> Feather to Feather > by Chatterjoy > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Please, Oh great and beautiful moon! I wish for a stallion that will be accepted by my clan!” A brown coated mare with bright green eyes wished on the full moon. She wore gypsy clothing and tears glistened her eyes. The moon did not answer her plea. For the next few full moons the mare returned to the top of the mountain and gazed upon the face of the moon. Tears glistened in her eyes, as the moon was reflected in them. “Please oh beautiful moon! Here my plea! Give me a stallion that will be accepted by my clan!” The moon once again was silent to the earth pony’s plea. The mare turned to leave once again to try again next month when a bright flash blinded her temporarily. The Princess of the Moon stood hovering above. “Thou hast wished long and hard. We will grant thy wish.” The mare’s face twisted into joy, as she was about to run down the mountain in glee, the Princess stopped her. The Princess’s eyes were aglow with power. “In return mortal, thou wilst relinquish thy first child you have with him to Us!” The mare only nodded happily. “Yes, yes of course my Lady! It will be done!” The Princess’s eyes twisted into a sorrowful gaze. She knew the consequence of such a wish. This mare would never truly care for the foal that would surely be born. ~A~ Months passed and the gypsy mare had given birth. She was worried about what her husband would think. The foal was a little girl, a filly. That was not the problem though, it was the fact that the filly was purple. The filly had lavender eyes, and worst of all it was not an earth pony. It had both wings and a horn! Her mane was a dark blue with a lighter hue stripe next to a purple pink stripe. She held none of the colors of the original parents! Her husband came into the tent. His coat was brown like hers. A mane black as a barren night, it contrasted so much with her light brown mane. She had hidden the filly under a red blanket. “Honey, please…” she begged weakly. She hadn’t had enough time to come with an excuse on the colors of the foal. “There is nothing to be afraid of darling.” The stallion said as he nuzzled his wife. He then removed the blanket that hid the filly. The stallion dropped the blanket in surprise. “What is this treachery!” he demanded pointing an accusing hoof at the filly who was sleeping soundly next to her mother. “I can explain!” she pleaded with him. “No! I understand perfectly thou treacherous snake! Thou hast cheated on me!” The mare shook her head vigorously. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stared at the retreating back of her husband. She looked uncertainly at her filly. She sang a lullaby to the sleeping filly, and dread filled her heart. What would her husband do? She had to explain about the promise she had made to the Princess of the Moon. “Thou wilst die!” The mare turned around to see her husband wielding a knife in his mouth. She didn’t have enough time to react as she screamed, the knife cutting through her like butter. The scream woke up the filly, and she began to cry. The stallion looked disdainfully at the foal. A creature he considered an abomination. Not wanting to feel like a monster by killing a filly that had only symbolized the treachery of his deceased wife, took the filly in his mouth. He ran out of the house with the filly, and he carried it to the top of the mountain. The stallion had often seen his wife come here to pray. He abandoned the filly onto the mountain top. The full moon shown brilliantly down on the barren top, illuminating the filly. The stallion frowned and ran down the mountain. He would have to bury his treacherous wife and move on. He didn’t want to live here anymore. A brand of moonlight touched the filly. Her crying stopped, and she looked up to see the Princess of the Moon hovering above her. She waved her forearms at the stranger. The Princess held a small smile. She was slightly depressed at what she had done. She picked the filly up in her magic and brought her close to nuzzle. “We shall name you Twilight Sparkle for thy mane reminds Us of the time between day and night, and thy coat sparkles in this moonlight.” Twilight giggled and wrapped her forearms around the Princess’s muzzle. ~A~ “Little Sister what hast thou done!” “We merely granted a wish!” “This child, she is unnatural!” “We care not!” ~A~ Days passed and the Moon Princess’s jealousy grew. Her elder sister had forbidden that her child be revealed to the public. Only the guards and workers of the castle knew of the action the Moon Princess had done. “Twilight, Our elder sister does not understand. She basks in the glory of her kingdom. It is our kingdom! Are We not good enough for Our subjects?” The Princess nuzzled the filly with a frown. She looked up from the filly a dark expression on her face. “We will make Our elder sister understand!” Darkness crept over the Moon Princess. It devoured her body and her appearance turned frightening. Twilight began to cry. “Worry not dear child, this kingdom will also be yours!” The Princess of the Sun was walking down the hall. Her white feathers trembled. Her little sister had been acting differently. She heard the wailing of a filly. The pony still did not care much for a creature born of magic. She opened the door to the filly’s room. Towering over the cradle was some dark creature that looked like her sister. “Thou hast finally appeared, elder sister. We will take back what is Our’s!” The dark creature attacked the pony. ~A~ The white pony tiredly walked into the filly’s room. This was the only part of the castle that had not been destroyed. Her little sister had planned well and in the grips of her madness had managed to cast a protection spell over the room. The Princess looked down on the sleeping filly. She had managed to cast a sleeping spell. Her sister’s power had been more powerful the more she cried. The Princess had managed to banish her sister to the moon. Now, all was left was the filly. She was convinced she had caused the transformation, but as the Princess gazed down at the sleeping filly she saw something else. Greatness, kindness, honesty, optimism, generosity, and loyalty: The elements. She vaguely remembered the elements telling her something as she wielded them against her sister. The room began to shudder and some cement crashed to the ground. The protection spell was disintegrating. She could not reveal Twilight to the populace. Destruction would certainly occur to the government. More than this revolt did. She had enough strength to do this one spell. Everything had to be perfect in a thousand years. She would plan and plot to make it so. Her sister would return and most likely try to claim what was hers, Twilight. “May the heavens protect and watch over you. May the heavens watch over us all.” Her spell wrapped around the filly and in flash of brilliant gold she had disappeared. ~A~ The filly appeared in the same room. It was different. Vines crept around the walls and webs littered the corners and ceilings. A hoof with a golden shoe covering it stepped closer to the filly. Twilight looked up to see a brilliantly white pony. “Welcome, my little pony. Come. I will prepare you for the future.” > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learning how to preen can be a daunting task for a young pegasus. It requires that tough mental concentration and self-discipline to preen every day. Looking at graph 2.A we can see all the feathers named and in order. Every pegasus preens differently, but this diagram shows the most