Prologue

PROLOGUE

Royal Business

“My dear student Twilight Sparkle,
Though you have just started your mission to study the magic of friendship, I’m afraid I must once more ask for your assistance, or rather, that of your dear assistant, Spike.
I apologize for recalling him to Canterlot at such short notice, but please know that I would not make this request if it was not crucial that I have his aid in this matter of most important royal business...”

'Of most important royal business.' Spike couldn’t help but chuckle softly to himself as he thought over those five words. Five words that he was certain the writer knew would have both the immediate and wholly desired effect of causing her dear student to drop everything she was doing and ship her assistant off to the shining capital city of Canterlot without any hint of a second thought.

It was with this thought in mind that Spike the dragon quickly made his way towards the private study of Princess Celestia, his purple and green scales glistening brightly under the warm summer sun as it shone through the grand windows of Canterlot Castle. The very letter that had summoned him on this new errand held in his clawed hand as he glanced over it one final time, weaving past castle guards and staff alike.

Spike smiled and waved at many of the ponies that he passed on his way to the Princess’s private study, with many of them greeting their long-time friend with bright smiles and warm words in return. A testament, if nothing else, to the respect that the young assistant still held amongst all those that he had befriended throughout his years as both the personal aid to the Princess's personal student and as a former resident of the very castle he now walked through.

Humming to himself as he rolled the letter in his hand back to its original state as a scroll, making sure to secure it once more with its royal seal, Spike gave a final wave to a passing guard before turning his full attention to the door before him. A door that none would easily mistake for anything other than the entrance to one of the most important rooms in the castle. A door that, though small, was intricately designed in gold and silver, with a shimmering sun inlaid deep into the sturdy Oak it was constructed from. A door that the young dragon had seen many times before, and one that he now rapped his knuckles firmly upon before lapsing into a patient silence as he awaited his answer.

Thankfully for Spike, who had very little patience for standing around in silence, it did not take long for him to get a response. Almost immediately after the final rap of his scaled fist upon the door, the regal voice of Princess Celestia rang out from behind the wood, granting him access to the private room where she currently waited, seated next to the grand hearth that made up the room's fireplace. As Spike entered, he saw the Princess stretched out upon what he knew to be cushions of the finest eastern silk.

Princess Celestia, the white Alicorn of the Sun, the Queen of Equestria in all but title, smiled warmly at him as her horn suddenly lit up in a golden glow. Her magic locked the door behind him, and she greeted him with a motherly voice, through her eyes shone playfully as she spoke. "It is a pleasure to see you again, dear Spike, though I must admit, I didn't expect my faithful student to send you to me so quickly."

With the etiquette of the highest court official, Spike bowed respectfully to the Princess. “Upon reading your letter, Twilight had me on the first train to Canterlot, Your Majesty.” Straightening up, Spike then presented the letter to the Princess as his eyes took on the same playful shine as hers. "It is a matter 'of most important royal business,' after all."

Celestia, her face never losing its warm smile, or her eyes their playful shine, gave a gentle laugh into one of her hooves. “Indeed, for it is in fact, the utmost of most important royal business that I have asked you to come here today, but come now, Spike. It is just the three of us here. There really is no need for such formalities.”

At these words, Spike sighed and allowed himself to relax from upholding all the airs and graces that one is expected to carry when talking to royalty–or as he liked to call it, his 'royal mode'–before giving Celestia a happy grin. A moment later, however, his grin faltered into a confused frown as the Princess’s words sunk in. "The three of us?" asked Spike.

Celestia, clearly amused by Spike’s confusion, gestured towards the cushion opposite her. “I do believe you have already met my dear sister, have you not?”

Looking towards the cushion in question, Spike blushed in embarrassment as he realised that he had completely missed Celestia’s younger sister, Princess Luna, who sat quietly opposite her, giving the young dragon a blank stare all throughout his and Celestia's conversation.

Luna, though an alicorn like her elder sister, had a coat of purple-blue coloured fur and a mane of light blue–a stark contrast to the multi-coloured spectrum that was her sister's mane. Additionally, Luna’s mane didn’t seem to be the lengthy mass of hair, forever blowing in an ethereal wind, that Celestia's always appeared to be, but was instead cut in a much shorter style, hanging limply around her neck. She also appeared to be much smaller than her sister, her size more akin to an average pony rather than the towering grace that was Celestia.

Completely on instinct, and with more than a fair share of embarrassment, Spike snapped back into his 'royal mode' and bowed to the younger Princess, his face still flushed with the realisation that he had completely blanked one of the royal pony sisters. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Princess Luna. My apologies for not recognising your presence sooner."

Standing up, Luna bowed her head in return of Spike's greeting before addressing him in a shy, almost timid voice, as she took a gentle step forward. "'Tis a pleasure to make thine acquaintance once more, young Spike. Our sister speaks quite highly of thee.”

Standing, Celestia gave Spike a mock frown. "Spike, did I not just tell you that you needn't worry about using such formalities around us?" Letting the frown give way to another giggle at the young dragon’s guilty look, she turned her head to speak with her sister, a soft smile now gracing her lips once more. “I may have spoken highly of Spike’s achievements as an assistant to my dear student, but with Spike’s arrival, I believe it is now time for some proper introductions.” Walking across the room she sat behind Spike and wrapped her forelegs around him, pulling him into a gentle embrace against her chest, as the young dragon smiled happily at the impromptu hug. “Luna, I would like you to meet Spike Solaris. My son.”

Chapter 1

View Online

CHAPTER 1

Thy Son is a Dragon?

Her nephew! This small mass of purple and green scales before her, currently gorging his way through a small tub of ice cream, was her nephew! How? Why? Why couldn’t it be something simple like Discord returning, or her sister's student suddenly revealing that she was secretly a very feminine stallion called Dusk Shine? Instead, it was the revelation that her sister, in what Luna could only conclude to be a cake-fuelled bout of insanity, had adopted a baby dragon as her son. A baby dragon who would, when he came of age, become Crown Prince of Equestria.

Giving a strangled cry, the Princess of the Night let her head drop to the ground, an act that added to her already dishevelled appearance. Her mane stuck out, her crown sat crooked, and her wings splayed out on either side of her. To many who would look at her, they would no doubt conclude her current position and appearance to be most unbecoming of a princess. Not that she had any reason to be worried about onlookers. After all, the place that the Princess had chosen for her little meltdown was the private gardens of the Royal Family, an area of the castle grounds so secure that only a select few outside of the members of the royal family ever got close, let alone allowed actual entry. Much to the unfortunate discovery of many a tabloid journalist over the years, they had found themselves on the sharp end of the esteemed protectors of both the castle and its adjoining grounds—the Queen’s Guard. It was also within this secured area that Luna's present charge, and the cause of both her current strife and her questions, ate his way, single-handedly, through a tub of his favourite frozen treat.

