> Together Again and Forever
>  by Wahtiff
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: A Death
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Ever since her ascension to an alicorn, and her coronation as the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle always had a distinct feeling of inadequacy in her heart. Ever since her wings had first appeared, ever since the crown was placed on her head, she always feared that somehow, some way, she would fail miserably. 

Today, however, she hadn’t failed as a princess. 

She had failed as a daughter. 

She felt Night Light’s arm around her, drawing her close, and she could see Cadence and Shining Armor on the other side of the open grave, watching as the mauve-painted casket was slowly lowered to the bottom. Aside from the color, Twilight Velvet’s final place of rest was plain except for the gold-painted image of her cutie mark that was carved into the lid. 

Above them, the sky had long ago darkened with gray clouds. Thunder rumbled in the distance, and the second that the clouds began to release their raindrops, was the same second that Twilight let her tears, held for a long time now, finally drop to the dusty ground beneath her. 

The casket, and Twilight’s heart, both hit rock bottom at the exact same time as well. Without a word, the two pegasi undertakers present with the family both hovered over the grave with their shovels and began to fill it in. At that point, Shining and Night Light both turned away from the scene with tears of their own spilling down their cheeks. Twilight looked at both of them, only feeling one emotion besides sadness. 

Guilt 

Across from her, one hoof on Shining’s shoulder, Cadence looked over to Twilight. Despite the tears in her eyes, she was obviously attempting to remain strong even in that moment, the expression in her eyes giving Twilight the message that her brother and father had both tried, and failed, to give her in turn: It’s not your fault. 

Twilight had ignored the other two, but knowing that Cadence expected a response of some sort, she looked Cadence in the eye and gave her a questioning glance: Shouldn’t it be my fault?

In understanding, her sister-in-law simply shook her head. 

Twilight still didn’t believe her, though. She still couldn’t believe HERSELF, and how she had acted in her mother’s final moments. 
………. 
	Two Days Earlier 
	
Even though becoming a princess meant a whole bunch of new responsibilities, Twilight’s sixth sense in planning ahead always allowed her to find SOME sort of time to spend with her parents in Canterlot. With her former mentor, Princess Celestia, and her younger sister, Princess Luna, not having a lot of time to spare for her like they used to, and with Cadence and Shining Armor having their own kingdom to run, her parents were pretty much the only ponies that the Princess of Friendship could look forward to seeing on every visit.

That particular day, however, she had dropped every single one of her plans to make an emergency trip to Canterlot. Twilight had received, via Spike, a letter from Night Light that bore bad news: her mother, Twilight Velvet, had fallen ill. Even though her father insisted that he only wanted her to know, and that it wasn’t too serious, Twilight knew she could not rest until she had at least visited her mother- at least to see how she was feeling.

Within only a few hours, and a pair of sore wings despite how hard she had trained with Rainbow Dash as a result, the lavender alicorn soon found herself knocking on her parents’ door. Night Light made the mistake of opening the door while standing in front of it, and ended up nearly tackled to the ground by Twilight as she got up right in his face. 

“Is mom okay!?” She asked, wide-eyed, “IS SHE OKAY!?”

Night Light sighed, “Twilight, I told you in that letter: It’s not too serious, and the doctor said that she only needs to take it easy for a few days. In fact,” the old unicorn chuckled. “she’s been awake all day, sitting up there in bed and complaining about having nothing to do. You know her; she doesn’t like to sit still for long. She’s almost like your friend Pinkie Pie in that regard.”

Twilight sighed in relief, her cheeks red with embarrassment over her reaction, “Oh. Well, then, is alright if I-“

“Say no more.” Night Light moved aside, giving an exaggerated bow. He never hesitated to tease Twilight over the fact that she was now royalty, yet still asked his permission on anything. It was the only time Twilight ever felt that weight of royalty leave her shoulders. “You may go up. I do know that she wanted to speak with you alone about something, anyway.”

In the back of her mind, an alarm went off. Her mother usually only wanted to speak with her, especially alone, if it was something of a serious nature- or what Velvet deemed serious at the time. Gulping, Twilight gave her father a quick hug before going upstairs and heading to her parents’ room.

Twilight Velvet sure didn’t look sick, the only signs that she was of poor health being the box of tissues and some bottles of medicine on her bedside, and the barely noticeable pallor of her slightly-graying coat. Her smile, like the one she gave upon Twilight entering the room, was still perfectly content and lacking in any sadness whatsoever.

Twilight immediately went over and hugged her, “How are you feeling, mom?”

Velvet chuckled, “I feel lazy. I do wish your father would let me walk around, but he INSISTS on following the doctor’s orders to the letter. Once a soldier, always a soldier, I guess.”

Twilight giggled, “That sounds like dad, alright.”

For the next few minutes, they simply chatted and caught up with one another. Twilight told her about what was going on in her castle, her flying lessons with Dash, and how Spike and the rest of the Mane Six were doing, while Velvet filled her in on what had been going on in the house since her last visit to Canterlot some weeks before. When it came to her sickness, however, Velvet simply waved a hoof and repeated to Twilight to same words of Night Light: it wasn’t serious, but she had to remain in bed.

“Like I said,” Velvet continued on with the conversation, “that stallion you call your father, he has been my greatest nightmare these past few days, just second to the doctor.”

“He’s just concerned for your well-being.” Twilight assured her, “Isn’t that why you fell in love with him to begin with: because he cared?” 

Velvet rolled her eyes, “These days, I think he could let up just a bit. He knows very well that it was no helpless, innocent mare that he had first courted all those years ago.”

Twilight nodded, more out of acknowledgment than understanding.

Velvet then locked eyes with her, her expression suddenly serious, “Speaking of courting…” 

The alarm went off in Twilight’s head again, and the lavender mare found herself taking and scooting her chair back a few inches, as if trying to remain as far away as possible. Her eyes widened the second that her mother’s words had registered in her brain. Uh-oh, tell me she’s not- 

“Uh, mom,” Twilight asked nervously, “what do you mean?” 

“Oh, come now, Twilight!” Velvet waved a dismissive hoof, as if it should be obvious, which it horrifyingly was, “You are at that age, and on top of that, you are a princess and you are beautiful.” 

“So?” Twilight did not like where this was going. 

“So,” Velvet pointed a hoof at her, “it’s about time you started working on something other than your studies, like settling down and starting a family, for instance.” 

Twilight held up a hoof, shaking her head, “Mom, I don’t think-“ 

“No excuses, Twilight!” Velvet sounded agitated, which she no doubt was, “I know that Princess Celestia may not want to form an attachment, what with you alicorns being immortal and all-“ 

“Don’t remind me.” Twilight interrupted, hating it when depressing images of her friends’ tombstones, while she lived on, popped into her head. She shivered, slightly. 

“Regardless, while I know you admire Celestia for many things, you must remember that Shining is still mortal, yet Cadence, also an immortal alicorn, fell in love and married him.” 

“I’m different than Cadence, mom.” Twilight pointed out, “For one thing, she’s older than I am-“ 

“That doesn’t mean you’re not of age yourself.” Velvet countered. 

“Another difference is that she doesn’t have to balance the responsibilities of being a princess AS WELL AS an Element of Harmony on her shoulders like I do.” 

Velvet was silent for a moment, “And yet you still somehow always to make time for us and your friends?” 

“Not ALWAYS. The last time I saw you guys was a few weeks ago.” Twilight pointed out, before looking away, “and lately, we’ve all been busy in Ponyville with our own tasks: Rainbow with the weather team, Fluttershy with her animals, Rarity with her dresses, Applejack with her apple bucking, Pinkie Pie with her partying and me with my studies as well as royal duties. I honestly haven’t had a load of time to talk to any of my friends besides Spike- and especially not with any stallions.” 

Velvet considered those words for a second, “What about Big Macintosh?” 

Twilight froze. Velvet grinned, triumphantly. 

“You know, Twilight, I remember that dear Rarity having spoken about how you used to look at him affectionately, and with an obvious blush on your cheeks.” 

“Mom-“ Twilight said, but Velvet kept talking. 

“She also mentioned that you and him have spent quite a bit of time together in the past. He may not be nobility, exactly, but he is from the well-known and honest Apple family. Why, being the brother of Applejack, he might share many of her honest traits.” 

“Mom-“ Twilight was beginning to get annoyed. It was true, she HAD had a crush on Big Mac at one point, but she had settled for being just friends since…meeting other ponies. 

“I believe I saw him on our last visit to Ponyville. He’s the large red stallion, always with that cart at his back and harness on his neck, and the green apple for a cutie-mark, right?” 

Twilight bit her lip, her frustration growing. 

“He seems quite handsome. You know what, perhaps I should visit Ponyville-“ 

“No.” Twilight said, but was ignored. 

“-and see if he would like to marr-“ 

“STOP!” 

There was a long, uncomfortable silence. For a moment, Twilight was taken aback by her reaction, and Velvet looked at her with wide eyes for what seemed like hours before suddenly breaking the silence with a coughing fit. 

“Yes, Twilight, what’s wrong?” Velvet asked her as though Twilight hadn’t just screamed right in her face. 

That was a big mistake. Her normally-loving mother’s nonchalant way of approaching the situation made Twilight snap. 

“You know EXACTLY what’s wrong!” Twilight growled at her, “I am not letting you force me into a marriage!” 

She exhaled, slowly, before speaking again, “Big Mac is my friend, and yeah, while I admit I had a thing for him in the past, I STILL consider us to be just that: friends.” 

“Twilight, I know you’re the Princess of Friendship and all,” Velvet said, though her supposedly reassuring words only served to make Twilight more frustrated, “but you have to cross the boundary between ‘friendship’ and ‘love’ at some point. If not Big Mac, then who? Besides,” The older unicorn smirked, “if you don’t, Shining and Cadence will win against you.” 

“In what?” Twilight glared at her. 

“The first one to give me a grandfoal, of course!” Velvet chuckled. 

It was usually so light and heartwarming, but to Twilight in that moment, her mother’s laughing just sounded like it was mocking her. 

“IF and WHEN I ever get married to anypony,” Twilight turned away from her mother, “I want it to be real. I want it to be like Shiny and Cadence’s wedding.” 

She turned back to her mother, “And YOU will not force me to be with someone I do not truly love.” 

“Twilight,” Velvet’s expression was stern, and her tone just as much, “Cadence is the Princess of Love, so of COURSE her and Shining’s marriage was romantic, the sort you’d usually only read about in fairy tales. Even if that WASN’T the case, how do you expect to ever find that special somepony if you don’t even TRY?” 

Twilight bowed her head, “I have tried.” 

It was a lie. While Big Mac was an exception for awhile, Twilight had never truly met anypony, mare or stallion, that she really loved save one…brief encounter. Once again, aside from Applejack’s older brother, the only sort of schoolfilly crush she had ever had was with her own mentor, Princess Celestia, but over time that crush had given way to a much stronger bond between teacher and student and the word ‘love’ was never used romantically between them. 

“Oh really? Who with?” 

“I don’t want to say.” Twilight kept her head down, refusing to meet her eyes. 

“Oh, come on, tell me.” Velvet insisted. 

Twilight shook her head. 

“I will assume that you’re lying to me, then, because if you were being honest then you would tell me when I asked you-“ 

Twilight raised her head, angry tears in her eyes, and shouted the meanest words she had ever said to her mother, “I DON’T HAVE TO TELL YOU, DARN IT, IF I DON’T WANT TO! IT’S MY BUSINESS, NOT YOURS. IT’S MY LIFE, NOT YOURS!” 

Again, silence hung in the air, but this time, Velvet’s eyes were not only wide- they were tearing up, almost afraid. Twilight kept her gaze steely and resolved for a moment, before she was forced to look away in a vain effort to hide her own tears. 

After a moment, Velvet tried to speak, 

“T-T-Twilight, I-“ 

Twilight didn’t wait to hear any more. Before her mother could even finish her sentence, she was running out the bedroom and out of the house, beginning to run through the streets of Canterlot, trying to get as far away from Velvet as possible, out of guilt over what she had just done as well as anger. As she ran out the front door, and past her dumbfounded father, she was surprised to see her brother and sister-in-law both practically dive out of her way- Night Light must’ve either invited them, or they had come at such short notice like Twilight had. 
Twilight took a brief glimpse back to see all three looking after her in bewilderment. As easy and dignified as Night Light and Shining Armor both carried themselves most of the time, it was obvious that for the first time in a long while, both of House Armor’s stallions were at a complete loss for words. 

Twilight just kept running. She eventually heard voices behind her, but she ignored them, dodging what few ponies were in the fairly empty street as she ran from her family’s home, and away from what she had done. She had just unfairly yelled at her mother over such a usually-innocent topic, and she didn’t know how it could get any worse. 
But something has happened, unbeknownst to her at the time. 

Things HAD gotten worse. 
……… 
The central park of Canterlot was thankfully empty at that time of morning, so Twilight had peace and quiet and could shed her tears away from prying eyes. Sitting against one of her favorite trees, an old oak whose shade she used to love reading under as a filly before becoming Celestia’s personal student, she simply cried her frustrations out with her tears, and faced the only suffering she could have at that moment: the mental recording of those hateful words towards Velvet replaying over and over again in her head. 

“IT’S MY LIFE, NOT YOURS!” 

Why in the world had her mother suggesting marriage gotten her so worked up? She knew that she probably would never find the reason, but that also strengthened the idea that even when she did, she would have to apologize to Velvet for her words. 

It was not fifteen minutes later that she heard a familiar voice calling her name, rather, TWO familiar voices. 

“TWILIGHT!” 

“TWILY!” 

Cadence and Shiny. Of course they would’ve followed her, maybe to see if she was alright, but also to reprimand her for what she did. After all, more than enough time had passed for Velvet to have told them what happened before they had come looking for her. 
And both fortunately and unfortunately, they both knew her all too well to know that she must’ve come to the park. 
In a panic, Twilight jumped up, and bolted for the clump of thick bushes a few hundred yards away. If she could just get to them, she could hide until- 

“Aagh!” Before she even made it five feet, she felt a pair of forelegs wrap around her barrel, and felt the rush of air as her winged captor carried her upwards. Twilight began to struggle against the arms clasped around her, kicking and screaming with all her might, trying to get free, and was about to charge up her horn with a spell, but then a calm voice reached her ears. 

“Twilight, please, stop struggling.” 

“Cadence?” Twilight looked up and, sure enough, the pink alicorn was holding onto her tightly, her wings flapping gracefully as she carried her fellow princess through the air. Twilight looked down towards the ground behind them and saw Shiny standing there patiently, the smug grin on his face asking Twilight, "Did you really think it was going to be that easy?"

Twilight looked away, stopping her pointless struggle. 

“Thank you.” Cadence said, reaching her head down and giving her sister-in-law a gentle kiss on the cheek, “Can we just talk?” 

“About punishing me?” 

“No,” Cadence said, going into a gliding position, and maneuvering back towards the ground where Shining was standing, “but you definitely owe her an apology.” 

Twilight could only nod. 

Shining’s grin had vanished by the time they landed. Keeping a wing draped over Twilight’s back, for comfort as well as restraint, Cadence guided her over to where the stallion was waiting. With his wife staying next to his sister, Shining walked up to them and sat in front of Twilight. With his hoof under her chin, Twilight had no choice but to meet her brother’s gaze. 

“I’m not mad, Twilight,” Shining asked, “but we both would like to know what possessed you to yell at our mother like that.” 

“She started it.” It sounded like the words of a little schoolfilly, and Twilight was ashamed the moment they left her lips. 

Shining’s stern expression didn’t change, “Maybe she did, or maybe she didn’t, but I won’t know until you tell me.” 

Twilight sighed, “She was trying to be all ‘Oh, Twilight, you need a stallion in your life. You need to settle down. You’re at that age.’” 

Cadence sighed, “That…actually makes a lot of sense.” 

“What do you mean?” Shining glanced at the pink alicorn. 

Cadence frowned for a moment, before she turned to Twilight, “Let me guess: You don’t want to ‘hook up’ with anypony, or have a suitor. You want it to be your fated, your beloved special somepony?” 

Twilight nodded. Both husband and wife shared a look. 

“I want it to be like you guys, yeah,” Twilight admitted, bowing her head, “but when I tried to tell her, she wouldn’t listen and kept talking. When she started making suggestions about me and Big Macintosh…” She trailed off. 

Shining scratched the back of his neck with a hoof, nervously, “I guess that’s my fault. Rarity was the one who told me about your ‘crush’ on him in the past, and I just repeated it to mom. I forgot you said that you had gotten over him. I didn’t think she’d take it that far…” 

“Well, she did.” Twilight was starting to get angry, though her shame remained. 

“Either way,” Shining said, both siblings giving her a stern look, “you shouldn’t have screamed in her face like that. I mean, we heard that from OUTSIDE! Do you think you can apologize IF she promises never to delve into your romantic life again?” 

Twilight met her brother’s gaze, thinking about it, but her answer was inevitable, “Yes.” 

They smiled with satisfaction, and Shining offered her a hoof, “Then let’s go home.” 
……. 
Twilight knew it would be serious when they got home, but as they slowly made their way through the streets, Cadence and Shiny kept her mind off of the awkward and no doubt tearful apology that was to come. The two alicorns gossiped with one another, catching up on what was happening in Ponyville and the Crystal Empire, while Shining listened with a smile on his face and pausing only to give a quip or two. 
“…and then what? When Rainbow Dash flew past the tree, what happened then?” Cadence asked Twilight. 

“Pinkie jumped from the tree, onto her back,” Twilight laughed, “and before she could escape, Pinkie had a bit in Dash’s mouth and reins in her hands. She took Dash for a wild ride!” 

The other two laughed, its intensity increasing as images registered in their minds. Twilight smiled. Even with the occasional fight, she cherished everyone in her family, including Velvet, and she knew that even without romantic love, she still had something that she considered to be stronger, the only other thing stronger than friendship. 

The love of a family. 

Her smiled faded as they approached their parents’ house. 

“So, Twilight,” Shining asked, “what are you going to say?” 

Twilight sighed, reciting her lines, “I’m sorry for yelling at you, mom.” 

“And?” Cadence prodded. 

“Aaand, I just wanted to say thank you for the idea, but I’m not interested.” Twilight’s face suddenly went blank, “Come on, guys, there’s no way she’ll quit it with just that.” 

“You don’t know that.” Cadence reassured her. Shining nodded his agreement. 

When they were about a hundred feet away, however, the front door opened and out came a very pale and very disoriented-looking Night Light. They all gasped upon seeing the former guard captain’s wide, red eyes that had recently been crying, and his stumbling gait. Seeing that he was about to fall over, Shining rushed forward and had his father lean against him for support. After their initial shock had passed, Twilight and Cadence followed. 

“Dad?” Twilight asked, feeling very afraid all of a sudden, “What’s wrong?” 

Night Light seemed to come out of a trance as he suddenly looked around at them, before locking eyes with Twilight. When he spoke, his voice was hoarse, no doubt from constant sobbing, “S-She…the doctor said she was fine. He said…” 

He trailed off. Shining and Twilight shared a fearful glance, before the former spoke up, “What’s wrong, dad, speak to us, please! What happened?” 

Night Light looked at Shining, then at Twilight, “Velvet, s-she had a sudden heart attack! S-she’s dead, Twilight, Shining, she’s gone…” 
……. 
Present Day 
	
That had been the moment that Twilight’s world had come crashing down. The doctor had later explained to her what Velvet and her father hadn’t before: Velvet’s sickness had been caused by heart problems, hence why she had to have so many medications and the need for bed-rest. The doctor said that the heart attack had been at random, that no one could’ve predicted it, but Twilight couldn’t help but continue to feel that she was to blame.

Even as she followed everyone else- her father, brother, sister-in-law, and all of Twilight Velvet’s friends and family- both nobility and lower-class- out of the cemetery, the young alicorn still couldn’t help but feel the pain and guilt that a murderer would feel. 
That her yelling, her hateful words, had killed her mother. 
..….. 
Unbeknownst to everyone else, there was somepony who stayed behind at the cemetery, hidden from even the undertakers who had finished filling in the grave. It was only after THEY had left, that the figure emerged from behind a nearby cemetery statue and approached the grave. To anyone watching, they would’ve noticed that this figure was a pony who was taller than average, and they would’ve seen the majestic, swan-like wings that jutted out from beneath her maroon-colored cloak and the longer-than-average horn peeking out from beneath her hood.

Stopping and sitting next to the grave, the horn glowed yellow for a moment as the figure removed her hood, revealing the somber and saddened face of Princess Celestia herself. 

When news of Velvet’s death had reached the white alicorn’s ears, she had wanted to drop everything, absolutely everything, just to come and pay her respects. However, because she couldn’t simply cancel her day court over a funeral, she had managed to lie that she had not been feeling well and retired to her room- only to grab her cloak, sneak out through her window when nopony was looking, and fly with her disguise to the park nearby. A part of her, seeing her beloved student and her adoptive niece both amongst the mourners, had wanted her to immediately come up and hug them both, maybe say a few words in respect for Velvet. The consequences, after having claimed to have been sick, yet being out and about regardless, would’ve been too annoying for her to deal with despite how little she really cared about those details, so she instead opted to remain hidden and watch from afar. 

A tear had slid down her cheek, as the sound of the casket hitting the bottom reached her ears. Even though House Armor and House Sparkle were not of the highest nobility, and therefore not seen in court too often, Velvet had still been a good friend of hers, reminding her of the second reason she had waited until she was alone at the grave. 

She had personal business there, involving only her and Velvet. 

With her magic, she reached inside the folds of her cloak and withdrew a purple penstemon- Velvet’s favorite flower. Gently, she laid it in front of the tombstone, pausing for a moment to read the simple writing: 

 Twilight Velvet
A Good Wife, 
A Good Mother, 
A Good Friend 

	Celestia brushed at her mane, which was a normal pink color and lacking of its windblown look due to her lack of enchanted royal accoutrements, and sighed. A few more tears ran down her cheeks as she began to recall memories. The memories, however, were too many to be of her and Velvet. Instead, they were of the times she had witnessed Velvet with Twilight, and how happy the two of them usually were together.

In her mind, there had always been two things she felt whenever she had seen them together: envy and thankfulness. She may not have spent a lot of time with her and Night Light, but there were many things that they had done, for which she would forever be grateful. 
Therefore, after a long moment, she only spoke four words, words that she had never had the chance to say to Twilight Velvet before: 

“Thank you, my friend.” 

