All's Right With The World

by Dusty Tome


Chapter Three

All's Right With The World

Written by Dusty Tome and FanOfMostEverything

Chapter Three

Twilight Sparkle woke with a start, a searing pain on her neck and chest making its obnoxious presence known quickly. She jumped out of her bed, rushing to her bathroom to find the source of her pain. As she looked at her bare chest, she was left speechless. Across her chest and neck and nearing her cheekbones were the same rich purple filigree tendrils that made up her marks, having spread further across her body like a choking purple ivy. She stared longer at this, before registering that her glyph had moved from the side of her neck to just below her throat. Too shocked to do anything else, she screamed.

After recovering from the shock of her appearance, she stumbled out of the bathroom, intent on having at least a few more hours’ rest before she had to deal with the change. Twilight slowly shambled to the bed and collapsed on it. She settled in to make herself comfortable before realizing that there was another presence underneath the duvet. She didn’t remember Pinkie staying the night, although that had never stopped the miscreant before. She pulled the cover away, intent on surprising her guest. When the cover was gone, Twilight found herself face to face with a gorgeous girl, with skin as pale and fair as moonlight, and indigo hair, wings as black as the night, and jet black and indigo marks winding from her hands, spiraling down her petite, nude body, tracing around the alabaster crescent moon on her right breast and up to her face, framing it in a sharp image. Twilight found herself again speechless, and for the second time that night, before fainting, she screamed.

The young Magus woke in her bed, the previous night flooding back like a bad joke, jolting her up in her bed. She looked frantically around her room, and seeing nobody but herself, berated herself for believing stupid dreams. So she stood up, stretched a bit, and wandered into the kitchen. She didn’t smell food, so she figured she could get away with just wearing her shorts for now. As Twilight meandered into the kitchen, stretching and scratching, she stumbled upon a queer sight. There, sitting at her kitchen table, was the girl from last night, clad in naught but a smirk. Twilight froze, about to scream again, when a deep azure magic shushed her lips and guided her to the table.

“Ah, so the godling awakens,” the woman began. “Not that thou weren’t as radiant when thou wert slumbering. Thy domicile is quite humble for one of thy stature.”

Twilight registered three things, slowly dissecting and digesting what the woman said and her appearance in the morning light. First, the strange female had wings and the marks of a Magus. Second, she referred to Twilight as “godling.” Third, they both were severely underdressed. As she worked this all around in her head, she opened her mouth to give a smart and simple retort:

“Firstly ma’am, what are you doing in my home, and who are you? And second, why do you look like the Goddess Luna?”

That was what she meant to say. What actually came out of her mouth was:

“WhothewahaholygoddessLuna?”

“So thou hast heard of Us. Most pleasing. It should certainly make introductions simpler. Now then, godling, it is fitting for one to gift another one’s name upon greetings.”

For the second time in as many minutes, Twilight Sparkle was left with a gaping mouth and no words. Finally finding herself able to speak, she addressed the Goddess. “Goddess Luna? I-”

“Ah, child, simply address Us as Luna.”

“Um, alright… well then, my name is Twilight Sparkle. Luna, may I ask why you are in my house? And rudely exposed? Also, if it isn’t too much trouble, can you speak more… modern?” Twilight asked, aghast at the situation, and still not entirely sure that this... girl was an immortal deity.

The Goddess of the Night chuckled, a melodious and musical laugh, before speaking again. “Of course, Twilight Sparkle, I simply thought that the elder vernacular was still in favor, as time passed differently for me than for the rest of the world. To answer your questions, I know not why I am here, and as for my nude appearance, I simply disrobed when I found myself here. My vestments are in the room that we slept in. Do you have any more questions, or shall we have breakfast?”

“I have a few more questions, if that's alright. Why did you call me ‘godling,’ and are you behind my marks suddenly travelling across my body, and what exactly are marks?” Twilight spoke with a slight trepidation, her voice shaking slightly. “I know that Magi have them, and that they enable us to use magic, but nobody really can explain them, other than as a gift from the Goddesses.”

“I address you as godling for the sheer amount of magic present inside of you. The growth of your marks are a sign of you growing into your destiny. And as for the marks across our bodies, Mother told to my sister Celestia and me that they signify the pact between the Goddesses and the Aether. She called them the ‘Enochian Lines’. Over time, Man began to simply call them ‘marks’. I trust that I have answered your questions, yes?”

“Um, yes ma’am.”

