After a thousand years of protecting Equestria, Princess Celestia can no longer handle raising the sun on her own, as her final day draws near. It's up to Luna to make her big sister proud one more time.
Princess Celestia has been in charge for over a thousand years. After sending Luna away to the moon, she was left to raise the sun and moon on her own. But now that Luna has returned she discovers a secret that Celestia has kept from her since she had been released from her dark form... After raising the sun and moon for many years, Celestia's powers are weakening, and now, her royal task is killing her. This is Luna's final chance to make up for her mistakes as nightmare moon, and make her big sister proud one final time. (Warning: this story contains a generous amounts of feels. You will be crying by the end of this story.)
"Luna.... Luna my dear sister wake up, night has fallen." Princess Celestia entered her little sister's bed chamber. She had completed the task for a while now after her parents died protecting the kingdom from a couple of Ursa Majors when she was just a filly. Luna was a foal back then... Just born a few months prior. Which meant Celestia was the next in line to inherit the throne. Which meant that she had the task of raising the sun and the moon. Now that Luna is older, it's time she finally took on her role as princess of the night.
"Hnnh huh?... Five more minutes Tia.... Please?" Luna said with a yawn. "I was having such a wonderful dream... I finally got my cutie mark. Mommy and Daddy were there, and they were proud." She said smiling. Celestia smiled and used her magic to open the curtains to reveal a very beautiful sunset, probably one of her best.
"Now now sister. Remember what I told you. If you want that to be a dream come true, you must first complete the challenges set for you." Celestia remembered when she first got her cutie mark. It was the morning after her parents died. She studied for months and watched her mother do it with such finesse. But that morning her mother was not there.
"Come on.... You can do this Tia... You've seen mommy do it so many times, now it's time to make her proud!" Celestia closed her eyes as her horn started to glow with a soft golden aura, as she did she slowly rose to the air, the sky lighting up with the morning sun. As she reached her peak, she let go, falling back down and landing with a soft flutter. She did it. She had raised the sun. And she also got her cutie mark.
"I...I did it! I raised the sun and got my cutie mark! Mommy look I di-" As she looked around expecting to see her mother's smiling face and expecting to hear her say how proud she was. She realized in the heat of the moment that no matter how happy she should have been, she was sad. She didn't see her mother's smiling face. She didn't hear her mother say how proud she was. It was just her, in the castle garden, the sun shining over head as she cried. She missed her mom. But she knew deep down that her mother was proud even is she wasn't there.
"Tia?... Tia? Big Sister what's wrong? Are you okay?..." Celestia was brought back to reality as Luna was giving her a puzzling look. It wasn't until she looked in the mirror that she realized she had been crying. "Were you thinking of them again?..." Celestia nodded. Being five years older than Luna Celestia had spent most of her time with her parents until their deaths.
"Yes Luna... I miss them terribly... But I'm also very proud that you're finally doing what I've trained you to do..." She smiled warmly as she made her way to her sister and hugged her. "Now... Let's get started." They both went out into the garden, Luna now finally awake enough to focus.
"Do I have to do this every night Tia? Even the stars too?" The older of the two sisters smiled and nodded.
"Yes Luna... Every night... Except the stars... Those can be any time. Now... Are you ready little sister?" Luna hopped off Celestia's back eager to get started.
"Ready big sister!" She smiled and looked up. Celestia decided to have a little fun with her.
"Remember just like I showed you. Or should I do it for you?" She asked smirking.
"No you said I could do it!" She said excitedly. "But.... Can you stand next to me?" Celestia answered her sisters request and stood next to her. Just then, Luna closed her eyes. And her horn lit up with a periwinkle aura. As it did, she slowly rose to the air, the moon following her movement upward. Celestia teared up and smiled. She was doing it. Her little sister was raising the moon. As she reached her high point, she let go and dropped. As she did Celestia flew up and caught her on her back.
"Did... Did I do it? Is it there?" Luna eagerly asked. Celestia gave her sister yet another warm smile.
"Is what there? The moon? Or your cutie mark?" Just then Luna opened her eyes.