With that, and another brief moment of silence, Celestia slowly got to her hooves once more, and turned to leave the cemetery. 
The streets were mainly empty, due to the light rain that had begun to fall throughout that entire time, so Celestia kept her hood pulled back, turning away whenever she passed by somepony. She knew that not many ponies had knowledge of her true mane color, so that was a bonus, but she knew that one look at her face would spark recognition in passerby, and her height was damning enough already. When she arrived at the nearby park, she quickly slipped into the bushes where she had hidden her normal regalia: her tiara, torque chestplate and slippers. Slipping them all on with her magic and bringing the windblown feel and rainbow color back to her mane; she left the bushes and extended her majestic wings. Shoving off the ground beneath her, and with a few flaps, she was airborne and heading back towards her castle. As she flew, one unbidden thought came to her mind, damning words to most ponies. 

What happens now? 
> Chapter 2: A Revelation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Night Light was mostly silent on the way home, something uncharacteristic of the normally peppy and cheerful unicorn stallion. Twilight had to admit, while they were all silent, there was something about her father’s silence that made her uneasy. Even Shining and Cadence were casting glances towards Night Light, who walked with his head down and a brisk pace, leading the four of them towards the house. 

Finally, unable to bear the silence any longer, Twilight spoke, 

“Dad? I’m sorry.” 

Night Light came to an abrupt stop, surprising everypony. Slowly, he turned his head to look at Twilight. 

“For what?” 

Twilight gulped at his stern tone, “F-For what I did. I killed her. I didn’t know-“ 

“Twilight,” He turned, stomped up to her, and clapped his hooves on her shoulders fiercely. Twilight flinched, waiting for the storm, “You have nothing to be sorry for.”

“Huh?” Twilight met his gaze, surprised to see a soft look on his face. 

“You didn’t know, and even if you did, that doesn’t mean you are to blame.” Night Light gave her a sad, but reassuring smile, “Even if you were blame, I’d forgive you.” 

Twilight felt her eyes well up for the umpteenth time that day, and she slowly slid into her father’s embrace, crying softly. For a few moments, they stayed like that, with Shining and Cadence looking on with sad smiles of their own. 

“However…” Her dad suddenly spoke again. 

“However?” Twilight asked, speaking for everypony else. 

Night Light broke away from their embrace, and looked at her with eyes full of seriousness, sadness, and…guilt? 

“There’s something you should know, that ALL of you should know.” Night Light addressed the three of them. 

“What is it?” Cadence asked. 

Night Light sighed, “We never wanted you to know, and I doubt that it isn’t high treason by itself, but now that she’s gone, Twilight, I feel that you especially should know something about me and your mother.” 

Twilight said nothing, for when she opened her mouth to ask, Night Light stopped her. 

“I’ll show you when we get home.” 
...….. 
The old unicorn led all three of them up to his study, and with all of them watching, he lifted the rug on the floor to reveal a hidden hatch. Opening it with magic revealed there to be several documents, obviously of high importance and secrecy, inside. 

“Dad,” Shining warily asked, “What’s this about?” 

“Something that happened,” Night Light said, fishing around inside with one hoof, “While you were away at that one magic campout in elementary school.” 

Shining’s eyes narrowed in thought, “The only thing I remember happening while I was gone at the time that involved Twilight was her birth. I remember when I came home the day after I received your letter, and saw her in mom’s hooves.” 

Twilight blushed in embarrassment. Her brother had been really caring and overprotective of her in those years and she remembered it well. Next to her, Cadence smiled knowingly, but frowned when Night Light stopped his search, holding up a folded piece of paper. Walking up to Twilight, he held the paper out. 

Twilight nervously reached for it, but Night Light stopped her, “Twilight,” he said, laying a hoof on hers, “just know that Velvet and I hated keeping this secret from you and your brother, and all I ask is that no matter what, just know that we still love you, that SHE still loves you.” 

Twilight was confused, but she nodded anyway, gently taking the paper from her father’s grasp. Using her magic, she unfolded it and hovered it close to her face so she could read the small print. Shining and Cadence looked over her shoulders. 
Their eyes went wide, and Twilight’s heart, deep as it was, sunk even lower. 

Tender Heart Orphanage, Crown City of Canterlot, Kingdom of Equestria: 
Archive Copy 
Certificate of Adoption

Name: Twilight Sparkle

Age: Two Months?

Gender: Female 

Race: Unicorn 

Biological Parents: Unknown 

Event of Canterlot Custody: Miss Tender Heart found the young foal abandoned on the doorstep of the orphanage soon after the sunset of the 24th, with only the name Twilight Sparkle written on a piece of paper attached to the basket in which the foal was sleeping. 
This certifies that upon adoption, Night Light and Twilight Velvet will obtain custody of Twilight Sparkle as her legal guardians and be fully responsible for her upbringing, education, wellbeing, and legal welfare as her adoptive parents. 
Furthermore, as the prospective guardians are nobility, Twilight Sparkle will receive full privileges of the unicorn nobility of House Armor upon acquisition of her Cutie-Mark with the exception of title inheritance in accordance with ancient unicorn law. 

Signed, 
Miss Tender Heart, orphanage matron 
Lady Twilight Velvet, adoptive mother 
Lord Night Light Armor, adoptive father 
Mr. Fine Print, City of Canterlot public lawyer and witness


There were three seals next to the signatures: the City of Canterlot seal, approving the document; Fine Print’s legal firm’s seal, signifying that he had borne witness; and the third was for House Armor, showing commitment to the agreement and its terms. Twilight, knowing that her family’s seal was one-of-a-kind and was kept locked away at almost all times, therefore knew that the House Armor seal was most definitely legitimate.  Even if someone had gotten hold of the seal, a special enchantment put on all seals made it nigh-on impossible to commit forgery and identity theft in that fashion.

There was long, long silence.

Twilight’s breathing quickened, and her pupils dilated to pinpricks as the contents of the document in her hooves were permanently engraved into her mind. Behind her, Shining and Cadence looked at the document, then at one another, and finally at her. Cadence slowly brought her hooves up to cover her mouth and stifle a cry, and Shining’s jaw dropped so low that it could’ve fallen off.

Twilight, on the other hand, was close to having a heart attack of her own. 

“I-I,” Her voice was a whisper, and she finally found herself looking away from the adoption form and at Night Light, “I-I’m adopted!?” 

Night Light looked down, shamefully, and nodded sadly. 

Twilight would’ve been lying if she said that all of her earlier anger towards Velvet had ebbed away, and now she turned it on her father, her ADOPTIVE father, as she marched up to him- her wings spread threateningly- and yelled in his face. 

“Why!? Why didn’t you tell me!?” 

She could feel tears running down her cheeks once more, and seeing Night Light flinch at her reaction only served to increase her guilt, but she didn’t care. She was mad, and she wanted answers. 

Everything. Her whole life, her heritage, her own family line and reputation, EVERYTHING was a lie! 

Her father was not her real father! 

Her mother had not been her real mother! 

And… 

Twilight heard a gasp behind her, and she turned to Shiny, who had just come to exact same conclusion: Her brother, her BBBFF was not her real brother! 

At that point, Shining was as mad as Twilight, and both of them glared daggers at Night Light. Behind them, Cadence took a step back, knowing what the siblings were like when they were both angry. 

“Why did you keep this a secret from us!?” Shiny growled, “From ME? From TWILIGHT? Why!?”

Night Light was weakened under the gaze of both his son and his adoptive daughter, but he still managed to give a firm answer, “Listen to me, you two, it was a mistake to NOT tell you, but we were afraid!” 

“Of what!?” They both snarled, simultaneously. 

“We were afraid of what it would do to you, Twilight,” Night Light said, almost pleading, “and Shining, you are worse at keeping secrets than she is! No doubt you would’ve handled it, but we were afraid of her knowing anything about her adoption before now.” 

“Plus,” Night Light looked away, unable to meet their gazes directly anymore, “we wanted you to be happy with the thought of a sister by blood, not by adoption.” 

“You should’ve told them.” Everypony turned to Cadence, who was not happy but also not glaring at Night Light. Instead, she spoke with a reasoning tone to her father-in-law, “Even if you were afraid, they had a right to know.” 

Night Light nodded in agreement, “Now I know, we’ve always known, but we just couldn’t find it in us to tell you two.” 

He finally looked up at Twilight, “Twilight, please understand, I’m sorry that we kept this secret from you for so long. I really am. If I could go back, I would’ve made myself tell you sooner.” 

Twilight felt her anger start to drain away. Night Light was being honest, she could see that, and she began to think back to her whole life, where both of her parents, adoptive or otherwise, had been there for her- supporting her when she became Princess Celestia’s student, encouraging her when she had moved to Ponyville to continue her studies, they had been there for all of it. 

Adoptive or otherwise, Night Light had been her father for her whole life, and Twilight Velvet had been her mother. She thought back to what her father had said only moments before, “…all I ask is that no matter what, just know that we still love you, that SHE still loves you.” 
Turning to Shining, Twilight shared a glance with her still-angered adoptive brother that sent the message to him loud and clear. Almost immediately, Shining started to cool off as well. Cadence, the expert of love herself, came up and wrapped a foreleg around him, pulling him close and nodding to Twilight. 

Twilight walked up to Night Light…and hugged him, “I forgive you…dad.”

Night Light stiffened when she called him ‘dad’, but he was quick to return the hug whilst silently crying. After awhile, Shining and Cadence joined in, wrapping their arms around the other two, and they all silently embraced one another in a group hug. After while, though, Twilight once again broke the silence, “Tell me.” 

“What?” Night Light released her, and looked at her questioningly. 

“Tell me the whole story,” Twilight said, “about my adoption, about my real parents, everything you know.” 

“I don’t think-“ Night Light was cut off with a sharp glare from his son and daughter-in-law, and he was quick to rethink his last statement, “Very well. Let’s go down to the living room, and you may have the full story- or at least as much as I know.” 
……. 
Once they were all settled- Shining Armor and Cadence on the couch, and Twilight and Night Light facing each other in large chairs- the old unicorn recalled the long-ago memory. 

“It was late in the evening, just after sunset.” He began, “We had run out of some ingredients for a dinner the next evening with some other nobles, and Velvet insisted on going out and getting them by herself.” 

He paused, sighing deeply, “Despite what she told me, I knew she was lying, but I never was able to get the full story from her and Miss Tender Heart.” 

Twilight nodded, “Go on.” 

“She returned an hour later, speaking like a madmare and dragging me out the door. She told me of how she just so happened to stop by the orphanage for a visit. She loved foals so much, and felt sorry for the ones without anywhere to call home. I mean that mare donated more money to the place than anypony else I know.” 

“What did she find?” 

“Apparantly, if her story was to be believed, you.” Night Light nodded to her, “Of course, how she found you was obviously not true. She found you at the orphanage yes, but she didn’t just stumble across you like a bit in the street.” 

Twilight tilted her head, “Was her lie that obvious?” 

Night Light looked at her incredulously, “Are you kidding? Even though you weren’t her blood daughter, you could’ve fooled me with how terrible you, along with Shiny, are at keeping secrets.” 

Shining and Twilight looked at one another, and for the first time that day, they actually laughed. Cadence only smiled and shook her head, nuzzling her husband’s neck gently. 

Night Light continued, “She was bad at lying, but she COULD hold her tongue, and I never got the real story from her, or how she REALLY came across you out of all the foals in that place. All I know is that she dragged me straight to the orphanage to see you for myself and the second I saw you in that crib,” he smiled, “I felt blessed.” 

“We both wanted to adopt you straightaway, and for the first time, placing a seal on a legal document never felt so…right.” He closed his eyes, still smiling at the memory, “Velvet held you, and I remember when your eyes opened and you smiled at us both, calling us ‘mommy’ and ‘daddy’. At that point, we were both adamant on keeping you for our own, and Velvet had grown so attached that she refused to let even ME hold you the whole way home. We made preparations for setting up a room for you, and we decided to send Shiny a letter telling about your ‘birth’.” 

Her dad sighed, sadly, his smile vanishing, “Velvet was dead-set on telling him that you were related by blood, and no amount of reasoning could get her to change her mind. I finally, reluctantly, promised her that I would not tell either of you as long as she lived.” 
He looked up, “Now that she’s gone, I guess I could finally tell you, though I wish I hadn’t had to keep it a secret for so long. I’m sorry, Twilight, and Shining, I’m sorry to you as well.” 

“Twilight forgave you,” Shining said, “so that means I can, too, and Twilight?” 

“Yeah?” 

Shining smiled, raising a hoof, “No matter what, siblings?” 

Twilight smiled, leaning over and bumping hooves with her brother, “Always, BBBFF.” 

Cadence sighed, happily, “I’m glad that’s resolved. It’s one thing if romance ends, but family, I can never accept that.” 

“I agree, but I want to know one more thing.” Twilight looked at Night Light. 

“Yes?” 

“What about my real parents? My mother? My father? Any blood siblings? Who were they, why did they put me up for adoption,” she lowered her gaze, “and WHERE are they now?” 

Night Light gazed at her with pity, “I wish I could tell you, Twilight. I believe Velvet knew something, but of course she wouldn’t say. However, she did say one thing and one thing only.” 

“What was it?” Twilight asked, her dejection at her father’s earlier words turning into excitement at his final statement. 

Night Light looked around, as if someone was listening in, and leaned forward, “Velvet didn’t think something like this would happen, but she said that if it did, you should start searching for your real mother. As to who or where she is, I have no clue.” 

She WANTS me to start searching for my real mother? How? Why? 

Seeing the look of confusion in Twilight’s eyes, Night Light simply said, “Now that she’s gone, we had long ago agreed that you deserved to find and reunite with your real mother, your real family.” 

Twilight nodded, and then stood up, wiping what few tears remained in her eyes, “Then I guess I might as well get started, shouldn’t I?” 
Night Light’s eyes widened, “Are you sure? You’re not angry, but willing to find her as soon as possible?” 

Twilight nodded, “Yes, if only to get the truth as to why my real family abandoned me in the first place. But even then,” Twilight hugged her father one last time, “I’ll still call you my father.” 

Night Light returned her hug, “Thank you, Twily, so much.” 
……. 
Because the next train back to Ponyville left in an hour, Twilight was forced to bid goodbye to her father, brother, and sister-in-law before she left the house and began her journey towards the train station. She could’ve flown, being an alicorn of course, but at the moment, she preferred to remain grounded. Besides, it gave her a chance to think about planning her next move. 

Where am I even going to find a LITTLE BIT of info on my real family, specifically my mother? I have no clue where to look, where to BEGIN! 

She tried thinking back to the conversation with her father. Before she left, she had asked them if there was even a birth certificate with her name on it anywhere, but her father had shook his head. She told herself that even if her foster parents DID have a certificate, it would’ve told the same story about herself that she’d known for years- that she was the blood child of Night Light Armor and Twilight Velvet. 
Think, Twilight, think! There must be someplace to start!

The orphanage? No, that wouldn’t work. They’d probably be as secretive as Velvet had been, especially to her. Twilight thought back to Night Light’s words, “I was never able to get the full story from her or Miss Tender Heart.” 

What about the law firm? They had to tell the truth, especially in court, but then again Fine Print had only bore witness to the signing of the adoption papers, so he would be no help.

What else did he say? Wait a minute, what was that he said before he showed me the adoption form? Before we arrived at home? 

	“We never wanted you to know, and I doubt that it isn’t high treason by itself…” 

What had her father meant by ‘high treason’? Sure, he would’ve long ago agreed that telling her of her adoption would’ve destroyed Twilight at a young age, but going so far as to breaking a promise to his mother wasn’t usually exaggerated as treason.

Does he know something I don’t?

Overriding that thought completely was a new idea that came to her, and a grin formed on her face. 

‘high treason’- betraying those of the highest authority. 

That definition alone caused Twilight to stop in her tracks, an idea starting to form in her head, and direct her gaze in the opposite direction of the train station- 

-and towards the towers of Canterlot Castle. 

A castle, which was the home of the only pony that Twilight knew who had not only the highest authority, but a wide expanse of knowledge concerning Canterlot’s oldest families. 

That’s it! 

Twilight immediately took off, her wings carrying her all the way back to her fillyhood home. She arrived at the same moment that Cadence and Shining were leaving, themselves. Twilight distinctly remembered that they had planned on taking care of some business in Canterlot before returning home… 

Cadence’s eyes widened, as Twilight walked up to them, out of breath, “Twilight, is something the matter?” 

“You two are visiting Princess Celestia, aren’t you?” 

“Yes,” Shiny nodded, “her day-court is in session right now. Why?”

“Can I come with you two? I won’t bother you during your business with her, but I need to speak with her as soon as possible.” 

“What about your train home?” Shiny asked. 

“Forget it. My friends’ll understand. The princess might have information that I want.” 

Their eyes widened as the meaning sank in, and Cadence smiled, draping a wing over her back with a mischievous smile, “I know she had a couple of hours spared for after court ends today, and I ALSO know that she prefers not to have guards outside who could eavesdrop on her and any conversations with guests…” 

Shiny shook his head, but he was smiling, “If you’re sure, Twilight.” 

“I’m sure.” 

Cadence kissed her on the cheek, making Twilight blush and Shiny laugh, “That’s the spirit!” 

As they headed towards the castle, Twilight knew that she must’ve had a grin from ear-to-ear because every time her siblings looked at her, their smiles seemed to grow brighter as well under the cloudy sky. 

Princess Celestia knows so much…maybe she knows something. Even if she has only a list of birth records, or something small like that, it will be enough of a lead.  

Twilight then looked up towards the sky, Somehow, someway, I will find my mother at least and learn the truth. 




> Chapter 3: A Normal Visit...Or Is It?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Celestia was thankful that nopony had noticed her absence, and that she was able to sneak back into her chambers without anyone being any the wiser. At that moment, she had managed to dry her eyes of tears and her coat of rainwater, and was currently sitting at the desk in her study, sipping tea and looking over some documents.

Behind her sat a low table, some cushions, and on the table was a chessboard with the pieces close at hoof. She looked at it for a moment, fondly remembering all of the chess matches she had had with other nobles and princesses until she was sure that she had mastered the game. In fact, her only matches had been with Luna, with Cadence, and relatively recently, with Twilight. 

Twilight. 


Celestia sighed, bitterly turning back to her work but unable to keep the lavender alicorn from entering her thoughts. Even as she wrote, her student-turned-equal still showed up. Every slim capital ‘A’ or ‘V’ reminded her of the shape of a unicorn’s horn. A ‘U’ reminded her of Twilight’s joyful smile, while hers remained set into a stoic political mask, and every ‘O’ reminded her of the young mare’s magenta eyes. 
Magenta eyes that were, in fact, very similar to her own. Every time Celestia looked at Twilight, she saw herself at that young age, full of ambition at the hands of Starswirl the Bearded’s mentorship- that color and that sparkle of intelligence being so similar. Celestia chuckled, remembering how happy she was to have taken Twilight on as her student. Of course, throughout all of it, there was only one thing that displeased her about Twilight.

Even as a princess, Twilight never called her by just her name. To the mare, she was ‘Princess Celestia’ or simply ‘Princess’. Twilight treated her like royalty, even though she was now royalty herself, and while Celestia enjoyed the teacher-student connection that they still had, she wished that Twilight would at least say she considered her a friend, and call her just ‘Celestia’. Celestia knew that with Cadence, who also had had that problem, she would’ve been fine, but for Twilight…the mare herself had once admitted that Celestia was like a second mother to her, and Celestia had tried to make it clear that the feeling was mutual. If only Twilight could see that, through the formalities… 

Celestia’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Setting down her paperwork, she turned in her chair. She knew that it was someone who had been sent to find her, as she hated having guards outside the room twenty-four-seven. 

“Yes? What is it?” 

“Your Highness,” A guard outside responded, “you have a visitor: Twilight Sparkle.” 

Celestia’s eyes lit up immediately. She had met with Cadence and Shining Armor during the remaining session of the day court earlier, and she had noticed that Cadence was smiling more than she usually did during political affairs between Equestria and the Crystal Empire, which had led Celestia to believe that her adoptive niece was hiding something. 

If it was Twilight, it was a nice surprise. 

“Send her in.” She said. Getting up from her chair, and walking towards the door, she smiled as her most faithful student opened the door and stepped in. 

“Hello, Princess Celestia.” Twilight bowed in respect to her former mentor, and Celestia had to stifle a sigh at her use of both name AND formal title once again. 

Still, that didn’t mean she had to keep her political mask on, and she smiled warmly, coming forward and bringing a surprised Twilight into a hug, “It is good to see you again, my faithful student.” 

“I-It’s good to see you, too, princess.” Twilight stuttered, blushing at the contact. Celestia chuckled. 

“I figured Cadence was hiding something,” Celestia spoke as they took their familiar places at the table and she poured the younger alicorn a cup of tea, “but little did I know that it was you she was talking about.” 

Twilight giggled, “I know I usually schedule a meeting, but I really needed to speak with you about something, so I waited for court to end.” 

“Will you be speaking WITH me, or TO me?” Celestia said, pointedly, causing Twilight to blush, “Well, whatever it is, would you mind if we had this conversation over a game of chess?” 

“Yes, please.” Celestia noticed that Twilight hesitated for a half-second, meaning that she obviously wanted to talk about something very important, but if there was one thing they both loved to do besides read and chat, it was play chess with one another. 

After setting up the board and pieces, they were at least five minutes into the game, Celestia having already lost two pieces while Twilight lost one, before the Princess of the Sun spoke again, 

“Twilight, I-“ Celestia stopped herself, gathering her nerves before she continued, “I’m sorry about your mother. Velvet and I were good friends, and I was devastated when I heard about…you know…” 

Twilight shook her head, “It’s okay. I blamed myself for her death, at first, because I had yelled at her, minutes before she had her heart attack.” 

Celestia tilted her head, surprised, “Why did you yell at her?” 

Twilight relayed the full story, and Celestia could see that she was trying hard not to cry again, before finally saying, “After the funeral, my father told me about a secret that they had been keeping.” 

“A secret?” Celestia looked up from the game, curious as to what Twilight meant, when a thought came to her head. Her eyes widened. Did Twilight mean…? 

“I’m an adopted foal.” 

She froze. Twilight continued on, though, having not noticed. 

“They weren’t my real parents. Shiny’s not my real brother, though he and I agreed to be siblings for life anyway, and though I was mad at first, I forgave them. I mean, it’s sad that mom and dad weren’t mom and dad, but I still love them.” 

Twilight looked up, Celestia having managed to calm herself while she was speaking, “That’s why I came here to talk to you.” 

Celestia was speechless, not in a good way, but in a fearful way, yet she still managed to ask, “W-What did you want to ask?” 

Twilight smiled appraisingly, “I want to find my real mother. I want to, I HAVE to know why she put me up for adoption or, in the worst case …abandoned me.” 

They both shuddered at the word ‘abandon’, Celestia more than Twilight. 

“I guess what I’m trying to ask you is…do you know who my mother is? Or do you have anything I could use to find her, my father, or anyone I’m truly related to?” 

Internally, Celestia started to panic and for the first time in her life, she wished she could re-gift a surprise from Cadence and Twilight. Twilight’s story and question had not only caught her off-guard, but also unprepared. Thoughts, long ago buried in an attempt to be forgotten, flashed through her mind, and it was only when Twilight waved a hoof in front of her that she snapped out of it. 

