//------------------------------// // Night // Story: Ascent. Book 1: Twilight // by viwrastupr //------------------------------// Chapter 4: Night Feathers were everywhere: in her mouth, up her nose and smacking her in the side. Before Twilight could react she was hit again by a thrashing wing, throwing her off the bed. She hit the floor with a dull thud. “Ow.” Spitting out the taste of down and feather, she stood up.  More curious and tired than upset, Twilight leaned in to inspect her companion. Celestia was thrashing and twisting in her sleep, her face pained. Twilight thought about waking her up... “Cough.” In the fog of sleep Twilight turned to see Nightmare Moon right behind her, so she did what came naturally to her and investigated her suspicions. It was Princess Luna. “You.” Twilight shook her head, clearing out the cobwebs. “You know you’re not supposed to say ‘cough’ right?” “It seemed appropriate.” Luna said suppressing a laugh. “A joke, we think.” “I thought you were done with the royal ‘we’?” Twilight asked. The more pressing issue of Celestia’s thrashing was set to the side, for the moment. Though Luna seemed unconcerned, it stayed on Twilight’s mental list. “We enjoy our prose.” Luna gestured with grand intent, her tongue sticking out. “And those with whom we might share it with.” She gave Twilight a wink and without warning kidnapped Twilight in her magic, trapping the young pony in a firm hug. A very firm hug. So much so that Twilight was starting to get uncomfortable. “Um. Princess?” “We apologize.” After a quick squeeze she was let go. “We- I wanted to greet you in such a manner since you arrived. It has been a long time since we have seen you. It has also been a long time since we have seen our sister so happy and we wished to express our gratitude.” “Um.” Twilight’s ‘really?’ face reminded Luna that there was still the problem of the nightmare laden mare before them. “Happy?” Princess Luna looked surprised, as if the anguish Celestia was experiencing was a new revelation. The night incarnate decided to change topics by not changing topics. “Allow us to explain. She has told you what it means to be an immortal?” “Yes.” Twilight nodded, then thought back to the night before. “Maybe, I’m not sure. We may have gotten off topic.” A thin trail of blue magic spread out from Luna, caressing Celestia and showing care for her sister. “A normal life is a very long time, Twilight. Time enough to make friends, loves, and know loss. Plenty of time to get lost within one’s self and to come back out again and again.” With the gentle touch of her sister’s magic, Celestia’s thrashing eased, her expressions of strain and effort remaining. “No pony should ever know the horrors of war, but some do,” Luna continued. “No pony should ever see their friends die, but many do. No pony should outlive the love of their life.” “But Celestia has” Twilight finished, putting the pieces together. “All of those, over and over.” Her empathy for her princess was growing by the day and it was not helping her get over her crush at all. “She has taken a love three times,” Luna stated. “If she did not during my long absence.” “There isn’t any mention of it in the history books.” Twilight would know: she’d checked. “There would be mention if she had my little pony.” Luna laughed, an unexpected comfort for Twilight. Silver bubbles of magic flowed out the alicorn’s horn in time with her laughs, disappearing into Celestia. The Princess’s face relaxed. Twilight’s head told her she should be excited to be learning so much and seeing dream magic before her eyes, but her heart was becoming more and more distressed. Luna took Twilight in her wing, this hug more expected and welcome than the last. “Celestia and I have each taken to immortality in different ways,” Luna continued. “She has a difficult time remembering and while it keeps her experiences fresh and new, she feels very guilty for forgetting and is left with voids where there were once memories of friends. I worry the most about how this plagued her while I was gone.” Different types of immortality flew through Twilight’s thoughts. Was there always a weakness? Or was weakness even the right term? Could it be a personality trait? She turned to Luna, looking up from under the Princess’s wing. “If she can’t remember, what can’t you do?” Luna tittered. “Ah, but it is not that I can’t, it’s that I do remember. I remember everything. I can still remember the way mother’s hair floated in the wind when she said goodbye. The names of every pony who has come close to me, and every secret and hope I once held dear are right next to what I had for breakfast