What is the difference between being a hero and a villain? Is it so black and white, that the two are so different? The extremes of both's actions cause undo change in the lives of those to witness them. Past actions have shown that one of the two, I am not; and yet there is still the future to decide the role I will take on. Princess of an entire kingdom, but a title that has been squandered for centuries.
Which am I?
If the role of one or the other were to decide my fate, then I'd gladly accept the best of both. Then comes the question, which is that? Which one is truly better? Play the hero, save all in the spotlight; Play the villain, and become the monger that all with see with false eyes. Both grant immunity to a much larger role.
Sister...I only hope your eyes will see my true self. When I wake, will you see my own in that light?
Will you forgive my actions, as those of a savior? If not, then I understand. Given the chance to forgive...I wouldn't take it either.
I wouldn't forgive my actions; be it hero or villain.
"Are you ready Luna?"
"Yes sister," Luna responded.
"Good. Ready and one, two, three, four..." Celestia shuffled her feet in motion with her partner. Luna gripped tightly to her sister's hand - her knuckles going white. Her other hand was comfortably latching onto Celestia's waist as they skipped and twirled along the dance floor.
Both of them were wearing very formal gowns. Celestia wore a lovely multicolored dress, toned to match the lengths of her sparkling hair. It got thick around and layered around the hip, so Luna's hand could be anywhere, she thought. Her own dress was quite plain comparatively. Dark blue, laced with glittering sparkles to represent the stars in the night air. So annoying she thought, readjusting a thick section near her chest. The dress wasn't form-fitting, so she managed to outgrow some of it in the past thousand years or so.
Celestia led Luna, signaling when to step forward and when to back off. She was extraordinarily gallant at dancing. At least in Luna's case. She was a fumbling fool. Being stuck in a place, without a partner to dance with - and without reason to - pushed this.
Why she was being forced to dance at all was beyond her. It isn't like dancing is why the whole party was being held. Did Twilight Sparkle and her friends defeat the horrific draconequus by dancing? Useless... "Luna, careful. Slow down before you take us both down".
Celestia chuckled and slowed their pace. Luna noticed she had apparently sped up and commandeered them without notice. "Terribly sorry sister, I don't know what got into me," she mumbled, sternly looking away.
"Is something the matter? You don't look at all keen to dance," Celestia questioned.
Her sister was right on that: She wasn't too keen at all. Luna's thoughts were instead focused on much more pressing matters. Like how to react at the party. Even though she had been back for a good year and a half; she hadn't had much interaction with the local leaders. Some in fact only requested the presence of her sister Celestia. They hadn't full grown used to Luna's return. Her acceptance into the worldly powers was still far off.
Luna clicked her tongue and returned her sister's gaze. "Do you-do you think everyone will really enjoy my company after this? I mean I don't really see how me looking all happy and having a good time, will change anything".
"Oh Luna," she said breaking their hands away. "You just need to have faith. I put my full confidence that they will take notice. And if those fools don't, then they'll have to deal with it". She placed both hands tightly on Luna's shoulders, staring deeply into her blue eyes. "Have faith in me, okay?" She chirped.
Mulling it over, Luna decided. "Okay. And I do trust you sister".
"Good. Now if you will...." She motioned for Luna to grab hold of her waist once more. Luna obliging, they twirled again and again. More so for fun, than actual practice.
The library was turned upside down, and inside out from the ruckus inside. Twilight Sparkle flipped every book's contents searching. A piece of information had recently left the tip of her tongue. She had been reading up on new spells, trying to find something that would really impress.
Scattered pages floated carelessly to the floor; no stone had been left unturned. Throwing up her hands, she sat flung herself onto a mountainous pile of novels and dictionaries. "This is hopeless!" She cried out. "Surely it has to be here somewhere in this library? Anywhere".
Suddenly a thought occurred. "Of course, Spike! Can you come down here?" After a few unsure seconds whether or not her assistant heard her, he appeared off the staircase.
Spike was wearing a purple jacket, with a green strip running down the center. His clothing was at least twice too large, but he would grow into them eventually. He looked surprised that Twilight called him. "What is it? Is something the matter? I swear, if it's about those missing cookies from Pinkie-"
"No, nothing like that," she said warily, waving her hand. "Wait, how did you know they're missing?" Spike grinned, scuffing the floor with one sole. "Well never mind". Spike's demeanor loosened at the close call. "I'm looking for a missing page from a book. It was about a spell named Anarthis" It's supposed to give details on exactly how to conjure up the spirit needed and-". Twilight found herself alone. Spike had already left in search of the page, leaving her to ramble on. Furrowing her brow, "Right".
