//------------------------------// // The Truth of... // Story: Perspective // by Orpheon //------------------------------// Sunset had to admit, the atmosphere of Le Chalet was actually quite cozy. Her Prench was rusty, but she was fairly certain the name literally meant 'The Cottage', and it showed in the somehow charmingly small amount of room to move, space between the mere five tables only just enough to allow servers through. Despite the relative closeness nopony seemed to be worried or stressed about it, especially given that only one was already occupied. From their spot opposite the front door she could just make out the kitchen where what looked to be a pair of stallions worked, their muffled chatter filtering to her. A soft rose-colored unicorn with a cutie mark shaped roughly like a closed flower bud appeared before them, pleasant smile on his face as he levitated a small pad and pen. “Evening, ladies. Thank you for dining at Le Chalet. I'm New Bloom and I'll be your server tonight. Can I start you with something to drink?” “Just a water for me.” “Same.” Sunset finished, not feeling up to anything more adventurous yet. New Bloom nodded, smile on his muzzle still as he set menus before the mares and excused himself to get their drinks. As soon as he was gone, the amber mare glanced to Twilight, who was already perusing the menu at a dizzying pace if the movements of her eyes was to be believed. She stifled a grin as she looked to her own menu, resolving to take her time and choose well. She found to her annoyance that she had no choice in the matter; her earlier thought about her Prench being rusty was truer than she'd initially believed. Sunset spared another glance at Twilight, who was already examining the back of the pamphlet. She was either already familiar with this place or she could simply read the language that quickly (and given it was Twilight, the latter was likely the answer). A sense of embarrassment with a small sprinkling of envy flared in her heart and privately she resolved to hit the the books as soon as she was sure Twilight wasn't looking. After a bit of hard effort (concealed by lifting her menu ever so slightly to hide her furrowed brow) she settled on salade de pommes de terre, which was basically potato salad if she had the right of it. That done she set aside the folder and returned to Twilight, who seemed to be doing a very tiny dance in her seat if her bouncing excitedly was any indication. Sunset was unable to stifle a giggle; Twilight blinked and flushed, a sheepish smile on her face. “Hungry, are you?” “No! W-well, yes, but..” The alicorn trailed off, blush intensifying. Sunset leaned forward, affecting the best sultry expression she could manage, while theatrically examining her hoof. “I understand. It's not every day you get to go out with a magnificent specimen of marehood like myself.” Twilight tried to scowl, cheeks puffing as a smile roundly defeated her frown. “Keep laughing, Shimmer. You have no idea how much my appetite has increased since...you know.” She ruffled her wings to illustrate. “My hypothesis is that all that extra power needs a lot of extra fuel; I can probably give Applejack or Dash a run for their money in amount consumed. It's just...well, Rarity says its unladylike and I've been trying to appear a bit more... I don't know. Respectable?” Sunset chuckled, “Under a lens, eh? Be sure to tell me how that goes, Princess.” Twilight's brow knitted, a mean smile on her face. “I wouldn't laugh if I were you. You're probably gonna start getting hungrier any day now...in fact, have you had any dietary changes in the last few months?” The fiery mare frowned. She hadn't really been paying attention, but when she thought about it, her appetite had improved some. She'd attributed it to jogging with Dash more often (since the athlete was able to put away a genuinely frightening amount of food when she was so inclined). She glanced back at Twilight, who pierced her with an expression of great interest. “...no.” “A-HA!” Twilight theatrically pointed her hoof. “You see, you...aren't?” the alicorn paused, crestfallen. “Not even a little?” Sunset was awash in guilt almost immediately; how could someone be so...earnest? “...okay, a little.” The lavender mare perked up, a triumphant smile returning to her face as Sunset continued. “But I'd been exercising with Dash--the other side's Dash, mind-- and I'm willing to bet that has more to do with it than any other changes.” “Oooh...if only we'd caught this earlier. We could've tested for it, found some really good data.” Twilight's genuine sorrow at the opportunity lost was infectious; the amber mare found herself feeling a bit like she'd let the Princess down. “Still, we know now. No use crying over spilled milk.” “Right, but can we stop talking about this for now? I'm really not interested in going back to it while I'm waiting for dinner.” Sunset interjected. Oh no, please continue. I would be quite interested to hear this. Sunset startled, head whipping around so fast her mane slapped her cheek. The mostly empty restaurant greeted her, the soft murmur of the other table's conversation and the chatter in the