//------------------------------// // MLP: Lunar's Return pt 3 // Story: MLP: Lunar's Return // by Lunar_Star //------------------------------// The early morning sun slowly rose into the sky and beams of its light shone through the trees and directly onto my face as though it were trying to wake me, which it did. Slowly I had opened my eyes and yawned deeply. Getting to my hooves I stretched out my legs and wings and looked about the house. I had notice Zecora was still asleep so I walked over to her and kissed her cheek before grabbing my cloak and heading out the door. The sun’s rays cut through the branches of the trees as I made my way back to Ponyville. As I was drawing closer to town I noticed a young mare dragging a large cart full of apples behind her. She didn’t seem to have much trouble with the load from what I could tell which would have made sense; earth ponies are the most robust kind of pony you would ever meet. I watched as she pulled up to a stand on the side of the main street heading into the heart of the town and began to set up her stand. She was a slightly orange color with strikingly blonde mane and tail. Her long mane was tied at the end with a red ribbon and atop her head sat what I could only say was a cowpony hat. Her cutie mark was that of three red apples and her eyes were purest of green. It was then that it hit me; she was one of the Apple Family. The Apple Family is known throughout all of Equestria for the delectable apples that they grow. In recent years I had only met three members of this wide spread family. At one point I worked on one of their orchards for a time. I learned how much care and dedication they put into their stock, even when it came to harvesting them. I was about to approach her stand when from the corner of my eye I caught a light blue blur coming dead for me. I didn’t have time to react before I was basically tackled and sent hurdling into the bushy enclosure and out of sight. When I came to my vision was a bit blurred and I had felt a draft. It was then I realized my cloak was missing and I looked around frantically for it. The sound of clopping hooves drew closer and then was joined by a second set. “Rainbow are you ok?” “Argh yeah I think so. I don’t know what the hay happened. That trick never fails.” I heard the two voices just behind the bush which shielded me. “Hey whose cloak is this?” “I think it belongs to that colt I slammed into. He should be around here somewhere.” Damn, damn damn I was going to be found out. As I looked for a way to hide my wings, the wind whooshed past me and I knew that they were behind me. “Hey mister I think this clo…oh wow.” I turned fast to see that a cyan coated pegasi was floating right in front of me. Her mane and tail were wild and unkempt. They also rainbow colored. Her cutie mark was that of a cloud and a rainbow colored bolt. “Rainbow did you find… whoa nelly.” The mare I had seen earlier peeked her head in through the bushes before stepping forward. I sighed deeply as I was found out. “Yes that is indeed mine and no you two are not seeing things. I am as I appear.” They both stared at me for a moment with their jaws open before the earth pony spoke. “Just who are you mister?” “Yeah and why were you coming from the Everfree Forest?” Using my magic I had removed the cloak from the Pegasus and placed it back upon myself so that my wings were hidden once more. “If I tell you, you must promise me that this will not go any further the three of us understood?” They both nodded. “My name is Lunar Star. My friends call me Moon. Yes I am an alicorn and no the princesses do not know I am here. I left Canterlot a very very long time ago for reasons I cannot tell you. Though I regret my choice, it was mine to make. I was coming from the forest because a very close friend of mine lives there. A zebra by the name of Zecora.” “But wait a minute if you left, what made you come back?” The earth pony asked. “Well miss...” “AppleJack and the one that hit you is Rainbow Dash.” I figured it fitting that one of the apple family to have a connection to the crop they harvest. “Well Miss AppleJack and Miss Rainbow Dash the answer is quite simple. I don’t rightly know. At first I was asked by Zecora’s mother to check up on her daughter and see how she was but the more I thought about it the more I realized that I had returned for my own reasons.” “And those reasons are?” The Pegasus asked before she landed on the ground. I shook my head. “I am sorry Miss Dash but I can’t tell you. By rights I should not have told you all that I have but I can see that you two can be trusted so I must ask you to please not mention this to any pony. If you must call me anything, call me Moon. Rarity and Twilight already know who I am but they don’t know what I am and I would like to keep it that way till