The basement was a dusty, coffin of the oldest works. Most of the earliest and rarely asked books were stocked down here. A heavy, musky scent of death and vomit hung in the air, forcing Spike to keep a tight hold on his mouth and nostrils. With only one hand free, he safely made his way along the dark room. Barely any light seeped through the windows. It occurred to him that he could just fire a light, but that might have a chance at burning the books too. Better safe than sorry around Twilight.
Feeling his way thoroughly through the basement, his eyes scanned the open rows of books, and came upon a small section labeled in bronze Aa-Az. At his destination, he carefully stroked the bindings of the aged-paperweights, searching for the correct piece; stumbling to the pace of snail. Quietly he recited his findings, "Alect, Amen and All, Amassing a Bridge, Annals of History, Analogy, Ap..." He stopped, retracing his place to make sure. "Is this some kind of joke? There isn't any Ana...Anor...ugh! Whatever it is Twi wanted".
The frustrated teen lay down, thinking on how to continue about this. "Twilight's gonna kill me if--hey wait a minute. What's this?" Reaching up, he pulled out a loose parchment caught between two cobwebbed books. It appeared as old as the other items in this place. "I'm sure this is what she told me to get," he mumbled. Standing upright, he hurried out of the dank interior, fleeing to meet up with Twilight. "She can't blame me for trying".
Twilight was in the middle of cleaning the main chamber - kinetically placing books in their respective shelves, and sweeping - when Spike returned, parchment in hand. "Oh good you're back. Did you get what I asked for?"
He handed over the lone sheet; which she took a once-over of. "Spiiike! You got the wrong page".
"Huh?" Apparently she could blame him.
"I asked for the page on Anarthis, not...what is this? I don't ever remember seeing this in our inventory".
"It was in An, and was the closest thing I could find," he defended.
"Anathos huh?" The page was worn, but still legible. It had a teacup in the upper left, spilling its contents. The text on how to conduct the spell went along the entire page. "I don't understand. It doesn't say anything other than how to perform the spell. No creator, no description, nor what it does...nothing. Are you sure this was in our library?"
"Definitely," Spike said vigorously nodding.
Returning to the page at hand, Twilight stared deeply at the parchment - hoping to understand it. "Well I guess we'll never know what it does unless we try". She and the tailing Spike went into the living room; they began to move furniture and breakable objects out of the way. Anathos huh?
With the preparations made, Twilight was ready to test the new spell. She was still unsure as to whether or not what it would do, but that has never stopped her before. Reading over the slip of paper, she learned that it was a simple incantation with minor magic involvement.
Taking a steady breath, she began to recite the words on the paper. Her tongue tied in a knot, but still she went. Letters flowed and combined in unintelligible ways - her own reason for saying them lost. Strained concentration was losing momentum as she neared the bottom of the page; her very motivation becoming lost. Finally, she sent out a tiny burst of magic and the spell was complete. A loud pop struck the spacious room, knocking Twilight back to her senses. Hoping to see what effect the spell had, she waited. She waited and waited, until it became a boring game of hide and seek. "Maybe it takes a few tries," coming to conclusion.
Trying several more times, each had the same unsuccessful result of a loud pop. She even changed up her speed - speeding up and slowing down - expecting different results; but still nothing. Hopeless and frustrated, she threw herself onto the nearby couch. "I give up," she moaned.
"A-Are you sure you did it exactly as said? I mean maybe you said it wrong, right?"
"No Spike, I did everything to the dot. The stupid spell - if you can even call it that - doesn't do anything". Twilight slumped lower into the folds of the couch. "Maybe I should go and ask Princess Celestia," she said sarcastically.
An idea snapped in Spike's head. "That's a great idea!"
"What?"
"Well get the Princess's help! She must know something right, I mean she is the Princess after all?" Spike hurriedly unfurled a roll of parchment, and began to ink in a letter. Twilight only just managed to say 'You're right, Spike take a letter", before he blew the roll into a crisp.
They both waited a few minutes, until the letter returned with Celestia's stamp of approval. Twilight rushed to put on some clothes, grabbing Spike's hand, and pulling the both of them to the train station.
If we can’t, can the Princess?
Celestia's hand just frisked the letter back to her faithful student, when a blue-haired, shaken person entered her room. "Oh Luna! Is something the matter?"
Luna looked worse for wear than a few days earlier. Heavy dark spots pulled at her eyes, giving her a walking dead appeal. Some of her hair looked as if it hadn't been brushed since then either. Shaking her head once, "W-What? No, nothing's the matter, why?"
