Celestia has a secret that no pony other than her sister know's, will her hopes for the future come true of will they crumble to dust?
This story takes place before the finale of season 3, so any continuity errors should be chocked up as being part of an alternate universe.
Edited By: Tiger_ Jinx
This story idea was originally from Sisterly Bonds Run Deep written by: Night--Mist but since he never finished it, I felt it was time to re-write the story with some alteration's on my part.
Of all the great architectural marvels that dotted the landscape, few compared to the beauty of the cliff-hanging palace of Canterlot. Princess Celestia, ages ago, asked her royal architects to construct it as a sign to the subjects of her eternal watch over pony kind. But it was also in remembrance of the sister the Sun Goddess had to banish to the moon for millennia. But with that time long since passed, the burden of her actions still waged heavily on the Sun Goddess’s mind. That was until the events of the 1000th summer sun celebration in which Twilight her friends had managed to free Luna from her eternal nightmare.
Throughout the many beautiful chambers of Canterlot Castle, one of the most beautiful was the private study of Princess Celestia. A collection of books lined the shelves of her study. There were whole bookcases devoted to literature covered in a foreign script, as well as holy texts. Scientific and Arcane studies covered another, along with local novels and poetry. It was an extensive compilation, but not overbearing, at least for a princess with all the time in the world to pour over them.
In the room which was designed for peace and tranquility, Princess Celestia was jarred from the photo album she currently held in her golden aura as someone burst into the room. As Princess Celestia turned to see who had dared disturb her relaxation time she was relieved to see it was none other than her younger sister, Princess Luna.
“Oh, Lulu, thank Faust it was only you, you startled me,” Celestia stated with relief radiating in her voice.
“Sorry to disturb you, dear sister, but there is a matter of the utmost importance that we must discuss with thou.”
“Dialect Luna,” Celestia playfully teased her sister, which only returned by a groan from the younger alicorn.
“Tia now is not the time for your games, you know as well as I what I have come to speak to you about,” Luna said with tension etched on her face.
Celestia turned her head back towards the album, which she still grasped in her golden aura. She then set the album gently down onto the desk next to her. After setting it down, she stared intently at the open page of the album, it had been damaged from years use and tears. Even after all these years, Celestia could still remember what had once been written beneath the picture. "My baby girls, may my love be your guiding light when everything else seems dark."
“I know Lulu but what if when I tell them the truth they never forgive me, I don’t know if I would be able to bear it,” Celestia said while trying to hold back some of her tears, but it was too late as a single tear ran its way down her cheek.
“Oh, sister I know it is going to be hard, but you must remember who it is we’re talking about here.” Luna reminded her sister in a calming and somewhat motherly tone that would give Celestia herself a run for her bits.
With the same breathing exercises Cadence had shown Twilight, Celestia had managed to win back some semblance of her former composure. “I know Lulu, you are absolutely right this is something must do. But just to be safe would you…”
Celestia couldn’t finish her sentence as she was immediately scooped up into a loving embrace by her younger sister. “Dear sister, thou should already know we wouldn’t let thou face this problem alone.”
“Oh Luna, you're falling into the old equestrian dialect again. You don’t want our subjects to think you've become crazy mare now do you?”
Celestia had finished she was greeted by a swift bop on the back of her head by Luna’s right foreleg. “Tia, I will say this once more stop correcting me it’s infuriating.” Luna puffed out her chest in utter annoyance which managed to get a rise out of the sun princess.
“Alright then, I will ask them to meet us here tomorrow at the castle, and then we'll tell them the truth. How does that sound to you Luna?” Celestia questioned her sister with a knowing look on her muzzle.
“Yes, that should work perfectly sister. But we will need to postpone the day court if we are to both be in attendance don’t you think Celestia?” Luna replied with a hint of her inner prankster showing through.
“Alright then, why don’t you inform my attendant Silver Feather about the change in the schedule, she is currently in the Castle archives,” Celestia informed her sister with a sinister gleam in her eye.
With all said and done Luna was about to make her way to the door but was then stopped as she heard her Celestia say.
“Oh Luna, just a head’s up nut Silver Feather can be even more of a stickler for schedules than Twilight.” Celestia teased her sister try to hold a fit of giggles behind her hoof.
This new information had caused Luna to stop dead in her tracks and wince as she had been witnessing to the terror known as Twilight Sparkle Queen of checklists & schedules. Luna turned to face her sister who was known laughing like a hyena.
“Tia, are we sure you are not secretly the Queen of Tartars,” Luna said with utter annoyance radiating from her like Celestia's sun.
