Celestia had acted quickly, taking the Imperial siblings up to her chambers and summoning for the Bearers of the Elements with a hastily-provided slew of teleport scrolls. While some semblance of conversation went on among five of the six Bearers and three of the Imperials, Celestia and Luna took Twilight and Template aside.
Managing to look calm as usual despite her inner turmoil, the white alicorn smiled at the grey Equinculus. "Please, Crown Princess, tell me why it is you call me 'mother' and 'the Mother Sun'. I have known many titles, but few have referred to me in ways like those for a very, very long time."
"It's simple, really." Template smiled right back, rather closer to Celestia than most would stand. "The Empire is ruled by us Equinculi, Princess, and for centuries---milennia, even---it has been said that the first Equinculus was made by you. Not only that, but your defeat of Discord allowed alchemy to flourish once again, and thus allowed for the creation of golems to be a possibility and not just a pipe dream. That is why my siblings and I, and our whole empire, see you as our mother. And if you allow me to, that is what I would most like to call you."
Luna's eyes narrowed. "I fear you make yourself too familiar unto the very embodiment of the Sun, m---" She cut off at her sister's shaking head.
"Luna, it's fine..." She smiled down at the undaunted Equinculus. "I know there are many in Equestria who see me as a maternal figure in some way, but it is a rare experience---perhaps even a pleasure---that someone would state it outright. If you wish to call me your mother, Crown Princess Template, then you are welcome to."
Twilight felt her wings tighten a little when Celestia mentioned ponies seeing her as a maternal figure; she knew she couldn't be honest with herself if she denied that she was among them. The Princess had filled that role in her life during the many years spent under her tutelage; after all, her parents had so often been unable to reach her except for mail.
Somehow, the way Template was so blunt and plain about it without having ever met Celestia before was a little unnerving... and yet she couldn't really feel angry at the strange mare. She just seemed so earnest, so happy to be with the Princess...
Template turned her bright jade eyes on the youngest of the three alicorns, still smiling. "Princess Twilight, you have been my mother's student for years, am I right?" Her question caught Twilight off guard; she stammered a little before answering.
"U-um, yes, well, that's right, I---"
"What's it like?" Leaning in, Template wore what might be called a dreamy expression. "Being with her all the time, learning from her, growing under her wing..."
"P-Princess Template, I think maybe you're a little too enthusiastic about this..."
The Equinculus giggled, even closer now. "You even smell like her, Princess Twilight..."
Celestia gently shifted Template back with a forelimb around her shoulders, then glanced at the door with a smile. "My little ponies, it's a lot easier to hear what's going on if you're on this side of the door." Almost immediately, three very familiar little fillies burst through the door.
"Thanks, Mrs. Princess y'r Highness ma'am! ... Wait, um... oh." Apple Bloom's grin faded as she glanced around, realizing that 1) their cover had been blown to the moon and 2) AJ looked like she was going to fall over twice before she even got to give her the talking-to of her life.
Rarity, flustered beyond belief, stammered. "I-I-I---y-your Highnesses, I'm so sorry, I don't have any idea how they got here---"
"Extra teleport scroll!" Sweetie Belle piped up 'helpfully' as Rarity looked apologetically at Celestia, who smiled, even giggling a little.
The goddess's eyes shone warmly down on the Cutie Mark Crusaders as Princess Beta trotted over to them, excited, and set off a round of introductions.
"My little ponies," Celestia leaned down to them with a smile, "I think Princess Beta would prefer to spend some time with you three rather than listen to your sisters talk. Grownups can be so boring, can't they?"
The Crusaders all nodded, both in excitement and agreement. "That's what I've been saying for years---'cept for Rainbow Dash, she's never boring!" Scootaloo glanced over her shoulder at her exasperated hero and occasional mentor. Taking the young Equinculus, the fillies gave the Princesses a little salute before trotting off, bursts of giggles blooming among them.
As Celestia watched Rainbow Dash challenge Princess Chassis to a race, she smiled and wondered if maybe this was for the best, having someone who wanted her to be their mother.
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ARCHIVED HISTORICAL FILE
CATEGORY: EARLY PERIOD
CLASSIFICATION: TABOO. NOTE THAT READING ANY FURTHER WITHOUT EXPLICIT AUTHORIZATION WARRANTS IMMEDIATE DISCORPORATION.
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FILE BEGINS
Day 1.
My head is still so clouded, but I have to be strong for my mother and for all my soldiers. I don't recognize where we are, but it's not anywhere near any place I've seen or been told about. No checkerboard ground here, lots of little sandy islands and salt water. We're going to be okay for a while, but we still need to find fresh water and edible foliage soon.
Every time I look at the troops I have with me, it feels so strange. At first I feel like they're being strong because they're not panicking, but I remember that they probably can't panic in the first place---I'm the only one who can. If I do, they'll follow me as much as they can into that fear. And because of that, I must be strong for them, because I'm the only one capable of being truly strong in that way.
Mother, if you ever read this, I'm trying so hard to be strong and kind and calm like you are.
~
Day 5.
We did it! We found the place we've needed so much! There are two islands side-by-side, joined with a shallow patch of water; we have taken the westmost one, where there is a clearing by a clear pool. The east island will be looked at later, but for now we have our place.
We've started to work on shelters; after all, it could be a little while before Mother finds us again and takes us home. Not that I'd mind coming here again, since it's a beautiful place, but what's important to me is being with Mother and her sister again. We have a lot of work to do for the poor ponies in that wretched land; maybe they could do with some time spent here.
Anyway, the most important thing now is shelter. We've got a few decent huts up already, and since we don't have to sleep as often as a regular pony would we can work through the night sometimes. Hopefully soon we'll have a roof over everypony's head.