common and simple way to do it. Preening can have many different meanings, but the most common meaning is a show of affection. Mothers preen their foals until the child learns how to preen themselves. Preening is also a common way to show affection between very special some ponies. SLAM! Twilight forcefully closed the book she was reading. It was titled Preening Your Wings for Dummies. The new Alicorn was not expecting a lecture on the feelings of preening each others wings. It made her that much more against asking for help from her pegasi friends. Twilight was positive Fluttershy would have no problem with helping her preen. In fact, Twilight was 99.99 percent positive that Fluttershy would jump at the chance to teach her how to preen. Rainbow Dash would most likely scold her, but only to hide her embarrassment. Once again Twilight would be going to bed with itchy wings. They were a constant annoyance, and they made studying difficult. Night was descending upon Ponyville, and Twilight knew she wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight. Twilight started boiling some water. Fresh tea always made her feel better even with her itchy wings. She took her mug of fresh tea and climbed up to the balcony. Spike was already snoring in his basket, and the stars began to sparkle and shimmer in the clear night. A night that was perfect for sleeping. Perhaps since it was such a beautiful night Twilight could do some astronomy. It would certainly help her mind relax. Using her magic, Twilight gathered around her the supplies she needed for studying. Her notebook, quill and ink, followed by rotating her telescope to the moon. Something attracted her to the moon like a magnet. She couldn't explain why. Twilight gazed at the moon through her telescope and scribbled notes on her notepad. She gazed up at the moon and thoughts of Princess Luna began to flood her mind. She couldn't stop the thoughts and soon the scribbling stopped on her notebook. Twilight shook her head and gazed upon her notes. A poorly drawn Princess Luna covered the bulk of her page. She hissed under her breath. This was not the first time she had caught herself drawing the Lunar Princess on her notes. "Thine magic is shaky. Tis what makes thine art look like a mangled timberwolf." Twilight knew the use of the archaic language anywhere. Twilight turned her body to face inward to her house. Princess Luna stood smiling at her. Twilight gave a bow, and quickly stood up. She cantered over to the dark Princess. "Good evening, Your Highness." Twilight greeted. A feeling to nuzzle the Alicorn flooded her, but she ignored it. She chose to smile at her instead. "To thee as well, Twilight Sparkle." Princess Luna smiled back warmly at Twilight. A glint in her eyes. It looked almost like pride? "We thought that thou would be in bed at this time." "Normally I would Princess, but I can't seem to find sleep these days." "We have noticed." "How?" Twilight asked, but when Luna returned her gaze with a look the thought hit her, "Oh right Princess of Dreams forgot about that." The two Alicorns shared a laugh between themselves. Twilight got another cup and poured Luna some tea as well. "I hope you like Earl Grey." Twilight asked using her magic to hand the Princess her cup. Luna smiled thankfully and used her own magic to take the cup from Twilight. She sipped it with such refined grace that Twilight couldn't help wishing she had. "Tell Us, Twilight Sparkle, what keeps thou from thine dreams?" Twilight's wings ruffled uncomfortably. "Its nothing big." "Is it thine wings?" Twilight blushed with embarrassment. How could she not figure out how to properly preen her wings. Pegasi make it look so easy! Twilight nodded to the Princess's question. "Tis nothing to be ashamed of," Luna said reassuringly, as she took a sip of her tea. Twilight looked back up to her in curiosity. "Normally, they learn from their mothers." Twilight nodded again. She had just read that in the book. She wasn't born a pegasus nor did she have a pegasus relative. She didn't have a proper teacher. "Twilight, We were thinking that maybe We could be of some assistance?" "WHAT!" Twilight screamed, as she jumped onto her feet. Her wings flapped in shock. Luna giggled, but she put a hoof to her mouth and tilted her head towards the snoring Spike. Twilight began to think about it. What could be more embarrassing than the Princess of all ponies preening her wings! She was about to decline when Luna spoke. "We are afraid that we cannot be of assistance tonight. Nightmares plague Our subjects, and We must attend them. Please think it over. We will return for thine answer on the morrow." Twilight could only nod as the Lunar Princess flared her horn and teleported away. Probably back to the castle where she could properly see every ponies dreams or however she did it. Twilight's wings still itched horribly, and she figured she might as well attempt to get some sleep before the morning. After all Princess Luna was going to be staying up later to tend to her. Why would a Princess do this for her of all ponies? Then again she had known about her drawings. How would she know that if she hadn't been spying on her for a while now? Actually now that Twilight thought about it she had been drawing Princess Luna after she had freed her from Nightmare Moon. They had just started to get excessive after her coronation. Could it be that she was falling for the Lunar Princess? Twilight shook her head vigorously. There was no way in Tartarus that she was in love with the Princess. Maybe, Twilight thought, she should take a break on studying wings and focus more on these feelings that she had towards the Princess. It should prove to be most enlightening. One thing held her back. What if she didn't like what she read? What if she was in love with Luna? "I should decline her help. Her preening will only make these feelings worse." Twilight couldn't help but wonder if the opposite was true. That in reality Luna preening her wings would help her discover her feelings? The Alicorn sighed and crawled into bed. Her wings itched and burned like crazy, but she would have to sleep on these feelings. She was going to get no studying done tonight. > Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Time to awaken, Twilight Sparkle," a voice whispered in the purple Alicorn's ear. Twilight's ear twitched, and she groaned in her sleep. "Five more minutes mom," Twilight replied sleepily. She rolled over to face the opposite direction of the voice. Luna grinned at the sleeping pony. She flared her horn with a giant smile, "Thou hast asked for this punishment." With a flash Luna had entered Twilight's dream state. It was plain and painfully so. It seemed Twilight's consciousness had not produced a dream this time. This dream if it could simply be called that was a restful one. It made it better for Luna as that would mean more room for her to work her prank. Casting her magic Luna formed Twilight's subconscious into the library. The young Alicorn had formed to be sleeping on her bed. Luna let out a giggle and using her transformation magic formed herself into Nightmare Moon. She had seen this prank be done many times, and she doubted it had been performed in a dream. She leaned into Twilight's ear and whispered, "We are going to kill you." The effect was as desired and the mind Twilight jumped out of her bed screaming. The dream Twilight looked to see Nightmare Moon, and she began to panic. Her dream world crumbled apart forcing Luna to evacuate. The real Twilight jumped out of her bed just as the dream