//------------------------------//
// Finding Out 
// Story: A Night unlike Any Other 
// by Crimson_Moon 
//------------------------------//


“So, how does the Dreamscape work?” Twilight asked.

“Well, in theory at least, it’s supposed to allow you to magically enter one’s dreams with no hindrance. However, you have seen the possible consequences it may have.” She replied, reminding her of the almost fatal incident moments prior. Luna continued explaining. “Once in the Dreamscape however, it becomes increasingly easier to traverse through the fictional mind of ponies, Minotaurs, and other sentient creatures.” 

The purple alicorn was beginning to understand how it all worked. “I think I get it now. Once we enter, we can see the dream in real time! But doesn’t it get lonely, managing all those dreams by yourself?” she asked, only to hear a sad sigh come from Luna. 

“It’s… Been difficult, yes. Alas, this was the burden that I chose to take upon as co-ruler of Equestria.” What was left of a smile or any other emotion, only faded to a frown. “It was also the reason I became Nightmare Moon. One of them, at least.” The more she talked of her lonely duty, the sadder she became. “Not a whole lot of ponies would want to come near me, let alone spend the night in the Dreamscape with me! Why were you willing to, Twilight Sparkle?” The sudden change of subject surprised the young Alicorn. She began to blush, becoming nervous to tell Princess Luna the reason behind her invitation. 

“I-I, Well, you see…” 	

Could this be it? Will I find out if my sister’s hints had any truth behind them? The midnight mare thought, brimming with excitement and anticipation. 

 Now’s your chance to tell her how you feel, Twilight. The mare thought. “I really wanted to spend time with you, Luna!” she blurted out. Silence filled the distance between the two in the Dreamscape. This wasn’t the usual silence it held though; this was the silence of tension building. Neither one wanted to speak, but they both knew the silence had to be broken at some point. “Twilight, come with me. There is a place I think it might be appropriate to talk about each other’s feelings toward one another.” 

 Oh no! I must’ve made Luna nervous! Maybe she doesn’t like me, perhaps this was just a waste of- Wait, did she say each other’s feelings? Twilight grew more and more curious, hoping to hear Luna’s thoughts about this matter as well. The duo were walking through the Dreamscape, Twilight following her temporary mentor, Luna; hoping for an answer from her, and also an explanation for this feeling down in her chest. They came to a stop, when Luna opened a portal to what looked like a large observatory for the stars. “Welcome, Twilight, to the Lunar Forge. This is where-”

“Where you make all the stars for the night sky! *gasps* is that Starswirl’s original Sun Bottles? Ooh, and look over there!” She pointed to a shelf full of what looked like various bits of clothing that once comprised of Starswirl the Bearded’s wardrobe. “B-But His entire living quarters burned down during the Great Griffon Siege! How did they survive?”

Luna chuckled at the giddy bookworm Princess ogling over the ancient relics Luna stored for safe keeping. Only you, My Little Twilight, would be more fascinated in old relics from our mentor. “Yes, ‘tis true that I kept a few mementos in here. But living old memories aren’t why I brought you here, Twilight.” The Princess’ tone became more serious, getting the purple mare’s attention. “I brought you here to ask you something”

“Yes, what is it, Luna?”

Luna started to blush, swallowing what felt like the rest of her courage. We weren’t afraid before! Why now? Is this the same nervousness she felt when confessing? She shook her head, focusing on the words she wanted to say. “I wanted to know what you thought of my night sky, and more importantly, if you feel the same way I do.”

Twilight looked around; paying attention to every beautiful detail the sky had lain out before her. Everything from the constellations to the meteor showers, she absorbed, looking at each and every star. “I think it’s very beautiful. It reminds me that we should cherish any ounce of light we receive.” Luna moved in closer, becoming more and more interested in what she had to say about her night sky that she always felt alone in. The alicorn continued.  “But it also makes me feel alone. All those stars, up in that sky, it makes you wonder if this is the only place where life is. It makes me feel scared, like there is nothing else, but-”

“But the shadows that chase us through the light…” Luna answered the same thought they both had, giving a knowing look. “My Little Twilight, it is important to remember that these feelings should not be used as a burden, lest you end up like…like Nightmare Moon.” She paused for a moment, unsure of whether to continue or not. Twilight was focused on the story being told, taking in every droplet of information, indicating that the Princess should continue. She closed her eyes “It was… hard to adapt to adapt to this new and strange world to us. We weren’t sure we could have survived through it all. These new thoughts and ideas, they help question the night sky. It makes ponies afraid of the change that is to come. Every challenge made us realize that we will never be alone so long as there are ponies that are willing to guide and nurture us. Ponies like you, Twilight Sparkle.” Silence filled the room, not a single indication that there were two princesses spending time with each other, both afraid to talk. She opened her eyes, only to see a small purple alicorn tear up, hiding a smile behind her hoof.

“Oh, Luna! You are just as beautiful as your night sky! At first, I wasn’t sure if you or Celestia would approve, but when I asked her about it, she told me that love was dangerous if not approached in the right way. I waited, hoping for a sign from you. Then it came that night, when I had a nightmare. I knew you would be able to calm down in a familiar environment, so I thought the Dreamscape would be the best idea so-” She was interrupted by a compassionate kiss on her lips.

“Silence now, young one. Let us just enjoy the night sky together.”

The feeling in Twilight’s chest was clear now. This was love, pure and unaltered, and nothing could change how they both felt.