Luna returns from her imprisonment but something seems off about the lunar princess. will hidden truths come to light?
After Luna's return, Celestia begins to notice Luna's down spiral into depression. Each day the lunar princess isolates herself into her room at night and cries until slumber catches up to her. This worries her sister further. She thought everything was good between them now. What changed? One day the sorrowful cries of the princess stop... But a new problem arises... Luna now acts like a dragon hiding its treasure. Shes hasty, secretive and defensive. This causes suspicion and confusion in the elder sister. What is Luna hiding from her? And how long before Luna's little secret gets out?
Nothing. The sound of complete emptiness hits the fallen lunar princesses ears as she struggles to open her eyes. She lets out a slight groan and manages to pry them open. Her eyes begin to dilate in pure horror and despair as she took in her surroundings. The crater filling, hazy gray landscape and galaxy void sky fills her sight. A shiver runs down her spine and a knot forms in her throat. Her flickering, wild purple mane begins to die down as the realization was slowly kicking in.
'No..Nononono.. She didn't.. She couldn't have...' Princess Luna thought as her breathing became quicker by the minute. Her own sister put her on the moon... Her own entity. Luna began to think of how foolish she was for letting Nightmare Moon get the best of her.. Now she has to sit and suffer here with her other dark half for who knows how long. The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. Not only at her sister, but at the elements, life, and especially herself. She remembers the look on her sisters face right before banishment. She feels a pang of sorrow in her heart as she stomps her foot on the floor in frustration and self anger.
Then another thought immediately rushes to her mind. Something that she cannot and will not ever forget. This the thought that will continuously haunt and torture her for the rest of her banishment. Tears welled up in the princesses eyes. Her hands begin to tremble as her eyes shut tightly while gritting her teeth.
'How could I... I'm such a monster... I deserve worse than this.. oh my god.. what have I done..What have I done!' The distraught lunar princess thought before letting out the most sorrowful, angry and distraught scream ever to be heard, if anyone were to hear it. Luna hides her face in her hands as she lets out loud, depressing sobs into her endless dark void of a prison. Dark, worrying, thoughts fill her head as her dread and sorrow worsens.
Luna looks up to see the Earth in all of it's glory, glowing brightly in front of her, taunting her in the way that it did. She hangs her head low, wishing this was all just a dream. Oh how nice it would be if she could just wake up in her warm bed, and see the sunshine. Even though she prefers the night and she knows everyone hates her, at least she could be with... But now she's doomed herself to a fate worse than death and let the one most important thing to her down.
Luna looked back up at the giant colorful sphere once more. 'I'm so sorry I failed you... If I come back... I promise you I will be better for you...'
Luna silently sat at the dining room table as she rolled a piece of potato around her plate with a fork. She was severely conscious of the staff members fearful gaze and the guards cautious and alert stance towards her.She turned her head towards her sister, who was talking to Cadence. Luna had met her a few days ago when Celestia was introducing her to a "new addition" to the royal family. Cadence, who was said to be her niece, was a very caring individual. Luna somewhat envied her warmth and confidence.
"Tia... May I be excused from the dinner table?" Celestia and Cadence looked towards the lunar princess in a seemingly confused manner.
"But Lulu you barely even touched your food?" Celestia said with a slight frown. Concern evident in her voice."You haven't really said much either auntie... Are you alright?" Cadence added in a caring tone.
Luna paused for a moment. She was anything but alright. She had so many thoughts, regrets and sorrows swarming in her head like they were ready to burst at any given moment. "I'm alright you two. I'm just tired is all. I think I will retire to my room early if that's alright." Luna had noticed Celestia exploring into her eyes, looking for something, any sign of distress from the younger sibling. The sun princess sighed in a defeated manner. "We will see you tomorrow then little sister..."
With that, Luna got up and made a silent retreat to her chambers. Celestia rubbed her temples in silent frustration. "Auntie what's wrong?" Cadence asked confusingly, words laced in slight concern.