such time as I am ready to show myself.” They looked at me then to each other then back to me. “We promise we won’t tell any pony your secret.” “Thank you Miss AppkeJack.” I watched as the earth pony turned around. “Come on sugarcube. I think it best we go back to what we were doing.” It rainbow mane Pegasus nodded before joining her. “Wait a moment. I was going to ask you if there is a library in town here. There is much I do not know about this place and would like to find out more.” The two stopped before they looked at me. “Well Twilight’s place is just down at the other end of that street there. It’s the only library in Ponyville.” I looked to the street Rainbow had pointed to and thanked them both for their help and headed down the road. Again as before, ponies waved to me as I passed by to which I returned the gesture. As I made my way through the town I stumbled upon Rarity heading my way. I had seen that she noticed me because she walked right up to me. “Well good morning Moon, how are you this today?” “Well I’m alive so that’s saying something but for the most part I am doing well. Yourself?” I asked with a smile. “Well I was just coming back from the dry cleaners. I had them take out a stain on one of my favorite dresses. Which reminds me, since I am seeing you again today were you able to find a place to stay?” I nodded my head to her question. “Zecora offered me her home till such a time as I get one of my own.” The unicorn mare smiled to me, as if she were happy that I was staying. “So where are you headed to now?” I had told her that I was going to the library to try and see if I might catch up on any events that might have gone on with my absence. I could not tell her how back I wished to know, just that I did so. We conversed for a time before we went our separate ways and I was on my way back to the library. It didn’t take long though as I was soon standing outside a large tree home. The tree was quite robust for its size. Three different balconies sat within its branches, with the highest most one having a telescope. It was obvious that was used as a sort of observatory. There were many windows and the door was decorated with a candle. A side stood just to the side of the door and showed the picture of a book. I walked up to the door and gave it a bit of a knock. The door was soon opened by a baby dragon. I couldn’t believe it, a baby dragon that lived among us? I knew from experience that dragons were dangerous if approached without an offering. Most were nothing more than greedy brutes but this one was different, he didn’t snarl or bare his fangs or even breathed fire. “Can I help you?” “Oh yes I was wondering if Miss Twilight was in?” The dragon nodded and allowed me entry before calling up a flight of stairs. I heard the sound of clopping hooves before the unicorn descended the stairs. “Oh good morning Moon, what brings you here?” “I was told that this was the only Library in town so I came to see if I might procure a tome from you.” I could see that I had confused the young dragon as he scratched his head. “A tome?” “He means a book Spike; tome is another word for book.” She looked to the dragon as she spoke then turned her gaze back to me. “Well sure we have lots of books, what kind did you have in mind?” “I was hoping you might have a tome of Equestria’s history over the last thousand years or so. I am an avid reader and history was one of my passions.” My words seemed to spark a fire deep within the unicorn as her eyes lit up. “I have just the thing, wait here.” With quick action she walked over to a shelf and pick a book from the highest one. She then walked back over to me and by using her magic, had it float just before me. “I have read this one so many times it’s a wonder I’m not a historian.” I had taking the book from her using my own magic and placed it within my saddle bag under my cloak. “There is even a tale about an Alicorn stallion named Lunar Star. It’s one of my favorite parts.” I froze as she mentioned my name. “There is even a drawing of him. He looked a lot like you but you’re a Unicorn so it might just be coincidence.” Sweat dripped from my cheek. It was bad enough that two ponies knew who I was. I was a bit hesitant to continue the conversation until she seemed convinced that I was a unicorn. I chuckled nervously. “Yes that might be just what it is, a coincidence. At any rate I’ll return it once I am done with it. Thank you Twilight.” With that I had quickly left and headed for a park I seen on the way there. The park was not far and I was able to find a bench in order to sit on. I reached into my bag and pulled the book from it. I opened it up and began to read. “The first ruler of Equestria was the spirit of chaos known as Discord. The ponies of that time were locked in misery till three Alicorns were able to