"The moon obviously! I don't have my cutie mark ye-" just as she spoke, she looked down and her eyes widened. There, on her flank, was a crescent moon. She had gotten her cutie mark. "Tia I did it! I did it! I got my cutie mark! I raised the moon too! Did you see? Did you see it? Huh?" Celestia giggled and nuzzled her excited little sister.
"I did. And you did great Luna... I'm so proud of you. With the flick of her own horn, the stars started to appear, one by one. As they looked up at the night sky, she knew her parents were up there somewhere. Smiling down upon their daughters.
"Tia? Do you think they're proud of me too?" Luna asked, tearing up a little. Celestia placed a wing around her sister and pulled her close, hugging her.
"They're proud of both of us Luna... They're proud and they love us..." She said with tears in her own eyes.
"Tia? Can you teach me how to make stars too?" Luna asked. Celestia stood up and put her little sister on her back, bringing her back inside.
"Some day when you're older Luna..... Some day..."
It had been many years since that night. Since then, equestria and its princesses have seen many changes. Celestia and Luna had put a stop to the God of chaos discord, the evil King sombra, and much more. Celestia even went through the pain of having to banish Luna to the moon after she turned into nightmare moon. However, it's not all that bad now.
Celestia in her rule alone had witnessed many events. Including the return of her dear little sister. The two have been closer than ever picking up where they left off before the dark times. She's even seen her own student overcome many obstacles and in the end by doing so she took her first steps to finally becoming the princess of friendship. Celestia had seen so much, and she has done so much. Even now, as she lay in her bed in her weak state, with her sister at her side, she was happy as she shared many of her happy memories.
"Tia... Can I get you anything?.... Anything at all?..." Luna looked over at her sister with a rather sad look on her face. The doctors have been in and out of Celestia's chambers all week ever since she collapsed during the summer sun celebration. She feared the worst and the doctors only confirmed her fear. After years of using her powers to raise the sun and moon all while making stars and keeping harmony in equestria during Luna's banishment, Celestia was growing weaker and weaker. She was dying. They said she only had a few days tops. That was only if she stayed in bed. "Perhaps some water? Or toast?" She asked. Her big sister only smiled as she coughed.
"I'm quite fine Luna... Thank you. You have done so much for me this past week... I owe you everything for filling in for me and I promise once I beat this.... I will make it up to you." Hearing this only made Luna tear up. She knew just as Well as Tia knew... She wasn't going to beat this. She has lived thousands of years. Her time is approaching, and there is nothing Luna can do to stop it.
"Tia just rest please sister. That more than makes up for it... You need your strength." She said. "It is time to raise the moon... I shall return soon." As Luna flew outside to do her nightly duties, Celestia thought about that day. The day she collapsed. After thousands of years ruling a kingdom by herself, she had all but used up what little strength she had to keep equestria safe. It was easier for her when Luna was around and it got easier after she returned from her banishment and was saved by twilight and her friends. But it all started to catch up to her.
She remembered raising the sun last week on that day, she felt a great pain in her body. Her inner sun was burning out slowly, and upon raising the sun, she collapsed. Alarming not only Twilight and Luna, but the entire land of equestria. When the princess of the sun collapsed, every pony scrambled to send her flowers, food, medicine, even cards. However it would do nothing. She knew it, Luna knew it, even her favorite student Twilight Sparkle knew it. Celestia was dying. But she wanted to be strong. For herself, for Luna and twilight, for princess cadence, shining armor, and their new foal, and for Equestria.
"I have returned sister..." Luna said as she entered the bedroom, taking her place once again at her sister's side. Celestia looked out the window seeing the moon shining beautifully in the night sky.
"No stars tonight Luna?" Tia asked her sister, wincing as she sat up. "You were always good at making the stars after I showed you how to do it." She said smiling.
"I... I tried but... But I can't. I think I'm a bit out of practice..." Luna said with a frown. "Sister I hate to ask... Especially in your current state... But do you think you could..." Before Luna could finish, Celestia was already standing, struggling to stay up.
"I'd be happy to..." She responded as Luna helped her outside. "A bit of fresh air might do me some good..."