“Thou knowest thou will get a tummy ache from gorging upon so much ice cream, dost thou not?” asked Luna as she straightened herself up, attempting to regain some of her previously lost dignity.

Laughing, Spike happily flicked the ice-cream-covered spoon in his hand around in the air, earning himself a sharp glare from the Princess as some of the sticky substance splashed against her face. Oblivious to the look his Aunt was giving him, however, Spike's face split into a grin as he happily informed the lunar monarch that the tummy ache would be ‘future Spike’s problem’ rather than his. He then, as if to prove his point, shoveled several more spoonfuls of ice cream into his mouth, an act that made Luna cringe as she pressed a hoof against her forehead, sighing in exasperation.

“We are starting to think Our sister was telling the truth. Only a spawn of Tia would be as ruthless a killer of desserts as she.”

Finishing off the last dregs of his ice cream, Spike flicked his spoon in front of himself again. “Well, I'm sure I must have got something from Princess Celestia when she was raising me,” he said as he tapped his chin with his spoon, “even if she wasn't the one to finally hatch me.” With a light chuckle, Spike fell onto his back and tossed the empty ice cream tub into the air, a ball of brilliant orange flame bursting forth from his mouth, incinerating it in an instant. Whether this was an act to protect the natural beauty of the gardens around them or to get rid of the evidence of his glutinous assault on the poor frozen dessert, however, Luna couldn’t be sure.

“Our sister didn’t hatch you?” asked Luna, tilting her head to the side as her mind turned over the young dragon's words. After all, if her sister had raised him, she undoubtedly must have hatched him as well. Right?

"Nope," replied Spike, shaking his head before resting his claws behind it and crossing his legs. “Twilight hatched me as a test to get into Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.”

“As a test?” spluttered an incredulous Luna. "You were hatched merely as a test for some school’s entrance exam?"

“Well, yeah,” Spike replied with a slight nod as he turned his head to look at her. “In fairness, though, the egg was supposed to be a painted rock, or at least that's what the Princess has told me. It was a complete accident that I ended up as a part of the test. Not to mention a small miracle that Twilight managed to hatch me. Especially when you consider that even with all her power, Princess Celestia couldn’t manage it in all the 900 years that she tried…”

“900 years!” exclaimed Luna, wholly taken aback by his words. Her elder sister was an alicorn so powerful that the very Sun bent to her. To hear that she was unable to hatch something as simple as a dragon egg for 900 years, a feat many unicorns could manage, was unthinkable for many ponies, Luna included.

“Yep. Or maybe it was more like 800 years, 850 tops...” replied Spike, drifting off into his thoughts as he tried to work out just how long it had been since his mother had found his egg.

Her head pounding, all Luna could manage in response was some vague noises as she stared blankly at the prone dragon in front of her. With a deep sigh, she attempted to find some sense in everything that had happened to her over the last few hours. Starting with, she thought, Tia's grand reveal.

Luna blinked at her sister in pure stupefaction. “We are sorry, Sister; We fear We may have misheard thee for a moment. Thy son?”

Smiling softly at her younger sister, Celestia gave her a confirming nod. “Yes, Luna. My son, your nephew.”

“But,” stammered Luna as she thrust a hoof in Spike’s direction, her left eye twitching, “Sister! Thy son is a dragon!”

Celestia gasped before quickly picking Spike up and staring at him intensely. “You’re a dragon?!”

Giving a similar gasp, Spike checked his body before clutching his hands to the side of his head, eyes wide. “What?! But I always thought I was a pegasus!”

A deathly silence fell over the room as mother and son held their positions. Then, with a slight snort from Celestia, they both collapsed to the floor in bouts of riotous laughter as Luna, mortified at being the butt of the duo's little skit, felt her face heat up in a deep shade of crimson.

Her shyness now long forgotten, Luna shook off her momentary shock and glared daggers at the duo as she silently cursed the fates. Not only had they allowed her sister to retain her eccentric sense of humour after all these years, but they had seemingly granted this young dragon to be gifted with it as well. A truly terrifying prospect to any who knew just how puckish her sister could be when the mood took her.

Stomping her hoof angrily against the floor, her patients for the laughing pair starting to wear thin, she gave the duo a renewed glare. “If ye both have finished laughing at Our expense, mayhap somepony will explain to Us just what in the name of Faust is going on here?" Luna then levelled her glare fully on Celestia. "We swear if this is another one of thy pranks, dear sister…”

Giving out one last mirthful snort, Celestia pulled herself back under control as her son continued to snicker softly to himself on the floor. “I would not worry so much about that, little sister,” answered Celestia as she crossed the room. She then gave Luna a gentle nuzzle before continuing, a great sincerity now in her voice, “I can assure you that this is no joke, Luna. Spike is indeed my son, and though he may be, as you have correctly pointed out, a dragon, I hope you will come to love him just as much as I do.”

A silence descended upon the two sisters. Luna's mind was reeling, overwhelmed by Celestia's words. A reprieve from her thoughts came a minute later, however, when a gentle knock came from the door, followed by a voice that Celestia instantly recognised as that of Bella Script, her Private Secretary.

“Your Majesty,” a voice rang out, filling the now silent room, “an envoy from the house of Lords has arrived. He is requesting an immediate audience with you at your earliest convenience.”

Sighing softly, Celestia called out her reply, stating that she would join the envoy shortly, to which Bella's voice called out her confirmation of the order. A new silence then descended upon the room as the quick hoofsteps of Bella Script disappeared down the hall–the 'Private Secretary to the Sovereign' setting off to complete her new task.

“I’m afraid your questions will have to wait until later, little sister,” said Celestia, breaking the silence before scooping Spike up with her magic and giving him a gentle kiss on the head. She then levitated him onto Luna’s back and gave them both a gentle smile as that playful light once again flickered across her eyes. “Be good for your Aunty Woona, Spike. I’ll see you for dinner at seven.”

His face turning an embarrassed red, all the young dragon could do was make several sputtering noises as the solar monarch made a quick exit from the room, the ghost of a teasing smile upon her lips.

“Aunty Woona?” asked Luna, turning her head to look at the red-faced dragon.

“Who wants some ice cream?! I like ice-cream! Who doesn’t like ice-cream?!” shouted Spike, jumping off her back and quickly retreating towards the study’s now open door. “I think Pan Flash has a spare tub of chocolate chip hidden at the back of pantry B!”

Tilting her head in confusion, Luna quickly followed Spike out of the room. Though not before thinking, What was that all about?

Luna raised her hooves to her temples and massaged them gently. How could she have let her sister get the better of her like that? Could she have lost her touch that much in her thousand-year banishment?

“Are you alright, Princess Luna?” called Spike, pulling Luna once more from her thoughts.

“Yes, young Spike, We are quite fine,” she replied before letting out a frustrated sigh. “We are merely trying to come to terms with all, We have learned upon this afternoon, 'tis all.”

