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// The Sun, The Moon and The Stars 
// Story: The Sun and her little Sparkle 
// by Dark0592 
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Twilight was once again awoken, but this time it was from something that she vaguely remembered. It was a voice. Well, not really an actual voice, more like somepony was mumbling in their sleep.

She and Luna opened their eyes at the same time. Celestia had to keep herself from bursting out into Laughter as both of their eyes widened.

“You’re awake!” Twilight exclaimed, forgetting they were intertwined and nearly dragging them both off of the bed.

“Well that was quick... I thought I would be out for longer.” Luna said. Her tone was intelligent and wise, but her voice was adorable and high pitched. She used her magic to untangle the two of them. She proceeded to shoot towards Celestia, nearly tackling the towering Alicorn’s head. They both started laughing. A twang of sadness went through her, though, as they embraced. Where did that come from?

It was obliterated when Celestia swept her up in a wing too and for the next minute or so the three of them rejoiced in each other’s embrace.

After that, though, Celestia gathered the two of them up onto her back and proceeded to fetch the other five fillies for breakfast. There was a lot of conversation, though none of it overly important. Mainly they were all just asking Luna random questions. That is, until they finished and Celestia asked a question.

“So tell us, Luna, what exactly happened? Twilight was unsure about it all, so you would be the only one to know.” She asked. Everypony quieted down and gave the filly their attention.

“Ever since I realized that Nightmare Moon wasn’t going to do anything helpful I’ve been taking every chance to fight back. Every single time, though, she would beat me back into submission. Even on the moon, she would not let me regain control. What I know now, which neither of us actually knew all that time, is that you banished the Nightmare and not me. If I were to regain control in full then I would have been able to return.

Unfortunately she was too proud and controlling to let me even wallow in my regrets in my physical form. Not long ago, though, I felt an immensely powerful magical presence. We both did, and we both rejoiced. We both hoped it was our own salvation. Fortunately for me, I was the one who was right.

After that, I started searching through dreams. I would leave as soon as the Nightmare tried to follow me, but one particular dream caught my attention and I couldn’t bring myself to leave. She did not follow, couldn’t actually. I spent a whole night in that dream until I figured out why she couldn’t and I found it to be pure harmonious energy combined with an incredibly powerful pool of magic.

Unbeknownst to me, I had tapped into that harmonious energy and that pool of magic. It was only just a little, but it was enough to take the Nightmare by surprise and nearly defeat her.” Luna explained. At this point, though, she stopped and took a few breaths. She seemed to be calming herself, at least that’s what Twilight thought. They all looked at Luna with worry before she continued.

“That was the first time she ever came that close to ending my life... The only reason she didn’t completely snuff out my existence was because I managed to slip away into the dreamscape, and in her rage she lost track of where I was. I found my way back into your dreamscape, and that’s where she found me. All of her strength went into trying to break through whatever was blocking her, and a bit of her Nightmare managed to slip through. 

Just as the dream warped into a nightmare, though, I felt a massive surge of harmonious magic. That gave me enough power to completely eradicate the nightmare. Revitalized, I had to at least try to return the favor. I banished your nightmare as well and here we are.” She finished explaining. Everypony waited a few moments, probably to see if she would continue, but when it was obvious she would not Twilight hugged her.

“Well thank you for that, and glad I could help.” She said. Luna smiled and hugged her back.

“Hey, hey! We helped too!” Dash exclaimed, jumping into the two to join in. Pretty soon all of the fillies were hugging, even Celestia had enveloped the group hug in her wings. Needless to say it was a big ball of cute just waiting to burst.

And bursted it was. Quill came in, followed by a guard.

“Princess, This is...” She started. The group disengaged the massive hug in an instant and Dash jumped from where she was, even flying to gain speed, as she crashed into the guard.

“Dad! I haven’t seen you in a couple days!” She exclaimed, though instead of worry or sadness her tone was filled with playfulness.

“Yeah, guess so. Maybe I just needed a break from the little ball of energy that is you.” The stallion chuckled, ruffling her mane. Fluttershy flitted up to them and he smiled at her as he got to his feet.

“Princess Celestia, I can’t thank you enough for looking after my Daughter and her friend. I don’t think I could ever repay you.” He said to Celestia, bowing low. Celestia just laughed lightly and walked up to him.

“Cloud Dash, you needn’t ever worry about that. For starters it was for Twilight as well as them. You serve Equestria every day as a royal guard, and that is more than enough compensation.” Celestia explained. He smiled and bowed his head after he stood.

“Thank you. Now, I’m sorry we can’t stay, It isn’t exactly just a few wingbeats to get back, but if Dash and Flutters wants I can always bring them back.” He said to the other fillies. There was general disappointment about them leaving, but general joy about them coming back. Celestia smiled and gave Twilight a wink. She would make it happen if need be.

“Well unfortunately for the rest of you, it’s about time for you to go as well. Families and Guardians are waiting outside.” Quill said. 

That said, all of the little fillies engaged in one more group hug before dispersing, leaving only Twilight, Luna and Celestia in the dining hall.

“It’s too quiet now...” Luna said softly.

“Hopefully that’ll change soon. I think I’ve grown accustomed to having fillies at the palace, and I’ve grown to love the sounds of them having fun, and I tend to keep around things that I like.” Celestia said in a rather playful tone as she stood up. Twilight and Luna got up as well.

“And besides, friendship is magic. You’ll both be seeing a lot of them I should hope. For now, though, I have day court. I’d like the two of you to join me so we can get everything out in the open. Then I’m going to plan a vacation for once. I need to have a nice week to have the both of you to myself, I’ve been much too busy to properly mother you, Twilight, and I don’t want to be a bad sister.” She explained as she led them towards the throne room. “Any objections?” She finished, turning before the door.

“None at all.” The two fillies replied with grins. Celestia grinned back and opened the door.