One thousand years ago Princess Celestia was forced to banish her sister to the moon. What she didn't know was that Luna had been hiding something very important to her. Now Luna is home but is it to late for her to take the role she always want
We all know the story. One thousand years ago Princess Celestia was forced to banish Nightmare Moon to the moon to save all of Equestria, but what if Luna had been hiding something from her sister, scared of how she would react? When Luna had no other choice, she cried out for Celestia and Celestia came. For one thousand years, Luna wondered what happened when Celestia left; now she's finding out...
But is it already too late, or will Luna be able to take the role she had so long dreamed of? The dream of being a mother?
A bright light filled the normally dark study within the confines of the Golden Oaks library. Though it only lasted a split second, had anypony actually been awake it would have been too bright to imagine. Then again; this was the home of Princess Twilight Sparkle, so on second thought, it probably would have gone unnoticed as just another peculiarity of the new princess and librarian. On that matter, the only other being within the library poked his head out from under his pillow with bleary eyes, his tail irritably flicking at having been woken up.
“Come to bed, Twilight! The secrets of the universe will wait until tomorrow, I promise!” His bleary eyes caught sight of his alarm clock. It was three AM. “Or at least until later today!” With his piece said, Spike draped his blanket over his head and purposely shut his eyes, not realizing that downstairs in Twilight’s study, everything had changed.
Princess Celestia awoke with a gasp. What she had seen…. Was it time? She put a hoof to her head and rubbed under the base of her horn. Luna would sense she that was awake at any moment, and would question what Celestia had just seen; that is, of course, if she was not already aware.
Celestia wondered for what must have been the fiftieth time just how much Luna existed during her time as Nightmare Moon. Celestia was aware that she could always ask, of course, but the idea of knowing... truly knowing if it had been Luna that had been left upon the moon for so long. Celestia knew that she would never ask. Her heart could never take the answer.
“Tia? What is wrong? Are you alright?”
Celestia smiled at the sound of her sister’s concerned voice outside of her bedroom. This was the Luna Celestia had remembered for one thousand years. A concerned sister who would do anything for her older sister, and Celestia was happy to admit that now, after so long, she had a sister who was ready to do the same. Celestia’s eyes flashed in momentary anger at the mare she had been so very long ago, but she shut her eyes and forced it back down. Not now Celestia. You can hate her later. for now, you need to speak with Luna.
“Everything is fine, Luna. However, could you come in here? I’d like to speak with you, please.”
The golden door to Celestia’s bedroom opened after a few moments and the Princess of the Night entered, looking bewildered. “Did I do something wrong, Tia?” she asked after a few moments.
Celestia watched her sister sadly. Luna was staring at the floor, pawing at it with one hoof. Celestia hated to see Luna this way. She wanted so badly to wrap her forelegs around her and coo gently until Luna understood that everything between them was forgiven... This wasn’t that time though. Celestia aimed her horn at the hearth and sent a flash of magic at it, alighting a fire to warm her room. “You have done nothing wrong, Luna. We just need to talk, that’s all. Would you like some tea?”
Luna looked up from the floor and blinked a few times at her older sister before nodding once. “If I did nothing wrong, what do you wish to speak to me about, Tia?”
Luna proceeded to sit on the dark blue cushion in front of the roaring fire. When Celestia offered tea, Luna knew she needed to get comfortable. Ever since they were fillies, tea seemed to be code for “We are going to be having a very long talk,” in ‘Celestese.’ I sometimes wonder if she ever offered tea to Nightmare Moon...
The idea of her sister and the evil that took her away sitting on the battlefield together made Luna smile for a second. She couldn’t help it, though she supposed had it occurred, Tia’s tea set would most certainly be destroyed.
Celestia placed the tea kettle just above the fire and sat upon the gold cushion, which was situated next to Luna’s. There was a third cushion, but it was put away for now. Celestia watched as the steam escaped the tea kettle silently. She could feel Luna wiggle a touch next to her and hid a smile. Oh, she did hope that never changed; Luna was just so very adorable when she thought she had done something wrong.
Celestia lifted the kettle from where it hung as soon as it began to quietly whistle. She did not want to disturb anypony else, after all. She poured two cups of the jasmine tea, adding a spoonful of honey to both cups before offering one to Luna.
Grateful that things were proceeding, Luna happily received the tea and held it within her cobalt magic while Celestia took a gentle sip. Ugh, Luna hated how peaceful and sedated her sister could be at times. The thought hit her like a train.
No! I do not hate Tia, not for any reason! I cannot ever lose myself like that again. I love Tia!
Celestia watched Luna’s facial expression with worry. If she could have postponed this talk any longer, she would have, but...
She took another sip. When all of Equestria awoke in a few hours, it would be unavoidable. And the consequences of not speaking to Luna about it before hoof, would be--in Celestia’s eyes, at least--unforgivable. So she would watch Luna’s facial expressions while she gathered herself, thinking about that night so long ago.
Luna watched as her sister’s eyes closed and she set her tea down. That was unusual, it seemed that Celestia was going against the normal script. Normally, she would continue to peacefully drink her tea as she and Luna discussed anything. Have things between us truly changed that much? Thinking that way hurt Luna’s heart. She took a nervous gulp from her own cup. “It’s good tea, Tia, thank you!”
Celestia smiled, it was time beyond time that they discussed this. She was still unclear on the details, but they weren’t important. What was important, however, was getting out the information. “Luna…” She paused. Why was this so very hard?! She had to do it, she had to speak about it. Either Luna would know about it and Celestia’s fears would be founded and her heart would shatter, or Luna would have no idea, and Celestia would have much to explain.
Either way; it was time for no more secrets.
“Luna... What do you remember about before you became the Nightmare?”
Luna stared at her teacup.
So that was it, Luna couldn’t say she was surprised; she had been awaiting this talk since the Elements of Harmony had released her. Celestia wanting to know about her time as… wait, what?
“Tia? Did you ask what I remember from before I became the nightmare?”
Celestia nodded, “I did. I have no desire, at least for now, to hear about the horrors of your possession, my dear baby sister. So yes, I want to know what you can recall from before the nightmare.”
Luna cocked her head and thought. Truthfully, her memory was very fuzzy when it came to remembering anything besides her love for Celestia. Oh sure, basic things like how to run a country or her book learning existed, for as much good as it did her. Too much had changed for any of her learnings to be considered useful. Luna was relieved that the royal canterlot voice had fallen out of style; it hurt her throat when she used it too much. “I’m afraid that when it comes to actual memories I do not recall much of anything, Tia. I’m sorry.”
Celestia closed her eyes. She had been afraid that had been the case. She briefly wondered if the Nightmare had stolen the memories most important to Luna to keep her sedated and easy to control. The thought of that infuriated her, and Celestia willed herself to push that anger away. She would deal with it at another time. “I had been afraid of that, knowing that it is true does not make me feel any better. But, that is not important right now. I’m not really certain how to begin, so please forgive me.”
Luna set her cup down and watched as Celestia gathered her thoughts. Luna subconsciously bit her lip. She wasn’t sure why, but she was certain whatever Celestia was about to reveal would change everything.
After a few moments, Celestia opened her eyes and smiled at Luna. This wasn’t going to be easy. “Luna, one thousand years ago was the night I banished Nightmare Moon. I awoke in the infirmary to a horrible noise. I questioned the healers nearby, but none of them could hear a thing. After listening for only a few seconds, I realized I was hearing a scream of total horror and sorrow, and more than that; I knew where it was coming from.”
Something itched at the back of Luna’s mind, something was telling her that she recognized this story. Instead of speaking though, she only nodded her assent for Celestia to continue.
Celestia sighed. This was it, no turning back now. “It was coming from the moon, Luna. I didn’t know what to do at first. I thought that perhaps it was only the Nightmare raging, but the horror within her scream... I feared that something had gone horribly wrong with the banishment, so I teleported to the moon. There, I witnessed a horrible sight, Luna, one I will never be able to unsee.”
Luna stared at Celestia. She knew what was coming, and it itched at her brain. She could feel it as if they were her own memories. Luna felt her mouth dry up in nervous anticipation. She couldn’t breathe, nor could she speak. All she could do was listen to what she knew Celestia was about to say.
“I saw Nightmare Moon desperately nosing a newborn foal to move. She looked up and stared into my eyes. Th-they were filled with tears...
“We said nothing to each other as I walked over. As I kneeled, I noticed the newborn foal was not breathing, but it was not cold yet. There was still a chance, so I reached for the foal with my magic. She didn’t stop me, she just stared at the ground. I used my teleportation spell to take myself and the foal home, and... I-I missed what she said as I left.”
Luna closed her eyes to keep her tears in. The battle would have been difficult enough for a normal mare, but for one that was so close to foaling, it had been a stupid endeavor. The Nightmare hadn’t cared; not for Luna and not for the foal that moved and grew within her. It hadn’t taken long after landing on the moon for Luna, and it had been Luna.
The Nightmare had wanted nothing to do with the foal. To go into labor had been painful, and she had wanted for her sister so badly. But she had done it, and laying next to her teats was a newborn alicorn foal who was not moving or breathing. She was completely still. It had not been Nightmare Moon who had screamed for Celestia, but Luna. Even if she could not leave, there was the chance, however small, that her filly could be saved.
“I said, ‘Please save her, Tia.’”
Celestia nodded and gently placed a wing around Luna, who finally began to sob for the child she had lost so very long ago. After a few moments of Luna’s silent sobs, Celestia cooed to her, gingerly shushing her.
“Luna, I… It was not easy. I had to take her earth pony and pegasi magic away from her, and even then; she was so weak that her growth was stunted.”
Luna’s eyes cleared quickly. “Wait, Tia? Do you mean that she...? That… my foal?” Luna couldn’t bear to finish her question. What if she was misunderstanding?
“She is alive, Luna. I have been caring for her for so long. I was so very relieved when, after almost one thousand years, she showed signs of growth. However, it was still too slow, so I placed a glamour upon her to make her appear older than her body actually is. She stayed with one of my most trusted friends while I got everything ready, and I was beyond pleased that my friend and her husband see her as their daughter.
“However, one hour ago, the glamour I placed upon her wore off. She will need both of us to help her with what will happen now.”
Luna felt her smile grow with every word Celestia said. Her daughter, her little filly, was alive. She was still alive, and even without her earth pony or pegasi magic, she still lived. “Do I know her? I mean, have we met?”
Celestia smiled, standing up. “Indeed you have met, Luna. Your daughter has just recently recovered enough to regain her birthright. Although, I had to work around the fact she was born that way, but I believe I succeeded.”
Luna suddenly stood up as she remembered the image of her foal lying still next to her. Her soft lavender coat that shined from the light of the sun, her navy blue mane which matched Luna’s own fur, along with the stripes of pink and purple, and her fluffy wings that Luna feared would never feel a true breeze upon them. “Twilight Sparkle…”
Celestia nodded. “Yes, Luna. Now, let’s go to your daughter. She’ll wake up soon, and I’d rather be there to help her, rather than discover her freaking out from Spike again.” Celestia blinked to see Luna already on the balcony, wings eagerly spread wide. Celestia soon joined her, and together they flew into the night sky.
There were a few things that bothered Twilight Sparkle. Well, actually, bothered was a gentle way to say it. A more accurate way to say it was: these things caused her to react as if the world was ending. Strangely enough, the world actually ending was not one of them. At any moment, however, Twilight was going to come face to face with two of them.
Twilight let out a large yawn while stretching out her back and limbs. I have to stop falling asleep at my work desk. It’s going to give me back problems. Princess or no Princess. She blinked a few times looking down at what she had been working on. It was a basic drawing of the box that the tree of harmony had gifted to them. Twilight rubbed under her horn with her right hoof. Princess Celestia knows more about that box than she’s saying… more secrets, I really thought that all of this ‘keeping me in the dark’ stuff would stop once I was a Princess! Twilight lamented to herself.
Someday I’m going to make her tell me the truth about everything! Twilight felt her stomach growl. Once again it seemed that she had forgotten that for life to function on a day to day basis, nourishment was required. In other words; Twilight had forgotten to eat dinner and her stomach was warning her that there would be consequences if this was not rectified.
“Spike!” Twilight called upstairs, hoping she was loud enough to get her assistant to wake up. While she had attempted many times over the years to learn to cook, the result was always the same: fire, and sometimes ice. Spike for one really didn’t want to think about the ice incident; he was still figuring out how it was possible to freeze a pot of boiling water. Come to think of it, Twilight herself was still trying to figure out how that was possible.
