Filly Celestia Redux

by Gothicfox

Chapter Two

Twilight mopped her forehead with an already damp fetlock. She needed the utmost concentration for the precise connections she was making to the panel, else the work of the entire afternoon would be wasted. Done, she sat back to observe as the circuit board lit up and the mesh of wires carried power from the magitech power source. She took a moment to look over the living room. It had the appearance of a battlefield with all the leftover parts not used. The parts for the hastily designed and built scanning device had come from all over the castle. Some were even from the School of Gifted Unicorns. For what could not be found, Twilight had made do with improvised substitutes. It was not pretty by any stretch of the imagination. The exterior of the scanner currently resembled something from a Frankenpony novel. Twilight was happy Princess Luna had granted her permission to build it inside Celestia's room.

Twilight's friends had proven to be the biggest help in getting everything together. Once they had the general idea of what Twilight was trying to do, they eagerly went about their scavenger hunt. Pinkie Pie's efforts had turned up a gyroscope, a foal's toy, but afterwards she got too carried away. Twilight found herself getting complaints from all over the castle about the pink party pony's over enthusiastic antics. Twilight had to give Pinkie an 'A' for effort, but for the peace of mind of everypony else, she had to sideline her friend. Luckily, she had found another task that was more up Pinkie's alley—namely, babysitting Princess Celestia and keeping the filly out of trouble. It was a mission that Pinkie was all too happy to take up after realizing that she had scared Celestia half to death during their game of hide and seek in the library. Pinkie felt that she needed to make amends with the filly princess by having the bestest fun in the world. As long as they stayed in Celestia's quarters, she figured not much could go wrong

Once Twilight had everything she needed. Rarity and Fluttershy had excused themselves to a guest room in order to nap. Their emergency dash to Canterlot, the mad chase to catch Celestia, and the scavenger hunt left them both tired out.

"Plus, if I am going to be in the presence of Prince Blueblood," Rarity had said. "I am going to need all my mental strength not to lose my temper with him."

Twilight had to agree. Blueblood was not just a bore at social events; he showed he could not handle a crisis very well. His claim to marry Twilight Sparkle was an ill-conceived plot to mollify the grumbling nobles. Blueblood over-reaction came about because one noble made a baseless accusation that Luna could not handle Celestia's duties. He even came close to accusing Princess Luna of being the culprit behind the attack. That really threw Blueblood off his game and had led to the embarrassing scene. Twilight did not consider herself an expert on Princess Luna, but the nobles were being extremely silly. Sure, if something had happened to Celestia before Luna's return they would have something to worry about. Now, she was back and healed from the Nightmare, they could easily fall in line with her to keep Equestria from falling apart. She wondered if ponies ever thought ahead in case of events like this. Twilight wondered if she was the only pony, besides the Princesses or her friends, who ever took necessary precautions.

Giggles pulled Twilight from her musings. With three of her friends either resting or playing, that left Applejack and Rainbow Dash, who decided to keep her company while keeping her focused and not worrying about her mentor. As she worked, they began to slip into quiet, mirth filled giggles. At first Twilight thought they remained in order to take up her suggestion of broadening their horizons about magitech. She pointed out that such devices could do wonders in their respective fields of flight and farming. It dawned on Twilight that the two were becoming deeply amused as she worked. Curiosity was building, but she had to get the device finished first. Still, they proved to be helpful, as both mares were eager to fetch anything for Twilight when she needed it.

Now that the device was running, Applejack and Rainbow seem ready to pop from barely contained laughter. Twilight adjusted another connection and then put the panel in place. She looked at her friends with an annoyed expression and said, "Okay you two, you have been giggling over there all afternoon. What is so funny?"

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to answer first, but then put a hoof against it to keep from bursting out laughing. Applejack inhaled deeply, wiping away tears. Instead of trying to say something she pointed to the nearby ornate, full-size mirror for Twilight to take a look.

Twilight looked into the mirror, and her confusion turned into embarrassment. The residual magical static energy had frizzled Twilight’s mane to the point that it stood on end. She looked like she had electrocuted herself (a familiar experience). Twilight had to blame being too focused on her work and missed feeling her hair standing up. She must have carried a heck of a charge to give herself a mohawk.

"Oh my gosh." Twilight squeaked and tried to smooth her mane down. She thought she had succeeded in taming the wild mass but it shot right back up. Twilight gasped and worked harder, but Rainbow Dash and Applejack reached their limit. They fell against each other, braying out with laughter. Frustrated, Twilight let out a sigh and waited for the two to calm down. That proved to be a considerably longer wait, as another look would send her friends into additional fits of laughter. "Come on guys, it's not that funny," Twilight whined.

"Oh yes it is." Dash sobbed. "The look on your face, priceless." She snorted with laughter again, burying her face into Applejack mane.

Applejack’s laughter had died too amused guffaws, and she patted Dash on the back. "Gosh, Twilight, Ah didn't know ya' were into those fancy hairstyles from Rarity's magazines."

Twilight scrunched up her face and looked for a piece of metal to burn off the static charge. An unused metal plate served the purpose of getting the charge out of her mane and got it mostly back to normal. Now, instead of standing on end, it flattened into a messy heap over her head and neck.

"Next time I build an invention I'm going to make sure to send you two out for parts far, far, away."

"Ha, lighten up Twilight." Rainbow wiped her eyes. "We needed a good laugh." Applejack agreed wordlessly nodding her head.