Standing up and dusting himself down, Spike walked closer to his dismayed aunt before sitting down next to her. “Don’t worry, you’ll work it all out in time. After all, if there’s anything that you can’t work out, I’m sure Princess Celestia, Princess Cadence or Prince Blueblood will be able to help you.”

“But not thou, young Spike?” questioned Luna, tilting her head slightly with a raised eyebrow.

“Maybe if you write me a letter,” he replied with a small shrug. “Once I’ve finished my work for Princess Celestia, I’ll be returning to Ponyville where I'm sure Twilight already has a to-do list as long as the castle drawbridge for me to work through.” A playful light then danced across his eyes. “Not to mention that we can’t have Twilight burning down half the town’s library again. Especially after the incident where she tried to warm up that pot of soup…”

“Come now, Spike," replied Luna, her doubt of Spike's words evident in her voice. "Surely if Miss Sparkle is talented enough to hold rank as Our sister’s favoured student, nay, skilled enough to defeat the darkness of Nightmare Moon, warming up a simple pot of soup should hardly prove to be any challenge.”

“You would think so, Princess," countered Spike as he grinned cheekily, “but surprisingly enough, while Twilight may be one of the most talented unicorns in all of Equestria when it comes to magic, I’m afraid in the kitchen she has about as much prowess and grace as a turnip.”

As a smile snuck across her lips, Luna couldn't help but giggle at the image Spike painted in her mind as a comfortable silence passed between them.

It was then that Luna noticed something from their conversations that not only confused her, but also gave her pause. “Dear Spike," she asked, breaking the silence between them, "why hast thou stopped referring to Our sister by anything but her title?”

Turning his full attention back to the Princess, Spike gave her a small smile before moving closer to her. He then lowered his voice, answering her in a slight whisper. “Mom doesn’t want other ponies to know I’m her son.”

“But why ever not?" Luna whispered back. "We may have only seen her with thee a few scant moments, dear Spike, but We know Our sister well. We see that her love for thee shines. Why would she ever want to put such distance between the two of ye?”

“It’s no real mystery, Your Majesty. If the Lords or Nobles where to find out, many of them would not hesitate to use the taboo and scandal of me being Princess Celestia's son to, at best, weaken Mom’s stance in the court or worse, use me as means to get to her.” With a shrug, Spike sat back and smiled at Luna. “Such is life with the court, it seems.”

Frowning at his words, Luna couldn’t help but feel some pangs of sadness in her heart as she looked at the young dragon before her. He was quite right, after all. If it ever came to light that Celestia had adopted a dragon as her son and rightful heir, many of the more conservative lords and nobles would have a field day with the news, using it at every opportunity to try and sway the court in their favour, no matter the cost to her beloved sister or her son.

“Thou truly art wise beyond thy young years, Spike. We see Our sister has raised thee well.”

“I’m not Twilight's number-one assistant for nothing, you know," he boasted as he stood up and puffed his chest out in pride, "and I’m not that young. I’m fifteen.”

Giggling at his boasting, Luna couldn't help but find herself smiling warmly at the small dragon. “Our deepest apologies, Master Spike,” replied the lunar monarch, bowing her head to the dragon, “We did not realise thou were of such an esteemed age.”

“That’s okay, Princess. A lot of ponies make that mistake, after all,” replied Spike with a happy grin, the playful spark dancing in his eyes once more. “By the way, Your Majesty, do you like strawberries?”

Raising a questioning eyebrow over the sudden change in topic, Luna gave a slow nod in answer. “Why yes, We are quite partial to the occasional strawberry. Why dost thou ask, though?”

Saying nothing, Spike slowly started making his way to a thicker part of the gardens, gesturing for the Princess to follow him. "Come with me, Your Majesty. There's something I want you to see."

Chapter 2

View Online

CHAPTER 2

Stardew and Strawberries

“Dear Spike, if We may ask, where art thou taking Us?”

As the secret Prince of Equestria led his unwitting companion on their trek through the deeper parts of the palace gardens, Luna was willing to hedge a bet that the young dragon was taking her towards the furthest corner of the castle grounds, if not to the very perimeter wall itself. As to his reasons why, however, the Princess of the Night was still none the wiser.

Coming to a sudden stop, Spike turned and flashed her a smile as he spoke. “Wonder no more, Your Majesty.” With a wave of his arm, he gave a little flourish as he gestured to the area before them. “We’ve arrived.”

Taking a moment to examine the area that her young companion had gestured to, Luna couldn't help but cock her head gently to the side. What lay before them was a wall, and though she had indeed been expecting them to have eventually come upon one, she had not expected to find any such as the one presently before her. It was not made of towering white stone for one thing, nor did it stretch high into the Canterlot skyline as all the perimeter walls did. Instead, she found herself looking upon a mass of ancient-looking grey stone that only reached a few feet above her head, and appeared to be held together mostly with nothing more than ivy and the occasional tuft of moss.

“As lovely as it is, young Spike," stated Luna as she turned her head towards her companion, "may We inquire as to why thou hast led us all the way out here merely to look at a wall?"

Spike merely grinned at the princess as his eyes sparkled playfully. “Look closer, Your Majesty.”

Blinking, Luna muttered quietly to herself as she inspected the wall much closer, only to suddenly give a start a moment later as her eyes focused on a single spot about two-thirds of the way up. There in front of her, partially hidden amongst the stonework by the foliage surrounding it, was a triangular shaped stone–a keystone.

“Going off your reaction, Your Majesty, I take it you’ve worked it out.”

Turning her head, she gave the grinning dragon beside her a confirming nod before returning her focus to the wall. “We believe We have indeed, young Spike. There is a door here, is there not?”

Smiling, Spike simply nodded before gesturing for her to follow him once more as he walked up to the section of wall just below the freshly discovered keystone. With Luna fresh on his heels, he reached out and grasped a handful of loosely hanging ivy, gently pulling it aside as if it were a curtain. This revealed an antique wooden door, previously hidden from view behind the mass of overgrowth.

As he twisted the handle, Spike looked up at her, his eyes shining as he gave the door a firm push. “Princess Luna Solaris! Welcome, to the Stardew Allotment!”

Luna could hardly believe her eyes as she walked through the open doorway. She stood in a walled garden full of raised beds, each packed with fruit and vegetable plants of all sizes and types. Further back she even spied a couple of tilled areas filled with ripening watermelon, as well as a packed greenhouse, a shed, and a pair of large water tanks.

“It’s…” breathed Luna as she tried to find the right words to describe the sight before her.

“Amazing, perhaps, Your Majesty?”

“Exactly, Spike!” exclaimed the Princess. Giddy with excitement, she swept Spike up in her forelegs and held him aloft. “This place is indeed amazing! Beautiful, even! Tell us, how didst thou know it was here?”