Twilight had done, and it caused her to run into Luna who was grinning widely at her. "Good Morrow," she said still smiling down at Twilight. Twilight's wings ruffled in embarrassment. "Oh...um...Good Morrow," Twilight repeated, "I mean good morning! Hehe good morning." Luna couldn't help but giggle at Twilight's antics. Twilight's face turned bright red, and her wings ruffled. Luna noticed the ruffle of Twilight's wings, and her face grew serious. Her eyes still held the joy of her prank, and when she spoke a hint of laughter was with it. "Dost thou have an answer for Our request?" Luna asked leaning towards Twilight expectantly. Twilight cringed backward a little bit at the proximity, nervousness vibrated throughout her entire body. "Um, I don't really know yet?" She sounded so unsure, and Luna took this moment to target the area of doubt. "Twilight Sparkle," Luna began like a mother would a scolding or a lecture, "Thou must keep thine wings clean to fly properly, if thou has not asked thine friends for aid as of yet, tis only practical that We be of assistance?" Twilight could only look away from the Lunar Princess. Everything she said was spot on. If she hadn't asked her friends to help with her problem that was now becoming dire, then it would be best that she accept Luna's request. Luna let Twilight think about it for a few minutes. She could only wonder what it was like for Twilight. No doubt she was thinking along the lines of lovers, if the book Luna had caught her reading yesterday was proof of anything. "I guess it would be alright Princess," Twilight answered. She was unable to look Luna in the eyes, and her face still held the blush from earlier. Luna smiled reassuringly at the younger Alicorn. "Tis nothing to be afraid of," Luna said as she nudged Twilight back onto her bed. It would make it, so Luna would not have to bend over. "Think of Us as thine older sister," the Lunar Princess suggested, as she used her magic to gently unfold Twilight's left wing. Twilight nodded and attempted to calm herself with Cadence's breathing exercise. Her eyes were closed, but her body was still tense. "Calm, Twilight Sparkle, no harm shall be done," Luna whispered into her ear. Twilight began to physically relax. Luna began to whisper soothing phrases into her ear. It was not long before she felt Luna's lips touch her feathers. For a moment, Twilight tensed back up, but Luna hummed a little tune. The vibration ran up through her feathers to her wing muscles, and Twilight relaxed again. The Lunar Princess resumed her preening of Twilight's wings. "Princess, I've had something on my mind for a while," Twilight said. She might as well ask the Princess outright. Luna had finished her left wing, and Twilight was much more comfortable now, as Luna preened her right one. "Proceed with thine question." "I've been feeling some strange feelings," Twilight began, "Of you. I don't think I'm into mares." Luna made no face and continued preening Twilight's wings. "We understand." "Oh good! I was worried I would hurt your feelings!" Twilight exclaimed, her right wing accidentally slapping Luna in the face. "Sorry." "No need for apologies, Twilight Sparkle, however we are confused by thine comment of Our feelings." Luna remarked as she lightly rubbed her snout before resuming preening Twilight's wing. "Well, you have a crush on me don't you? Isn't that why you offered to preen my wings?" Luna stopped her mid preening. Then her face broke into a smile. It was not long before that the Lunar Princess was laughing out loud. "Thou art amusing Twilight Sparkle! To suggest that the embodiment of the moon to have a crush on thee!" Luna kept laughing as Twilight's face grew redder and redder. "We had offered simply for the reason that We are thine mother!" Luna clasped a hoof over her mouth the moment she had spoken the last sentence. She was not to reveal that yet. Twilight was far from ready of learning the truth of her origins. Twilight turned around to face the Lunar Princess, shock clearly drawn all over her face. "That...That is scientifically impossible. There has been no record besides...my parents in Canterlot. Luna that is not funny!" Twilight growled her face now contorted to rage. "How could you say my life is a lie?" Luna looked away and whispered, "We are not saying false words." "You are not are you!? You just accused that my life is a lie! I was born a unicorn and will always be a unicorn! My parents are Twilight Velvet and Night Light!" Twilight yelled now standing next to Luna. The Lunar Princess had risen and was staring with a neutral expression at the younger Alicorn. "Twilight Sparkle! Thou art Our foal, whether you believe Our words is up to you. We will, however, not accept the tone of the voice thou has chosen to grace Us with. Thou art the result of a wish We had granted a millennium ago! Thus We are thine mother!" Twilight looked taken aback. She was a product of a wish? She was born of magic? That would make sense since her special talent was magic. She couldn't believe this! Twilight gave a glare to the Lunar Princess and teleported far away from the library. > Chapter 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight had done a random teleport, and she had ended up in the old ruin castle in the Everfree Forest. She didn't know why she came here, but she knew she had to get away from Princess Luna. Why would the Lunar Princess say such things? Surely, Luna was not that bad of a pony. Twilight sat near the base of the monument that held the Elements of Harmony. She took comfort that this place was where she had first recognized her friends. Twilight lightly put her head on the monument and closed her eyes. A brief memory of a dark figure hovering over her and singing lullabies invaded her mind. Twilight lifted her head with a start. A memory? The young Alicorn shook her head in confusion. No, everything Luna had said had to be a lie right? She would talk to Princess Celestia, or at least she would send a letter. In the meantime she would teleport home. When Twilight arrived home, Luna had gone. Twilight couldn't help but feel relieved. She didn't think she could face the Lunar Princess right now. "Spike!" Twilight called, as she waited for her faithful assistant. The young dragon came scurrying down the stairs to meet her. His eyes still held traces of sleep. "I need to take a letter to Princess Celestia." Spike grumbled but went to fetch his needed materials. Twilight vowed to let the little dragon go to Rarity's today. She had been keeping the young dragon very busy as of late. It probably had to be because of her new duties as a Princess. The little dragon shortly appeared with a quill in one hand, and a piece of parchment in the other. Dear Princess Celestia, Your sister, Princess Luna, had told me some interesting things. She said that I was her foal. Is your sister playing another prank? If so it was not very funny, and her humor should improve. I loathe to admit that I felt offended by the statement, and perhaps my outburst at her was uncalled for. The moment I see her again I promise to apologize to her, as she apologizes to me. Yours truly, Twilight Sparkle Spike had looked at Twilight funny, as he wrote the letter. Sealing it up and blowing fire onto it, Spike crossed his arms and tapped his foot. He was clearly waiting for an explanation. "Princess Luna said I was a product of a wish a thousand years ago." Twilight said. That was as simple as she could put it. Spike just stared dumbfounded. "But that is impossible! How would you be here now if that was the case-" Spike was interrupted when a letter erupted from his body in the form of a burp. Twilight immediately grabbed the letter in her magic.. Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, I am afraid that what my sister has said is true. I am also afraid that she has revealed it too soon. She will be removed from her duties for a while to explain the situation to you. I have a feeling you will not respond well to this arrangement, so I order you as the eldest Princess that you will be required to provide a temporary home for Princess Luna as she visits you. That means in your Library home Twilight Sparkle with a real bed and not in the basement. Everything must be extremely confusing and I apologize. Also do not fret, my sister will continue her dream duties, as I can handle court on my own. Please try to be hospitable. Princess Celestia Twilight could not believe what she had read. For the next few minutes she reread the paper. Spike grew ever more impatient to the point smoke was coming from his nostrils. "Well, Twilight what did the Princess say?" Spike asked. Twilight only gave him the letter and proceeded to get the spare bed from the basement. Ordered she was. She felt like a little filly again being told by her mother to do something. When Twilight had finally moved the bed she placed it below the ledge that held her bed. This was as close as Twilight was going to let her 'mother' be next to her. Mother...her life just got turned around, and she was being calm about it. A new record for her. Spike came up to the living quarters with a surprised face. When he saw Twilight he gulped and grabbed a hold of his tail, fiddling with it. "Um, Twilight perhaps you should get yourself cleaned up for Princess Luna's arrival?" he suggested. He briefly thought about running to Rarity's before his caretaker could lose it, but at this moment in time Twilight needed him. "I am perfectly fine Spike! My life has just been turned upside down! No big deal. No. Big. Deal. NONE! I just happen to be the daughter of Princess Luna! A Princess by birth, so everything is just perfectly FINE! Just that the math and science don't add up. They. Don't. Add. Up. Hehe. That's okay though because Luna is going to explain everything!" Sometime in the middle of her talk, Twilight had curled up and was brushing her tail with her hoof. Stray hairs spread out among her mane and tail. Spike thinking it best to get the others to comfort Twilight quickly dashed out the door to gather their friends. Spike had returned shortly with their friends. They looked at the whimpering Twilight huddled on the floor. "Sugar cube," Applejack said staring at Spike, "What the hay made Twi' get into this shape." The rest of their friends leaned in to hear Spike. When he had gathered them the poor dragon couldn't even say complete sentences. Even now, the poor dragon couldn't and instead opted to get them the letter that Princess Celestia had sent. The five ponies read over Applejack's shoulders. Their eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. Rarity let out a squeal of excitement oblivious to the fact that Twilight did not like this turn of events. Rainbow Dash just muttered something about how uncool this was. Fluttershy let out a squeak and commented on how confused Twilight must be, and Applejack just stood dumbfounded. Pinkie on the other hand bounced towards the broken Twilight. "It'll be okay! You just happen to be born a Princess that's all! I wish I could have been born a Princess! Hey this explains your magic powers now though! Or does it. Hmmm. I am not sure! But now that means we can throw a Twilight was born a Princess Party! Wouldn't that be fun?" Pinkie stopped talking to give Twilight a chance to answer. The young Alicorn just continued to stare blankly ahead, whimpering to herself. Pinkie turned to the rest of their friends and shrugged. "Why don't ya'll go outside fer a minute," Applejack suggested, "I'll talk to Twi' here, and we'll be out in a jiffy!" The others nodded and left the farm pony with the Princess. "Now listen here Twi' what's so wrong about bein' Princess Luna's daughter?" "Velvet, my mother is Twilight Velvet," Twilight replied turning to face away from Applejack. The farm pony sighed. "My life is a total lie!" "No it ain't sugar cube!" Applejack retorted rubbing Twilight on the back, "Twilight Velvet may not be your bioli....biollogcally...aw forgit it. Twilight Velvet may not be the one ta give birth to ya, but that doesn't make your life a lie. We are still your friends aren't we?" Twilight nodded but she still did not face the farm pony. "Listen, Twi' who ya came from doesn't make who ya are. You are still a smart pony an nothin life throws at ya will change it." "But...that would mean I was born a thousand years ago," Twilight whispered, "As an Alicorn! I've been a unicorn. It doesn't make sense!" Applejack nuzzled her friend, "Life don't make much sense Twi' it just throws ya obstacles, and ya gotta learn to jump 'em. This is just a tiny hurtle ya gotta jump." "Try a mountain," Twilight muttered. Applejack gave her a stern look, and the Alicorn just sighed and shakily stood on her legs. "Thank you Applejack. I may have overreacted about my life being a lie. It's just so much to take in." Applejack just gently nudged her. "Lets git yer house and you to a presentable nature." "I agree," Twilight replied. The mane six took the rest of the day to dust the house. At the insistence of Rarity, she took the ragged Twilight to the bathroom to quote on quote, make her into perfection. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash dusted the tops of the shelves and the corners of the ceilings. Pinkie Pie and Applejack shelved and dusted the books, and Spike polished the floors. "Behold! Perfection!" Rarity announced, moving aside to allow Twilight through. She had made minor adjustments to Twilight's mane, and she had made sure that the purple pony's coat was gleaming. Twilight had initially refused so much glamour, but Rarity insisted that first of all Luna was a Princess (even though Twilight was one as well) and secondly it was always important to make a good impression. "Wow Twilight! It's just Princess Luna!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. She landed and gave the Alicorn a hug. The Pegasus had silently brushed out Twilight's mane to make it look like it normally did. Rarity nearly fainted. "You look beautiful." Fluttershy commented. The rest of her friends gave her small compliments that Twilight felt were unnecessary. A powerful knock was heard at the door. It could only be Princess Luna. Twilight looked towards her friends who gave her encouraging smiles. "You can do it, Twi'" Applejack said shooing her to the door. Twilight approached it and gulped. Using her magic she slowly opened the door to reveal Luna on the other side. "Greetings...Twilight Sparkle," Luna said. There was hesitation in her voice. "We are here...to enlighten thou of thine origins." Luna shuffled nervously and her gaze never fully landed on Twilight. "Luna...I mean..." Twilight hesitated, "Luna. Would you like to come in? I can put on some tea?" Luna nodded and Twilight moved to the side for her. "...Luna, do you know how long you will be staying?" Luna just shook her head. The Lunar Princess gazed at Twilight's friends and acknowledged them. "Come on gals, ya'll can help me with the farm," Applejack said suddenly. She ushered out every pony and Spike. "Ya'll have fun now!" She said to the two Alicorns. Twilight waved good bye to her friends. Without looking at Luna, she left