"Just be careful sister... Remember you shouldn't over exert yourself..." Luna said with a concerned look. They both stood on the balcony, enjoying the crisp night air. Just then Celestia's horn lit up and one by one, the stars started to appear. Each one more beautiful than the last. As Luna looked up and smiled at her sister's work. Even in a weak state like this, her sister was able to make beautiful stars. Just as Luna was admiring the beautiful creation, she heard a thud next to her.
Celestia had collapsed right there on the balcony floor. "Sister?... Sister wake up." Luna nudged her but to her dismay, no response. She checked her sister's vitals, and they were not responsive either. "Tia! Tia wake up please! HELP WE NEED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE HERE! Please any pony!" Just then Celestia started to move.
"L-Luna... W-we must savor what little time we have left together..." With that statement she closed her eyes just as a group of on staff medical personnel carried Celestia back to her bed chambers.
Shes right Luna thought. I want to spend as much time with her as I can before it's too late... Just then, she had an idea. She was going to try to make stars again... She was going to make her sister proud.
"I will do it again... I'll make stars for you Tia.... I promise.... I will make you proud once more. Then only then, will I feel the weight of my mistakes lift away from me." With those words, she went to sleep on the balcony. Making sure to remain close to her sister just in case something happens.
"I'm very sorry princess... But there is nothing we can do at this point. That last burst of magic took a lot out of her." One of the nurses said. "It's doubtful she will even be able to survive another night." Luna felt horrible. Because of her, request last night, Celestia had used up the rest of her remaining magic and now, there was nothing left. She needed to do what she planned to do tonight before it was too late.
"I wish to see my sister. I need to be with her." Luna said. She had come to accept her sister's fate. Especially after wandering into her dreams last night and seeing Celestia playing happily with their mom and dad once more. When she woke up, she cried. She didn't want to lose her sister just like she lost her parents.
As she entered her Tia's bed chamber, she froze. There, in her bed, was her big sister. Hooked up to an oxygen mask and a life support machine. Luna couldn't stop her onslaught of tears. "B-big sister... I'm so sorry.... For everything..." Just then, Celestia awoke to see her sister crying at her bedside.
"Luna... Do not cry for me. It is I should be sorry. Instead of helping you all those years ago, I was selfish.... Upon being selfish, I banished you to the moon. I'm so sorry little sister I'm so-" Just then, luna cut her off.
"No Tia... None of the blame is yours. It's all mine to bear... If it wasn't for my jealousy long ago, I would never have given you a reason to banish me..." She said tearing up as she started shaking. "If I hadn't asked you to help me with the stars, you'd still have your remaining magic left." Just then she began to feel angry. Not at Celestia, but at herself. When she turned into nightmare moon she turned her back on Celestia, and the kingdom. After her return the two have been closer than ever, but Luna has felt the weight of her guilt bearing her down even after Celestia forgave her.
"I made mistakes and because of those mistakes, you suffered. Having to do everything yourself until it killed you... I... I wish I could have done more. I wish we had more time!" Luna said as she started to cry. Celestia sat up slowly coughing as she did.
"Luna my dear sister... You've already done enough for me and this kingdom... But when it comes down to it, well.... I'm old..." She said with a sigh. "I've lived thousands of years after we last parted our separate ways... So much has changed... I live a long and full life. And now that my sister is back, my life is complete..." She reached out a hoof and smiled as she wiped Luna's tears away.
"Tia?... I want to make the stars tonight... Like when you first showed me how... I want to learn it by myself and make you proud of me again..." Celestia coughed again and laid back down.
"Luna I've always been proud of you... Even for owning up to your mistakes..." She said with a smile. "But nothing would make me happier than to see you make the stars like you used to."
"I was only good because you taught me Tia... But now, I will learn again, and I'll make them special just for you. I promise... But for now, just get your rest... I shall remain here until it is time for me to bring forth the night..." She said sitting down next to Celestia's bed. "I love you big sister..."
"I love you too my dearest little sister... I will try to stay strong for you..." She said smiling as she closed her eyes to sleep.