“Spike!” Twilight furrowed her brow, her stomach’s growling promising a swift halt to any activities she had planned unless it was fed, and quickly. Her left ear flicked as she heard a small thump. Only one thing... rather, one dragon is capable of making that sound. Twilight smiled as she heard the telltale sound of claws on wood as Spike sleepily made his way downstairs with his eyes still closed.
“Twilight? Do you have any idea what time it is? Look, alicorn princess or not you still need sleep!” Spike stopped and stretched with a loud and long yawn. “At least I think you do. I know that Princess Celestia sleeps; I’ve seen her bed. And even if you don’t need to sleep, I’m still a mortal dragon and I do!” He blinked trying to pry his eyes open. “That being said, I’m up…” He trailed off as he took in the image in front of him.
Twilight’s desk was covered in multiple sheets of parchment as it usually was, along with a quill set haphazardly placed in an ink pot. None of this was unusual. However, instead of the familiar mare whom Spike had been expecting, the same one whom he was scolding for not sleeping again was not there. In her place was a foal.
Spike stepped closer to the foal who was frowning at him. She was lavender colored with a small stubby horn. Streaks of pink and purple were made visible in her navy blue mane by the flickering light given off by a lit candle upon the desk. A unicorn foal, then? But how did she even get in here… Spike frowned as he saw twitching coming from the foal’s back. He looked closely and stared open-mouthed at the small fluffy wings that were twitching. Not a unicorn… she’s an alicorn, but then…
“Tw-Twilight?”
The foal blinked her large purple eyes. “Of cowse it’s me! Wait, my voice, what’s wong wif my voice?” She put a hoof to her mouth and stared at Spike for several seconds before realizing she was looking him in the eye.
Spike swallowed hard. “What happened, Twilight? You weren't like this when I fell asleep, were you?”
Twilight shook her head and her hoof returned to the floor as she looked around her study. Was I really so distracted that I didn’t notice how much bigger everything was? I can’t even see the top of my desk! She took a shaky breath. She would not panic. That was ‘past-Twilight’ who panicked. Slowly she brought her shaking fore leg to her chest, just like Cadance had taught her.
Breathe in... breathe out. She repeated the motion several times before her heart stopped racing. Alright, Twilight, you are apparently a foal again between the ages of one and three. First step: find a mirror and determine your exact age.
Spike reached for a quill and piece of parchment. “I’m going to write the Princess about this Twilight. I mean, this can’t be normal… can it?” Spike hesitated; maybe this was normal. After all, the last time any pony had ascended to alicornhood had been Princess Cadance, and at the time she had been little more than a foal herself. Maybe it’s a necessary part of being an alicorn, that you have to be a child? “Twilight?”
Twilight sat on her haunches with her left ear flicking. It was a tick she got when nervous, and it was always her left ear. It got a bit annoying when she stopped to think about it. Now was not a good time, though.
“I don’t know, Spike. I weally don’t. Thewe is so much that I don’t know about being an alwicown. M-maybe dis is nowmal?” She shrugged helplessly and licked her lips, carefully sounding out the words before speaking. “Anyways, even if it’s not, distubin-disturbing the Pwincess this late is not the wight thing to do. I am cewtin that I am in no dangew.” She paused and felt her body shiver as she heard herself speaking. She swallowed. “I mean, wes-yes, I sound like a foal, but I am fully cognizant in my mind and my vocawulawy. If I was having pwoblems wif dat, then I’d be much mowe in a huwwy fow help.” She pawed at the ground with a soft snort. Nuts, no matter how much I try to correct my speech it’s not working… priorities, Twilight. Determine your age first, and everything else second.
Spike sighed. She really needs to get over that phobia of disappointing the Princess; for my sake as much as her own. “Alright, Twilight. This is your call.” He put the parchment and quill back on the desk as Twilight got to her hooves, albeit a bit shakily.
Twilight stood perfectly still. This is ridiculous, I was walking within a few minutes of my birth! Why on Equestria do I feel so shaky on my hooves? Twilight snorted and took a step towards the stairs. “Fiwst I am going to detewemine exactly how old I am. And to do dat I need a miwwow, and the only miwwow I know of is upstaiws.”
Spike nodded as he watched Twilight toddle toward the stairs before he blinked. “Wait, Twilight. I have a small mirror Rarity gave me. Give me a moment, and I’ll go get it from upstairs. You just stay down here, ok?”
Twilight’s tail swished in annoyance. “Spike! I am not a foal, so don’t tweat me wike dis! I can go upstaiws in my own home!” Spike gently laid a claw on Twilight’s shoulder while looking down into her eyes. Twilight swallowed her annoyance as she realized she had to look up at Spike to look into his eyes.
“Twilight, until we can figure out what happened to you, you are a foal. Not only that, but you’re having trouble getting used to your new size. What if you fell down the stairs and hurt yourself? What then?” Twilight’s eyes turned to look at the floor and she sniffed. “Please, Twilight. you’ve taken care of me since I was a baby. Trust me to take care of you?” A simple nod was Twilight’s response, but Spike smiled. It was enough. “Alright, you stay right here and I’ll be back in less than a tick.”
Twilight sat down hard as she watched Spike head upstairs. It wasn’t until she saw his feet vanish from her sight that she noticed her ears were plastered to her head. A shiver was steadily running up her body. It took only a few moments for Twilight to figure out what was wrong as she bit her lip. She was terrified.Why is this happening to me? Why am I so small… Is it just that my body size has shrunk or have I truly become a foal again? Twilight shivered again.
“I found it!”
Twilight looked up as Spike ran back down the stairs, holding a small mirror in his claws. Twilight forced a small smile as he stopped right in front of her. “Dank you, Spike! Now let me see?” Twilight frowned. Forming words felt a lot more difficult and she was having to force them to come out correctly. I hope this is a very temporary thing. I don’t know how I’d be able to get anypony to listen to me if all they heard was foal babble!
Spike nodded and turned the mirror so Twilight was able to see herself. He watched in silence as her eyes grew as wide as dinner plates, with a single tear trailing down her left cheek. Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
“Alwight, accowding to what I wemembew fwom Mothew’s photo album--minus the wings--I appeaw to be two yeaws old.” She shivered slightly at the realization of just how young she now was. Oh, shoot. If I really am two and don’t just look two… “Spike?” She looked away from her reflection and up to her assistant.
“Y-yeah Twilight? What is it?” Spike just wasn’t sure what to think of what was happening, though he hoped that he was able to hide how completely out-o- touch he was feeling with the whole situation. Come on, Twilight. Figure out what’s going on! This is just so weird!
Twilight put a hoof out as if to touch her reflection, then stopped, shaking her head in self-disapproval. I must look like a foal reaching to touch my own reflection like that! She licked her lips, turning away from the mirror to face Spike.
Spike cocked his head as he gazed at the filly foal before him. Her bottom lip was jutted out and she seemed to be struggling not to cry. Not that Spike could blame her. “T-twilight?”
Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Just twying to keep myself fwom having an ovew weaction.” She sat down carefully and looked around. The flickering light from the candle made her normally friendly-appearing home feel cold and scary. She swallowed hard while her ears plastered themselves to her head. “It’s difficult Spike. I’m so small that I feel scawed in my own home…”
Spike wrapped his arms around Twilight, feeling her tiny body shaking in his embrace. “Okay, Twilight, that’s enough. You’ve done enough on your own, now let’s send a letter to Celestia. The worst she can say is that this was supposed to happen.” Spike wiped a tear from her cheek. “I promise she won’t be angry with you, Twilight.”
Twilight sniffled and rubbed at her eyes with a hoof. “Youw wight, Spike! Pwincess Celestia twusts me and I twust hew! Can wou get some pawchment, please?”
Spike smiled. After giving Twilight a final squeeze, he jumped up to get a piece of parchment and a quill from Twilight’s desk. “Alright, Twilight. Shoot!”
Twilight opened her mouth to begin dictating when they heard a loud ‘thwump’ coming from upstairs. Twilight blinked rapidly. “What was that?” Spike shook his head and stood in front of Twilight, pulling himself up to look bigger than he was with sharp teeth bared. Nothing is going to hurt Twilight!
“It’s alright, dear Spike. It’s only us.”
Spike looked up and immediately relaxed at the sight of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Celestia had a slightly sad smile on her muzzle, while a look of nervousness marred Luna’s normally stern yet beautiful face. Her eyes seemed to be darting around the room as if she were expecting the shadows to attack.
“I was just about to write you, Princess... er, Princesses! Something happened to Twilight! We were sorta wondering if it was a normal alicorn thing or if something had gone wrong?”
Celestia pursed her lips together and gently draped a wing around Luna whom she felt shiver. Is this in anticipation, little sister, or in fear? “What is it that happened to Twilight Spike? I did not see her as we passed by her bed. Did she stay up late studying again?” Celestia relaxed her stance as her visible eye searched the room for her former student. My niece...
“Y-yeah, she did. I think she fell asleep studying. When she woke up she called for me. I think she was hungry, and we’ve made a rule that she’s not allowed to prepare anything more complex than tea after that last incident.” Spike grimaced while Celestia lightly chuckled.
“Anyway, so I came downstairs to explain why sleep was such an important part of life, even if she was an immortal alicorn...” He paused, biting his bottom lip.
Celestia lifted his chin with her right fore hoof. “What is it, Spike? What did you see?” Celestia was curious just how large her niece had grown since she put the glamour on her. It’s been fifteen years since that day.
Spike let out a sigh after a few moments of opening and closing his mouth in futility. “I think it’s best if I just show you.” Spike stepped to the right, revealing what could easily be mistaken for a ball of lavender fluff if one was not looking closely enough.
Celestia laid down on her belly to be face to face with her niece. My niece… She’s so very little, and so scared. She could hear the gulp of air that Luna swallowed. Stay calm, Luna. It’s not time yet, my precious sister… Soon, I promise. “Twilight? Twilight, it’s alright... Look at me please.”
Twilight lifted her head the smallest amount, her stub of a horn just barely poking out from behind her tail.
“All the way, Twilight. Come on.” Celestia smiled at her nervousness… What is she to me now? Throughout her life she has had two roles: my niece and my student. Now she is no longer my student, yet I still want to treat her as such and teach her. Perhaps that is part of being an Aunt? I hope it is.
The lavender ball moved after a few moments, uncurling itself into the form of a small foal lying on her belly. Large purple eyes looked up at Celestia as she laid her muzzle on her forehooves.
Celestia gently moved the strand of pink mane from where it lay over Twilight’s eye. “There we are; much easier to have a conversation when I’m not speaking with a ball, but rather, a pony.” She saw the barest hint of a smile on Twilight’s face and beamed to herself. Oh, Sun and Moon, I forgot just how much like Luna she could look.
“Pwincess Cewestia, do you know what’s going on? Is dis nowmal? I mean, did you know dis was going to happen?” Twilight bit her lip. She knew Princess Celestia had been asking her to just call her ‘Celestia,’ but right now…
Celestia sighed. One thousand and three years I’ve had to think about what to tell her and I still have no idea what to say... “Yes, Twilight. I did know this was going to happen. I’ve been waiting for it to happen, in fact.” She watched as Twilight’s wings twitched in irritation. Oh dear, that may not have been the best way to put it…
“Y-you wewe waiting fow DIS? You wewe waiting fow me to become a foal again? Why? Why is it so impowtant?” Twilight sprung to her hooves while trying not to glare at her beloved mentor, but was having a very hard time not feeling like a pawn in her games. Again!
Celestia smiled a bit sadly as Twilight pulled herself to her full height, demanding answers. Admittedly, her full height wasn’t much anymore. Celestia lifted her head off her forehooves and looked into Twilight’s eyes. “Yes Twilight. I was waiting, I’ve been waiting for so very long. You were such a beautiful and powerful mare, but it wasn’t you, Twilight. Not really.”
Twilight frowned as she considered what Celestia had just said to her. There’s more to this... I haven’t seen her so hesitant in ages. “Tell me what’s going on, please? Don’t I at weast desewve da twuth?”
Luna laid down next to Celestia as Spike sat next to Twilight. After a few moments, Twilight sat back down on her haunches. Normally she’d want to take notes, but for some reason… for some reason it didn’t seem like the right course of action to take.
“Now that we’re all settled, I’ll tell you the story; the whole story.” Celestia smiled and opened her mouth to begin...
Celestia opened her mouth before frowning as her horn glowed. Twilight cleared her throat as the gold magic massaged her throat. "Go ahead, Twilight. Say something."
Twilight licked her lips. "What exactly did you just... oh! Thank Celestia!"