“Princess,” Twilight asked, concerned, “Are you okay?” 

“Twilight, I’m,” Celestia brought a hoof to her mouth, to keep herself from saying something that she’d regret, “fine. Yes, that’s it, I’m fine. It’s just…” 

“Just what, Princess?” Twilight looked at her inquisitively. For the first time, Celestia knew how difficult it was for others to look her in the eye, as she was unable to meet Twilight’s eyes…so much like her own… 

“It’s just,” Celestia pulled her next words out of nowhere, “that I’m not used to issues of this sort coming to my attention.” 

That’s good, keep it up. 

“However,” She continued, “I might be able to help in some way.” 

Wait, what!? No, don’t say-

“You can?” Twilight grinned, looking up at her hopefully. 

Whatever you do, Celestia, do not suggest staying at the castle.

“You may stay here at the castle, if you wish, and perhaps we can look through the various birth records or whatever we have in the library.” 

WHAT.ARE.YOU.SAYING!?

“Really!? Thanks, Princess!” Twilight ran around the table, and hugged the white alicorn firmly in thanks. Celestia weakly returned it, her thoughts silently cursing her for what she had just gotten herself into. 

She had no choice but to play along, and find a way out of it somehow. 

“I will send a letter to Spike,” She said, softly, focused on returning the hug Twilight was currently giving her, “and tell him that you will be staying for the next few days. In the meantime,” She released Twilight, and nodded to her, “I will let you get settled in your own room, while I begin to look through the records later tonight. Tomorrow, you can help and perhaps,” She nuzzled Twilight gently, “we will find out who you really are, Twilight Sparkle.” 

“Thanks you, Princess Celestia,” Twilight actually had to keep tears of joy from appearing, “I mean it. In that case,” She turned and headed towards the door, “I’ll let you continue working. The library tomorrow, right?” 

Celestia nodded, “Correct.” 

Twilight smiled at her one last time, before the shut the door behind her, leaving Celestia with her conflicting thoughts and barely-contained emotions. 

“I expected more resistance from you, sister.” 

Celestia would’ve jumped at the sudden realization of a THIRD pony in the room, but Luna had long ago failed to make that happen anymore. Celestia had known she was there the whole time, having teleported whilst blending with the shadows, and- 

Celestia’s eyes widened, and she wheeled upon the dark-blue alicorn who had suddenly appeared behind her with a grin on her face. 
“You!” Celestia poked her hoof roughly into Luna’s chest as an accusation, “You did that!” 

“It is your fault for teaching me that spell,” Luna chuckled, playfully, “All you need is for the pony in question to have some anxiety, and then you can make them say what they do not really want to say.” 

“Why, Luna,” Celestia groaned, “why?” 

Luna’s face became serious, “You told me not long after I came home from the moon, how myself as Nightmare Moon put enough fear for her in you that you had to keep that secret from her, and I have visited Twilight Velvet in her dreams before, and I know that she wanted Twilight to learn the same- to learn about her family.” 

“I can’t tell her,” Celestia said, “you know that.” 

“Can’t tell her what?” Luna asked, “I am returned now, thanks to her, so what can you not tell her now? That you know exactly how her mother felt? That you don’t just feel sorry for her being abandoned, but GUILTY? That if you were to splash white paint over her coat, paint her mane and poof it up a bit, she would look like your smaller identical twin?” 

Celestia flinched, holding up a hoof to keep Luna from continuing, “There’s still a chance I can fix this. I can go to the records room, and find anywhere where it says her name. Few even know about her birth, so it’ll be easy to hide it-“ 

Luna shook her head, interrupting her older sister with a hoof over her mouth, “Sister, why are you doing this, letting these feelings eat you up when you hate keeping them hidden? Do you not love her?” 

“Yes, I do! With all my heart.” Celestia spoke as if it should’ve been obvious. 

“Do you not want her to succeed, and learn all she can?” 

“Definitely,” Celestia nodded, “it’s why I took her in as my student in the first place: because she had potential-“ 

“Potential, aaannd…?” Luna asked, knowing the main reason. 

“Don’t go there.” Celestia warned, “The point is, I am and always will be proud of her. I just can’t-“ 

“What about your desire,” Luna interrupted again, “for her to call you by name instead of title?” 

“How did you-?” Celestia’s eyes widened again, and she growled, “Have you been looking into my dreams again, when I explicitly said not to?” 

“Guilty as charged.” Luna smirked, removing her tiara. Because she was not wearing her chestplate, the majority of the enchantment was gone, and when she took her tiara off, her mane lost it starry, windblown appearance and fell across her back, now a lighter blue color as it regained its natural appearance. Celestia knew that, despite what some believed, Luna actually loved her natural appearance more than her royal one since she had gone around like that long before they had first enchanted their royal regalia, and she knew that when her younger sister spoke to her in that fashion, she was trying to be just that- an encouraging, supportive little sister. 

Celestia sighed, “I just can’t tell her the truth, Luna. What don’t you understand?” 

“Every bit,” Luna said, “Because I know, deep within, you wish to tell her as much as you love her: with all your heart.” 

“She’ll hate me, for all of it, especially if I tell her the ‘who’ and ‘why’ of this issue.” 

“Perhaps, but you do not know that. Maybe she will be upset, but perhaps questions will override immediate emotion.” 

“That’s not how emotions work, Lulu,” Celestia, “and I can’t explain to you exactly how, since Love and Friendship are more Cadence’s and Twilight’s areas of expertise.” 

“If you cannot explain it,” Luna once again used logic against her, “then you do not know how emotions work, either.” 

Celestia was silent. Luna smiled, gently but no less triumphantly, “So what is your answer, sister?” 

Celestia looked away, “Give me….just give me until the right time. Before she leaves, I…I might tell her.” 

“Might I suggest a deadline for you, then?” Luna asked. 

“What do you suggest?” 

“If I recall, there will be a gathering of nobles for the annual Canterlot Princess Gala the night after tomorrow night.” 

The Canterlot Princess Gala was a special event, not as special as the Grand Galloping Gala, Nightmare Night, or Winter Wrap-Up, but still close, more traditional to ancient unicorn culture than anything else. It mainly involved dancing amongst the gathering of nobility and middle classes from all throughout Equestria, as well as the celebration honoring the coronation of all of Equestria’s four alicorn princesses. Whereas the day fell on Luna’s and Celestia’s coronation date from so long ago, Twilight and Cadence could-and would- also attend and, at the very beginning, give their own heartfelt speeches to the audience alongside Luna and Celestia. It truly was a night of royalty, newfound romance, friends… 

...and family. 

Celestia sighed. It was just TOO perfect of an opportunity, bitter as she was feeling about it, “Very well, Luna. Give me until the morning after, and if I fail,” She inhaled sharply, letting the equally-damning words tumble from her lips, “then YOU may tell her.” 

To her surprise, Luna shook her head, “I agree with all except me telling her. I MIGHT give her a clue or two, while she is dreaming, but YOU are going to have to be the one to tell her no matter what.” 

“Fine.” Celestia hissed, her sister having given her an even worse punishment than threatening to spill the beans, “You win, now can you leave me in peace!?” 

Luna smiled gently, and brought her tense older sister into an embrace, “I am not trying to win at anything. I am only trying to help the two of you, as they say, ‘lay it out on the table’.” 

“I miss when you used to have trouble with modern language.” Celestia spat, trying to intentionally antagonize her sister and her way of speaking. 

“I know.” Luna, wiser than anyone else gave her credit for, was smart enough not to take the bait. Releasing Celestia, Luna stepped back and instantly vanished, teleporting to only she knew where. 

Celestia relaxed, finally noticing that she had tears in her eyes. Wiping them away, she groaned as she realized what she had to do. Thanks to Luna, and inadvertently, herself, she now had to tell Twilight something that she and Velvet had been trying to keep from her since…that day. With a defeated sigh, she gathered up her remaining paperwork and teleported it to her chambers, though she doubted she would be able to concentrate on it anyway. With that, she silently packed up the chess set, leaving it on the table, and exited her study. Closing the door behind her, she turned and headed towards her room. Luna had obviously taken the time to lower the sun for her as well as raise the moon thanks to the limited solar magic Celestia had taught her, as her sister’s night sky was already painted with glittering stars and her moon was already beginning its journey across the sky. 

The guards posted outside her room opened the golden doors for her, but before she went in, she turned to them, “There is no problem, but I would like to have some privacy tonight.” 

“Of course, Princess.” The guards nodded in understanding, and swiftly marched off, leaving Celestia alone. Satisfied, Celestia entered the room, and magically shut the doors behind her. After looking around to make sure she was completely alone, she snuck over to her bed and swiftly dug a hoof underneath it. The second she felt a wooden surface, she withdrew the object with magic, holding it up to the moonlight streaming in from the window. 

A plain wooden box, about two square feet, with no markings of any sort, and a bronze latch as the only sign of value on it. However, to Celestia, this box meant more to her than all the gold in Canterlot Castle, and more than Equestria and even the sun itself! Sitting on her bed, and hesitating for just a moment, the white alicorn slowly unlatched and opened the lid, revealing the box’s contents. 

The first thing she noticed was the photographs. There were many, from different times and places, but all of them had one thing in common: Twilight Sparkle. Celestia had only admitted it to Luna so far, but once or twice (or twenty times) she had snuck over to Ponyville just to see what her student was up to. There were pictures of her doing many things: spending time with her friends, her coronation, reading books with Spike, learning with Celestia (Luna had wanted to show off her skill with her new camera), all sorts of events like Winter Wrap-Up and the Summer Sun Celebration. She was glad that cameras had even been invented, so that she might catch those wonderful memories as they happened and keep them close to her forever. 

There was one in particular that never failed to make her smile, one that would cause a stir if the public were to ever see it in her possession: a picture of Twilight Sparkle as a newborn filly. Her eyes were closed, for she had obviously been sleeping, but the smile on her face was unmistakable as the one Celestia had seen on her face every time they had ever spoken to one another. 
Celestia wiped a tear from her face, and turned the box’s other occupants. 

The next was what looked like a lock of hair from Twilight’s mane in a vial, specifically the part of her mane that included the pink strip. One could obviously notice how, if the older alicorn wore no royal attire, the pink strip of Twilight’s mane was interestingly the exact same color as Celestia’s… 

Finally, there was the last remaining object in the box: a folded piece of paper. 

Celestia took it up gently, and unfolded it, reading what was already ingrained in her memory: 

Certificate of Birth 


Name: Twilight Sparkle 
Born: 20th of [EXPUNGED] 
Gender: Female 
Race: Unicorn 
Parents- 

Celestia’s vision blurred slightly as she read the names on the birth certificate. Putting the birth certificate back in the box, closing the lid, and hiding the box under her bed once more, she fell atop the large mattress, and clutched at one of her pillows, her tears starting their journeys down her cheeks.

Twilight, She thought, sobbing, I’m sorry. Heaven forbid, I’m SO SORRY! 
> Chapter 3.5: The Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Celestia didn’t know what woke her up, or how long she had been asleep, but when she awoke she winced at the slight pain of her shoulders, having forgotten to remove her chestpiece earlier, but her pain was quickly forgotten by the gentle knock at the door. 

Thinking it was one of her guards, Celestia huffed in annoyance. Didn’t she ask for privacy, in and out, that night? Sighing, she got up, fixed her mane, and walked to the door. Without a second thought, she cracked the door open and peered outside. 

Celestia’s heart leaped when she saw Twilight, of all ponies, standing outside. Celestia stared at her for a moment, still flustered from her personal breakdown over the mare before her not too long ago, yet that turned to concern when she saw the look in Twilight’s eyes. 
She sighed, for she knew that look all too well, still seeing sometimes despite Twilight’s age, though she still found it necessary to ask so Twilight would not feel too embarrassed. 

“Twilight? What’s the matter?” She finally asked. 

“I, uh,” Twilight’s wings and hooves were fidgeting nervously, “I had a bad dream.” 

“About what?” Celestia knew her heart might not take it in the near future, knowing where the conversation might be headed, but she knew that Twilight’s problem came before her own issues. 

“I dreamt that…that they all died. You know, not just my adoptive family but my real one too. Well, maybe not died, but they,” Twilight sniffed, “disappeared.” 

No, they didn’t. I’m right here, Twilight. Celestia bit her tongue, before her thoughts could even THINK about expressing themselves verbally. 

Celestia looked at her with understanding, “You felt alone?” 

“Yes, and, well,” Twilight’s hooves fidgeted again, “after that, I just couldn’t get back to sleep. I know a princess shouldn’t act like this, but, if it’s not too much trouble…” 

Say it. No, wait, DON’T say it! No, wait… 

Twilight met her eyes, her hooves still but her wings still fidgeting “Can I sleep with you? Just for tonight, Princess?” 

Yes! Wait, no! I mean… 

Celestia couldn’t tell if her own thoughts were staging a mutiny, or if Luna was using that anxiety spell on her again. Either way, it was a surprise that she kept a calm face and a level tone as she answered. 

“Of course, Twilight.” She opened the door further, to allow the younger alicorn in, “Trust me, I believe we both could use each other’s company.” 

Believe it or not, despite how tempting it was for her to reveal all right then and there, Celestia was actually being honest in the fact that despite Twilight being the unknowing subject of her stress, her company was truly the only thing that the princess knew could calm her nerves if not for a moment. 

“You had a nightmare, too?” Twilight asked, concerned for her mentor, obviously in the dark as to what the older princess’s inner thoughts were. 

Celestia shrugged, “You could say that.” 

Don’t tell her. Not yet. Wait for juuust the right time. 

Celestia paused. That last thought was NOT in her own voice, like most of them were… 

Luna, I swear…

Not wanting to finish that sentence, Celestia turned to Twilight, surprised to see that she had already fallen asleep, curled up in ball on her bed. Smiling, Celestia walked over and climbed in with her, laying on her side and drawing the blankets over them. But the real warmth came when Twilight, almost immediately yet subconsciously, scooted over and pressed her body against Celestia’s. Turning over in her sleep, Twilight snuggled up and buried her face in Celestia’s white chest fur, wrapping her forelegs around her barrel. Celestia, momentarily surprised by an action that Twilight would’ve rarely ever done if conscious, gradually relaxed into the embrace, wrapping her forelegs around Twilight and drawing the sleeping lavender alicorn closer to her. When Twilight shivered slightly, Celestia wrapped one of her majestic white wings around her, and was pleased when, in her sleep, Twilight cooed in satisfaction. 

Twilight had asked to sleep with Celestia only once or twice before, and before the current issue at hand, Celestia had simply smiled with understanding and had embraced her in a similar fashion, warming her on cold winter nights and Twilight being there when, at the time, she was alone without her sister. 

Behind the understanding, she admitted that she loved these moments, and hated to have seen them end when they did, right when she had sent Twilight to Ponyville. It had been necessary for her student, but it had robbed her of those nights, as few as they had been, which she cherished for many reasons. 

She knew Twilight was a heavy sleeper, and if she embraced Celestia, it was subconsciously, or when she asked Celestia’s permission to snuggle up against her on colder nights. Most of the time, Celestia was the one who initiated an embrace, Twilight doing so only subconsciously, while awake she would do everything she could to respect her mentor’s personal space, which Celestia was displeased with, because these were the only moments where she could show at least some of her affection, even if Twilight couldn’t know. Affection, which constantly built up inside her. 

As Celestia nuzzled Twilight lovingly, even going so far as to risk a gentle kiss on her forehead, Celestia once again realized that somehow, someway, she had been given a momentary relief from her problems, as she embraced the young mare in her arms with that very same, hidden affection. As she drifted off into a peaceful slumber, she thought of the only two ponies she had seen in her millennia-long lifetime, amongst her subjects, who could even show and share this type of affection. 

A mother and her daughter. 


> Chapter 4: The Morning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The next morning, Twilight yawned and slowly came to her senses. The first thing she felt was the heavy covers that had been carefully tucked around her body, and while her body was so warm underneath, her exposed head felt ice-cold in comparison as she brought a hoof up to rub at her eyes. She slowly opened them, looking around her.
        
She froze, the events of last night coming back to her as she realized that she was not in her bedroom, but Celestia’s own chambers. The chill of her head was quickly replaced by a burning sensation as she blushed, remembering how foal-like she must’ve seemed to the princess. True, she had asked for some nightly companionship once or twice from Celestia, but as a filly. Now that she was an older mare, and a princess no less, she thought she had moved past such actions, yet there she had been, disturbing Celestia because she had simply had a nightmare. Even though Celestia had invited her in, and no doubt had made sure she was comfortable, Twilight felt guilty for being so selfish.

Twilight’s ears suddenly twitched, a soft sound coming to them from her right. Looking that way, she saw that the doors leading onto the balcony were open, and that Celestia herself was sitting out there on a white cushion. Twilight listened closely and, her eyes widening in realization, she discovered that the soft sound was Celestia humming a song. Twilight noticed the golden aura surrounding her horn, and looked on in awe as Celestia worked on raising the sun in the east, all the while humming a sweet tune.

It was so sweet, in fact, that Twilight wanted to listen more closely to it. She didn’t know why, but it was just so soothing and peaceful, similar to those moments where she had once done some reading while her phonograph was playing her favorite record. Her mind set, and her feelings of shame momentarily forgotten, Twilight slowly got out of bed and, so as not to disturb her mentor, crept out onto the balcony. She had planned on staying behind Celestia, listening, but instead found herself right next to the larger alicorn. With her eyes closed, and her humming having drowned out any sound that Twilight could’ve made, Celestia gave no hint that she had noticed Twilight’s presence. Instead, her horn kept its golden glow as the bright ball of light that was the sun slowly peeked its way above the eastern horizon.

Twilight glanced between Celestia and the sun, listening all the while to her mentor’s gentle humming. The lavender alicorn had always assumed that her mentor needed all of her concentration in order to raise and lower the sun, but now she was proven wrong as Celestia seemed to do so with little effort and even able to even sing to herself a little.

           Then Celestia began to softly sing:

           Deep in the meadow, under the willow
           A bed of grass, a soft green pillow
           Lay down your head, and close your sleepy eyes
           And when again they open, the sun will rise…

           A tear came to Twilight’s eye, rolling down her cheek. Unlike the ones of sadness and anger that had consumed her the day before, this one was of joy at the sound of her teacher’s beautiful voice. She had never heard Celestia sing at all before, and it was just too beautiful, especially in that moment, when she was raising the sun, yet…

           …for some reason, to Twilight, it brought a feeling to her chest that was...familiar in some way.

           Here it’s safe, here it’s warm
           Here the daisies guard you from every harm
           Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true
           Here is the place where I love you

           As the song went on, Twilight suddenly began to feel her eyelids start to grow heavy once more, the softness of Celestia’s voice causing the lullaby-like song to work double its magic. She would’ve fought hard to keep her eyes open, but by the time she realized that dreamland was trying to call her back, she had already been defeated.

     	   Deep in the meadow, hidden far away
           A cloak of leaves, a moonbeam ray
           Forget your woes and let your troubles lay
           And when again it’s morning, they’ll wash away

           Without thinking, she soon found herself leaning into Celestia’s side, her body desperate to find something warm once again. As with all the hugs they had shared in the past, Twilight’s body relaxed into the object of warmth that was better than any warm, fuzzy blanket. For a moment, however, Twilight’s eyes snapped wide open for a brief moment, wondering how Celestia would react to her leaning against her like that. She expected her to stop humming, for her to give a start, or for the Princess of the Day to mess up slightly in raising the sun, which was almost nearing its proper starting point.

           To her surprise, none of these things happened. Instead, without pause, Twilight was given even more warmth and relaxation as Celestia wrapped one of her wings around her, encasing her in a feathery cocoon. Unable to hold back, Twilight released a sigh of satisfaction, a deep recess in her mind telling her that the moment of bliss would unfortunately end the second the sun reached its proper starting point in the sky.

           Unbeknownst to her, however, the sun had been raised and released from Celestia’s magic for the past five minutes, yet Celestia kept humming and she kept her wing around Twilight. Also unbeknownst to Twilight, Celestia was full of joy at the second brief moment of affection she could show in the span of two days. Having attuned her senses well throughout her lifetime, she had felt Twilight’s eyes on her and had sensed the younger pony coming up next to her. She hadn’t been surprised when the lavender alicorn leaned against her, as she had expected it might happen the moment that she had begun singing. After all, this was the lullaby that her father used to sing to her as a filly and it always seemed to have magic about it- a soothing magic that could lull its listeners into the peaceful recesses of their own minds.

           Here it’s safe, here it’s warm
           Here the daisies guard you from every harm
           Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true
           Here is the place where I love you…

           Celestia drew out the last line a bit, her voice fading to a whisper.

           Here is the place where I love you…

           There hung a silence in the air for a moment, but it was one that was comfortable. The two just sat, Twilight with her half-lidded eyes and Celestia with her nostalgic ones, gazing out at the beautiful sunrise and enjoying each other’s company. To Twilight, the sunrise seemed even more beautiful with the song accompanying it.

           Finally, after a moment, Celestia looked down at Twilight with a gentle smile. The smile was replaced with a grim line, knowing that as much as she wanted to remain like that, time unfortunately was still a horrifying reality. Twilight didn’t have to worry, necessarily, but Celestia had promised to help her ‘search’ for her heritage and as the Princess of the Day’s schedule indicated, they only had a few hours after breakfast before the strenuous Day-Court was in session once more.

           Still, seeing Twilight about to fall asleep again, looking so small compared to the larger alicorn, Celestia couldn’t help but smile and feel tempted to drop everything. With bitter resolve, she removed her wing from around Twilight. Twilight impulsively let out a disappointed groan, and when she caught herself, her eyes snapped wide open and she jumped back in horror.

           “P-Princess!” Twilight stuttered, thinking she had invaded her mentor’s personal space once again, “I’m-“

           Celestia sighed, “It’s alright, Twilight. I know you’re not usually an early-riser, so it’s understandable if you still feel tired- especially after having the start of your night be interrupted with a nightmare.”

           Twilight blushed, looking away, “Y-Yeah, about that. I-I’m sorry, I don’t know what I thinking. I mean, I’m a grown mare, now, and it was selfish to disturb you, and you must’ve been sooo tired after court ended yesterday-“

           “Twilight,” Celestia put a wing over her student’s mouth to quiet her, “do you not remember that I myself was having a rough night as well? Believe me, we both needed some comfort, and besides,” Celestia smiled teasingly, “it was more comforting than a pillow, if I do say so myself.”

           If Twilight were a kettle, steam would’ve erupted from her ears at that remark, and for a moment Celestia could’ve sworn that she had seen some come from each ear. Even though the remark embarrassed Twilight, Celestia couldn’t help but tease her sometimes.