“As I said before, call me Luna. Now, shall we eat? I haven’t eaten in a millennium.” As if on cue, the immortal deity’s stomach began to growl, fit to rival a dragon.

“Spike? Are you awake yet? Would you mind doing breakfast again today?” A low roar and mumbling greeted Twilight’s call, before Spike emerged into the kitchen.

“Twilight, I thought I told you, and there is a naked girl in my chair. Why is there a naked girl in my chair? Finally get a girlfriend? Well, young lady, I’m Spike. Nice to meet you. What do you girls want for food? Basic eggs and ham?” Spike seemed almost indifferent to the looks on both females’ faces, and turned his attentions to cooking breakfast.

Twilight looked between Spike and Luna, half expecting the goddess to vaporize him on the spot. After a beat, Luna burst into a raucous and musical laugh, effectively breaking Twilight’s mind, then said, “Well met, good Spike. Ham and eggs sound like a fantastic way to break a millennial fast. I am Luna, Goddess of the Night. You may have heard of me.”

“Goddess of the Night, eh? Makes enough sense to me, seein’ as I can see your full moon from here. And I can see that pretty hair of yours is natural too.” Spike laughed loudly at his own joke.

“‘Skyclad’ is the term, I believe, and it is only natural that mine be a midnight blue. And you are one to speak, walking about with your long, thick,” Luna paused long enough that Twilight started to squirm, “tail on full display.”

“Ah, quick lass, you seem a little young to be lookin’ at a dragon’s tail so longingly. See somethin’ you like down there, eh?”

“Oh, this form is merely a contrivance, a pretty fiction I wear to suit my needs. And others’ needs. Physical youth has many benefits, after all.”

Spike burst into raucous laughter, “‘Youth’, eh? You sound like you got plenty of that in you before too long, ‘specially if you went around wearin’ naught but a pretty smile and some shiny shoes. All goddesses must be somethin’ if they’re as pale as your rear-end!”

“Oh no, my sister was sun-toasted all around. Though I can think of a certain godling pale as I…” Luna gave Twilight a wink that would probably cause a heart attack in any priest that saw it.

“Aw, don’t tease the poor thing, that’s my job, that is. I’m guessin’ she’s in her skivvies ‘cause of you and that silver tongue, isn’t she?” Spike leaned down to wink at the girls, “I hope you didn’t show her how slick you are just yet. Did she Twi?”

“I’ve yet to polish my silver, though I should soon. How else to see whether my skills have tarnished after all this time?”

“Ah, food’s ready, care to enjoy more of my company before you go molest Twilight again?”

Luna gave Spike an appraising look from head to toe. “Loathe as I am to admit it, it has been a while. A few stretches would not be remiss, and I have already found a most agreeable partner for warming up.”

“Not that I’m not flattered, I am, but I don’t plan on any strenuous activities this mornin’. Twilight’s handy with a wrench though, have her check out the plumbin’, clean out the cobwebs, as it were.”

Luna nodded. “It would be prudent while I am welcome in another’s parlor.”

“ALRIGHTY THEN!” Came a loud reply from Twilight, now a furious crimson, “Let’s eat and stop talking, after all, it’s very rude to talk with a full mouth, Isn’t it, Spike?” Twilight seemed to almost spit venom with the last word, causing Spike to gulp loudly.

Luna looked from one to another. “My, my. I knew you two were close, but—”

She was cut off by a large portion of eggs wrapped in a violet aura shoving itself halfway down her throat. She sputtered and struggled to swallow before dipping her head at Twilight. “Very well then. I suppose that will have to be enough for now.”

Breakfast was an astronomically awkward affair for Twilight, as she sat in cringing silence, turning redder and redder, reflecting on how everything she believed in was crumbling before her, with a nude, immature eidolon at the heart of the calamity. When they had all finished breakfast, she found herself alone in her own room with Luna. It was then that the dam of her emotions broke.

You! You’re a Goddess! It’s your fault! How dare you! Everyone told me the “Goddesses” know what is best for the world! It’s because of you that I lost everything. The Goddesses have ruined my life. You leave my home right now, you bitch!” Twilight Sparkle realized too late that she had slapped Luna. She drew her arm back, and closed her eyes, quietly accepting her death at the hands of the immortal she struck.