"Luna..."
Her eyes betrayed her true feelings. With a trembling lip, she spoke in turn. "Well...I'm a little nervous about this party. I mean...it seems a great idea, but I just don't feel welcomed". She retreated back into her eyes.
"Listen Luna," Celestia began grabbing hold of her sister's shoulders. Her tight grip forced Luna to return to the conversation. "It's okay to be a little nervous. You really haven't been involved, but that doesn't mean your return hasn't had an effect on the nobles or Equestria. They're just as happy to see you, as you are them". Her maternal instincts kicked in, giving Luna a solemn hug.
"Y-You're...right," Luna said gripping her sister.
Drawing back, Celestia wore the biggest grin possible. "Now then, I have a little something you can do to keep your mind. If you would, the garden has been getting a bit lonely lately, as our gardener hasn't been properly keeping up with duties. Would you mind asking if he could...speed up?" Her eyes may have been closed, and her brightened face aflutter; but Luna saw the evil face her sister wore. It menacingly rubbed its hands together, just hoping for him to not listen.
"I'll get right on that," Luna said escaping her sister's presence, for fear she may be host to her terrible ideas.
The train ride flew by quick, leaving Twilight and Spike stranded at a train depot just outside of Canterlot. Shining jewels encompassed the sky; with glamorous buildings hiding away. A lift to ascend to the mountain's peak, where the sparkling city awaited, wasn't far away.
Twilight pulled her assistant - who's mind was elsewhere. The lift jolted to life, leaping into the sky at terminal velocity. Taking hold of the rails alongside only just saved her from plummeting below; while Spike heaved his remaining breakfast. Stumbling off the rickety lift, the duo were greeted by a stern guard, covered in plated armor of the deepest blue; attached with the Canterlot Royal Badge. "The princess has demanded I escort you". Looking between the exhausted Twilight and queasy Spike, he spun around and led the way.
Canterlot hadn't changed much since last she visited, during the Grand Galloping Gala. Back then, she and her friends tried hard to fit in with the crowd, but instead caused undo havoc. Still a fresh memory in her. That didn't mean she wouldn't join in the festivities anymore - at least not as recklessly. Traversing, they passed a square where a massive fountain stood, erected with the sisters' likeness. Water streamed from their fingertips, flowing down to allow passing citizens a chance to catch their breath.
Beyond that were small shops, taverns, eateries, and anything else normally found in towns. Much wasn't for tourism, but the feel of outside visitors heavily wafted by. Twilight could remember back to living here - not exactly in this district. She had a bright childhood, and under Celestia's tutelage, and even better education. Back then I was...
"We're here," came the guard's gruff voice, bringing Twilight back to her senses. She thanked him, and he left in the direction they came. Now here, she straightened her hair and skirt, walking inside the front courtyard. Compared to the rest of Canterlot - which comprised of simple and current design - the castle grounds were archaic.
Stone statues stood on either side of the dirt path leading up; guarding the road. Hedges shaped like the princesses, beasts of old, and items - like a chalice - festered the fields. In all the years she lived and was under Celestia's care, not much had changed. The same old stone steps greeted her, the same guards stalked the castle grounds. Maybe it was nostalgia, but she grew more pleasant with each step. Up above reigned the monolith of Canterlot Castle; of which has stood for centuries. It has been around since the days of Discord, piercing doubt in those with fears. A grand beacon of hope to their subjects.
"It feels good to be back," Twilight gently stated, breathing in the fresh air that the buds of newly planted flowers gave.
She took to the steps, but not before a figure crossed from the side of the castle. Twilight didn't the figure until she stepped out of the shadows, sporting a flowing purple dress. Her moon crest proudly shown low, flowing along a cluster of constellations. "Princess Luna, hey there!"
The princess looked to Twilight, waving in kind. "Miss Sparkle what are you doing here? Do you have business with my sister?" She quizzically folded her arms, wanting a response.
Twilight nodded, reaching into her bag for the item in question. With parchment in hand, she handed over the thin paper to Luna. The princess looked it over, her face contorting confused, but nonetheless curious. "What is Anathos? Is it a spell or recipe?" She doesn't know? thought the previously bright Twilight.
"You mean you don't recognize it?"
"No, I'm sorry Miss Sparkle, but I have never set eyes on this. Why? Is it important?" Luna handed back the sheet, careful not to tear it in the process.
"Spike," she said pointing to the distracted boy, "Found this on accident. It isn't in our records, so we tried to perform it". The diligent student recounted their failed attempt at using the spell, and coming to the conclusion to visit Celestia. "Given her knowledge, we figured she would be able to help". Twilight appeared defeated at the failure.
