Princess Luna enlists Twilight Sparkle to help her in getting Sunset Shimmer to stay in Equestria so Princess Celestia and Sunset can reunite. The situation turns out to be much more complicated.
Three months. Three months since Luna discovered Sunset Shimmer was Celestia's daughter. Since then, Celestia has backed down from her promise to tell Sunset the truth. Three months. Sunset Shimmer's birthday is in three months. Princess Luna is determined to reunite mother and daughter for the first time in years. The only way she can accomplish this is by enlisting Twilight Sparkle to help her convince Sunset Shimmer to return to Equestria for her birthday. But this requires more than a chat. It requires secrecy, breaking a silent promise, and hoping Twilight Sparkle can get the job done.
I require your presence at the Canterlot Castle as soon as possible. I would have written sooner, but I was not entirely sure of Celestia's plans. Now that I am aware on what she intends on not doing, I am in need of your help.
I hate to be vague, but there is too much to explain in a letter. I will explain when you get here.
~Princess Luna
"What does it say, Twilight?" Spike asked eagerly, jumping up to get a glance at the letter.
Twilight Sparkle moved the letter out of Spike's reach. "Sorry, Spike," she said, "but it's a letter from Princess Luna, and she asks that I tell nopony."
Spike grinned. "But I'm not a pony!" he pointed out.
"You know what I mean!" Twilight said, rolling her eyes.
He looked at Twilight with an irritated expression. "Did she really write that?" he asked, reaching up to grab the scroll.
"No, but Princess Luna is being vague," Twilight said. "Evidence shows Princess Luna wants me to know as little as possible because if I were to tell somepony else, there would be little to tell. However, if she has written very little, it means there is something bigger she is keeping from me, so what she intends to say is only for my ears."
Spike rolled his eyes. "You're basing this off a short letter," he said.
"It doesn't matter," Twilight said, exiting the castle library. "What matters is that Princess Luna needs me in Canterlot. And I'm afraid you can't come with me."
"What?" Spike demanded, following. "Why not?"
"Let me see," Twilight said, lowering the scroll to her eye level. "Princess Luna states 'I am in need of your help,' and also states, 'Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle,' and there's quite a long list, should I go on?"
Spike sighed as Twilight entered her bedroom. "Alright, alright, I get it," he said. "I won't come with you. But how long are you gonna be gone?"
"Not very long, I suppose," Twilight said, reaching into her office closet for a few scrolls of parchment, ink, and quills. "I'll write you a letter if I'm going to be gone for longer than a day." She also brought out her saddlebag and started packing.
"What am I gonna do while you're gone?" Spike asked, watching Twilight stuff several books into her left saddlebag. "What do I tell Starlight?"
"Tell her I'm due in Canterlot for an important meeting," Twilight said. "Let's see, it's almost one, which means the train from Manehattan should be arriving in about fifteen minutes, and then five minutes later, the train leaves to Canterlot."
"You're leaving now?' Spike asked in disbelief.
"I have to," Twilight explained. "I have to be there as soon as possible. Princess Luna needs me at once. Any more questions before I leave?" Twilight strapped on her saddlebag and was ready to head out.
"Yeah," Spike said. "Why do you have to take the train to Canterlot? Can't you just fly there? You did that when we had to get Pinkie Pie to Canterlot for Moondancer's party.
Twilight paused to answer. She beamed. "Why didn't I think of that before?" she asked herself. She ran over to her bedroom window and unlocked it, throwing it open.
A burst of wind made Twilight's mane fly in the air. "See you soon, Spike!" Twilight said. She opened her wings and ran out, and as soon as her hooves left the group, she started flying.
"Whoa!" Spike exclaimed. He watched as Twilight soared towards Canterlot, and he yelled, "Bye, Twilight!"
"SISTER!"
Princess Luna slammed her sister's bedroom door open. The room was neat and clean, the fireplace unlit. A stack of wood stood next to it, the room dimly lit. No sign of Celestia, but Luna had seen somepony, most likely her sister, come in.
"Sister, I know you're in here!" Luna yelled. She entered the room, locking the door behind her. Luna glared, looking around. The way to Celestia's bed was clear, but her flower pot with hydrangeas was cracked, dirt spilling out of it and onto the floor.