kitchen filtering the only things she heard. “...Sunset?” Twilight's voice brought her back to the table with a wry smile. “S-sorry. Thought I heard somepony...” “Somepony? Who?” The other mare tilted her head quizzically. “Doesn't matter, it was nothing.” Sunset waved a hoof, her smile only slightly strained. “I think that's our food now. Let's eat!” Sunset didn't remember the way back to Twilight's castle being so...indistinct. She frowned, trying to force her brain to focus. Clarity returned to the dirt road to her relief, and she continued to walk in companionable silence with the alicorn at her side. She could feel the other pony's tension radiating from her; Twilight's steps were mechanical, as though she wasn't properly paying attention. She chanced a look to her right, and sure enough the lavender mare seemed to be mentally struggling with something, a bead of sweat forming on her temple as they went. She considered saying something; it wouldn't do to have Twilight so troubled. By the same token, they'd only just left the eatery and whatever it was couldn't be that dire. If it was truly important, Twilight would share when she was ready. Or at least, Sunset hoped she would. The irony struck the mare, causing a dry smile to form. She'd never been one for sharing anything besides her own greatness in youth, but had been all too eager to pry and snoop, to gather information she could use against others. On the one hoof, she really had been quite good at it. If she was honest, she liked to think she would've made a fine spymaster for the Crown. On the other hoof, it was also morally wrong to do so, especially when the only reason for it was your own gain. Besides, she'd found it exhausting work and once any sadistic pleasure was sapped from it thanks to her own reformation she'd had no interest in poking into other pony's...people's business. Still, she was curious. If one was being uncharitable, one might say nosy. But she preferred curious. Sunset went to turn her head only for Twilight's shoulder to brush against hers, her fine coat feeling somehow velvet-like through her own. She looked at the alicorn in surprise as her left wing gingerly unfurled over her back, feathers settling gently on her other side. A white hot flush surged triumphantly to her face, victory seized over the forces of restraint. She could feel a smile attempting to join in the coup as she looked at Twilight who was positively glowing and trying very hard not to look like Sunset might explode in a miserably failed attempt to 'play it cool', as Dash might say. Sunset's heart melted. She if she'd still had hands one would've involuntarily clutched at her heart. This was adorable. “Smooth, Twilight.” “O-oh? I-I'm sorry, I--” The alicorn stammered, her wing twitching nervously as though to lift away. “No! No, it's fine. I'll let it slide this time.” Sunset said, unable to summon any kind of gravity to her voice for the laughter that struggled to break through, a tingling warmth suffusing her sides. She leaned on Twilight a bit as they went. All too soon they were before the castle doors. Maybe literally. Sunset blinked. They had just...she rubbed one eye. Maybe she was just tired. That must've been it. “Th-thank you for walking me home. Or did I walk you home?” Twilight mused behind her, still a bit nervous by the sound of it. “W-well, here we are! I'd say this date was a success.” Sunset pushed her confusion away and turned to the alicorn, smile on her face. “That wasn't so bad, right? Not everything needs to be so rigorous and orderly, Twilight.” The alicorn smiled, her face still suffused with a luminous blush as she pawed at the doorstep and mumbled something under her breath. It was Sunset's turn to tilt her head quizzically. “Twilight? Are you o--” She was cut off by a wall of lavender filling her vision, a softness pressing against her, the taste of-- A quiet snap and sting in her lips made both mares jump and retreat a step, Sunset blinking owlishly as Twilight rubbed her muzzle irritably. “Of all the--UUUGH!” the alicorn stamped in exasperation. “A static shock?! Really?!” She seemed to be castigating the sky (or perhaps her front door?), but her indignation rapidly morphed into horror, blood draining from her face as she realized that Sunset was still standing there. The amber mare gave another slow blink as she caught up with the present. She could only distantly perceive Twilight's gibbering apology and mortified expression before the absurdity of it all caught up with her. A barked laugh climbed from her stomach to her mouth, evolving into a giggle-fit. The other mare stared, fear joined by confusion as the unicorn managed to bring herself under control, a stray chuckle or two as she straightened up. “Heh heh heh...” She grinned disarmingly at the lavender mare, eyes sparkling. “Brave, Sparkle. Very brave.” “...stupid, more like.” Twilight muttered, ears pinned and head hanging. “I don't know what...that's not true.” She amended morosely. “I knew exactly what I was doing. I'm sorry, Sunset. I know that you wanted to--” Sunset held up a hoof, a fuzzy warmth at the mare's concern rising in her chest. “It's