Luna all the while listened intently at the origins of the mysterious Anathos. From the sounds of it, it was definitely a spell; but why it didn't work for Twilight was mysterious more so. Why didn't it? They had come in the hopes that Celestia could do the spell, but even that is a long shot. Her sister is powerful, but a broken spell won't work for anyone. She thought hard on taking them to her sister, but another thought crept up. She did tell her to get out more, and become more involved; maybe this was an opportunity. The garden can wait she came to the conclusion.
"Change of plans Twilight". She latched onto the parchment, heading for an enclosed area not far from them. "My sister is real busy at the moment, so I'll help you with this instead". Twilight was helpless to fight the ferocious confidence of Luna's grasp, being pulled along.
Inside the castle lay a mass scramble of maids, guards, and trays heaving the finest delicacies. The pearl walls became lined with banners festively promoting the party to be held that night. One maid setting up a banner fell loose from her hold on the stool, only to be caught by her companion. A low blush and she continued on with the rest of her duties.
All of the inhabitants rushed to complete the finishing touches. When done, they came to Celestia, who coordinated their very moves. The king in a game of chess, she delicately made sure their moves worked for the betterment of the whole. Each pawn needed a specific move to aid the others. Her arms swung each way, letting those misinformed of their priorities to scramble to a new location.
In the loud chorus from the mob, one maid - in a petite, black ensemble with matching frills - tried to speak. Her breath fell short, merely squeaking out, "Excuse me," before once more becoming lost. She blew on her flame blue hair, parting it from an already obscure vision. "Um princess?" Still no sign Celestia acknowledged her presence. "Excuse me, princess Celestia?" Her mouse cries turned into whimpers, with the surrounding crowd growing. Pulling back on her imaginary sleeves, the maid breathed in a lungful of air. "PRINCESS CELESTIA". The raving mass quieted to less than a whisper. "Oh...sorry," she said, her face turning red on sight.
"What is it Tutter?" Came Celestia's soothing voice.
Realizing she had been noticed, Tutter jumped a bit in surprise. "Oh! Um...sorry princess. It's just that you are needed urgently in the dining hall". Her quiet demeanor transformed quickly - a pawn becoming a bishop.
Celestia smiled, patted Tutter on the head, and walked with the shy maid to the dining hall; leaving the rest standing still, unsure of their next move.
"So what is it they need this time?" Celestia smirked, obviously bothered by the crew in charge, but still pleasant.
Tutter squeaked again, controlling herself. "They need to know the colors for plates, napkins, banners, and-"
Celestia chuckled, forcing the tiny girl to lose her train of thought. "Of course they'd have trouble with that".
Another spark of blue magic fizzled away; Luna had been unsuccessfully trying to make Anathos work for the past few minutes. She was receiving the same treatment as Twilight, with little improvement. The frustrated princess of the night tossed her tiara to the ground, stomping the dust underfoot. Grinding her teeth, "What is wrong with this spell?!" She screamed.
She began to pace around the small clearing they took as residence. Low hedges, with a cluster of pink and white surrounded them; the roundabout area leaving a large enough space to let the princess vent.
While this went on, Twilight indulged in reading a short three-thousand page book on the revolution cycle. Finding a sweet spot to stop, she handed the book over to Spike to listen to the Luna's ranting. "I mean seriously, only one as crazy as thy own blood could conduct a travesty! Oh, if only Shefarius the Reaper we're here and not in Tartarus! At least he could fabricate competent spells. Nifty and dangerous, but reasonable!"
"Princess, are you sure we've exhausted all possible solutions?" Piped up Twilight. "There must be something we haven't tried yet, right?"
Taking a break in her rant, "I'm afraid we're out Miss Sparkle," Luna said with nary any enthusiasm. "It's not like we have-"
"What?"
The princess blinked, renewed confidence beaming. "That's it! It's so simple, I cannot believe it didn't cross my mind earlier!" She was suddenly ecstatic at her new found discovery. Twilight still wore confusion at the ramblings now being shouted.
"What did you discover princess Luna?"
Luna spun towards Twilight, grinning. "Something quite simple Twilight...I'll use Nightmare Moon's energy!"
A smooth breeze flowed between the two. While Luna jumped for joy, Twilight and Spike remained dead silent.
Twilight and Luna argued over whether Luna's suggestion was feasible, or even safe. Luna staunchly stated that it was, more so now that she had had time to regain control. Even with that in mind, Twilight was still unsure; afraid of the outcome. What if Nightmare Moon came back? That wouldn't be worth it, not for any reason.
