Learning To Live Again

by Speedy Quill

The Love and Pain of Family

I sat in Celestia’s study, waiting for her and Luna’s reaction. They both sat across from me in silence.

After several seconds, Celestia spoke first.

“I can’t say I’m too surprised. I felt like there was something you hadn’t told us. But out of respect I didn’t pry.”

Luna nodded.

“I think I speak for both of us when I say we’re grateful for you telling us about your lineage.”

I let out a sigh of relief.

“I’m sorry I never told you.”

Celestia smiled.

“It’s alright Shade. We’re just happy you feel comfortable enough to tell us.”

Luna leaned over and whispered something to Celestia. Her smile got bigger and she nodded.

“I think you’re right Luna.”

She focused back on me.

“We think it’s only right to continue this openness. Is there anything you’ve wanted to ask us?”

My ears perked up. It had been so long since I’d thought about the topic! Suddenly all of my old questions flooded back. But I didn’t want to overwhelm them.

I narrowed it all down to one request.

“Tell me about your childhood. And becoming the Princesses.”

Celestia and Luna looked at each other and smiled. Luna was the first to speak.

“You understand that what we tell you is between us?”

I nodded vigorously.

“Of course! You two are family to me. I would never betray your trust.”

That made them both smile. Luna nudged Celestia.

“I told you he was like the little brother we always wanted.”

Celestia giggled.

“Well baby brother, let’s start from the beginning.”

I settled into my seat, ready for a story. Celestia began.

”We grew up in one of the few villages that existed in the land prior to the founding of Equestria. This was also the village that Gusty the Great lived in.”

I nodded, remembering she'd once told me about that fact.

”You mentioned her before. Had she already perfected the ascension spell by then?”

Celestial nodded.

”Gusty had spent her younger years in the pursuit. She feared more than anything that Grogar would somehow return. And she wasn't sure if anyone would be up for the task.”

Made a certain amount of sense. Celestial continued.

”So she created the spell. It gave a boost to her power and prolonged her life. What she hadn't planned on were the wings she grew.”

I shook my head.

”Wait. Wings are...a side-effect?”

Celestial nodded.

”As odd as that sounds yes. The spell has been tweaked since then as to incorporate them in a more official capacity.”

“Got it.”

“So that was the creation of the first alicorn. She lived in our village for the rest of her life. She passed after we took the thrones.”

“So she passed the spell and knowledge on to you.”

Luna nodded.

“Once she knew Equestria was in safe hooves, she decided she wasn’t needed anymore.”

I shuffled my hooves.

“I wasn’t aware alicorns could die honestly. I mean...you’ve both been alive so long I just figured...”

Celestia sighed.

“As much as everypony hopes that, we’re not immortal. The truth of the matter is that...”

She looked at Luna and they both nodded. Celestia turned back to me and continued.

“We control the flow of time within ourselves.”

I blinked several times.

“You mean...it’s a spell?!”

Celestia slowly nodded. I stammered first a few seconds before composing myself.

“I thought you said the ascension spell prolonged your life.”

“The ascension spell is actually two parts. One part increases your power. The other part prolongs life. That part has to be constantly maintained. But with the extreme power boost, it doesn’t drain you at all. If an average pony tried to use the spell they’d most likely drain their magic reserve within a few minutes.”

Luna locked eyes with me.

“Shade, you have to understand. This is one of the greatest secrets of Equestria. There are only a hoof-ful of living ponies who have ever had this knowledge.”

I collected my thoughts and spoke slowly.

“I’m not surprised. I assume every alicorn knows the spell?”

Celestia winced.

“I...haven’t told Twilight yet.”

My brow arched and Celestia sighed.

“We’ll tell her when the time is right, but it’s a terrible burden to put on a pony.”

I nodded in understanding. It made sense. Twilight would be faced with the same dilemma I’d struggled with.

“Cadance knows?”

Luna nodded.

“She does. And she’s opted not to prolong her life.”

My eyes bulged.

“Seriously?!”

Celestia nodded.

“She’s expressed her desire to not subject Shining Armor to that decision. And now that they have Flurry Heart they have a successor to protect the Empire.”