okay, Twilight. You took me by surprise, yeah, but...” she trailed off, face heating as blood rose to her cheeks, her smile now small and subdued. “It's fine.” The alicorn looked up, her expression contrite and hopefully simultaneously. “I...are you sure?” “Yes. I'm fine.” Twilight nodded. “O-okay. Shall we go inside, then? I'm exhausted...” Sunset opened her mouth to agree, but an insistent voice in her mind chimed in, making her hesitate. She stared into the other mare's eyes, cyan orbs piercing into purple. The logical part of her brain howled a protest, banging loudly against the walls of her mind, ultimately ignored. In its place was a pull. No, pull wasn't the right word. This was something magnetic, something profound. Something that felt as inexorable as the tide, as sure as gravity. In a strange, distant way, she felt a measure of serenity she had never experienced prior. She wasn't aware of her eyes closing, or the half-step she took forward to meet the other mare. But when Twilight's lips pressed against hers, a momentary awkward bump of teeth quickly replaced by an even stranger hunger as she felt the warm breath on her muzzle, the soft sensation of Twilight's muffled voice, she felt everything. An electric surge passed from hoof to horn, racing up her spine even as the satisfaction of a need she hadn't even begun to understand the extent of made her tingle all over. She pressed into the alicorn, a sudden will to seize all she could overcoming her even as the other mare did the same, her wings flaring forward and cupping Sunset's shoulders and neck in a feather-soft embrace. And just like that, they parted, Sunset inhaling a breath she hadn't known she'd lost and opening her eyes. Twilight's gaze met her, a joy in them that she felt reflected in her own heart. Sunset blinked. She found herself staring at the wall, lying on her side in bed, blankets draped haphazardly over her. The sun pushed through her curtains insistently. Morning? She could hear birds through the window, but there was something strange about their song. It was muted, somehow otherworldly. More odd was her bed; had it always been so big? She torqued herself about and realized that this mattress was surely twice the size of the one she remembered. Or was it? She sighed; it wasn't worth fretting about right now. She shuffled from the bed, sloughing off her blanket as she trudged for the bathroom. Sunset brushed her teeth slowly, mechanically, as she tried to recall the details of...her dream? Had it only been a dream? It had been so real. She paused, brushing her lips with a hoof. A yawning emptiness made itself known in her stomach, causing her to grimace and spit her toothbrush out in anger. A dream. It couldn't have only been a dream. No dream was that realistic. No dream could-- “Sunset?” A boyish voice, though somewhat deeper than she remembered. “Spike?” She turned from her washroom “Don't mean to rush you, but they're gonna start downstairs. Twi said to let you sleep in, but...” The drake ambled into view, making Sunset gape. He was...so much larger. Easily thrice what he ought to have been, towering over her. He seemed to have lengthened, his dorsal crest starting to take on a harsh edge, claws becoming more defined. She was even pretty sure she saw the beginnings of wings on his back. “...you alright, Sunset?” “Spike, I...they?” She struggled, focusing on the only part of what he said she could remember. “Uh, yeah. You know? Morning court? Twilight said she could start without you, but you know she doesn't want to. Hurry up!” “H-huh? Ah, okay. Sorry!” The dragon hatchling--no, definitely beyond hatchling now--left the room. Stripling? What was the word for that? She grabbed a nearby brush and swiped it through her mane hurriedly, a quick look in the mirror confirming that she was-- Sunset's heart stopped as she took in the mare in the glass. A pony with a distinctive red band across her eyes looked back, the cyan of her irises somehow a more pure, clear shade than she remembered. She was a bit taller than Sunset, her mane just a little longer, her horn just a bit more long and sharp. Her features seemed slightly more fine, her cheeks a tad more defined. She leaned forward, pulling at one eyelid with a hoof just to be sure. That was when she finally saw the pair of feathery wings sitting on her shoulders, rustling as though suddenly conscious they'd been found out. Sunset felt a sudden rush of vertigo, falling to her rump as the edges of her vision went black. The morning court was always interesting, Sunset mused. It seemed her little ponies always had the most profound grievances in the early hours of the day during sunrise, and she-- Sunset stopped. This wasn't right. Where was she? There were ponies arrayed before her, bowing. A weight sat on her head. “Sunset?” She turned to Twilight's voice, breath hitching as she took in the mare beside her, beautiful violet eyes filled with concern. Her mane seemed to move of its own accord in a wind that didn't exist, stars dotting the deep indigo, a cream colored stripe joining the others. Her face was almost distressingly flawless, the youth replaced with a serene beauty that