Yet she couldn't resist the opportunity to learn - to study further into other realms of magic. The possibility that Luna gave, was tempting. It took much effort, but Twilight finally gave, allowing Luna to do such what she will. I only hope I am wrong about Nightmare Moon she thought sadly.
"Now then, let's do this," Luna confidently said, taking steps away to ensure enough room. She steadied her breathing, imagining a tranquil place to clear all thought. In the past, she tried to use the dark powers within - to see if she could. The attempts caused many terrible weeks’ worth of nausea and severe headaches. However now she was confident in her abilities; there was no longer any doubt.
With a clear mind, Luna began to cast the spell. Her eyes before sympathetic, dynamically sharpened - searing with flame. One second, two; all became white, as she lost consciousness. The world floated further away. Low rumblings quaked underneath - or were they loud? Twilight held both her ears while screaming, so something must have been loud. Everything felt peaceful, despite what was happening around her. She hadn't felt this at peace, since she came back from her prison; when she felt free.
I do feel free. So very free. Maybe I'll take flight. Yes. Free as a bird...
The sky became a canvas; bleeding similar - but very different - shades of white. It ran as far as Luna could tell; an expansive canvas. She was laying on her back, merely watching the clouds float by as the world spun. Her fingers clenched the ground, sinking deep into its soft surface. Peering, she saw her hand sunk into sand
'Sand. Am I on a beach?'
That would be a prospective place to be. A beach was where you could let all the worries of the day float by - just like the clouds doing so. She could feel the water, softly lapping at her legs, asking her to bathe. Yet there was no water of any kind asking that of her. Along with no water, the surrounding area shown no other individuals, so a beach was out of the question. There were no children playfully tagging, splashing, and having dreams of the great blue. No families hoping for a happier tomorrow, for today was like no other. Yet even though she wasn't on a beach, the sand didn't feel out of place.
'Why is the sun so bright?' She placed a hand, forming a visor to stare up into the sky. There was definitely more sunlight than needed on a day such as this. "Wh..." Her voice, raspy; barely left her lips before falling short. So I can't speak? That's alright...there's no one to speak to anyway. If she could speak, her question would be 'what day is it?' Her voice wasn't the only aspect of her to fall short. Her very memory couldn't help her out. How she got here was more of a mystery; as she couldn't remember how, in this land where the sand felt right.
'It does not matter I suppose'. A moment passed, where she believed herself to be in a desert. The climate was perfectly suitable for conditions that would represent a desert. However then she would be profusely sweating. 'Another oddity in the odd world' she thought.
Feeling ready to move, she stood to get a better look at where she was. Apart from the sand and sky, there was not nearly enough clues to warrant a guess. Losing interest, she turned around to face a giant in the desert. Maybe it was a mirage playing tricks, but the reality of it was no different. A castle stood against the grain, lopsided in the sand - sinking into a coffin it made. The giant would be invisible to most, since it - like the sky - bled white. 'Not a mirage, yet it doesn't feel right'. Luna took in the monolith - old as time - for clues. The decrepit building was falling apart, with much of its stone slabs missing and or discolored. Just another oddity, much like the rest.
'Perhaps the owners left it. Without proper maintenance, even castles can't withstand time', she thought.
'fwssssssssssh
That sound...what is it? Following Luna since she sat on the soft sand, a sound had remained. It was silent at times - allowing no more than a passing flicker. To Luna, the melodic sound became familiar. It consistently stayed on a beat, beating to her recognition to it. The more she tried to find it again, the louder the sound returned. 'Do you want to be found?'
...'Why?'
Luna awoke, with searing pain stabbing her entire body. A flash of red and yellow signaled she was surrounded by flames. The fire licked the grassy field, encroaching upon her petrified form. The stabbing sensation pierced her lungs with each breath, carving up her organs. Her fingers - although numb - pricked with electricity surging across the tips. A lone flame found its way onto her left index finger, causing even more pain. Frightened beyond sheer panic, her heart rate increased, beating furiously - allowing more opportunities to be stabbed.
Twilight furiously shook her, hoping to get a response. Luna's eyes went wild, searching for a way out. A fall tree narrowly chopping off her leg, but managed to still cut a deep gash, of which had caused a small puddle of blood to form. Hurriedly, Twilight sealed the wound by forcing the torn tendons together and splicing vines as stitches. Luna screamed in agony, feeling each inch of her leg begin to catch on fire from the pain; while Twilight continually cried, splashing residual blood, washing away the stains.
