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// Questions and Promises 
// Story: Heir of the Moonlight 
// by Skylas 
//------------------------------//

        I had slowly turned towards the voice, unable to believe my own eyes. A rather ethereal looking Luna had stood before me, or rather, was floating. My first thought was how pitiful I must look.
        
        “You must have quite a few questions, but I must ask you hurry with them. A certain Princess is having a very troubled dream currently, and she will need your assistance to calm her mind.” said Luna softly.

I couldn’t speak at first, feeling all of my words bulge into my throat, swelling into a confusion of possible statements, before one very specific one exploded out of my mouth before I could contain myself.

        “I miss you so much!” I had pressed myself against her and hugged tightly, feeling her forehoof wrap around my body easily. “I’m not ready for this Luna… Why did you have to leave?”

        “While I couldn’t exactly choose when I left this world, I am more than confident you can handle yourself.” She slowly swept my flowing mane behind my ear. “You rose the moon tonight, did you not?”

        “I… I did but-.”

        “But, nothing. You have proven you are capable tonight, and I am more than proud of you. Now, do you have any further questions?” She gave me a bit of a childish smile, she never did have a very clear cut sense of humor.

        “How are you even speaking to me right now? Is this a dream?” I looked up at her, hopefully gaining more composure as I spoke to her.

        “When I passed on my powers to you, I wasn’t just simply giving up my strength. The power I held was part of my very soul. It’s no surprise to me that part of me still exists within you.” I felt per push a hoof against my chest, but she quickly withdrew it and laid down against the non existent floor.

        “So… Where are we anyways? I’ve been quite confused for awhile… I-I don’t even really know how to leave… here.” I laid down next to her, and felt her wing scoop me next to her side, laying my head on her forelegs.

        “It’s more of a personal realm for our powers, but, I prefer to call it the Dreamscape. As you may have noticed, the stars here aren’t exactly… Stars.” She motioned to the many shimmering sparkles among us. “As for leaving this place, it’s quite simple. Think of home, of Equestria.”

        “I… I don’t want to leave yet.” I pushed myself against her a bit, but I felt her warmth fade away from me, and I looked about, seeing nothing. Only hearing her voice come from the endless expanse.

        “You have a duty Stardust, I will help you as much as I am able. Return to Princess Twilight, she’s been worried about you. I would not dream of allowing a dear friend to suffer much longer.”

With that, her voice faded, and I was alone once again. I let my magic flow through me, feeling the raw power pulse through my veins. It was then, when I realized I felt a second heart within me. Luna’s ever beating soul, coursing through me.

        “I will never let you down. That, I promise.”

And then I was back on the balcony, staring up at the moon.