I allowed the information to sink in. That was a brave decision on her part.

”So you two grew up in the same village as Gusty.”

Celestia nodded.

“We were still young when Equestria was founded. But they realized quickly they needed a more unified leadership.”

Luna chimed in.

“That’s when Star Swirl showed up.”

Celestia chuckled.

“Yes. He was an eccentric stallion, to say the least. But the kingdoms trusted his opinion above most. So he was tasked with finding those who could lead.”

I was nearing the edge of my seat.

“And that’s when he found you?”

She shook her head.

“He came to meet Gusty actually. But when she turned down his offer, she suggested us. Once Star Swirl made his decision, Gusty took us aside and passed on her knowledge and the ascension spell. She told us we’d need to be strong for any enemies we might face.”

I nodded as I took in all this information.

“Did Star Swirl know about the process as well?”

“He was the one pony Gusty trusted to hold the information until we were old enough to use them ourselves.”

“I can only imagine that ponies were shocked to be introduced to an entirely new race.”

Luna chimed in.

“They were! But none of them could know it was possible to be like us. Star Swirl knew that nopony could ever know about the ascension. That sort of power can’t be given to just anypony. So we kept it secret for centuries.”

“So you were crowned rulers of Equestria and began your reign.”

They both nodded. I sat back in my seat.

“That tells me more about alicorns, but what were you two like back then?”

Celestia smiled.

“Honestly? We were brats.”

Luna nudged her.

“We tried to act like we were regal, but that only went so far. We were still fillies at heart.”

“And before your ascension?”

Celestia took over.

“Everypony in our village studied magic, weather, and agriculture. We thought it best to be well rounded when it came to the three races. But, as Luna mentioned, we especially excelled in magic.”

Luna giggled.

“We went around casting spells constantly. I’m sure the adults were happy when we finally left.”

That’s when it occurred to me.

“What about your parents?”

That made both of their smiles fade. They looked at each other for several seconds. Celestia finally sighed.

“All we know is that they were respected members of the community.”

“You mean they were-“

I couldn’t bring myself to finish the sentence. I didn’t want them to have to relive old memories.

A tear rolled down Celestia’s cheek

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to remember anything about them. But...the memories just aren’t there. A curse for living so long I suppose.”

Luna pulled her sister closer as Celestia wiped away tears. Luna looked to me as she stroked her sister’s mane.

“Father died before I was born. Mother shortly after we took the thrones. It was so long ago..”

I stood up and approached them. I embraced both sisters.

“I’m so sorry. If anypony can understand that emptiness I can. Even with Chrysalis alive, I felt alone and scared for so long...”

Their collective grip tightened around me for a few seconds before they released me. We all wiped tears away before I said anything.

“You two went through such a drastic change. How did you cope with being leaders at such a young age?”

A grin grew on Luna’s face.

“We didn’t. We still acted like fillies constantly.”

Celestia chuckled.

“Star Swirl didn’t realize what he’d signed up for taking us under his wing.”

Luna began laughing.

“Remember that week we kept hiding his hat?”

Celestia began laughing too.

“I’d nearly forgotten!”

They collapsed in a fit of laughter. I couldn’t help but smile at these sisters. No. My sisters.

They got under my skin regularly. And they were more immature than they let the public know. But they were the siblings I’d always wished I could have. And I thanked whatever deities were out there that they were mine. They were my family.

----------------------------------------------

As we settled into our routines, I saw an unfortunate change over the months. It was easy to see that Luna was feeling a strain from her duties. I could only assume there were a lot of rough nights. It appeared Celestia was feeling stretched thin as well. Even with me helping she was dealing with an influx of work. And Luna’s attitude toward her didn't help matters. I should have spoken up sooner, but my own schedule between Canterlot and Ponyville kept me occupied.

I finally mentioned Luna to Celestia one day.

”She gets like that sometimes. She'll spring back before long.”

”Uh-huh...and how is it living in the State of Denial? Sunny weather?”

”Don't worry Shade. She'll be fine.”

She pulled out a scroll and passed it to me.

”On a more serious note, I got this from Cadance today.”

I opened the scroll and began reading.