to the kitchen, "I'm going to go put on the tea now." > Chapter 4 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight brought the tea back into the living room. The princess had grabbed a book on the shelf and was reading through it. Twilight studied Luna for a little bit but realized that Luna had not turned a single page. Strange, she did that when she wanted to avoid eye contact with somepony. "Here is the tea. I'm afraid it's peppermint this time," Twilight said. She put the tray with the kettle and mugs on the table with her magic. Twilight was also avoiding looking at Luna at this time. Silence stretched between them. The sound of the sips the only thing they could hear. "The tea is good," Luna said, attempting conversation, "Peppermint correct?" "Yes." More silence stretched onward. Twilight had grabbed her own book. The Alicorns sat around the table drinking their tea and reading their books. Twilight had finished her tea, and she poured herself another mug. "Would you like some more...Luna?" "Yes, We offer Our gratitude." Luna replied without looking up from the book. Twilight poured Luna another mug of the peppermint tea. "They've been reading and drinking tea ever since we left! When is Princess Luna going to explain the situation?" Rainbow Dash whispered harshly to her friends who were also crowding around the windows to spy on their friend. "Maybe Luna will explain to me, when all her friends give her some privacy!" Twilight replied glaring up at the cyan Pegasus. Rainbow Dash turned her gaze to the purple Alicorn who had spotted her. She smiled nervously, and she quickly took off. Twilight's friends followed the Pegasus closely behind as well after realizing they had been caught. Luna watched Twilight's friends leave dejectedly. She had sensed that their presence had never left after Applejack's suggestion to help them with the farm. Either this was her plan to get them to spy, or this was the plan of Rainbow Dash, who probably got the others in on it as well. Twilight had also known that her friends were there still. Luna carefully studied her daughter, and she sipped her tea. Twilight was still reading the book, but had failed to turn any page just like she had done. Perhaps they had more in common then Twilight would want to acknowledge. She knew her daughter would want a quick explanation, but the words to say escaped Luna. "Twilight," Luna began, as she set down her book and tea. She had to get this conversation going otherwise they would never be able to get on with repairing their relationship. Luna had basked in her time with Twilight whenever she could. This would be no different, even if Twilight hated her. "I'm sorry," Twilight interrupted. She had set down her tea, but she refused to look away from her book. Her cheeks were red, and Luna knew that this would be an apology that would have been hared to have choked out. "I behaved too rashly." Twilight took a quick glance at Luna. Luna smiled, "Apology accepted, We will grace it with an explanation of utmost care and truth." Twilight could only nod as Luna prepared to explain to her what had happened. "Twas a little more than a thousand years ago. A young earth mare wished upon Our full moon every month. She desired a stallion that her clan would accept. We eventually granted her wish, in return she was to sacrifice her foal to Us." Luna looked away in shame. She had long since become familiar with this time's customs. No doubt Twilight was appalled, Luna glanced upon Twilight's face, but it was as neutral as her sister's when she did diplomacy. "That sounded awful, but I am well read. I am aware that often in that time foals were given as compensation." Twilight responded looking away. Her face was contorted in sadness. "I was born from an earth pony then? I still don't understand." Twilight had returned her gaze to look at Luna. "Yes, thou art correct, foals were given as compensation. It was also more than that. We desired a foal of Our own, but being a Princess and immortal at that, my sister had forbidden Us to ever be with another," Luna explained further. She was now idly poking at her mug and looking at her reflection within the tea. "We understood her reasoning, but the desire to have a family and perhaps be normal for once overcame Us. We sought other ways to be a mother. We found it when I granted the mare's wish." "What ever happened to the mare?" Twilight asked. "She found her stallion. Eventually, she made love to him, or how thou wouldst say se-" "I know what that is, so can we move on?" Twilight interrupted. Her face was as red as one of Applejack's red apples. She refused to look at Luna now, and the Lunar Princess released a giggle. "She gave birth to you. An Alicorn. When her stallion came by to see you he was appalled. Not by thine wings and horn, or by thy color. He was appalled by what he thought his wife had committed. He stabbed and killed her. He took thou and abandoned thine body on the mountain where I had granted the wish for the mare." "Why didn't the mare explain to her husband the truth? Did she love me? How did I end up here?" Twilight asked. So many questions ran through her head. She had to know the answers. "In time Twilight, let Us explain," Luna said. She waved her hoof at Twilight who was now leaning over the table to get closer to Luna. "We took you from the mountain. I named you Twilight for thine mane reminded Us of the colors of the time between day and night. We gave thou the name of Sparkle because thine coat shimmered in the moonlight. The mare like most who have been granted wishes probably cast the thought out of her head, or merely forgot. We are positive that the earth mare loved you. She sang you a lullaby before her death." "How am I your child if you didn't give birth to me? And how did I still end up here?" Twilight asked again. She was close to leaning over the table again. "Thou art Our child because twas Our magic that initially gave birth to you. Tis hard to explain in words. The mare would never have met her stallion if it were not for Us. Our magic let the connection between the two ponies happen, thus Our magic poured into love for each other which physically manifested in the stallion's se-" "Too much information! Too much information!" Twilight screamed covering her ears. "There is not enough books in the world for me to forget this!" Luna giggled again. This time the Lunar Princess used her wing to stifle her laughter as well as hiding her face, which was now matching her daughter's blush, but for an obviously different reason. "You still refuse to answer how I got here," Twilight pointed out. The tension in the air had dissipated and Luna was becoming hopeful that their relationship could still be salvaged. Luna became serious, "The answer eludes Us. We don't know thou will have to ask Sister on those details. We imagine that she used a time spell." Twilight's gaze turned curious. "What did Princess Celestia think of me when she found out?" Luna, who was about to sip her tea, froze. Her gaze suddenly shifted to any object other than Twilight. The Lunar Princess's wings ruffled uncomfortably, and Twilight could physically see her gulp in distress. "What happened?" "We had a dispute of sorts," Luna answered. Twilight gave a glare, and Luna resigned to the fate she was about to put both her sister and herself in. "Sister was not thrilled. She was furious, and she did not like thou at all. Thou was unnatural, something that reminded Sister too much of him." "Him? You mean Discord?" "Yes, Sister hated Discord with a passion. She was as