"I know. Today has been nerve-wrecking." Twilight sat on her haunches and stretched. The ligaments in her lithe body popped and crackle giving her a joyful rush of blood through her tired muscles. "Tomorrow isn't going to be any better."

"How come?" asked Applejack.

"Tomorrow we start looking for whoever or whatever attacked the School for Gifted Unicorns." Twilight said while raising to all four hooves.

"Then we kick the guys around for what they did to Celestia." Rainbow flapped her wings, fueled with excitement to find the culprits and give them a good, stiff, beating.

"To bring them to justice." Twilight reminded her friend. She shook out her mane and walked towards the sleeping area of Celestia's quarters. She heard a new set of giggles as she entered and paused. She watched as Pinkie Pie and Celestia played a board game. It was a simple foal’s game, but Celestia seemed to be enjoying herself. It looked like she had already forgotten all the trouble she had caused during her rampant flight through the castle. They seemed to have eaten already, as empty plates were set off to the side, half eaten vegetables and cupcake wrappers adorning them. The sight of the two playing brought a smile to Twilight's muzzle. Celestia looked so sweet and innocent, nothing like the ancient matron that ruled Equestria for a thousand years.

Another pony shuffled on the nearby bed, catching Twilight's attention. Luna had taken up a quiet vigil on the bed. She had spent the whole afternoon watching her sister and Pinkie Pie play. Twilight knew Luna was serious about protecting her sister. Something had attacked her and might come back to finish her off. In her current form and mind, there was little chance she could fend off the creature again, especially a creature powerful enough to reduce an elder alicorn to a filly. If Twilight had to guess, it would be that Luna was having fits behind her barely contained stoic mask. Worry began to creep into Twilight's thoughts. She wondered if the princess of the night was entertaining angry thoughts—thoughts about what she would do to the perpetrators of this crime. Rainbow Dash was eager to just rough the culprits up. Luna was fully capable of doing much, much, worse to them.

Then, to add to the pressure of the day’s events, Blueblood had told Luna about the meeting with the nobles. That could not be helping Luna by heaping more concerns on her shoulders. How could they demand that she have to prove herself capable of ruling in Celestia's stead. This was Princess Luna, Mistress of the Night, younger sister to Princess Celestia. This pony was not Nightmare Moon, or trying to cast the world into eternal darkness. It was not fair that Luna had to prove herself—in this case, to prove herself able to set the sun. It amounted to no less than Luna having to prove her worth. Surely she had done so hundreds of times throughout the centuries. Twilight guessed that her credentials of facing the likes of Sombra and Discord were now little-known footnotes in history books. Luna had proven she could rule beside her sister after returning from the moon. Granted, stepping back into a different world needed a little adjustment. What did Luna have to do to get through their hyper-critical skulls that she was ready to rule? Numerous, less-than-desirable suggestions popped into Twilight's tired brain. She quickly banished them with a shake of her mane.

Luna already once regretted letting her emotion get the best of her. Ponies who knew her history would be right to be concerned if she would slip again. Twilight knew better; she would not let that happen again. Not while she had the means and will to protect both sisters with her friendship. She trotted over to the bed and climbed on. She laid on her belly next to Luna and joined her in watching Celestia and Pinkie play.

"Finished with your project, Twilight?" Luna asked, eyes still on Celestia.

"Everything is all set." Twilight watched Luna in her peripheral vision. "Just need Celestia for the next part."

"Will this show what happened to her?"

Twilight shook her head, "No, I have a few theories about that but I need to go to the school to verify anything. This experiment,—erm, test is to see what is going on in her head."

Luna set her jaw for a moment. Twilight saw her grinding her teeth. The feeling passed in a moment and she said with a slight edge, "Are you sure that is a wise use of your time? We have assassins lurking in the shadows and no clue as to their identity."

Twilight swallowed lightly as she saw the rage boiling inside her. She needed to proceed delicately and hope she did not set Luna off. She said, "I want to know why she had her seizure. I think it might something to do with the preliminary investigation by the royal guard about what happened."

"Some creature attacked my sister with a temporal spell." Luna said, adjusting her wings anxiously. "A level of high magic that few have mastered save for Star Swirl the Bearded and my sister and I."

Luna’s statement piqued Twilight’s curiosity, "Really? How much do you know about Star Swirl’s temporal magic?"

"Enough to know that no one should use it carelessly, lest something such as this happen."

Twilight nodded, remembering the time she had used one of Star Swirls time spells to resolve a problem, which, in fact, she herself created using the time spell. That revelation alone boggled her mind for days after. Twilight resolved that she was going to need extreme study into the theories of temporal magic before she would be ready to cast it. She suspected she would be ready to do so in the next century or so, give or take a decade. “So you have no knowledge of a creature that can manipulate time?"

"None. This was a strange event, even to us," Luna admitted; then she sighed and lowered her head to her fetlocks. "Celestia may have had some idea, as she was able to best it. Yet..."

Twilight nodded her head and turned her attention back to Celestia. The filly shook a pair of white dice in her magic field and tossed them gently across the game board. She nudged her game piece across the allotted number spaces and giggled. "I got a event card." She picked up the card and her eyes fell back. "'Bad luck, a dragon has stolen the crystal heart and sent you back five spaces.'" Celestia pouted and adjusted her piece backwards. "Stupid dragon."

Pinkie Pie giggled, "Aww, don't pout, little filly. You'll get your crystal heart back."

"From a dragon?"

"Duh, of course." Pinkie Pie hopped on her hind legs and punched one fore hoof at the air. "Sir Pinkamena will take on this quest for the young princess to restore her missing spaces."