"I love you too Luna, but yes I’m quite sure that is not the case," Celestia responded to her sister’s obvious attempt at sarcasm.
"Very well, sister then, for now, I will bid you awed," Luna said as she was trying to keep herself from face hoofing.
"Alright Luna then I shall see you tomorrow, but please do try to get a decent night sleep as I don't want the first thing our guests to see when they arrive to be the Queen of bed head." Celestia teased her younger sister, who’s only responded with a glare that could pierce through a solid diamond.
Without another word spoken Luna made her way out of the study and to the inevitable scolding, she was sure to receive from Silver Feather, Once her sister had left the room Celestia turned back to face her desk. It was then She grabbed a vat of ink, a quill and a piece of parchment with her magic. She then started on the letter that she hoped she would never have to write.
My sister and I are in urgent need to speak with you and Rainbow Dash, But it is imperative that none of your friends find out about this matter outside of Rainbow Dash, When you have finished with this letter please show it to Rainbow Dash. I'll be awaiting your arrival in Canterlot Castle.
With the letter finally finished, Celestia rolled it up in her magic and with a flash of green fire, she sent the smoke on its way to the belly of Spike the Dragon. As she returned to the album, which still lay open on the desk she could only hope that Luna was right. But Celestia couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at what the results of tomorrow's inevitable discussion might have in store for her.
Twilight and her friends were having a great time during an afternoon picnic as they talked about all what has happened in their lives since the defeat of King Sombra. Rarity went on about the opening of her latest Boutique in Canterlot, Pinkie Pie told them about this new cupcake recipe she had just put the finishing touches on (plus some other crazy, random things) Applejack them how the preparations for Cider Season where coming and Fluttershy just sat quietly and listened as her friends talked. After a little while, Applejack noticed out of the corner her eye Spike was running frantically towards the group. "Well, Spike seems to be in a mighty big hurry. What Y'all think he’s got in that their claw of his?" Applejack asked with confusion etched onto her muzzle.
“Judging by the look on his face, I’m guessing he probably received a letter from the princess for Twilight.” Rainbow Dash said as if she was Twilight.
This was greeted by an elbow to the side from Twilight, Who was not happy with her rainbow maned friend’s comment.
“We’ll find out soon enough, now, won’t we? Look girls here he comes.” Applejack said ignoring what had just transpired.
“Oh man, let me just oh sweet Celestia I’m never doing that again…” the young drake stated in between huffs of exhaustion as he was trying to catch his breath.
Spike took a few seconds to try to get the air circulating to his lungs. He was then greeted by a dark shadow looming over him. When he tilted his head up to see who it was looking down upon him he greeted by the worried face of his, not so secret crush Rarity.
“Oh, poor Spikie Wikie are you okay? You look positively dreadful.” Rarity asked with concern for the drake’s well-being.
Spike immediately went from a messy heap on the ground to standing straight up and flexing his non-existent muscles. Trying to show his strength but failing.
“Oh, Rarity it’s you! Ya I’m fine I do things like this every day it’s how I stay in peak condition.” Spike said trying to sound as cool as he could but no pony was buying it.
“Alright Spike, that’s enough flirting do you have a letter for me?” Twilight asked Spike with a sly grin every present on her muzzle.
This was rewarded by a glare from the young dragon as he didn't wish for Rarity to know about his crush.
“Yeah Twilight I do but how did you know that?” Spike asked his caretaker and honorary big sister with a look of confusion on his face.
“Let’s just say a little birdie told me,” Twilight said not making eye contact with her rainbow maned friend who was giving Twilight her usual cocky grin.
Twilight then grabbed the scroll from Spike in her lavender magic as she was about read aloud the letter she stopped., when she turned towards to her friends Twilight had a sheepish look on her face like the face she makes when she messed up. She then grabbed Rainbow in magic and teleported them both back to her bedroom in the golden oaks' library. Before Rainbow could say a word, Twilight cast a privacy enchantment on the interior of the room so no pony outside it could find out as to what the two occupants were talking about.
“Okay Twilight, what the hay is going on here. First you act all secretive about the letter and next thing I know you've teleported us to your room! So, what’s going on?!” Rainbow Dash yelled at her lavender friend with a frantic look on her face.
Twilight was taken aback by the sudden outburst, but it was understandable if Twilight was in her friend’s horseshoes she would most certainly feel the same about this situation.
“Sorry Rainbow, but it says here that no pony other than the two of us where are to know what was in this letter,” Twilight said.
After Rainbow had managed to calm down Twilight then handed the letter over to her as Rainbow read the letter the look on her face went from skeptical to confused and finally bewilderment.
