How the Moon Works
With a huff and a grunt, a young Twilight Sparkle opened her eyes to darkness. Despite her tiredness from today's lesson with her mentor, Princess Celestia, and her plans of having a full day of fun tomorrow with her foalsitter Cadence, she still couldn't rest. She turned over and peered out her window, looking up to the sky which was dotted with stars. Twilight could easily make out several different constellations she has studied previously. One thing her teacher never specifically touched on, was the moon. It shone in the sky, like the night has its own sun. It's light gently caressed the scenery of Canterlot below; a beautiful contrast with the indigo background of the sky.
Twilight has always been curious about the silhouette that resides on the surface of the moon. She had asked Celestia about it many times, but her answer was always "That is a story for another day, my most faithful student". Twilight's driving curiosity to learn has taken her to Canterlot Castle's abundant library many times, flipping through book after book until Celestia came and checked on her. Twilight discovered that a powerful pony, who raised the sun each and every morning, had a sister who raised the moon every night. The sun pony was loved by all the ponies, but the moon pony was often ignored because nopony was awake and bustling during the night. The moon pony was jealous, and let her hatred take over. She tried to make the night last forever, but was banished by the sun pony.
Twilight has always wondered how long the moon pony has been locked in the moon. Her knowledge was vague on the subject, and was slightly discouraged about asking again, considering she always got turned down when she did ask. She had so many questions for Celestia; she must know all about sun pony and the moon pony!
The lavender filly jumped out of bed and trotted over to the door. Maybe is she went out for a walk around the castle, it would make her tired and she would have something to do. The handle glowed with a pink aura, and the large door creaked open. Twilight flinched as if someone had heard her, but when she peeked out of the threshold, none of the guards had stirred. Tiny hoofsteps echoed through the large hallways, breaking the silence, except for the snoring of one of the guards.
Twilight giggled at the comical situation and proceeded through the large corridors, admiring the large stain glass portraits and large architecture that made the castle as beautiful as it is. After a few minutes of wandering the castle, Twilight grew bored and pondered whether she should return to her chambers. She thought for a few moments before bumping into the base of a large pillar. "Oof!" she fell to the ground with a thud, realizing she had been thinking while walking. Breaking her thought was a murmuring of a familiar voice. The filly shook her head and raced over to the source of the talking.
Princess Celestia stood out on a balcony; the one she goes to when she wishes to reminisce with her sister. Like many other nights, she looked to the moon with affection and laughed. "I remember that as well. I believe that cold castle still has many uncovered secrets you were supposed to find". She dried her eyes," Yes, dear sister. Your night truly is a sight to behold. It is my favorite time to speak with you. We don't get much time together anymore. I truly miss y-" Celestia was interrupted by a loud thud. She quizzically looked at the doorway to see her only protege, Twilight Sparkle. The princess smiled warmly at the filly, and invited her over. "It is very late, Twilight Sparkle. What brings you out here?"
Twilight stuttered, "Well, haha, I guess I couldn't sleep" she looked down at her hooves. Princess Celestia looked kindly at her student, considering her options as to what Twilight wanted to hear. Using her hoof, she drove Twilight's attention to the moon.
"Would you finally like to hear the story of moon pony?" Twilight met eyes with Celestia and smiled widely, nodding quickly. They both sat on the floor of the balcony which overlooked a large part of Canterlot and beyond. Celestia cleared her throat and began with her tale.
"Many years ago, two great ponies lived together here in Canterlot. One raised the sun, one raised the moon." Twilight nodded. "One day, the lovely pony who raised the moon felt dejected because nobody appreciated the beautiful night we see here. Bad forces called 'The Nightmare Forces' came and fed off of her jealousy and hate. She turned into a powerful form; she called herself "Nightmare Moon", and attempted to create eternal night by raising the moon over top of the sun. But the sun pony had no other way to stop the nightmare forces, so she banished the moon pony to the moon, and that is where she resides now. She has been for almost one thousand years". Celestia turned and looked at the moon with a soft, affectionate smile.
Twilight stared wide eyed at the moon. "One thousand years? That's such a long time... is she okay up there?" Tears threatened to spill from the Princesses eyes, but she stood strong.
"Yes, she is safe up there. Until the thousandth year has arrived, and she returns, she will be okay. Only the Elements of Harmony can help her." Even though she wanted to, Twilight questioned no further. Her curiosity has been satisfied for now, and respected her great mentor. After a few moments of silence, the regal princess stood up. "Let's get you to bed now, shall we?" Twilight nodded and yawned. Using her magic, Celestia placed Twilight on her back and carried her off to bed.