made her hard to reconcile with the bookish young mare Sunset knew. “...Sunset, are you alright?” Her voice, laced with concern, putting aside all of the others, all the rest, just for her... Aha. Now we've come to the truth. That voice! Sunset gasped as she found herself alone amidst the stars, the court, the courtiers, Twilight all vanished into the aether. She could feel half remembered years of reflexive spellcasting training coming back at a considerable speed, immediately layering a small assortment of defensive charms on herself. Unfortunately, even as she wove them she could feel them unraveling; wherever she was or whatever she was facing was peeling her magic away...and if she had the sense of the air right, being amused by her efforts. “WHAT IS THIS?!” Sunset roared. “SHOW YOURSELF!” The voice paused, apparently contemplative. ...do you feel frightened, Sunset Shimmer? A seething, white hot rage overtook the unicor--no, alicorn. She still had those wings, which flared in defiance and fury at perceived mockery. “I'm not afraid of any two-bit illusions! If you think this can hold me then you've got ANOTHER. THING. COMING!” She punctuated her statement with a tempestuous outflow of magic, absolutely searing the space around her in an undignified, unwieldy explosive wave, anger amplifying the effect. Only, it petered out. Sunset found herself suddenly exhausted, falling to her haunches as though everything had been drawn out of her at once. “Wh-what...?” The voice chuckled. Your courage is commendable, but I assure you that I am not holding you. You are. Turn around, Sunset Shimmer. She whipped around only to stumble backwards in surprise (on what surface?) as a section of stars seemed to detach itself and take a roughly equine shape, a flowing, nebulous mane manifesting behind it as it resolved slowly into a face she recognized. “P...Princess Luna?” The Princess of the Moon nodded, a wry smile on her face as she fully detached herself from the surroundings, shaking space off as though it were sticky. “It is I, yes. How are you feeling, Sunset?” “I...wh...how--where am I? We? What's going on?” Sunset scrambled to her hooves, still wary lest this Luna be some other construct. “In order, it is one of my duties. This is a fragment of the Dream Realm, and you, my little pony, are having quite the interesting dream indeed.” Luna's smile morphed into an expression of interest as she paced around Sunset. The smaller pony tensed, feeling like she was being sized up. “So...you can invade the dreams of ponies?” “Invade...?” Luna paused, lips pursed. “...I suppose a pony grown would see it as such. Strictly speaking, this was a breach of your privacy, so perhaps it is the only appropriate word for my presence here.” The older alicorn gave a wan smile as she returned to Sunset. “My duty is to safeguard my little ponies from the ravages of nightmares. You see me here now because...well, because I had thought it past time I touched your dreams and seen if you needed my assistance. After all...” She settled down into a reclining position. “You too are a citizen of Equestria.” Sunset frowned. That wasn't the whole answer; she'd become too good at detecting minor chinks in Celestia's armor not to notice that Luna wasn't quite as accomplished a liar. Her face fell as she pieced together the puzzle in her mind. “....She sent you, didn't she.” Her voice was flat, almost dreading the answer she knew was coming. “...Yes.” Luna's response was simple, but significant. She stared at Sunset, a trace of remorse on her mostly dispassionate face. The younger mare's stomach dropped, a nauseating, sickening anger roiling in her insides. She felt her knees go weak as she fell to her rump again, ears pinned back and head downcast. “I guess in the end she wouldn't trust me.” She muttered, the cold resentment in her voice bitter-tasting and foul. She blinked, trying to wipe away errant tears. Exhaling a shaky breath, she stamped a hoof, as if trying to crush her sorrows underfoot. “It's not...it's not fair. I thought we--I didn't always agree with her but--” She glared at Luna, eyes reddening as she fought the waterworks that were quickly overwhelming her self-control. “So now what? You go tell her and she banishes me again? Go on. Get it over with.” When Luna didn't move, she screamed, “GET OUT!” The alicorn was impassive. “I will leave soon, fret not. But I believe we need to talk, Sunset Shimmer.” “There's nothing to talk about!” Sunset snarled, wings flaring wide. “She's so afraid for her 'little ponies' that she's made you betray my trust in her because...what?! I had the temerity to disagree with Perfect Princess Celestia, God-Empress of ponykind?! Because I might 'represent a threat'?! BECAUSE SHE'S DECIDED TO BECOME EVEN MORE OF A CONTROL-FREAK TYRANT--” Luna stood, palpable menace radiating from her form as shadows deepened around them, the darkness of space somehow becoming more profound. Sunset felt herself seem to shrink as the Princess's eyes took on a dangerous cyan light, pupils constricting into feline slits. “You will watch your tone, Sunset Shimmer. That is my sister you speak of and this is MY realm.” She