My sister and I are in urgent need to speak with you and Rainbow Dash, But it is imperative that none of your friends find out about this matter outside of Rainbow Dash, When you have finished with this letter please show it to Rainbow Dash. I'll be awaiting your arrival in Canterlot Castle.
Rainbow looked towards her friend who had a similar look on her face after reading the letter.
“I don’t understand why would Princess Celestia want only the two of us, I know I’m awesome and all, but this is starting to freak me out Twi,” Rainbow said questioningly to her friend.
" I don't know Rainbow, but the only way was going to find out is if get a move on," Twilight answered her friend.
After taking down enchantments the two friends went to grab their tickets for the 11 O-clock train to Canterlot. After a twenty-minute wait, the train pulled up to the station. Just as the two were about to bore the train, they heard an all too familiar high-pitched voice yelling towards them.
“Wait for me Rainbow Dash, Twilight you guy's can’t leave yet. Not before you've tried my new five alarm dark chocolate cupcakes made inspired by the authors OC.” the frantic pink party planner shouted to her winded friends. (Oh, For Celestia's sake Pinkie stop breaking the fourth wall!!)
This caused the two a bit of pain as they didn’t want to harm their Pinkies feelings but Princess Celestia was clear in her order of not telling any pony else about this trip. I was with a heavy heart that the two climbed onto the train, after what felt like an hour of searching they managed to find an empty car towards the back of the train. The two friends then took their respective seats on either side of the train car, Once again Twilight cast her soundproofing and privacy enchantments so the two occupants could talk in peace.
“So, what do you think the princesses want to talk to us about?” Rainbow questioned her friend with a curious look on her face
“I don’t know but whatever it's about all I know is it must be really important if she didn't want us to tell any pony else about it,” Twilight said trying to hold back a panic attack.
“Hey, maybe we’re sisters and one of our parents is royalty or something.” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
This was rewarded with a scrutinizing glance on Twilight as she was not even going to consider that as a possibility.
“Dash that is highly unlikely, I mean wouldn’t there at least be some sort of historical evidence to support your claim,” Twilight said trying to dissuade her friends from that line of thought.
"It was only a guess, it's not like I would really believe that is something that could happen,” Rainbow responded with hurt clearly showing on her face.
“Your right Dash I’m sorry, it’s just that I’m worried about what the princess might have to say. You know?” Twilight said in an apologetic tone.
“No worries Twi, I totally get it as the Princess Celestia's personal student it’s understandable that you'd be more nervous than me. I mean look at me I’m so nervous that my hooves won’t stop shaking.” Rainbow said trying to comfort her friend.
“Thanks, Rainbow I’m really that I’m not the only one who’s freaked out about this whole mess,” Twilight responded.
With that said the two friends silently made their way to Canterlot unaware of what the future might hold for them and the world of Equis.
For Rainbow Dash, the ride to Canterlot felt unnaturally slow almost as if they had entered the Twilight Zone Minutes to young Pegasus felt more like hours. She had just finished re-reading the first Daring Do book for the tenth time just this week. Finally, the longest train ride she had ever been on was ending as the train pulled its way out of the tunnel and was greeted by the warmth of Celestia’s golden sun.
“Well, it’s Flippen about time! I thought we were going to be stuck that train forever!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash loudly.
At this Twilight could do nothing but roll her eyes in annoyance at her friend’s unnecessary comment. She herself had felt as if the train ride was longer than it had been in the time's prior. The two friends started to make their way to the Castle where both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were lying in wait for their arrival. As they made their way through the hustle and bustle of the Canterlot fashion district Twilight spotted an off duty Solar Guard talking to one of his fellow officers.
“So, what do you think this big announcement will be? I have my bits set on that the griffons are waging war against Equestria once again.” Said the muscular dark brown unicorn stallion with a black mane and judging by his armor he was a lieutenant of the Solar Guard.
“You’re only saying that because you're trying to get Captain Armor’s old position now that he’s become a prince in the Crystal Empire.” Retorted the younger teal unicorn mare with the lite blue mane.
His friends comment made the stallion wince as he put a hurt expression on his face.
“Why I would never, there is No pony who could ever take his place. But if the princess’s ever thought it necessary to replace him then it would be with a heavy heart I take up the mantle of Captain of the Solar Guard.” The stallion responded with a hint of Rarity showing in his voice.
This caused the couple to burst out in laughter, after taking a few seconds to compose themselves Twilight thought she heard the mare say something about Princess Celestia. She was about to go ask the mare as to what it was she had said when Rainbow Dash interrupted her train of thought.