Deep down Luna was nervous. She knew she couldn't turn back time to spend more time with Tia, but she was going to make the most of whatever time she had left with her, and she was going to give Celestia the best star show, ever.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Luna looked to see her sister sound asleep. She got up and opened the door to be greeted by Twilight and spike, her dragon assistant. Twilight looked as though she had been crying, undoubtedly as a result of her receiving the horrible news.
"Princess Luna..." She said with a bow. "How is she?..." Luna teared up remembering what the doctors told her.
"Twilight, I'm afraid... That my sister has not long for this world. They said she only has about a day to live as long as she saves her strength. Otherwise she won't survive the night..." Twilight hugged the princess of the night as tears streamed down her face. She had been Celestia's student since she was a filly. Even now as the princess of friendship she has, every now and then, sought out Celestia's advice and guidance.
"She has been through so much... I'm amazed she's stayed alive this long..." She said wiping her tears away. Luna merely turned to look at her sister's closed bedroom door.
"Alicorns are strong and are capable of living longer than most creatures. We are capable of living for thousands of years. However in my time as nightmare moon, when I was banished, my sister put me into a time stasis created by her spell combined with the elements of harmony. Upon my return, I was still the same age I was when I was sent away..." She turned twilight, tears flowing, on the verge of crying. "Tia has lived her life... A life which is now approaching its end, while mine isn't even close to being over..." She started to cry.
Twilight hugged her again, feeling her own tears forming again. "I know you will miss her Luna... But see this as an oppritunity. Celestia gave you a chance at living a better life." Just then, Luna snapped.
"HOW CAN I HAVE A BETTER LIFE WHEN MY SISTER IS DEAD?!" She broke down crying. As strong as Luna was, she really wasn't ready to go through this. Celestia practically raised her when they were fillies, and it was that type of bond that the sisters shared that made it harder for Luna to accept that Celestia was at her end.
"Luna..." Twilight spoke. "I know you're upset. But you need to be strong. She needs you right now." Luna nodded.
"You are right Twilight.... But I'm scared... I don't want to lose my sister... I was sad when my parents died, and Tia cheered me up, and showed me everything she knew about raising the moon and making stars..." She frowned. "I want to be able to give her a night sky so beautiful, it would remind her of the night I got my cutie mark... Now that you're here, I could use your help."
Twilight perked up at this. "My help? What would you have me do?" She asked tilting her head.
"I'm a bit out of practice with my star making, and I was wondering if you could help me find a book or scroll that would help me." Twilight grinned.
"I know just the book! I'll have to go to Ponyville to get it from my castle library... But I'll bring it to you before sunset. It's a short read so you should have plenty of time to learn what you need." With that, twilight flew off with spike on her back as Luna waved.
"Safe flight Twilight Sparkle! Please make haste and return as soon as possible!" With that, she went back into her sister's bed chambers and sat next to Celestia's bedside, where she closed her eyes and slowly nodded off to sleep until nightfall.
"THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE PRINCESS OF EQUESTRIA!" Luna shouted as she lept down from the wreckage of her sister's throne. "THAT PRINCESS IS ME!" With those words, she stomped her hooves to the ground and as she did, a dark power started to rise up, slowly transforming her into a mare of evil and darkness. Luna was no more. She had become nightmare moon.
"Luna my dear sister! Please listen to me!" Celestia stepped forward. "It doesn't have to be this way! We were brought into this world to rule together! To keep harmony! You still have a chance to come back from this little sister!" Just then Nightmare Moon lept into the sky and flew down upon Celestia firing dark magic beams from her horn.
"I'll never rule with you and long as those ponies are basking in YOUR sun! Equestria will learn what it is like to have eternal night! No longer will they worship your sun!" Celestia flew away as Nightmare Moon gave chase. "I'll never lower the moon again! Equestria will forever worship my night!" She said laughing manically. Just as Celestia rose to the air, she was hit by a magic beam and she fell from the sky, crashing into the castle below.
"Aahhh!" She hit the ground breaking a wing but otherwise suffering no damage. It was then she lit up her horn as a group of stones rose out of the ground. "I will not fight you Luna! However this is your final warning! Turn back from this, or else!" Nightmare Moon landed and smirked at the injured Alicorn.