"Tia, you can't hide from me forever!" Luna shouted. She headed into Celestia's actual bedroom and saw a pegasus Royal Guard looking for something, determined to find it.
"Excuse me!" Luna yelled. "What business do you have here in my sister's room?!"
"Princess Celestia ordered me to enter and stay in her room and wait until you arrived," the Royal Guard replied, straightening himself out at once. "She has also ordered me to find out if you are...distressed."
"Distressed?" Princess Luna glared at the Royal Guard. "She knows very well I am distressed. Where is she?"
"The princess has ordered me not to tell you her current location until you are calm," the Royal Guard said. "She said she is worried about you."
Luna scoffed but calmed herself down. Worried about ME?! she thought in outrage. She's the one who I'm worried about! Three months into the plan, and now she's changed her mind? What is going on in that brain of hers?
"Alright," Princess Luna said. "Can you tell me now where my sister is? I have calmed down, so there's no reason why I shouldn't be able to know where she is."
The Royal Guard nodded. "She is currently in the basement," he replied.
"The basement?" Princess Luna said suspiciously, her eyebrows narrowing.
"That is where I found her," he said.
"Thank you," Luna said cautiously. "You may return to your tasks of the day."
The Royal Guard watched as Luna walked out of the room. He sighed in relief. A sudden glowing ball erupted from his chest and in a bright flash, Princess Celestia stood in his place.
"Thank goodness," she said to herself. "Now that Luna's going in the wrong direction"
"A-HA!"
Princess Luna suddenly appeared in the doorway and pointed an accusing hoof at her sister. "Thought you could fool me with a disguise like that, didn't you?" she asked.
Celestia folded her wings and glared at her sister. "There was no way possible you could have figured that out!" she said.
Luna raised an eyebrow. "You said you were in the basement," she said. "You've never been in the basement in your entire life ever since Mother said it was mine."
Celestia sighed in defeat. "Luna"
"How long has it been since you told me the truth about Sunset Shimmer being your daughter?" Luna demanded, unfurling her wings like she always did when she was livid.
Her sister faced the wall, not daring to look at Luna. "Three months," she mumbled.
"And when is Sunset Shimmer's birthday?" Luna asked, narrowing her eyes.
"December 21," Celestia murmured. "Three months from today."
"And what did you decide to do when we had that long conversation, three months ago?" Luna asked through gritted teeth. "What did you say you would do?"
"I said I would tell Sunset the truth," Celestia sighed.
"It's certainly a strange story," Luna said, chuckling darkly. "Given that you told me last night you weren't going to tell her. That you had changed your mind because there wasn't going to be a perfect time to tell her. But Sunset Shimmer can come home for her birthday! She can finally spend an actual Hearth's Warming Eve with her family! She can have the family she never truly had!"
"Luna, you don't understand," Celestia said bitterly. "Tell my daughter I had to give her away and I had to expel her? What kind of mother would she think I am?"
"A mother who had her own methods of protecting her child," Luna said, trying to comfort her sister.
"A mother who allowed her child to cross worlds and not even leave a hint of who she was!" Celestia was beginning to raise her face. Inch by inch, she began to face Luna.
"You know as well as I do that Sunset Shimmer would not blame you!" Luna said.
"As if you would know," Celestia scoffed. "You haven't had a child. You don't know what it feels like to learn you're expecting a baby, and knowing ever since that day, you'd have to give them away. You don't know how it feels to let go of a baby you just gave birth to, in the dark, not at a proper hospital, only one mare to help you, knowing your sister should be there, knowing you have to let her go, not once, but TWICE!"
Celestia was yelling. Tears were streaming down her face, a broken expression on her face. Luna had backed up, her ears flopped down, her expression revealing she was nervous.
Tia swallowed with difficulty. She passed Luna and entered the first room, glancing up at the clock. "I have a meeting with my advisers in a few minutes. I think it's best we stay out of each other's ways for now."
Luna found her voice again. "Sister"
"I'm not changing my mind about it," Celestia said quietly. She left the room, leaving Luna ashamed, guilty, but furious.