“Come on Twilight if we don't get going we won’t be able to make our meeting with Princess Celestia.” Rainbow playfully teased her befuddled friend.
This caused Twilight to remember as to what they had originally come to Canterlot. Twilight then once again grabbed Rainbow in her magic and with a flash of light, the two were teleported in front of two very confused Solar Guards at the Castle gates.
“Good now we won’t be so late, are you happy now Rainbow?!” Twilight scrutinized her cyan friend.
Before Rainbow could even respond to this they were being whisked down the halls of Canterlot Castle by a light Grey Pegasus mare with a blond mane, she had a quill and ink pot cutie mark and ruby colored glasses adorned her face.
“There you two are! Princess Celestia has been driving myself and Princess Luna completely batty.” Silver Feather said to the two mares who she was dragging behind her.
Rainbow was completely lost which for Twilight was a good thing since she wouldn’t have been able to make a fool of herself in front of the Princesses. It was then that Twilight registered what she had just heard Silver Feather says.
“Did she just say that both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have been waiting? This can’t be good if both royals are involved.” Twilight thought to herself questioningly.
Twilight was starting to think in rapid succession of every worst-case scenario they could be facing just as Twilight had reached worst-case scenario number thirty-four Silver Feathers had stopped in front of Princess Celestia’s private study.
“Alright, the Princesses are inside so head inside whenever you’re ready. I have to get back to my work please try to behave yourself.” Silver Feather said looking in Rainbow's direction.
This caused the cyan Pegasus to recoil. With a nod before Silver Feather made her way down the hallway towards the castle archive. After a time that to the two ponies felt like centuries of utter silence, Rainbow finally worked up the courage to ask the one question that was on both of their minds.
“So… are you going to open the door, or should I?” Rainbow meekly stated looking towards her friend.
“I’ll get it I’m the one with magic after all,” Twilight said jokingly but Rainbow knottiest she was able to relax her friend.
“Yeah that’s true but I could have managed just fine on my own.” Rainbow retorted her normal cocky attitude has made a return.
The two shared a look nether knowing what lied before them, but whatever it was they had each other.
“We’re stalling, aren’t we?” Twilight asked her cyan friend.
With a hearty chuckle, Rainbow looked to her friend.
“Yep so on the count of three?” Rainbow asked her friend unsure as to what to do.
Twilight’s only response was a simple nod in Rainbow Dash’s direction.
“Okay then on three…
One…
Two…
Three!!!”
On three the two friends gave the handles of the doors a powerful yank. The doors to the private study of Princess Celestia were then flung wide, After taking a moment to ready themselves the two friends made their way inside. Not knowing what to expect, Twilight Sparkle only continued to fear the worst. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Study of Princess Celestia.
10 minutes before the arrival of Twilight and Rainbow Dash:
Princess Celestia had been pacing back and forth in figure eight since 11 O-clock that very morning. Luna was just at her wit's end but much to her relief there was a knock at the door, just as she was about to ask who it was striding Silver Feather with a smile upon her face.
“Ah, Silver Feather of what news do you bring?” Luna asked hoping against hope that it was news that could end Celestia’s accursed pacing.
Silver Feather caught onto what Luna was implying and gave her a look that said, "they’re currently on their way and should be arriving shortly so hold on just a bit longer my Princess." Luna replied to her look with a slight nod before Silver Feather finally spoke.
“I’m saddened to report that Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash have to arrive your majesties.”
Silver Feather gave a quick glance to Luna which told her something she herself was feeling, Silver Feather didn’t want to be here any longer than she had to. Luna then using her most regal act yet. “Very well, Silver Feather if that is all then you are free to leave,” Luna stated struggling to fight the urge to let her magic run rampant just, so she could let off some steam.
With that said Silver Feather made her back to the front gates to await the arrival of the Princess’s guests, but not before mouthing the three simple words of thanks towards Princess Luna who only responded with a wick.
Celestia’s accursed pacing had finally stopped at least for the moment and Luna wasn’t going to let it start up once again. So, with a bit of quick thinking, Luna used her magic to make a pot of tea and some teacups appear out of thin air.
“Sister why don’t you have a seat and drink some tea, you know that helps you pass the time,” Luna asked her sister knowing all too well what her answer would be.
“Very well Lulu you win I’ll have a seat and wait,” Celestia said grin upon her muzzle trying to sound as defeated as possible.
