"I'm very sorry princess... But there is nothing we can do at this point. That last burst of magic took a lot out of her." One of the nurses said. "It's doubtful she will even be able to survive another night." Luna felt horrible. Because of her, request last night, Celestia had used up the rest of her remaining magic and now, there was nothing left. She needed to do what she planned to do tonight before it was too late.
"I wish to see my sister. I need to be with her." Luna said. She had come to accept her sister's fate. Especially after wandering into her dreams last night and seeing Celestia playing happily with their mom and dad once more. When she woke up, she cried. She didn't want to lose her sister just like she lost her parents.
As she entered her Tia's bed chamber, she froze. There, in her bed, was her big sister. Hooked up to an oxygen mask and a life support machine. Luna couldn't stop her onslaught of tears. "B-big sister... I'm so sorry.... For everything..." Just then, Celestia awoke to see her sister crying at her bedside.
"Luna... Do not cry for me. It is I should be sorry. Instead of helping you all those years ago, I was selfish.... Upon being selfish, I banished you to the moon. I'm so sorry little sister I'm so-" Just then, luna cut her off.
"No Tia... None of the blame is yours. It's all mine to bear... If it wasn't for my jealousy long ago, I would never have given you a reason to banish me..." She said tearing up as she started shaking. "If I hadn't asked you to help me with the stars, you'd still have your remaining magic left." Just then she began to feel angry. Not at Celestia, but at herself. When she turned into nightmare moon she turned her back on Celestia, and the kingdom. After her return the two have been closer than ever, but Luna has felt the weight of her guilt bearing her down even after Celestia forgave her.
"I made mistakes and because of those mistakes, you suffered. Having to do everything yourself until it killed you... I... I wish I could have done more. I wish we had more time!" Luna said as she started to cry. Celestia sat up slowly coughing as she did.
"Luna my dear sister... You've already done enough for me and this kingdom... But when it comes down to it, well.... I'm old..." She said with a sigh. "I've lived thousands of years after we last parted our separate ways... So much has changed... I live a long and full life. And now that my sister is back, my life is complete..." She reached out a hoof and smiled as she wiped Luna's tears away.
"Tia?... I want to make the stars tonight... Like when you first showed me how... I want to learn it by myself and make you proud of me again..." Celestia coughed again and laid back down.
"Luna I've always been proud of you... Even for owning up to your mistakes..." She said with a smile. "But nothing would make me happier than to see you make the stars like you used to."
"I was only good because you taught me Tia... But now, I will learn again, and I'll make them special just for you. I promise... But for now, just get your rest... I shall remain here until it is time for me to bring forth the night..." She said sitting down next to Celestia's bed. "I love you big sister..."
"I love you too my dearest little sister... I will try to stay strong for you..." She said smiling as she closed her eyes to sleep.
Deep down Luna was nervous. She knew she couldn't turn back time to spend more time with Tia, but she was going to make the most of whatever time she had left with her, and she was going to give Celestia the best star show, ever.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Luna looked to see her sister sound asleep. She got up and opened the door to be greeted by Twilight and spike, her dragon assistant. Twilight looked as though she had been crying, undoubtedly as a result of her receiving the horrible news.
"Princess Luna..." She said with a bow. "How is she?..." Luna teared up remembering what the doctors told her.
"Twilight, I'm afraid... That my sister has not long for this world. They said she only has about a day to live as long as she saves her strength. Otherwise she won't survive the night..." Twilight hugged the princess of the night as tears streamed down her face. She had been Celestia's student since she was a filly. Even now as the princess of friendship she has, every now and then, sought out Celestia's advice and guidance.
"She has been through so much... I'm amazed she's stayed alive this long..." She said wiping her tears away. Luna merely turned to look at her sister's closed bedroom door.
"Alicorns are strong and are capable of living longer than most creatures. We are capable of living for thousands of years. However in my time as nightmare moon, when I was banished, my sister put me into a time stasis created by her spell combined with the elements of harmony. Upon my return, I was still the same age I was when I was sent away..." She turned twilight, tears flowing, on the verge of crying. "Tia has lived her life... A life which is now approaching its end, while mine isn't even close to being over..." She started to cry.
Twilight hugged her again, feeling her own tears forming again. "I know you will miss her Luna... But see this as an oppritunity. Celestia gave you a chance at living a better life." Just then, Luna snapped.
"HOW CAN I HAVE A BETTER LIFE WHEN MY SISTER IS DEAD?!" She broke down crying. As strong as Luna was, she really wasn't ready to go through this. Celestia practically raised her when they were fillies, and it was that type of bond that the sisters shared that made it harder for Luna to accept that Celestia was at her end.
"Luna..." Twilight spoke. "I know you're upset. But you need to be strong. She needs you right now." Luna nodded.
"You are right Twilight.... But I'm scared... I don't want to lose my sister... I was sad when my parents died, and Tia cheered me up, and showed me everything she knew about raising the moon and making stars..." She frowned. "I want to be able to give her a night sky so beautiful, it would remind her of the night I got my cutie mark... Now that you're here, I could use your help."
Twilight perked up at this. "My help? What would you have me do?" She asked tilting her head.
"I'm a bit out of practice with my star making, and I was wondering if you could help me find a book or scroll that would help me." Twilight grinned.
"I know just the book! I'll have to go to Ponyville to get it from my castle library... But I'll bring it to you before sunset. It's a short read so you should have plenty of time to learn what you need." With that, twilight flew off with spike on her back as Luna waved.
"Safe flight Twilight Sparkle! Please make haste and return as soon as possible!" With that, she went back into her sister's bed chambers and sat next to Celestia's bedside, where she closed her eyes and slowly nodded off to sleep until nightfall.