today.” As soon as her words turned to herself the Princess held on close to Twilight. “My burden often attaches me to the past and I forget about the present.” Even socially awkward Twilight knew when to give out a hug and she held Luna tight. “I’m sorry,” she said. “Which is why you’re so special Ms. Sparkle.” Luna whispered. ”Celestia wrote me letters while I was gone, so many that I’ve barely had time to scratch at their number, and now you write to her. You are her closest friend.” Am I? Twilight thought. It certainly hadn’t felt like it the last couple days. “Why am I here Luna?” “It’s a test,” The night responded. ”An absurd, but effective one. In the past when ponies have declared their adoration for Celestia she has done much the same as now, taken them close and watched them fall away from her.” “But-” Her eyes watered. “Then why does she push me away? Why does she ignore our friendship?” The wing around Twilight caressed her lightly and luna met her eyes, an unexpected and gentle smile on the Princess’s face. “The other part of her test is to allow Celestia to determine what she feels for you, but it seems she has forgotten that part.” “A-a-and-” Twilight wanted to strangle her stutter. “And if she doesn’t care for me?” Luna’s laugh was so loud that Twilight worried Celestia would waken, but her princess didn’t stir. On the contrary, the bubbles of magic flowed from Luna again, causing Celestia to relax into a deep slumber. “Twilight Sparkle, thou art a brilliant, dense star.” Before Twilight could respond the balcony terrace shuddered with a great THUMP. Special moment cast aside, Luna’s defensive shield immediately surrounded the three ponies. Celestia stayed in her peaceful sleep. Upon investigation Twilight blushed nervously. The cause of the noise had been an oven, three bags of flour, eggs and various other cooking devices and ingredients along with a very plain wooden box. They had fallen on the terrace after being teleported in green smoke.  “I wanted Spike to deliver me something in secret. I only asked for one thing, but I think Pinkie Pie might be involved.” “I see...”  A happy shine glossed over Luna’s eyes. “This might be to our advantage.” *   *   * A pleasant scent teased Celestia to consciousness. The smell of baked bread and confectionary filling her nostrils set her mind at ease as the sunlight warmed her fur. Sunlight!? Sleep’s spell was broken by her inability to set her duties to ‘off’. That’s my job. “Luna! What is the meaning of-” Though she wore her royal voice, yelling proved impossible. She was sleepy, unable to see, grumpy, but oh so happy to think about eating freshly baked goods. “Good morning, sister.” Princess Luna’s chipper voice greeted. Her kind smile was Celestia’s waking vision.  “You looked tired last night so I took the liberty of raising the morning sun, but now you better rise and shine if you want some muffins!” Explaining herself wasn’t as important important to Princess Luna as continuing to bake, thus she excused herself  to go back to the terrace. In stark contrast to Celestia’s memory of the night before there was now a makeshift kitchen upon her balcony. This food, the surprise of her sister, and a morning with ponies that welcomed her was not at all what she had expected after last night. Twilight surprising her made her uncomfortable, doubly so because it had become a regular occurrence. “I mph mnphmks,” Twilight spoke around a cupcake pan laden with tasty treats. She set the pan down on her bed with a grin. “Do you want some?” Her faithful student looked the worse for wear, being covered in powders and sleepless, yet strangely gleeful. The apron tied around Twilight’s front, the cupcakes laid upon the bed, and her former pupil’s large, hopeful eyes made Celestia’s heart titter at the cuteness. She had to keep herself from leaning forward and taking a nibble. “Twilight-” “We need to talk.” Twilight said it first, though her face was happy for a pony who said those ominous words. “I like you Celestia.” “Don-” Celestia’s mouth became stuck like glue, her words sealed by her sister. Luna may have been slaving away making the best cake ever, but the Princess still snooped. “As I was saying,” Twilight giggled. Did they plan this? Celestia accused internally. “I like you. Not just your serious royal time face, or the Perfect princess, the wonderful teacher, prankster or tired immortal, or the hurt love. Or any of a million personalities, masks or identities that you are and I could list.” Despite that there was a tone of melancholy to her words, Twilight smiled wide. “I care for all of them, all of you. Princess-” Worshipping