“But... I didn’t say anything, Princess,” replied Spike. Blinking in confusion, he tilted his head in a manner not too dissimilar to Luna herself when faced with a perplexing situation.

Tilting her own head in a mirror of the dragon that she held between her forelegs, Luna returned his quizzical look. “But if not thou, young Spike, then..."

With an unfortunate Spike still in her grasp, Luna started twisting her body left and right, scanning the area for the source of the voice until. Finally, her eyes fell upon an old green stallion standing next to one of the raised beds, chuckling softly to himself as he watched the duo's antics.

“It is an honour to finally meet you, Your Majesty,” he said. His head bowed in respect before lifting as he slung the shovel he held over his shoulder. He then nodded gently towards the dragon in her embrace, a smile playing gently upon his lips. “If I may be so bold, however, may I suggest that you let Master Spike down now? I do believe he has had enough.”

Turning her head back to the small dragon in her grasp, Luna uttered a soft, if not cute squeak as she saw her companion now dangling limply between her outstretched legs, all the while muttering nothing but dizzy-sounding nonsense.

Pulling her hooves back in shock, she flinched as she heard Spike hit the ground with a soft thud and a groan, in turn causing her to fall into a mild panic as she once again pulled the poor dragon into another embrace. “Dearest Spike, We are sorry! Art thou alright? Dost thou need a medic?”

“Huh... what…” came Spike’s intelligent reply as he tried to free himself from the distraught princess’s death hold.

“I do believe Her Majesty is apologising for her actions and enquiring if you are okay, Spike,” translated the stallion as he now leaned on his shovel.

Giving a gentle 'ah' of understanding, Spike gently reached up and booped the still-rambling Luna on the snout, silencing her instantly. Then, flashing her a smile, he sat up and rubbed the back of his head a couple of times before slipping out of the mare's grasp and turning his full attention toward the old stallion.

“I should have expected to run into you here, Lord Greenhoof,” said Spike, a warm smile playing upon his lips.

Standing up straight once more, the stallion gave the young dragon a smirk. “Now then, Spike, no need to be so formal. We are alone in this place, after all.” Slinging his shovel back over his broad shoulders, he gave the young dragon a sly look as he walked closer. “Or would you rather I call you by your official title as well, my Prince?”

Spike gave the old stallion a warm smile as the playful spark flickered across his eyes once more. “You’re starting to sound like my mother, Cereus,” he countered as he gently helped Luna back to her hooves. Then, turning his attention to one of the raised beds next to him, he inspected one of the many plants. “Looks like the food banks will be getting some of their delivery early if this weather keeps up.”

Smiling at the dragon’s earlier comment, the old Stallion, now known to Luna as Lord Cereus Greenhoof, joined his friend by the raised bed. “Not to mention the kitchens. I’ve already been cornered by old Pan Flash trying to get his delivery of summer fruits. And don’t get me started on Princess Cadance and the watermelon patch. Every time I turn my back, it feels like she’s attempting a new stealth raid on the blasted place…”

Leaving the two to continue their conversation, Luna slowly started to examine the garden around her for herself, wholly taken back by everything.

Starting with the raised beds nearest to her current position, she couldn't help but notice that some were split into different sections, each producing a plethora of plants ranging from potatoes to carrots to radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes, and nearly every berry she could imagine. She even spied a smaller bed, packed with growing dandelions, near one of the garden walls. A sign staked at its front read ‘Twilight’s Pantry’ in bright gold paint.

Smiling to herself, Luna turned her head back to the beds around her only to pause as her eyes fell upon one bed in particular, causing her to mutter softly to herself.

“You can have some if you want, Your Majesty," came the voice of Spike, startling her as he took his place by her side once more, having moved from his inspection of a nearby tomato plant upon hearing the sound of her voice.

Luna looked longingly at the strawberry plants in front of her as one of her ears twitched. “If Lord Greenhoof doesn’t mind the intrusion…” replied Luna slowly.

“I’m afraid it’s not my permission you must ask, Your Majesty," called Cereus. "I just care for this allotment in her master's stead.”

“In her master's stead?” asked Luna. Turning to face the stallion behind her, she began, “Then who—” When Luna saw him nodding his head towards Spike, she blinked in shock, then snapped her head around to look down at her companion once more. “Spike? This garden is thine?”

“Yep,” replied Spike smugly, though his smugness was short-lived. It evaporated almost instantly the moment he saw the knowing look that the old Lord was now giving him.

Coughing in embarrassment as he scuffed his foot against the ground, Spike's expression changed as he gave Luna a sheepish look. “Well… I may have had a bit of help.”

“A bit?” chimed in Cereus.

“Okay. I may have had a lot of help,” Spike confessed, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment before nodding towards his friend. “Cereus here helped me design the layout and taught me all about gardening. Twilight's brother and some of the guards pitched in to help me clear this entire area of the overgrowth and brambles, and they helped me build the raised beds and fill them with bags of compost from the central gardens. Even a couple of my friends from the Wonderbolt Cadets lent a hoof when they visited the castle from Cloudsdale.

“Then there was the Black Watch. I honestly don’t think this place would be anywhere as amazing as it is now if it wasn't for them. They helped with repairing the wall and felling some of the larger trees. Not to mention they also found us the garden shed, greenhouse, and rainwater tanks you can see against the back wall… though they never did tell me where they got them from.” Spike paused for a moment, smiling at the fond memories he held of those childhood days building the Startdew Allotment with his friends and family while waiting for Twilight and his mum to finish Twilight’s magic lessons for the day. “Even Blueblood helped out by using some of his connections to not only source all the general plants you can see in the raised beds, but also the rare specimens you can see in the greenhouse. He still does, even now, actually." Leaning against the raised bed next to them, Spike paused again as more memories flooded back to him, the warm smile that played across his lips never lost for even a second.

“And then there was the help mum gave me," Spike continued, closing his eyes as he spoke. "We used to come down here in the evenings when she had finished with the court for the day. And sometimes Cadance would come with me if mum was busy, or even join us if she didn’t have any foal-sitting to do. We used to plant, water, and weed while we talked about how our day had been. Mum even donated some golden apple seeds so I could try and grow an apple orchard…” Opening his eyes, Spike slowly turned his head to look towards an open archway set within one of the garden’s side walls before turning his head to take in the rest of the Allotment. “Sadly, I won’t get to see Stardew much anymore. Not now that I’m living in Ponyville.”

Luna couldn’t help but feel a slight ache in her chest as she heard the sadness in those final words, especially after all the joy his previous words had carried. Reaching out to try and support him, a painful realisation suddenly dawned on her. They had only met a few hours ago, and she had not dealt with a situation like this in so long, let alone with a dragon of all creatures. More than that, who was she to try and comfort anypony? The Fallen Princess, bringer of eternal night; a monster, undoubtedly, to so many ponies within this world that she now inhabited. Would he even appreciate her sympathy, or would he reject it? What if she made a fool of herself or made matters worse? Opening her mouth to say something, anything to him, all she could manage was silence as her mind went blank. Only the sound of her heart filled her ears.