Celestia smiled. "Sorry, Twilight. While you sounded adorable as you were. I think it’s important that we all be able to understand each other." She glanced at the floor and nodded.
"One thousand and three years ago, I was forced to banish my dear sister Luna to the moon. Though I had wished for other options, the Nightmare within her was far too powerful. I was injured in the battle between myself and the nightmare as you witnessed yesterday, Twilight. What you did not see was that I collapsed into unconsciousness not long after the spell was completed.”
Celestia felt her sister tremble beside her. A quick glance told volumes of the discomfort displayed on her face. Oh, Luna.... She leaned over, giving a gentle nuzzle to reassure her.
“Luna, we’ve discussed this at length; I do not hold you accountable for anything that Nightmare Moon did. That includes any injuries I sustained while in battle with her.”
Luna hesitated, obviously wanting to say something to the contrary, but as she opened her mouth Celestia placed a single feather over her lips.
“No. Please, Luna. I have fully forgiven you, little sister. Fully.”
Luna closed her eyes then smiled with a nod. They would talk further later, but for now she was just pleased that Celestia seemed to be telling the entire story. With that thought Luna wiggled herself closer to Celestia’s side. If Twilight doesn’t… if she can’t… Luna gulped, fighting back her tears. I’m going to need Tia now more than ever, then.
Celestia, as if sensing Luna’s trepidation, blanketed her with a large white wing. “Now, where was I?”
Twilight glanced over at where the two sisters laid. They seemed to be trying to comfort each other. This was not that surprising, however. Even two years later, Luna still seemed to retreat into a near total depression when anypony brought up Nightmare Moon. Well, except on Nightmare Night, but that is a special circumstance. On one hoof, Twilight desperately wanted to hear the history of that night. The small glimpse she had gotten of that night the afternoon before was just enough to make her want to know more. Unfortunately, that day, even the years after the banishment of Nightmare Moon, had been seemingly lost to history. However, on the other hoof, Twilight really had no idea how the banishment or anything to do with it affected her, or how it explains why she had woken up as a foal.
“You had just collapsed unconscious, Princess,” Twilight said after a moment of debating with herself, curiosity regarding history winning over wanting to know exactly why she was a foal. She’ll get back to it, I’m certain. After all, she did promise to tell the full story.
Celestia smiled at her former student and soon to be recognized niece. “Ah yes, thank you, Twilight. Well, of course I was not told of how it occurred until after the fact, but I woke up some hours later lying on a bed in the Palace Infirmary.”
Celestia closed her eyes and was able to recall every second of waking up in that room. The stone walls surrounding her having been decorated with tapestries of both Luna’s and her own cutie marks. A young mare had been replacing a wet cloth on her brow, but as her eyes opened she had been startled into dropping it. To this day I still wonder if it was out of surprise or fear...
“Moments after I awoke, my guard captain was at my side. They had seen the final moments of the battle between myself and the Nightmare. They had brought the kingdom’s finest healer when they found it impossible to rouse me.” Celestia shook her head. “I carefully explained to my captain what had happened, though I…” She sighed and then continued speaking. “I may have doctored a few facts, such as the part when I told him that a demon had been able to infect Luna due to her depression that no pony loved her night.” Celestia laid her head on her forehooves as she considered the best way to continue.
“It was about an hour later that I heard the scream. My ears whipped around but nopony else seemed to hear it as they tended to my injuries. Luckily for me, they were minor to what they could have been. Cuts and bruises mostly.” ‘Along with four broken ribs, a broken radius in your right wing and a broken tibia in your left leg.’ The healer had informed me, upon noting the injuries that he had already treated. However, she did not wish to reveal this part.
“For a few moments I considered the possibility that since only I could hear the scream, it was just my imagination, so I settled back and tried to sip the broth they had brought me. As the healer left my room, though, I heard it again... The scream. It was different this time, however. Previously, it had seemed to be a scream of pain. This time, it was of pain and horror.”
Celestia felt her ears fall back, remembering her greatest fear that perhaps the Elements had malfunctioned... That her sister may have been dying. With the sun as my witness, I fear I will never forget the screams I heard that night.
“The spell to teleport long distances is... difficult, even under normal circumstances, but in that moment I did not care. That scream was coming from the moon, and it wasn’t one of anger or hatred. My heart had sunk at the idea that Luna was in pain, so I gathered my remaining strength and promptly sent myself to the moon. It… was not easy. I knew I only had a brief amount of time there until I would be called back. I simply had to hope that if Luna was in danger, the Elements would allow me to bring her home.”
“You mean you could have brought Princess Luna back at any time without the Elements? Then I don’t understand! Why did you keep your sister on the moon? How could you?” Spike asked, his voice almost breaking from confusion.
Celestia gave Luna a light squeeze before turning to Spike. “I was not able to bring Luna home for a few reasons, Spike. The main one being that she was still infected, shall we say, with the Nightmare. The other reason was much simpler and much more painful—the Elements had chained Luna to the moon. You do not understand the pain and sorrow I felt in seeing her when I arrived.”
Luna pressed closer to Celestia while whimpering, not wanting to remember the chains which had held her during that first century. Once she had broken the chains they had slowly released, allowing her to explore. But the memory of being unable to move... It was something she desired to never go through again.
Celestia nuzzled the back of Luna’s neck to calm her before sighing. “So when I arrived on the moon, the first thing I noticed was the fact that Nightmare Moon was chained to it. At first glance that was all it seemed to be, but I had to know for certain. I took a step forward and noticed that she was nosing something which was lying on the moon’s surface. I could hear her speaking. It was quiet, but so gentle, I… it terrified me.”
Twilight felt her breath catch as she saw both Celestia and Luna looking directly at her. Whatever was about to be revealed to her was…
“Lying near Nightmare Moon’s teats was a newborn foal. It wasn’t moving or breathing. For all intents and purposes, it appeared to have been a stillbirth.” Celestia paused, remembering how much her heart hurt listening to Luna whisper to her foal.
“She was asking it to open its eyes, to take a breath... to stay with her.” Celestia heard a small whimper come from Luna and gave her another quick nuzzle. She gazed directly into Twilight’s eyes. “The foal was beautiful. It had a lavender coat and the tiniest fluffy wings. Its mane was a dark shade of blue with a purple and pink streak, and the stubbiest little horn.”
Twilight felt dizzy as Celestia told her how her niece or nephew had appeared. The description of that foal sounds like… but that’s impossible!
“It was a little filly. My daughter,” Luna whispered finally. “I was so close to giving birth when the Nightmare finally overwhelmed me. The shock of landing on the moon put me into labor. It was so painful and I was so alone. More than anything, I wanted for my sister. I was so sorry that I would have given anything... anything to have her with me, to be home. But it was not to be. I gave birth, I cleaned her, and I waited for her to stand on her wobbly little legs and nurse, but she wasn’t moving. I began nosing her. I tried encouraging her. When I saw her eyes closed I… I lost it. I cried out for Tia with all my heart and soul. A cry that I am certain took the Nightmare by surprise, but that did not matter. She did not matter. The only thing that mattered was my foal. My sister… she had to save my baby.”
“W-what happened to her, Princess? The foal, I mean?”
“I was able to teleport back to Equus with her in my forelegs. I went to my room and scanned her little body. Her heart was slowly beating to my great relief, yet she was saturated in dark magic. I knew that if I wanted to save my sister’s foal, my niece, I was going to have to act fast.”
“The first thing I did was begin to siphon away the dark magic into a crystal. It was a slow and tedious process, but as I transferred the dark magic away I noticed my niece begin to perk up. Her color got better, and she began to move her tiny hooves and fluff her little wings. But, she was still just so weak... I had to do more than just take the dark magic away.” Celestia licked her lips and closed her eyes, remembering how terrified she had been to do what came next.
“Alicorns are the embodiment of all pony kind. Literally. Even our magic. And as I returned from the moon, I felt it in myself. My own magic was weakening. At first I believed it merely to have been from my exertions, but then I realized that just as Nightmare Moon had disrupted the harmony between Luna and myself, the battle had disrupted the harmony between the pony tribes. I realized that Luna and I had been their primary unifying focus for centuries and pony kind had just witnessed us… witnessed me banish my own sister. Their faith in the unity we represented had begun to falter, and the old fissures of tribal rivalry began to resurface.”
“It was causing an imbalance in our magic. In our blood. Mine and that of Luna’s foal, at the very least. So to reduce the strain in her blood, in her magic, I took her pegasus and earth pony magic from her. This left her as a normal, but very powerful, unicorn. Once I had done this, she finally opened her eyes and looked up at me, with her beautiful purple eyes.”
Twilight felt Spike’s eyes on her now, as she began shaking her head. No, no I can’t be! My mother is Twilight Velvet! I… it’s impossible! Even as she denied it though, she could feel the analytical side of her brain point out the many similarities she had to Princess Luna: Her mane was the same color as Luna’s coat; they were both comfortable at night; they were both quiet individuals that enjoyed reading. In counterbalance, her Mother and Father had always seemed in awe of her, as if they often weren’t sure what to think of her. When the Princess had asked her to be her personal student, they had appeared to be almost relieved. Can’t forget the fact that Princess Cadance was my foalsitter. Come to think of it, I don’t recall hearing that she foalsat anypony other than myself.
Celestia smiled sadly as she watched Twilight begin to work it out for herself. “I thought I had given my niece a death sentence. That by taking her alicorn magic away I had made her mortal, but there was something odd about her. She grew very slowly. As near as I was ever able to figure it out, it seemed that remains of the dark magic stunted her growth to where she only grew one year per every five hundred. Obviously this presented a problem. Due to her erratic growth, I could not care for my niece as I wished to. I’d never be able to explain her to the populace. Even if I’d felt that they would have understood that, I knew that being Luna’s daughter would put her life in danger. So I went to Luna’s most trusted advisor: Starswirl the Bearded.” Celestia smirked as she heard the overwhelmed gasp from Twilight.
“I asked him to watch over her and he accepted. Once he was gone I tried to keep her with me, but when the questions began to mount I was once more forced to find another trusted advisor or guard. Over and over I was forced to do this as my niece very slowly grew. Then, about seventeen years ago, something happened that I wasn’t exactly prepared for.”
Twilight watched her former mentor and her sister carefully. I can’t be… I can’t be Luna’s foal! They couldn’t have hidden this from me for so long! My parents couldn’t have! Twilight frowned as a bit of doubt gradually formed. But then why don’t my parents have any pictures of me younger than two? Why are there no pictures of Mom holding me after my birth like they have with Shiny?
“My niece suddenly began retaining memories. She was beginning to learn, and quickly. I had to do something that some ponies would consider radical, before she began to notice that other little ponies were growing while she wasn’t. I found a spell that would place an all-senses glamour around her. It caused her to appear as if she was aging. She would feel taller and heavier, look more mature. Even her smell and the sound of her voice would mature. I selected my most trusted magician, my arch mage, to raise her with this glamour on. I told her and her husband everything, I even offered the help of my adopted niece. They were very nervous to take her, but they did so, and I am certain they loved her.”
Twilight gulped; everything was pointing to one conclusion. She had to speak up now, she had to know.
“Princess Celestia? A-are you talking about… about me?”
Celestia closed her eyes and Luna wiggled out from her wing. She stood up and lifted her hoof to take a step forward, but stopped, her face filled with sudden indecision. Finally, she sat on her haunches and looked at Twilight. Her mouth felt dry, but she had to continue on. Twi… her daughter was hurting and confused.
“You are my daughter, Twilight Sparkle...”
Twilight felt her entire world collapse. Her entire life she had been a lie! No wonder her par… Night Light and Twilight Velvet were so nervous around her! Princess Cadance foalsitting her, the way she cared for her… it now made perfect sense. They were cousins! And Celestia had lied to her! She had said she was the most gifted unicorn she had ever seen, but she wasn’t even a unicorn! How powerful was she as an alicorn, anyways? Maybe she was actually nothing but a weakling. Maybe she was the weakest alicorn ever!
Twilight sunk to the floor, her hooves covering her head, trying to figure out what was real anymore. Everything looked wrong, felt wrong! Wait a minute! This is fixable! All the Princess has to do is put that glamour back on me and I can come to terms with all of this slowly! She opened an eye and chewed her lip. Yes, there is no reason for her to disagree with this, I’m being responsible! She relaxed and put her hooves back on the ground, sitting back up confidently.