child, Celestia’s thoughts began. “Fluffybutt.” Or... not, Celestia finished. “Now,” Twilight proudly exhaled. She seemed more interested in mixing dough than making eye contact, not that Celestia wanted to meet her eyes. “I know you have a heavy heart and you’re probably confused, and this confusion is what’s been leading you to ignore our friendship... I hope. But, anyways, I want you to know that I’m- I’m happy.” She certainly doesn’t sound happy, Celestia thought. The dough was long stirred, but Twilight kept on running her spoon around the bowl, hooves jittering. “You have my affection whether you like it or not and I’m happy to be a-able to give it to you. I’m happy that you’ve asked me here to spend time with you. I’m happy to know you and to care for you, e-even from afar, though I’d rather be your friend. I miss my friend, Celestia.” The soft clinking of Twilight's hooves on the bowl stopped when she wiped her eyes. Though Celestia’s lips were no longer sealed she couldn’t bring herself to speak. ”Even if it makes me sadder than I’ve ever been,” Twilight all but whispered. ”I’m happy Tia. Because I’ve read... so many books... I’ve read and I know that sadness isn’t a bad thing.” She sniffled, the mixing abandoned and tears falling into the bowl. “It means there was something incredible and happy that you had to be sad about a-and when I’m gone I hope I make you sad too. Really really sad, b-because at least that means I made you happy.” The realization of what Celestia had been doing and trying to do to her fai- to her friend, pierced her to the bone. It didn’t help that Twilight was crying at the end of her bed. That’s your friend Celestia, at least she used to be. Are you happy about that? she thought to herself. “Twi-” “W-w-well th-this is r-ruined”, Twilight sobbed. “Princess Luna has b-been the better baker anyways.” “Twilight I-” “It has been a thousand years since we have cooked,” Luna interrupted, returning to her side bread in hoof. Celestia hadn’t put together a complete sentence since the day began and she let it slide that her interruptions weren’t quite over. “You’ll forgive my enthusiasm?” Princess Luna asked. The words ‘for our interruptions more than the baking’ hid between the lines unspoken, though everypony heard them. The goddess of the sun sighed. Torrents of all the things she told herself she would figure out later were crashing down upon her. What had happened in the hall when Twilight shocked her rump? Why had Twilight rolled around in laughter in court when any other pony would have been embarrassed to mutter a peep? Why did it feel like she was wearing a mask when she was supposed to be doing the opposite? Her plan wasn’t working. For Twilight it would never work. Why that was, she still didn’t know but she thought it was time she answered all those questions nagging at her heart. “No more rules Twilight.” She decided. “Not now or ever. It was unfair of me to impose their falseness upon you.” “Then can I... would you like me to call you Tia?” Ever hopeful Twilight Sparkle. Though her body was exhausted and sad her eyes still contained a glimmer of hope that touched Celestia so. “I need some time to think.” A direct yes or no would have been a lie either way. Celestia didn’t know what she wanted. “Luna.” Celestia being encumbered by her blankets did little to prevent her sister from taking her in a grand hug. “Please take care of Twilight for today and I will... do what I must.” *   *   * Pinkie Pie was eating cake. At least she thought it was cake, but it had a reeeeeally strange taste to it, and weren’t cakes supposed to be sweet? It felt rough, like what happens when she accidentally eats the cupcake without taking off the paper. Oh! It was paper. She must have forgotten to take the paper off the cake... But cakes don’t have paper. It tasted more like ink too, you know, something that had been written on. It was a letter! Pinkie Pie was eating a letter. It would be a good idea to spit it out, she thought, ‘cause it tasted important. She uncrumpled the frosting covered parchment to give it a read. Dear Pinkie Pie, WHAT THE HAY WERE YOU THINKING? Sending an OVEN through Spike’s flame to the Princess’s room in the middle of the night? What if it had fallen on her? What if she had woken up? Pinkie thought back in time. There they were, about to bake a cake so that Twilight would have something sweet to go with her box, when Dash surprised Pinkie with a flour monster. Then Pinkie surprised Spike with a scream and FWOOSH, half the kitchen was gone! Mr. and Mrs. Cake hadn’t thought it was funny either. Why did Twilight need that box anyways? It was only