The two-royal sisters sat on two of the four cushions awaiting the arrival of their guests. Some time had passed and Celestia was starting to get antsy. Luna knew it was only a matter of time until Celestia was pacing once again. Then suddenly the doors to her sister’s study were flung wide open. Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash had finally arrived Soon all shall be explained but will it be for the betterment of Equestria or not only time would tell. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
With a resounding clang of the doors to Celestia’s study were flung wide open and in strode Twilight and Rainbow. Celestia turned her attention from her rampant thoughts towards the room’s two new occupants who were making their way towards the center of the room. Celestia did her best to give a warm motherly smile as she greeted the two she and Luna had most wanted to see.
“Twilight and Rainbow Dash welcome please take a seat; before we get started would either of you care for any refreshments?” Celestia asked the two obviously trying to buy time so that she can figure out how she was going to start this difficult conversation.
Luna had taken notice of her sister’s plight and opted to press the issue as to not let her sister give up just when she come this close. So, Luna thought it best to start the conversation that Celestia was clearly having trouble starting.
“I’ve been hearing a rumor going around the castle is it true that the two of you were adopted?” Luna asked knowing all too well the answer to her question.
The suddenness of the lunar alicorn’s question came as shock to both Twilight and Rainbow Dash, they both knew this was true about themselves however they didn’t know the same could be said for each other. As the pair stared into each other’s’ eyes in utter surprise, Celestia’s voice managed to pull them out of the torrent of questions flooding their minds.
“Well um… yes thank you for that Lulu.” Celestia said with surprise at the suddenness off her sister’s question.
This made all the pain of having to wait here with Celestia for four agonizingly long hours’ worth its weight in gold.
“Your quite welcome Tia, just doing whatever I can to help.” Luna responded with a hint of sarcasm this made Celestia inwardly question as to why she had requested that Luna be present for this discussion.
But no thanks to that question of Luna’s Celestia had to choose between doing this herself or have Luna do it instead, with a sorrowful sigh Celestia knew what she need to do she could only hope that Twilight and Rainbow Dash be able to understand.
“Sorry princesses but what does my and Rainbow’s adoption have to do with way you summoned us to the castle?” Twilight huffed letting a tinge of annoyance slip thought.
When the royal sisters noticed this, they exchanged looks each silently encouraging the other for what was to be the hardest conversation either has ever had to preformed during their two-thousand-year rule of Equestria. Celestia finally picked up the album that still lay upon the desk with her magic and with a heavy sigh she finally spoke.
“Very well Twilight, but to understand what I’m about to tell you both you’ll need to take a look at this book.” Celestia finished and handed the book to Twilight who caught it in her own lavender colored magic.
Just like that the flood gates had opened and Celestia was left unable to utter a single word outside of some muffled sob’s, After gently wrapping a caring wing around her sister Luna took over the conversation in her sister’s stead.
“I’m sorry you two but this is just hard on our sister right now, but the answers you seek are on page twenty-eight of the album just look at the first picture on the page then all shall be much clearer.” Luna explained while trying to comfort her distraught sister. Twilight lifted the album towards her and Rainbow Dash with her magic, after taking a few seconds to find the page Princess Luna had told them to look for Twilight had almost nearly missed it. But the image that greeted them was more shocking than they could have predicted.
It was a picture of two alicorn fillies being held in Princess Celestia’s hooves one of the two had a lavender coat and a purple mane with a pink and purple stripe running down the center of her mane and tail while the other had a cyan coat with a much messier rainbow-colored mane and tail. After taking the picture out for a closer inspection Twilight noticed that Written on the back were just a few words which left them with more questions than they had answers to. (Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash with loving mother Princess Celestia born August 3rd at 19:54pm.)
“What is the meaning of this!” Rainbow screamed at the two alicorns, Which caused Celestia to only get out a few words out before she completely broke down… “I’m sorry.” Once the words had left Celestia’s muzzle Rainbow turned towards Twilight to see what her reaction was to this startling revelation. But Twilight had already run out of the room going towards the one place she knew of to try to make sense of all this the home of her adopted parents Night Light and Twilight Velvet.
The Light family house just a few minutes ago.
Night Light and Twilight Velvet had just gotten home from there resent trip to visit Shining Armor, Cadance and their grand foal Flurry Heart in the Crystal empire. Twilight Velvet was a light gray mare with a to tone white and purple mane and tail with three purple stars for a cutie mark her husband on the other hoof was a tall light blue stallion with a dark blue mane and tail with a crescent moon inside a crescent moon for his cutie mark. “nighty being able to see our son and his family is great and all, but I just wish they lived closer to us.” Velvet proclaimed to her husband.
This made Night Light chuckle in amusement, after setting his wife’s and his bags down next to their bed he came up alongside his wife with a sly grin etched onto his face. “I agree but you know as well as I that Shinny and Cadance are the rulers of an entire nation they can’t just drop everything and move to Canterlot, who would take care of the Crystal empire in their stead?”