Dear Celestia,

While everyone here is doing well, I fear there may be trouble ahoof. Shining Armor has discovered signs of strange magic near the borders of the kingdom. I can only imagine what that could mean for us.

I know that you have a pony in your employ that is considered to be quite knowledgeable on most subjects and a quick read. I was wondering if we could borrow them to see if they might help us figure out what we're dealing with here in the Empire.

Your niece,
Cadance

I looked up from the scroll.

“She wants me?”

Celestia nodded.

“Your reputation has reached the Crystal Empire.”

“Does she know anything about me?”

“No. I think that’s best left for you to decide. Tell her as much or as little as you feel necessary. Remember that she’s different now. Thorax changed her perception of changelings for the better.”

I nodded. That was true. It would be interesting to see what happened.

A sigh escaped me.

“I can’t imagine this will be a quick trip. I’d better get in touch with Rarity.”

“Take the train back today. You’ll probably need a day to prepare for the journey anyway. And leave for the Empire the day after tomorrow.”

My brow arched.

“That much of a delay? It sounds like they could use me immediately.”

Celestia grinned. It was an impish grin too.

“Do you really want to go away without spending one or two more nights at home? You don’t know how long you’ll be gone after all.”

I got the drift and couldn’t help but smile.

“Fair point.”

————————

I hopped off the train and nearly ran into Starlight. I skidded to a halt.

“Sorry Starlight! I didn’t see you there!”

She brushed some dust out of her mane and smiled.

“It’s alright. I didn’t know you’d be in town today!”

“Change of plans for me actually. I’m heading towards the Crystal Empire in a couple days.”

“Oh wow! What for?”

“Not entirely sure. But Cadance requested me.”

“You’ll probably meet my friend Sunburst! He’s Flurry Heart’s crystaler.”

“I look forward to meeting him. Where are you off to?”

“Canterlot. I’m actually heading for the castle.”

That caught me off guard.

“Why?”

She seemed a little hesitant.

“Well...the map...called me there.”

It took a second for my mind to click. Once I realized what was happening I groaned.

“Dammit.”

“What?”

“Nothing. Just...good luck Starlight.”

She narrowed her eyes.

“You know something.”

“Just...tread lightly. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

That didn’t seem to comfort her at all.

“I’d...better get on the train then. Good luck in the Empire.”

“Thanks.”

I trotted towards town. I didn’t envy that mare one bit. If the map had deemed it enough of a problem, I only had myself to blame. Why couldn’t I have made more time for the two of them?

I shook my head. No time for sulking about the past. I had preparations to make and a special somepony to see.

As I passed buildings I made mental notes of where I needed to get supplies. From what I'd heard I was going someplace cold.

The boutique came into view before long and my pace quickened. I opened the door, a smile forming as I spotted Rarity.

She didn't see me yet, but she knew somepony had walked in.

”Be with you in just a moment! This hemline is being particularly stubborn.”

I chuckled.

”Sounds a little like a mare I know.”

Her ears perked up and she spun around.

”Shade! What are you doing back so soon?”

I raced over to her and gave her a kiss. She sighed as our lips pressed together. When I pulled away she seemed a bit frazzled.

”Well! That only answers half of my question.”

I sighed.

” It's good and bad news.”

That got her attention.

”What's wrong?”

”Nothing! But...Cadance has requested me to help with a problem in the Crystal Empire.”

”Really? I'm surprised she didn't ask for Twilight!”

”Apparently she needs my particular skills.”

”Well that's wonderful! Isn't it?”

I nodded.

”It's a great opportunity, but...”

Rarity's eyes dimmed a little as she connected the dots.

”You don't know how long you'll be gone for.”

I nodded.

”I wish I knew what I was walking into, but it could be really extensive. Or it could be really easy and I'll be back in a couple of days.”

She shook her head.

”You don't believe that, do you?”

I shook my head.

”No. But it was suggested to me that I shouldn't leave without saying a proper goodbye to you.”

Rarity giggled.

”Celestia is giving you advice about your...’personal’ time?”

”You have no idea how nosy those two are when it comes to this subject.”

She pulled me in for another kiss. I couldn't help but smile as she pulled away. She returned the smile.