Unable to overcome her own fear of situation, Twilight shook the princess. "Princess Luna listen! Please, you've got to help me on this. I need you to calm down!" No use, Luna was still lost in confusion at what was happening; she wouldn't be able to cooperate. With the fire creeping still on them, ready to engulf the two; Twilight pulled back and slapped Luna hard across her face. "Princess, pl-please l-l-listen. I need you t-to calm d-own". This time Luna remained still.
Looking past the yard in flame, Twilight guesstimated their distance from the castle. They would need to take a long path, but it was their only chance; the rest of Canterlot was being eaten in the resulting earthquake, ready to shatter. Coordination set, she returned back to face Luna. "Now listen, we need to get inside the castle. I know you're probably still paralyzed, but I need you to help as much as you can, okay?" Luna remained silent. "Luna!"
"Y-Yes! Okay!" She allowed Twilight to hoist up her back, preparing for the worst.
"Ready? One! Two! Three!" With a great heave, Luna was hoisted, grasping tightly onto Twilight's shoulder. A few snaps accompanied her, possibly the hastily-made stitching ripping. More damage, but she would need to deal with it for now; right this instant, they needed help.
Taking careful strides on Luna's good leg, they marched to the castle doors, crossing the path carved in fire. Screaming citizens echoed in the distance; along with a resounding crash of glass and metal. A second set of screams came from within the castle, so no matter wherever they happened to go, there would be pain.
"Where's Spike?" Called out Luna over the thick roar of flames.
"He went to help inside!" Responded Twilight. Hopefully he's okay.
With a last toss of their step, they nudged inside the doorway. Most of the castle interior appeared safe - besides a few shattered glass panes. Thank Celestia. Finding a seat to rest, Twilight slowly lowered Luna onto the cushioned seat. Her leg was bleeding, but not as profusely, so she didn't need any immediate care. Flocks of guards rounded the halls, passing Luna and Twilight; searching for distressed and injured.
One of the maids to pass, stopped short and quickly ran to them. She was wheezing and in tears, but otherwise uninjured. "Tutter, are you okay?" Asked Luna.
Sure enough Tutter responded to her name. "I'm so glad you're alright Princess Luna! So-So glad". At that she wrapped around the resting princess; bathing her in fresh tears. "It's just so horrible!"
"Don't worry Tutter, all of this will be fixed quicker than-"
"No, not that!" Bringing herself back, she was ready to lose more self-control. "It's Princess Celestia! Something's wrong!"
Inside Celestia's chamber, many stood watch over the princess. Luna, Twilight, Spike - who was found, lost in an eastern wing, building a fort - Tutter, and couple of guards, and a doctor holding a steady hand on the princess. He held her hand for a short while, before moving to her head, and chest - examining the rhythmic tempo of her heart. Sighing, he stepped back to examine a report shortly done up on her condition. On the outside, Celestia looked perfectly fine; however her internal injuries were another matter.
The doctor retrieved a clipboard, looked at it for a few seconds, before placing it back on the stool. "Tutter, was it? Can you please explain again what happened in as much detail?"
Tutter, still shaken, nodded in response. "I was showing the princess the dining room features for the party. Some planners requested her help in their decision. We-we were just talking, nothing else! Th-Then..." She sniffed, ready to break down. Wiping her eyes, she started again. "...Then the glass shattered, and we were thrown onto our feet. Princess Celestia was unconscious, so I figured she took a pretty nasty hit or something". Quickly, she flung onto a nearby maid. There wouldn't be any more coming from her.
Rubbing his worn eyes, the doctor stared at Celestia. He didn't show any emotion. His eyes were dull, showing their age. "Listen-"
"Isn't there anything we can do?" Interrupted Luna. "W-We can force her awake! O-Or-"
"No," he flatly stated.
Luna furiously took a step towards the doctor, falling into her chair shortly after - forgetting her torn leg. "And why not doctor? We should be trying anything possible! This is my sister we're talking about!"
His expression took on a sad demeanor. This only angered Luna more so. "What aren't you saying!?"
"Calm down princess, he's-" Twilight tried to calm Luna, but was forcibly slapped away.
Luna merely wiped away at some fresh tears. The pain in her leg only throbbed every so often, next to the pain in her heart. It would need proper treatment, but for now it was fine. With a slow start, she stood - leaning on Twilight for support. "Please..."