           “I-I promise not to do it again,” Twilight stammered, “I know you need space.”

           “Twilight,” Celestia rolled her eyes, “the first time I ever invited you into my chambers for a talk, you thought you were desecrating holy ground, yet you came to my door regardless as a filly and unashamedly made the same request you did last night, yet now it seems to be the other way around- perhaps even worse.” She glanced pointedly at Twilight, “Why is that?”

           Twilight remained silent, her mouth agape. She obviously didn’t have an answer.

           “Twilight, trust me on this,” Celestia stood and walked back inside, “you and I have known much about each other for the past few years, and we are STILL learning about one another. You can take on the Changelings and Tirek without even blinking, and yet it’s me you seem to be afraid of.”

           Twilight’s eyes widened, and she was quick to follow her mentor back inside, “What? No! I mean, I’m not afraid of you, princess.”

           Celestia looked back at her, a reassuring grin on her face, “Then relax, Twilight. I’m not going to force you to be courageous or assertive, but just relax around me, would you? Besides, you and I are equals now, and the only way you would force me to banish you to the moon-“

           Her features hardened, “-Is if you were Nightmare Moon- Nightmare NOVA, rather.”

           Twilight gulped, but still considered it. After all, Luna had been the first, and ONLY, princess to have been banished to the moon and that had just been because she had fallen to corruption and jealousy. Twilight, as both of them knew, had not fallen to the same dark magic.

           She hung her head, “I’m sorry, Princess Celestia.”

           “Celestia.”

           “Huh?” Twilight looked up at her in shock.

           “Remember, I said we were equals? So please, if you can, just call me Celestia.”

           Or, we could compromise. You could call me m-NO, NO, DON’T SAY THAT!

           Twilight remembered all the times that Celestia had asked her to consider her as a friend, and the young alicorn had to admit that she was trying, but her role as a student kept overriding her efforts. For the first time, though, Celestia had addressed the nervousness that Twilight had directly and was trying to convey to her the message on their current equality in status.
         
  It’s safe to say that, surprisingly, that actually helped Twilight calm her nerves quite a bit, allowing her to smile without any need for caution, “Okay, Celestia.”

           “That’s better.” The white alicorn felt relieved, if only because Twilight had managed to say her name so smoothly, without even making an accidental attempt at putting her royal title in front of it. Her former student was definitely making progress. True, Twilight could revert back to formally addressing her, but for the moment, they could act like two close friends instead of teacher and student.

           “Come along, Twilight,” Celestia nodded her head towards the door, and opened it for her fellow princess, “If we are going to be searching the archives at any point before court is in session, then we’d best hurry.”

           “Okay!” Twilight bounded through the door, immediately turning to run in the direction of the royal library.

           “Wait!” Celestia called after her, and Twilight came to a stop, looking back at her.

           Celestia gave her a grin, “I understand your eagerness for knowledge, but for heaven’s sake, can’t you have some breakfast first?”

           Twilight scratched the back of her neck, nervously chuckling, “Breakfast, right. Um, lead the way.”


> Chapter 5: Time Spent Together
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“ARGH, it’s HOPELESS!”

After a fine breakfast, Twilight having pancakes and Celestia having the taste for some eggs and hay-bacon, the two of them now found themselves in the geneology section of the archives, in the far back of the royal library. Celestia had immediately rushed to a chair, and had cast a shield spell around herself in preparation for what was coming. Sure enough, Twilight, as always when she craved a certain bit of information in particular, had immediately managed to litter the floor with books and documents- family trees, coats of arms, anything involving families in Canterlot, Ponyville, the Crystal Empire, and even Cloudsdale. Twilight wanted to be sure, since it was possible for two pegasii to bear an Earth pony or unicorn, filly or colt, with JUST the right birth defect or stray bit of genetic material.

However, after an hour, Twilight’s search still had yet to bear any fruit. In fact, there wasn’t even a tree, or the seeds to plant it with. Celestia sighed bitterly, knowing that she had the answers Twilight was looking for, yet she was still forced to keep it to herself for the time-being. Even so, she took pride in watching her student think with logic and going off of any theories she came up with. True, the librarians were in for a treat when they saw the mess, but it was to be expected from anypony with a thirst for knowledge. In fact, Celestia was reminded of the game she had once played with Twilight in the past, where she asked Twilight a question that she had the answer to, and Twilight would do all she could to find an answer before, as was the lesson meant to be learned, she finally realized that the answer was so simple, it was right under her nose.

Briefly, Celestia wondered if Twilight would make the same connection at that moment.

Apparently not, because after two hours, Twilight slumped against the pile of book with a dejected expression, “Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

Celestia saw her cue, and moved to sit next to Twilight. With her magic, she decided to make things easier for the librarians by returning the books to the shelves. When the tower she leaned against was removed from her back, Twilight scooted until her back was against the wall. Celestia laid a comforting hoof on her shoulder.

           “Don’t worry, Twilight,” Celestia reassured her, “I know you. I’m sure you’ll find SOMETHING.”

           “For once, I don’t think so.” Twilight sighed, “All of these documents are enchanted, and are updated magically with every added member to a family. The only place I’ve even found my name listed was with House Armor and House Sparkle, but even then my name has one description after it: ‘adopted daughter’.”

           Twilight sank even lower, almost laying flat on the floor, her wings drooping and hanging limp, “It’s like I just appeared out of nowhere, like I didn’t even exist beforehand.”

           Twilight’s eyes closed, and Celestia saw a wet sheen of tears that never seemed to end for either of them, “It’s like I’m a SPAWN.”

           Both of them, Celestia in particular, shuddered at that thought. It hurt the princess deeply to hear Twilight even suggest something so defeatist like that. It was really, truly heartbreaking.

           “Twilight,” Celestia decided to make yet another connection with her own foalhood, as that had seemed to calm Twilight down the most, “have you ever heard the stories?”

           “Which ones?” Twilight opened her eyes, looking up at her.

           “About the ones that talk about me and Luna just…appearing?” Celestia shuddered again.

           Twilight shook her head, “That’s not true, is it. I mean, you had a mother and father yourself, didn’t you?”

           Celestia nodded, “Oh yes, I did, but after awhile, other ponies began to forget about my parents. They worshipped me as a goddess of the sun, yet the sun had been around since long before my parents’ reign. In reality, I’m just a normal pony, an immortal alicorn princess, yes, but still just a normal pony with flesh and blood.”

           Twilight looked confused, “You don’t consider yourself a goddess?”

           Celestia shook her head, laughing, “No, and neither does Luna. We simply know the spells that allow us to raise and lower the sun and moon over Equestria and neighboring lands, spells that we ourselves learned from our parents. Because of my ability to time things almost perfectly with my internal clock, like a sunrise or a sunset, my mother taught me the sun spell. Our father taught Luna the bigger responsibility for painting our night sky, as well as the moon spell, because of her artistic personality. We never considered ourselves deities, just ponies with responsibilities related to our natural-born talents.”

           Celestia sighed, “And I have always told myself, should I ever have a foal of my own, I would make sure that others treated him or her with an air of normalcy rather than reverence like that. We are royalty, we are immortal, but we alicorns prefer not to be placed on a pedestal and WORSHIPPED.”

           Twilight listened, her full attention on Celestia. Like her beautiful singing, Twilight had discovered yet another thing she had not known about the princess. It also served to explain to Twilight why, or a part of the reason why, Celestia preferred familiarity with her. The princess just wanted to be normal or be treated normally by those closest to her, not as royalty or an object of worship. Once again, Twilight felt guilty. In trying to respect her former mentor, calling her a goddess had only served to add to her frustrations.

           “I’m sorry, Celestia.”

           Celestia looked at her, surprised, “For what?”

           “For not realizing, before.” Twilight met her gaze, “After all, I always thought you were a goddess. I mean, you were powerful, and you were beautiful, and I looked up to you in that way. I guess I only frustrated you.”

           Celestia chuckled, “No, you didn’t, and you have nothing to apologize for. However, if it consoles you, then I’ll forgive you for it if you wish. Besides, if what you just said about me is true,” She looked at Twilight, “then you are as much of a goddess as I am.”

           Twilight smiled, blushing. She normally did not like compliments, as humble as she was, but she decided to accept it as a part of Celestia’s lesson earlier: they were equals now. If Celestia was one, then Twilight was another- and apparently, vice versa. Even so, she still did not really consider herself beautiful and powerful, not like her former mentor.

           Celestia looked away, “Anyway, going by what I have said, Luna and I did not just appear out of nowhere. If we are flesh and blood, like all other ponies, then we must’ve been born like all other ponies- with a mother and a father. So, if I, of all mares, have parents,” Celestia smiled, “then you ALSO have parents.”

           That seemed to lift Twilight’s spirits a bit, but she still looked sad, “If that’s true, then how come I haven’t found ANY evidence of my original family? I mean, shouldn’t there at least have been a birth certificate. Even if a doctor wasn’t present, and the birth was at home, doesn’t the law require that the foal be registered with a certificate?”

           Celestia nodded, “That’s true, but hundreds of ponies can be born every day, and it’s not like a birth certificate has to be carried around at all times in the foal’s saddlebag. It might be relatively easy for a poorer family to go ‘off the grid’, so to speak.”

           Or someone of nobility to hide the certificate away without anyone knowing it.

           Twilight considered this, and then with a sigh, she got to her feet, “Hundreds, huh? How are they organized?”

           “By either clan, house, or common name, depending on the tribe.” Celestia explained.

           Twilight groaned, “Well, it’s definitely not common name, because there’s only one family with either the name ‘Twilight’ or ‘Sparkle’, and that was my adoptive mother’s family and first name. Other than that, there’s nothing, and I can’t look by house for the same reason. And clan? I don’t even know where to BEGIN looking.”

           Right under your nose, Celestia thought, but of course Twilight couldn’t hear the princess’s inner voice.

           Celestia stood up with her, “We can keep searching if you like. It’s a slower day than normal, today, so we still have roughly three hours before I have to be in the throne room.”

Twilight shook her head, but a grateful smile adorned her face at Celestia’s offer. It was one thing she had always respected about the white alicorn, and one of the many reasons that Twilight had once viewed her as a second mother of sorts. She was always willing to put aside her royal duties, for as long as she could, in order to help Twilight.

At least, if I don’t find anything, I still have her.

On that note, thinking about what she learned from Celestia just then, Twilight decided that their day wouldn’t be dreary thanks to her turmoils. Instead, Twilight decided to become closer to the princess as a friend, just like Celestia wanted.

“How about we do something else?” She suggested, cheerfully, “You know, like take a walk or something.”

“Are you sure?” Celestia asked, raising an eyebrow at the sudden shift in her former student’s tone.

“Uh-huh. I decided not to worry about it, anymore, at least for the time being.”

“You’re giving up your search?” Celestia sounded shocked and…relieved?

Twilight ignored it, “I might tackle it again, later, but after yesterday, I don’t want to shed anymore tears for awhile. Besides,” She smiled widely, “I’d rather spend the day with a good friend instead.”

Celestia was taken aback, touched by Twilight’s words. Sure, it felt relieving to hear that Twilight was putting aside the issue at hand (one that she herself was still stressed over), but to hear Twilight actually call her a friend was really heartwarming for her.

“O-Of course, Twilight,” Celestia stammered, “So, what would you like to do first?”

“What would YOU like to do?” Twilight asked, still smiling.

Celestia thought for a moment, quickly realizing that aside from work, there was not much else she did around the castle aside from the occasional walk through the gardens.

	What to do? Should we read a book? Take a walk? No, she’ll think I’m trying to appeal to her interests. Think, Tia, think…

CLACK!

At that moment, they heard the distant sound of two objects striking one another. Celestia’s eyes widened, recognizing the sound and grinning as she suddenly remembered that there was indeed something she used to love doing…

“Come along.” She told Twilight, and the two of them raced out of the library, Celestia following the sounds until they came out of the hallway and onto the second floor that overlooked the central courtyard. Below them, several of the Royal Guard had gathered and two of them, both unicorns, were currently in the middle of an intense round of clashing their horns together with dull clacking sounds- like rocks striking one another. Off to the side, was Twilight’s brother, Shining Armor. Celestia wasn’t surprised. Even though he was now mainly the prince and co-ruler of the Crystal Empire, alongside Cadance, he still remained Captain of the Royal Guard in Equestria when he visited. Soldiers like Flash Sentry had even told her that they could think of nopony more deserving of the role that they’d be willing to follow.

Currently, he was sitting as the referee for a horn-foiling match.

Celestia was familiar with horn-foiling, and though Luna mastered the sport, she was still second-best. Basically, the sport involved a shield spell being cast on the opponents’ horns, and then they would duel with one another. The point went to whoever managed to land a blow on their opponent with their horn, and the other rules stated that only spells involving teleportation and invisibility were allowed. In the case of alicorns like Celestia, Luna, Twilight and Cadence, they agreed that they would only use flight to dodge and never to attack.

Celestia had enjoyed the sport so much, and was familiar enough with it that she had seen no harm in telling Twilight all she knew about it when the lavender unicorn had been younger. Of course, due to Twilight’s young age at the time and the fact that she had lived in Ponyville for the past few years, the lavender unicorn-turned-alicorn had never had the opportunity to experience a duel first-hand.
Celestia met Twilight’s gaze, and saw the excitement in her eyes, until now, that is.

“Princess Celestia,” Twilight, remembering the details and traditions of the sport, boldy stepped back and leveled her horn at Celestia, “I hereby challenge you to a duel, to see which one of us is the better fighter.”

Celestia grinned, nostalgic in her eyes, and followed Twilight’s gesture, “I accept, Twilight Sparkle.”

The round had just ended by the time they had made their way down to the courtyard, and all of the guard ponies looked at the two princesses, bowing in respect. Shiny, on the other hand, simply looked surprised to see them, though he shared a smile with Twilight.
           
“Is there something we can do for you two?”
           
“We’d like to have a round or two,” Celestia said, “if you are willing to be the referee.”
           
“Against who? Each other?” Shiny gaped at Twilight, “I understand Celestia, but Twilight, do you even know the first thing about horn-foiling?”
           
“I’ve only studied and heard a bit here and there aside from listening to Celestia talk about it,” Twilight’s grin widened, “but I think I can learn fast.”
           
Shiny still looked unsure, “Do you at least know the proper shield spell?”
           
Twilight’s horn glowed for a moment, before she suddenly lashed out at her brother. Shining, lucky to have his spell still active, barely managed to block her.
           
“That answers my question.” He chuckled. Behind him, the other guards were whispering excitedly to one another at the thought of witnessing a duel between two members of royalty, “Alright, you may take your places, then.”
           
Celestia positioned herself on one side of the courtyard, while Twilight went to the other. Facing one another, they could both see the fighting spirit in each other’s eyes- a fighting spirit that Twilight, for once, actually enjoyed since she knew that her shield spell would prevent actual harm. Once they were in position, Shining spoke,
           
“You both know the rules: only teleportation and invisibility for spells. Whoever lands two hits out of three is the winner. Understood?”
           
Both alicorns nodded, keeping their eyes on each other, readying themselves as Shining raised a hoof, then brought it down.
           
“BEGIN!”
           
Twilight had never felt anything like what was going through her head, the rush of adrenaline in her system, as when she and Celestia charged with their horns leveled at one another. She had studied, and now she was experiencing the sport first-hand.
           
In short, that battle of the ages was one of the best moments in both alicorns’ lives!
…….
           “I still can’t believe the look on Shiny’s face when I won!” Twilight laughed, nearly falling out of her seat. They were both currently seated in the center of the royal garden, their lunch spread out on the table in front of them, yet both of them were still too winded and excited over the match that they had had earlier to pay it much attention.

           “I honestly thought that I could keep dodging by flying,” Celestia chuckled, “but that only gave you a chance to strike at my underside when I came down.”

           “I’m not as fast as Rainbow Dash in flight, but I’m still a fast runner on the ground.” Twilight grinned mischievously.

           “You say that,” Celestia laughed, “but I saw you teleport at least five times.”

           It was that moment of vulnerability that she had in the air that allowed Twilight to come up with a game-plan, after they had managed to block each other blow-for-blow in a head-on collision without losing ground. In the end, Twilight took both winning points with her strategy, and was rewarded with cheers from the guards and a look of complete bewilderment from Shining Armor. She grinned. Not only had she won her first-ever horn-foiling round, but she had also won against the second-best horn-foiler in Equestria.

           Celestia sighed bitterly, “Luna’s never going to let me live that down.”

           “Who knows,” Twilight smirked, “I might challenge her next.”

           Celestia looked almost appalled, “Twilight, she will DESTROY you!”

           “Who knows,” Twilight shrugged, “I MIGHT win!”

           Celestia looked at her in awe, and shook her head, “Where on Equestria do you get that sort of enthusiasm?”

           “I dunno,” Twilight thought for a moment, “I might’ve gotten it from Pinkie, or maybe even Cadance and Shiny. Or,” She was silent, “I might’ve been born with it.”

           After a moment of awkward yet mystifying silence, Twilight laughed, “I’m sure I’ll figure it out.”

           Celestia sighed, “I have no doubts that you’ll succeed.”

           She meant that, truly, in more ways than one.

           Celestia glanced up at the sky, and her heart sank. While she and Twilight had been working, and then having fun with one another, the sun had at that point reached the top of the sky, signaling that it was about noon.

           “I’m sorry, Twilight,” She sighed, “I fear that my royal duties call.”

           “Oh,” Twilight looked disappointed, but then hopeful, “Do you have any free time afterwards?”

           “I might, yes.”

           “Then I’ll just wait!” She said cheerfully, “Let’s do something fun when you’re finished.”

           Celestia just smiled, her former student having made the transition to ‘friend’ faster than she had imagined. Twilight had obviously been trying hard, “Very well, then. I will see you afterwards.”

           With that, lunch was cleared away, and the two princesses parted ways. Even though Celestia was still having trouble with that secret in her heart, she had to admit that she had had fun despite the stress of the issue. For the first time, their parting of ways was actually happy as both continued to think of the excitement of their match, but after awhile, thinking of how close she had gotten with Twilight that day made Celestia feel guilt, the guilt of keeping anything a secret at all from her former student.      


> Chapter 6: Stargazing
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Celestia sighed, utterly exhausted. She loved caring for her subjects, her little ponies, but the nobles who always were constantly asking for an audience with her were anything but representatives of said subjects. After more than a thousand years of rule, she absolutely hated being confined, unmoving, to her throne room while everyone vied to get her approval on certain projects and petitions, not that she found them ALL unreasonable.

As she walked back towards her chambers, the sun long ago having neared the western horizon, she began thinking back to her thoughts that morning, and she almost wished she had cancelled court for that day to spend her time with Twilight. She was not going to beat around the bush, she could honestly, bluntly state that she and Twilight’s time together that day had been the most enjoyable that she’d had in awhile.

           She chuckled to herself, fondly remembering the library and the foiling match.

           “Is there something funny?”

           Oh, no. Celestia facehoofed, “Good afternoon, Luna.”

           The Princess of the Night herself stepped out of the shadows, a smile that Celestia did not like at all plastered across her muzzle
.
           “Luna?” Celestia asked, nervously, “Why are you smiling like that?”

           “Oh, no reason, dear sister.” Luna was obviously trying to keep from laughing, “I just want to ask how the second-most skilled horn-foiler in Equestria is doing.”

           “Oh, well-“ Celestia was interrupted as Luna dropped the punchline.

           “Be sure to ask her for me, won’t you, THIRD-best horn-foiler?”

           Celestia groaned. Losing it, Luna doubled over, laughing like a madmare at the look of contempt in her older sister’s eyes.

           “Who told you?” Celestia deadpanned.

           “No one told me.” Luna’s tone sounded completely honest, though her smirk remained, “I just happened to wake up from my nap, and was taking a walk through the halls, when I just happened to also stumble across your battle of the ages with your ‘most faithful student’.”

           At that, Luna started laughing again. Celestia just shook her head.

           “Who else?”

           “Just the guards, but I DO have a few friends in Ponyville who might be up for a good tale…”

           “Do it,” Celestia warned, “and that story about a certain little sister of mine in a bunny suit goes with it.”

           Luna looked horrified, “You wouldn’t!”

           Celestia smirked, “Try me.”

           “Touché, sister, touché.” Luna slowly applauded, “However, speaking of your ‘most faithful student’…”

           Celestia sighed, knowing that the conversation had just turned serious, “I know, Luna, I’m going to tell her, just…not yet.”

           “No, that is not what I wanted to speak of.” Luna stood and put a comforting hoof on her shoulder, “I wanted to know how YOU were feeling.”

           “Huh?” Celestia looked at her in confusion.

           “Tia, listen, I know I might have been a bit forceful in convincing you to tell Twilight the truth she seeks,” Luna admitted, “and that’s why I’ve been lenient with you. However, I figure that you might be breaking up inside, holding that secret,” She paused, “especially after having such a good bonding moment like today.”

           Celestia nodded, “I feel guilty, keeping it from her when I know she trusts me more than anything. Frankly, I trust her almost as much, and I wasn’t lying when I said I was proud of her.”

           “Do you honestly think you can ever work up the courage? That you can risk losing her friendship with you over the truth?” Luna asked, concerned, “She views you as a teacher, a friend and fellow princess, and a surrogate mother. Could you really work up the courage with so much at risk?”

           Celestia thought back to all those years ago, a memory that Twilight’s investigation and Violet’s earlier death had dug up once more, “I didn’t want to tell her, yet it was too tempting to do so. Now,” She thought back to just hours before, to their conversation in the library, to how Twilight had listened and understood her words, and how they had pushed that aside to have fun together as friends for a change, a bond that she might ruin by bringing up answers which she had kept from her the whole time, “I’m not sure. Regardless, she deserves to know. If she hates me from that moment forth, I’ll be sad, yes, but at least I have the memories.”

           Luna smiled, and then embraced her, whispering into her ear, “You have seen many forms of heartbreak and loss over the years, Tia. Let me ask, what makes you think this will be one of those times?”

           With that, Luna broke away and nodded in the direction of her sister’s chambers, “Now go, and lower the sun. It’s almost time for MY fun to begin.”

           Celestia nodded with a smile, still thinking about her words, and then her eyes lit up, “Lulu?”

           “Yes?”

           “Twilight’s considering becoming the best horn-foiler in Equestria.” She smirked, “Expect her to challenge you.”

           Luna grinned, “I cannot wait. Perhaps at the Gala.”

           Both sisters parted, more or less reassured of themselves, though Celestia still wondered if she would be willing risk everything in her and Twilight’s relationship come the next night.
…….
           “Celestia?” Celestia awoke to a hoof tapping her on the cheek. Groggily, she opened her eyes and saw Twilight standing next to her bed. For a moment, she was surprised that Twilight had grown bold enough to enter her room without permission, but she was more curious as to what Twilight wanted.