"It's Luna. She's been like this for the past week. I know she's been nervous around our staff and she still feels guilty... But theres something else... There's something she's not telling me and I don't know how to get her to open up to me." Cadence tilted her head slightly. "How do you know she's hiding something?"
"I'm her sister dear Cadence. I know her by now. She keeps her distance when she has her little secrets and she always wears a mask to hide her true emotions" Celestia explained. " I'm worried about her... I want to be someone she could feel comfortable around and rely on when she needs to vent her problems. I feel like such a terrible sister..." droplets of tears fell from the regal sun monarch's face and onto the table.
Cadence got up and hugged Celestia and wiped the tears from her eyes. "You are not a bad sister. It has only been a couple of weeks and she's still adjusting. When she's ready to open up, you will be the first person she will tell." Celestia sniffled a bit and looked at her niece. "I hope you're right..."
On the other side of the castle
Luna had closed her door and locked it before silently going to her bathroom and washing her face. She took a good look at herself in the mirror. Her expression empty and fatigued yet her eyes were filled with anguish and despair. She decided to shower, hoping that it could relieve some of the tension coursing through her body. 'I just need to relax for a moment...' she thought as she turned on the shower. She remembered Celestia had to teach her how showers were used as she was only accustomed to tubs.
As the warmth of the shower hit her back, it relieved some of the stress from her little dinner situation. She sadly didn't feel much different than a few minutes ago. Luna tried to drown out her thoughts with the sound of the water hitting the shower floor. It worked for a certain amount of time, but not as long as Luna had hoped for. She just accepted the fact that nothing will probably work at this point.
Luna turned the nozzle, shutting off the water, before getting out and grabbing the towel to dry herself. As She walked to the door, She stopped for a moment and looked at herself in the mirror once more. She ran her fingers along the stretch marks on her stomach... Tears fought their way to the surface as the silently poured down her cheek. The marks still seemed pretty recent. Her imprisonment kept her from ageing, meaning everything was like how she was right before banishment.
Luna looked at her reminder of guilt and failure and let out a few choked sobs before supporting herself on the bathroom counter and hiding her face in her arms. How could she tell her sister... That she had a daughter all those years ago. Celestia would only feel worse and blame herself,or get mad at her for having a child in the first place... Luna sobbed freely, hoping that the guards wouldn't hear her from her bathroom.
'I'm so sorry my little angel... I have let you down as not only your mother, but your guardian... I don't know if you've woken up from that deep slumber of yours or... or if our enemies have found you and... and...' luna shivered as she cried harder. 'I pray that the elements have protected you... and as selfish as this may be... kept you as a baby so I can have a second chance at being your mother...I'm so sorry little one... If or when I find you, I promise I won't let you down again. I will do better... '
Later on into the night, after Luna raised her moon, She lied in her bed thinking of her little daughters. How her eyes were such a bold amethyst color and her hair being as white as a fresh blanket of snow. She remembered how her eyes would light up and a smile would quickly appear on the little infants features whenever she saw her mom enter the room. Luna had fund herself smiling a bit. She took comfort in the memories of her little gem. As her eyes grew heavy and slumber was overcoming the night princess, only one thought remained in her mind.
'I love you my little princess... I hope I can hold you once more...'
Luna was quietly sitting in court with her sister, trying to learn the new rules as 1000 years was obviously a long gap. Celestia was happy Luna decided to come with her. She hasn't been out of her room in almost a week and it was getting to a point where her isolation was getting pretty unhealthy in Celestia's opinion. Besides, Court was always such a pain to bare. Luna being there made her feel a bit better as she listened to all the upperclassmen complain about the exact same thing. It was like they're all apart of one big cult or something.
As court went on, Luna began to regret even asking to join. She hated the disgusted glares she got from those snobby rich folks. They were also highly unbearable about how they ranted on and on about lowering taxes. 'If only the upper class changed over those 1000 years. If anything they've gotten worse.' Luna thought. She would rather be in her room, trying to remember the few memories she's made with her daughter. Thoughts like these made her tear up, but it also put a warm smile on her face.