overthrow Discord. While distracting Discord, Lunar Star and Princess Luna gave her sister Celestia enough time to form a spell to contain the spirit of chaos within a statue for all time and thus bring harmony to the land.” I sighed deeply remembering that time, back then Discord was a menace. All he did was the land his play thing. Well we saw to his downfall once and for all. I had continued to read. “An age later the younger of the royal sisters grew resentful of her elder sibling. For although the ponies of Equestria worked and played in the bright sunlight that her sister brought. The ponies would sleep through the night that she worked so hard to make.” “Oh Luna you should know that was not true.” Finding my place once more I continued. This resentment opened up her heart to hatred and turned her into a wicked mare of darkness b the name of Nightmare Moon. The eldest, knowing that her sister would no longer listen to reason, used the powers of the Elements of Harmony and banished her into the moon. But she did not stay there, for upon the thousandth year of the Summer Sun Celebration, she was set free.” “Luna why did you turn your back to us?” It hurt my heart to know that Luna allowed herself to feel such a thing as hate. “Upon her return, she was soon defeated by the new bearers of the Elements of Harmony and thus returned to her true form.” Breathing a sigh of relief I continued to read. I suppose that answers my questions I had on things for the most part. I had placed the book within my bag and left the park, walking back to the library. It was soon though that I felt a rush of wind. It was so strong that it blew my hood back up and over my head. Thinking it was nothing but the wind I continued on but the sound of hooves touching done stopped me. I looked about as ponies on either side of me bowed their heads low. It was then that I knew who it was that stood behind me. As I tried not to notice, I started to walk away but that was until another pony landed in front of me, it was Luna. “Please, do not run. We merely wish to talk with you, I had gotten word that you were here in Ponyville and left immediately.” The voice came from behind me and I knew just who it was by the tone. “If you wish to talk I was just heading back to the library to return a tome I had barrowed. It’s out of sight and the unicorn there knows me.” I could not see behind me and the hood was keeping most of my facial features from being seen. Luna nodded her head and the two of them followed me back to the library. I had knocked on the door once more and it was Twilight that had answered this time. “Oh you done with the book already?” I had stepped inside and the two royal sisters followed close behind me. Remembering the location of the book that Twilight had gotten for me I took it from my bag and using my magic, placed it back in its spot then turned to face the three of them. Twilight for the most part was trying to the princess’s attention but the both were focused on me. “Is it true? Have you come back to us at last?” I heard the elder sister ask. “I am not sure what you mea…” Celestia had abruptly cut me off. “Don’t play games with us. For too long you have been gone, too long have we had no idea why you left or where you went. I had my guards scour all of Equestria looking for you till we had no choice but to give up and now after a thousand years you finally return and try to pretend as if I do not know whom you are? Lunar.” It was then that I saw Luna’s as well as Twilight’s eyes grow wide. “Sister is thou saying that thy stallion standing before us…is Moon?” Luna looked up to her older sister with what I could only tell was desperation. Long ago Luna and I were very close, so close in fact that I had always seen her as a sister rather than my charge. I had taken a deep breath and slowly pulled back my hood. Once my face was shown to them, Luna’s face lit up like the moon itself. “Sister, sister it is, its Moon.” The younger of the two sisters bound her way over to me and nuzzled against my chest to which I nuzzled her head. A soft squee seemed to come from the little alicorn. “Luna please come back.” Reluctantly she did as her sister asked and returned to her side. “Why did you leave us Lunar? What possible reason could there have been to abandon your post?” I had not made eye contact even when I heard Twilight speak. “I’m sorry for cutting in but Princess, who is this?” In her state of mind, Celestia had forgotten that Twilight was even there to begin with. “Forgive me Twilight. This is Lunar Star; long ago he was Luna’s and my champion as well as our closest friend. But one day he had just left suddenly without any word and we have not seen him since.” Twilight was floored. The stallion she had read about in her books. Equestria’s first Knight was standing before