But death never came. Instead, she felt cool, slender arms wrap around her in a comforting embrace, wiping away tears she didn’t know she had shed, and a quiet, serene voice consoling her. “Twilight Sparkle, you have been very brave, facing the deaths of your mother and father, the loss of your arm, and the rescue, and care, of that dragon. It is true that my sister and I can see all that transpires around us, but we cannot intervene or assist in any way. We chose to seal ourselves in crystal to ensure that the evils of the world remained locked away. I am truly and deeply sorry for your loss, and I pray to Mother that I may help in any way.” Luna pulled away to look into the taller girl’s eyes, “I make this solemn vow to you, Twilight Sparkle, that in any way I may help you, any way at all, I will. It is not fitting for a goddess to leave her children to suffer, and it is against my nature to see you hurt so. I, Luna Aeterna Noctis seal this vow with my life and magic.” With those words, the marks framing Luna’s face began to glow a soft blue, deep as the ocean, and she kissed Twilight.

Twilight’s eyes shot wide open, shocked and appalled that an immortal deity, the personification of the Night itself, was kissing her. Her first kiss, and it was from one of the Goddesses she had shunned, cursed, and hated for most of her life. Then, just as abruptly as it began, Luna pulled away.

“With the meeting of our lips, this pact is sealed, and upon my life and power as a goddess of this world, it is binding.” She blinked, taking in Twilight’s expression. ”Is there a problem Miss Sparkle? It appears you seem almo—”

Without warning, Twilight shot forward, grabbing the slender deity’s shoulders, cutting Luna off with another, deeper kiss, feeling herself drawn to the strange girl.

“Well, Twilight, if you wished to be my consort, you had needed only to ask. A woman as attractive as you would make a fine lover, if not a little young. I’m quite flattered.” Luna said with a chuckle, blushing a soft rose, almost out of place on her pale face.

A sharp whistle disrupted the moment. “Wow. I’ll just show myself out.”

“Gah! Pinkie!” Twilight exclaimed, flailing for anything to cover herself, mentally scolding herself for not getting dressed sooner, before her brain screeched to a halt. There was a Goddess in her room. Right beside her. Completely naked. She threw her blanket around Luna, before quickly pulling on a shirt.

Twilight knew she shouldn’t ask, but her brain seemed to want to continue its idiotic streak, and so she asked, “Pinkie, just how long have you been there?”

Pinkie Pie, in all of her eloquence, merely shrugged and uttered, “Long enough.” She leaned towards her friend with a smirk, before adding, “I mean, I know you’ve made ‘f-word the Goddesses’ your life’s philosophy, but I never thought you’d mean it literally.”

Luna, never one to join a conflict early, smiled warmly, chuckling under the blanket that still smelled of the awkward girl. She softly giggled when wrenches and various other parts and pieces flew toward Pinkie Pie. As the charismatic girl danced about, taunting her friend, Luna barely managed to catch pieces of Pinkie’s taunts over the din.

“‘Utter lunacy,’ you said. Well, you saw all of Luna, that’s for sure!”

“Hold still, damn it!”

“It’s a little late to be shy after she made your twilight sparkle!”

“I will burn that pile of cotton candy you call a hairstyle to your scalp!”

“Oh, you like them shaved? Luna, you’d better be paying attention!” Pinkie sing songed, before breaking out into a cackle.

The daughter of the Creator, Steward to the Night, and Reaper of Nightmares, blushed furiously, her normally pale visage now rivalling that of an over-ripe tomato. It was one thing to banter with a dragon. It was quite another for one of her children to speak so frankly to her.

Stifling another giggle as an extraordinarily large wrench found its mark, Luna dropped the blanket to dress herself. She was aware of a hushed conversation regarding her beginning behind her, but chose to ignore it in favor of her clothing. She slipped on a pair of gleaming silver hose, pulling her shimmering samite skirt over them, before donning a royal blue tunic and gleaming obsidian and silver pauldrons and corset. She finished dressing and fixed her nearly shoulder length hair into a tight ponytail before she registered that there were no more whispers.

She turned to find Pinkie staring at Twilight, and Twilight staring at her. While the exuberant girl had a smile that told of joy and success, Twilight’s look was one of longing and regret, shadowed by disbelief. Luna flicked her fingers, sending an azure butterfly to dance around the Magus, before it landed on her cheek. Twilight swore that she felt the lips of the goddess on her cheek where the butterfly sat.

Shaking herself out of her stupor, Twilight turned to Pinkie as Luna sauntered off with a knowing smirk, and spoke. “Pinkie, did you come here for a particular reason, or just to bother me?”

“Bothering you would be a reason, silly. Though there is something else. Rarity sent me to get you; she said she has your stuff ready. She rushed because she really appreciated what you did for her. Besides, you’re just so much fun to tease, you big ol’ bucket of ‘screw-it-all.’” Pinkie beamed, the effect somewhat ruined by the developing bruise.