“Princess, I’d like it if you’d put that glamour back on me now. I still have my job as Ponyville’s librarian and the rest of my life and my friends to think about.” Later today I’ll send a letter to my... parents? To Night Light and Twilight Velvet? Twilight frowned, not exactly sure what to call them anymore. She didn’t want to insult Luna; Luna was her mother. She had obviously cared for her and she would never deny that she felt close to the Night Princess. And in giving us time to bond… Twilight frowned as Celestia turned away from her.
“Twilight, I cannot nor will I recast that glamor spell. That mare was not you. The dark magic has fully left your system and you will begin aging normally, just like any filly. This, like it or not, is you. I’m sorry.”
Twilight stared at Celestia in shock. Sorry? She’s SORRY? She won’t turn the glamor back on? What about my job? My life! My friends?! I’m not a foal! I’m a mare! I have things I have to do as an adult! It’s not like I can go to the mayor and say, ‘I’m sorry but I can’t open the library today, I’m a foal!’
“You have to! I’m a grown mare! I have a job… responsibilities!”
“You are not a grown mare, Twilight Sparkle! You are a foal. Yes, the glamor gave you the illusion that you had grown into a mare, but now that it’s gone you will regain your foalish attributes! I will not turn any foal into an adult and that includes you, my niece!” Please try to understand, Twilight... I’m doing this for both Luna and yourself.
Twilight began to twitch. “But you… but I… I, you ugh! Twilight’s coat color turned white and her mane turned into flames as she flared in undeniable anger. As she came out of the flare she felt forelegs wrapped around her. Exhausted and weary she buried her head into the large chest of the pony holding her. It felt warm there, safe.
“It’s alright, mine baby, I know that… that this was not what you expected, but I am here now.” Luna gently nuzzled her daughter’s head as she cuddled close to her. She turned to Celestia. “Is there truly nothing you can do for her, Tia?”
Celestia frowned. “I’m sorry... I truly am sorry, Twilight, but I can’t turn you back into a mare. However, that doesn’t mean everything will change. I’m certain your friends will still want to be part of your life. Your magic lessons will continue if you wish. I’m certain your mother has many things about the night she wishes to teach you. Also, now that you have reclaimed your birthright you can even learn of the day. As for the library…”
“As for the library, you need not worry, mine baby; I mean to take over as librarian.” Luna turned to Celestia. “While I am beyond thankful for what you have done not only for Twilight, but for myself, I must admit I am angry with you, sister, and I know it will take time for Twilight to trust you again. So for the foreseeable future Twilight and I will remain here. If I am needed in Canterlot, send a letter through Spike and I will come.” She smiled sadly as she felt the tears on her chest.
“We’d also love for you to come and see us. Not as Princess Celestia, but as my sister, Tia, and Twilight’s aunt. We are a family, but right now we are a broken family. We need to fix this, but it will take time.”
Celestia closed her eyes and lowered her head, tears dripping down her muzzle, her breathing shaky. She felt a tiny hoof on her own and opened her eyes to see her niece with tear-filled eyes looking up at her.
Twilight stared up at the crying Princess for several moments, her mind awash with conflicting thoughts. Princess Celestia lied to me my entire life… she lied to me about who I was. Who my parents were. Everything! She never even told me about my mother; I had to discover that information myself! And what if I had failed and Nightmare Moon had been re-banished or worse… killed? Would Princess Celestia have ever even told me who she was? …On the other hoof, Princess Celestia protected me from bullies and taught me magic. I know she loves me, I can see it in her eyes even when she was upset with me. But still…
“I don’t think I can trust Princess Celestia… not right now.”
Celestia let out a small sob but nodded as Twilight looked over at Luna who nodded with a small smile. Twilight looked back up at the weeping Princess. “Lu- uh, Mom tells me she has a great big sister named Tia though, I’d really like to meet her and get to know her.”
Celestia blinked then smiled hopefully, levitating her crown off her head and setting it to the side as Spike watched warily. She took a deep breath. “Hello, little one. I’m your Mommy’s older sister. My name is Tia.”
Twilight smiled widely as tears trailed down her cheeks. “Hi, Auntie Tia. I’m Twilight. Do you like baby dragons?”
Luna smiled as she watched her daughter and sister restart their relationship from scratch. It’s a start… to something wonderful!
Celestia had left the library about twenty minutes ago, yet Twilight continued to stare out the window which faced Canterlot. Her tiny ears pinned back as Spike was sitting next to her, rubbing a claw gently down her back.
Luna smiled, sadly glancing at the moon. It was late far too late for Twilight to still be awake, yet she wasn’t sure if she was within her rights to make her go to bed. “...Twilight?”
After a few moments Twilight turned her head to face Luna, the fur under her eyes wet. Luna felt her heart break. My poor baby, you must feel so betrayed. “Twilight, I know that this is hard for you, how could it not be? Your life has been completely torn asunder. But know this, Twilight: I am here to help you. I do not desire to take everything from you, your name, or your life.” Luna shook her head. “I could never even dream of doing so, so tell me right now and be true. Twilight, do you want me to leave now? Pretend none of this happened? Constructing an illusion would be difficult, but not out of my realm of pow—” Luna stopped as she felt a small hoof on her own and looked down to see her small daughter.
Twilight stared up at Luna. Now that she knew the truth that Luna was her mother, she was able to see the familial resemblance between the two of them. Their muzzles had the same shape, as did their eyes. “I… I understand what you are trying to say, Lun-Mother, but I do not want you to do something that might be difficult for you. Or… or hurt you?”
Luna glanced away at the question, partially amazed by how quickly Twilight had figured out how much energy a glamor took from the one casting it. “Alright, Twilight, I promise I will not do anything which will hurt myself, if at all possible.” Luna lay on her belly to look Twilight in the eye and smiled.
Twilight nodded. “Good, th-that’s good, because I don’t want you hurt. Not at all.” Her ears pinned back. “Is this it, then? My two choices are to be a foal or to selfishly risk your well-being?”
Luna shook her head, wrapping a gentle wing around her daughter. “There is always a third option, Twilight.”
Twilight curled under her mother’s wing, laying her head down on her fore hooves. “A third option?”
Luna nodded. “Always. There are at least three options and more if you are bright enough.” She smiled as she heard Twilight huff and felt her tail flick up against the underside of her wing.
“Alright, well what is that third option then, Lun-Mom?” Twilight asked, wiggling out from under Luna’s wing to stare up at her.
Luna simply shook her head. “That, my dear, is for you to discover on your own.” Luna stood up and stretched her wings. “It has been a very long night though, hasn’t it? What do you say we get a bit of sleep before we need to travel to Canterlot?”
Twilight nodded as she stood up. “Luna?”
Luna closed her eyes for a moment as Twilight did not even try to refer to her as ‘Mom’, but shook her head. “Yes, Twilight? What is it?”
Twilight stared down at her tiny hooves as she pawed against the floor. “I’m very tired, but I’m afraid of the dreams I may have.”
Luna gently lifted Twilight into her arms. “If I go too fast for your comfort, please tell me?”
Twilight nodded, allowing herself to curl up to her mother’s sweet smelling coat as Luna began to rock her softly back and forth, humming a familiar lullaby.
“I was surprised to find upon my return that Celestia had released my little song and that it was so popular. But, I did write it for you. It will keep the bad dreams away.”
Twilight felt her eyelids flutter closed as Luna sang quietly.
“Hush now, quiet now, it’s time to lay your sleepy head. Hush now, quiet now it’s time to go to bed...” Luna glanced down to see Twilight curled up, her breathing slowed, a peaceful look on her face as the fur under her eyes began to dry. Luna carried Twilight upstairs and tucked her in, kissing her cheek as she did so. Her ear flicked as she heard the sound of a throat being cleared behind her.
Luna turned to see Spike standing in the doorway and relaxed a touch. “Hello, Spike. I’m sorry, I forgot you downstairs. What is it?”
Spike opened his mouth and promptly closed it again, frowning for a moment. “What happens now, Princess?”
Luna shrugged a bit. “Tomorrow we’ll go to Canterlot to speak with Twilight’s foster parents and then with the court so that I am able to have full custody of her again. What happens after that is up to Twilight. You have to understand, Spike, I feared my daughter dead for one thousand years. Finding her alive and well? I don’t care if she curses me and Celestia and moves away from Equestria. As long as she is safe. Do I hope she chooses to stay and let me… semi-care for her? Yes, of course I do. I know it is selfish, but no pony is perfect. In the end though, Twilight needs to figure out her third option.”
Spike nodded and walked past Luna to climb into his basket and close his eyes. After a minute he reopened them to see Luna standing over Twilight, stroking her hair. “I, um... When we get back from Canterlot I’m sure Twilight will get the other bed down and made for you.”
Luna simply nodded, a sad smile apparent on her muzzle.
“She’s happy you’re here, you know? If she was still a mare she’d be overjoyed. It’s just…” Spike touched his claw tips together.
“I understand, Spike, I understand. Now sleep; I’ll watch over both of you tonight.” Luna sat down on her haunches and closed her eyes to keep watch on three particular dreams.
Twilight groaned as she felt the warmth of the sun on the tips of her ears. She mumbled a bit before sleepily pulling the covers up over her head trying to pretend that it was still night. With a sigh, she started to sink back into slumber when she felt the blanket pulled off of her. “Spike! I not weady to get up! I had a bad nig…” Twilight trailed off as she saw Luna smiling down at her sadly.
“I’m sorry, Twilight. I wish I could allow you to return to your slumber, but we need to get going. We have a long day ahead of us.” Luna carefully folded the blanket up as she watched Twilight slowly wake up.
Twilight stared down at her hooves and shivered. That’s right… last night it really happened: I’m nothing but a foal now. “A busy day, Lu… Mother?” Oh Luna, Mother, I’m not angry with you. All of my depression is due to my size, not that I’m your child
Luna nodded reaching a hoof out to help Twilight climb out of bed, which she willingly accepted. “Well, yes. As of right now, your foster parents still have custody of you, and I was hoping to regain it by the end of the day, at least until such a point that you no longer want me here.”
“You seem to think I’m going to reject you.” Twilight frowned as she gazed up at where Luna had stopped moving as if she were frozen.
“I’m not, you know? This isn’t ideal for me, obviously, but having you in my life... That I do want. I want you here, Mother! I want to get to know you, to love you. I just…”
Twilight shivered as Luna pulled her into a close embrace. “I understand, Twilight. I do. I know you have been alive for over one thousand years. Growing and learning for the last fifteen, and now it is as if all of that is gone.”
“Yes… Yes, that is it exactly! I have gone from being a mare—a full grown adult—back into a helpless foal it-it’s too much, Mother! It’s too much all at once!” Twilight buried her head into Luna’s chest, breathing in the comforting scent of her mother’s fur.
“Then we will do this one step at a time, Twilight. You have a mare’s mind, but a foal’s body. I will try to focus on your mind as often as I can, but, my darling, you must understand—as much as I dispise admitting it Celestia is right—you will have foal attributes.” Luna lovingly stroked Twilight’s back as she spoke.
Twilight looked up. “What do you mean? How will this affect who I am?”
Luna hesitated before shaking her head. “Do not worry, Poppet. It won’t affect who you are. It will be small things such as having more energy, your preferences in taste—I do believe foals prefer sweet to bitter—you’ll need more sleep to keep your body comfortable, and—” Luna laughed shaking her head “—I believe, though I’m not entirely certain, that you will want to play.”
“Play?” Twilight asked, her right ear flicking a bit as if the concept made no sense.
“Yes, you know, run around, rough house with other foals? You will want to play.” Luna covered her muzzle with her hoof. Her daughter looked so very perplexed; it was quite adorable.
“I never played that much when I grew up under the glamor,” Twilight finally stated having crossed her forehooves. “Why do you think this time will be different?”
“Because, Poppet, this time you really are growing up. There is no magic spell to help you along. Now, do you want to get breakfast here in Ponyville or when we get to Canterlot?” Luna got to her hooves trotting out the door followed quickly by Twilight’s much smaller hooves.
“Don’t we have anything to eat here at the library?” Twilight asked, struggling to keep up with Luna’s far larger and faster steps.
“From what Spike and I found in the cupboards? No, it seems that grocery shopping was forgotten after you became a princess, though that isn’t unexpected.” Luna stopped at the bottom of the stairs to see Twilight still at the top frowning. “Do you need some help?”
“No, no. I can do this. They just look much bigger now than they did.” Twilight got down onto her belly to examine the stairs, her ears pinned back as she studied them. Spike came over to stand next to Luna and quickly covered his mouth with both claws to stay quiet while Luna did her best to bite her lip.