He combed his fingers through the disheveled nest of hair. Looking at Luna, fighting to choose the right words, his lips pursed. "So far," he began. "She is unresponsive to touch or sound. Before you arrived, I conducted a few tests to see how much so. Her heart rate is slow, her breathing stable; she is perfectly fine". Fixing the position of his amber glasses, with one lens cracked. "However that is also the issue. She's not asleep, or unconscious in any average way. I'm afraid my tests have deducted she is...in a coma".
Silence. Luna didn't make a move, until suddenly she was upon the doctor, shouting extremities at him. "What do you mean!? For how long!?"
Painstakingly, two guards reached forth, subduing Luna till she calmed.
The doctor took the brunt of her fists, not reacting, allowing her. "How deep, I don't know. We'll just need to keep an eye on her. There's nothing else we can do". After relaying steps to take, he left; going to aid others in the city. Luna sat silent, shivering, biting her bottom lip until blood drew. Most of the others left, with the remaining few taking Luna to her own room; there she sat in quiet agony. The dark moonlight fading into the shadows.
A light flashed on in the library, contrasting the darkness outside. Luna entered the massive room, full of history spanning back thousands of years. Books stacked high as the ceiling, all filled with ancient text and languages. She became a phantom floating between the ornate shelves. There were three floors worth of literature, with rows reaching either side of the room. Dust glinted in the moonlight, giving an air of ancient mystery to the open room. Long ago, she used to sing a song about the twinkling of the dust, like stars.
Gliding across the room, up the staircase, and around the bend; Luna caressed the books lined up. More dust was found coating the bindings of history long since read. Celestia read, just not as much as Luna. Luna had become an avid reader, passionate when she discovered fiction. Tales of great heroes and adventures yet to be made - that was her passion. Since she returned however, not much free time was made to indulge once more into those vast worlds. Even less now she told herself.
Most of the worn titles she forgot over time. Only a few sparse books - mostly on the founding of Equestria - did she really remember. History however wasn't her main passion. Still, the rows of past battles sung to her, calling to be remembered. One book covered in stunning gems gave the most effort. The green, aged book had a thinly-lettered title; rubbing the surface, it said Starswirl's Guide to the Stars. Seeing the old apprentice's name brought fond memories back.
Why I remember...
BAM
Suddenly the side entrance to the library shut closed. Luna, slightly startled, looked to find the cause. "Oh, it's you".
"That's all you have to say? You really are a heartless Princess of the Night," the figure said.
"Not heartless, merely indifferent," she scoffed.
"Well that seems fine. I heard something shuffling around in here, and thought it to be a rat". He was extremely confident, slyly picking at Luna, almost taunting her. Making his way up the spiral staircase, he caught up to her. "I didn't mean to compare you to a rat, just trying to lighten the mood. Celestia knows we need it after all that happened". He casually flipped the pages of random books as he spoke.
"Yes, well thanks". Luna earlier changed into causal wear consisting of a skirt, overcoat, short-sleeved shirt and another atop that. An emblem of her own cutie mark adorned the top of her shirt, the stitching brightly shining. Casual, at least for her. She kept picking at her jacket as the man spoke, annoyed.
"I heard what happened to Princess Celestia," the nameless man said to no one.
Luna felt a chill run up her back; she gripped her jacket, pulling it closer. "Sister is okay, as far as others are concerned. No one knows when she'll wake".
"And you figure these books will hold clues to her cure?" Luna kept silent; she had come to lose herself, but that wasn't the only reason, as her subconscious thought. "I may not be an expert, but don't quite a few of these contain history, nothing more?"
"That is true. But there are a few dozen on spells. It's a big collection". She wanted more than anything for this awkward conversation to end, and be left alone.
"Indeed," was all he said. Tossing a book he had fiddled with, "don't lose sleep over this". He worked his way back the way he came.
"Oh and Cythe," Luna called out. The mysterious man stopped, hand ready to close the door. "Please show a little more maturity around me, next time". Cythe left without a word, leaving Luna to be with the books again. Her hand caught inside a thick section of the book he tossed to her. On the cover of the chapter, were stones resembling brightly-shone gems. Reading the title, she smirked. "Harmony Stones..."
Three days had passed, and still Celestia’s conditioned didn’t change. The most hopeful glance that she was still alive was her constant shallow breaths. Besides her dreadful state, the repairs to Canterlot begun. Not a single earthquake occurred after the first, so most were in gratitude for that. Slowly but surely, buildings and roads were being brought back to peak condition.
Only one issue remained, and that was the day and night cycle. One of the days lasted five hours longer, as Luna lowered the sun steadily. Unlike the moon, her sister’s sun weighed more; it was vastly different from her usual effort taken; physically exhausting her in the process. Other than the daily action, Luna had rarely been seen – even by her faithful night guards.