”Well I'll help you follow her advice. We may have to follow it repeatedly.”

My entire body felt like jelly at that moment. Rarity was moving closer. She was an inch from my face when her eyes narrowed with frustration.

”As soon as I get that hemline down!”

She left me standing there in the middle of the room, confused as to what had just happened.

————————

I laid down in bed, completely exhausted. Not only had I been up half the night with Rarity, but I’d spent the whole next day running from store to store to gather supplies for my assignment. Now that the evening had come, I was ready for some sleep. When Rarity had seen how tired I was, she’d put on a pouty face.

“I thought you’d still have some energy to work off.”

It pained me to say ‘no’, but my body was aching too much. I settled in for an early night’s sleep.

I felt myself drift off. For a few moments, I was in the black abyss. Before I knew it though, I was thrown into Luna’s meadow. Literally.

“Ouch! What’s the idea, Luna?”

I looked around the meadow. No Luna. Where was she? My eyes drifted to the sky. Plenty of stars twinkling. In fact, more than usual. Then I saw something...different. One star looked as if it were bouncing between the others. Rather ungracefully too. Stars were going out, but the pattern was random. Luna usually had a certain flow to her work.

And then the bouncing star came crashing down with a scream. I felt something squish me into the grass. What was on top of me?!

“Ooohhh...shit! How does Luna do this every night?!”

I turned my head so my mouth wasn’t eating dream-grass.

“Celestia?!”

I glanced out of the corner of my eye to discover that Celestia’s rear end was sitting on my head. And not only that but-

“Is that Luna’s cutie mark?!”

Celestia jumped up.

“Shade! Did I crash into your dream? I’m so sorry!”

I got off the ground, taking a deep breath.

“What are you doing?!”

“Well...it wasn’t my idea!”

I rolled my eyes.

“I have a pretty educated guess in that department. And I don’t know what Starlight has planned for the two of you, but leave me out of it. You’re her problem for now.”

“Well, somepony is a grumpy sleeper.”

I glared at her.

“You’d be grumpy too if you’d just been face-planted to the ground by an ass!”

She frowned and rubbed her rear.

“You should have gotten out of the way. It’s sore now.”

“Out of the way?! You fell into this meadow as fast as I fell into Everfree!!”

Her frown grew sterner.

“Well, it’s not my fault! Starlight swapped our cutie marks and now we have to do each other’s job!”

I put my face in my hooves.

“I told her to tread lightly...”

Celestia gasped.

“What did you say to her?!”

“Nothing! I told her good luck and to be careful. You know why? Because as soon as she said she was heading to the castle I knew who the map was sending her to!”

She scoffed at me.

“Oh don’t scold me like I’m a filly.”

I sighed and sat down.

“I tried to tell you Celestia. I guess my warning came too late though.”

She stood there silently for a minute, looking down and kicking the dream-grass. She finally looked up, her voice a whisper.

“I’m sorry.”

I perked my ears up.

“Hmm?”

“I’m sorry. I should have listened to you.”

I nodded.

“I’m sorry too. I should have spoken up sooner. Maybe it wouldn’t have gotten to these extremes.”

I looked up at the stars. A lot of them were twinkling.

“It’s a lively night. You’d better get back up there.”

She looked up at the sky and sighed.

“How does she do it all?”

I chuckled.

“With a lot more grace. You were bouncing around up there like a pinball on a sugar high.”

She glared at me, with a smile, spreading her wings for takeoff.

“Good luck in the Empire Shade.”

She took off into the air as the meadow melted away. I waved to her as she disappeared into the dreamscape.

I prayed that Starlight's methods would help those two.

And whatever laid ahead of me in the Empire, I prayed that I'd be able to help half as much.

Comments

[THERDSTORYWHISPERER]

Let’s hope Twilight decides to not live a longer lifespan.

Nice chapter!

[The Bricklayer]

....Interesting bit of worldbuilding and a look into the two's past.

[Speedy Quill]

10010981
Worldbuilding pre-FIM Equestria has been a hobby of mine for a while. I've been working hard on trying to come up with a plausible history and I feel like I finally found a sweet spot. I'm glad you like the bit I've put in!