Velvet held her head down in shame but just as she was about to agree with the point her husband had made there were three loud knocks on the front door. “Huh I wonder who that could are you expecting any pony Nighty?”
Night Light was only to respond to his wife’s question by shaking his head from left to right with a look or confusion on his face. Velvet went to the door to see who it could be, when she opened the door she was great by Rainbow Dash holding the crying form of her adoptive daughter with a look that screamed (Twilight and I need your help right now) with no room for argument. Without a single word spoken between the two mares Velvet guided the both of them inside of the house.
The house of Night Light and Twilight Velvet an hour after the arrival of Twilight and Rainbow Dash.
Velvet and Night Light had spent what felt like a week trying to get into their Daughter’s room to console her but after everything they’ve tried nothing seemed to of worked. There was only one thing that either of them could do in this situation they would need to talk to their daughter’s rainbow maned friend to figure out what happened to cause their daughter to be in such distress. With a knowing look exchanged between them both Night Light gave a small jerk of his head signaling his for wife to go speak with Dash while he keeps watch over Twilight. Without a single word spoken between them Velvet made her way towards the guest room where Rainbow Dash was currently amid her own version of the freak-out from Lesson Zero.
Rainbow Dash was currently wearing a hole into the floor of the guest room Twilight’s parents had put her in, so they could console their daughter. Rainbow was still trying to wrap her mind around the fact of her and Twilight are sisters and alicorns.
“How is it even possible for us to be alicorn’s when I’m a Pegasus and Twilight (or maybe I should start calling her sis from now on… uh!! I don’t even know anymore!!!) Twilight is a unicorn.”
Rainbow thought to herself while scratching at the between her eyes with her right fore hoof as to try to alleviate the growing headache. “Well it would explain how only I’m able to perform the sonic rainboom and Twilight is able to do that howl flaming white unicorn stunt. Why in Faust’s name would Princess Celestia (or maybe should I start calling her mom?) give us up in the first place I mean sure she is the de facto leader of an entire nation, but she could at least have at least tried to be a mother to us.”
But before Rainbow could continue her tirade about Celestia she was pulled from her thoughts by a knocking of the door. Without even getting a chance to give her consent to enter Twilight Velvet had already entered the room and closed the door behind her, as velvet turned to face the rainbow Pegasus she was greeted by a look she never expected to see on her daughters’ cocky friend. It was the look of some pony who just had their entire world view put into question. At this Velvet had only two thoughts run through her mine and those were 1. To console her daughters friend and 2. Try to figure out what would have caused them both this much mental and emotional distress.
“Oh, my Celestia?! Rainbow Dash what happened is everything alright sweetie?” Velvet cooed with the same motherly voice she uses when talking to a scared foal.
All Rainbow could do was wince at the mere mention of her so-called birth mother’s name. This hadn’t gone unnoticed by the older mare, so Velvet decided to try pressing the issue. “Rainbow Dash you are currently the only pony who knows as to why Twilight has locked herself away in her room so please dear tell me what’s going on!” Velvet snapped but her words seemed to of had an effect since Rainbow Dash had relaxed if only just by a sliver, but it was just enough to get an explanation from her.
Rainbow let out a heavy sorrowful sigh after taking a few seconds to ready herself she told Velvet everything she and Twilight learned from their talk with the princesses. Velvet had not been expecting any of what she had just heard and needed to take a few seconds to process all the new information she had just been given and it totally justified the reactions the two younger mares had shown upon hearing it.
“And that is everything I was able to find out from the princesses before Twilight bolted out of the castle, I had end our conversation earlier than they would have liked to rush after Twilight to make sure she was safe because Faust only knows what she might have done in her current state. But judging from the fact she locked herself into her room as soon as she made it inside I was worrying over nothing.” Rainbow said trying to lift the alabaster unicorn’s spirits, but it didn’t seem to help relieve even the slightest bit of Velvet's worries.
Velvet had managed to pull what little of her composer remained back together to ask Rainbow one last question before she herself started to become just as emotionally unstable as her daughter. “Rainbow Dash I know after how I snapped at you earlier I don’t have the right to ask this of you but could you…” but before Velvet could finish her sentence Rainbow had her hoof to her muzzle.
“You want me to fly outside and enter Twi’s room from the window and try to calm her down am I right?” Rainbow snarked with her trademark half mouth grin etched onto her own muzzle.