“Well, that poses a unique problem, because I have a Goddess in my house, and I don’t want to leave her alone, just in case, but I can’t exactly take her with me. People will definitely know something’s up if a Magus with marks as large as hers and wings just meanders down the street. I’m not sure my illusion spells will even work on her.” Twilight briefly regretted what she was about to ask, but saw no other alternative, “I don’t suppose you have an idea?”

“Duh silly, of course you can’t just have her walk down the street looking like a warrior princess. You need to give her my cloak!” Pinkie was grinning brightly, pleased at her own idea, before she looked past Twilight, and shrugged, “Or not. Eh.”

“Or not?” asked an inquisitive Twilight, tracing Pinkie’s gaze to a now ordinary looking Seraph girl, still dressed as Luna. “How did you do that? Illusion magic?”

“No, I just used the makeup in your cabinet. Much easier.” Luna sounded as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

Twilight sighed, already exhausted from the morning. “Whatever, I guess if you’re ready, then we can go to Rarity’s.”

The walk through the city proved far less stressful than Twilight had imagined it would be. She didn’t have her coat to hide her marks, so many people moved aside for them, and they only stopped once, at the obelisks, at Luna’s insistence.

“Once,” she said, “these were part of palaces and holy places that your ancestors built for us.” She shut her eyes and rested her head against one of the pillars. “It is… It is good to see that some part of them remains.”

After the girls finished talking, they continued on, and arrived at Carousel Armoire around midday. Rarity once again greeted them with a welcoming smile. “Welcome, Twilight, Pinkie, oh, and who might you be, miss?”

“Rarity, I suggest you sit down for this. I fainted when I saw it for myself.” Twilight intoned, softly ushering Rarity to a plush looking couch, before continuing. “Rarity, I would like to introduce you to Luna Aeterna Noctis, Goddess of the Night. Luna, this is Miss Rarity Belle.”

“I suppose Pinkie Pie put you up to this? It really is quite dry humor, after she has already introduced me to several, ahem, ‘Nobles,’” Rarity deadpanned, her heavily lidded glare bouncing between Pinkie and Twilight.

“Well then, Miss Belle,” Luna chimed merrily, “I suppose I will have to show you.” With a quick snap of her fingers, the pale girl was engulfed in shimmering blue flames, and when they died down, her makeup had disappeared, and she stood in her full glory, a small smile gracing her thin lips.

Rarity abruptly grabbed Twilight by the collar, before hissing frantically in her ear, “How do I address a Goddess? Does she have a title? Do I bow? What do I do?”

“Calm down Rarity, Luna is probably the most humble person I have ever met. She even threw about some rather interesting jokes with Spike this morning. Just call her Luna.” Twilight tried to suppress the grin breaking out on her face at her friend’s anxiety.

“Ahem. Well then, Nice to meet you, Luna. It is always a pleasure to meet new people. May I inquire as to why someone of your stature would visit my humble shop?” Rarity poured as much grace as she had left into the greeting.

Luna returned her handshake, smiling warmly. “Pinkie Pie and Twilight invited me to join them in visiting you for something you had for her, and I always look forward to meeting the friend of my friends.”

“Ah, yes, Twilight, here are your coats.” They wafted over, carried in Rarity’s magic. “I took the liberty of patching your old one before I plated it to your specifications, and your new one is here. I made it out of a lighter, breathable material made for Seraphim, to ensure you could wear it whenever and wherever you please. I hope everything is to your liking?”

“Yes it is, thank you for this, Rarity. Here you go.” Twilight handed Rarity a pouch full of coins after pulling on the plated coat, “I hope that’s enough to cover the cost.”

“Please dear, your money is no good here, after all, I think we are about even for the repairs you made, not to mention you are a friend after all.”

Unbeknownst to the girls at the counter, Pinkie was busy whispering in Luna’s ear, before a smile that could only be referred to as terrifying began to spread across the goddess’ face.

“Miss Belle, if I may make a request?”

“Why of course… dear, anything for you.” Rarity found it awkward to address a Goddess as she would any other person in her shop.

Luna turned to the fashionista with a blank look and a serious tone, “I wish to know if you carry whips and chains? They excite me so.”

Rarity blinked once, the sound of her mind breaking audible in the small shop, before fainting dead away.

The three girls shared a laugh, thoroughly enjoying the company of one another.