Oh, Twilight, you are just so adorable.
After a few minutes of study, Twilight poked her tongue out and put both of her forehooves onto the next step at once followed quickly by her back legs. She sat down on the step for a moment then repeated the motion moving slowly so not to slip. After three more steps of this she felt comfortable with her method and was able to increase the pace until the bottom step which she slipped on causing her to land on her belly at the bottom of the stairs. “Expiwimentation is still necessary it seems.”
Luna simply nodded, not trusting herself enough to speak. Finally, she smiled. “So which is it, Twilight? Breakfast at Sugar Cube Corner or in Canterlot?”
“I think I’ll be alright until Canterlot. I love Pinkie Pie, but she's… a bit foal crazy. I need a plan of how to tell everypony what happened and not have Pinkie Pie just bluwt evewyding out!” Twilight paused bringing her forehoof to her chest and taking a deep breath before bringing her foreleg back out again. “Well, that proves one hypothesis.”
Luna cocked her head as Twilight sighed taking another deep breath. “What hypothesis is that, Poppet?”
“Oh, well, even with Princess Celestia’s spell on my vocal cords so I don’t lisp like a toddler, if I get really upset, I seem to bypass it. Not an enjoyable thing, but I think I can live with it. So can we go to Donut Joe’s for breakfast, Mother?” Twilight asked, heading towards the front door.
“I suppose we can, yes. Maybe we could even ask Tia to eat with us before heading over to your foster parent’s home?” Luna paused in front of the door. “Hmm…”
Twilight stopped suddenly, causing her to slip and land on her bottom. She winced. “I think I understand why toddlers take so long to potty train now, the extra cushion from the diaper helps when they fall.”
Luna blinked. “Yes, well, unless you feel you need one?” Twilight shook her head emphatically, and Luna smiled. “Then I don’t think we need to worry about why toddlers spend so long to potty train? Anyway, I had a thought, since you don’t want all of Ponyville to see you like this yet I think that I may need to cast a temporary illusion on you.”
“A temporary illusion, Mother? What do you mean?” Twilight looked up as Luna wrapped a cloak around herself.
“Simply put, I’ll disguise you similar to the glamour Tia placed upon you.” Luna hesitated before smiling gently. “There will be differences, and it will only last a very short amount of time. An hour is the high limit, I believe.”
Twilight lifted her hoof and glanced down at it “... If you do that, will it cause you any problems? I don’t want you hurt, Mother.”
Luna smiled and lowered her head nuzzling her cheek to Twilight’s. “Oh, Twilight, you have no need to fear my health. This is a very simple illusion charm. You’ll still be your normal size. You’ll only look like a mare to others.” Luna hesitated. “Just make certain nopony touches you as it will disrupt the illusion.”
Twilight cocked her head. “An illusion... Yes, that would work well enough, and it’s early enough that only Applejack should be awake. She's unlikely to touch anypony without permission anyway.” She brought her hoof to her chin, her left ear flicking. “Actually, I think it’s early enough that there really shouldn’t be that many ponies even in the city square.”
“Yes, but, just in case, I think I’ll still cast this temporary illusion. After all, we do not want a reprehensible rumor to grow were somepony to see you before the announcement is made.” Luna smiled and aimed her horn at Twilight, who was soon surrounded her in light blue magic. When the sheen of light blue cleared, Twilight appeared just as she did before falling asleep at her desk four hours prior.
Spike whistled. “Wow! Twilight looks just like she did yesterday!” He reaches to touch her barrel and shivered as his claw passed right through her. “Okay, that is beyond bizarre!”
Luna laughed as she opened the door. “As I said, young Spike, it’s only a very temporary illusion. Now the train we need to be on is due at six-thirty, so we should hurry if we mean to make it.” She turned back to the door after they had all walked out to lock it with a small click.
Twilight waited for Luna to finish locking up and gazed around. The world looked far different from her new size—more magical in a way than anything else. She sighed, taking a deep breath and breathing in the clean air when another scent tickled at her nostrils. She wrinkled her muzzle and sniffed again. Something sweet is nearby… chocolate? Twilight turned in a circle a few times until she spotted it. On the porch just out of sight was a large chocolate cupcake with strawberry icing and a single candle poking out of it. Her eyes widened, and she looked around but there was no sight of her pink friend.
“Twilight Sparkle, is something the matter?” Luna walked over to see what was keeping her foal. She smiled as she saw Twilight staring at the cupcake. “Ah, I see a quandary well. For now, let me place it in a perishable spell, and we’ll take it with us to Canterlot what do you think?”
Twilight nodded and followed after Luna once the cupcake had been placed somewhere safe. Walking behind her was Spike ready to distract anypony for being that got to close to touching Twilight. She smiled fondly at her little brother as he did his best to protect her before frowning. Is Spike my big brother now? And what about Shiny? I’m almost certain he has no idea of who I really am. I hope Lu— Mother will take me to the Crystal Empire, so I can tell him. Twilight paused and shook her head. I never thought I’d have to ask to be taken somewhere again. This is all so…
“Twilight?”
Twilight looked up to see that Luna had stopped walking and was gazing down at her with her ears pinned back. “Twilight, what is it?”
“What do you mean? I just…” Twilight stopped as she realized her eyes were clouded. She blinked once, allowing the twin tears to run down her cheeks. “I didn’t…” She swallowed hard before shaking her head viciously. I didn’t even realize I was crying... “I’m fine, just a bit overwhelmed, sorry. Let's hurry to the train station; we have a lot to do today, right?” Twilight ran ahead, who was followed quickly by Spike.
Luna shook her head “Oh, Twilight… this is only the first of many busy days for us, I fear.” With that, she followed after her daughter to the station. It appeared they were the only ones up so early. Even the ticket taker was blinking sleepy eyes and yawning.
“Excuse me, kind sir. I need three tickets to Canterlot charged to the Royal Account.” Luna smiled down at the surprised earth pony stallion.
The ticket taker nodded, attempting to bow and produce the three tickets at the very same time. “O-of course, Princess Luna—Your Highness—here you are! The train should be arriving in the next few minutes enjoy your trip! Er, I mean…”
Luna smiled. “I will, yes. Thank you. Have a wonderful day as well, gentle stallion!” She took the tickets with her magic and walked over to where Twilight and Spike are waiting just as the train pulled up. The door opened, and Luna nosed Twilight’s “apparent” cheek.
“Well, let’s go, Princess.” Before I lose my nerve and run back home and hide. Twilight took a deep breath and stepped onto the train, her head held high.
Twilight stared down at her hooves as she felt the train rumble down the tracks headed to Canterlot. The good news? She, Luna, and Spike were in their own cabin. The bad news was that her temporary illusion had just worn off. Twilight was about to open her mouth when she saw a single bead of sweat run down her mother’s cheek. Enough of this, Twilight. Don’t you dare start trying to use an illusion as a crutch. This is who you are, so you better get used to it.
Twilight squeezed her eyes tight and took a deep breath before opening them, hopefully in a new light. She looked up to see Luna gazing down at her. “Twilight? Are you alright?”
“Yes, I think I am now, Mother. I just had to have a bit of a firm talk with myself. After all, there are no trustworthy age spells.” Twilight shrugged. “I guess it just took a bit for me to, well… come to terms with all this.”
Luna nodded before pausing. “And, have you come to terms with everything that has happened?”
Twilight stared down at her small hoof, her eyebrows furrowed, and shook her head. “If I said I’d accepted any of this, I’d only be lying. I still feel like this is nothing but a nigh— a bad dream... that I’ll wake up and still be the mare I thought I was.” After a few moments, she slumped over.
“Luna— Mother, I’m trying. I truly am, but I can’t say I have at all come to terms with any of this. I think, had you come to me and I was still myself...” Twilight looked up to see Luna glancing away. She shook her head and laid her small hoof on Luna’s. “Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m happy you are my mother! I’m hopeful that we will have a wonderful relationship. I-I just wish…”
Luna gently lifted Twilight into her forelegs and held her close. “I know… Let’s just deal with this one day at a time, alright? Remember though, my darling, you aren’t just a foal. There is a third option to all of this, you only just need to discover it. But remember, I will be here with you every step of the way, and so will Spike, so you need not be afraid.”
Twilight nodded, pressing her cheek to Luna’s chest as she felt Spike’s clawed hand slowly run down her back. At that moment, she felt content and safe, as if nothing could harm her. That’s right. No matter what happens, Spike and Luna… my mother… They are both here for me.
“Last stop, Canterlot! End of the line!
Luna smiled. “Well, trains certainly are a marvel of engineering, aren’t they? Almost feels like we just sat down. Now…” She set Twilight back onto the seat and smiled, her horn glowing. “I just need to reapply the illusion.”
“W-wait, just a second. Are you sure this isn’t causing you any damage? I-I saw the sweat…” Twilight looked up into Luna’s eyes to see her smile twitch a bit.
“I will admit that it is a bit taxing, especially without having the moon to draw upon, but I promise it is not hurting me.” Luna bent her head down to look Twilight in the eyes. “Besides, do you not wish to appear as you did yesterday until we can announce what has happened?”
Twilight rubbed under her horn as she looked down at the floor of the car, her small wings twitching. “Of course I do, Lu— Mother, I want to always look like I did yesterday, but I can’t. That isn’t who I am anymore, and the sooner I deal with that, the sooner I can figure out what comes next. So... th-this is the last time I want to be disguised.”
Luna blinked, before raising Twilight’s chin to look at her. “Hearing you say that makes me so proud to be your mother. Rather than mope and rage at the universe for things we cannot change, you strive to move forward. Alright, Twilight, one last time.”
The door to the cabin opened and the conductor entered, bowing to them. “Your Highnesses, Lord Spike, we’ve arrived in Canterlot.”
Luna gave a simple nod as she waited for Twilight to hop down from the bench and head for the door, followed quickly by Spike. She then followed after. “Alright, shall I send a message to Tia to ask her to meet us for breakfast, or would you prefer we head directly to your foster home?” Luna paused as she saw Twilight wince. “Twilight?”
Twilight’s ears pinned back as she pondered exactly what to say. “Luna… I-I know you are my biological mother, and as I’ve said, I’m very happy to have the chance to be a family... but Twilight Velvet and Night Light… they raised me. For every foalhood memory I have, they are my Mom and Dad. C-can’t we just say that they are my other parents?”
Luna paused, her eyes closed in thought, before she finally sighed and smiled. “Two mothers. Yes, I think I can handle that... Alright, Twilight, I will not refer to them as your foster parents agai—” Luna ‘oomphed’ as Twilight slammed into her chest, hugging her as tightly as she could while standing on just her hind legs.
“Thank you, Mother. Thank you,” Twilight murmured, rubbing her cheek into Luna’s fur. She felt Luna’s foreleg wrap around her until she dropped back to the ground.
“Of course. So shall we head over now, then? Maybe we’ll arrive before they start eating breakfast and we can join them.” Luna smiled, turning to head toward the university. “It’s really not that surprising you are as brilliant as you are, my darling, seeing as you grew up so close to the university.”
Twilight hurried so as to walk alongside Luna. “It was the best, what with Mom being a professor and author, while Dad was a royal astronomer… er, but you already knew that, didn’t you?”
Luna cocked her head. “I was aware of Sir Night Light, but I admit that I do not know much of your other mother.”
“Well, you both are super important to me, so I would really like it if you tried to be friends.” Twilight smiled hopefully.
“Twilight, just because I haven’t had the chance to get to know Lady Velvet doesn’t mean I don’t want to.” Luna smiled. “Besides, she is my—how do you say: go to?—for all the adorable things you did.”
Twilight blushed but walked silently beside Luna, a smile on her muzzle.
Twilight Velvet blew her bangs out her eyes as she smiled over at where her daughter-in-law was assisting her with breakfast. A daughter-in-law who is a princess… My, I never thought this would happen when Shining was a colt. “I think you can flip them now, Cadance.”
Cadance grinned, her tongue poked out as as she carefully flipped the pancakes. “Yes! Didn’t even land on my horn this time!”
“D-does that happen often, Cadance?” Velvet asked, glancing over at the grinning Cadance, who shrugged as Shining Armor looked up from his coffee.
“The crystal pony chef we have decided to ban Empress Cadenza here from the kitchen after the sixth time it happened.” Shining Armor shook his head. “So Cadance has been smuggling pancake supplies into our quarters along with a camp stove. It took a while, but I think she’s got making pancakes under control. Now, soup on the other hoof...” Shining Armor ducked with a grin on his muzzle as his wife threw the spare apron at him.