“I wouldn’t worry about that, Spike. Stardew will always be yours no matter how long you are away from her, as will I to care for her in your stead. I can guarantee you that,” came the caring voice of Cereus, breaking Luna from her panic as she watched on. He then reached out and patted Spike on the shoulder. “And failing me, do you think Princess Celestia or any of your family would let anything happen to this place?” he continued with a gentle laugh.

As Luna watched on from the sidelines, her lip gave a slight tremble before she slowly turned her head away from the duo. Looking at the strawberry plants next to her, she closed her eyes, berating herself silently for her inaction as she left Spike to be comforted by his old friend.

With her focus turned inwards, Luna clenched her jaw tightly as she felt yet another failure fall upon her. Spike had displayed a greater kindness to her over their brief time together than so many of her little ponies had done—at least sincerely—since her return. Not that she could blame them, given her actions as Nightmare Moon. Throughout their day together he had treated her as nothing less than a friend, refusing to let her past sins mar his treatment of her. Yet she had allowed her fears and doubts to once again control her when it was her turn to be a friend to him in return, and it stung. It stung to realise that in the one moment that Spike needed her to return some of the same kindness he had shown her, she had failed to think of even a single word of comfort for him.

With a shuddering sigh, Luna pushed her broken self-esteem aside and slowly opened her eyes. To her surprise, however, rather than seeing the green leaves of the strawberry plants beneath her, she instead found herself staring at a pile of Strawberries held a couple of inches from her muzzle–strawberries that were being held there by none other than Spike himself. Chewing on what Luna could only assume to be one of the berries currently being offered to her, a gentle smile played upon his lips.

Upon looking into his expectant eyes, Luna shook off her dark thoughts as best she could and gave him a gentle smile in return, followed by a nod of thanks, before taking one of the freshly picked berries in her magic and placing it into her waiting mouth. Suddenly, almost as if a switch had been flipped, the princess's eyes widened before she snatched the rest of the berries from the young dragon’s grasp, devouring them in an instant as she moaned happily, savouring the taste of the small fruits while her tail flicked about in joy behind her.

Suddenly, a new sound broke the silence that previously filled the Allotment, causing the princess's ears to twitch as they subconsciously tried to track the source of the noise. Looking down, however, the source soon presented itself as her eyes fell upon the form of Spike, rocking back and forth on his tail while laughing happily.

“Quite partial to the occasional strawberry,” he cackled as she pouted crossly at him. “I haven't seen strawberries disappear that fast since mum was given that triple-layered cheesecake last year!”

Holding her pout a moment longer, Luna suddenly gave a loud snort at the thought of her sister and the supposed cheesecake, before breaking down into her own bout of laughter, mixing it with Spike's to fill every corner of the Allotment as their joy rang out into the very sky above.

Chapter 3

View Online

CHAPTER 3

Of Scales and Moonlight

The bright afternoon sky had given way to a beautiful twilight as Celestia made her way through the palace gardens, her frayed patience from her meeting with the envoy of the House of Lords slowly healing as she took in the beautiful sights and sounds of the summer-kissed gardens around her. Sighing contently and making a mental note to thank the gardeners upon her next meeting them, her stroll through the private gardens suddenly took a detour as she turned from the set path through the masterfully sculpted landscape. Moving, instead, onto a rough track, obscured to those who did not know of its existence by the hedgerows that surrounded it, she started to walk toward what could easily be called her favourite part of the castle. The Stardew Allotment.

As the old stone wall that she knew so well came into focus, signifying that her walk had come to its end, Celestia couldn't help but feel her heart soar ever so slightly as she looked upon the old stonework in front of her. For something as simple as a wall, she was still amazed at how quickly it brought back so many of the warm memories she held of those long summer evenings that she and her son shared in this magical place.

Allowing herself to succumb to those precious memories, Celestia smiled warmly as she gazed at the stonework. It felt like only yesterday that the entire area around her was little more than waste scrubland, long forgotten to all, including herself. Even now Celestia could remember his excitement as he showed it to her, and her considerable scepticism at his idea of turning it into a vegetable garden. Not that her doubts were helped by her son getting himself stuck up a tree at the back of said scrubland merely days after his discovery, causing more than a mild panic among her and her personal staff when he did not turn up for dinner that evening.

That aside, however, the Princess of the Sun was more than happy to admit that she was proven entirely wrong on her initial scepticism. Having watched her dear Spike not only pull together his cousins but all the friends he had made along the way as well, in the face of such a mammoth task before them, she couldn't help but brim with pride as she thought about how they had turned the once overgrown wasteland into something beautiful. Something that had since, with the aid of her nephew, gone on to help so many of her little ponies in need by providing them with food that was not only nutritious but, more importantly, affordable. Yes, thought Celestia, her mind drifted back to the present as she used her magic to gently push open the ivy-covered door leading into the allotment, my dear Spike will be quite the crown prince when he comes of age.

As she entered the allotment, she felt her ears give a slight twitch as she heard the sound of laughter echoing around her. Quietly making her way through the stone archway, ensuring that she went unnoticed by her son and her sister, she silently watched their conversation, both of them too engrossed in their conversation to notice their new audience, as Spike energetically moved around the raised beds. No doubt he was telling stories about all the memories he had made within the grey walls that surrounded them, concluded Celestia, while Luna quietly listened, clearly rapped on his every word.

Smiling at the heartwarming sight, Celestia couldn’t help but wonder if she had made it in time to hear him tell his aunt the story about the Black Watch and the greenhouse; one of her personal favourites. Or, failing that, perhaps the time that that cute filly from the Wonderbolt Cadets, one he had quite a crush on at the time, had nearly caused a mass flood of the gardens by catapulting the unsuspecting dragon into one of the rainwater tanks. Maybe I should take another stab at getting the two of them together. They did make quite the adorable pair after all, though Celestia as she giggled happily into one of her hooves.

“You seem in good humour your Majesty,” said a warm voice beside her, snapping her out of her plotting.

“Ah Lord Greenhoof, good evening,” replied Celestia with a smile as she gave the old stallion a polite nod, “I thought you would be here. Especially considering I have just spent the last 3 hours in an audience with young Orchid.”

“If it is any consolation, your Majesty. I did attempt to talk some sense into that son of mine. Unfortunately, the young fool seems as stubborn as I was at his age.”

Smiling, Celestia turned her gaze back towards her own son. “I wouldn’t worry about it Cereus,” she replied kindly as she gave a gentle nod, “I know what it’s like to have a stubborn son myself.”

Chuckling to himself for a moment before he too turned his gaze upon the young dragon in front of them, his smile slowly fell away into a concerned expression. “How’s he taking it. Finally meeting her after all this time?” he asked softly.