Celestia giggled into her hooves, "Silly, you can't be a sir. You're a filly."

Pinkie gasped and dropped back to her stomach, eye level with Celestia. She whispered conspiratorially, "Really? Then don't tell the other knights, okay?"

Celestia laughed and nodded her head vigorously.

Pinkie smiled and scooped up Celestia onto her back. She trotted over to the bed where Twilight and Luna rested. "Can you watch Celestia? This filly needs to powder her nose. Hup." She kicked her back side up and popped Celestia into the air towards the two princesses.

"Okay, Pinkie," Twilight said, catching the airborne filly with her magic. As she lowered her to the bed, Celestia kicked her legs out and flapped her wings, trying to get traction. "C'mere you."

"Aw, come back soon, Pinkie Pie." Celestia called after Pinkie as she trotted out of the room. She looked to Twilight then to her sister. She proceeded to bounce over to Luna and throw her legs around her sister's neck. "Aw, poor Luna looks so grumpy today."

Luna smiled and briefly lifted her head. She settled it back down on top of Celestia, smushing her into the bed. "It was because I missed my favorite pillow."

Celestia squirmed and flailed her legs, "No, Luna, I'm not for sleeping on."

Luna laughed and released Celestia. The filly huffed and walked around the edge of the bed then crawled over Luna,to squeeze in between the adult alicorns. Twilight adjusted her wing to allow Celestia to get a bit more comfortable. Once Celestia had settled in, Luna laid a wing over both, covering Celestia and part of Twilight. This seemed ideal for Celestia, as her eyes began to droop. They remained quiet as Celestia’s breath softened. In no time she was asleep.

Twilight smiled as she watch her former mentor sleep without a care in the world and said quietly, "So this is Celestia as a filly."

Luna nodded her head. "No different from any other filly in the land. I am sure it is a rather disappointing revelation to those who deify her."

"Yes... I once imagined she was a spontaneous creation from a solar event." Twilight saw the cocked eyebrow from Luna. "I was a filly at the time I came upon that conclusion."

"Ah." Luna said and nodded her head. "I suppose you would have thought I would have been born of the ethereal powers of the night. Poetic really, not like the messy process of natural birth."

"I suppose some ponies need a reminder that the two of you are flesh and blood like everyone else." Twilight inhaled deeply and looked down at Celestia. The filly’s wing twitched as she continued to slumber. Twilight gazed up at Luna. The regal princess was looking away with and felt distant. A question popped into Twilight's head and she hesitantly asked, "I suppose, you two had parents."

Luna’s eyes shifted to look at Twilight. She only answered with a perceptible nod.

"What were they like?" Then Twilight realized the boundary she was crossing and quickly added, "I mean if you don't mind answering that question, Princess."

Luna pursed her lips as she regarded Twilight. Then she too looked down at Celestia and watched her sleep. "You do understand what I tell you..."

"Will never leave my lips." Twilight said. "Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye."

"I am being serious." Luna said.

"I am too," Twilight countered. She let a smile that would have impressed Pinkie Pie cross her muzzle.

Luna cocked her head at the smiling Twilight. After a moment, she chuckled and smiled. "I see you have learned a few things from Pinkie Pie."

"Just doing what I can to cheer you up, Princess." Twilight said as she moved a wing to touch Luna's back. "I can only imagine what your feeling right now."

"You are perceptive and kind, Twilight Sparkle." Luna bowed her head in respect. "I will endure, at least until this is undone and those responsible are punished."

Twilight nodded her head and waited. Luna shifted her gaze from one object in the room to another. For a moment Twilight thought that Luna was trying to dodge answering the question; then she started to speak.

"I was very young, so I only remember vague details about our parents," Luna said. "Celestia would be the best to ask, after she is returned to normal." Luna closed her eyes to help her focus. "I remember mother—she was white with a red mane and smelled like cinnamon. I wonder if it was because she baked, or if it was a type of perfume."

Luna rested her head on a fetlock before continuing, "I remember she would sing lullabies for us, and she had such a warm and caring voice. I think it's something Celestia tries to emulate when dealing with the populace. Considering the results, I think she pulls it off rather well."

“Father was dark as the night. Save for his eyes, which I sparkled with starlight." Luna frowned. "It's hard to remember his face after so long." She smiled, "I remember that he towered over me. Granted I was a foal, so everyone towered over me."

Twilight giggled.

"It's from him I learned that stamping your hoof was a sign of disapproval. He never raised his voice at us. That one solid stomp would cause my sister and I to stop whatever it was we were doing. I do not think we got into much trouble, at least, no more trouble than any other child could get into."

"Were you treated like royalty?" Twilight asked.

Luna shook her head. "Those times were different. We were just ponies. I do not think there were many other alicorns, but I think the other tribes did not live with us. If they did I do not remember. Perhaps the other alicorns preferred the isolation from the others."

"Because of your long lifespan?" Twilight asked.

"I would imagine so," Luna said. "It could be off-putting living in a village filled with ponies who would outlive you several generations over."

"I'm guessing such isolation gave everypony time to develop different types of magic." Twilight moved closer to the Luna as she began to speak faster, the questions lining up to be asked. "Were your parents powerful magic users?"

Luna leaned back from Twilight, then let an amused smile crossed her muzzle. Twilight stopped her questions at the expression, then she felt a few kicks from Celestia before the filly popped her head out from under the wings.

"I can't breathe, move over!" Celestia cried indignantly.

"Whoops," Twilight said. "I'm sorry Celestia.” She gave the irritated filly some room.