From her watch tower, Luna watched all the activity that occurred during the day. Canterlotians were shopping, walking around, or preparing for a busy day. At the height Luna was at, they looked like the size of toy trains. The afternoon sun was blocked by clouds, though not many, so the day was still bright.
Imagine if one of those stallions were my lover, Luna mused. Imagine if I was pregnant, and I could not tell even my sister. She tried to grasp onto the feelings Celestia had described, but they seemed far deeper and complex than she could imagine.
But imagine what Sunset Shimmer must feel, not knowing who her mother was. Growing up with only a father, and had abandoned him. Luna's eyebrows furrowed. Neither my sister nor my niece deserves to be suffering. I will reunite our family. I don't care what Tia says. Sunset Shimmer will finally know her mother and Tia will finally get to know her daughter
"WHOAAAAAAAA!"
Luna had a second to glance up at the sky and ducked as Twilight Sparkle came crashing into the tower at a high velocity. There was a loud Crash! and she turned.
Princess Twilight had flown into the wall. She slid down the wall, mumbling, "Owwww," on her way down. Her saddlebag had been thrown down the staircase.
"Twilight Sparkle, are you alright?" Luna asked, rushing onto the staircase.
Twilight finally hit a stair and pulled herself off the wall. "Yes," she said, her mane a slight disaster. She shook her head. "When I got your letter, Princess Luna, I immediately came to Canterlot. I hope it's alright since you might be busy, but you did say to meet you in Canterlot as soon as possible. It's been over an hour, so I presume now is a good time to talk."
"Now is actually the perfect time," Luna said. There was a sudden heaviness on her chest that she couldn't get rid of. She knew why, but actually going along with her plan made her feel like crawling into a ball. "Twilight Sparkle, I need to have a very important discussion with you."
Twilight raised an eyebrow. "You mentioned it, but you didn't tell me what the topic is," she said.
Luna looked at her with a very stern expression. "That is because what I will tell you is not to be heard in anypony else's ears," she said darkly. "Come, Twilight Sparkle."
Twilight sat down in a seat opposite from the princess. They were sitting in Luna's room, and Twilight couldn't help but admire it. The windows were arched and bordering them were a light shade of blue, evident against the turquoise blue walls. The dark red drapes were open, letting some sunlight inside the room. There was a dark blue tapestry behind Luna's crescent moon-shaped bed, with the scene of the night across Equestria. An unlit lamp hung from the top of the crescent moon. There was a blue and indigo drape with white stars inside Luna's bed. The dark turquoise blanket was sprinkled with turquoise stars. Intricate double doors led to the hallway. The floor was black, with swirls of purple dancing on it. Tree-like lamps had several lights on the ends of branches, unlit for the time being.
Princess Luna seemed to like blue.
Twilight and Luna sat at a deep blue table, sitting on black wooden chairs. There was a glass platter of crescent moon cookies with white frosting. A silver tea kettle was ready to serve tea, two teacups and a bowl of sugar nearby.
They were silent for a few minutes. Twilight watched Luna closely. Her face twitched ever so slightly every few seconds. Her eyes became darker and stormy. Her expression became fierce and she gritted her teeth. There was a war waging in Luna's head. She was most likely debating her decision about telling Twilight...whatever it was that she needed help with, wondering if she still had time to back out of her decision. Twilight stayed silent, knowing Luna was lost in her thoughts.
Finally, after two minutes, Luna sighed. "I hope I'm making the right choice about this," she said, her eyes on the table.
"I'm sure you are," Twilight said assuringly. "Now, what is it that you'd like to tell me?"
Luna took a shaky breath. Her she was, about to tell Twilight Sparkle of the Royal Daughter, Sunset Shimmer, the Secret Royal. She still had her doubts about telling Twilight. Not only might she overreact like she did in several situations, but she might refuse to help Luna reunite Sunset and Celestia. Or worse, Twilight wouldn't be able to convince Sunset to come to Equestria for her birthday and Hearth's Warming Eve. Sunset might stay with her friends for the holidays.
"Twilight..." Luna began. "How much do you know about Sunset Shimmer?"