her in her home and she didn’t even know it. “I had my reasons Tia.” I tilted my head and still made no eye contact. I was ashamed. I had abandoned my friends, abandoned my duties and for what? My feelings for the mare that stood before me. I know it sounds ridiculous but it’s true . “What reason could there be to leave you closest friends Lunar?” Celestia’s calm demeanor was slowly disappearing as I began to dodge her questions. “Please Lunar we as your friends have the right to know.” Feeling this was a losing battle I swallowed my pride and looked into Celestia’s eyes. “Because…” There was a lump in my throat the size of an orange I thought. I wanted to tell her, had to tell her, needed to tell her but my body and mind were stopping me from doing so. They were telling me that I shouldn’t. “Because why Lunar? Please?” I could see the desperation her amethyst eyes. She wanted to know the truth and nothing but the truth. “Because I’m… because I’m in love with you.” That was it, my heart had won out and as I said those words, a great burden was lifted from my shoulders. But as I said those words, every pony nearly fell over. Celestia most of all. It might not have been the reason she was looking for but it was the truth and she could see no lie in my eyes. “Is this true? You left because of your feelings towards me?” I nodded slowly to her question. I stepped closer this time, taking great care not to frighten her. “Ever since that day in the gardens I knew I was starting to develop feelings for you. It was nothing at first, just a slight tingle whenever we would walk together. But after a while it started to grow. It got to the point where my heart yearned for you. I could not control it, not stop it. Every time I saw you my heart would melt. It was then that I decided to leave. I felt that my feelings for you would put you and Luna at risk.” “Lunar… why could you have not just told me?” I shook my head. “I did not feel it was my place. You are Equestria’s princess and I just a humble knight. I feared that if I had told you how I felt that you would be weary of my ability to protect you both.” Celestia was not sure of what to say at this point, none of them were. Something like this did not happen every day. Luna then looked at her sister then to me before she spoke . “Sister perhaps it best if you were given time to think about this. The Gala is next week; maybe you should invite Sir Lunar. By then we think should be enough time to gather your thoughts in order?” Celestia looked to her younger sister and nodded. “Perhaps you are right dear sister.” She looked over to me and slowly approached till we were face to face. “Lunar I request that you attend the Gala. We have… a lot to catch up on.” At her request I dropped to one hoof. “As you wish your highness.” But as I said those words, she reached out a hoof to me which I took and stood before her. Celestia looked at me for a moment before shaking her head. “No Lunar, you need not address Luna and I with such formalities. Regardless of how long you were gone we are still friends and as such friends to not need to be so formal.” I had smiled to her request and dipped my head. “As you wish…Tia.” She smiled at me as Luna walked up beside me and lean against me. Feeling that it was pointless to hide them, I lifted up my one wing and wrapped Luna in it, again I heard a soft squee. “Then it is settled. I will send the invitation to Twilight when we return to Canterlot.” I nodded. Celestia then did something very unlike her. She leaned against me and rubbed her neck against my own, a sign of affection. “It is good to have you back Lunar.” She smiled to me before walking towards the door. "Hold on Tia I have but one question, how did you know I was here?" I had to know I mean I didn't tell any pony my true name so how did she find out? "I had gotten a letter from Twilight. She said that she had met a unicorn that had just come into town. She said that he saved her friend Rarity from a nasty cave in. She also said that his name was Moon, a name that only Luna and I had given to you." She then winked at me and left. Luna continued to rub against my side before she spoke. “Truly wonderful to have you back our dear friend.” She then followed her sister. As the two sisters left and closed the door behind them, I fell to the floor upon my haunches. Twilight and Spike both rushed over to me to make sure I was ok. “Lunar are you ok.” I nodded. “I was hesitant to return to Equestria, but I could not run from my past forever. Better that it caught up with me now then later.” The two of them helped me back up to my hooves . “I still don’t know just who you are. I mean all that I know about you is written in these books.” She looked to the floor and as she did I gently rubbed her head. “It was a very long time ago miss Twilight.”