           “Another nightmare, Twilight?” She asked, sitting up. Her pink mane, hanging without any enchantments, was bedraggled when she looked in the mirror and saw her reflection.

           Twilight shook her head, “Not tonight. I was just wondering if I could ask you something.”

           That’s when Celestia remembered her promise to Twilight, even though Twilight hadn’t come to her when the Day-Court was out of session, “Oh, I’m so sorry, Twilight! I forgot-“

           Twilight shook her head, “It’s alright. I was actually planning something for tonight, that is, if you want.”

           “What do you want to do?”

           Twilight shifted her wing, revealing a telescope underneath it, “I was wondering, if you want, we could go stargazing.”

           Celestia looked outside, to where the pinpricks of stars were just barely sparkling amidst the dark-blue of the sky, “Are you sure? Canterlot’s not the usually the best place for that.”

           “With the naked eye,” Twilight agreed, “but we’ll be using this, just like we used to, remember?”

           Celestia did indeed remember, and she had enjoyed looking at the night sky through her telescope, taking joy in the fact that she could at least do a fair job of somewhat recreating Luna’s artwork, as crude as it had been.

           She nodded with a smile, and got up, “In that case, the usual spot?”

           Twilight nodded, and bounded out the door. Celestia looked at her regalia on her vanity for a moment, and just shook her head, following Twilight out the door and through the hallways of the castle, heading to the royal gardens. Once outside, Celestia sighed at the feeling of her pink mane blowing in an actual nighttime breeze without magic enchantments. Like Luna, she always loved her natural look, though she could never remember when she had last been seen outside of her room as such.

           Twilight was waiting, her telescope set up on the grass near a bed of Celestia’s favorite red roses, their scent wafting to her nostrils even from where they were. Sitting next to Twilight, she looked up at her sister’s night sky and let the scent of the nearby flowers bring her peace until Twilight spoke again.

           “There. It’s all set up. Here,” Twilight motioned her over, “you can have the first look.”

           Celestia peered through the eyepiece, and her breath was taken away.

           Even after Luna had returned home, all of the light around Canterlot had prevented her from truly noticing her sister’s nightly masterpieces. Through the telescope, however, she could look in awe at the night sky up close. Every star within her sister’s control had been carefully placed, forming shapes, clusters, and swirls in JUST the right spots. Above them, the light of the full moon only seemed to enhance the beauty Celestia could see through the telescope. Luna’s stars, in addition to the stars that were beyond her domain, only succeeded in adding variation to what Celestia realized was an-all work of art.

           And those stars are suns, too, She thought, yet I only raise and lower the one…

           It was, in every sense of the word, AMAZING to her.

           “Oh, oh, I just thought of something!” Twilight waited for her to pull away before adjusting the telescope once more, “I found something you might like, just a few days ago.”

           “What is it?” Celestia asked, her gaze shifting between the younger alicorn in front of her, working on the telescope, and the night sky, which had seemed to lose all of its glorious luster the second she had stopped viewing it through the eyepiece.

           Twilight shifted the telescope, slightly, and made sure her calculations were correct before motioning Celestia to the eyepiece,“Look.”

           Celestia looked through the telescope again, and saw…the Horsehead Nebula?

           “Twilight?” Celestia looked at her, confused, “Isn’t that just the Horsehead Nebula? The same thing we’ve always looked out for after our lessons?”

           Twilight shook her head, excitedly, “No, I mean, it LOOKS like it, but,” Twilight motioned for her to look through the scope again, “you can clearly see that the head-shaped cloud is thinner, resembling a mare’s, and it is a slightly different color. Plus, it’s not too far outside our galaxy, not charted of course, while the Horsehead Nebula is light-years away closer to the Milky Way.”

           Celestia looked at Twilight, mouth agape. Her student had actually DISCOVERED a new nebula in her stargazing? Celestia was both impressed, mainly that one of the ponies most dear to her had done such a thing, and jealous in the fact that Twilight now seemed to know more than she did about astronomy- something she had studied up on, immensely, after Luna had first been banished for a thousand years. She wondered if LUNA, of all ponies, even knew about Twilight’s discovery.

           As if reading her mind, Twilight’s smile grew wider and more mischievous, her wings fluttering excitedly, “I haven’t told Luna yet, but I think she’ll be jealous when I do.”

           Celestia cast the lavender alicorn a stern look, “If I have to send her to the moon AGAIN, because you did this…”

           Twilight sat, raising her forelegs in mock surrender, “I’m sorry, but you don’t know that she’ll be THAT jealous. Besides, YOU look more envious right now."

           Celestia stared at her. Twilight stared back.

           Then they both burst out laughing. Celestia couldn’t help but once again think that, whenever Twilight was around, she could truly act like herself. In court, even her laughing was forced, yet out here, she and Twilight were fooling around like a couple of school-fillies, and she could drop her porcelain political mask.

           A soft breeze blew, and Twilight shivered slightly. It was only a slight tremor, but Celestia still noticed.

           “Are you cold?” She asked, concerned for her friend.

           “No, I’m fine.” Twilight said cheerfully, but another breeze blew by the second she finished speaking, and she shivered again.

           Celestia rolled her eyes. Despite the blush that appeared on her cheeks at her next thought, she still managed to stay strong, and push it aside.

           “You ARE cold.” Celestia said, accusingly.

           “Am not.” Twilight pouted.

           “Are too.” Celestia smirked.

           “Am no-brrrrrr.” Yet another breeze, stronger this time, and Twilight’s teeth chattered.

           “It IS a bit chilly tonight.” Celestia said, matter-of-factly, not that it made any difference to her. Her alicorn wings, slightly larger than those of a normal Pegasus, were more than enough to protect her body from the cold winds, yet when she looked at Twilight, she could clearly see that, while she DID have wings, they were more like a Pegasus in that they were smaller than hers, reducing the amount of warmth she received from their feathers and down. Even if Alicorns were less prone to hypothermia and frostbite than normal ponies, that did not necessarily mean that they were completely immune to the elements.

           “M-Maybe we should go inside.” Twilight suggested, “I wish we could stargaze more, but-“

           “No. I have a better solution.” Celestia blushed again, her previous thought back, but this time she decided to act upon it, “Come here.”

           Twilight’s face flushed, before she gingerly took a step forward and sat a few feet away from Celestia, but the princess would have none of that and with one big feathery white wing, she wrapped Twilight up and pulled her closer. Instead of pressing Twilight against her side, as she usually did, Celestia surprised the smaller alicorn by lifting her up in her hooves and placing her between her forelegs.

           “C-Celestia?” Twilight looked up at her former teacher. Celestia simply smiled down at her with the look of motherly affection.

           “Comfy?” The older princess asked.

           Twilight had to admit, the feeling of Celestia’s warmth surrounding her on three sides definitely served to make her feel more comfortable and, more surprisingly, safe. She quickly decided against arguing with the older alicorn as she knew that she was enjoying it and even if she didn’t, she figured she wouldn’t have been able to get Celestia to let her go as the older princess now had her front hooves wrapped around her to pull her close.

           Twilight gave a contented sigh and leaned back into Celestia’s belly fur, answering her finally, “Very.”

           For the next several hours, they simply enjoyed the company of each other as they looked through the telescope at various constellations and celestial objects. Twilight did most of the talking, as always trying to impress the already-impressed Celestia with her deep knowledge of the stars. Celestia sat and listened, once in a while asking her trivial questions and offering her own opinions on something. It was so much like their stargazing sessions of the past, but was it the fact that it was Luna’s night-sky they were looking at that made it better than those times, or was it something else?

           Inside, Celestia frowned, once again worried about what she would have to tell Twilight come the next evening. She didn’t want to end what they had between them, yet she knew that the secret had been held long enough, and that Twilight would probably find out on her own if she failed at the Gala…

           No, Celestia decided with finality, if that happens, then she’ll REALLY hate me. I HAVE to tell her tomorrow.

           “Princess?”

           “Huh?” Celestia was snapped out of her thoughts by the sound of Twilight’s voice. She suddenly remembered that this was not the usual day-court, where she could just zone out. With Twilight, she just HAD to pay attention, “Yes, Twilight?”

           “I was just asking if you wanted to go back inside. I mean, you seemed to have lost interest in what I was saying…”

           “No, no! I am sorry, Twilight, I just zoned out for a moment.” Celestia hugged Twilight tightly against her, lavender feathers brushing up against alabaster fur, “What were you talking about?”

           “I was talking about Orion. You know, the ancient story about him.”

           “What about it?” Celestia asked, smiling.

           “Well, I was wondering…”

           Twilight started to speak again, and this time, Celestia made sure she was listening to every word and answering whatever question Twilight had.

She inwardly chuckled to herself, knowing that despite everything, the student-teacher relationship they shared for the past several years would never fade. And if Celestia was honest, despite her secret, she wouldn’t have had it any other way in moments like this.
They didn’t go to sleep until much later, and for the first time in a long while, it was Luna who was generous enough to raise the sun for Celestia that next morning, while two alicorns snuggled up against one another in bed, fast asleep and still in dreamland.


> Chapter 7: The Gala- Romance Blossoms
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Oh, are you SURE I look okay?” Twilight asked Cadence, who was helping her get ready for the Canterlot Princess Gala. Being the youngest, she would be the last to give a heartfelt speech to those in attendance, and it was almost time for them to make their appearance. Luna had finished getting ready first, with Celestia close behind her. Cadence, though she had been ready a half-hour before, was as familiar with Twilight’s nerves as Celestia was and had stayed behind to help her sister-in-law.

“You look fine, Twilight.” Cadence giggled, running the brush through Twilight’s mane, “You look beautiful, like a princess should.”

Twilight bit her lip, looking at their reflections in the mirror, “What if I make a mistake? What if I make a complete fool of myself? What if-“

“Twilight!” Cadence turned her around and laid her hooves on Twilight’s shoulders, “Read my lips: You. Will. Be. Fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. Besides,” Cadence put a hoof over her heart, “the speech you give isn’t planned or written out beforehand. It’s given from the heart, and is what you truly mean. Trust me, as the Princess of Love, I HAVE to give plenty of those kinds of speeches.”

Twilight smiled, but frowned when she thought of Ponyville, all of a sudden, “I wish my friends could be here.”

“I asked them, told them that they were invited,” Cadence sadly said, “but they were all busy. Rarity wanted to come more than anything, as did Pinkie Pie for the party, but they both had their own duties to come first.”

Twilight nodded in understanding, but then smiled, “There will be cameras out there, right?”

Cadence nodded with a smile, “And one or two journalists who are going to write down complete transcripts of our speeches. Trust me, your friends will know what you said by tomorrow morning. Frankly, I bet they’ll still be a bit surprised that you’re still in Canterlot at just the right time to take part. It’s definitely easier than forcing you to fly to and from Ponyville or riding the train.”

“I just hope I say something good enough for everypony to like.” Twilight said.

There was a knock at the door.

“Yes?” Cadence asked.

Shining Armor peered in, “It’s almost time.”

“Alright, sweetheart, we’ll be out in a sec.”

Shining nodded and closed the door, leaving the two princesses alone once more.

“Just remember, Twilight,” Cadence put a hoof over her heart again, “to say what you really mean. Nothing scripted, just speak.”

Twilight nodded, “Got it.”

“Good. Now let’s get moving. The show is about to start.”
…….
           They emerged from Twilight’s room and headed for the grand hall. Outside the large, closed wooden doors, they found the rest of their group: Celestia, Luna, Shining, and…

           “Princess Twilight,” The other Royal Guard present stepped forward, bowed briefly, and removed his helmet to reveal the smiling, handsome face of the pegasus Flash Sentry, “I must say you look really lovely this evening.”

           “Thanks, Flash.” Twilight said, blushing.

           Shining looked at his friend, “Why so quick to complement her, Flash? You wouldn’t happen to LIKE her, would you?”

           Flash panicked, his wings twitching, “What!? No, no, no, Cap’n! I mean, wait, I mean-“

           Cadence stepped forward, leveling a glare at her husband, “Do you always have to embarrass your friends like that in front of everyone else, Shiny?”

           “Sorry.” Shining apologized, practically bending to his wife’s will, but he was smirking.

           Twilight smiled and stepped forward, nodding her head to Flash, “I take it you would like something from me?”

           Flash blushed, but still had the courage to offer his hoof, “Well, Milady, it would be a big honor if I was to escort you to your seat for the evening.”

           Traditionally, starting with Celestia’s parents, Royal Guards who were either sweethearts or really, really close friends to the princesses were allowed to ask if they could escort the princesses down the center aisle of the grand hall to their thrones before they left to join the ranks of the other guards during the speeches. Also, if their princess allowed them, they could sit next to their throne and enjoy their company for the evening. Shining, being Cadence’s husband, had been the only one to have that honor before Twilight’s ascension. Recently, however, Twilight had managed to find a really close friend in Flash Sentry. It was not a stretch, of course, to say that they might’ve had crushes on one another though Twilight was actually better at keeping her affections hidden from the young pegasus stallion.

           “Then escort me, you shall, my dear guardsman.” Twilight giggled, briefly taking Flash’s hoof in hers. The stallion flushed red, but a relieved smile was on his face.

           Perhaps I should ask him out sometime. Twilight wondered, wanting to at least try her hand at romance one day.

           Celestia stepped forward. In addition to her usual tiara, to keep her hair enchantment active, her appearance was like that of a daytime sky. She wore a dazzling dress made of sky-blue cloth with gold accents. On her feet were silver slippers, the color of which joined with her white coat to represent clouds. Embroidered on the side of her dress, in gold thread, was the symbol of her sun-shaped Cutie Mark.

           “Are you both ready to speak to the crowd?” She asked. Twilight and Cadence both nodded with confidence.

           “That is good. It really is exciting, getting the chance to hear our new princesses speak. Until now, it has only been Tia and I.” Luna stepped up next to Celestia as she spoke. The Princess of the Moon wore a dress embroidered, though with her own Cutie Mark, like her sister’s, but the overall color of the simple dress was navy blue with silver dots all along it to represent stars, while dark grey slippers on her hooves symbolized clouds at night, with her tiara completing the outfit. Both princesses truly looked like living embodiments of the sky overhead in that moment.

           Cadence giggled and Twilight beamed proudly at Luna’s words. Celestia took the moment to look over the two younger princesses, and she was proud of what she saw in her former student and her adoptive niece.

           Cadence wore her tiara and a dark red dress, the color of a rose, that was embroidered with her Cutie Mark but was also decorated with hearts and rose-petals, definitely befitting of the Princess of Love- though she chuckled at how it contrasted greatly with Shining’s bright gold armor. The stallion himself actually seemed to be looking at his armor with a bit of disgust, obviously wanting to match Cadence in attire, but there was little choice for him with what little time they had left.

           Celestia felt proud as she looked at Twilight. Like the other princesses, Twilight wore an outfit that made her appear to be a living embodiment of her title and talent, and Celestia was overjoyed at the thought of this being her first time speaking as herself in the eye of Equestria’s nobility, whereas she had been forced to be nothing but humble and respectful to them in the past couple of years since her coronation. This was going to be her chance to share her OWN ideas, and voice her OWN opinions, to those who she would normally say ‘yay’ or ‘nay’ to, according to her royal duties. Her dress, as hard as it had been to represent Friendship, definitely succeeded. The cloth itself was covered mainly in twinkling stars, and embroidered with her pink-and-white star-shaped Cutie Mark, all against a black background. On her feet were simple slippers in a royal purple color, while around her neck there was a charm necklace bearing golden replicas of the Elements of Harmony that jingled when she walked. Her mane retained its usual style, like the other three princesses, but the tiara she wore on her head was different from her usual one in that it was made of silver and not gold- the same style, but replicated in silver to go better with her outfit.

           It wasn’t Rarity-fabulous, but it was definitely breathtaking even for Celestia in that moment.

           Inside the grand hall, trumpets blared from behind the doors, signaling that it was time for everyone to get into position. Celestia and Luna stood side-by-side in front, with Cadence and Shining behind them with their sides brushing together. Twilight and Flash stood together behind her siblings and smiled at one another.

           “You really do look beautiful,” Flash said, “I mean it.”

           “I know.” Twilight surprised both of them by tilting her head up and kissing him on the cheek. Even with his helmet on, Twilight could see his blush clearly and she felt his wings twitch against her side, “Thank you.”

           “Alright, you two,” Shining looked back at them with a faux-serious expression, “new rule: at least five feet away from each other for the rest of the night.”

           Both Flash and Twilight both opened their mouths to protest, but Shining’s knowing smile revealed to them that he had only been joking- or was it the fact that Cadence had not-so-subtly stomped on his hoof to make him change his mind so quickly?

           “Ladies and gentlecolts,” Twilight’s friend from school, and a Guard herself, Ivory Rook, began to speak as the large doors opened to reveal the grand hall, “presenting Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of Canterlot!”

           Celestia and Luna stepped through the doors, beginning to make their way down the aisle and through the crowd towards their thrones for the evening.

           “Presenting Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire, accompanied by her husband, Prince Shining Armor!”

           The two aforementioned ponies began to make their walk through the applauding crowd, leaving only Flash and Twilight.

           “And now, presenting Canterlot’s latest addition to the royal line: Princess Twilight Sparkle of Ponyville, accompanied by Commander Flash Sentry!”

           The applause grew louder as they began to walk side-by-side down the aisle. Twilight was surprised at how well she was taking all the unwanted attention that night. Whether it was because Flash was there with her, as nervous as she was, or something else, she did not know. There was one question she had for him, however.

           She whispered out of the corner of her mouth, “Commander?”

           Flash nodded, “I was promoted just last week. Captain Shining Armor still has his rank in the guard, and they didn’t want to replace him JUST yet."

           “Are you sure about that?” Twilight deadpanned, keeping her eyes forward and smiling at the nearby ponies who were clapping for her, for the both of them.

           “Okay, MAYBE I had to beg them not to promote me that far, but come on, you know how good of an operator your brother is. He’s training the Crystal Empire’s Royal Guard personally, after all. Despite that, for whatever reason he asked ME to 'help' him- as if he needed help in the first place.”

           Twilight nodded, her smile never fading. Despite their differences in rank, Flash and Shining would always be friends and partners to the end, looking out for each other just like they would with her, and if there was one thing Twilight had learned from her studies in Ponyville, it was that such close friendship like THAT never faded unless you tried to break it.

           Not they ever would, of course. Twilight had been down that road once with the rest of the Elements of Harmony. She didn’t want to make THAT mistake, again.

           They soon arrived at her throne, and Flash bowed to her once before positioning himself with his fellow pegasi and unicorn guardsmen, off to one side of the dais where the thrones were set up. After a moment, the crowd quieted down and Celestia stepped off of her throne, walking up to the edge of the dais and sitting, looking down at the gathered nobility with a smile before beginning her speech. It was short, Twilight recognized one of Celestia’s trademark four-hundred word speeches, but it was received positively by those present. The princess spoke of upcoming events and recent happenings and her own views on them, before ending with a hopeful wish for everlasting peace in Equestria.

           Luna was up and giving her own speech before the crowd could even applaud for Celestia. Unlike Celestia, who was all serious, Luna’s speech was a mixture of hard seriousness and soft humor which earned quite a few laughs from the audience. The lunar diarch spoke of how pleased she was that many more ponies were staying up later to enjoy her beautiful night sky, and made a point at looking towards a small group of ‘professional’ astrologists when she said her final joke,

           “Let us just be clear on one thing, my dear researchers: There is truly a very good reason I put that flower-shaped constellation in the sky.”

           One of the researchers, known to be one of the most annoying nobles in court, stepped forward with a glint of piqued interest in his eyes, “What was the reason, your highness? Some scientific, magical or mysterious reason, I presume? What is the flower’s meaning?”

           Luna smirked, “I just thought it was pretty, like ALL of the constellations I put up there!”

           Her fellow princesses couldn’t help but join in the eruption of laughter that exploded in the hall at that one. The researcher, for all good reasons embarrassed beyond belief, quietly slunk back into the group and the humiliated astrologists proceeded to move to a secluded corner of the hall where they would be away from most prying eyes.

           Luna strode back to her seat, and Cadence took her place. The Princess of Love began to tell of how proud she was to see new love of all kinds blossom every day between friends and family, as well as lovers. The former foal-sitter also spoke of her life in the Crystal Empire with Shining and how, before they had met, she had not even considered what the love she helped to share among ponies was truly like until then. She continued with her heartfelt words, and by the time she was done, everyone in the hall, including Twilight, Celestia, and Luna, all had tears in their eyes from hearing the lovely speech of the pink alicorn.

           She truly has a way with words, Twilight thought, then realized what was about to happen, unlike me!

           All eyes in the grand hall were suddenly on her, and without hesitation, Twilight slowly stood from her throne and walked to the edge of the dais. She sat, and for a brief moment, she simply gazed upon the excited, expectant faces that were all staring at her.

           Okay, Twilight, remember what Cadence said: from the heart.          

She took a deep breath and, much easier than she expected, began to say what was on her mind.

           “First off, I would like to join my fellow princesses in welcoming you all to this celebration. I, for one, am honored to have you all here this evening.”

           A short applause from the crowd. So far, so good.

           “I will admit,” Twilight said, “to this day, it is very hard for me to look down at you and call you subjects, when not too long ago I was just like the rest of you: born to a noble family, like many in Canterlot, and taught in the ways of magic like all unicorns are- including my brother, Shining Armor,” Twilight nodded to her brother, who smiled in return, “and my sister-in-law.” Looking back, Twilight shared a smile with Cadence before returning her attention to the audience, “But let me ask you all one question?”

           Everyone, even the normally indifferent and stern pegasus legionnaires, leaned forward in anticipation.

           “Has there ever been a time in your life, where you felt inadequate?” Twilight asked, to which she received a few confused glances, “Many look at ponies like me and probably think ‘Princess Twilight Sparkle, she MUST be the most perfect pony I’ve ever seen’, when in fact there is some truth they do not know- so hidden insecurities that you know you have?”

           Off to the side, the Wonderbolts had gathered alongside their fellow pegasi. From Soarin, Spitfire, and all of them, she received nods.

           “I have felt that way, because I am not perfect. I used to look up to my idols and think that they were the best image for me to follow. But, as I just recently learned,” Twilight glanced back at Celestia, who gave her a smile, “we are not all perfect. In the end, we are all flesh and blood. Me, my fellow princesses, all of us were born into our own families at some point and had to learn what we know to this day.”

           In the audience, many ponies looked at one another and nodded their approval at her words.

           “I am now the Princess of Friendship, but I am not the best at my position and I know that very well, but so far you all have been patient and have helped me grow into this position, to help me learn politics and leadership almost as easily as I learned magic. Therefore, tonight, I would simply like us all to treat one another as equals, to teach each other and learn from one another as is our nature.”