paused, darkness retreating somewhat but the cold fury remaining on her face. “My sister is no more perfect than you or I, but everything she has done has been for the good of this country and its people. I will not stand for a child with no perspective speaking of her as a no-account echo of Sombra.” Sunset shivered involuntarily as Luna settled back down, wings folding. Her form didn't quite lose the predatory silhouette, but at least she didn't seem primed to strike Sunset down. “Now...I understand your grievances better than you think.” Luna stated, brow still knitted. “Lest you forget, at one point I was the specter of fear for this entire nation, and perhaps justifiably so. I tried to murder the pony dearest to me in all this world or the next.” She hesitated, looking away. “I did this because of my own weakness, and gave into the resentment and rage in my own heart. But that resentment did not come from nowhere. My sister...she gave everything she had to the people. But she gave so much to them that she had nothing left of herself to give to me when I needed it.” Luna paused, and added, “...But the tale of my selfishness is one for another time. For now, Sunset Shimmer...” The knot of fear in her stomach rose back up. “You're gonna tell her, then. That I'm just as power-hungry as I ever was on the inside.” “Are you?” Luna raised an eyebrow, apparently amused. “...perhaps so. Let us look again.” Sunset blinked, and there again was the throne room. Except...now she was among the courtiers, Luna beside her. She blinked as the court went on without her, the scene picking up and playing out as though she had never been on the throne, her majestic double shaking her head and offering a placating hoof and reassuring smile to (future?) Twilight. An unspoken conversation passed between them, their eyes saying volumes. Sunset found a bizarre ember of envy in her heart, accompanied by a small but potent seed of anger at herself. Or her...hypothetical dream self? She rubbed a temple as the scene played out, the two Princesses returning to courtly business. Princess Sunset seemed to bask in the attention she was given. Sunset could see how she swelled when all eyes looked her way, her chest out and head high and proud. Only, she didn't seem to lose that preening pride when Twilight spoke, looking at the other alicorn with the same rapt regard she was given. The ponies around her and Luna seemed to be in good spirits, talking amongst themselves, waiting their turns patiently. “...this isn't how Princess Celestia's court sessions normally go.” Sunset frowned. “Ponies are never this...pleased to be there.” “Nor indeed are mine so jovial, despite most of my subjects being younger, more energetic ones.” Luna agreed, a strange smile on her face. “...why can't I hear them?” “Do you want to?” The alicorn looked down at Sunset, who tensed irritably as the phantoms of herself and Twilight exchanged some kind of joke and a laugh. “...You are quite jealous, aren't you?” Sunset started and looked at Luna guiltily. “I...yeah, I guess so.” She pawed at the stone floor, momentarily forgetting the scene before her. “It's not really one of my best qualities. I...” She looked again at the two alicorns on thrones, hackles involuntarily raising. “I guess that's just one more reason I don't deserve this.” Luna hummed thoughtfully. “Why do you think that?” “Seriously? I mean...we--Twilight and I, I mean--just started this whole dating thing and we're--” She paused, flushing brightly. “Wait a minute, you saw the dream date? I could swear I heard your voice at the beginning...” “I did.” Luna's smile was conspiratorial. “You make an endearing pair, you know. Young Twilight reminds me of myself, at that age, all awkward and courageous at all the wrong moments. So much secondhoof embarrassment was felt.” She turned to Sunset. “While I saw it, the scenario was far too clear, too concise to be a flight of fancy. It was a memory played again; fret not. And congratulations!” Sunset managed a small smile in response before Luna continued. “Truthfully, I had thought at first that your romance was the secret that made you harden your heart against my sister. But this...those.” She indicated the wings sitting atop Sunset's back. The unicorn flinched at the touch, frankly not even certain they were actually there. Of course, when she thought about it, she had no frame of reference on what wings actually felt like, so why would her dream-self have any? “...you hide something profound, Sunset Shimmer. Why?” Luna settled down, the court freezing into a tableau as the nearest ponies faded away. “I...In my defense, I didn't actually know until today.” Sunset said hastily, uneasily looking away from the scene around her. “But you suspected something. As early as these Games I saw while looking about.” Luna's voice wasn't judgmental, for which Sunset was grateful, but she still felt a sting of anger at someone rummaging through her memories. “The transition through the door was quite painful, as you recalled.” “I figured it had something to do with how long I had been on the other side...and I didn't say anything because I didn't want Twilight or anyone