"Luna is present no more. I AM NIGHTMARE MOON! RULER OF NIGHT TIME ETERNAL! NOW, IT'S TIME TO FINISH YOU OFF ONCE AND FOR ALL!" Just as she was about to defeat Celestia, the stones started to glow. Each beam of magical light transmitting to Celestia's body, healing her injuries.
"Very well sister, maybe some time alone will teach you a lesson!" As she said this, a powerful burst of magic erupted from Tia's horn, aimed right at Nightmare Moon, who was caught off guard as it hit her square in the chest, sending her right to the moon.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!" She screamed as she hit the moon, the shadows taking the form of her face. Just then, Luna woke up screaming.
"NO SISTER WE ARE SORRY PLEASE DONT SEND US AWAY!" She said crying. "WE ARE SORRY!" Celestia woke up and coughed as she looked at her sister.
"Luna it's okay.... You were having a nightmare... Are you alright?" She looked at her with a worried expression. Luna hugged Tia and sobbed.
"I had that dream again... About when you banished me... I... I hated being alone. If you die, I'll be alone again..." She said sniffling. Celestia smiled and wiped her sister's tears away.
"Luna help me up... I need to show you something..." Luna obeyed, and helped her sister stand. "Let's go outside for a moment..." She said as Luna wheeled her life support machine with her. As the two sisters made their way out to the balcony Celestia opened her wings and stretched, wincing a bit.
"Look out in the horizon... Everything out there.... The land, and it's inhabitants, are going to rely on you for leadership and protection once I die..." Tia explained. "With a numerous amount of subjects to watch over, you'll never be alone..."
Luna started to tear up again. "But without you sister, how will I know what to do?..." Celestia merely smiled and hugged Luna weakly.
"Luna.... No matter what happens, I'll always be with you in spirit... Now... I need to lay down.... Why don't you start preparing the night?" Celestia said as she coughed.
Luna smiled and rose to the air. "Very well sister.... I even have a surprise for you too!" Her horn lit up, and the moon started to rise. When it was at its peak, her horn flashed once more, and the sky erupted in waves of color. Aurora Borealis was the correct term in Twilight's book. The spell was simple enough, however it lasted only ten minutes. Long enough for her to show Celestia.
"Sister! Sister come look! Look at the surprise I made for you!" She flew back into her sister's chamber smiling excitedly. But soon her smile faded away as she found her sister slumped over the edge of the bed, the life support machine reading zero. "S-sister?..."
Luna made her way over to the bed and felt Celestia's vitals. There was no response. She wanted to scream for help, and try to revive her, but as she was about to, she noticed a piece of parchment next to her sister's body. Luna picked it up and read it.
"Dearest Luna,
If you are reading this, I am gone... But please do not weep for my passing... Instead, be happy that I am no longer suffering and remember all of the good times we had together... I've been through a lot in our time apart... I've lived my life to the fullest, and now it's time you live yours. I wish nothing but good things for you in the future. No matter what, I'll always be watching over you.
Love, Tia
Luna read the letter again as her tears streamed down her face. She leaned down and kissed her sister on the forehead one last time. "Goodbye big sister..." Then, she lifted her sister's body onto the bed and put her into a respective position. Then when all was said and done, she looked outside to see that her spell had faded away. Now only a starless night sky remained. After a few minutes of staring, Luna collapsed in the floor and sobbed.
The following day is beautiful and Sunny Luna had made sure to do that. It was what her sister would want. . But it was not a day of play or relaxation. It was a day of mourning. Thousands upon thousands of ponies from all over Equestria had come to pay their respects. Among the massive crowd were many of Equestria's Royal Dignitaries, and representatives. Including the prince of Yak-Yakistan who had come to support his new equine friends in their time of need.
At the very front sat a large pearl white casket with dozens and dozens of sunshine yellow daisies opened to reveal the body of Princess Celestia wearing a beautiful dress, looking as if she were actually sleeping rather than dead. On one side of the casket, Luna, Twilight, Cadence, Shining armor and Discord sat. Both Cadence and Twilight were hugging each other and crying softly while Shining Armor seemed to be comforting a distraught looking Discord.