furious as the sun on the hottest summer day. Tartarus could never match the fury that radiated from her." Twilight began to flinch away in terror, as she imagined her mentor hating her very life. "Fear not Twilight, We feel that most of her fury was directed at Us. Thou being at the castle would cause a political uproar. One of the very reasons why we were not to have a family that We so desperately wanted." "But she hated me," Twilight whispered. She covered her face with her wings as the thought of her mentor staring down at her with hate filled eyes. "On the contrary, We think that she had grown to thou. Thou may not see it, but We do. My Sister is very protective of thou. Take comfort from it," Luna said. She carefully walked over to Twilight and wrapped a wing around her. She brought Twilight to her chest and held the young Alicorn in an embrace of feathers. "Twilight, I understand that thou may not accept Us as thine mother immediately, and We have come to terms with it," Luna comforted and kissed Twilight on the forehead. She was happy when the Alicorn didn't flinch away, but she did not rise to it either. "Thank you for comforting me, but I have a lot to think about," Twilight answered. She pulled away from Luna's wing embrace and walked up towards the bedroom. The swishing of sheets and the creaking of the bed alerted Luna to the fact that Twilight was going to sleep on it, or just lay on it. The Lunar Princess sighed but smiled. Things could have gone better, but they didn't go entirely bad as well. Taking a piece of parchment and gathering a quill and dipping it in ink, she began to write a letter to her sister. Celestia had requested progress on their relationship during her stay, and Celestia was not a pony to be defied. Luna had learned that the hard way. Luna let out a big grin. She imagined all the secrets she could tell Twilight about Celestia, but her smile dissipated when she remembered that Twilight did not take well the fact that Celestia didn't like her the first time they met. To be expected, but still Luna hoped that wouldn't destroy the relationship between the two more than the fact that Celestia was her aunt. > Chapter 5 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight stretched her wings. She had a most restful sleep. She had to remember to thank Luna for a job well done on her wings. Luna had comforted her yesterday, or earlier, Twilight would have to find out the time. Finding out that her idol was less than pleased at her existence had left a hole in heart. Did Celestia really grow attached to her or was it all an act? Twilight sighed, thinking this hard on it would accomplish nothing. The purple mare looked outside to see the sun rising and under her bed Luna was not found. She was probably downstairs already starting the day. Twilight brushed her mane slowly, mulling over what she would say to the older Princess. Deciding to just wing it, Twilight walked down the stairs to smell breakfast being cooked. Twilight didn't remember seeing Spike in his basket, had he returned and got up early or was he out with Rarity, or was he cooking breakfast? Twilight decided to see who was using her kitchen. "Spike?" Twilight called walking into the kitchen to see the table already set and ready, all that was missing was the food that was currently being cooked. "The dragon has gone with the fair Rarity," a voice called. Twilight turned her head towards the stove where Luna was attempting to flip a pancake. "Thou was still in slumber so We thought it most unwise to awaken thee. We thought it would be most glorious if We could surprise thee to a meal of the morning to awaken thy body and mind," Luna explained managing to lift a pancake but she put in to much force and the batter stuck to the ceiling. "Alas, We are not good at the preparing of the food." Twilight could only stare with her mouth open. The pancake with gravity taking hold slowly began to unstuck itself from the ceiling. Luna unprepared for the surprise attack the vengeful pancake was planning, continued to mess with the other pancakes being cooked. "Princess!" Twilight tried to warn, but it was too late. Luna turning around after being addressed was struck in the face with a half cooked pancake. Some of the batter slowly flowed down her muzzle. Twilight couldn't help but giggle. The Princess was covered in batter, and she was wearing Spike's apron. "Pray tell, Twilight Sparkle what is most amusing?" Twilight's giggle became a full force laugh. The kitchen she had just noticed was a gigantic mess. Luna only grew more irritated at Twilight's laughter. "I'm sorry Princess!" Twilight apologized, she was still giggling behind her hoof. "Here perhaps it would be better if I prepared the food?" Twilight gently took the spatula from Luna's magic and the older Princess shrugged her shoulders. Shortly, Luna left to wash up since she was covered in batter. Around twenty minutes later, the dining room was cleaned up and the food was prepared and set on the table. Luna stared cautiously at the bubbling black pancake. Looking at the rest of the food she could have sworn she saw the eggs rise up and scream like a mandrake pulled from the ground. The hash browns looked like they were squirming on the ground in their shredding stringy-ness. "Um, it looks most...glorious," Luna struggled to find the words. Glorious didn't even cut it. The food looked like mangled experiments that belonged in the basement hooked up to wires with some pony in a white doctor's suit laughing maniacally. For some reason she could picture Twilight filling that role. "You must mean monstrous," Twilight said looking horrified at her breakfast. "Trust me when I say I'm not blind," Twilight poked her bubbling pancake with her fork and it let out a squeal of terror. "How about we have breakfast over at Sugarcube corner? I hear they are having a donut sale." Luna took one last look at the monstrous breakfast. "I second thy motion," Luna finally answered. She began to help Twilight clean up the hazardous food. When they were done cleaning up Luna made a sigh of relief. "Looks likes the one other thing we share in common Princess, I'm good with chemistry and I can't even cook a pancake." Luna looked at Twilight with sympathy, "Let us not dwell on such matters. Instead I would like to partake in this food called donuts. We have heard that Our sister quite enjoys them." Twilight could only giggle and led Luna to the door. She let Luna out first and the pair were on their way to Sugarcube Corner. The way there was mostly quiet. Most of the residents were still sleeping in, or so Twilight thought. The line was huge, and everypony must have had the same desire for donuts. "I guess I should have figured, it is a sale," Twilight apologized looking at Luna. "Tis a small complication," Luna said waving her hoof dismissively. Her stomach disagreed as a large growl emitted from it. The ponies in front of them looked behind themselves and gasped in terror. Luna's reputation may have gotten better but with a growling Princess of the Night everypony suddenly got behind them. "Um." Glaring at most of Ponyville, Twilight turned to Luna, "Don't worry about it Princess. Let's just get some donuts and eat somewhere else. Is there someplace you might want to see?" The pair walked up to the counter. Pinkie Pie was the one selling out the donuts. "Perhaps, the park sounds like a most wondrous spot to dine," Luna answered. She turned to face the clerk and jumped back. "Thou was the one who made the children scream when they saw Us!" Pinkie Pie only giggled at the