Celestia grumbled and rose to her hooves. She climbed atop Luna’s back and flopped. With her head rested against her sister's neck, Celestia began to doze off again. Luna rolled her eyes and sighed as her sister took over her back as personal bed space.

"I guess bigger sisters are for sleeping on?" Twilight gave Luna a wide smile.

"I suppose so," Luna said in agreement. She continued to watch Celestia as she slept. "Twilight, can your test wait till the morning? Celestia is exhausted after today events."

Twilight thought and nodded, "Of course. After what happen at the school and running around the castle she must be drained." Twilight tried to fight off a yawn but it forced its way out, "Goodness, my apologies. I guess I'm just as tired."

"Another reason to put off your test till tomorrow," Luna said. She shifted her wings and cupped Celestia to make her more comfortable. "Go rest, Princess. I shall let Pinkie Pie watch over her while I sort out the court of the night. I suppose they will need to know its presider will be taking over Celestia's duties till she gets better."

"Affairs of the kingdom don't stop, even when one of the Diarchs gets turned into a filly."

"Indeed." Luna nodded her head. "Go rest, Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight open her mouth to gladly oblige then stopped to consider for a moment. "Actually, if you don't mind, I'd like to go outside with you."

Luna quirked her brow then began to frown.

"No, no, wait that's not what I meant," Twilight said quickly adding, "I have nothing but faith in you to do your sister's job. I just, you know, want to be there to cheer you on."

"Ah, Twilight," Luna’s frown turn into a light smile, "I do not doubt your intent. Just it reminds me of the reasons this 'test'"—Luna said the word with a tone of disgust—"carries so much importance for no reason."

"Not everyone doubts you, Luna," said Twilight. "My friends and I know you're capable of taking over for your sister."

Luna’s smile widen and she said, "Thank you, again, Twilight. It is a deep honor to have friends such as yourselves by my side. This goes for my sister too.."

Twilight patted Luna’s foreleg before slipping off the bed. "I'll meet you at the observation tower then." As she moved from the bed, Twilight began working the kinks out of her body. She watched Luna magically slip Celestia off her back and onto the bed. She pulled the blankets over the sleeping filly, tucking her in.

"Now, this time, stay in bed." Luna quietly ordered her sister. Then she gave her a soft nuzzle and a kiss. Celestia unconsciously responded by grasping at Luna's muzzle and giving it a squeeze in return. Then she whimpered and turned over onto her side to get comfortable. Luna watch her sister settle in for much needed sleep, taking in a shuddering breath. She whispered, "Please be all right, Cele.'"

Twilight had to blink her eyes hard and moved to leave the room. This was a personal moment, not between Princesses, but sisters. Sisters that seemed to have gone through much in their younger lives. Twilight believed in her heart they would get through this as well, only this time they would not be doing it alone. This time they had her and her friends to help them. She hoped she would do her mentor proud by helping return her to normal. Twilight mused that she was chipping away at the unpayable tab she felt she owed to Celestia for everything.

With another partial yawn, Twilight trotted back to the living room, where she chuckled at her two friends. As physically fit Applejack and Rainbow Dash were, fatigue had finally caught up with the two mares. Applejack lay with her legs folded under her body, hat tipped over her eyes. A common position for Applejack when she would catch a quick nap on the farm during lunch break. Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, was flopped on the floor using Applejack’s flank as her personal pillow. Twilight added that cavert to her mental rolodex about her friends: Rainbow Dash could sleep anywhere on anything and now anyone.

"Hey," Twilight said, "wake up and go to bed."

Applejack lifted her head and tilted her hat back. She started to roll her neck but stopped halfway to frown at Rainbow. Rainbow Dash had only opened her eyes when her friend said, "Seriously, RD? Ya' sleep in my trees, on top my barn, now yah gonna sleep on me?"

Rainbow Dash smacked her lips before answering. "That's because you don't know how comfortable your rump is, Applejack."

Twilight laughed into her fetlock as Applejack rolled her eyes.

"C'mon, lazy bones," Applejack said. She stood up, letting Rainbow Dash’s cheek hit the floor. With a smug smile and nod, she said, "we still got work to do."

"Yeah, yeah," Rainbow Dash said, rubbing her cheek. She flapped her wings to follow Applejack and Twilight as they left the room. The trio departed from the royal quarters and through several hallways to reach the guest quarters. The late afternoon found less of the castle’s inhabitants traveling through the halls. Instead, more of the Royal Guard stood watch. Their patrols had become noticeably more frequent..

"Princess Luna isn't taking' any chances tonight," Applejack said as they passed their third patrol.

"As long as whatever attacked Celestia continues to remain free," Twilight said as she nodded her head to the patrol, “no one is going to be relaxing."

"How is Princess Celestia doing?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"About as well as can be expected. From just observing her, she is just as healthy as a normal filly," Twilight frowned. "I just don't understand why she can't remember anything about today. Why would she only remember her life when she was ten years old?"

"Maybe she's got that amnesia thing?" Applejack suggested.

"Possibly." Twilight mused for a moment as they turn into the hall where their rooms were located. "I only skimmed the reports the Royal Guards were able to collect from eye witnesses about the battle. It could have been traumatic enough to regress Celestia’s mind to a simpler time."

Rainbow Dash stopped and hovered as they others walked. "Wait, wouldn't that mean that whatever it was she was fighting could be really powerful? I mean, Princess Celestia is not a slouch when it comes to fighting."

Twilight open her mouth to answer but stopped herself.

