I am asking,” said Luna. “If you would accompany me to the mountain, we can discuss the matter further after we talk with Stormcloud. If you are ready, we would do well to act promptly.”
With a series of sombre nods, the assembled ponies agreed and Luna left the room in silence. Following Applejack out, Rarity caught Dash looking quizzically at Pinkie, who was staring at the mattress in deep thought.
“Are you alright, Pinkie Pie?”
“Oh sure.” Her tone seemed oddly cheery considering the expression on her face and the conversation that had just finished. When she bounced twice on the mattress again, she looked up at the ceiling. “Hmm. Trampoline.”
“Say, what?” Dash said.
“Nothing. Just thinking about cake batter.”
Rarity scowled and huffed. “Well, really. I’d have thought you’d be taking this a bit more seriously.”
“Oh, Rarity, I take everything seriously.”


( II )


Celestia & Luna:

Behind Celestia’s throne room, in the most secure part of the castle, Luna unlocked the vault that held the Elements of Harmony. “Our Elements,” she told herself quietly. “We shared them.” She narrowed her eyes and took a deep breath as she dissected the last of her sister’s magical seals. Finally, the panels slid open.
“They’re not here!” she cried out, stamping a hoof.
From behind the princess, a golden light saturated the room, and Luna turned to witness the sun-like ball of light vanish. Celestia stood in its wake, the jewel-encrusted box that held the Elements of Harmony at her hooves.
“Did you not trust me, sister? Do you mean to keep the Elements of Harmony from me?”
Celestia let the tension cool before answering calmly. “Of course I trust you, Luna. I just didn’t want to risk you leaving before I could talk to you.”
“Then you already knew what I was going to do?”
“I had my suspicions. I knew you had to do something, and this seemed the wisest choice.” Celestia pushed the box over to her sister and let it float gently to the ground. Still engulfed in a golden glow, the box flipped open, revealing the Elements of Harmony.
Luna stared at them and winced as she looked up at her sister. “I... I’m sorry I doubted your intentions, Celestia. Please forgive me.”
“There is nothing to forgive. In fact, all I wanted was to be able to say that I trust you, and whatever you choose to do, you have my support.”
Luna shied away from her sister's gaze, noting that the last rays of the sun had finally vanished as she stared through a window.
“I love you,” Celestia said, punctuating the silence.
“I know,” Luna answered quietly, before walking slowly over to her sister and nuzzling her face. “I love you, too.”
Celestia pulled back and kissed her sister on the top of her head. “Go. Do what you must and return to me safely. We will talk later.”
“Please don’t think I’ve been avoiding you, Celestia. It’s... just been a difficult day.”
Celestia wore her warmest smile as she looked down at her sibling. “I am just glad you had somepony to keep you company, Luna. I won’t pretend I don’t wish that pony was me, but as long as you know I am here for you, I can wait until you are ready.”
Luna shied away, hiding her eyes. “I will keep them safe, Sister. I promise you.” She lifted up the case containing the Elements of Harmony and slunk out of the corridor.
Standing still until she was alone once more, Celestia finally allowed her mask of sisterly warmth to fall. “I can wait,” she said to herself. “As long as it takes.”