Twilight began to dread, eventually believing she should intervene. On a night when Luna’s guard had lowered, she jumped out; this in turn took out a wall, in fright. After that, Twilight learned of the princess’s nightly escapades to the archives, and her study into the Harmony Stones. They were the very stones that gave the Elements their magic; lost in ruins far away.
“But why can’t we use the Elements of Harmony?” Questioned Twilight.
This wasn’t the first time that option crossed her mind; but the truth needed to be said. “When I transformed into Nightmare Moon, a barrier was put on the chamber guarding them. My sister had yet to release that barrier, and now that seems impossible”. Seeing the end, Luna brought the sun up painfully, giving rise to the morning. “The stones however...”
Seemingly a crazy endeavor, Luna had to try anything, regardless of the consequences. She had had enough to think, to plan for anything. Packing her satchel with all the necessities for her journey: a pair of light and heavy clothing, map of the general area and beyond, quill and parchment, and lastly for personal use, the book Starswirl’s Guide to the Stars; deeming it as a good idea she thought, running through the empty halls of the castle; its interior took a much darker feel at night. She slowed a corner, leaping to the staircase before the main entrance. With only a few steps to go, she halted, as Twilight swung out an arm from the shadows. “Princess, what do you think you’re doing?”
Thinking quick, “Going out for a walk of course! I haven’t had a chance to check the repairs out, so if you wouldn’t mind-“
Twilight kept her arm up, blocking Luna’s path. “Really now?” Oh dear. “So then why do you have a bag full of traveling supplies?”
“For others”. The feeble attempt failed, as Twilight place two fingers to her temple, shaking in annoyance. “Didn’t work, huh?”
“Did you really believe no one would notice you missing?”
Luna’s satchel fell out of her grasp, its contents spilling to the floor. She slumped down, both hands holding her face – covering her distress. Twilight was right that her excuse wouldn’t work. There was no point in continuing. Each teardrop left a stain on her unflawed face, a mark of defeat. What am I doing? “Miss Sparkle, how do you think of me?” Was it denial wanting the answer, or just a part of her that wanted resolve?
“I don’t understand princess. Think of you how?”
“It’s not a difficult question, Twilight. How do you think of me? Do you believe me to be just or not?”
Twilight pondered the sudden question. What do I think of her? Luna had been in a silent depression since the incident, to the point she became a recluse. There had been hushed talks she might not be able to perform her duties soon. All the while, here she was, asking a simple question. “Listen princess, I don’t really have an answer for you”. Luna bit on her lips, as Twilight spoke. “You’ve done some bad things in the past, but you’ve also done good! I’m sure you’d like a more thorough answer, but sadly I’m not the one you should be asking. How do you think of yourself, princess?”
...“I don’t have an honest answer either. I’ve tried to make up for past sins, but I can’t! Just look at me now: all I’m doing is blaming myself, because I feel I deserve it. So I suppose...I don’t think too highly of myself”.
“Then I guess, I think of you as a good person,” said Twilight. Luna looked to her in disbelief, as the solemn girl stared to a window, smiling at the hazy reflection of the sun.
Luna felt the warmth of the light hitting her. The sun was wonderful, but not as much as her moon. Once her prison, it became a place to call home. Never neglecting was it to her presence. For a long time, it cheered up her darkest. Yet now, the sun – her sister’s – lifted her spirits much the same. Looking at Twilight, whom also stared at the beauty of the sky. “Are you going to stop me?”
Celestia’s faithful student raised a curious eye. “You didn’t really think I would?”
With a dastardly smile, “No, I don’t suppose so”. Brushing herself off, Luna grabbed her satchel, picking up the fallen contents. “Twilight listen, there’s something I need of you to do while I am away”.
“Anything! What is it?”
“I need you to keep an eye on my sister. Also-“ She said fumbling with a key, and tossing it to her. “I am granting full access to our library”.
“What for?” Asked Twilight, now mistaken at Luna’s intent.
“I need you to find any and all info pertaining to Anathos. It is imperative we find out as much we can”.
“But what makes you think I can information here?”
This time it was Luna’s turn to steal a smile. “It’s a very expansive collection. Good luck Twilight,” she said, waving back. Leaving the castle grounds, she looked to the barely risen ball of gas. Lifting her hand into the air, the sun rose further into the blank sky. The new day brought many concerns for her whereabouts, with the whole castle ready to send a search party for the missing princess. If not for a single letter, they would have gone through with it.
Don’t miss me too much.