Celestia had just finished addressing the concerns of her last subject for the day. The princess of the night watched as the man bowed to them in both respect and fear. 'I wonder what he's so afraid of.x Luna thought sarcastically as the man quickly got up walked out the door. "So what did you think of court?" Luna snapped to attention as she heard her sisters soft voice. "Very. Very. Painful." Celestia laughed lightly "I knew you would say something along those lines."
Luna shook her head a bit "I don't know how you deal with them. They are all worse than 1000 years ago. At least back then they wouldn't all ask for the same thing." Celestia gave off a teasing, boastful posture "Tis' a talent my dear sister." That got a giggle from Luna causing Celestia to smile brightly. Her sister has always been moping around the castle as of late. It was a good change to see her so happy. Maybe Luna will open up to her one day. Cadence had told Celestia to give her some space so she could have some time. Maybe that's what Luna truly needs.
After spending the rest of her day learning a few more things from her sister as well as the daily gossip at the dinner table, Luna finally decided to head back to her chambers to get ready for bed. She bid Celestia and Cadence a good night before retreating to the comfort and privacy of her room. As she walked down the halls, the guards stood to attention, trying to hide the fear laced on their features. Luna tried to ignore their terrible masks as she reached the big doors leading to her room.
As she walked in and closed the door behind her, a knock was heard from her balcony. Luna jumped a bit and turned to look at her balcony. There was a strange figure standing there,in a cloak, with something in its arms. Luna crept closer to the balcony screen door in caution and alarm. She eyed the mysterious person up and down, trying to get an idea of how much of a threat he was. Who are they? Why are they here? Luna's eyes then landed on the top left side of the cloak. There was a pendant of the moon and the North star. She recognized it almost immediately. The pendant was the symbol to an ancient Lunar tribe 1000 years ago. 'The Shining star tribe? They're still around...' She thought. Her heart raced as she slowly opened the door for whoever was under that cloak. Luna knew this tribe very well. After all, she did trust them with her most valuable possession.
"I'm sorry it took so long to get here princess," A masculine voice said through the cloak. "Our tribe has relocated much over 1000 years. We are quite far from the castle." Luna watched as the man removed the hoodie of the cloak. He had the signature draconic, yellow eyes and vampire like fangs. It was a known feature for people in lunar tribes. Luna only managed to nod at the mans words. A million things were going on in her head at that very moment. 'Could the elements of harmony have granted my wish...?' she thought.
The man looked down at the little bundle he was gently but securely holding on to and looked back up to the princess, smiling softly. He unwrapped the blanket just enough to see what it was. There was a baby girl in that blanket. She had a bit of snowy white hair on the top of her head and wide, bold, amethyst purple eyes. Luna covered her mouth with her hands as she let out a gasp. Tears welled in her eyes. She'd recognize those eyes anywhere. That was her little girl...
"She had woken up from her slumber a few days after your return. It was a long trip over here and I think she really misses her momma." The man smiled and walked up to a somewhat paralyzed Luna. He handed her the little baby, which she took gratefully. So much weight lifted off her shoulders as she silently cried.'She didn't age in her coma... I get another chance...' She thought as she gently hugged her daughter who happily smiled in response to being with her mother.
"Thank you so much... I'm forever grateful to the Shinning star tribe." The man smiled and bowed respectfully "Of course your majesty. It is our duty to serve and protect our princess." Luna smiled warmly as tears streamed down her cheek. This has to be the happiest night of her life. "I must be off to the tribe. Farewell Princess Luna... And Princess Dollie.." He smiled at the little baby before taking his leave.
Luna watched him fly off for a moment before closing her balcony door and lying on her side in the bed with her little baby right by her side. She smiled as Dollie held on to her finger and babbled happily. It was almost like she was showing how much she missed her mother in the best way a baby could. Well that's how Luna interpreted it anyway. She then draped her wing over Dollie in a caring yet protective way.