Princess's reaction. "Yep! Hi Princess! I think the park is a great idea but would you like to have that party! Oh oh what happened with the talk yesterday? Did Twilight yell at you? Were you okay? Did you fight? What was it like to see her like that in such a long long long long long long long long long long..." Pinkie was cut off as Twilight stuffed a hoof into her mouth. "Confidential Pinkie Pie, but it turned out fine. Mostly," Twilight answered. "I would like two chocolate donuts please." Twilight ordered her donut flavors and looked at Luna and signaled for her to do the same. "Um, right, Clerk We would desire the same as Twilight," Luna said. She glanced cautiously at Twilight. Perhaps, she should have asked what flavors their would have been to choose from. Oh well, it was sure to be delicious anyway. Pinkie Pie nodded and got two small boxes. She carefully put two chocolate donuts in each box. "They'll be ten bits!" She exclaimed. She smiled as Twilight paid her. "Pinkie Diane Pie! Those are the Princesses you can't charge them!" Gasped Mrs. Cake. Pinkie looked confused at the Cake's outburst. Of course she could. They were buying products, so it was only logical that they pay for them. "Deeply sorry your majesty but those donuts are free for you." Luna only shook her head, "No, we will pay for them just like any other customer." Luna lightly stamped her hoof on the ground to emphasize that there would be room for argument in the matter. Mrs. Cake looked like she was about to protest when Twilight butted in. "Look at it this way Mrs. Cake. Think of it as a donation from us Royalty to Sugarcube Corner for its delicious food." Mrs. Cake looked doubtful but complied. With the interruption out of the way the Princesses thanked Pinkie Pie and headed to the park with their breakfast. Unfortunately, all the benches were taken by those who had already gotten there. Twilight couldn't fathom why everypony had chosen today to be here. "I'm sure there is a free spot somewhere, Princess," Twilight said to the Princess. The pair began to look for spots and finally found an old bench under a tree to enjoy their breakfast. They sat down and each pulled out their own donut. "Twilight how did thou figure out how to get the workers to accept the payment?" Luna asked between mouthfuls of donuts. The donut's flavor had left a barrage of sensations in her mouth that she never thought possible. "I've had to deal with it plenty of times since becoming a Princess," Twilight answered enjoying her own donut. "What do you think of the donut Princess?" Twilight asked after finishing her first one. "We think this must become the country's new flag," Luna answered without hesitation and with all seriousness. Twilight only laughed, "Then prepare to fight a war with Princess Celestia! I imagine she would want cake to be the new flag if that was the case. Luna only glared, "Of course Our Sister would get in the way! She still has not approved of Our wish to do battle with Bellsprouts! Such a disgusting green We do not know why others wish to eat it." Luna stamped her hoof and refused to look at Twilight. Twilight soon laughed herself off the bench. "I can answer that question! Princess Celestia loves bellsprouts!" Luna only stuck out her tongue and turned green. > Chapter 6 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The rest of the morning past uneventfully. Luna mostly asking questions about different objects and food. Twilight did her best to answer and found Luna's company to be greatly enjoyable if not a little awkward at times. The thought that Luna was actually her mother still sounded strange. Stranger still was how she was actually her daughter. Magic, it was her talent and that much Twilight could understand. "TWILIGHT!" a voice yelled from above. The pair of Alicorns looked up to see Rainbow Dash waving from atop a cloud. The cyan pegasus flew down in a rainbow flash landing in front of them. "What's up guys? I was just doing my usual stuff. Bein' awesome, while doing the weather patrol. Then I noticed you two and couldn't help but wonder. How did it go last night? Did Twilight almost send you to the moon with her awesome magic powers?" "Rainbow Dash!" Twilight scolded. She glanced over to Luna to make sure she wasn't offended. "First off Rainbow, doing weather patrol? I doubt it. There are still so many clouds in the sky! You were probably napping again weren't you?" Twilight accused. When Rainbow Dash simply gave a shrug of her shoulders, Twilight could only put her face in her hoof and shake her head. "Please, Twilight, tis no problem at all," Luna said putting a wing over the younger Alicorn's shoulder. "But please fair Rainbow Dash, I do not understand the term 'guys'. Our Sister implied it meant a group of stallions, but neither Twilight or I are stallions. We are very much mares. Is there perhaps something We are missing?" Luna asked. She seemed genuinely confused by the term and Rainbow Dash could do nothing but laugh at the Princess of the Night. Luna looked at Rainbow Dash weirdly, but on the inside she was very much confused and hurt by the pegasus' outburst. Twilight on the other hoof was very upset at her friend's manners towards the pony claiming to be her mother. There she admitted it. It didn't make it any easier, and it didn't make it any less awkward, but real mother or not you don't act like how Rainbow Dash was acting. "Ignore her," Twilight said rolling her eyes, "Guys has become a generic term to use for a group of people. Usually friends." Luna made an o with her face and then smiled as she understood Twilight's explanation. "Come on, I've got other things to show you!" Twilight said excitedly. Luna smiled and nodded. The two Alicorns left the pegasus on the ground who was still laughing. Rainbow Dash got up and wiped some leftover tears from her laugh. "Oh man wait until I tell some of the guys about this!" said Rainbow Dash, as she first headed over to Sugarcube Corner still giggling. Twilight spent the rest of the day showing Luna the different parts of town. They had stayed at Sweet Apple Acres for a few hours helping Applejack do some of her farming. Luna had proved to be very efficient at picking and sorting the apples. She had easily grabbed an acre of them and lifted the apples from their tree parents. Then she easily sorted them by their colors into the large barrels that Applejack had supplied them. Applejack was very grateful for the help, since it meant more time with her family. She told them that Applebloom was having some trouble with some of her homework and the farm mare wasn't sure she would finish in time to help the young mare. Twilight had offered but Applejack insisted. "Helpin' out yur kin is good family bondin' that is!" Luna had only nodded in agreement and stole a glance at Twilight. The two waved good bye to the farm mare and went about their way. "The fair Applejack provides great advice," Luna said suddenly, looking away from Twilight. "Perhaps there is something that We can be of assistance to thee?" "None, that I can think of," Twilight replied hesitantly. She knew where Luna was going with this. The situation was just too awkward to accept her help. "Are thou certain?" Luna pressed, "We are positive that thine wings still need proper tending, not to mention the fact thou needs to learn how. As thy mother tis only appropriate that We teach thee!" Luna finished with her eyes big and pleading. She was anxious to help Twilight and prove to her, what it was she wanted to prove, Luna couldn't say. "Let's just go to home, okay?" Twilight