Velvet sighed. “Such foals... Speaking of foals, have either of you seen Twilight? Night Light and I tried to get over to the palace to see her, but the ponies were fairly panicked, what with it both being day and night. And then after the Summer Sun Celebration, she went back to Ponyville.” Velvet smiled as she lifted the spare apron which had Twilight’s cutie mark on it. “Not that I’m not very proud of my little filly, but I must admit that it was far easier to keep track of her when she was still shutting herself away in her library.”
Shining Armor shook his head. “Afraid not, Mom. We had to leave pretty quickly after her coronation. Had to get back to the empire since they’re still getting used to everything. In fact, it was a bit difficult to convince them about why it was important to celebrate the Summer Sun, but they all still had such a great time. I’ve even heard talk of asking Twily and the Princesses to come to the Crystal Empire next year.”
“If they do come, Shining, just make sure not to call your sister ‘Princess Twily’ in front of the entire empire, hmm?” Velvet smiled as her son rolled his eyes. “I doubt she’d ever live such a thing down. You know how sensitive she can—”
Knock Knock Knock
“Huh, I wonder who could be knocking this early? Your father has the next few days off and the university is out of session until next week. Some pony from the palace, maybe?” Velvet looked over to Cadance, who frowned.
“No, we kept the fact that we were coming to visit you and Night Light top secret. I don’t even think Auntie Celestia knows Shining and I are here, so whoever it is at the door is unlikely to be looking for us.”
Knock Knock Knock
Velvet sighed, pulling off her apron. “I’m coming!” She cantered over to the door and pulled it open. “Good morning, how may I hel- oh, Princess Luna! How nice to see... Twilight!” Velvet beamed at seeing her filly standing beside Luna. “And Spike, my goodness, what a pleasant surprise! Come in, come in!” She stepped aside, allowing the three to walk in, before shutting the door behind them.
“Hi Mom. I, um... we need to talk to you and Dad. Is he home?” Twilight asked, after a moment of gazing around the living room of her old home.
“Oh yes, the night guild gave him the next few days off from work.” Velvet walked over to the staircase. “Night Light, Dear? Come on downstairs, we have guests! Twilight is here with Spike and Princess Luna...” Velvet trailed off before turning to observe Luna and Twilight. They seemed close; not in the manner of how Shining Armor and Cadance were close, but more like… Velvet felt herself subconsciously swallow as she closed her eyes.
“M-mom?” Twilight’s eyes widened as Velvet seemed to age in front of her. “Mom, are you alright? What’s wrong?” Twilight desperately wanted to go to her, but fought the urge, remembering that the illusion was no good to the touch. “Please talk to me?”
Velvet just stared. For a moment, she beckoned Twilight over, trying to force a smile on as she looked into her foal’s eyes. They came no closer, but instead just stared at her, as if in horror. The older mare put her hoof down, and bent her head low, before her knees followed suit. “Yes, princess Twilight, all is fine. I… I understand what my role was, and hope you and your… your n-new mo-” She couldn’t keep it up any further than that though, and put her head to the floor as the tears she had held back now came down her cheeks.
Twilight moved without a second thought, her heart in agony from seeing her mother be hurt so badly. She put a hoof to Velvet’s cheek, her words flying like bees from their hive. “No, no mom, please, don’t think that. Luna could never replace you as my mother, I swear!”
Now it was Luna’s turn to wince, but she knew she had had the easiest time here. She may have had to suspect her young one to be dead, but at least she never had to raise her, only to then say goodbye. The princess stepped forward, and placed a hoof on Velvet’s chin, forcing her to look up. “Please, Lady Velvet, do not fear me. I owe you everything, and would not dare wish to harm you. In fact,” Luna slowly got onto her knees, her horn touching the ground, “I beseech you to please allow me to take care of your daughter, as you have before me.”
Before the older mare could speak, another set of hooves echoed from above. “I’m sorry for not having come down earlier. I really ought to break the habit of sleeping in on days…” Night Light stopped midway up the stairs and simply blinked at the situation before him. As he looked to his daughter, and then to Luna, his pupils shriveled up, and his mouth became dry. He knew better than to react too quickly though. “Well, this is… unexpected. Could I perhaps be caught up in what’s going on?”
Velvet looked between Luna, to her filly, who looked a lot more like a filly than she expected to see, and then to her husband. She then cleared her throat and said in a monotone, shocked voice, “Luna was told she had a daughter sometime recently, Twily’s glamour broke, and now the princess of the night is asking to be our little filly’s mother, along with me.”
Night Light trotted in, noting Twilight’s illusion shimmer, before Luna simply collapsed it, along with Twilight’s height. Seeing his little filly so small brought a tear to his eyes, and he rubbed them as he sat on the couch with Velvet. “Well, if my wonderful wife is correct, then I see no real issue. We always knew about this, and so long as I can still say Twily’s my little one, I won’t stop you. Now, joining mine and Velvet’s bed, that’s a whole different issue I feel.”
A small laughter broke the tense air, and once Twilight was done acting like she was about to vomit, she placed a small hoof on her father’s leg, and mouthed, ‘Thank you.’ Night Light simply nodded, even as his chest kept tight, and he wanted to say so much more, but couldn’t. He would stay true to his word, even if it hurt.
Velvet smiled at Night Light. Night is right. If Twilight will always be our little filly, I can share. She turned to Luna as they both stood back up. and wiped a tear away. “You’ll be taking her home with you to the castle, then?”
Luna shook her head. “Oh no, I plan to stay with Twilight in Ponyville. I wish to make this as easy as I can on her. Even though her physical appearance is that of a foal, I want to treat her as a mare as much as I can.”
Velvet nodded. “I hoped you would say something like that. Twilight was always so independent.” She wrapped her forelegs around Twilight and smiled. “I knew this day would come, Twilight. Forgive me for not telling you.”
“Of course, Mom! I never would have understood, especially not back when I was a filly. I barely understand it all now...” Twilight nuzzled into Velvet’s chest, breathing in her scent, which was much like her own.
Slam
Everypony and Spike looked up to see Shining Armor, standing in the now open doorway, which led to the kitchen, and the door handle that was embedded in the wall. Standing behind him was Cadance, looking very apologetic.
“Wh-what is going on? Twily… Twily was adopted? She’s Luna’s daughter! Wh-why is Twily a foal again? Why was I never told any of this?!” Shining Armor spun around to face Cadance, who was looking at and away from him. “And you knew, didn’t you? Why didn’t you tell me, Cadance? Why?”
“I-I wanted to, but I had to wait until Twilight and Luna both knew. Auntie Celestia made certain I understood how important it was that nopony knew. Before Auntie Luna came back, there were ponies who would have taken Twilight. Th-those ponies would have taken her from us forever! That’s why Auntie asked me to foal sit her. I never expected to… to fall in love with you, Shiny, but I did. I hated that I could not tell you. I love Twilight, and you, so please, forgive me?” Cadance placed her forehoof on Shining Armor’s shoulder.
“I… Cady, Twily…” Shining Armor’s body shook. “I just…” He closed his eyes before they snapped back open as he felt a tiny hoof touch his foreleg.
“BBBFF, I may be your adoptive sister, but that doesn’t change anything! Mom is still Mom, Dad is still Dad, and y-you are my Big Brother Best Friend Forever. I just... I have a second Mom now, who wants to have the chance to be my Mom…” Twilight looked up at Shining Armor with a hopeful smile, her ears pinned back a bit.
Shining Armor looked over at his Mother and Father sitting next to each other, holding hooves. Across from them, Luna had taken a half step forward, with Spike under her barrel, holding tight to to her leg. Finally, he looked down to see the familiar, big, purple eyes looking up at him, and felt his anger melt away. Twily is right, adopted or not… “I’m sorry, Twily, you are right. Princess Luna, welcome to the family, again.” He grinned goofily over at Cadance, who rolled her eyes before smiling.
“Well, since you’re here, why don’t we all have breakfast? I made pancakes!” Cadance beamed before her eyes widened in realization. “Oh no, I left the stove on!” She scurried back into the kitchen with Twilight Velvet quickly hurrying after her, a fire extinguisher already held in her magical grasp. Night Light and Shining Armor merely shook their heads.
“Come on, son, let’s go get some donuts from Pony Joe’s while your Mom tries to save both your wife, and our kitchen.” Night Light turned to head out the door as Shining Armor nodded, following after him.
“Sorry about this, Princess. It’s just a bit… well, actually, this is just a normal morning in the Light household.” Shining Armor shrugged as both stallions walked past her.
“No, Cadance, not like that!”
Luna felt a smile cover her muzzle as she heard her niece and Twilight Velvet frantically crying out in alarm in the kitchen, along with the sound of spraying foam. I think I will enjoy being part of this family... She then shook her head and walked into the kitchen to see if she could help.
Twilight held a powdered donut in her hooves. She took small bites of it and tried to ignore the odd looks of her family. Mind you they were evenly split between her ‘adorableness,’ and Cadance’s soot covered fur. Eh six of one half dozen of the others?
“So what happens now, Princess?” Twilight Velvet asked, polishing off a second donut before taking a sip of coffee. A mug she kept far from Twilight’s little hooves after seeing her almost desperate look.
Twilight’s shoulders slumped. This may be the worst part… no coffee! She reached for the cup of apple juice, then paused, her horn glowing as the lavender field wrapped around the cup and lifted it up off of her tray. And straight up embedding it in the ceiling. What in the???
Everyone stared up at the plastic tumbler, then over at Twilight, who attempted to sink into herself. “I’m sorry… I didn’t… It should have!”
Luna smiled, gently nuzzling into Twilight’s mane. “It’s alright. I was expecting this to happen.”
“Y-you were, Mother?” Twilight looked up at Luna, trembling a bit as she pressed into Luna’s muzzle.
“Yes, you have to remember Twilight you are a foal…” Luna trailed off quietly as Twilight tensed under Luna’s chin.
“And foals have unpredictable magical surges…” Twilight groaned, hiding her face in her forehooves.
“It’s alright, Twily! You’re what, two, right?” Shining Armor reached over and mussed up Twilight’s mane, causing her to glare up at him before nodding firmly.
“My physical form appears to be two but I am one thousand and three actual years old.” Twilight sighed and pawed at the tray. “Let's just go with two.”
“Well then, you should grow out of those surges in no time. Probably another year at most.” Shining Armor smiled, shoving the fact that Twilight was in reality over a millennium deep into his mind.
“Oh goody… I’ll only be a walking deadly weapon for another year.” Twilight groaned, covering her face again.
Luna tapped her chin. “Well what if we got you fitted with a power limiter? Not a suppressor, but just a limiter. You could wear it when we go out and keep it off at home. You don’t have to worry about hurting me, and Spike is a strong dragon. Right Spike?”
Spike looked up from the ruby coated donut he was taking a bite of and gave Twilight a thumbs up. “You betcha!”
Twilight hesitated before nodding. “Okay. You’re right, Mother. It’ll be safer…” Hold it together Twilight. Think about other ponies, not just yourself. Besides imagine the research you’ll be able to do… wait… research! That’s it! My third option! I don’t have to be just a foal or just a mare. I can be both! A huge smile lit up her face as she nuzzled Luna eagerly.
“I figured it out, Mother! I’m not exactly a foal nor am I a mare anymore. I’m both! This will be the greatest research project of my life! How many ponies could ever create a thesis about being a baby!”
Luna smiled, licking Twilight’s cheek. “I knew you could figure it out. Just remember this isn’t only a research project. I want you to live and grow… To become the mare you want to be once again. But until that day I will care for you.” She glanced at the time and frowned. Now that I’ve met her other family, I don’t want to take her from them… but, she is my daughter. I want my chance… Luna shook her head, ears pinned back. Selfish to the end aren’t you?
Twilight Velvet looked towards the time and sighed. “If we want to get on the docket today we had better head for the courthouse.”
Luna blinked in surprise. She opened her mouth before Velvet shook her head. “Pr-Luna, Night and I always knew how this would go. Since the moment we brought Twilight home with us we knew that one day you’d be returned and healed, we knew at that time you’d want to be with Twilight, and we’ve had the time to ready ourselves to give custody of her back to you. Princess Celestia made certain we understood all of that. Though, I suppose we allowed ourselves to love Twilight too much…”
Luna stomped her hoof down onto the floor, cracking it. She winced, but shook it off. “Enough of that! Certainly there must be a way in which we can all remain in Twilight’s life!”