Twilight had to take a moment to answer. How much did she know about Sunset? But a thought came to Twilight before she could answer.
"Why are you asking about Sunset Shimmer?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Just a question. I mean, you didn't bring her up for no reason, right?"
Luna nodded silently. "I'm afraid the answer to your question will have to wait," she said. "Please have faith in me and answer my question first."
Twilight nodded in respect but was really itching to know. Why would Princess Luna bring up Sunset Shimmer in a private meeting? Surely she could have brought up the unicorn at any other time.
"Well, I know she used to attend Princess Celestia's School for Gifted and Talented Unicorns before me," Twilight started out. "She wanted power, I think she mentioned to me in writing, but she couldn't get it. She left Princess Celestia's school as a result and traveled to the other world. She's been there ever since. Right now, they've just finished their Friendship Games and...er...met the other me. She goes to Canterlot High and is close friends with Sunset." Twilight paused. "I suppose Sunset's doing well now."
Luna looked slightly satisfied, but her eyes had a look that made Twilight think twice about what she was saying.
"And Sunset has not told you about her past?" Luna asked.
Twilight pressed her lips together. "Like I said, she went to Princess Celestia's school"
"Not that part of her past," Luna interrupted. "Her family. What her life was like. That sort of information."
Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Unfortunately, she did not know anything about Sunset's family. She had never asked, and Sunset never brought the subject up. Nor did she talk about her childhood in Equestria before leaving for the other world. It was strange, being Sunset Shimmer's friend, yet not knowing about her past. Or did she want to keep it secret? Was Sunset's past tragic? Was she an orphan? Was that a part of her reasoning to leave through the portal?
"No," Luna answered for her. "I suppose she wouldn't."
Twilight became suspicious and puzzled. "What do you mean you supposed she wouldn't?" she asked.
Luna's hooves twitched slightly for a moment as if the answer wasn't pleasant. "I know of Sunset's past," she explained with a cold tone. "Her father is a stallion named Flame Luster. He's currently in Coltifornia, away from Canterlot, since the city reminds him of his missing daughter and the mare who gave birth to her."
"I'm sorry," Twilight said before Luna could continue, "but if you know this, why did you ask me about me knowing Sunset's past?"
"I was testing your knowledge of Sunset's past," Luna replied. Her tone made it sound like Twilight had failed the test. That was the last thing she wanted. Why hadn't she asked more questions? Why didn't she know more about Sunset Shimmer? She didn't want to fail a single test in her life, though Twilight nearly had a small time before traveling to the other world for the first time.
"Peace, Twilight Sparkle," Luna said, recognizing the horrorstruck expression on her face slowly forming. "It's not truly a test. But now I know Sunset has not told you everything, and for that matter, the truth."
"What?" Twilight asked, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "Sunset wouldn't lie to me, she's my friend."
"And yet, don't you find it strange that some ponies keep the most important secrets from even their closest friends?" Luna pointed out. "Sunset Shimmer told you the half-truth."
"Then what is the truth?" Twilight asked in disbelief.
"Sunset Shimmer didn't leave my sister's school by choice," Luna said. She stared long and hard at the table before saying, "She was expelled from the school."
"Expelled?!" Twilight exclaimed.
Luna nodded, expecting this type of reaction from Twilight. "Sunset did want power, and it turned her cruel," she continued. "The power she wanted? To become an alicorn."
Twilight gaped at Luna in disbelief. That wasn't possible. Sunset wouldn't do that, would she? Get herself expelled from Celestia's school because she wanted to be an alicorn? Pondering it, Twilight thought it made sense, but she didn't want to admit it. Sunset Shimmer stole her crown, which had possessed a huge amount of power. Not only that, but her crown was a symbol of royalty. And in the other world, Sunset had turned into a vicious, powerful demon.
"So...all this time, she left to the other world because she was expelled and for power?" Twilight asked, looking at Luna.
The princess of the night nodded. "I'm sorry you didn't know sooner"
"What else don't I know about Sunset Shimmer?" Twilight interrupted. "What else is she keeping from me? What don't I know?"