full of- Wait! That’s a secret. Pinkie laughed. Well, it didn’t fall on her and she didn’t wake up and... as chance would have it Princess Luna is an excellent baker. She and I stayed up all night making baked goods, though I didn’t get the consistency right on anything when I started. The directions weren’t clear on what exactly was meant by measuring, kneading or beating and the flexible time limit leaves too much to chance. Though by mid-morning I managed to make cupcakes all on my own! To get to the point, the lesson I learned from you and Princess Luna is a very valuable one on friendship. I learned that friends can still help you be happy when you’re sad. That you should welcome their good intentions into your heart and lean on them for warmth, even when you’re cold. I know this is something you do every day for other ponies Pinkie Pie and you’re the best at it so this letter is yours. Princess Celestia may have forgotten about our friendship, but I still have Princess Luna and all of you. You always keep me together, sometimes in spite of myself. After baking and a lot of talking with Luna I told Celestia everything. Not just that I care for her but how and why, and I like to think you gave me the courage to do that. Through some flour and sugar and not an old box of trinkets. Pinkie Pie, I don’t know what you’re thinking right now, something fun and happy as usual, I bet. I wish I could be there and hug you and tell you thanks for being you. Love, Your Faithful Friend, Twilight Sparkle Pinkie Pie was, in fact, not thinking of something fun and happy, but instead let loose the quietest little tears of her life. Making other ponies happy came through no small effort of her own and doing something this special for a friend, even if by accident, was what made it all worth it. Pinkie had her own box and this letter was definitely going in it, between a pair of rocks, some candycorn from a dress, and nestled on top of a hoof-ful of decayed confetti.   She put it in her head to give back this smile Twilight had given her and to do so she came up with an idea: an awful, wonderful idea. *   *   * Sun Goddess Celestia, Angel of the Seven Armies and her royal majesty was eating cupcakes. Not just any cupcakes All of the cupcakes. They were terrible, crispy and overcooked and she didn’t know why she had scarfed down so many, she thought to herself. Well, maybe she had a small inkling why and there might have been a reason that she tried to hide from herself. But just a little one. These were Twilight’s cupcakes, hoof-baked by her faithful friend. Celestia was long past being full and it was long past breakfast, but still the Princess sat in bed, savoring her very last cupcake with a crunch. She let herself get lost in the memories of her once but no longer pupil. There was a little filly cheery and happy, overwhelmed to go to magic school at all let alone to be the Princess’s Personal Protege. That filly became much taller all of a sudden to Celestia. A confident young mare more skilled in magic than ponies twice her age, yet still searching, still seeking more knowledge. It was a thirst that continued to deepen as she grew older. Before Celestia could stop her, Twilight had grown into a determined adult, out to prove herself for her ‘Princess’. No, that isn’t right, is it? Celestia thought. The Princess, feeling like an overstuffed turkey, came to a strange realization. All along she had thought her student was motivated by a misguided purpose of proving herself to Celestia. The crush had proved that. But now that she thought on it, did the image of Twilight working only for Celestia hold a grain of truth? The crush was certainly an incentive and a drive for Twilight, but the more Celestia thought about it the less likely it seemed that Twilight was a fawning worshipper. The scorch mark on her rear was evidence enough of that. Does she care for me? Not the lie I thought, the adoration of a misguided pupil, or the lust of a pony denied? It hurt to consider. I don’t know... Celestia thought. What am I doing? I have court to get to! But first, maybe she would try some of that bread. *   *   * A warm blanket and a soft bed were all the taking care of Twilight needed for the rest of the morning. After her recuperating rest, she and Princess Luna shared a meal of their own creation  The Princess of the Night imparted knowledge on history and chatted in general, anything to distract Twilight from why her heart ached. It worked, for a time. Twilight’s nerves were calmed by Princess Luna. She was similar to her sister, playful and clever, but there were differences as well. Luna had a more