Celestia’s smile wavered slightly at the stallion’s question. “I’m afraid I got called away shortly after introducing them to each other," answered Celestia with a soft sigh, "how have they been while they’ve been with you?”

“He seems... hesitant to speak freely with her. Always referring to her by her name or her title, yet speaks openly when mentioning you,” answered the Lord softly.

Sighing sadly, Celestia slowly turned her gaze to him. “And my sister?”

“The same I'm afraid," he replied before hesitating at his next sentence. "If I may be so bold to air my own thoughts on this matter, your Majesty?”

Seeing the old stallions hesitance, a rare sight even for her, Celestia gave him caring smile. “Dear Cereus, you are one of my son’s dearest friends. I will always be happy to give an ear to whatever it is you have to say. Especially in matters such as this.”

Nodding at the Princesses reassuring words, the stallion pressed on. “I’m afraid that I can only talk on behalf of Spike in this instance, but given his history with your sister… I believe he is scared that she will not accept him. At least, not in the way that... well... Perhaps I have said too much.”

“Don't worry Cereus. I believe you are quite right in your observations,” she replied with a nod. A sad frown now adorning her face, Celestia mulled over the old Lords words as her gaze drifted over to the smiling pair in question, both nephew and aunt blissfully unaware of the conversation going on about them as they continued to chat happily about the plants around them.

“I’m afraid, I don’t have any answer to solve it, however.” Pausing, Cereus stroked his beard in thought, his gaze joining Celestia's in watching the chatting pair, “after all. We both already know how stubborn that dragon can be on such matters.”

As a playful spark suddenly flicked across the Princesses eyes, she flashed the stallion a knowing smile. “Oh, I don't think we need to worry about that dear Cereus. After all, I do believe my dear Spike has already done all the work for us in this matter."

Saying no more, save for a friendly farewell, Celestia left the perplexed Lord to blink in confusion at her retreating form as she made her way toward her family. All the while, a smile gently graced her lips she worked out the steps of her latest plan.

"Best of luck Celestia," muttered the Lord quietly before chucking softly to himself, shaking his head in bemusement, "whatever your plan may be, I hope you're ready for the consequences."

The colours of the day had since past, the moon now shining brightly on the city below, as, next to a dimly lit fire, a dragon lay sleeping. Curled up comfortably on a large pillow, his mother and aunt sat across the room, each sipping at their drinks as they watched on, the elder of the two giggling lightly into one of her hooves.

“I think you may have worn him out, Luna. Usually, he's still up at this time, working away on this or that for my dear student while arguing about how he doesn't need a bed-time anymore."

“Your words ring familiar, dear sister," replied Luna, nodding gently in response. "It reminds me of thou at the same age. Staying up all night, reading or practising your magic. Driving poor mother up the wall with arguments about how you where a full grown mare and could decide your own bedtime, only to fall asleep in one of old Starswirls lessons the following morning." Taking a sip of her drink, Luna allowed Celestia to see her smirk in full view, "yes, dear sister, you were truly a bastion of how all young ponies should behave.”

Chocking on her drink slightly, Celestia looked away and made several muttering noises in retaliation before turning her gaze back to the sleeping Spike; an act that was soon emulated by her younger sister.

“I must admit," started Celestia, in a poorly veiled attempt to change the subject, "I was glad to see you both getting along so well back at the allotment. I was quite worried we would have a repeat of when I introduced you to-”

“We shan’t talk about Blueblood, Tia,” cut in Luna harshly, in no particular mood to recall the previous day’s events. After all, it was hardly her fault, and she was confident that his tail would grow back in no time. Giving a soft sigh, she took another sip of her drink as her mind slowly moved from thoughts of one nephew to another.

With a penitent look set on her face, Luna turned her head towards her sister, startling Celestia slightly with the growing sadness in her eyes.

“Tia. Dost, thou think that young Spike will accept us as his...” she paused as her gaze fell to the floor before drifting back over to the dragon in question, “dost thou think that Spike will accept us as his aunt?”

Letting her gaze fall back to Spike also, Celestia used her magic to move another small log into the fireplace before turning back to her sister, a sincere smile on her lips. “I can tell you, Luna. Without a shadow of a doubt, as sure as I love my son, my dearest Spike loves you.”

"But sister. How can thou be so sure of it? We have only met this very afternoon. Surely there is no way that Spike would even know us, let alone see us in any such light?"

Without saying a word, Celestia stood and slowly made her way to a locked stained-glass bookcase near her bed before placing the tip of her horn into a small hole in its door. There was a soft, sudden, click as her magic undid the locking mechanism -a security feature, Luna recalled, that ensured only those who’s magical field registered within the lock could unlock it- before using her magic to gently swing the door open and remove an object from within.

Closing the bookcases door with a soft click, a smiling Celestia made her way back over to Luna as an elegant leather-bound book, held within her magic, trailed behind her. When she sat back down, however, rather than putting the tome in front of either of them, Celestia pushed the book to the end of the table furthest from them. An act that earned the solar monarch a confused head tilt from her younger sister.

“You know, Spike has known you ever since he was a hatchling,” started Celestia before taking another sip of her drink, “though I like to think that he has known you much longer than that.”

Giving her a laugh, Luna regarded her sister with a disbelieving expression. “Surely thou must be jesting Tia, I have only been returned these scant few weeks. How could dear Spike possibly know me outside of our time today?”

“He may have only met you in the flesh today Luna, but let me ask you this,” replied Celestia as she suddenly levelled a serious gaze upon the younger Princess. “Do you truly believe that I would not have told my son all about my beloved little sister? His own aunt?”

Taken back by the seriousness of Celestia's answer all Luna could manage was to blink, stupefied by the sudden revelation that she, by all rights, should have already known. Of course, Celestia would have told Spike all about her; it went without saying that even after her transformation into Nightmare Moon, her sister still loved her deeply. To this very day, one thousand years after the fact, she could see the tears that flowed down her sister’s face as she used the elements of harmony on her, banishing her to the very moon that she once controlled. With that in mind, Luna could only imagine what new pain her sister would have felt if she were to hear her very son speak about her little sister with the same fear and hatred that she was sure so many of her subjects regarded her with - especially in the aftermath of the first endless night.

“I used to tell stories to his egg you know,” continued Celestia, “I used to vent to him whenever I heard my, our, little ponies talking in hatred of you; and even sing to him when I was happy.

"Then when he hatched, I used to tell him about all the adventures we used to go on. The day we found the tree of harmony or the rise and fall of Discord to name just a couple.” Celestia then allowed herself a soft giggle, “I also told him about our years working on Staryard Farm when dear mother sent us on envoy to the Stardew Vally." Pausing for a moment, Celestia giggled into one of her hooves, "he really loved that story when he started to get a bit older.”

