by UhOh
***
“Are you planning on facing me at any point in this venture or should I expect to be hounded by your shadow?”
A sigh issued from nearly a dozen pony lengths away. The noise carried easily in the doldrums of the Dead Lands. Twilight Sparkle shimmered into view; a familiar, vaguely-exasperated look dominated her face. “It would have been easier for us both if you had continued the charade and pretended not to notice me.”
Despite herself Celestia felt a surge of affection for her former student well up within her chest—a warm balm that urged her to forgive and embrace her dear friend. However personal wants never took precedence over the needs of her ponies and the affection did little to temper the steely resolve of her next words. “You violate the terms of your banishment, Twilight Sparkle.”
Twilight trotted forward soundlessly before stopping a respectful distance from her target. “Technically the realms of Tartarus aren’t part of Equestria and anyways I entered by way of a gate in the Zebra Confederation so not to worry your Word stands inviolate, Celestia.” The mare shrugged easily, seemingly unencumbered by the bulging saddlebags resting on her back. Tired, purple eyes roved the expanse the sun princess’s face, perhaps recommitting the nuances to memory. “It’s good to see you again.”
Celestia refused to be drawn into pleasantries. Her expression flattened and her ears twitched in evident displeasure. “Why are you here?”
“I’m not without my friends in the court, y’know. Luna came to me two nights ago and told me about what was happening—not that she needed to, mind you. When folk stopped being able to die most figured something was amiss. She also told me about your plans.”
A pale brow rose slightly. Incredulously. “She asked you to watch over me?”
“She told me you’d forbidden anypony to accompany you—fortunately I’ve grown quite familiar with the concept of insubordination these last few months.”
“Oh, longer than that, I’d say.” Celestia chimed in mildly. The pleasant tone could not disguise the sudden spike in tension between the two ponies.
Twilight choose to ignore the barb. It was neither the time nor the place to have this discussion no matter how much she wanted to plea her case once more. “Time is of the essence. Don’t you think we should be moving along?”
Celestia stood unmoved. “You know what a mortal risks when entering the Death Realms. You know why I refused to let any others take this risk.” The great white mare closed the distance between them in an instant and loomed over Twilight as she pressed on insistently. “There can be no Elysium for a mortal soul should its host perish in Tartarus.”
“I’m aware,” Twilight said shortly, forcing a lightness to her step as she resumed the trek, “and here I am.”
“Why? Why, after everything that’s happened, why do you still come when I need you? Why would you risk this?”
Twilight stopped walking but refused to turn around. Instead she allowed herself a sad smile at the concern in her princess’s voice. “You know why.”
“Tell me.”
A multitude of responses were birthed into existence in the scholar’s mind, each examined and rejected in turn. Before Twilight’s brain could determine the best and most logical response her heart wrested control of the mouth and spoke for her. “Because I’m Twilight Sparkle and you’re Princess Celestia; where you go I follow.”