shy nature about her, secluding their conversation from even the royal guard in a private study room. But there was an intimacy in her one on one conversations with Twilight. She had been relaxed and open the entire time Twilight was there, a big change from her unsure nature of Nightmare Night. Despite Luna’s best efforts, Twilights thoughts turned inwards. “I’m still worried about Celestia,” she said after a long silence.. Luna sipped her tea. “Of course you are, little Twilight. Your entire life hangs in the balance and there’s nothing you can do about it.” That was a challenge to Twilight. “What if I write her a letter? Or- or I could stop in just for a little just to see how she’s doing. Or what she’s thinking. Oh! I could make a list of the pros and cons of-” Across the table from her rambling Princess Luna was smirking. It isn’t a challenge, Twilight sighed inwardly, looking at her companion. “There’s nothing?” “Not a single thing, my little pony.” Once more the air peppered with cracks as Luna stood and stretched, looking much like a cat. “It’s her heart and she’s the only one who can feel it.” A pang of fear ran through Twilight as the Princess began walking away. She didn’t want to be left alone. Luna turned. ”How would you enjoy access to the library’s more private alcoves?” Twilight dropped her tea. *   *   * Celestia’s stomach was full to bursting. Why did Luna have to be so good at baking? Where did her sister even get parmesan in the middle of the night? Court had come and gone yet there she lay, struggling with the blankets as much as her thoughts. Twilight Sparkle, the Princess couldn’t get her former pupil out of her mind. Twilight had cared for her and not with any old feelings of warmth and friendship, but held her in deep affection. Not a mask even, her. Celestia. How did the student even know who she was? She hadn’t given up that much in an attempt to drive her student away. Had she? None of it made sense to Celestia and she couldn’t believe it. You formed a bond of friendship, you senile old mare, she chided herself. What did you expect to happen? Celestia remembered loving teaching the small pony and admiring Twilight as she grew up. Always feeling close. Very close. She had let her barriers down to drive Twilight away, but had instead come ever closer, but how close? As much as she didn’t want to consider it, she had to figure out how she felt about her long time student. The last thing she wanted to do was break Twilight’s heart by jerking her around and being wishy washy. Will you miss her when she’s gone? Celestia started a conversation with her thoughts, a comforting method she developed to solve problems during Luna’s thousand year absence. “Yes, of course.” There was no question to her that Celestia missed each and every one of her friends when they passed, let alone her students. More than the usual pupil? her thoughts probed further. Looking ahead to when Twilight would die caused a pang in her and she closed her eyes. “Much more,” she said in solemn resignation. Twilight was a close friend. The recent abuse of that friendship made her sick to her stomach. Do you like her? “I don’t know,” she replied honestly. Do you enjoy her company? she thought, trying to narrow her definition of ‘like’ down. She laughed at her own absurdity. “Yes! She’s adorable! Smart, silly, and playful, just like... just like Luna was.” Yes, you like her as a student, but do you want to do more things with her? The implications that ‘things’ brought made her blush, “be specific.” Teach, or share your close personal secrets with, or take time out of your day to make hers better, or hold close at night. “Yes on the first,” she responded, creating a list. “For far too long on the second. Very yes on the third. For the last-” She hesitated, chewing her lip. The once noble Princess was terrified to even consider what would happen if she answered that question or what it would mean. You enjoy nuzzling her, the part of her that was playing devil’s advocate wouldn’t stop. She cursed her determination. “That doesn’t count,” She rebutted. “I nuzzle plenty of-” No she didn’t, she reminded herself, just Twilight and Luna. “But still, it’s platonic in every sense. All of it.” Be realistic, Celestia, you had to resist nibbling her ears this morning! She hung her head in shame. “Twilight has cute ears and with the way she was looking at me I was simply considering that they could stand for a little nibble, but that’s only because they’re cute.” You aren’t fooling yourself. “Sh-shut up.” An angry stutter left her lips. Even if she didn’t want to admit it, her persistent conscience was right