           Twilight bowed her head, nodding to the audience, “Tonight, we are not pegasi, unicorns, Earth ponies, or alicorns. Tonight, I simply wish us to be Equestrians, to be just ponies in general.”

           For a moment, there was a deathly silence in the hall, but Twilight actually felt better. She felt proud that she had been able to say what she had to say, and she was shocked by how EASY it had actually been to just pour her heart out. Now, all that was left was the audience’s response.

           She got it in the form of cheers and applause that was far louder than it had been for the other three alicorns. Bowing, she returned to her seat, and noticed that the other three princesses were applauding as well. Had her speech really been that good?

           To Celestia, it was and so much more. Throughout all of Twilight’s speech, she had felt proud of her, to see her ‘most faithful student’ and fellow princess repeat the lesson that Celestia had taught her in the library, mixing it with Twilight’s past fears of inadequacy as a princess. She had been a leader, Luna had been a comedian, and Cadence had been heartwarming, but Twilight? Twilight’s words had been like theirs, straight from the heart, but they held something that no other alicorn could ever hope to receive from their people, even for one night.

           That something was equality.
……
           Once the energy that had come as a result of Twilight’s speech had died down, the hall was quick to fill with the sounds of soft ballroom music and conversation amongst the ponies. The princesses continued to sit on their thrones, conversing with one another. Shining, now that the speeches were over and the guard detail dismissed to their usual posts, had walked up to sit on a cushion beside Cadence’s throne, nuzzling his wife in greeting before joining in the conversation.

           It hadn’t been five minutes since Shining arrived that Twilight felt somepony’s eyes on her. With a smile, knowing who it was, she turned and saw Flash Sentry standing a few yards away, almost as if he was trying to remain unnoticed. Twilight cast a curious look at him before he realized that his eyes were darting back and forth between her and her siblings.

           Ahhh.

           With a giggle, she beckoned him over with a hoof. He blushed, realizing that he had been caught, but after a hesitant moment he slowly walked up with his wings tight against his sides. Twilight motioned to a nearby unicorn servant, pointing her hoof at Flash, and the servant was quick to get the message and bring a cushion for the pegasus to sit on. Flash cast her an embarrassed look, but she smiled knowingly, and he didn’t complain as he moved to sit beside her on her left side. He took off his helmet, and took a moment to shake out his handsome dark-blue mane.

           “Thanks.” He said, nodding to her.

           “You walked me in,” Twilight told her friend, “so the least I can do is this.”

           He was silent for a moment, his hooves shifting nervously, “That was, um, a beautiful speech.”

           “I guess it was, wasn’t it.”

           “No, it really was.” He said with a sincere tone, meeting her eyes, “And to be honest, everything you said was so true. I couldn’t stop listening.”

           Twilight tilted her head in confusion. Seeing this, Flash was quick to explain himself- or try to, at least, “Well, you see, I-“

           “Problem, Flash?” Shining suddenly spoke up from their right, followed by a giggle from Cadence.

           “N-no, no problem!” Flash said, stammering. Twilight cast a glare at her brother, letting him silently know how nervous Flash really was at the moment- and that jokes were not helping. Shining got the message and made the motion of zipping his lips shut.

           Twilight suddenly felt a new pair of eyes being cast in their direction, and this time when she looked, she saw that Celestia was casting a suspicious glance their way, or rather, FLASH’S way. The guard, realizing this, started to shiver from the wingtips to hooves with nervousness. Twilight looked at Celestia questioningly, and Celestia considered her for a moment before smiling and looking away. Luna, meanwhile, was struggling not laugh at the silent exchange between both princesses.

           “Is there something wrong, Flash?” Twilight asked, finally focusing her attention on the stallion next to her.

           Flash looked unsure for a moment, glancing at the others, before seemingly coming to a silent conclusion with himself. Looking into Twilight’s eyes, he let out a deep sigh…

           …and then leaned forward, gently nuzzling Twilight’s cheek. Twilight was surprised at the sudden act of affection, but she smiled and nuzzled him in return. Next to them, she heard Cadence give a quiet squeal at the sight.

           “Why, Flash Sentry,” Twilight tried to joke as they pulled away from each other, “I know you liked my speech, but I didn’t think THAT much.”

           Flash looked like he was about to panic, “I-I’m sorry, princess, I shouldn’t have-“

           Twilight put a hoof over his mouth. Flash stared at it cross-wise, almost in disbelief, for just a second before moving up her arm to look Twilight in the eyes.

           “It was just a joke, Flash. Don’t worry.” She said, all serious.

           He blushed when she took her hoof away, “Still, after all of that, I wanted to know one thing…”

           “What?”

           He cleared his throat, looking to where a circular space had been cleared for a dance-floor. Couples consisting of both nobles and common middle-class were swirling around, engaged in time to the waltz that the small orchestra was currently playing. With a final sigh, Flash turned to Twilight again and held out a hoof.

           “May I have this dance, princess?”

           Twilight shook her head with a frown, “No.”

           His face fell, “Oh. Okay...”

           Before he could even think about making up an excuse to leave in embarrassed disappointment, Twilight smiled.

           “Tonight, there is no PRINCESS Twilight.”

           Flash’s eyes widened as her words registered, but then he smiled with a bit more confidence and hopefulness, holding his hoof out to her again.

           “May I have this dance, then,” He asked, “Twilight.”

           She laid her hoof over his, and rose from her throne with an excited smile, “You may.”

           Celestia watched with both interest and caution as the two descended the steps of the dais and headed towards the dance-floor. The surrounding crowd parted to let them through, and within moments, the two smiling ponies, alicorn princess and Pegasus guard, were both joining in the waltz. Celestia wasn’t worried about Flash’s intentions. He had been a friend of Shining’s for awhile, and had even been chosen to go to the Crystal Empire and help the prince train the Crystal Royal Guard. Celestia knew for a fact, from what Shining told her, that Flash Sentry had had a crush on Twilight for a long time, yet he would never do anything unless he was given permission- he secretly was THAT nervous around Twilight, even before she had ascended into a princess. Still, the protective side of her, always active for Twilight, kicked in as she watched them dance the waltz. Now that she thought about it, however, Velvet had always made more than one joke about Twilight’s own crush on Flash Sentry, and this night WAS a night of newfound romance after all…

           Velvet. The mere thought of Twilight’s deceased foster mother made her heart ache. It was all the more reason to tell Twilight what she wanted to tell her, even if it meant losing it all and destroying their friendship.

           Celestia shook her head, this time watching the dance with a smile. The secret would come later. For the time being, it was best if both of them got to enjoy the evening first before delving into anything serious. As if on cue, however, Luna poked her in the side with her hoof to get her attention.

           “You know, sister,” Luna gestured to the dance-floor, where Celestia suddenly noticed Shining and Cadence had joined in the dance, “it seems so unfair that they get to have all of the fun. Even Twilight, who normally dances badly, seems to be enjoying herself with Corporal Sentry.”

           “Yes, you’re right.” Celestia nodded her head, sadly. She had never really been in love herself, save for a few flings here and there during Luna’s banishment, but nothing ever serious, especially after she had started to become distant from the rest of her subjects. Before Luna’s banishment, however, she had fond memories of being an extremely open warrior princess, who would always welcome the occasional guard or serving-maid to her chambers. It was a Golden Age in more ways than one could imagine.

           Now, she had no one except Luna, Twilight, Cadence, and their friends and family.

           As if sensing her thoughts, Luna’s smile turned sincere, “You know, tonight is also about friendship and fellowship, as well as love.”

           “Yes?”

           “If that is the case, then,” Luna stepped away from her throne with grace, and held a hoof out to her older sister, “may I have this dance, sister?”

           Celestia looked at her with wide-eyes, unsure of what to say. She was truly touched by Luna’s gesture, the complete opposite of what her little sister might’ve done a thousand years before, when there had only been a rift between them. Finally, she smiled and laid one hoof over her sister’s, repeating the same words that Twilight had told Flash.

           “You may.”
…….
           When the waltz, and the romantic slow dance (suggested by Cadence, of course) after it, had ended, the couples bowed to one another. Twilight and Flash did the same, though Shining and Cadence still remained close. Nearby, Luna and Celestia had wandered from the dance-floor and to the table of drinks that was set up off to the side.

           “That was fun, Flash.” Twilight told the stallion, who had seemed anxious the entire time despite his smile.

           “I-I’m glad.” Flash said, scratching the back of his neck with a hoof, “It was an honor, Twilight.”

           “The pleasure is all mine.” Twilight insisted, stepping closer.

           “You know,” He chuckled, “I once heard your friend Rarity say that you were a horrible dancer.”

           Twilight winced, “Usually, I am, but not this time for some reason.”

           “Maybe it was me.” Flash suddenly said, before clamping a hoof over his mouth, “I-I mean-!”

           Twilight giggled, and then came closer, “You know what? Maybe you’re right.”

           “Really?” He asked, surprised.

           “Yeah, because to be honest,” She brought her head closer to whisper into his ear, “I really enjoyed dancing with you.”

           “You did?”

           “Mhm, and you know what?” Her smile turned mischievous.

           “W-What?”

           “I would like to do this again, sometimes, if that’s alright with you, of course.” Twilight blushed slightly, knowing how bold she was being on her part.

           Flash looked like he had just been frozen, “Y-You mean it?”

           “Definitely.” He still looked unsure about whether she was just being nice or if she was actually being sincere, and bold thought came to her, “Here. Let me give you my word.”

           With that, Twilight leaned forward and gave the Royal Guard a kiss on the cheek. Flash’s entire face lit up red, his wings twitching again, and he looked like he was about to faint, “T-Twilight, I-“

           She giggled. Casting a glance off to the side, she noticed Cadence waving a hoof at her to get her attention. The pink alicorn pointed to Flash, and then to her, and then to her mouth before doing a bow. Twilight grinned, knowing exactly what she was suggesting. Shining was just trying his best not to burst out laughing at the sight of Flash’s expression.

           “You know, Flash,” Twilight sat down on her haunches, lifting Flash’s face with a hoof cupping his chin, “I think there’s something you’re not telling me.”

           “Something I’m not…? No, nonononono, there’s no secrets, here!” Flash’s flushed face grew redder, until it was almost as bright as one of the Apple Family’s prized fruits.

           “Really? I truly think you’re forgetting something.” Twilight pouted.

           “I don’t know what you mean, there’s nothing wrong, see?” He gave fake ‘I’m not alright, but I’ll say I am to you, anyway’ smile, before suddenly looking towards the windows, “Oh, look at the time, I had better get back to my post.”

           “Oh, so soon?” Nearby, Cadence was now also trying not to laugh at the stallion’s awkwardness as Twilight spoke.

           “Yeah, you know me, always busy.” Flash nodded, almost desperately, “And I’m sure there are many others who wish to speak with you, right now…”

           He started to inch away, but Twilight was not having any of that and she remained close to him, following him.

           “Oh well, if you say so, but…”

           “W-What is it?” He asked.

           “Well, this is still quite a formal occasion,” Twilight looked around with faux disinterest, “and that means it is only right to treat one another with proper etiquette- especially on the dance-floor.”

           “Etiquette, you say?” He gulped, looking off to the side.

           “Yes. For example,” Twilight reached out and had their eyes meet, “it is proper for partners to look at one another while they are dancing.”

           “Okay…?”

           “Then, it is only right for them to be close to one another, and to dance in time with the music.” Saying that, she drew closer to wrap her forelegs around his neck, and then smiled at him. Flash gulped again, his eyes never leaving hers.

           Flash didn’t want to ask the question, lest he was being too bold, but he couldn’t help it, “W-What happens next?”

           “Well,” Twilight smiled, “when the dance is over and they separate, go their own ways, it is only right for them to give one another a proper farewell.”

           “You mean like a goodbye? Or a bow?” Flash asked, though he had a faint idea that this was not at all the case.

           “Hmm, I was thinking something more,” Twilight leaned in, “like this.”

           With that, she pressed her lips against his. Flash’s eyes widened to the size of dinner plates, his wings springing straight upwards on their own, but the feeling of Twilight’s lips and body against his quickly overwhelmed his senses and he soon went along, melting into the kiss and letting his wings relax. Her lips tasted like strawberries, with an almost spicy sensation like a firecracker, while for Twilight, she tasted almonds with a faint hint of apple cider on his lips. Slowly, but surely, she felt Flash wrap his hooves around her barrel to pull her closer.

           Twilight could only think back to the argument between her and Velvet that had seemed to start of all of this in the first place, about how she had been too busy to think about love. Should she be feeling guilty that she was currently doing exactly what she had yelled at her adoptive mother for talking about? Was it because tonight seemed just too perfect to NOT have a moment with Flash? Twilight felt she should feel guilty later, but for the time being, all she could really feel was that this kiss, this warmth, all of it, was…right.

           She couldn’t really lie to herself anymore, not after everything that had happened since she had first seen him in the hallway up until now. Since she had first seen him IN GENERAL.

She loved Flash Sentry. She had definitely and irrevocably fallen for the guard Pegasus.

           And now, she was in the arms of that very same stallion, who she was currently sharing her first kiss with. Both of them were feeling the urge to deepen the kiss, but neither didn’t, not wanting to really ruin the moment of bliss that they were already having. Even so, Twilight couldn’t help but move her tongue across Flash’s lips invitingly, letting him know that she was thinking about it.

           Their lungs screamed for air though, after a moment, and they were forced to pull away from each other. No words were said for a moment, both of them staring into each other’s eyes.

           Finally, Flash decided to speak, “That…that was…um, would you like to, maybe one of these days-?”

           “Just tell me when and where,” She leaned her forehead against his, “and I’ll meet up with you.”

           Flash smiled, a goofy grin that only Twilight could love, but it faded as he grew nervous again.

           “Twilight,” He took a deep breath, and then tried to speak his thoughts, “I lo-“

           Twilight stopped him with a hoof to the mouth, “I know.” She leaned over and whispered into his ear, “I love you, too.”

           She then moved back to his mouth, and this time, it was Flash who kissed her. She smiled, once again enjoying the feeling of their lips locked together. By the time they pulled away, both of them were red in the face but grinning ear-to-ear.

           “Flash~!” Shining’s voice broke them out of their stupor.

           “Oh, no.” The pegasus muttered as his captain and prince walked up next to them. Quietly, Twilight backed away from their embrace but gave an encouraging nod to Flash. He smiled back at her, before turning to Shining, “Cap’n, listen-“

           “Wait. Don’t tell me.” Shining asked, “You really do love her, don’t you?”

           “Yes, but if that’s not okay with you, then-“ Flash looked like he wanted to fly away, but Twilight trapped him in her magic to prevent him from escaping. He gave her an ‘are you crazy!?’ look before Shining spoke again.

           “Oh, it’s not okay.” Shining said with a deadpan expression, but then he smiled and suddenly slapped his friend on the back, “It’s a relief, is what it is!”

           “Huh!?” Flash Sentry was so shocked, he looked like Shining Armor had just told him he had murdered somepony.

           “How long have you kept your feelings hidden, Commander Sentry?” Cadence walked up and pointed an accusing hoof at Flash, “Six months? One year? Since you met her? BEFORE?”

           “I, uh…” Flash gulped.

           “Okay, you two, that’s enough.” Twilight said, giggling, “I already agreed to a date with him, so I need you guys not to give him a heart attack, okay?”

           “Oh, we would NEVER do such a thing!” Cadence pretended to look hurt, but then she burst out into a giggling fit. Twilight released her magic hold on Flash as his captain and his captain’s wife both turned and wandered off, still laughing.

           Twilight cast him a glare, “You didn’t really have to be on guard duty, tonight, or have a post to fill, did you? How long were you standing there, waiting to sit next to me?”

           Flash looked like he was about to protest, but then he hung his head, “Ever since your speech ended. To be honest, I snuck around while you were talking, and hid in the shadows. I just, um, wanted to be closer, is all.”

           Twilight smiled, a sincere and honest smile, before walking up and giving him a peck on the lips, “Well, now you don’t have to be nervous and hide, do you?”

           “W-What if this causes a scandal? What if-?” She kissed him on the corner of his mouth, making the words die in his throat.

           “I asked for equality, tonight, remember? I doubt that any scandals would arise so soon just because a princess wanted to be among commoners tonight, and just HAPPENED to meet a handsome stallion who she fell in love with.” She said, pointedly, knowing that the story would be the perfect cover-up for a time. In fact, it wasn’t even that far from the actual truth, and then she hugged him, “So next time, just ask, alright? Will it be easier, now?”

           Flash didn’t even need to think about his answer, and he returned her embrace, “Yes, it definitely will be.”

           “Twilight!” Pulling away, Twilight looked to see Celestia and Luna waving her over. She sighed. Duty still called, even on such a romantic night. That didn’t keep her from giving Flash one more peck on the lips before she let him go.

           “I’ll see you around, okay?” She said, smiling, “In fact, wait for me near my chair if you want, until I return. I promise Cadence and Shiny will not make fun of you, anymore.”

           Flash nodded. With a bow, and one last loving glance at Twilight, he trotted over towards the four thrones with a happy-go-lucky grin on his face and a blush on his orange cheeks, his blue mane waving around with the motion. She watched him go, a dreamy look in her eyes, before sighing and walking towards where the elder princesses were standing.

           Celestia was watching Flash Sentry with a look of suspicion, but when she met Twilight’s eyes, the look that her fellow princess gave her seemed to tell her everything she needed to know about what they had witnessed between the two. Luna, on the other hand, was trying her best not to coo in delight at the image of the two kissing.

           “Before you ask,” Twilight said, walking up to them as if they had not understood the message in her expression, “we are in love, alright?”

           Celestia smiled at her, a familiar smile that always made Twilight feel warm and comfortable, but her eyes were concerned, “I understand, and I trust him as a faithful soldier, but if he does anything you don’t like-“

           “I know.” Twilight nodded quickly, “So, did you need something?”

           Celestia’s face fell for some reason, and Luna glanced at her sister with a look of…was it expectancy? Twilight looked back and forth between the diarchs, puzzled.

           “Actually, Twilight, there’s something serious I need to…discuss with you.” Celestia said, quietly.

           “What is it?” Twilight asked, but Celestia shook her head.

           “Not here.” She then gestured with a wing towards the outside, “I believe the gardens would be more appropriate- and out of the way of prying eyes and ears.”

           “Hmmmm…” Twilight looked at her, not sure what to think, but then she nodded, “Okay, I guess. Let’s go, then.”

           “Luna?” Celestia looked at her sister, and the two had a moment of silent communication.

           “I understand.” The lunar diarch replied with a nod, “I will wait here.”

           “Come, Twilight,” Celestia led the way, and Twilight followed, “there is…much to discuss.”


> Chapter 8: The Gala- All Is Revealed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	They stepped through the glass doors, and into the courtyard. Leading the way, Celestia spread her wings and flew upwards. Twilight, confused, followed suit and flew behind her as they headed for the rooftop garden on the opposite side of the castle. Without a word spoken between them, Celestia led the way along the paths and through the mass of sweet-scented flowers and towering hedges until they reached the other side of the gardens, where there sat on the pavement a trellised pavilion with roses and creeper vines growing all over it. Behind that, there was the edge of the roof that looked out towards the far northern mountains. Above them, the stars, faint as they were with all of the light pollution, still managed to twinkle while the full moon shone down upon them both.

Celestia walked over to the carved stone railing, and looked upwards at the sky for a long moment, sitting down on her haunches. After a moment of awkward silence, her horn was enveloped in a golden aura.

           POOF!

           Twilight’s eyes widened as their dresses vanished, “Huh? Why did you-?”

           “You’ll see.” With another flare of her horn, Twilight watched, mouth agape, as an unfamiliar wooden box appeared to hover in the air next to Celestia. The white alicorn set the box down gently on the railing, before beginning to speak.

           “Twilight, do you really view me as your friend?” She asked.

           “Of course I do.” Twilight answered, confused, “After all, Princess Friends Forever, am I right?”

           Celestia chuckled lightly, “Yes, that’s right, you also said that you wished to spend yesterday with me as a friend, yet I also remember you saying that I was also like a second mother to you.”

           Twilight took a step forward, “Yes, I did. I meant it, too. You really have been like a surrogate mother for me, in many ways, Celestia. Both you and Twilight Velvet.”

           “I see…”

           “Celestia,” Twilight was starting to feel uncomfortable, “what’s going on? Is something wrong?”

           “Actually, Twilight, yes, there is.” Celestia finally turned around to face her, her magenta eyes saddened and melancholic, “And it concerns you. No, not just you, but me as well.”

           “What do you mean?” Twilight was starting to get worried.

           “You came to me the other day, and I said I would help you find out who your real parents are or were. In the very least, I promised that I would help you find your mother. But I didn’t help at all, not in the least.”

           “Huh? Of course you did!” Twilight was really confused, now, “You were with me in the library, and you said that if you had a mother and father, then I did, too.”

           “But I wasn’t helping you like I should have.” Celestia looked away, again, “Twilight, I’m sorry- I lied to you.”

           “What?” Twilight was shocked.

           “I knew the truth, Twilight,” Celestia said, “about your true origins, about who you really were, and I didn’t say a thing.”

           “Why did you lie?” Twilight wondered if she should be angry, but she was more confused than mad at the moment, “If you knew, then why didn’t you tell me?”

           “Because,” Celestia still wouldn’t meet her gaze, but Twilight could see tears running down her cheeks, “I thought it would ruin our friendship, and after all the fun we had afterwards, and after you said you wouldn’t worry about it anymore for the time being…”

           Twilight nodded, thinking she understood, “That’s okay, I guess, though I have no idea why it’d ruin our friendship, but I’d still like to know, sometime.”

           “No.” Celestia said, “You’ve been kept in the dark for long enough, and you deserve to know the truth now.”

           The white alicorn levitated the mysterious wooden box from the railing, and set it down in front of Twilight before she turned away again. Twilight looked at the box in confusion, and then back at Celestia.

           “Go ahead,” The older princess urged, “open it.”

           Twilight reached out towards the box.

           “Wait!”

           Twilight brought her hoof back at Celestia’s sudden cry. She looked up, meeting the alicorn’s eyes peering at her over her shoulder.

           “Twilight, there’s one last thing I need to tell you before you open that box,” She sighed, “I don’t want to be your surrogate mother.”

           Twilight practically felt her heart shatter into pieces at the words. A few tears ran down her face, wondering what exactly was happening and why Celestia would reject her feelings that the alabaster alicorn was like a third mother to her. However, when Celestia gestured to the box again, Twilight knew that she had to open it. She had to know what exactly was going on. She was sad, she was confused, but most of all, she felt rejected with the Sun Princess’s words.

           When she opened the box, however, what she saw made all of those emotions vanish.