"C'mon, Twi, I'm thinking the same thing too," Applejack said.

"What?" Rainbow Dash asked.

Applejack sighed and looked at her friend. "Chrysalis."

"Oh." Rainbow Dash made a face of disgust. "That."

"Yes," Twilight said. "That was the first time I've ever seen her fight another. We know why she choose not to fight Nightmare Moon. Chrysalis was one of the few times in this century that Princess Celestia had to resort to violence to resolve a conflict."

"So what ya’ sayin, she a little rusty," Applejack said.

"Pretty much," Twilight said with a nod. "She mentioned after the incident that she was going to start sparring with Princess Luna to get whipped back into shape."

"So does this count as a win or a loss?" Rainbow Dash asked as she stroked her chin. She then looked ahead as they neared the doors to their rooms. She let out a disgruntled snort. "Look out, Twilight, your prince of dubious quality is back!"

Twilight looked up to Rainbow Dash then down the hall. She groaned inwardly as Prince Blueblood approached them and felt her trepidation grow. He had disappeared since Celestia’s little romp through the castle. Now he was back with a distinguished grey earth pony who wore a top hat and monocle. Blueblood's eyes were on Rainbow Dash as they walked up. He tore his gaze away to flash Twilight with a brilliant smile.

"Good evening, Princess Twilight, and ladies." Lifting a foreleg to the other stallion he said, "With me is Caeser." He focused on Rainbow Dash, "You might remember him from the Grand Galloping Gala when you assaulted him."

Rainbow Dash appeared ready to answer with a snarky remark, but the memory of that moment took the sail from her wings and she chuckled nervously. "Right, sorry about that. No hard feelings?"

"Quite all right, miss." Caesar said as he adjusted this monocle. "I had a keen interest in your career since that night. I happen to know the locale military leaders of the E.U.P. military..."

"Oh yeah?" Rainbow Dash's interest was piqued.

"Yes," Caesar said, his demeanor becoming shark-like. "I had thought about having you expelled from the reserves. However, Blueblood here made the case that your presence with that venerable organization had significant importance."

"What?" Rainbow Dash’s tail flicked, her face going from surprise to anger. "You wouldn't-”

"I would have," Caesar said. He adjusted his monocle before he said, "It's not wise to ruffle feathers needlessly in Canterlot, Ms. Dash."

Twilight was just as surprised as her friends. She knew that commenting on the attempt to take away her lifelong dream would light Rainbow's fuse. To then lecture her, would make it burn all the faster.

"Now, Caesar," Blueblood interrupted smoothly, perhaps noticing the deepening scowl of the insulted mare, "I am sure Ms. Dash is not interested in Canterlot politics, nor is this the time.”

"Oh I'm very interested now," said Rainbow Dash her tail flicking back and forth to show her anger.

“Calm down, Rainbow,” Applejack said. The orange mare approached Rainbow Dash from behind.

Caesar set his jaw, looking ready to continue. Blueblood looked to Twilight to deal with her good friend. Twilight had to admit she felt angry too. Celestia was in a bad situation and Twilight's friends were getting into a fight with Blueblood's friend. She was glad that the prince was trying to be diplomatic, but the bull was out the gate now. It would be difficult to get it back in if nopony was going to back down. Twilight was game to try though and opened her mouth to ask Rainbow to calm down. Just as Twilight was about to say something to Rainbow Dash, the pegasus was yanked backwards. She disappeared so fast that Twilight had to turn to see where she went.

"Hey! Applejack, what are you doing?" Rainbow Dash flapped her wings harder trying to pull against the force pulling her tail. The orange earth pony had a mouth full of Rainbow's tail and was pulling her backwards down the hall. Apparently, Applejack had a full grasp of the situation and knew a better way to reign her friend in. No matter how embarrassing it might be for everyone present.

"Nuh-uh, led's go." Applejack said as she continued to pull.

"Leggo', I can walk, see, I'm following you. Ow! Let go!" Rainbow Dash whined all the way till both mares rounded the corner into the next hall. They scuffled out of sight before a harsh whispered conversation started. It continued to fade as they left for another part of the castle well away from Caesar.

Twilight and the stallions stood in the hallway. Twilight felt embarrassed by the whole ordeal but pushed it aside to lock her gaze on Caesar. Time to set some ground rules while she and her friends were here in Canterlot. "Was that really necessary?"

"Necessary? No," Caesar said. "Now if you were to ask if it were fun..."

"Caesar, really," Blueblood said to his friend.

"Fine, fine, I apologize, Princess Twilight." Caesar sat back and took off his top hat. "Perhaps I went too far. It's the stress of what happened to Princess Celestia. It has risen my ire. I hope you are able to find those responsible for this despicable act.”

Twilight sensed that the stallion was being insincere with his apology. However, calling him out on it would be in poor taste and start another argument. Twilight had to accept that he was apologizing for his behavior. Not to mention, having a pony of some considerable standing angry with her would not help in the investigation. She sighed inwardly, reminding herself why Celestia and Luna both disliked the political dance.

"Don't worry, Caesar, I will find out who did this and bring them to justice," Twilight said. "I also apologize for my friends’ actions. I hope we can take the opportunity to smooth things over. I'm sure once you get to know Rainbow Dash, you can appreciate why I consider to be one of my best friends."

Twilight winced at the look Caesar gave her—like she had stepped on his top hat. It sent a small shiver down her spine; the look told her that he had no intentions of ever making friends with anyone. A faux cough from Blueblood and the look vanished as Caesar plastered on a fake smile. "Of course, Princess Twilight, perhaps, one day." He replaced the top hat on his head and looked to Blueblood, "I think I shall go find Fancypants and see where he will be to watch the sunset."