Night Light took a sip of his coffee and hummed. “Well… legally, legally you should have custody of Twilight.” He held a hoof out. “Just hear me out. You are her mother, her biological mother, and you should have your chance to be with her. Especially since she’s still a baby. I hear your grumbling, dear, but physically you are.” He smiled as Twilight humphed, crossing her forelegs while sitting in her old high chair. “So, legally, yes, Luna you will be her Mother but, off the books we will have an agreement. Velvet and I will remain Twilight’s Mom and Dad. We’ll be there for you if and when you need help. But nopony needs to know about that but us.”
Luna nodded with a small sniffle “Thank you Lord Night Light...Lady Velvet...I swear to you that I will raise Twilight with both your input and assistance.”
Twilight sighed, wanting to state again that she had already been raised. Boy, ponies really do have a problem looking under the surface of things...Still, might be interesting to see what all I can get away with… Twilight smiled at that thought and found her attention drifting from what her parents were discussing. She still had most of her donut on the tray to her highchair. Eh. Even when I had the glamour on I could lose myself in food… She took another large bite of the donut and soon was licking the powdered sugar off of her hooves.
Luna covered the smile on her muzzle with a hoof as she watched Twilight lick the sugar off her hooves, ignoring the powdered sugar covering her face. She looked over to see Twilight Velvet wetting a cloth napkin under the faucet and washing Twilight’s muzzle.
Twilight moved her head to the side. “Mom! I can clean myself!” ...can’t I?
“Oh Twilight, you are such a mess and so tiny… I guess I just forgot…” Velvet bit her lip, lowering the cloth as Twilight chewed her lip.
Alright Twilight, it’s time to make your decision. If you want to write the greatest thesis ever about childhood in particular foal hood you’ll have to experience it… right? Just think of it as going native… As long as they don’t try to put a diaper on me at least. That would be way toofar native… just… give in. They are your parents… you a-are a toddler now. Twilight squeezed her eyes shut as she made her very difficult decision. “It...it’s okay. I am really tiny, aren’t I, Mom? And well… If I want to explore childhood I do need to be just that so… what I’m trying to say is.” Twilight took a deep breath. “I wanted to be treated as if I was my physical age…. Within reason! I am intelligent so don’t try to hide things from me, also I have been potty trained for fifteen years. I have no need nor want to wear diapers. I understand the necessity of training pants or a toddler potty but I put my hoof down at diapers! Otherwise… otherwise I guess.” Twilight made a circle on the high chair tray with her hoof.
Velvet smiled, lifting Twilight’s dirty chin with a pulse of magic. “By admitting that you want this chance and understanding that the majority of ponies will have difficulty looking beyond your size, you have shown just how mature you are, Twilight, I can’t wait to read your paper. I know it’ll be amazing. But for now, your face is still covered in powdered sugar. And I’m sure you want to look nice for the judge. So hold still.”
Twilight sighed as the powdered sugar was efficiently cleaned from her face before she was lifted from the high chair and set on the ground. Twilight stumbled a moment before falling back on her bottom. She watched as the ‘adults’ got ready to go to court. Okay, Sparkle. You are about to head to court to legally be given back to your Mother and to be made a toddler again… Why am I doing this? Have I gone mad!? I’ll just run! I’m sure Rarity will hide me or maybe I can figure a way to get back through the portal and live with Sunset Shimmer. Okay here I go one… two…
“Twilight? Are you ready?” Luna laid down on her belly to better look at Twilight. “I know this is difficult and scary… I can’t imagine what is going through your mind, but I swear to you I will be the greatest Mother you could desire were you to give me this chance.” Luna smiled gently, running her hoof through Twilight’s mane.
Twilight nuzzled into her Mother’s hoof, a sigh escaping her muzzle. On the other hoof… it’s only fifteen years… how hard could that be?
Twilight stared down at her opponent, her eyes narrowed. Her opponent stared back, though his eyes remained big and cheerful.
“Now, Twilight, Mister Bear isn’t going to hurt you! Just come say hi.”
Twilight sighed and looked up at her advocate. The pegasus mare seemed nice enough, but Twilight was getting tired of sitting in the small foal room off the side of the courtroom. When they had first met, Twilight had been happy to greet her properly and engage her. Sadly though, it had caused Guardian Song to act funny around her. Yeah, I can imagine how I would have felt if I was in her place. Just play it cute and innocent, Twi. What could be taking so long? Princess Celestia is vouching for Mother and Mom and Dad are ready to give up custody… “Mama?” Twilight asked, cocking her head cutely Oh well nothing to do but play the part…
“She is talking to the judge right now, Twilight.” She smiled gently, rolling a ball over to the Princess. “It’s a very funny case. Not many ponies grow down before they grow up!”
Twilight withstood the desire to facehoof -barely- as she pushed the ball back to Guardian Song. Her advocate had already spoken to the judge while she had been watched by a bailiff. Twilight was dying to know what was going on, but apparently she wasn’t deemed mature enough to attend the hearing. So, I’m stuck in here… With soft toys, balls and not a single book! “Book?” Twilight questioned hopefully. I’d even read that stupid magazine ‘Ponies’ that Rarity gets
“Fraid not honey, but look at all the wonderful toys!” Guardian Song looked up at the clock on the wall. “Actually I think it’s time to try and nap.”
Twilight’s eyes grew huge. No way! It’s not even noon yet I do not need to go to sleep! “No nap!”
“Come now, Twilight. You can curl up on the couch. And if you are a good little filly I’ll even tell you a story.” Guardian Song smiled while lifting Twilight into her forelegs, the toddler going limp.
“What sorta story?” Twilight allowed herself to be set down on the couch. Even first time round the promise of a story was enough to get Twilight to lay down.
“Well, lets see…” Guardian Song watched as her charge got comfortable before spinning a story of ponies which lived beneath the sea. As she spoke, she watched Twilight’s eyes slide close until slow breaths escaped her mouth. “Works every time…”
Luna sighed as she listened to the judge drone on and on. Beside her sat Celestia, and behind her the Sparkles. Why is this taking so long… The Sparkles are voluntarily returning Twilight to my custody and Tia has vouched for my abilities as a mother. Perhaps it’s because we are asking that she be legally reclassified as age two?
The judge took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “I’m certain the four of you understand just how unconventional all this is?” He shook his head. “In fact I’d have to say for a fact that I’ve never ruled on anything quite like this! The custody portion is easy enough. According to my records, Twilight Sparkle is almost seventeen. She’s still a minor, and her foster parents have voluntarily chosen to rescind their custody back to her biological mother. Said Mother Princess Luna Noctis Everfree has passed all mentality tests required since her return from exile. In addition, Princess Celestia Solis Everfree, Luna’s elder sister and Twilight’s Aunt and former educator, has vouched for her little sister. In this case I would normally ask the minor, as she is a teenager, what exactly she desired. But that’s where things get difficult.” He took a sip of water and shook his head.
“Guardian Song has already spoken on behalf of Twilight Sparkle as she is now unable to speak for herself. I have had unicorns scan her for any illusions or age magic and both have come back that there is none. Twilight Sparkle is physically a two year old foal. I have to ask myself why this is and I expect an answer.”
Celestia sighed and cleared her throat. “If I may speak, your Honor? I can tell you exactly what has happened, though I respectfully ask they remain off the official record?”
“A request and not an order? Very well, then. Stenographer, please do not document anything Princess Celestia says until I give the okay.” He waited a moment before gesturing to Celestia. “The floor is yours.”
Celestia smiled gently at Luna before walking before the Judge’s bench.
“The story goes back over one thousand years, your Honor. During the battle with the Nightmare, it seems once again I had missed something vital with my sister. She was pregnant… I would not know until later that night when Luna’s cry of anguish drew me to the moon… Seeing Luna trapped as she was.” Celestia closed her eyes, swallowing. “But next to her was something worse. A foal, an alicorn foal laying on its side as if it was dead. Luna begged me to save her. So I took her home. She had a pulse but it was weak I didn’t have much time. First I stored her earth pony magic away. She began to breathe, but was still struggling. Heartbroken, I also stored her pegasi magic and watched as her tiny wings withered away before they had ever even felt the breeze. I was certain I had doomed my sweet beautiful niece to a mortal existence. I kept her with me, having named her Twilight Sparkle. It wasn’t long before I noticed she wasn’t growing. Two months after her birth she was still as if she had only just been born. That’s when I realised she was still filled with dark magic.” She levitated a glass of water over and took a sip, looking up at the judge who simply nodded that he was listening.
“I also realised it was helping to keep her alive… keeping her immortal. If I rid her of it I was sure to make her mortal. I couldn’t take Luna’s daughter away from her. I knew that Luna would return in one thousand years. If the dark magic was keeping Twilight alive I’d ignore it. That began the almost-millennium of trusted foster parents for my niece, and I found I was correct after five hundred years. Twilight by then was a happy one year-old foal. It was only as she grew closer to age two that I realized my mistake. My dear niece was beginning to retain memories, she was starting to have a self, and she was curious-oh so curious. I knew she’d see ponies growing and figure out that she wasn’t. It was only a matter of time. And with the Nightmare prophesied to return, I didn’t want to give Twilight any reason to side with the Nightmare against her Mother… So I placed a glamour on her. It was very powerful one that affected sight, smell, touch, and sound. Twilight would grow that way, develop become a mare. But it took so much out of me. I tied the spell to the Elements to allow me to still be able to raise and lower the sun and moon.”
Celestia sighed and shook her head “The rest is history. Twilight Velvet and Night Light took Twilight, home knowing one day her Mother would want her back. Twilight was allowed to live and grow. I was able to return Twilight’s earth pony and pegasi magic to her recently, however, when the Elements were absorbed back into the Tree of Harmony. The glamour I had linked to them fizzled out and…” Celestia’s shoulders slumped. “I simply am incapable of holding it any longer. I almost lost all of Equestria to Chrysalis. I love my niece but I… can’t doom my ponies for her. So that’s why we are asking she legally be recognized as a two year old. Because she truly cannot be any older until she grows up.”
“And how quickly is Princess Twilight Sparkle growing?” He asked, feeling a headache forming under his horn.
“The dark magic has fully left her body. She is growing one year per year just like any pony,” Celestia replied, trying not to look worried.
“Alright, well after everything I’ve heard, and Twilight’s advocate’s opinion I am ready to issue my ruling. On the request to transfer full custody of Twilight Sparkle from Night Light and Twilight Velvet back to Luna Noctis Everfree the court rules in favor of this. As of this moment Luna Noctis Everfree will be responsible for Twilight Sparkle’s custody and wellbeing.” He stopped talking a moment as Luna was hugged by her sister and the Sparkles before clearing his throat. “In regards to reclassifying Twilight Sparkle as a two year old foal, the court finds in favor due to the very unique qualities of this request. However! If after the age of five if Twilight Sparkle has shown she still retains the mind and personality of a mare she may request a retrial in regards to her reclassification and may if the court finds in her favor retake her status as a full grown if short mare. Are we in understanding?”
Luna nodded, clearing her throat. “Yes, your Honor. I’ll make certain to tell her once we return home to Ponyville.”
The judge nodded. “Alright that ends the case of Everfree Sparkle. Case dismissed.” And with that he banged his gavel and shook his head as the four parties vacated his courtroom. He briefly wondered whether or not he’d see young Miss Sparkle in three years. Time will tell… “Send in the next case!”
Twilight blinked the sleep from her eyes as she was gently roused by a horseshoe-covered forehoof. She sat up with a small yawn and rubbed her eyes to see Luna, Celestia, and her other parents smiling down at her. She glanced around for her advocate, who appeared to have left once the case was concluded.
“So, how did it go, Mother?” Twilight asked. She stood up, stretching her wings out as the adults attempted to and failed not to aww at her.
“As well as we could have hoped, Twilight. Custody was officially returned to me and you were legally declared a two year old.” Luna gently nuzzled Twilight’s cheek. “There is obviously more, but we can discuss that once we are home again. But first there is a decision you must make. I cannot make it, nor can your other mother, or my sister.”
Twilight looked up, her ears perking. “A decision?”
“That is right. Simply put, do you wish to speak with your friends before or after the official announcement, which will be made in a day or so?” She glanced up at Celestia, who shrugged.
“I was thinking a day, yes, possibly two depending on who creates Twilight’s new dress.” Celestia smiled down at Twilight. “I’m certain your friend Rarity would jump at the chance, especially after being unable to design the coronation gowns.” Celestia winced at the memory of the monstrosities the three of them had been in. “It’s something I don’t believe I will allow to happen again.”