           Inside were several noticeable objects, mainly pictures of her and her friends- mainly her- in Ponyville, Canterlot, and abroad. Twilight recognized some as copies of photos her adoptive father had taken on certain holidays and special occasions: Twilight’s first magic trick; when her parents had been the NEXT two ponies, after Celestia, to see her Cutie Mark; and a copy of the family photo from the previous year’s Hearthswarming Eve. Alongside those, there were pictures that looked like they had been taken without her knowing: a get-together with her friends at the Sugercube Corner, her reading a book in front of the fire when she was still a unicorn librarian, and many others, including one of her singing at Shining and Cadence’s wedding- and one of her as a young filly! Twilight’s hoof trembled as she looked at it.

           “You took some of these?” She asked, stunned. She had never even known that Celestia had owned a camera or had been in Ponyville on some of those days.

           Celestia nodded.

           “Why?”

           “Keep looking.” Celestia answered.

           Turning her attention back down, the next thing Twilight noticed a vial which contained a lock of pink hair, and labeled ‘Twilight Sparkle’. It didn’t take long- looking between her former mentor and vial- for Twilight to realize that, apart from the differing labels, the lock of hair was colored exactly like Celestia’s own natural mane!

           Twilight gulped, reaching up to her mane to feel where her pink strip of hair ran through the main dark-blue color. Why would Celestia show her something like this?

           Then, her gaze fell to a folded piece of stationary in the box. Placing the vials down, she reached out with a still-trembling hoof and picked the piece of paper up. Taking a breath, not sure what she would find, she unfolded it and looked at what was written on it.

           Her eyes widened.

           It was her birth certificate!

        													   Certificate of Birth
Name: Twilight Sparkle
Born: 20th of [EXPUNGED]
Gender: Female
Race: Unicorn
Parents: Night Light Armor (father)
           Princess Celestia (mother)

           Shaking, Twilight read over the certificate again, not quite believing what she was currently seeing. That was when she noticed something odd with the information about her race. It actually seemed to have been whited out. With her magic, Twilight removed it and revealed the original print:

Race: Alicorn (Wing-Dormant)           

And then the information about her parents: Night Light Armor, and…

           Her heart seemed to stop. It had just barely been pieced back together, and then it stopped.

           “Twilight?” Celestia’s soft voice spoke, prompting her to look up.

           She did, trembling, and saw that Celestia had turned to face her. With a defeated look, the princess levitated the tiara from her head, and her rainbow-colored mane immediately turned to its natural pink color, falling down her back as the last of her regalia’s enchantment was removed. A pink color, like the pink strip in Twilight’s mane, and her eyes, those eyes, so much like her own.

           “I don’t want to be your surrogate mother, because Twilight…” Celestia looked into her eyes with a solemn look,

           “Twilight, I AM your mother.”

> Chapter 9: Twilight's Origins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight’s mind was very much broken at that point. Not ten minutes earlier, she had been kissing Flash Sentry, in love, and now they were here, and now she knew THIS.

           She knew everything, now.

           She knew the truth.

           Twilight looked into Celestia’s eyes, desperately searching for any hint that this was some sick joke, but she knew she would not find anything. She knew, with careful consideration, when Celestia was being completely honest with her, and now was one of those times. She looked at the box, the birth certificate in her grasp, and then she unfurled her wings and looked at them as if she had just realized they were there.

           Having nowhere else to look, she finally looked right at the alicorn. The alicorn she thought she had known better than anypony.

           She looked at her mother.

           The tears started to come, slowly at first, but then Twilight bowed her head as her small body was racked with quiet sobs. She felt Celestia’s eyes on her, yet now they felt very unwelcome.

           She couldn’t believe it.

           She just COULDN’T believe it!

           “No…No, no, no!” Twilight cried, turning away from Celestia.

           “Twilight!” Celestia took a concerned step towards her, but stopped when Twilight flinched.

           “No…,” Twilight whispered, “just stay away…”

           Celestia began to feel her own tears about to come to fruition. She was afraid that this would happen, and it was the reason she had wanted to keep her secret. It was now too late, however, and she had to accept the consequences.

           She had to face her daughter.

           But how could she do that, if Twilight wouldn’t look at her?

           “Oh, Twilight,” The white alicorn whispered, turning away towards the railing, “I’m so, so sorry.”

           Twilight was silent. Celestia kept talking.

           “You don’t know how hard this was for me. You had every right to know,” Celestia sniffed, “but I kept it from you. By the stars, Twilight, I’m sorry!”

           Twilight murmured something unintelligible.

           “What?” Celestia asked, turning towards her again.

           “…hate you…Why?”

           At the sound of the word ‘hate’, Celestia’s heart seemed to stop. No. It couldn’t end like this! Her daughter was going to reject her, hate her! This was all her doing!

           “Why?” Twilight said, a little bit louder.

           Celestia didn’t say anything immediately, still trying to come up with an answer.

           “WHY!?” Twilight spun around, angry tears in her eyes, screaming through grit teeth and making Celestia flinch. She took a threatening step toward Celestia, and then collapsed into a heap as sobs overtook her.

           “Why!? Why did you do this?” Twilight’s tears were out of control now, “Why did you lie to me!? Why did HE lie to me!?”

           Celestia thought of Night Light, and the guilt in her heart seemed to grow, but it was Twilight’s next question that broke the dam that held back her emotions.

           “Why did you leave me there? Why did you abandon me?”

           “Because I loved you!” Celestia cried, her voice echoing throughout the deserted garden. With those words, she crumpled to the ground as well, her own sea of tears unable to be reigned in for any longer.

           Twilight stared at her mother in shock, halting her crying immediately, “W-What?”

           Celestia managed to regain control of her emotions, but she still turned away from Twilight, “It was because I loved you. That’s why I did it.”

           Twilight bowed her head, “Tell me.”

           “What?” Celestia looked back at her in shock.

           Twilight looked back up at her with a glare, “Everything! I. Want. To. Know!”

           Celestia nodded, looking back towards the sky, “I realized that Night Light would’ve shown you the adoption papers, yet he did not know the whole story, either…”

           She paused, then continued when she felt Twilight’s eyes burning into her back anew, “I met Night Light during a routine inspection of the Royal Guard Academy. At the time, I really thought he was handsome and very kind and considerate. I felt for him, but I wasn’t in love with him, I didn’t allow myself to love him, because he was currently dating Velvet, who had enrolled in the School for Gifted Unicorns.”

           That was another thing Twilight did not know: that her adoptive mother had been a gifted magic student like herself once, and in Celestia’s own school too! But when she thought about it, she remembered Velvet having actually been a mage at one point before having become an author, so it DID make sense.

           “He passed his tests with flying colors, and I personally selected him as Captain of the Royal Guard not too long after. Like your brother after him, he would show to be extraordinary in combat and defense, as well as a good military leader. After awhile, he and Velvet married, though we continued to spend time together as friends.”

           Twilight listened intently, taking in every word.

           “One night, however, I couldn’t hold back my feelings for him, and he revealed that he couldn’t restrain himself from his own feelings that he had for ME. There was no drinking, no foul-play, just bliss that night.” Celestia growled that last bit, as if the mere mention of her misdeed had left a foul taste in her mouth.

           “It was only one time, and I personally took all of the blame for it,” Celestia sighed, “but three months after that night, I began to feel sick and the doctor I spoke to said that I was several weeks pregnant. Pregnant with you.”

           “I was thrilled, but I was also worried. I didn’t tell Night Light about my pregnancy, I NEVER told him, because if Velvet were to find out I thought he would be in trouble with her, and I was able to hide it for the rest of my term. Then, when the day finally happened…” Celestia shivered, but this time in excitement as she looked at Twilight, gazing at her with a soft look, “So many hours of labor, and despite my sin I will never regret saying this: you were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. The moment when they laid you in my arms was the best moment of my long life.”

“I named you Twilight Sparkle, ‘Twilight’ because your coat and mane were the colors of dawn and dusk- lavender for dawn, dark-blue for dusk, with a pink strip that you inherited from me being the only thing breaking that rule. I named you ‘Sparkle’, because when your eyes opened for the first time, they sparkled with the reflection of stars that were in the sky right outside the nearby window. Later on, I found that the name suited you more than I had realized, as you would later be revealed as the bearer of the Element of Magic and become an adopted member of House Sparkle- Velvet’s family.

           Twilight’s mouth hung open, agape. The trails made by her tears were still present, but the tears themselves had dried for the moment as she listened to the story- HER story, and HER origins, coming from her REAL mother.

           “But,” Celestia’s excitement faded, “I knew that I couldn’t keep you. I wanted to, but I couldn’t.”

           “Why not!?” Twilight cried, her tears threatening to make a reappearance, “Why didn’t you!?”

           Celestia looked at her, with eyes full of sudden sadness this time, “Don’t you remember what I told you the other day?”

           Twilight thought back, suddenly remembering something that Celestia had definitely said in the royal library:
       
“And I have always told myself, should I ever have a foal of my own, I would make sure that others treated him or her with an air of normalcy rather than reverence like that. We are royalty, we are immortal, but we alicorns prefer not to be placed on a pedestal and WORSHIPPED.”

           It made sense now, so much sense.

           “Night Light contributed to you, our combined unicorn genes overwhelming the Pegasus genes I have, and you were born as an alicorn that had one but not the other, or ‘wing-dormant’. If Cadence had been a natural-born alicorn, she would’ve been ‘horn-dormant’.”
She looked away, unable to meet her dear daughter’s gaze, “I didn’t want you to be thrown into the life of royalty. I didn’t want you to be oppressed by the more corrupt nobility. I didn’t want you to be TRAPPED as a princess like me for your whole fillyhood life, so I took advantage of your wing-dormancy and, three days after you were born, I…”

There was a long, long pause, until Twilight suddenly spoke with a bitter tone, “You gave me away, just tossed me aside.”

Celestia shook her head, looking over her shoulder at Twilight with an appalled expression, “No. That’s not at all what happened!”

Celestia started to tremble, but she knew that she had to finish the story, “I WANTED to keep you, by the stars above, you have no idea how much I wanted to. I wanted to have you there, by my side. I wanted to sing you to sleep, to hold you in my hooves and comfort you, and I wanted to just be your mother, from the moment I saw you.”

“But I couldn’t,” Celestia cried, “the rest of the court would realize that I had an affair of some sort, and then Night Light would be punished by more than Velvet and her family, and then YOU would be socially ostracized as a mistake that should never have been made. Even if that didn’t happen, I worried about them worshipping you, knowing deep down that you would hate it, having no friends and just ‘subjects’, while I also knew that being ostracized and cast out of social life would destroy you eventually. After everything else, the orphanage ended up being the only solution.”

“I made you comfortable, disguised myself, and I brought you in a basket to Miss Tender Heart. I meant to leave you on the doorstep, knock, and then let her come and get you, but as I was about to hide….” Celestia paused, “I ran right into somepony: Twilight Velvet.”

Twilight’s eyes widened even more.

“She recognized me despite the disguise- I was never good at hiding my Cutie Mark and abnormal height- and she managed to put two and two together when she saw me and then you in the basket. At that point, I had to tell her everything, so I did. I told her of how I had slept one night with her husband, and how I had kept you a secret from both him and the rest of Canterlot. She listened to every word I said, and when I was finished with my apology,” Celestia trailed off for a moment, “she forgave me.”

Twilight said nothing, so Celestia continued.

“Velvet understood it all, every last word, and she was the one who came up with the plan. By sheer coincidence, the two of you had quite a few similarities in your appearances, so it was easy to pass you off as hers. She had coincidentally been thinking about adopting a foal of her own to raise with Night Light, and she figured it would be a win-win situation. She would make sure that you got what I wanted you to have that I didn’t: a normal life, even though you were nobility, exactly like you have always wanted and had until recently. In exchange, she got to have a daughter of her own.”

“She never told Night Light, not wanting him to reject you or call you a mistake, though I doubt he would have, and Miss Tender Heart had then come out and revealed that she had witnessed the whole thing. Together, bless those mares’ hearts, the three of us came up with a set of adoption papers, and Velvet then ran home to get Night Light, but not before she promised one thing: that I would at least get to be your teacher, just like I was hers at the school. Meanwhile, I returned to the castle,” Celestia gazed at Twilight, and lamely added, “and you can guess the rest.”

The white alicorn got a far-off look in her eye, “I never mentioned this, but you were the first one I noticed at the Summer Sun Celebration that one year, even though you didn’t notice. Of course, I guess it was only luck that that inspired you to want to be my student. When I saw you walk into that testing hall, nervous and a little frightened, I wanted nothing more than to hug you and tell you that everything would be fine.”

Celestia smiled, “I can be thankful to Rainbow Dash, as you know, because her Sonic Rainboom, combined with your successful hatching of Spike’s egg, allowed me to experience what every parent only dreams of: I was the first to point out your Cutie Mark to you.”

“Velvet and I studied a bit, afterwards, and we agreed that you had inherited not just mine, but your aunt Luna’s and my mother’s magic as well, having some of the most powerful magic abilities since Starswirl the Bearded. I just knew, at that moment, even though I had long ago already decided, that you were definitely going to be my personal student. I felt proud. We BOTH felt proud.”

“However, I knew it wouldn’t be the same as a mother with her daughter. In fact, despite my friendship with Velvet and even though I knew you were none the wiser at the time, I HATED it when you called me ‘Princess’ instead of ‘Mother’. I still wanted you to learn, though, and learn you did- exceeding my expectations by more than ten miles! I will admit, though, I reveled during the moments you came to sleep with me, because it meant I could show some of my love for you.”

“But you needed friends, and not just books and Spike, that much I could see after a couple of years. Plus,” Celestia looked guilty, “after a while, I just couldn’t take the formalities any longer. I knew that sending you to Ponyville would help you make friends, and I knew that meeting the other Elements of Harmony would expose you to dangers that you had to face, whether I liked it or not- hence why I sent you, regardless, but with a heavy heart and wishing I could do something. Still, I was proud at how successful you had become, TOO proud.”
Celestia turned to her, and nodded to her wings, “I have to say that those wings, the spell I used to balance out your pegasus and unicorn genes so that you could be a complete alicorn, was my biggest mistake. I turned you into a princess without thinking, knowing that you had done more than enough to earn it, but not realizing until much later how inadequate you felt. Even tonight, when you spoke, I could see that I had predicted correctly: you just wanted to be normal, not royalty, but normal. If I had just thought for a little longer, then I could’ve stopped myself, maybe come up with something else, but it was too late.”

“The other day, when you buried Velvet, all I could do was visit her grave after you all left and thank her for everything she had done. I realized that Night Light might reveal that you were adopted, even though what he didn’t realize was that you were actually his biological daughter after all. Still, I was shocked when you told me. Luna came to me after you left my study, and she said it was time to tell you the truth.”

“And,” She turned away again, “that time was now.”

There was a long silence.

Just…

…silence.

Twilight’s mouth opened, but then closed again.

“Go on,” Celestia smiled bitterly, sensing Twilight’s movements, all with her back turned to her and her mane hiding her face, “say it. Call me nothing more than a homewrecker who should not have been forgiven. Call me nothing more than a horrible pony who should have her crown taken from her. Call me a horrible teacher, friend, and mother. To be honest, it’s all true: after all I had done, Twilight, I don’t deserve to be your friend, your teacher, and especially not your mother.” A tear rolled down her cheek, “You deserve much, much better.”

Twilight didn’t know what to think at all, much less say. On instinct, she opened her mouth to scream out every vile thing Celestia had just said about herself. But then, almost as if her mind was rebelling against her, thoughts of anger, hate, and rejection gave way to something else.

Images. A realization.

The horn-foiling match from the day before, when she and Celestia had played for the mere fun of it, and how Twilight had won- against her own kin! It hadn’t been research or luck that had won her the match, but her own heritage and instincts that Luna- her aunt- possessed.
All of the meals they shared together, from foalhood to princesshood, and she realized that she and Celestia both really loved two flowers in particular: roses and daisies. They also shared similar tastes in common cuisine from Ponyville.

Their talks, where Twilight would speak and Celestia would listen or vice versa, just enjoying the knowledge that they both had to share with one another over a cup of tea and a game of chess.

Their many times snuggling together in Celestia’s room, especially the last two nights, where the older princess had held her tightly under her wing for warmth and companionship.

The previous morning, when she had heard Celestia singing a lullaby- and it HAD been a lullaby, while also proceeding to wrap an affectionate wing around her. Twilight remembered that it had all felt so familiar in a way.

Their stargazing the previous night, when she had sat between Celestia’s forelegs for warmth against the cool nighttime breeze. Twilight suddenly realized what it would’ve looked like from somepony else’s perspective: a mother sitting with her little foal to watch the stars.

All, every single one, of their moments spent just with each other- whether it was for lessons, reading sessions, friendship, or otherwise. They had all been moments that Twilight was sharing not just with Princess Celestia, not just with her teacher, but her real mother.

Then Twilight thought of a less than pleasant image.

She thought of before the Changeling invasion, where Celestia, among her brother and her friends, had not believed in her and had shunned her from the wedding. Now that she thought about it, Celestia had afterwards looked like the one with the most guilt- the guilt of having distrusted her own daughter.

Then there was the incident with the Want It, Need It spell. Enough said about that one.

Then Twilight became guilty, as images where Celestia had been the victim- and Twilight the one dealing the pain.
All of the times she had come to Celestia on Mother’s Day, asking what to get Velvet. She suddenly remembered that Celestia, despite her mask, had actually looked deeply hurt for a moment. Even though Twilight also began to view her as a surrogate mother of sorts, and surprised her with roses those same years, the pain had still been dealt.

The few times where she forgot to write a friendship report- and had kept Celestia waiting and waiting for one to show when it wouldn’t for awhile. It was like a daughter that had been sent off to school, and didn’t write back even though she had promised that she would.
The times where she had been fed up as a student and, in one of her rare moods, refused to do anything at all while Celestia had just been cheerfully trying to teach her a new spell that was particularly difficult, when her mother had been none the wiser about her ‘funks’. The hurt in Celestia’s eyes whenever Twilight snapped at her…it made her cringe.

Then, there was Celestia’s own title. Twilight realized then how much she had TRULY hurt Celestia by addressing her with formality like that- it just wasn’t something that family did. Luna didn’t even do that, and she had once been unable to speak in any dialect outside of Old Equestrian, calling Celestia ‘sister’.

Twilight’s mood turned from angry to guilty, though the sadness remained, very quickly.

Celestia had spoken honestly, completely honest without lies or half-truths of ANY sort. Twilight could only think of the times where good had outweighed the bad in her memories, and that was when she came to a heart-wrenching conclusion.

Celestia wanted her to hate her, to make her be alone despite the pain- to have better.

But despite everything she felt, Twilight just COULDN’T. Celestia had kept the truth from her, and so had Velvet, but they had done everything with her best interests at heart- as if they had known her before she was born. And all of those times, where Twilight was treated like a normal pony, she was as happy as Celestia wanted her to be. In exchange, Celestia had been alone, hurting when Twilight had chosen Velvet over her even though she had not known. Yet, contrary to what SHE had believed, Celestia actually, and still, felt GUILTY for turning- no, REVEALING- what Twilight was: an alicorn princess, not by magic, but by birth as well, and that she had never truly been a unicorn- taking away much of her social equality with many other ponies.

Celestia had been there for here, sans the Changeling invasion and the Want It. Need It spell, and had done nothing but good out of love for her and her wellbeing, begging Twilight to forgive her when she hadn’t supported her. She had always been thinking about her, and had always taken care of her ESPECIALLY after she had moved into the castle as a filly, always seeming to take pride in teaching her ‘most faithful student’. Even when Celestia had seemingly sent her friends on dangerous missions without a second thought, she realized that Celestia had hated it- but had done it because she had no choice, and yet she hadn’t said a word for another good reason- she trusted Twilight and her friends, more than she had trusted herself, and had cheered her on the whole way, somehow knowing she would succeed.

No.

She didn’t hate Celestia. She COULDN’T.

She LOVED Celestia.

She loved her mother.

           She finally focused her gaze on Celestia, and tears began spilling from her eyes. Celestia was still turned away from her, but as Twilight watched she slowly glanced over her shoulder to meet her eyes.

           Then, another realization hit her, something that had been on her mind since the previous morning.

           Twilight just needed to know, she HAD to know one thing, just to make sure that Celestia really was telling her the truth.

           Twilight took a step forward, dropping her birth certificate into the box from where it had taken to hovering in the air throughout the entire exchange.

           Celestia’s eyes widened, and she turned toward her.

           Twilight took another step forward.

           “T-Twilight?”

           Twilight kept their gazes locked, taking one last step forward.

           Then she lunged...

           “Oof!”

…straight into her mother’s arms!
           

> Chapter 10: Mother and Daughter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Never before had Celestia been so shocked. When Twilight had lunged, she had expected physical punishment- a stab in the chest from Twilight’s horn, perhaps, or maybe a good pounding from the lavender alicorn’s hooves.

           Instead, her daughter began to sob quietly…wrapping Celestia up in an embrace with forelegs and wings, snuggling into her chest fur as if trying to bury herself in it. Celestia could’ve sworn that she deserved something bad to happen to her, for her daughter to reject her, and yet here Twilight was, actually HUGGING and not HITTING her.

No, as much as she loved it, she knew she didn’t deserve it.

           “Twilight-“Her protest was stopped by a hoof to her mouth. Twilight tilted her head up so that their eyes met. The tears in her eyes, the expression on her face, made Celestia swallow the protest that had been rising in her throat.

           “Sing.”

           “What?” Celestia was baffled by the request.

           “Please,” Twilight closed her eyes, nuzzling Celestia’s chest again, “sing.”

           “But, Twilight, I-“

           “I remember now, the song.” She finally did, indeed, recall back to long ago, when she had heard somepony singing to her and remembered when she had thought Celestia’s own singing voice had sounded so familiar to it.

           “I just want to hear it again, after so long.”Twilight sniffed, wiping her tears away with her hoof, “I just want to be held, and hear your voice, your lullaby. Please….”

           The pleading in her daughter’s voice was almost too much for her to take. Celestia had to keep from returning Twilight’s hug with everything she had in her alicorn body.

           I don’t deserve this, Celestia thought to herself, even if she is asking…

           “I-I don’t understand, Twilight,” Celestia stammered, “I failed you. I failed as your mother, mentor, and everything else. Why are you doing this?”

           “I can’t do it, not after I realized how much you truly cared despite it all. I can’t hate you,” Twilight’s muffled voice came from deep within her chest fur, “and you can’t make me.”

           “Please,” She repeated, started to sob, “sing.”

           She couldn’t bear it. She couldn’t bear to see Twilight hurting because of her, not again. Even if she didn’t deserve Twilight’s love, she knew that she would do anything to make her daughter smile again- a smile she loved to see, no matter what. If it brings a smile to her face…

With that thought, she took a deep breath, and began to softly sing:


In my arms I hold a child,
A heart untamed, a spirit wild.
Yet, whilst here, in my embrace,
I can gaze upon your face.
My Little Nova, my Twilight star.
I will love thee wherever you lay,
I'll cast my light over ‘n ‘neath your day.
Your flower has bloomed, and I watched it grow...”