On the other side, sat Twilight's friends, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy. Fluttershy was leaning on Rarity's shoulder as they both cried, while AJ and Rainbow both tried to comfort a blubbering Pinkie Pie. Luna smiled knowing that Celestia had made enough of an impact on their lives to be here today... Luna finally stood and addressed the crowd.
"My little ponies, and fellow Royal Dignitaries.... Thank you all for coming today. We are all gathered here to mourn the passing of My dear sister, Princess Celestia... Whom without, this great land we are all a part of, would not be what it is now... She has sacrificed her own health and well being to bring forth the day for every pony to play and grow... In my time being exiled on the moon she also took on my role as princess of the night... bringing forth the moon and stars so that everypony may sleep and rest for a full day of work and play... She taught me many things as a filly, and I in turn did the same... My only regret is that I let my jealousy get the best of me and in turn it turned me into a mare that I didn’t want to be. Because of that, I missed out so much... and if I had an option to do so, I would have changed everything.... To my sister, may she forever find eternal peace, I hope that she accept my deepest apologies for the things I’ve done...” she chokes up at that last part but takes a deep breath.
“Now, I’d like to invite my sister’s former student and prodigy, Princess Twilight Sparkle up to say a few words.” Luna took her seat just as Twilight stood. Every pony could see the sadness in her eyes as she looked over the crowd. "Thank you Primcess Luna..." She began.
"When I was a filly, I always looked to my teachers for guidance while I was in school... But one teacher I looked to the most, was Princess Celestia... She saw something in me what most others could not... Determination... Dedication... A potential to do something great." As she spoke tears started to stream down her face.
"Without her guidance, I would have never faced the challenges I've had to overcome... I would have never moved to Ponyville and met my friends, and I never would have become a princess... The most important thing of all, is that with out Celestia, I would have never realized how important it is to make friends." She started to sniffle.
"Even though our princess of the sun is gone in body, she will never be gone in spirit. Let us remember all that she has done for us, and lets be grateful that she has allowed our land to grow to what it is today." With that, Twilight stepped down from her podium and took a seat just as her tears took her over. She couldn't stop the sobbing.
Everypony else got to share a happy memory of Celestia as well. From Rarity, whom she allowed to stay in her castle for the week while she was searching for inspiration on her dressmaking, to PinkiePie who despite her appearance, giggled at the time she got to taste the wonderful Marzipan Mascapone Merengue Maddness cake that the fellow bakers of the bake off kindly contributed to by adding their own dishes to it. Every pony was happy that they got to share such fond memories. However at the same time, everypony was sad. No more so than Luna who still felt the weight of guilt upon her for her actions as Nightmare Moon. Luna tried everything she could to make up for what she has done. Even though Celestia forgave her, she still could not forgive herself. She had attacked her sister in a fit of rage when she turned.
When the time came to lower Celestia's casket into the tomb, Luna burst into tears. At that moment, she felt numb. Numb to the world. She looked out at the crowd, all of the ponies who came to mourn the loss of their princess... She hadn’t even met them and yet she feels as though she knows them all after watching over their dreams. But on the opposite end, she feared that the feeling was not mutual. They didn’t know who Luna was, as she was always watching over the night. She knew that would soon change, and she would be tasked with doing Celestia’s royal duties as well as her own.
Most ponies would see this as a very stressful responsibility. However, Luna considered it to be an honor. A final gift to her big sister... Taking over the throne and taking care of equestria. Just before the casket was in the ground, Luna walked over to it, placing a hoof on it. “I will make you proud... I promise...” she said. She leaned down and kissed the marble finish. “Goodbye my sister... I love you...” with those final words, the tomb was officially sealed, and anti desecration spells were put in place to protect it from vandals. Soon after, the crowds dispersed, cadence, twilight, and the others returned to the castle to have dinner and swap fond memories of their princess. Luna however, decided it was best that she got some rest. It had been a hard few weeks, but she can rest knowing her sister is no longer suffering.
Tomorrow was going to be a new day, and with a new day, brings new duties. Luna laid her head down to sleep, as she drifted off to her dream realm, she couldn’t help but worry. What if she wasn’t ready? What if the kingdom collapsed under her rule? She had to push these thoughts out of her head.