Luna felt her guilt rising, looking at Twilight with her demanding, crestfallen eyes. Should she tell Twilight? What would Celestia say if Luna told Twilight? Why was she doing this in the first place?
She felt her thoughts spin around in her head. Luna needed to focus.
What was she doing? Luna was going to tell Twilight about Sunset Shimmer and Celestia and have the young alicorn persuade Sunset to come back to Equestria in December. Why was she doing this? To officially reunite mother and daughter for the first time in years. So Celestia could finally tell her daughter the truth. So Sunset Shimmer could know she did have a mother who cared. What would Celestia say? It didn't matter, Luna was already putting her plan into motion. Should she tell Twilight? Who else was close enough to Sunset Shimmer to convince her to come to Equestria than Twilight?
A sudden question popped into Luna's head: Could she trust Twilight with a secret this important? Celestia had trusted Twilight Velvet, Twilight Sparkle's mother, with the secret of Sunset Shimmer due to the fact that she had been there to help deliver Sunset. It seemed that Twilight Velvet did not tell anypony. Bearing that fact in mind, she knew how to explain things to Twilight.
"If I tell you more about Sunset Shimmer," Luna said at last, folding her hooves, "then I must ask that you tell nopony of what I am about to tell you."
Twilight frowned at Luna. "You don't trust me?" she asked.
"Oh, I very well trust you," Luna reassured her, "but with the information I know, I must be wary.
"My sister trusts your mother with this very secret," Luna said coolly.
Twilight's ears shot up. "My mother knows more about Sunset Shimmer than I do?" she asked. "She's never met Sunset Shimmer in her life!"
"You should not speak words that you don't know are true," Luna warned.
Twilight became more panicky. "What do you mean by that?" she demanded. "How does Sunset Shimmer know my mom? Or how does my mom know about her? Since when does my mom know? Why does my mom know?"
"I can only answer your questions if you swear on your life that you do not tell a soul until I tell you to," Luna said darkly.
Twilight became silent for a few moments.
"What kind of secret would make me vow on my life?" she asked.
"A life-changing one," Luna answered plainly.
Twilight stared at her hooves. She needed to know. Why did her mother know more about Sunset Shimmer than she did? What was so life-changing about Sunset's secret? Did Sunset even know what the secret was?
She knew secrets could eat at someone, tempt anypony to tell others. But if her mother had not told a soul, if Celestia had trusted Twilight Velvet, then Twilight could do the same.
She took a deep breath. "I swear on my life that I will not tell anypony until you say the word," Twilight vowed.
Luna exhaled uneasily, closing her eyes. "Sunset Shimmer is Celestia's daughter."
The words were like a slap to the face. Twilight suddenly forgot how to breathe.
Luna couldn't bear to look at Twilight. She continued to have her eyes closed.
There was only silence in the room for five minutes. Luna was humming a song in her head, ignoring all noises that could be heard, which were none. Twilight just stared into oblivion, not realizing that small tears were escaping.
Luna finally opened her eyes and saw Twilight wiping her her own. Still, there was a minute that passed before Twilight managed to find her voice again.
"Sunset is the daughter of a princess?" Twilight asked in dismay.
Luna nodded. "Your mother was there to deliver her," she said quietly. "My sister had no pony else to turn to for help." A tear escaped her eye. "My sister had to let Sunset go."
"But why?" Twilight asked.
"Think about it, Twilight Sparkle," Luna said. "You are more than capable of understanding what would happen."
Twilight had to focus for a moment. "Celestia got pregnant...most likely by a common stallion...Sunset Shimmer would be an illegitimate child I presume, since they never married...Flame Luster would have to marry Celestia...her publicity would skyrocket because of a new princess...questions would be asked if Princess Celestia was fit to be a ruler because of what she did..." She paused, pressing her lips together. "Nothing good."
"Exactly," Luna said, nodding in agreement.
Twilight stared at the table. "So Sunset Shimmer has no idea that Princess Celestia is her mother?" she asked.
"No," Luna replied solemnly. "It has been years since they were last together. Tragic. That's where you come in."
"I'm sorry?" Twilight asked in confusion.