suggested. Her look suggested that she wanted the topic to drop. "Besides, Twilight Velvet is my mother," the young Alicorn whispered to herself. Unknown to her, Luna had heard it and the Princess' ears drooped in sadness. The duo arrived back at the library. Twilight politely opened the door for Luna. The older alicorn had remained quiet for the rest of the trip back to Twilight's house. When Twilight had entered, she found Luna quietly sipping on some tea. She seemed to be lost in thought, and her hoof tapped nonchalantly on the table. "Twilight, We think that twould be best if Our presence left thine own. We feel that it makes it harder for thee to...accept Our..." Luna didn't finish her sentence. She just stared absent mindly at her tea. Twilight waited patiently to see if Luna would start speaking again, but she looked genuinely concerned. "We are aware that being associated with Us would bring tragedy to thy heart. We mean, make thy cheeks red like roses. Our way of speaking, walking, and our relationship in truth, is what We mean." Twilight didn't say anything, instead she sat opposite of Luna. "It's not embarassing, if that is what you mean," Twilight began, "You just have to realize that Twilight Velvet is who raised me. It's hard to just accept someone who randomly states that they're your mother." Luna looked away with a light tint on her cheeks. "I think, however, that it would be good to leave Ponyville for a little while." Luna's ears drooped. "I needed a vacation anyway. Spike can take care of the library, and I need to talk to Princess Celestia to. Luna's ears perked up. "Thou means not to dismiss Us from thine presence?" Twilight smiled and nodded. Luna jumped for glee and held Twilight in a strong embrace. "Then Our family gathering shall begin! We cannot count enough the hours of the clock to be able to show thee all the moments that Our sister squirms at!" > Chapter 7 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "-Then there was that time that Tia tried to cook with using the power of her sun. She cracked the eggs on the sanitized rock, and she intensified the heat of the sun. The eggs did cook, but so did the rest of the world! It took a few months to get the temperature to a bearable state!" Luna exclaimed on the train. The two mares giggled uncontrollably. Twilight had to admit that she was having quite a bit of fun with Luna. The 'family' stories of her former mentor and Luna's own mishaps were quite hilarious. Twilight could barely imagine her almost perfect idol Princess Celestia trying to cook a few eggs with the sun. Something told her, however, that Luna might have been slightly exaggerating. "Oh let me tell you about the time that Tia tried to fight off a manticore!" Luna exclaimed excitedly. "It all began with an expedition into the Everfree forest..." Twilight had already began to tune the Lunar Monarch out as she gazed out the window to gaze upon Canterlot growing closer and closer. The young alicorn began to think of what she would say to her mentor turned aunt. It would no doubt be awkward for both her and the princess. Twilight couldn't help but imagine how the scenario would take place. She walked up to the throne with Luna by her side. Her mother had wrapped a hoof around her barrel in comfort as they faced Celestia. "Why did you lie to me all these years?" Twilight asked, stepping forward and out from underneath Luna's wing. "Twilight, listen how could I tell you that your mother was an evil empress and banished to the moon. How would you have reacted? It wasn't your time yet." "I could have handled it just fine!" Twilight retorted, folding back her ears and scuffing her hoof on the ground while looking away. "Like how you handled it when Luna spilled the beans?" Twilight didn't have a reply to that, as usual, Celestia was the one who was right. She would have reacted badly. It wouldn't have been a good idea for her to know. Plus, as a little filly Twilight loved to tell others what she knew. Everypony would think her insane if she said that a myth was her mother and in fact she was over a thousand years old. It would have put Celestia in a bind. Choose to put her in an asylum or banish her or side with Twilight and reveal too soon of Luna's existence thus keeping Twilight from meeting her new friends. "-ght. -light. Twilight!" Luna exclaimed shaking the younger princess awake. When the purple alicorn looked around confused, she had noticed that the train was stopped. "We hath arrived at our destination. Thou hadst fallen asleep, and We had thought twould be inappropriate to wake thee from thy slumber. As We art aware of how precious sleep can be." "Thank you Princess Luna," Twilight replied. She covered a yawn with a hoof and walked off of the train. "Please, call Us Luna," the princess remarked heartily. Twilight only nodded as a sign that she had heard. The two mares walked at a brisk pace to the palace. Most of the ponies on the way bowed to the two princesses. Twilight had a sneaking suspicion that it was more out of fear for Luna. Judging by the look on the Lunar Monarch's face, Twilight had hit it on the mark. Her ears folded back in shame, as she realized that she was just as much of a jerk, as these ponies on the street. Luna had no pony else except her sister and her. Originally, as a friend and then supposedly as a daughter. Luna was lonely, and she had taken a risk to tell Twilight the truth, knowing that it would either bring them closer together or rip them apart. True, Luna had actually let it slip, but was still planning to tell. Twilight had been a jerk. The purple mare released a sigh, which Luna caught, before the older princess could ask what was wrong, Twilight grabbed the princess with her magic and teleported them to a park that was mostly abandoned. "Twilight?" Luna asked. She was confused by all of this. Weren't they supposed to be talking to her sister? To get some answers? The younger mare didn't answer, instead she went to a nearby swing and sat on it. She looked up grinning at Luna. "Twilight Velvet used to push me on this swing when I was younger," Twilight admitted. Luna suddenly got the picture and grinned broadly. The Lunar Monarch practically flew over to the swing, her skips barely touching the ground. She began to lightly push Twilight on the swing. A white glow enveloped Twilight's form and a young filly version of herself took the purple mare's place. Luna gave Twilight a puzzled look, and was slightly worried. "Don't worry, Luna. Last Nightmare Night I analyzed your transformation magic. I just made myself the size of a filly." A glow of pride filled Luna's chest. "Twilight, this...!" Luna never got to finish because Twilight had jumped out of the swing and gave the now much bigger alicorn a hug. "Luna, I'm sorry for the way I overreacted. I was just so confused! But, I know that was not how I should have acted. It is still the same though. It may be a while till I can call you mother, but I'm willing to try to accept it now, instead of just running and denying it." Luna just gave the younger alicorn a hug. "We, no I forgive you Twilight." For the rest of that day Twilight, still in the guise of a filly, and Luna played in the park. It wasn't until the giant clock tower in the Canterlot Plaza chimed nine o' clock that the two mares, with Twilight's guise now gone, headed back to the palace. The two mares entered the thrown room. Luna's wing wrapped around Twilight's barrel, as they walked through the giant door. There were no guards in the chambers and the throne was empty. Celestia was gone.