"Of course, Caesar," Blueblood said. "I shall catch up with before long." Blueblood did not put on a smile as Caesar left. He wanted him to know that he disapproved of his actions. Caesar kept his dignity and trotted away. Only when he was around the corner did Blueblood sigh loudly.

Twilight watched him. She thought she saw something different in the prince standing before her. It was a moment, then the guise snapped back into place. He continued to look away, letting the silence hang in the air. Blueblood had the look of a pony with a lot on his mind. A question occurred to Twilight: who did Blueblood talk to about his problems? Her guess would be Celestia, seeing as they were family. Now that she was out of commission, what about Luna? Just how many friends did Blueblood have? None of these questions were going to be answered just standing here looking at the stallion prince. Twilight hoped that Rarity would understand that she was reaching out to him in the name of Friendship.

"Interesting friend you have there, Blueblood," Twilight said.

Blueblood opened his eyes slightly, acting as if he was expecting another kind of response. He took a moment to formulate his answer and said, "When you live in this castle, one has to take what friends one can find. Even if you know they have ulterior motives." He looked at Twilight fully. "Not all of us are so blessed to have a colorful cast of friends as you do, Princess of Friendship."

Twilight thought she heard Rarity’s voice in the back of her head commenting that maybe he would have more friends if he was not an insufferable jerk—not a helpful comment. "It wasn't the case that day I went to Ponyville for the Summer Sun Celebration. To tell the truth, everypony thought I was a spy for Nightmare Moon at first."

"But everything turned out well for you, did it not?" Blueblood inhaled deeply as he ran a hoof through his blonde mane.

"Well, I guess, it did," Twilight said meekly. She did not want to get into the subject about her Ascension not right now before she had to be outside with Luna. "So are you friends with Fancypants?

Blueblood seemed to lighten up slightly, but the look fell as he started to walk. "As much as I would love to talk about myself, I think auntie is getting ready to set the sun. Hopefully it will end this idiocy about her capabilities."

Twilight frowned gently. She reviewed the conversation, wondering what she said wrong. She had found something they had in common, but Blueblood was deflecting. He had a friend, why not share that with her? "Prince Blueblood-"

"Have a good evening, Princess Twilight," Blueblood said brusquely as he followed the same route that Caesar left by. His hoof falls retreated down the hall, leaving Twilight in the quiet hallway. The only sounds remaining were the distant march of the guards as they traveled their designated patrol routes. With a quiet whisper Twilight said, "Oh come on..."

---

Twilight hurried to the observation tower where Luna would set the sun and raise the moon. She put the incident with Blueblood and his friend onto her list of things to figure out later. Right now she needed to be the best supporter ever for Princess Luna. The run had left her panting as she arrived outside. She took a moment to adjust her wings to make herself look presentable.

Luna was there speaking with the guards. The armored stallions nodded to their Princess as she finished giving their instructions. They excused themselves as Twilight stepped up next to Luna. Twilight noticed that Luna was nervous, her wings twitching. A habit that Twilight acquired herself after gaining her pegasus wings. There was still a few minutes left before Luna would do her sister's duties An idea germinated in Twilight's mind and she said, "It can't be any worse than my attempt to raise the sun, Princess."

Luna stopped adjusting her four hooves and looked at Twilight. The stoic look began to melt as she started to smile thinking about that day the younger alicorn was in such a hurry to raise the sun. "I was mortified that morning when I saw both heavenly bodies zipping through the sky. I honestly thought you were going to crash them together."

"I'm still sorry about that." Twilight rubbed a hoof behind her head looking sheepish.

"Do not concern yourself, Twilight Sparkle," Luna said. The smile grew wider. "Your mentor thought it was quite amusing."

Twilight blushed having wonder what Celestia thought about her first attempt to use her magic. Another question pressed in and she asked, "What did Cadance think?"

"She prayed that you did not try to use her magic. She feared you might wed yourself to a door knob," Luna said matter-of-factually.

Twilight gasped and began to pout, "I'm so telling her off the next time I see her."

"Your wedding," Luna grinned. "Though I suggest the door knockers outside your castle. They seem so handsome."

"Ugh." Twilight sighed with defeat. Perhaps cheering up Luna worked a little too well She looked up with a smile. "Ready to show the world your stuff?"

"Yes, let us put this farce to rest." Luna stepped forward till she reached the rails of the balcony. Twilight watched her gaze out over the beautiful city of Canterlot which was bathed in the light of the setting sun. She closed her eyes and her horn began to glow. Despite popular rumor, there were no gestures, no uttered words, no arcane strain when dealing with the sun or the moon. The spells used required immense power, which only Celestia and Luna commanded—power that had grown from so long ago when they were still young alicorns. History pointed out that teams of unicorns could cast the same spells but at terrific cost to their personal magic, leaving them forever drained. The only time the sisters put a theatrical spin on the raising and setting of the sun and moon was during the Summer Sun Celebration, for the benefit of the ponies that would come to watch.

Luna was not in the mood to put on a show to prove her ability to rule in her sister's stead. It was enough to show them that she can do it and go take charge until the time Twilight grew her mentor back to being an adult. Ears flicking, Twilight mused that considering the pony in question that might be easier said than done.

Luna spell grew in power and the aura became brighter. Twilight felt a small thrill as the sun responded and began to descend into the horizon. "Yes," Twilight said. She blushed as one of the guards behind her quietly laughed. She was not the only one who had faith in their Princess. Twilight thought to say something to cheer Luna.