"It's been three months since my sister revealed to me Sunset's parentage," Luna explained. "And in three months, Sunset Shimmer will turn a new age. I want my sister and niece to be reunited at long last and for Sunset to learn the truth. I managed to persuade my sister to tell Sunset, but she has backed down from her decision."
"You want to reunite Sunset with her mother?" Twilight asked dubiously. "How are you going to convince Sunset to come to Equestria for her birthday?"
"I'm not going to do it," Luna said. She looked intently at Twilight. "You are."
"Me?!" Twilight asked in shock.
"There is no other pony who is capable of doing this task," Luna explained. "My asking her would be too suspicious. However, you are a close friend of Sunset. Perhaps you could tell Sunset to spend the holidays here in Equestria. That is," she said, narrowing her eyes, "if you are willing to do it."
"Of course I am," Twilight said confidently. "Knowing the truth now, Sunset needs to know, too. She deserves to. And I am willing to make sure Sunset finds out who her family is. When should I ask her?"
"A month prior to Sunset's birthday," Luna replied. "It'll give us enough time to prepare to tell her."
"What about Princess Celestia?" Twilight asked.
"Oh, Tia is going to tell Sunset," Luna said darkly, "whether she wants to or not. We are doing this, not for me, not for you, but for Sunset and Tia. For family."
"And how are we going to make sure Princess Celestia does that?" Twilight asked.
Luna stood suddenly. "We're going to tell her right now," she said matter-of-factly. "Come, Twilight Sparkle. Let's go find my sister."
Twilight stood and followed Luna out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind her.
They found Princess Celestia in the throne room, looking over a few reports. She was alone, sitting intently on her throne, adding notes or moving some aside.
The echo of their hoof steps wasn't enough to pry Celestia away from her work. She did, however, look up when Twilight and Luna arrived at the thrones and the former student said, "Ahem."
"Twilight Sparkle," Celestia said pleasantly. "It's wonderful to see you again."
Twilight didn't speak. Luna did. "Sister, I need to talk to you about Sunset Shimmer," she said bluntly with a serious expression.
Celestia glanced at Twilight, who was poker-faced. She turned to Luna. "Is there anything I can tell you about my former student?" she asked casually.
"Nothing that I don't know of," Luna said.
Celestia lowered her voice. "Are you bringing this up again?" she asked. "In front of Twilight Sparkle?"
"Didn't Twilight's mother help you deliver Sunset?" Luna asked nonchalantly. "I think she has a right to know of the Royal Daughter."
"That information stays between you and me," Celestia whispered, her eyes narrowing.
"Princess Celestia?" Twilight asked suddenly.
Luna and Celestia turned to face her. "Yes?" Celestia asked. "What can I do for you?"
Twilight pressed her lips together and sighed. "Could you tell me why you refuse to tell Sunset Shimmer the truth about her parents?" she asked. "Why won't you tell her you're her mother?"
Celestia turned to Luna with a vicious smile. "You. Told. Her?" the princess of the sun asked with her jaw clenched.
"Yes," Luna answered. "I told her everything. And Twilight is going to help reunite Sunset Shimmer with you."
"I TRUSTED YOU!" Celestia yelled, making both Twilight and Luna take a step back.
"I trusted you with my secret!" Celestia snapped. "I trusted you to keep it a secret! You had no right to tell Twilight! If I had wanted her to help, I would have told her!"
"But you don't want to tell Sunset!" Luna yelled. "I had to take matters into my own hooves! If you were going to sit where you are and go on with your life, knowing Sunset Shimmer never has a mother, I would have done something, and I did! You truly don't understand what it feels like not to have a mother!"
"You very well know I DO know!" Tia growled.
"We KNEW Mother!" Luna pointed out. "We had to leave Mother, and she didn't abandon us!"
"I gave up Sunset Shimmer because I HAD NO CHOICE!" Celestia yelled. "I did what I had to so she could be protected!"
"But now that it seems safer to tell Sunset?!" Luna demanded. "No! Are you truly going to let Sunset believe on her death bed that she never had a mother!?"