and she knew it. Her horn shimmered and lowered the sun, thoughts further away from her duties than ever. *   *   * “Do I go back to her tonight?” Twilight said from around her book on pegasai origins and myths. The entire day had passed with Twilight immersed in books, study, and magic in the wing of the Canterlot archives that was normally reserved for Princesses. Blue light shimmered like glass in front of Princess Luna in an experiment with her protection spell. “What do you think?” Twilight wanted to go, to try and be there for Celestia as much as she could, but she knew the answer before it came from her lips. “No, I don’t, but I want to. I don’t think I’d be too intrusive to stay here in Canterlot, though.” Her words were a request for permission. “At least until this is decided.” “You may reside in our quarters this evening,” Luna offered. “It was designed for both princesses after all.” There had to be a story behind that and it piqued Twilight’s curiosity, but something more personal was on her mind. “I’m not comfortable-” A playful giggle stopped her mid sentence and Luna put up a hoof. “If it helps to know, dear Twilight: there are separate beds.” Luna smirked. “And you would be staying in hers.” “Yes!” Her excitement overrode any apprehensions she might have had, leaving her cheeks red with embarrassment. Princess Luna’s prompting had had its desired effects and she snickered. “You are a member of the family Twilight. I think so, even if Celestia has yet to make up her mind. Thus why you are welcome here, and in our studies and chambers.” “What?” Luna’s gesture had come out of nowhere and it was difficult, even absurd for Twilight to believe. The alicorn giggled. Again. Twilight was becoming tired of her secrets and hidden meanings behind everything. At least with Celestia Twilight could read and understand between the lines, but Luna had an entirely different aura of mystery. “What do you mean?” “My dear Twilight.” Luna grabbed her in yet another hug. “I wouldn’t ruin the surprise for all the stars in the sky.” *   *   * After a long day of caring for animals Fluttershy was looking forward to a nice long rest. Some kind of rough texture was stuck between her covers and brushed against her leg, but no bother, she could just ignore it. Her thoughts turned to the days ahead. Pinkie had invited her to sugarcube corner tomorrow and she had definitely been plotting something. The sensation kept rubbing, the corners digging in, but she wasn’t going to let it get to her. Just, maybe she could move it a little? Fluttershy reached down and retrieved the... parchment, was it? Upon discovering Twilight’s seal, she immediately burst out of bed, hugging it to her. Rainbow Dash had told her that Twilight was sending out letters, but she didn’t expect one after her embarrassing outburst at the party. Shy was happy to be remembered. Dear Fluttershy, I used to question your decision to stay back and out of the way. Today I learned a valuable lesson in doing just that, for today I did nothing with Celestia. I’m waiting. I laid my heart out to her this morning and now Celestia has to make up her mind to figure out what to do with me. Specifically whether or not she’s my friend. Or cares for me. Oh goddess I want her to! But no amount of convincing, talking or gifting will sway her. I have to hope. Hope that at least I can have my friend back. Fluttershy, I’m scared. What if she doesn’t like me anymore? What if she never liked me? I worry so much. You know I like to be in control and have each and every aspect of a situation under my hoof. I do whatever I can to solve problems, but there’s nothing at all I can do right now. So I’ve learned that sometimes you must let your friends come to their own decisions, even when those decisions impact you the most. Sometimes you have to wait. Your faithful friend, Twilight Sparkle P.S. What is it like to fly? She was nervous, apprehensive and terrified of what would happen next, but Fluttershy put it all aside to reply to Twilight. Her friend needed her, even if the question was strange and out of the blue. Dear Twilight, I don’t mean to intrude but... I’m sure things will be fine with you and Princess Celestia. She has always been there for you. Flying is... well... maybe Rainbow could answer this question better. I always like to be close to the ground and only really fly when I have to or when I’m not paying attention, but... It’s like being away from the whole world, but getting to explore it at the same time. You.. I mean.. Me... I-I am very happy to be able to fly. Sincerely, Fluttershy Her wings flapped on her way to the mailbox. Shy smiled.