“So that’s where he got the idea from,” said Luna softly, thinking aloud as a gentle smile spread across her face, “I’m glad to see the spirit of that magical place has survived, even now.”

“You and me both Luna,” replied Celestia, joining her sister in smiling at Spike. “Though for all the stories I told him. There was always one that he would ask for over and over again," Celestia turned her gaze back to Luna as a large smile spread across her face, "the tale about how his Aunty Luna valiantly defeated the evil King Sombra.”

Luna gave Celestia an incredulous look at this revelation, after all, they had taken King Sombra down together. If it weren’t for them watching each other’s back throughout, they would have both fallen to the dark king’s power, though this did nothing to detract from the grin still stretched across her sister’s face, especially as that playful spark once more flashed across her eyes.

“Oh, don’t go giving me that look Luna. I told my dear Spike the events as they happened, albeit with slight censoring when he was much younger," continued Celestia with a wave of her hoof. "It seems that your final clash with Sombra stuck a cord with that son of mine, however. Even to the point that he asked one of the Black Watch to teach him dual swordplay.”

“Dual?” asked Luna, her eyes widening slightly at the through of the young dragon learning her style of combat, "was he any good?"

“Oh, most defiantly. Even if, given our dear Spike's short stature, all he could manage to wield were a pair of daggers. And before you go and get big headed over this Woona, he also wanted to learn spear combat like his dear mum as well. Something that I taught him personally," boasted Celestia as she turned her muzzle up smugly. Her smug attitude soon deflated, however, as a sheepish look fell across her face, “that was until he tried showing off to his cousins and... well. Let’s just say he lost his confidence after that.” Celestia looked down at the table, a frown now set on her lips as she recalled the still vivid memory of that day, “it took Cadence nearly an hour to get him to calm down, after which, he wouldn’t go near any weapons again. The closest we got him to one after that was when Twilight’s brother convinced him to try holding an antique lance that he was transporting back to the armoury.”

Resting one of her small wings upon her sisters back, Luna did her best to give her a reassuring smile, “perhaps, if thou art willing, We will have a talk with young Spike. After all, We had our fair share of mishaps when first developing our style; perhaps we can convince him to find faith once more.”

Smiling, Celestia nodded as she embraced her little sister with one of her own majestic wings. “Thank you, Luna. Hopefully, he will listen to you when he would not listen to any of us," she then paused as some concern crept into her eyes and voice, “though, perhaps you should wait until you have regained your strength? I can't help but think it would be unwise to take up your sabres again when you have yet to regain full control of your magic.”

Sighing, Luna moved away from her sisters embrace and took another sip of her drink. “Mayhap you are correct, dear sister. Though make no mistake. As soon as We are able, We will be speaking to dear Spike about this," lowering her cup, Luna flashed her sister a smirk, "then we can see once more that spears are of no competition to the might of dual sabres.”

"If you say so little sister," replied Celestia with her own smirk.

A comfortable silence then descended between the two sisters, broken only by the occasional snores of a sleeping dragon and pops from the fire next to him. A silence that was soon broken by Luna, who, with a puzzled expression on her face, turned to her sister and gave her a probing look. “If We may ask Tia? Why does thou refer to us a 'Woona'? Twice this day thou have called us such a sickeningly sweet name, and yet We cannot recall any time previous that you or any other from our past have.”

The playful spark returned to Celestia with new strength, shining brightly behind her eyes, as she gave the Princess of the Night a wide grin. “That is quite simple, little sister. When my dear Spike was growing up, he was forever struggling with your name. Always calling you his aunty 'Woona' rather than 'Luna'. If nothing else, it was one of the cutest things I had ever heard.” Pausing, she giggled gleefully at the memory as she pulled her forelegs to her chest. “I was quite sad when he grew out of it if I must admit. Even if it does give me plenty ammunition to embarrass him with.”

Blinking, Luna felt herself blush slightly as she imagined a baby Spike pulling on her sister’s mane, begging for another story about his Aunty Woona. Allowing herself a moment to squeal internally at how cute an image it must have been, she shook her head vigorously to clear these thoughts from her mind before catching a glimpse of the hefty tome that her sister had recently placed towards the edge of the small table.

Curious, Luna pointed a hoof towards the book as she tilted her head at her sister. “And the reason for the book?”

Celestia, giving a gentle 'Ah', used her magic to gently lift the book in question over to her sister, allowing the Princess of the Night to getter a closer look at the hefty tome.

The book in question appeared to be a high-quality piece of work. The bindings where pristine and each page looked to be edged in gold.Upon its cover was an image of a sabre and a broadsword, inlaid in gold leaf and crossed behind a full silver moon with a purple dragon scale embossed in its centre. Looking over the rest of the book, Luna also took note of her and her sister's cutie marks inlaid in gold and silver on the back cover while upon the spine of the book, written in gold script, read the words…

“Of Scales and Moonlight,” said Luna softly, tilting her head to the side in confusion.

“Indeed, little sister.” Opening the book to its first few pages, Celestia flashed Luna a proud smile. “As it turned out when he was first learning to write, my dear son developed a taste for writing stories.” To aid her point, Celestia pointed her hoof towards the pages in front of them, “though, I'm afraid, the first few are quite illegible. Even so, I’m sure you can make out a couple of words within the scrawl.”

True to her sister’s words, no matter how much Luna tried to squint and turn the pages she could find very little sense in the squiggles that lay haphazardly across the page, that is, save for two words. “Anty, Lonaur,” muttered the Princess of the Night.

“'Anty Lonaur', indeed,” replied Celestia with a giggle, “there is also a ‘Prinses Sellesteah’ buried somewhere on that page as well. And on the page after,” Celestia paused to give a bit of overdramatic effect, though it was really more of an excuse to flash her sister a teasing smirk, “is a picture he drew of you.”

“A picture of Us?” asked Luna in surprise, watching as her sister’s magic turned the page.

Upon initial inspection of the page in question, Luna was about to point out that there was no picture there or that her sister had accidentally turned two pages at once. A moment passed, and then another, and another, before Luna let of an undignified snort and started to laugh.

“Is that Us!?,” asked Luna between fits, “did thou tell younger Spike that We only have one horn? Or that We have two wings, not four?” The younger of the two Princesses sobered up quickly, however, when she saw the new look her sister was giving her.

“If We do recall, dear sister. Thine own artwork was no more stunning when thou were the same age.”

Gulping slightly, Luna gave her sister a sheepish look. “We are sorry, sister," spluttered Luna in apology, "We did not mean to insult…” then she saw it, the spark playing in her sister's eyes once more. Luna sighed crossly and hit her sister gently, “hilarious Tai. Thou almost had us there. Especially with the use of thy proper tongue.”