"You're being RIDICULOUS!" Celestia yelled. "This does not involve YOU! This is MY DAUGHTER we are talking about! YOU HAD NO RIGHT TO DO WHATEVER!"
"OH I DID!" Luna yelled. "This is MY NIECE we are talking about as well! Water may be sweet, sister, but blood is thicker!"
"WHAT MAKES YOU THINK" She suddenly faltered, her eyes widening. She became silent.
Luna turned her head. Twilight Sparkle sat on the floor looking stunned. She had been quiet over the yelling.
For a few moments, no pony said anything. Luna's thoughts raced in her head. On one hoof, it hadn't been right for her to tell Twilight without Celestia's permission. On the other hoof, Celestia had refused to reveal the truth to Sunset Shimmer. Celestia couldn't keep Sunset Shimmer with her because of Celestia's social status and what a Royal Daughter would do to it. But who cared about social status? Celestia had been alone for years, and when she finally had somepony to spend time with, Sunset Shimmer had to be sent away. And now, both mares still suffered from not knowing what happened to their family.
"Princess Celestia?" Twilight asked nervously.
Tia looked at Twilight. "Yes?" she asked.
"I have never heard you raise your voice before," Twilight pointed out. "This is the first time I have heard you yell. I think I know why."
Celestia and Luna stayed silent.
"You've always been so patient and kind with everypony," Twilight said, her front hooves tapping together. "But now, when bringing up Sunset Shimmer, you've become...forgive me, but a wreck. I think it's because you haven't truly dealt with losing Sunset Shimmer, and I also believe you miss Sunset Shimmer than you think you do."
Celestia was silent. Luna sized up her sister's expression and saw Tia was suddenly realizing Twilight was right.
"I don't like seeing you so upset," Twilight said, rising. "But you don't have to be. You could be with Sunset again. Sunset can come home. She can know she's had a mother who truly cared."
"A mother who truly cared would never have let her go," Celestia murmured, her head hanging.
"But a mother who truly cared would do what's best for their child," Twilight argued. "You let Sunset Shimmer go because of what it would do to her, her mother being criticized by the public and them watching Sunset 24/7. A mother who truly cared would also tell their child the truth. So if you want to be that kind of mother to Sunset, then you're going to tell her."
Celestia stared at her former student. Twilight's expression was bold, unwavering. Once she was riled up, she wasn't backing down.
"Don't just do it for Sunset Shimmer, Princess Celestia," Twilight said softly. "Do it for you. Do it for your sister."
Celestia faced her sister. She was wearing the same look Twilight had on, only Luna's was more tired. She had to deal with convincing Tia a first time, and then has to do it again with the help of another princess. Luna was only doing it so Celestia could be with Sunset again and so she could meet her niece.
Princess Celestia sighed. "Alright. On Sunset Shimmer's birthday, I will tell her the truth," she said at last.
"Truly, sister?" Luna asked, her face brightening.
"Only if Sunset Shimmer agrees to come to Equestria," Celestia replied. "Those are my conditions. And if Sunset ends up rejecting me, it will be your fault."
"Believe me, Princess, Sunset Shimmer will be more than happy that you were her mother this whole time," Twilight said, beaming with success.
Celestia closed her eyes for a moment. "It's around dusk," she said softly. "Dinner will be ready soon. Go on, Luna. Go on, Twilight Sparkle. Enjoy the rest of your day."
Suddenly, Tia opened her eyes. Twilight Sparkle had embraced her. "You won't regret this, Princess Celestia!" Twilight said.
Celestia hugged her back before Twilight let go. She turned to Luna. "I'll be writing to you as often as possible about the plan!" Twilight said, getting ready to teleport.
"We have much of that to do," Luna said in agreement. "Have a nice evening."
With a flash of light, Twilight teleported back to Ponyville, leaving Luna and Celestia in the throne room.
"I'll see you in a few minutes, sister," Luna said.
"Of course," Celestia said.
Luna turned and exited the throne room. Celestia sat on her throne for a few minutes. There was fear inside her, wondering what would happen after she told Sunset Shimmer of her true parentage. Rejection, loathing, hate...
But there was a small part inside of Celestia that hoped Sunset would accept her as her mother.