All Velvet could bring herself to do was nod her head in agreement. Just like that Rainbow was flying to the front door and left a confused Velvet seeing only the prismatic trail that always followed the rainbow maned Pegasus when ever she flies faster than 20mph.
Twilight had cast the sound-proofing spell and was currently Lying face down her bed keeping up a magical barrier intended to keep any pony wanting to enter from her bedroom door out but since she had only just learned the spell the night before receiving the letter from the princess she still needed to keep all her focus on maintaining the spell. Unfortunately, she had forgotten about her Pegasus friend/sister who was currently making her way into the room from the bedroom’s skylight. Twilight made a mental note to remind herself to make counter measures against aerial intruders or in this case a cocky Pegasus who was being to nosier for her own good.
“Hey Twi, is everything alright…” Rainbow said while sheepishly scratching a hoof behind her head, doing everything she could not to start shrinking under her lavender friend/sisters burning gaze.
When Dash had finally managed to make eye contact with her friend she was greeted by a sight she had hoped too never half see again Twilight’s coat was now pure white just like Celestia’s and her mane and tail were made entirely out of fire with tiny balls of fire burning where her pupils should have been. Thankfully Night Light had the foresight to ask princess Celestia if she would put a fire-proofing spell on house when Twilight became her personal student all those years ago. So anything within it's walls wouldn't be turned to ash whenever Twilight got angry. "Rainbow Dash what in Celestia’s name are you doing in here I thought if any pony would understand my current need for privacy it would have been you my so-called sister!!!” Twilight yelled at Rainbow Dash in the Royal Canterlot voice.
Rainbow took a few steps back Twilight did have a point she was the only pony aside from Twilight who would understand what she’s going through but that was all more reason why Rainbow Dash needed to be by her side. “Oh, don’t give me that crap Twilight! But your right I do understand and that’s why I’m here because I’m both your sister and friend I’ll always be here right by your side Through the both the good times and bad. Even if the whole world was to suddenly turn against you I’d be there by your side to tell them to shut the buck-up. No matter what comes our way I’ll always be there for you so please sis don’t push me away.” Rainbow Dash Begged with a pleading look and streams of tears rolling done her face.
It was Twilight who had to take a few steps back this time never all this time since she met Dash had she ever seen her sister cry or look so scared and frightened. Within seconds Twilight had scooped Rainbow up into a bone shattering hug to try to console her sister. Several long minutes passed by and it appears that Rainbow Dash had calmed down considerably. “Your absolutely right Dash no matter what happens we’ll always have each other and that’s never going to change. But you realize that this means you now have two sisters a brother and a niece.” Twilight said with just a hint of sarcasm.
At Twilight attempt at a Celestia impersonation Rainbow just couldn’t suppress a fit of laughter. Rainbow tilted her head slightly, so the two sisters were at least able to see each other’s eyes. “Wow Twilight if that’s your attempt at a Celestia impersonation it seriously needs some work.” She said to her sister in the same snarky tone Dash always had before this howl ordeal started.
At this Twilight brought her hoof towards her chest and tried to act as hurt as possible. “Who me? Why I never.” Just after those few words left her mouth they both broke out into another fit of giggles.
When all was said and done it was nearly midnight and both Night Light and Twilight Velvet had gone to bed but not before leaving dinner on the table for their two young house guests. After eating their meals Rainbow Dash and Twilight were practically dead on their hooves but both managed to get into the same bed. “Good night sis.” They both said sleepily just before the realms of sleep claimed their tired minds.
Celestia had just risen from her bed after crying herself to sleep late into the night. Luna had given Twilight and Rainbow Dash the album that showed Celestia was their birth mother. Celestia knew that both her daughters would probably react poorly to the news, but she had hoped against hope for a slightly better outcome than the one she had received.
Rainbow Dash was Furious, she had the most reason to be, given the fact that Celestia basically abandoned Rainbow Dash only making time for Twilight as she was to be Celestia’s personal student. But what Celestia hadn't been expecting was the look she had received from Twilight it was that of someone who had been betrayed by the one pony she looked up to most in this world. Before Luna or herself had any time to explain Twilight had already bolted from the castle with Rainbow Dash following her sister from the air.
Celestia had curled back up into a ball on her bed her wings placed upon her head as the heartache from losing both of her daughters once again was just too much for the solar princess. Celestia’s mind was now being flooded by the memories of the events which led her to give up her daughters and stripping them of two-thirds of their alicorn magic.