Smiling at her sister, Celestia moved her attention back to the book before them. “The early pages aside, Spike got quite good at writing his stories. How could I not get them properly bound when he finished them? I even pulled a few stings and had the chief of the royal binders work personally on the cover!” Motherly pride shone clearly on her face as she spoke, though, as she came to her last words, Luna saw her sister’s eyes harden ever so slightly. “Not before I convinced each and every one of them to sign the official secrets act, however.”

“Nothing like abusing one’s powers,” muttered Luna, shivering slightly as she suddenly felt a now very real, very cool, gaze from her sister upon the side of her head. Deciding to change the subject quickly, if only to save her own hide from an irritated Celestia, Luna moved the book closer to herself. “If We may ask? Where did thou come up with the title? T'is quite a pretty one.”

"Ah. That, little sister, comes from the title of the final story,” answered Celestia, using her magic to turn the book to its last few pages, her eyes once again filled with their full warmth, “give it a read.”

…“No! You can’t!” cried Sparks and he reached out to her.

Tightening his hand on the hilt of his sword, as well as that of the moonlight sabre in his other hand, he made a desperate charge towards Nightmare Moon. The pain from his wounds was forgotten as he threw himself forwards, only one thought was in his mind.

He had to save her! It couldn’t end here, not like this, not when they were so close.

Sparks faintly heard Princess Celestia cry out his name over the sound of the Elements of Harmony, spinning through the air like a rainbow of shooting stars, their powerful hum getting ever louder as their ultimate spell neared its completion.

He was nearly there, he could still save her. Then, to his horror, he stopped dead in his tracks; frozen in place by what he could only conclude was a powerful spell.

Straining against the magic that now surrounded him, he heard a soft, melodic, voice drift through the air.

“It’s okay Sparks. No matter what, we’ll see each other again. I promise," came the words of his aunt as she smiled at him. A smile betrayed by the heartbreak in her eyes.

“NO!” cried Sparks as he struggled harder against her magic. “We are so close! We can stop her! We can do this, just let me help you!” With another mighty pull, he felt her magic slip. “After everything we’ve been through! All our adventures! It can’t end like this!”

“This isn’t the end Sparks, I promise. Whatever happens, I will always watch over you. And when I return, even if it's a thousand years from now, I will find you, and we can be a family again. You, me, and Tia…,” though she continued to strain against Nightmare Moon, holding the monster in place, Sparks could see the tears flowing freely down her face, “so smile Sparks! Please! Please don’t let this be my last memory of you until then...”

Tears now running down his own face, Sparks swallowed hard as he felt his hands tightening around the hilts of his swords. They had been together for so long, she had always had his back, and he hers. She had always been then for him, no matter what. Yet now, as he stood there looking up at her, he felt his blood run cold as realisation set in. This was the end, at least for now. There was no way, no matter how hard he fought or how valiant a fight the both of them put up, it was too late to stop it; too late to save her.

Lifting his head, he dug deep into his soul and pulled forth all the light that he could muster; focusing it all on one last beaming smile as he met her eyes. “See ya latter Woona.”

As fresh tears flowed from her eyes, she returned his beaming smile with one of her own. Then in a brilliant spectrum of colours both her and the nightmare vanished, banished to the moon above as the elements of harmony around Celestia grew dim; their work now complete. A faint voice remained, however, whispering throughout the room of the ruined castle.

"...love you Sparks..."

Slowly the swords he held slipped from his grasp, clattering loudly to the floor as the young knight collapsing to his knees. His smile was now gone as fresh tears poured down his face, pooling beneath him as he punched the tiled floor. The world lay forgotten to him as he turned his face up to the sky and chocked out one last mournful farewell.

“Goodbye… Aunty Luna...” ...

Luna put the book down, cutting the story short as she looked away from the page. How much time had passed she wondered. Minutes? Hours? She was unsure, but however long it was, it was long enough for Celestia to have cleared the table in front of them, save for a glass of water that Luna was confident had not been in the room previously. As she looked at the glass, she suddenly noticed a dampness on her cheeks and a slight sting in her eyes. Bringer a hoof to her face and dabbing her fur, Luna was surprised to discover that they were tears.

Scanning the room, she spied her sister walking towards her from the fireplace.

“Tia,” started Luna hesitantly, “this chapter? This story?”

Smiling, Celestia gave her sister a hug. “I told you, Luna. He loves you. Even to the point that for the longest time he truly refused to believe that you where Nightmare Moon, insisting that you sacrificed yourself to save the world rather than trying to destroy it.” Giving her sister a gentle nuzzle she added, “even to this day I’m not entirely sure he ever grew out of that belief.”

Feeling a pit in the bottom of her stomach, Luna gave a slight sniffle before moving away from her sister's embrace. “But why Tia? Why would he hold such faith in us? There is no reason for him too.”

“Only Spike can answer those questions for certain, little sister,” Replied Celestia as she turned to look at her sleeping son before reaching out and lifting up the younger Princesses chin gently with her hoof. “I can tell you one thing that I know for certain though. No matter what happened in the past, or what may happen in future. No matter how many slings and arrows are thrown at you for what you have done. You will always have your number one fan.” Celestia tilted her head towards the glowing fireplace and gave her a warm smile. “Now. Perhaps it’s time to finally make good on that promise. Wouldn’t you say?”

Almost as if on auto-pilot, Luna stood from her cushion and slowly made her way to the young dragon, her legs aching from being seated for so long, her heart and mind racing from the revelations that had just come to pass. He loved her, he thought of her as his Aunt, yet refused to call her as such. Why? Was it because of her own fear? Her indecisiveness? What kind of heartache had she bestowed upon him by denying him the chance to get to honestly know the aunt he held in such high regard? The aunt he had waited so long to meet? Quietly approaching the sleeping dragon, Luna reached one of her hooves out towards him; only to freeze. Her mind was blank, unable to think what to do next, what to say next. Feeling the same panic that she felt earlier that afternoon in the Stardew Allotment set in, all Luna could do was stare at the sleeping dragon in fear.

Suddenly, she felt something within her click into place. Almost like a long-stuck gear had finally shifted into alignment, Luna knelt down and smiled softly at the slumbering dragon before her as her eyes flickered with a renewed flame. The fog of fear shrouding her mind burned away to reveal a renewed clarity. A new purpose.

“Dear Spike. Upon our very night, upon our very moon, we promise. From now until the very stars in the night-time sky flicker and die, we will work every day to return the love and faith that thou hast shown us.

"Even when We were shrouded in the darkness of a nightmare, thou never lost faith in us, guarded our memory.” Leaning down she kissed him gently on the head before curling up next to him as she draped one of her wings lovingly over his back. "Thou loved us, and for that, we will forever be grateful to you our... my... beloved nephew."

Smiling in his sleep, Spike shifted himself closer to her before muttering softly. “Welcome home Aunty Luna… love you…”

Feeling a warm tear slip down her face, Luna smiled and nuzzled him gently.

“Love you too, Sparks.”