The sun stopped moving.

Twilight's pupils shrank as the sun stopped. She looked to Luna and her mouth gaped as she saw the elder alicorn struggling. The magical glow of her horn even more vibrant as she put more power into the spell. She ran to Luna's side, "Princess Luna, what's happening?"

"Another has cast the spell." Luna said through gritted teeth. Her wings unfurled and spread wide to regain her balance. "Somepony is trying to take the sun away from me."

"No!" Twilight shouted. "That can't be possible."

Luna snarled and gave Twilight an angry side look. "It is, and it is happening now. It feels like my sister is trying to take over."

Twilight looked to the two guards and ordered, "watch her while I go check on Celestia." She did not wait to hear their reply as she lept over the rail and spread her wings. Her mind raced. It was entirely possible that Celestia could be casting the spell. There was so many uncertainties about her situation at the moment. Did the filly suddenly remember or did a repressed memory compel her to start casting the spell? Would there be side effects on a pony so young to be casting a spell of this magnitude. Twilight leveled out as she spotted the balcony to Celestia quarters. A quick flick of magic and the doors were flung open to let Twilight land inside.

"Twiiili-" Pinkie Pie was quick to scold Twilight. She stopped when she noticed the look of fear on Twilight's face. Both looked to Celestia as she slept fitfully in the bed. The filly was not casting any magic.

"No, no, not good, not good at all." Twilight turned and flew out of the room and to the observation tower. The sun was visibly showing the struggle between Luna and the mystery caster. Was it the creature again? Was it showing that it now had the power of the Princess of the Sun? "Princess Luna."

Luna was glowering, matching her temperament as sweat poured down her body. Twilight landed close enough to the Princess to see her eyes glowing magical power. "Pray tell is my sister having a nightmare?" Luna's voice wavered from the intense focus she poured in keeping her spell.

"Celestia is not responsible," Twilight said. "Somepony else is casting the spell." Twilight expression changed to confusion as she saw a smile spread across Luna's muzzle. "Luna?"

"This is good then. I have no more reason to hold back." Luna reared back onto her hind legs, wings flapping. She rose up casting several spells in rapid succession. So quickly that Twilight could barely register which spells Luna cast. She could feel the power building up around Luna as she hovered mid-air, allowing the magical power to hold her aloft. She began to speak, her words like thunder. "Hear me monster. I am Luna, Princess of the Night. You think because of your cowardly attack on my sister you think yourself my superior. Now, you dare try to steal the very sun she is responsible for. Neigh, your ego has given you a false sense of confidence. While I still draw breath you will fail. As my heart continues to beat you will never harm her again. With my greater command of the forces of magic; You. Will. Not. Beat Me!"

With the last proclamation, Twilight swore she thought she heard glass shattering. A bright flash of silvery light forced her to close her eyes. A tremendous impact caused her to wobble and stumble. The wave of magic surged around her and away along with a forceful wind. For a moment she feared she might actually take flight and be flung over the railing. She felt her backside bump against the rail then the magical wave relented. After a moment the light faded and the magic dissipated all together. Twilight blinked her eyes and gasped. Luna was back on the ground, but now standing in a depression of pulverized stone. She was panting with sweat dripping down her lowered muzzle. Her eyes met with Twilights and nodded her towards the horizon. Twilight twisted around just in time to witness the descent of the sun.

"Oh thank goodness," Twilight said.

"Indeed." Luna smirked. "I won." She staggered out of the depression, using her wings to shrug off the guards who came to help her. "I am well, just winded. I have not had reason to cast magic like that for a while..." While the guards complied, they stayed close.

Twilight bounced over to Luna and threw her forelegs around her neck to hug her. Luna chuckled at show of affection and she returned it by hugging Twilight around her barrel. “Were you worried, Twilight?”

“Yes,” said Twilight. “Even more now than ever. Someone else can control the sun.”

Luna snorted. She let go of Twilight as she cast another spell, this one to raise the moon. “You give them too much credit. It is true they tried to take it by surprise, but it was an amateur attempt at best.” Luna snorted steam. “A true coward that waits to strike from the shadows, no doubt drunk from its victory over my sister. It dares think I would not expect him to try something with me?” Luna barked a sharp laugh, but there was no amusement in it.

Twilight made a mental note of what Luna said. It was actually quite comforting to think that whatever this creature was, it was not yet a threat to the sun. Yet.. There were too many unknown variables that could turn the next attempt into a win. The creature was an amateur at magic now, but how long would that last? With that in mind, she stood back to watched Luna raise the moon, waiting for something else to happen. "It might try again..."

"Perhaps," Luna said. "Before I ended its spell, I managed to tie a small amount of feedback into it." She preened a ruffled feather back into place. "No doubt it is reeling from the headache. Let it be a reminder that I am the superior spell caster here."

Twilight frowned, "Not to spoil your victory, Princess. Don't you think you're sounding a little cocky?"

Luna gave Twilight a sharp look. Twilight held her gaze, her stomach shrinking to the size of a small hoof. Then Luna looked away. She preened a few more feathers before she looked to Twilight again. "You intend on spoiling my fun."

Twilight shrank a little but nodded.

Luna sighed and said, "As you should. I still need to be on my guard for my sister's sake." She raised a wing and hugged Twilight’s neck. "Thank you for being here, Twilight."