Twilight considered but a moment before nodding “I want to tell them. After all, losing a friend's trust is the fastest way to lose a friend…”
“Forever!”
Luna, Celestia, Nightlight, and Twilight Velvet jumped back as Pinkie Pie appeared out of a fake plant in the corner of the room.
Twilight smiled, lifting a hoof. “Hi, Pinkie Pie. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything you were working on?”
Pinkie climbed out of the plant, shaking her head “Nope! I was just getting some plans set up. You see last night I had brand new pinkie sense! It was an eye flutter, twitch tail, right ear flick, left ear flick, jitter hop! And it meant one of my bestest friends was hiding a huge secret and it was her birthday! And well since you are my newest best friend I knew it had to be you, silly! But why are you so teeny weeny? Is this an alicorn thing?” Pinkie gasped “Oh my gosh do ponies become babies again once they become alicorns? Are you going to get any smaller? What will happen to the librar-”
Twilight stuck her hoof in Pinkie’s mouth. “Calm down Pinkie… Listen I want to tell you and the girls everything so will you gather them at the library? I’ll be home on the next train.” She glanced up at Luna to see her nod. “I promise I’ll explain everything. And after that we can have my birthday party. Okay?”
“Mmkay!” Pinkie mumbled around Twilight’s hoof, before saluting and leaping back into the plant.
Twilight saw Velvet’s mouth opening. he shook her head. “Don’t, Mom. Trust me when I say it’s just...just not worth it. She's just Pinkie Pie.”
After a few minutes of hugs, Luna, Spike, and Twilight boarded the train back to Ponyville. Twilight waved out the window at the rest of her family until they were no longer in view. She finally sighed and sat down in her seat next to Luna.
“Are you excited to head back home, Twilight?” Luna asked smiling down at the toddler who was laying her head on her withers.
“Excited and nervous… What if they don’t want to be my friends anymore? I mean the Elements have been returned back to the Tree so duty wouldn’t…” Twilight trailed off, her ears pinned back as she felt Luna staring down at her.
“Twilight, do you truly feel so little for your friends?”
“What, no!” Twilight exclaimed
“If say, Rarity, was to become a foal, would you have rejected her friendship?” Luna continued.
Twilight madly shook her head “No! Of course not!”
“And what about Applejack or Pinkie Pie?”
“Never!”
“And why is that, my daughter?” Luna questioned, cocking her head to the side.
“Because they are my friends and I love them!” Twilight cried out, having risen to her hooves. She then smiled, tears running down her cheeks. “I love them, Mother...I love them and they love me...don’t they?”
Luna gently licked Twilight’s tears away. “I am certain of it, Twilight…”
Twilight smiled, nuzzling into her Mother’s chest. The great weight fell from her tiny shoulders as she breathed out, happy to be held by her Mother and Spike. He had climbed up next to Twilight, wrapping his arms around her.
“Luna is right, Twilight. These are our friends. They’ll understand what's going on!”
Twilight nodded. he three stayed in that position, loving upon each other for the entire trip home.
It hadn’t taken long at all until the train pulled into the station. Luna got up and calmly shook herself, using a touch of magic to dry and smooth her fur. “Come on Twilight.” She smiled down as Twilight hopped down from her seat and stretched out her wings.
“I was...wondering if it would be alright if I rode on your back? I would like to get back to the library without being noticed… if that is alright, Mother?” Twilight pawed at the ground as Luna smiled.
“I understand. you want to tell your friends and not be stopped by everypony between here and the library and have them find out by word of mouth?”
Twilight simply nodded as Luna levitated her onto her back and applied a simple not-my-problem charm on her. “As long as you stay quiet, nopony will see you.”
“Thanks Mother….Mom.” Twilight whispered into Luna’s ear, causing Luna’s heart to melt as she felt Twilight’s warm breath.
Luna followed after Spike, who led the way to the library. She nodded her head at the ponies they passed, even gracing some of the children with a smile.
Spike opened the door “We’re here! Pinkie Pie? Rarity? Anypony?”
“We’re in the sitting room, darling!” Rarity called out. “Pinkie was rather forceful in making certain we were all here by the time the train arrived.”
“Yeah! She dragged me here by my tail! Not cool, Pinks...Not cool.”
Twilight covered a giggle with her small hoof. She imagined Rainbow Dash floating in the air, hooves crossed while she looked down at Pinkie who was most likely smiling.
“Now that you are home, Spike, I don’t suppose you could tell us why Pinkie Pie dragged us all here? I mean if you wouldn't mind, that is?” Fluttershy trailed off as Luna followed after Spike into the sitting room. She eeped and hid beneath her mane.
Rarity stood up from where she had been relaxing. “Oh, my goodness! Princess! Pinkie Pie did not mention that we’d be entertaining royalty! I...I do apologize!”
Applejack rolled her eyes. “Hush up, Rarity. Or did ya forget Twi is a Princess now, too. ‘Sides, Pinkie said all of us needed to be here for Twilight.”
“Yep! That’s right. This is all for Twilight! I super dooper promise!” Pinkie bounced in place, her eyes focused upon a single spot upon Luna’s back.
“Fine, so Luna is here for whatever is up with Twilight… Where is the Egghead, anyway?” Rainbow Dash sighed, landing to relax on the couch beside Applejack.
“I’m right here,” Twilight said after having taken a deep calming breath. At that moment the not-my-problem charm popped. All eyes were on the tiny pony sitting on Luna’s back. Twilight nervously waved. “Hi girls. I can explain.”
All eyes were on the tiny pony sitting on Luna’s back. Twilight nervously waved. “Hi, girls. I can explain.”
A silence filled the room, unlike one which Twilight had ever experienced. She believed it may have been possible to differentiate the heartbeats of each of her friends as they stared at her until…
“Ow!” Twilight cried out, her wings flaring out in agitation before once more folding against her back. She leveled a glare at Rainbow Dash who had one of her purple feathers clutched between her teeth.
Rainbow swallowed heavily and locked eyes with Princess Luna. A shiver traveled down her spine. She hadn’t felt this level of fear, not even when she had stood up against Nightmare Moon. “Heh, j-just checking?” She carefully set the feather down on the floor before taking a few steps backward.
“We see that. Art thou content with your investigation?” Luna raised a single eyebrow, calming herself and remembering that these were Twilight’s friends after all.
“Uh, yeah… Definitely tastes like Twilight’s wings.” Rainbow Dash said, rubbing the back of her head.
“I was unaware that feathers had different tastes… However, it should not surprise me. But, did you have to choose such a garish way of testing? For goodness sake, Rainbow Dash!” Rarity tsked before turning her attention to the toddler riding upon Princess Luna’s back. “It’s obvious to anypony with eyes in her head that the little one could be none other than our beloved Twilight Sparkle. But my dear, what has happened? I could have sworn that only last night you were a grown mare.”
It took a moment for Twilight to think about exactly what to say. Finally, she settled on the truth. “Well, yesterday evening I was...but.”
“And that is what happened. We just left the court and caught the first train home. I can understand if you don’t feel we can be friends anymore. I mean… I am only a foal now.” Twilight found herself gazing at the wooden floor of the library, her eyes locked with it for the entire retelling. Her ears were pressed firmly against her skull as if hoping to block out the sound of her friend’s reactions.
She expected them to leave one by one, maybe all at once, unable to handle that she was a toddler. She remembered what her mother had told her, however, about the love she held for her friends and vice versa. It allowed a bit of hope to fill her as a large hoof gently raised her chin to look into two green eyes which seemed to be smiling at her.
“Land sakes now, Sugarcube. That’s quite the adventure you and the Princess had over the last twenty-four hours. But, I think I speak for all of us when I say we ain’t going nowhere. The elements chose us-bound us together, even. Maybe from that day when we all got our cutie marks. Can’t reckon for sure, what I can reckon however is that well, you’re stuck with us, Twilight Sparkle.” Applejack paused before looking up at Luna. “Ah hope you don’t mind Princess, but Twilight and the girls, an’ of course Spike. They’re my kin. And Apples? We don’t turn our back on kin. Not ever.”
“That is what I had hoped when Celestia revealed the truth of my savior.” Luna smiled as she gave her foal a nuzzle. “And I hope that you will all see myself as kin as well.”
“Oh, but of course your Highness! I do hope you allow Twilight to spend time with us here in little Ponyville. We will desperately miss her when she is away in Canterlot, after all.” Rarity struggled to keep her tears away. Of course, there was every chance that they would drift away as time went on, but she had hoped that it wouldn’t be this soon.
“About that, Lady Rarity, you need not worry about spending time with Twilight Sparkle.” Luna paused as she saw even Rainbow Dash’s shoulders slump “Ah, no. I apologize. I am still learning how to speak correctly. What I mean is that Twilight Sparkle will not be in Canterlot except on the rare occasion. My sister and I have spoken at length and believe that for Twilight Sparkle’s well being, as well as her relationship and mine with my sister, that I move here to the library to keep Twilight in her home and allow her as much...leniency I believe the word is that I am able.”
“T-twilight is staying?” Fluttershy finally spoke up, smiling hopefully as Twilight, Spike, and Luna all nodded. “That is wonderful!”
“Heck yeah! This’ll be awesome! It was sorta hard to teach you to fly since you were grown, but now that you’re Pound’s size I can really teach you!” Rainbow grinned as Twilight poked her tongue out.
“Twitwi is staying and Luna is moving in. You know what that means, don’t you?” Pinkie cried out as she seemed likely to take off to Luna’s amusement.
“I’m going to just say a party in the hope that you do not blast off again.” Rarity rolled her eyes with a slight smirk, fondly remembering the day. She blinked in surprise as Pinkie shook her head “Oh? Then what does it mean?”
“Wellll, normally it would be a party. But since it’s also Twilight’s one thousand and second birthday it means this has to be the most super humongous epic party ever!”
Pinkie’s eyes appeared to become fireworks as Twilight glanced up at her Mother. Luna simply nodded before Twilight toddled over to Pinkie and touched her foreleg with her own tiny hoof. Pinkie glanced down as Twilight smiled up at her.
“I know you want to give me and Mom a super huge party. But, for today could we just have a cake? Y-you, see nopony else knows about me and Mom yet and well, Auntie Tia says the announcement will be in a few days.”
She looked over to Rarity. “She was hoping you’d be up to designing mine, hers, and Mom’s dresses? Apparently, the pony who prepared our coronation gowns has, ah stepped down?” She glanced at Luna, who was smirking a bit.
“D-dresses for all three of you? Oh...oh my.” Rarity’s horn glowed as her fainting couch appeared just in time for her to collapse upon it.
Twilight giggled into her hoof. No matter how much things change some things will remain the same. “Don’t worry, Mom. Rarity does this all the time. Just give her a few minutes,” Twilight said as she glanced up at Luna.
Luna nodded and took a seat. After everything they had already been through, this was the first time she had seen such a smile upon her daughter’s muzzle. I told you, mine poppet, your friends would never reject you.
After a few more moments, Rarity leaped back to her hooves and grabbed Twilight within her magical aura.
“Wha? Rarity! Put me down, I can walk!” Twilight complained, her wings flapping in irritation.
“No time! Come along, Twilight! I must get your new measurements at once! How long do I have to make your dresses? Ah, never mind the deadline makes it so much more invigorating!” And with that Rarity raced from the library with the toddler sitting in her magic and with her forelegs crossed while pouting.
Luna blinked a few times before shaking her head. “Spike, I’m hoping you know where she is carrying Twilight off to?” She glanced down at Spike, who was grinning and giving her a thumbs up. “Very well, then. Let us follow in due haste.” As Luna got back to her hooves, she paused and turned to Pinkie. “I do believe that we will need to postpone that cake.” At the sight of Pinkie’s mane losing its curl, she smiled. “In exchange, I beg of thee to head directly to Canterlot. Once there, inform my sister that I have chosen you to be in charge of the announcement and party to follow directly after. Do you think you can do that, Lady Pinkie Pie?”
Pinkie’s eyes widened to the point Luna almost feared they may pop out before she somehow grabbed both Applejack and Rainbow Dash by their tails.
“What in tarnation?”
“Hey! Let go Pinks. This is so not cool!”
“Needyouboff needtogonow!” And with that, the three ponies appeared to simply vanish in front of Luna’s eyes.
“...Spike, Lady Fluttershy did either of you…” Luna trailed off as both shook their heads. “Right. For mine own sanity, neither did I. Lady Fluttershy, will you join Spike and myself in saving mine baby from Lady Rarity’s best intentions?” Seeing the shy pony nod, she smiled. “Excellent. After you, Spike.”