"Hey my little angel. I missed you." Luna cooed as her heart just soared with overwhelming joy. Dollie gave a wide smile as her eyes sparkled with glee in hearing her mothers gentle voice. Luna began to cry softly once more. She couldn't believe he daughter was alright, and back in her arms. Even better, She gets another shot at motherhood. Her wishes and hopes have been granted to her.
Luna began to hum a little lullaby for her daughter. It was pretty late and Dollie was only a baby. She watched as her daughter grew tired and fought to keep her eyes open. As usual, sleep ended up winning this battle and Dollie fell asleep with a cute little smile on her face. Luna smiled and gently kissed her forehead. 'I'm so sorry I failed you all those years ago... I promise you it will never happen again.. And no one will ever cause harm to you again... Not as long as I'm around...'
Luna groaned as a bit of light seeped through her curtains and hit her face. She fought against the light, not wanting to open her eyes. She then felt a slight tug against the sleeve of her night gown. She slowly opened her eyes and looked down towards her arm. A sleepy smile slowly spread on the princess' face when she noticed her daughter adorably trying to pull her mom's arm closer to her. It was an adorable sight to behold. Dollie had that baby smile that would make most people melt. The main cause of her happiness was because she was back in the familiar arms of her mother. This was one of the only things that comforted little Dollie.
'This wasn't a dream... She's right by my side... She's safe and healthy...' Luna thought as she gently caressed Dollie's cheek, trying not to wake her. She didn't know what to tell her sister... If she was going to tell her. Luna was a very over protective mother. She lost her daughter once and she'll be damned if she lost her again. 'I lost her to my sisters' guards... What if history repeats itself... I can't tell Celestia... Can I...' Luna sighed in frustration. 'Ugh, what do I do?'
A yawn from Dollie brought Luna out of her thoughts. She looked down to notice that her little princess has awoken from her deep slumber. Luna smiled softy as she gently caressed Dollies cheek. "Good morning my dark little angel." Luna cooed. Dollie just babbled with a goofy smile on her face. Luna chuckled at her daughters' attempt to speak and then proceeded to wrap a wing around her. Luna felt calmer when she felt Dollie wrapped in her embrace. There, she knew nothing could ever harm her. She could protect her while she was in her mothers embrace.
Luna rested her eyes for a bit, her mind clear of worries in this moment. She knew where her daughter was and that she was safe. There were no guards to be cautious about or duties she had to attend with her sister. This was the first blissful morning she has had in a long while. Her peace was interrupted by an unhappy cry from Dollie. Luna perked up to see what was wrong. Then it struck her. "Right... You need to be fed and changed... That's what babies do." She sighed "I'm 1000 years out of practice... Couldn't the guards have let you grow for a few years before ruining my life?"
She got up and woke herself up before attending to Dollie. She changed her first, which luckily got Dollie to stop crying. If she continued to cry then the guards would've been alerted and Celestia would be notified. Luna was more than relieved when Dollie stopped crying and no guards came knocking at her doors. Once Dollie was fed and burped, She went back to being the quiet and happy baby she was when she woke up. Luna sighed softly and smiled at the young princess as she put her down on the bed.
"What am I to do with you" Luna chuckled. Dollie kicked her little legs and giggled in response. 'I think she understands what I tell her sometimes...' The Moon Goddess thought. Luna secured Dollie in the bed, making a mental note to get Dollie a crib, and gave her a toy or two before going to get breakfast of her own. She quietly left her room and walked town the west wing, smiling happily to herself. She greeted her guards with a warm smile which surprised them greatly. When has Princess Luna ever greeted them happily? They didn't know what changed in her but they liked it. As Luna passed them, she heard their murmurs of gossip about her. Usually Luna would turn and scold them for gossiping about anything, but not today. Nothing could ruin her mood today. "Princess, may I ask why the change of attitude?" Luna turned around and smiled towards the guard who asked. "My days just look brighter is all lieutenant." He just blinked as his princess flashed another smile before continuing her walk.