Relieved, Twilight smiled at the princess. "You know I'm always here for you and Celestia." She gripped the larger mare's neck feeling Luna relax. The moment did not last long as she heard hoof steps of more guards arriving at the balcony. The most prominent was a bat wing pony wearing the armor of the captain of the guard.

"Your highness, we saw the magical eruption," the captain said. "I think every pony in Canterlot saw it."

"There was an issue with the setting of the sun. How bad was the damage?"

"A lot of the upper towers lost windows and some debris fell to the grounds below." The captain looked relieved. ”Though no injuries have been reported. Though a lot of ponies are wondering what happened."

Luna noded and released Twilight. "Of course, I shall go down stairs now and address the situation. Though I will leave out a few details till you are done with your investigation." Luna added the last comment with a look to Twilight.

Twilight nodded her head and watch the group leave. She turned to look over the dusk-covered city and wondered where this was going. An acute worry formed about this creature. Was it growing stronger? If so, she hoped for everypony’s sake that they found it before it became too powerful. She lined up her thoughts, making a mental list of things to do tomorrow. Only the call of a familiar prince below stopped her mental calculations. Wondering what Blueblood had gotten into now, she spread her wings and took off in the direction she heard the voice. Through one of the broken windows she spotted his white coat and teleported into the hallway.

Blueblood almost jumped out of his skin with the surprising flash of light and almost dropping Caesar to the floor.

"Oh my gosh, are you two alright?" Twilight asked. Blueblood stumbled with Caesar and laid him into a chair and began to fan him with his top hat. .

"I found him staggering in the hallway," Blueblood said. "I had been looking for him all over the place."

"Ugh, i was looking outside and there was a blinding light," Caesar said. His eyes were hardly focusing on anything at the moment. "Did something hit the castle?"

Twilight scrunched her face for a moment then said, "Not quite. I think Princess Luna wanted to put on a show for everypony and got carried away." She hoped Luna would forgive her throwing the princess under the carriage. She cocked her head and frowned when Caesar snorted with derision.

"Do the diarchs do anything simply, or safely, anymore?"

"You are cross, my friend," Blueblood said, with a slight edge. A surprising change to Twilight. "Let us get you to the infirmary."

"I'd rather we go and get a stiff drink," Caesar suggested. He took back his hat from Blueblood and placed it on his head. "I mean, if it's all the same to you, your highness." There was a definite look of hostility going on between the two stallions. It did not look like they were going to get into while Twilight was standing there with them.

Blueblood sighed and shook his head," fine, fine, but if you wake up with a concussion do not blame me for not trying to help." He rolled his eyes and nodded politely to Twilight before helping his friend along. Caesar already seemed more steady on his hooves as they trotted away.

They left Twilight wondering about the prince and his friend. More about Blueblood than anything. There was something different about the prince. Little glimmers of something more that he kept to himself. Was there more to the arrogant prince then what the others assumed about him? He did keep odd friends though. She wondered if Blueblood had more friends who were not like the Canterlot elite, maybe it would have a positive effect on him. She saw a different stallion briefly when she asked him about Fancypants. She groaned, realizing this had all the earmarks of a friendship problem. She could not ignore it, but nor could she delegate energy from the current situation with Celestia. Twilight was going to have to figure out a perfect way to balance the two issues. She wondered if the creature would be so kind to give her and the rest of Equestria a break from attacking again till she came up with a solution.

Experience said no, no it would not.

Author's Note:

Sorry about the wait. I started out with this chapter as you read it now, then decided to chuck it and write something different. I decided to listen to wiser council of my editor and proof reader and go with the original chapter. So, work, work, and more work. Here we are.

Chapter three hopefully will not take as long.

Comments

[i_am_the_jam]

Caesar is the villain.

[The Great Derpsby]

6910303
Perhaps. Or perhaps Blueblood and he are currently having a hard time with one another, similar to Applejack and Rarity during Twilight's sleepover. At this point, not having the Canterlot elite be evil and/or stupid is an absolute oddity, even though there's no reason they should all be horrible people.

[Sora2455]

"Some creature attacked my sister with a temporal spell." Luna said, adjusting her wings anxiously. "A level of high magic that few have mastered save for Star Swirl the Bearded and my sister and I."

Have you read the Journal of the Two Sisters? It does say something to this effect, that Celestia helped Star Swirl invent time magic. (It also states that incorrect use can de-age a pony!)

Pinkie Pie giggled, "Aww, don't pout, little filly. You'll get your crystal heart back."
"From a dragon?"

You have. You totally have.

There was still a few minutes left before Luna would do her sister's duties An idea

Missed a full stop.

Perhaps cheering up Luna worked a little too well She looked up with a smile.

And another...

"I found him staggering in the hallway," Blueblood said. "I had been looking for him all over the place."

Suspicious~

" fine, fine,

Think you missed a word here.

Good second chapter! Looking forward to number three!

[Gothicfox]

6911192
I have read the Journal from the two sisters, and some of the information comes from there. Though most of this story is based around my personal head cannon, I thought keeping up with some relative facts would keep it real.

[Chicago Ted]

Celestia is exhausted after today events.

*today's

[sakuralovelight]

Sorry for bugging you but by any chance do you know when the next chapter will be posted

[Gothicfox]

7222720

The next chapter is finished, all that is left is doing the editing. My apologies for the waiting, but I do have a full time job that commends the majority of my time. Do not worry, I will finish this story, it's just going to be a while.

[sakuralovelight]

7225025 that is okay I understand. I just ask people now and then just to make shire if the person is still still into wrighting the story or if it is a dead fic