Canterlot Castle 20 years before the return of Nightmare Moon
Canterlot Castle’s medical wing currently had pony nurses and doctors getting everything ready for Princess Celestia’s arrival giving she had just gone into labor. Celestia had chosen two of her most trusted medical staff members to be present for the birth of her children. The first was a Grey unicorn stallion by the name of Doctor Stellar Nova he has rainbow eyes a short dark Grey mane and tail his cutie mark was that of a quarter moon inside of a bright orange and yellow sun, the second was Nurse Tender Hooves an amber Pegasus mare with a red mane and tail with yellow streaks both done up into buns she has teal eyes and a flaming heart cutie mark.
Tender Hooves helped Celestia into one of the many beds in the castles' maternity ward. After what had felt like centuries of pain giving birth (I won’t be getting to the nitty-gritty of it since this is rated E) the wait was finally over. Doctor Nova and Nurse Tender hooves had finished cleaning up the twin alicorns fillies and were bringing them to their mother. The princess had asked to have a picture taken to commemorate the day of their birth. Upon getting the picture Celestia’s next actions came as a surprise to the medical ponies that were present.
Celestia’s horn had started to shimmer in her golden aura which was then followed by a flash of blinding white light. When the two ponies regained their sight, they were baffled by what they were looking at. The older twin a lavender filly with a violet mane and tail with a purple and pink stripe running down its center had been replaced with a unicorn filly of the same color scheme, while her younger twin a cyan filly with a rainbow-colored mane and tail had also been replaced not with a unicorn but a Pegasus of the same color scheme.
After Celestia confirmed her spell went off without a hitch she then turned her head to the rooms only other occupants with a despondent look etched onto her muzzle. “The two of you must swear an oath of silence to never speak a word to any pony of their existence, If those who wish harm against Equestria learn of them they would most certainly use my daughters as leverage against me and Equestria itself.” Celestia stated convincingly but not to the other ponies' no she was trying to convince herself that what she was doing is for the safety of her daughters.
“You may leave us,” Celestia said while trying to keep her regal composure with a bow the two ponies left their princess to bond with her daughters before their inevitable separation.
Celestia’s face softened into a half smile trying to hold back her tear as she returned her gaze to the sleeping fillies that still rested in her hooves. Taking in their faces for what would hopefully not be the last time.
After a few minutes, there was a knock on the door Celestia turned towards the door to then be greeted by Tender Hooves who had two birth certificates in her hooves. Once Celestia had calmed down Nurse Tender Hooves came up to the princess’s right side then asked the following question in the same motherly tone Celestia herself uses when addressing her subjects. “What will you name then?”
This cause Celestia to let a tear roll its way down her right cheek before replying with a lump in her throat. “I’ll name the oldest Twilight Sparkle in honor of her aunt who has powers over the night, and I’ll name the youngest Rainbow Dash in recognition of the prismatic trail I’m sure will follow her wherever she flies.”
Tender Hooves was taken aback by the mention of an aunt seeing as the late Captain Silver Shield was an only child there was no way they could have an aunt unless the princess had a sister which brought two questions to the forefront of the young mare's mind. 'Where could this mysterious sister be, and the way doesn’t any pony known about her.' But before she could voice the many questions flooding her mind Princess Celestia had broken the silence. “I bet you wish to know who this aunt I have spoken of is and why she hasn't ever made a public appearance am I correct?”
All the nurse could do was nod her head in agreement. “Well, I’m sorry my little pony I cannot say anymore not until after certain events come to pass,” Celestia said with a sorrowful expression on her face.
Tender Hooves was wondering what events the princess was talking about but decided to just let it go and turned towards the princess and nodded in agreement. After spreading the word of the royal foals passing away shortly after birth Tender Hooves returned to her daily duties. Celestia grabbed a dark brown clock from the nearby coat rack the entrance of the room as to avoid any undue attention as she made her way to the house of Canterlot’s lower noble families the home of Night Light and Twilight Velvet.
Celestia took one last look on her daughter’s sleeping form which was currently wrapped up in a light pink blanket with small purple six-pointed stars sewn into the fabric. Twilight currently had a Grey unicorn doll with black mane and button eyes held tightly in her tiny hooves as she slept blissfully unaware of the distress of the solar monarch. After half hour of searching Celestia found the house she was looking for.
Celestia placed Twilight onto the porch of the house, Celestia brought her hoof to the door and pounded on it repeatedly. After some time passed a light from what Celestia could only assume was the parent's bedroom turned on. With that, she made her way over to the bushes but not before placing a small slip of paper in between the folds of the bundle which she levitated onto the porch or the house. Just as Celestia managed to get herself well hidden behind a thicket across the street which overlooked the porch, the lights from the parent's bedroom to the front porch turned on one by one in rapid succession until the tired form of still half asleep Twilight Velvet came into view.