Celestia, having just finished her breakfast, was walking down the hall to her first meeting of the day. "Good morning dear sister!" She turned to find Luna walking up to greet her. She had one of the most cheerful smiles Celestia had seen on her in a long time. This baffled the Solar Princess, 'What happened to her... She's been so depressed for the longest time...' She thought, puzzled with her sisters new attitude. "Good morning Lulu... What's with the sudden happiness?" Luna just smiled and shrugged "It's a new dawn."
With that, Luna gave her sister a hug and made her way to the dining hall. Celestia watched her sister till she could no longer see her. Her mind could not comprehend what she just witnessed with her now, not-so-depressed, sister. Celestia's face hardened in thought 'What in Equestria happened to my sister...'
"Okay if the baby is a girl, you have to make me my favorite dessert." Luna rolled her eyes playfully as she looked towards the man lying on her bed with his ear pressed against her belly. "That bet sounds reasonable... But what if it's a boy?" She asked, curious to see what he would do for her if she won the bet.
"The prize is for you to think about silly" The man gave her a goofy smile and pat he head.
"What did I tell you about patting my head like some animal?" Luna raised an eyebrow in slight annoyance.
"That you love it and I should do it more often?" he asked playfully.
"Moon Dusk.." Luna said in a serious tone. He raised his arms like he was caught in a robbery and chuckled.
"fine fine. Jeez women and their hormones."
Luna sighed and shook her head. This man really knew how to push her buttons, but she could never stay mad at him. This was the man she fell in love with after all. If it wasn't for him, life would not be worth living. The night princess ran her fingers through his soft, white hair. Moon dusk chuckled "See? I knew you wouldn't be mad at me. You love me too much."
"If it's a boy, you have to do what I say for a month." She said suddenly.
"My princess, don't be so cruel... I give you all of my love and this is how you repay me?" He asked, pretending to look hurt by her terms.
Luna pursed her lips, not knowing whether to laugh or to shove him off the bed. "Just be happy I love you." She rolled her eyes and then looked at him with a soft smile on her face.
Moon Dusk smiled and pulled he into a kiss "I feel very lucky to be loved by you and very grateful that you accepted my love" He said softly and caressed her cheek. even though they've been together for a long time, he still managed to make her heart skip a beat. When he was with her, it felt like all the darkness clouding her heart had cleared up and was replaced with sunshine.
Luna draped her long, dark blue wings around Moon Dusk and stole a soft kiss from his smooth lips. "I love you so much... You are my one and only... You'll still be my one and only long after you pass and even when Equestria is no more... My heart belongs to you..." .............................................................
Luna smiled sadly as she looked at an old painting she salvaged from the old castle. It was of a man in a lunar guard uniform. He had a stoic expression, but the child-like gleam in his eyes stuck out like a sore thumb. She looked at his wild,white hair and her daughter flashed in her mind.
"She's starting to look more and more like you... she has your smile and that soft, white hair I love so much..." Luna said softly, glancing at Dollie who was fast asleep in her crib. "She finally woke up... It took 1000 years, but she's back to being our little girl.." Luna said as tears began to form. Her serene blue eyes became glossy.
"I failed... As a wife.. As a mother... I should've kept both of you safe... If I wasn't so naive then you would've still been alive and Dollie would've grown up with a father who loved her dearly... I'm so sorry... Nothing I can do now will make up for my past mistakes... But," she paused and turned her attention to the heavily sleeping baby "I won't make the same mistakes in the future... This time... No solar guard will lay a finger on her, and She will grow up knowing how much her father loved her.." Luna sniffled as silent tears streamed down her cheeks.
She walked up to Dollies crib and smiled softly before gently caressing her head "I won't let anyone harm you again... I'm sorry for being such a bad mother in the past... I'll do better now... I promise..."
"Princess, you are needed in the throne room."
Luna perked up when she heard one of the royal guards speak from the other side of her door. She looked at her daughter one last time and kissed her forehead tenderly. "I'll be back my little princess..." Luna whispered and quietly walked out of the room with a light smile on her face.