else to worry about me.” Sunset grimaced as the sensation of the portal came to mind. “If you've been sifting through my mind, then you have to know my other reasons.” Luna's smile became wry. “While I am no slouch with mind magic, I can assure you that I have not been 'sifting through your mind'. I can only see the snatches you recall...and you seemed to be able to list a variety of practical reasons. But there's more to it than that, is there not?” Sunset looked back at the frozen image of herself, who knows how many years forward in this potential future she dreamed of. “...look at her, Princess. Look at me. She's drinking it all up.” She stood, threading through the crowd in stasis, climbing the steps to the throne and studying the other Sunset's face. Luna watched with keen, hawklike interest. “She's absolutely reveling in all this attention. All this respect, adoration.” Sunset bristled, visibly upset as she scowled at the taller pony. “...I hate her. I hate her so much right now.” “Why is that?” The amber mare stomped the pedestal with both forehooves, causing the illusionary marble to crack in a surprising display of strength (and physics consistency). “Because she's in MY spot! That should be ME!” Her voice had become an indignant shout. “She's beside Twilight in MY place! She--ugh.” Sunset stopped, clearing her head with a shake and looking down at Luna with a miserable, hollow smile. “That's why. Everypony thinks I've changed...but I haven't. I still want power. I still want attention and glory. I want what I think should be MINE.” She reached up with her magic, levitated the small obsidian tiara from from the other Sunset and examined it, examined her reflection in the surface. “I haven't changed one bit, in the end. Maybe Celestia is right after all.” “Are you so sure?” Luna was suddenly beside Sunset, her voice kind as she looked at the image reflected in the diadem. “Change is the truth of the world, Sunset Shimmer. Even alicorns must change with time.” “You're immortal, though.” Sunset pointed out. “How much could you change?” “Would you believe me if I told you that this--” Luna pointed toward the dream Sunset, standing tall and proud and basking in the love of her subjects, “--is the spitting image of Celestia, in our relative youth?” Sunset gaped. “What?” “It's true, Sunset.” Luna looked at the younger alicorn, her smile strange, as though it were strained. “My dear sister...she really did take to rulership as a duck to water, as the saying goes. Difficult to reconcile with her now, yes?” Sunset's brow furrowed, struggling to picture a Celestia that was so...openly prideful. “My point is, all things, even immortal things, must change eventually. And you have changed, too. Would the villain you fear yourself becoming again ever bother with introspection or restraint?” “W-well, no, but...” “Would the villain you were ever share power?” Sunset looked up. “No, of course not. Why would I have wanted to? I wanted everyone to know my superiority.” She grimaced as she finished. Luna smiled again. “Then look again at these thrones. What do you see?” Sunset frowned, turning back to the tableau. There was her double, sitting proudly...there was Twilight on her throne-- her eyes widened. “...they're equals.” The Moon Diarch smiled and nodded. “Even in your most wild fantasy, she is beside you.” Sunset looked at Luna, stricken. “This is weird, isn't it? We only just started this dating thing a-and we--” The taller pony raised a hoof, chuckling. “You need not be lovers to stand together. You need only be the greatest friend the other has. It's only natural to envy somepony that bond when you hold it so precious. And, if you will forgive me saying--” She leaned down to eye level with Sunset, “Poor Twilight has been holding on to this for a very long time. I do not think your bond in any danger. But we will keep that between us, yes?” She winked at Sunset's blush. “Now then...I do believe our time together is nearly up. You will wake soon.” Luna paced around as the court, her double, Twilight faded into stardust. Oddly, the tiara remained. Luna levitated the obsidian piece and placed it gently on Sunset's head. It was a bit too large, and sat awkwardly, making the smaller pony's ear fold as it slipped down, making Luna giggle. “You will grow into it, perhaps.” The alicorn's face turned serious as she continued. “You must not lie to the world, Sunset. You must not lie to yourself. And I beg you, do not lie to my sister.” At Sunset's visible discomfort as she reached up to adjust the diadem, she smiled. “She loves you more than you can know. Of this I am certain.” “...so you're gonna tell her?” “I will tell her that you need to speak to one another.” Luna responded, voice grave. “What you tell her is your business, but remember that the truth has a way of coming out, sometimes of its own accord. You are not the pony you were. You are different...in all the ways that matter. Remember that. We will be in touch...now, wake up!” Sunset blinked. She found herself staring at the wall, lying on her side in bed, blankets draped haphazardly over her. The sun pushed through her curtains insistently. Morning?