           She wrapped her forelegs around Twilight, and the lavender mare snuggled deeper into the embrace as she finished the lullaby.


Now I know, now I know,
           I will never, ever, let you go.


           When the song finished, Celestia lifted her wing and brushed away her tears with her feathers, waiting for Twilight’s response.

Silence greeted her for a long moment.

           Finally, lifting her head, Twilight looked up at Celestia and stood up on her hind legs while still in her embrace. Still with tears in her eyes, she softly smiled.

Her next words made Celestia’s heart flutter, break, and then rebuild itself.

           “I forgive you.” Twilight voice was warm and…affectionate, “I love you…Mom.”

           Celestia couldn’t believe it. Had Twilight really just called her ‘Mom’? After all those years of hiding her secret, Celestia had begun to wonder if she would ever hear her own beloved daughter call her that, when Velvet had still been alive. Twilight always called the silver mare ‘mother’ instead of her, and it had hurt, despite Celestia’s misgivings about herself as a mother, especially on Hearths Warming Eve when Twilight would ask her advice on a gift for Velvet.

           Now, Celestia couldn’t help but smile and hug Twilight tighter. With that one word alone, Celestia knew for sure that Twilight had not rejected her. Twilight accepted her.

           She had her daughter back!

           “Does this mean,” She nuzzled Twilight’s head with affection, “that you’ll give me a chance?”

           Twilight nodded, wiping her tears away, “I appreciate what Dad and Velvet have done for me, and I’ll never ever forget that, but if it wasn’t for you as well as my friends I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ll ALWAYS give you a chance, Mom.”

        By the stars and my sun in the sky, if this is a dream, I don’t want to wake up. Celestia thought.

           Twilight pulled away from their embrace, visibly shivering as their warmth was separated. Deep in thought, Celestia watched as she walked to the railing, where her crown still sat. Twilight looked at it for a moment, and then at herself.

           “Is there something wrong, Twilight?” Celestia asked, nervously.

           “I look a lot like Velvet in many ways, but I only have my father’s genes aside from yours.” Twilight wondered, “Is my appearance just…random?”

           Celestia sighed, relieved at the relatively innocent question, “Mostly. Since you inherited magic from your grandmother as well, who had taken care of the night before your Aunt Luna, her magic morphed with my own, and affected your outer appearance- a mixing of day and night into twilight, if you will. The blue mane and your cutie mark are also signs of Luna and your grandmother within you while your eyes and that pink strip in your mane are from me.”

           Twilight smiled, thoughtfully, “I wonder….” She looked up at Celestia, particularly at her mother’s white coat and naturally pink mane, and closed her eyes for a moment.

           “Twilight,” Celestia asked, cautiously, “what’re you-?”

           Twilight started to glow, forcing Celestia to squeeze her eyes shut. When the light disappeared, she opened her eyes to find…a smaller version of herself?

           No. With a gasp, Celestia realized what Twilight had done.

           The younger alicorn had cast an illusion spell on herself. She still had her normal mane-style and Cutie Mark, but she had changed her color scheme to a white coat with a bright pink mane. Those magenta eyes, similar to her own, had that unmistakable glint of mischief in them that she knew only Twilight could possess, as well as those wings, every bit as swan-like as her own. In every way, Luna was right. With just a little poofing up done to her mane, and the star Cutie Mark replaced with her sun, Twilight would look exactly like a smaller version of her.

           “Hmm,” Twilight walked over and stood next to her mother, the larger alicorn’s mouth agape in surprise, and looked back and forth between them for a moment before their eyes met, “so if I had more of you in me, then would I look something like this?”

           Celestia finally found it in herself to laugh, and she gathered her daughter in her forelegs again with a smile on her face, “I guess you would, yes.”

           Twilight grinned, “Perhaps if I try on your crown, maybe my mane will gain a rainbow appearance.”

           “Oh, no,” Celestia chuckled, “it is much too large for you for the enchantment to take effect. Besides, it only reacts to MY magic signature- oh…I believe it would also…”

           Twilight’s grin widened, “Perhaps I could-“

           “As fun as that sounds, dear daughter,” Celestia interrupted, wanting to continue the fun, but knew they had been absent for long enough, sent the box of photos back to her chamber with a spell, and levitated her crown over, preparing to place it on her own head, “I believe we have kept everyone else waiting for awhile. Besides,” She smiled, “I believe Luna will enjoy finally being able to treat you as a niece rather than just a fellow princess.”

           The white Twilight pouted, and Celestia forced herself to ignore that her expression was EXACTLY like a younger version of Celestia used to have and use on her own parents.

           Twilight shifted a hoof, “Can I least try it on?” She asked, looking up at Celestia with puppy-dog eyes- another look that the older alicorn used to use on her parents. Celestia couldn’t quite put her hoof on it, but Twilight actually seemed to be acting more mischievous now, and all around just…her daughter.

           It was like she was trying to make up for lost time.

           But as happy as that made Celestia deep down, she was not one to let just ANYPONY wear her crown and adopt her mane’s appearance, regardless if they were family or simply looked liked her.

           “Every time I wear my mane like this in public, everypony always stops and stares. I really do not want any unwanted attention for either of us.”

           “I proposed a night of equality, remember?” Twilight pointed out, “I’m sure everyone will make an exception, just for tonight.”

           Celestia looked at her levitated crown for a moment, and then sighed, giving in quicker than she thought she would and lowering it onto Twilight’s head, “It’s heavier than you think.”

           Twilight nodded, removing her tiara, and Celestia then released her magic as soon as the crown rested upon her daughter’s head.

           “Well,” Celestia asked patiently, “what do you-?”

           Before she could finish that thought, there was a spark of magic, and suddenly Twilight’s mane, still pink from the illusion spell, suddenly started to take on a windblown appearance. With another spark, the pink of the mane immediately became an ethereal flow of purple, green, and light blue.

           “Mom,” Twilight looked at Celestia’s bewildered look for a moment, before turning to look at herself, “why are you..?” She trailed off, her jaw dropping at the sight of her mane.

           They were both silent for a long moment, their mouths agape, staring at the unexpected sight.

           “Well,” Twilight said after awhile, “I guess I was right.”

           Her magic signature must resemble mine more than I thought. I wonder if…

           Their eyes met, Celestia looking down at the smaller spitting image of her royal self, and they had the same thought at the same time.

           “Cancel your illusion spell.” Celestia told her. Twilight nodded, and with a flash of light, she returned to her normal coloration. She looked perfectly normal.

           Almost

           Celestia half-wondered if the pink strip in her mane would react to the crown’s enchantment, but to her surprise it didn’t. Instead, it was the primary dark blue of Twilight’s mane that reacted. Her mane was not only slightly longer in the back, but dotted throughout the dark-blue strands, and even the strip of pink, were thousands of sparkles- the stars of the night sky! There was no ethereal wind blowing Twilight’s mane now, but to Celestia that didn’t matter. In fact, though she loved seeing Twilight look like her, her daughter looked even more lovely with Luna’s stars in her otherwise normal mane. In fact, Celestia briefly wondered if Twilight was meant to be Princess of the Stars, rather than of Friendship and Magic.

           Luna will definitely enjoy this. Celestia smiled.

           “I think…I think I like this a lot better.” Twilight said, in awe at her new royal appearance, but then looked at her mother guiltily, “No offense. I like your look, too.”

           “None taken,” Celestia was still in awe, “because I believe this suits you better. I might even enchant your regalia, if you would like. After all, a mane of the night’s fading stars, and a lavender coat of the coming sunrise,” Celestia walked forward and nuzzled her daughter lovingly, “you truly are living up to your name in this moment, my Little Nova.”

           The nickname made Twilight blush at first, but mainly because she actually enjoyed it, and she nuzzled her mother back, “Thanks, …Mom.”

           Celestia grinned, “You don’t know how happy it makes me to hear you call me that.”

           But still, after all that progress… Twilight thought.

           “C-Can I still call you Celestia, too?” She asked.

           “Of course. After all, before we were family,” Celestia winked, “we were friends.”
……
           They flew out of the garden, and were quick to arrive back at the ballroom, where the Gala was still in full swing. Celestia held Twilight’s tiara in her magic, while Twilight still wore her mother’s crown upon her head. Both of them had changed back into their dresses before leaving the garden, though the only difference was that Celestia’s mane was still its natural color, and Twilight’s mane was still enchanted- exactly what she wanted to show the others.

           Celestia paused, still worried about her appearance, but an encouraging nudge from Twilight allowed her to continue forward into the ballroom. True to her fears, a lot of ponies looked at her in surprise upon seeing her natural appearance, but to her surprise they either went back to talking without a second glance or had turned to look at Twilight in awe for a brief moment as mother and daughter made their way over to their thrones.

           “Twily!?” Shining Armor, the first to see them arrive, could only stare in shock at his little sister’s new sparkling mane and the other princess’s crown on her head. Next to him, Cadence clapped her hooves in delight. Next to them, Luna looked on in surprise, only for her agape mouth to quickly widen into a grin when her eyes met those of her sister and her niece.

           “Hey, Shiny,” Twilight grinned, looking at her brother, “you like it?”

           “It’s simply gorgeous!” Cadence squealed, “You look so beautiful, Twilight!”

           “I…actually have no words to describe it.” Shining was still in awe, “You look…divine!”

           Twilight blushed, still not used to the compliments that other ponies seemed to love giving her. Celestia momentarily wondered if her daughter’s adorable blush was the reason that ponies kept complimenting her in the first place.

           “Let us make one thing very clear, right here and right now.” Luna said, fluttering over with her grin still attached, “Just because you possess my stars in your mane does NOT mean I’m letting you take over the night sky.”

           “How about a bet?” Twilight returned her aunt’s grin with a wink, “You know, for that horn-foiling match I am challenging you to.”

           “You. Are. ON!” Luna responded, “Then we shall see who the real artist is!”

           “Bring it,” Twilight leaned forward and whispered so only the two oldest alicorns could hear, “Auntie Luna.”

           Luna chuckled, and then looked at Celestia with a look that asked, “Like aunt, like niece, eh, sister?”

           Oh, sweet stars, Celestia inwardly groaned and rolled her eyes, here we go again.

           Yes, everything definitely looked like it was turning out for the better.

           While Shining and Cadence looked on with smiles at the challenging conversation between the Lunar diarch and the lavender alicorn wearing Celestia’s crown, the white alicorn smiled with only hopeful thoughts in her mind for once.

           For once in her life, with her daughter AND sister by her side, Celestia felt whole again.

           “Wait a minute, Twily.” Shining suddenly asked, “Did I just hear you call Luna ‘auntie’?”

           “Um, well,” Twilight chuckled nervously, the spoke quickly, “becausesheis!”

           Luna looked sheepish. This was not going to end well.

           Next to her, having gotten up from near Twilight’s throne to join in the conversation, Flash was quick to put two and two together, “Wait, she’s your aunt? That can’t be right! If that’s true, then…that would…mean…”

           Slowly, all eyes turned to Celestia. Shining Armor looked extremely unnerved, but Celestia put her attention of Flash and decided to answer in the only way she knew how at that point.

           “I will give you one warning, Commander.” Celestia frowned seriously, though inside she was bursting with laughter, “Should ANYTHING happen to my daughter while she’s in your hooves, you will be answering to me. Understood?”

           Flash’s eyes bulged out of his head, and he nodded quickly. Seeing that he could faint at any moment, Twilight leaned over and kissed him on the cheek in an attempt to keep him on his hooves-

           CLANG!

           -only for Flash’s mind to shut down completely at the contact and allow him to collapse to the floor. Twilight gasped and immediately lay by his side, nuzzling him and trying to wake him up. Luna burst out laughing, only to stop abruptly when Twilight cast her a disapproving glare.

           “Is this just some sick joke?” Shining growled at Celestia, walking up to her with fire in his eyes, “There is no way…”

           “Oh, Shiny,” Cadence was smiling, having recovered from her initial shock, “I may not have known about this- or expected it, even- myself, but I must say this: there’s ALWAYS a way that something can be possible.”

           “So that means, this whole time,” Shining looked up at Celestia, his anger fading into simple disbelief, “she was your daughter?”

           “Yes,” Celestia admitted, “but where you are concerned, you are her brother by blood in almost every way.”

           “How? We had different mothers, and the only way we could be related by blood was if we shared the…same…father…”

           “Auntie!” Cadence gasped, her smile fading as she quickly realized, “you didn’t!”

           Celestia looked away, “I’m sorry, Shining. I can only hope that you can forgive me like Velvet did after Twilight was born. If you don’t, at least know that your sister is your own, and that I do not wish to start a war with the Crystal Empire because of my sin- because I don’t regret it if it meant that Twilight was born at all.”

           Shining sighed, after a long moment of thought, “You never told him, did you?”

           Celestia shook her head.

           “I’m happy that Twilight found her real mother,” Shining said, careful with every word, “and I am glad that, despite the roadblocks you obviously had, you two are happy. I, for one, am glad that she is my actual sibling.”

           “But?”

           “First, you both have some storytelling to do,” Shining said, to which everyone else nodded (except for the unconscious Flash Sentry, of course), “and then, we will go on from there. Whether you slept with my dad or not, Celestia,” He smiled, “I guess I AM as forgiving as my mom was.”

           “Besides,” Cadence joked, punching her husband in the shoulder, “I made him swear to not use war as his go-to option.”

           “He wouldn’t do that,” Twilight looked uncertainly at her brother, “would you?”

           “You really want to find out?” Shining asked, with mock-seriousness.

           Celestia chuckled and decided to offer an olive branch in response, opening her forelegs for a brief hug, to which the stallion accepted. Twilight and Cadence were quick to join in, while Luna was finally able to wake Flash Sentry up from unconsciousness- and then pull him into the family group hug!

           Now all that’s left is to tell Night Light. Celestia frowned inwardly, Yeah, that’s one conversation I’m NOT going to start…


> Chapter 11: The Garden and a Final Farewell (Ending)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Two weeks later, Celestia’s internal clock woke her from a brief nap, and she sat up to find herself in the shade of her favorite tree, in the middle of the Royal Gardens where she had nodded off a short while ago. Not too far away, she could hear the rickety wheels to a carriage coming to a halt outside the entrance.

           Right on time… She thought, grimly, running a hoof through her mane a few times in an attempt to erase any form of bedhead from her image. She was just levitating her crown back to the top of her head, from where she had lain it aside for a relieving moment, when she heard several sets of hoofsteps heading towards her along the stone-brick pathway.

           Twilight came around the corner, smiling wide when she saw Celestia, and the younger alicorn ran up to hug her mother in greeting. Celestia smiled, returning her daughter’s embrace with all the love of a parent, running her hoof gently through the younger alicorn’s mane.

           “How are you, Celestia?” Twilight asked.

           “I’m fine.”

           “Hello, princess.”

           Celestia gulped, clutching Twilight tighter against her as she looked up at the new voice. Sure enough, there stood Night Light a few feet away, with Spike sitting on his back, both of them looking at her with a neutral expression and a smile and wave, respectively. Flash Sentry, in one rare instance without his armor at all, stood behind them, looking at Night Light uncomfortably- as if he was a ticking time-bomb.

           Time to- what was it called, again?-‘face the music’.

           “Hello, Night Light.” Letting go of Twilight, Celestia approached them and bowed her head in respect, “I trust that you’re doing well.”

           Night Light nodded, slowly, “I am.”

           “I truly am sorry to hear about Velvet.” Celestia said, honestly, “I trust that you now know how close we both were to her.”
           Another nod, and Night Light glanced at Twilight before answering, “I do, and if I’m honest, I can’t believe I didn’t put two and two together that very first day.”

           The slight anger in his voice unnerved both mother and daughter.

           “I’m sorry, Night Light.” Celestia looked away, deciding to finally address the elephant in the room.

           “For what?”

           She looked at him in surprise, “What do you mean?”

           “I slept with YOU, princess, I was the unfaithful one, and yet you’re the one apologizing, the one who took the fall.” Night Light stepped closer, “What have you done? Given me a daughter and let Velvet raise her as her own? Visited Velvet’s grave, according to Twilight, and while she was alive worked with her as a friend, associate, and mother?”

           He let his words hang in the air, allowing them to sink in before Spike spoke up,

           “You just seem, uh, kinda angry.”

Night Light looked at the small dragon, “I’m angry, alright, and you wanna know why?”

“Why?” Celestia asked, nervously.

“I’m angry that Velvet kept this whole thing from me, letting me stew and worry about what would happen if she found out, though she DID tell me a good portion of the truth. I’m angry at YOU TWO,” He pointed at Twilight and Celestia, “for not telling me two weeks ago, instead keeping it until now and leaving me worried sick about you, Twilight.”

“Most of all, though,” He sighed, bowing his head, “I’m angry at myself.”

“Why should you be mad at yourself, Dad?” Twilight asked, sharing a sideways glance with Celestia.

           He looked at Twilight, and then up at the sky for a moment, before answering her question, “For being so blind! I made myself look a fool two weeks ago, when I only repeated the story that Velvet WANTED me to give you. I told myself to regret that time with you. In fact, by then, I had almost completely forgotten about,” He looked at Celestia, “that night.”

           Celestia smiled in understanding, “I guess they WOULD seem unrelated, given the circumstances. The only way I remember that night at all is because,” She drew Twilight close with a wing, “the results are right here.”

           Twilight blushed, “Mo-om!”

           “What?” Celestia smiled at her, “It’s true.”

           “If I regretted that night, then I would end up regretting my own daughter.” Night Light said, smiling at the scene.

           “So,” Celestia smiled, “you forgive me?”

           “Like I asked: For what?”

           Not knowing what else to do, Celestia stepped forward and hugged him, whispering a ‘thank you’ in his ear to which he nodded and smiled.

           As they hugged, Twilight pranced over to Flash Sentry and sat down on her haunches next to him, leaning into his side. He smiled and nuzzled the top of her head, kissing her forehead softly.

           “So,” He said, “did you find all that you were looking for?”

           Twilight looked up at him, and then over to where her biological parents were reconciling, her mother and her father. Finally, she looked up at Flash, meeting his eyes and then his lips in a kiss, “Yes. I did.”

           “Good.” He thought for a moment, “So, you really are a true princess of Equestria, huh?”

           “Don’t get any funny ideas, Sentry.” Twilight warned, playfully, “You know I don’t like the unwanted attention on most days,” She sighed, “I might never be able to muster the courage to reveal that I’m Celestia’s daughter, publicly.”

           “Why not? Shouldn’t everypony else know?”

           “Maybe, maybe not. I can tell my friends, but they're not the problem. There are still plenty of corrupt nobles in Celestia’s court, some of them my father’s political rivals. If word eventually got out about their one-time affair…”

           Flash nodded in understanding, then smirked, “Does that mean you’re off-limits, too.”

           “Really, Flash?” Twilight deadpanned, “I hope our relationship wasn’t just for you to get me into bed.”

           The guard pegasus chuckled, “No, no, it’s not.”

           “Good.” Both jumped at the sound of Night Light’s voice, the out-of-character glare that Flash received from the stallion causing him to pull away and put some distance between them. Celestia stood behind them, trying to stifle her giggling, “I’m ALSO angry that Twilight didn’t tell me about you two getting together, so I would hope it’s not for your personal gain. Because, if I EVER hear of you hurting her in any way, physically or emotionally, I will-“

           “-skin him alive?” Twilight guessed.

           “Yes!” Night Light affirmed, but then smiled, “So be careful with her, colonel.”

           “Y-Yes, sir!” Flash saluted the former guard captain, who chuckled. Then he gulped, and then looked over at Twilight, “Your family is a lot more horrifying than I thought they’d be.”

           “I like to think that they’re ‘overprotective’.” Twilight said, wearing an apologetic smile.

           “Speaking of family,” Celestia lit her horn and a picnic basket floated out from a nearby bush where she’d hidden it, “I thought it would be nice to have lunch together, if you two would like.”

           “Oh, Princess,” Night Light’s eyes widened at the basket, “you don’t have to do that.”

           “I insist. Besides, how many times did you and your wife invite me in to breakfast at your house?” Night Light was silent, “Several times. I think this is an adequate thing to do in return, for once.”

           Night Light sighed, but he smiled, and then nodded, “Fine- but only if you and Princess Luna agree to attend hearth’s-warming dinner at my home in a few months, along with Twilight, Shining, and Cadence."

           “Deal. I will check my schedule.”

           “Flash, you’re coming, too.”

           “Me?” Flash’s eyes widened as Twilight giggled, “You want ME, there?”

           “Trust me, colonel,” The old stallion smiled, nodding to Twilight who had retaken her rightful place, leaning against his side again, “from the way she acts, you’re practically family, already.”

           “Hey! Will you guys quit with the sappy stuff, and dig in, already!” Spike, who had remained silent up until then, shouted, his mouth visibly watering as Celestia finished setting out the last of the picnic- and the delicious dishes that her chefs had prepared.

           As they ate, Twilight looked up from her place at Flash’s side from time to time and noticed that while she listened to Night Light and shared small-talk with everypony else there, Celestia’s eyes seemed to drift upwards slightly, looking up towards the clouds and the Sun beyond it. Twilight waited until their eyes met to ask her the mental question.

           Celestia smiled at her daughter, and then tilted her head upwards. Confused, Twilight turned her head slowly, and looked up, following her mother’s gaze- and her jaw dropped.

           Twilight Velvet sat on a cloud above them, looking as healthy as she did in life, and looking down at the scene with a smile on her face. At her sides were a pair of silver, angelic wings, and hovering over her head of grey and purple was the bright ring shape of a halo. Meeting Twilight’s gaze, Velvet smiled at the mare she helped raise and mouthed something. Twilight’s eyes widened, when she read the words as, “I love you, Twilight.”

           Tears threatening to appear, Twilight mouthed, “I’m sorry.”

           Velvet only shook her head, smiling, and mouthed silently back, and she heard the words in her mind, “Don’t be, I forgive you. Now go, be there for the both of them- Night Light and Celestia.” With that, Velvet’s ghostly body became translucent, and in seconds, she had disappeared to that other home in the sky.

           Before she disappeared, Twilight made sure that her adoptive mother’s ghost saw one last sentence on her lips, “Goodbye…Mom.”

           No one noticed the tears in her eyes, nor what had transpired, except Celestia, who had moved over slightly to brush the tip of her right wing gently across Twilight’s own, offering comfort to her daughter. Twilight unfurled her left wing and intertwined her feathers with Celestia’s.

           The picnic went on, as if all was accomplished, yet only mother and daughter knew that the final piece of the puzzle had just then been put back in its place…

…with one last goodbye.